Born in Henniker, New Hampshire, Goodenow moved with his parents to Brownfield, Maine, in 1802.
He attended the common schools at that place and at Sanford in 1815 and 1816.
He was admitted to the bar in 1822 and commenced practice in Wilton, Maine.
He moved to Farmington, Maine, in 1832 and continued the practice of law.
He died in Farmington, May 15, 1874 and was interred in Riverside Cemetery.