John served in the Revolutionary War. He enlisted in the Harrison County, Virginia Militia sometime after he moved there from Maryland in 1773. In Judge John Goodwin's book "The Goodwin Families in America" he writes "He served in Captain William Lothar's Company 1778-80 and Captain Joseph Gregory's Company until 1782".
Another researcher has John's middle name as Dobson. I have not confirmed that fact.
John was living in Harrison County in 1831 when he applied for and received a war pension amounting to $80.00 a year. He was placed on the pension roll inOctober 29, 1833 and suspended in 1835. He received a total of $240.00 for his service in the war.
Also listed among Va.(W.Va.) pensioners was Edward Goodwin II and Francis Goodwin who may or may not have been John's brothers. John vouched for each on their pension applications They are listed herein on the chance that they were John's brothers.
John was one of the first Magistrates in Harrison County having been appointed in 1784 by Patrick Henry. He owned a large farm between the mouth of West Fork River and Simpson's Creek near what is now Fairmont. He may have owned other properties in the area as there are copies of 2 deeds belonging to John Goodwin signed by Patrick Henry.
John and his wife Elizabeth are buried in the Morris Cemetery, Simpson District, W.Va.