John Peter Shindel Gobin Passed Away

Today in Masonic History John Peter Shindel Gobin passed away in 1910.

John Peter Shindel Gobin was an American politician.

Gobin was born on January 21st, 1837 in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. He attended local public before becoming an apprentice at the Sunbury American newspaper. There he trained as a printer. He went on to read law before being admitted to the bar 1858. After passing the bar he opened a practice in Sunbury where he remained in practice until the beginning of the American Civil War.

In 1861, Gobin enlisted in the 11th Pennsylvania, F Company, as a lieutenant. The unit was only in existence for three months when it expired. Gobin went on to organize Company C of the 47th Pennsylvania Infantry, which he commanded as a captain. The rest of the war the 47th Pennsylvania served in Florida, South Carolina and Virginia. Gobin rose through the ranks and was eventually brevetted to the rank of brigadier general.

After the war Gobin was made Provost Marshal in South Carolina and Georgia until he left the service in 1866. After leaving the military, Gobin returned to Pennsylvania, this time living in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. In Lebanon he resumed his legal practice and got involved in local politics. He also entered into several other businesses including a  local gas lighting company, the First National Bank of Lebanon, the City Mutual Fire Insurance Company and the Cornwall & Lebanon Railroad.

In 1870, Gobin returned to military service, this time with the Pennsylvania National Guard. Where again he rose to the rank of Brigadier General. He remained in military service until 1907.

In 1884, Gobin was elected to serve in the Pennsylvania State Legislature. He served in the State Senate until 1899. He served as the President Pro Tempore from 1891 to 1893.

In 1898, Gobin's brigade was federalized for service in the Spanish-American War. Gobin traveled with his brigade Georgia before resigning so he could run for lieutenant governor. He was elected as lieutenant governor and served from 1899 to 1903.

Gobin passed away on May 1st, 1910.

Gobin was a member of Sunbury Lodge No. 22 in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. He later affiliated with Williamson Lodge No. 307 of Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania. He was a member of Hermit Commandery No. 24, Knights Templar where he served as Eminent Commander. He served as the 15th Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the Knights Templar in the United States.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.