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.