sentences:  He studied law with Aretmas V. Bentley, was admitted to the bar in 1846 and commenced practice in Hamilton, New York.He served as district attorney of Madison County from 1847 to 1850.Goodwin was elected as a Whig to the Thirty-third Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Gerrit Smith and served from November 7, 1854, to March 3, 1855.