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Reminiscences of overland journeys during the gold rush period, 1912 Sept. 24
MANUSCRIPT SMCII Box 12 Folder 2
Collection Overview

Title:

Reminiscences of overland journeys during the gold rush period, 1912 Sept. 24
James Madison Goode reminiscences of overland journeys during the gold rush period

Creator/Contributor:

Goode, James Madison, 1839-1921, creator

Abstract:

Letter (7 p.), two envelopes and two typescripts, one with a brief introduction and footnotes. The letter was written on Sept. 24, 1912 at the request of Goode's sister-in-law, Catherine McRae Goode and sent to her in Carson City, Nevada. Goode reminisces about the two overland journeys he participated in with his family and about their early days pioneering in California. In 1849 and again in 1853 the Goode family travelled West by wagon train with ox teams; both trips were uneventful and successful. Goode describes wildlife observed (abundant), relationships with Indians encountered (peaceful), and conditions of travel on the trail. In particular he mentions the need to throw away provisions during the desert crossing from the Humboldt to the Carson River. "As I remember it, the desert was lined with plunde". Goode briefly updates family history and concludes with a remark about the contemporary political scene. "Politically, I do not have to change my politics to celebrate my birthday by casting a vote for Woodrow Wilson. I expect to live long enough to help elect the peer of them all, W.J. Bryan, as president of the United States."

Date:

1912 (issued)

Subject:

n-us-ca
Goode, James Madison -- 1839-1921 -- Correspondence
Overland journeys to the Pacific
Pioneers -- California -- Correspondence

Note:

James Madison Goode was born in Howard County, Missouri, in 1839. The Goode family -- James, his parents (Daniel Boone and Minerva Banta Goode), sister (Wilmoth) and brother (William Addison) -- first went to California in 1849, settling initially in Placerville. From 1849-1852 the elder Goode tried mining, hotel-keeping and ranching in various locations within Sutter County. In the spring of 1852 the family embarked from San Francisco to take the sea route via Panama on a return trip to Missouri. They wintered over before setting out on a second overland journey to California. This time the family settled in Woodland where James attended school. He had a varied career which included school teaching, farming and shop-keeping in Sutter County. He later owned a trading ship, the Neponset, in partnership with his father and brother. He married Susan Hays McPhetride in 1867. They later moved to Bakersfield where Goode worked in real estate. He died on May 1, 1921 in Los Angeles County.
James Madison Goode reminiscences of overland journeys during the gold rush period
Unrestricted. Please credit California State Library.

Type:

biography

Physical Description:

print
5 items

Language:

English

Identifier:

MANUSCRIPT SMCII Box 12 Folder 2

Origin:

California

Copyright Note:

Unrestricted. Please credit California State Library.