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Journalist (1831-1902). 

     Born and raised in Ireland, he graduated from Queens College (Belfast) in 1851.  After briefly studying law, he turned to journalism, covering the Crimean War as correspondent for the London Daily News.  In 1856, he emigrated to the United States and settled in New York, where he continued both his legal studies and his journalism career.  During the Civil War, he again served as war correspondent for the London Daily News. In 1865, Godkin founded The Nation, an independent weekly journal of political opinion.  He built The Nation into a highly influential magazine known for its lively, intelligent writing and polemical tone.  Under Godkin's editorial leadership, it supported free trade, railed against political corruption and advocated liberal reforms.  In 1881, he sold the financially ailing magazine to the New York Evening Post but stayed on as editor until 1899.  In 1883, Godkin also became editor-in-chief of the Evening Post, expanding both his readership and influence as an opinion-maker.

     SOURCES: Cambridge Dictionary of American Biography; Encyclopedia of American Biography.

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