Copies of Old Letters

"In addition to copies and facsimiles of letters given elsewhere in this genealogy, the following letters, copies of originals in the possession of various members of the family, have been selected for inclusion also because of their interesting and informative contents.

These letters cover a span of almost a century, and reveal some of the intimate details and thoughts of the writers, giving us an insight into their troubles, their sorrows, their pleasures, and their struggle for a livelihood that only such letters can give. Written uninhibitedly, with no thought of course that they would be read by other than the intended recipients, they bring to us a clearer picture of the lives of these past generations. One may often wonder in quiet moments, particularly as we grow older and have time for such meditations, just how our forebears lived and fared; these letters will in a measure satisfy such thoughts.

Following is a true copy of letter from Jacob Sherer to Benjamin Goodner, dated March 8^th, 1814. Copied from the Scherrer Family Published by A. T. Scherer, 1909. No. 1, Vol. 1.

Your letter from the 20^th of January last, I received the 13^th of February, and read it with much satisfaction. We received Uncle David's letter at the same time and thank him for writing us. Last Thursday we received a letter from Cousin David Goodner, dated January 2^nd, 1814, in which he informed us that he and his wife were well, also of the heartbreaking situation in which Uncle Godfrey was a short time before his departure out of this world. In the three letters we read of Uncle Goodner's helpless situation, and are desirous to hear from him again as soon as feasible. All of our relations here are enjoying reasonable health at present. Uncle Frederick Smith and his family were sick almost all summer last, one after another, and sometimes two at once. His third child and second daughter died. She was about 16 years old. I preached her funeral from these words: 'Therefore be ye also ready.’ Matt. 24:24. The sickness was a fever. Old Aunt Albert is yet alive and well as can be expected. She lived at father's part of the winter of 1813 and lives at present with one of her daughters, in the Hawfields, if I mistake not. Until the 14^th of May next I shall be married four years to Elizabeth Moser, daughter of Michael Moser, who has four or five brothers living in the western countries, some in Tennessee and the State of Ohio. We have two children, the oldest we call Gideon and the youngest Leah. Brother Andrew, who is the next oldest to me, was married before me to my wife's sister and has one child, called Elfin. Brother Frederick, the third brother, married last to Barney Clapp's daughter, Margaret, and has three children, the oldest Nelly, the second, Sally, and the youngest is a boy not baptized yet. Daniel, the fourth brother is single yet and lives with me the most of the time, endeavoring to get some qualifications for the ministry. I have three sisters, all single; two namely, Barbara and Hannah, are grown; the other is small yet, namely, Nancy. Brother John is the oldest boy father has with him now. He begins to plow. David is younger, and Eli is the youngest child. We all have enough to eat and wear. Taxes are getting very high. All that father told me to write concerning Uncle Godfrey's property is that he wishes grandmother to be well taken care of, and that he wants you to write how she is in health, where she is, and whether she can see yet. I am still trying to instruct my congregations out of the word of God, and to practice it myself, but find many difficulties in the way. Many profess religion, but few, I fear, profess and practice it. Many have made bold professions who have turned back and show that they have never had the root of the matter in them, but have been stony ground bearers. Immorality and Luke warmness appears to be increasing, also dangerous errors. Let us all examine ourselves whether we have been upon Christ, the only foundation, whether we have scriptural evidences of our conversion, and whether we see more and more of our sinful hearts and the excellence of Christ. Remember us when you appear in your closets to beg God's blessings. Write to me again as soon as you have read my letter.

NB I have had a dispute with James Dick, postmaster on the Alamance, about your and Uncle David's letter. He says they came in the mail and charged 50 cents for the two, but because they came in the short time of 19 days from the time they were started till the time they were at Mr. Dick's, and because there are none of your post offices mentioned where they were filed, and because the figure 25 on the outside was so plain and new, I believe they were brought by a traveler, therefore I want you to inform me how they were sent, and if not in the mail, who with. I have told Mr. Dick that I would write you on the subject. Therefore direct your next letter, Jacob Sherer, Orange County, Albright's PO, North Carolina. I conclude with this request that you continue to write me by post and I'll do so too. We all give our best compliments to you all. The peace of God, the Father, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the fellowship of the Holy Ghost be multiplied to you all. Amen.

NB Send this letter to all our relations. To Benjamin Goodner, Fort Massack PO, Johnson County, Illinois Territory. Marked Pine Hill, March 21^st, 1814.

Copy of Letter from Christian Scherer to Elizabeth Goodner, as given in Scherrer Family Genealogical Journal, by A. T. Scherer. Vol. 1, No. 3.

We are once more blest with a happy opportunity of informing you that we are all in a reasonable state of health at present, for which we desire to be thankful, hoping these lines may find you all in the same state of health. We wrote to you twelve months past, and in October last we sent a few lines requesting you to give us the best intelligence you could from David and John Scherer and David Taddend; Have never got any information from you nor them.

Mamma with myself have often to lament on account of your not writing us oftener. Mother is yet alive and as well as could be expected, and wishes to be remembered to you all. Jacob Sherer and family are well as far as I know. August last I received a letter from Jacob Sherer in North Carolina. Our friends are well at that time. My sons are all single yet and live amongst the family. I have a daughter born to me of my wife Sarah On the –––– day of June last. We call her Hannah. Through the Mercy of God we are blest with all the necessary blessings of life. How thankful then we ought to be for this, and more especially for the blessings of the gospel which we enjoy from day to day. Gloomy times we have on account of religion, and why this? Part may be imputed to the hearers, but mostly to the preachers. Many go with the Bible in one band and the war spirit in their hearts against their sister societies and brethren, holding up disciples or the works of man above the Bible. The members drink in this spirit. The preachers say our discipline is founded on the Bible, but when examined they are alterable, some in one year, some in two, some in four, as they may deem proper to govern their churches. I ask, is the word of God alterable? The answer to me is, No. How, then, can these disciplines be founded on scripture when alterable. No answer. On these questions bishops and elders are silent or make some apology to us that answers no purpose.

As for my part, the Bible is my discipline. Oft times I confess my shortcomings before my Lord. Wishing to be in union with all Christian brethren and strive so to be. Let us endeavor to live Dearer to the Lord, to love in deeds and not, with our tongues only. The Lord enable me to cleanse the inner part and the outer part will cleanse of itself, saith the Lord. Remember us in prayer. I shall add no more, but remain your affectionate brother until death.

NB My wife and children wish to be remembered to all their inquiring friends and relations. I would wish to be particularly remembered to Brothers Imen[1]* and Stooca and their families. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Copy of Letter from Christian Shearer (Sharer) to Mrs. Elizabeth Goodner, dated June 21^st, 1825. Taken from the Sherer Family A. T. Scherer. Residence of Mrs. Goodner St. Clair County, Illinois.

After my best respects to you and yours, I inform you that my family is reasonable well. My companion has been, a few days since, very unwell, but at the present is better. And we live hoping these few lines may find you and yours enjoying good health, which is one of the greatest blessings that we can enjoy here below. Old mother is now living with me, and has been the greater part of the time since she came up. She is growing quite frail and needs attention. Mother still enjoys her religion, and desired it mentioned, and very often finds herself happy in waiting on the Lord. We wish to receive an answer from you as soon as convenient, and in it mother, and myself, would wish to know the progress made in your family in Divine life. I still continue to warn sinners to flee the wrath to come by preaching to them whenever time and opportunity admits me. My sons all remain single in life as yet, living with me. Only last March two of them went to the Sate of Illinois. Three of them own land on the Permelia about ten miles from the salt works, and I do expect them to return home in the fall and likely then to move to that country. Three of my daughters are give in marriage, two of them already been informed of, and one is married to Benjamin Bell. That is Lydia. Mary, my oldest daughter, and her husband are living in the State of Illinois, where my sons are gone. They are all trying to get land of their own in that country, and they will all move there as soon as they can get ready. The Lord has blessed me and my wife with a female child, named Hannah, aged about 4 years the 14^th of this inst. We have a plenty to satisfy the bodily requirements of us all. Me and my wife have spent our days together in peace and harmony. She is a good companion, a kind mother and an affectionate daughter–in–law to my mother. Brother Jacob and his family as far as I know are well. No deaths have taken place since you have bad information from us. I –––––––– of the family. I have sent three letters in this two years, and have not received an answer. I want you to send us a letter and direct to Gratis Post office, Preble County, Ohio, which post office is within one mile of us I have been very much discouraged by your not writing to us. If you have any knowledge of my sister and brothers mention it in your letter. Nothing more but remembrance of my wife and mother to you and all inquiring friends. The distance we are apart will not. admit of our seeing each other any more probably in this life, but if we do not, let us, and may the all–wise Creator of the universe teach m all to live and act so that we may all in a latter day meet and hail each other in the peaceful mansions of glory there to be and remain with our blessed Lord and Savior in a world without end. I subscribe myself your affectionate brother.

Copy of Letter from Christian Sharer to Elizabeth Goodner, Conrad Goodner, Benjamin Goodner. Taken from the Scherer Family Genealogical Journal by A. T. Scherer. Letter dated November 20^th, 1835.

These lines are to inform you that we are in moderate health at present, thanks be to God for His mercy, in hopes that these lines may find you in the same state. A short time ago received a letter from you dated August last. In it your request made known to me, I have attended to the business, and have obtained all the testimony that is necessary to go to Germany – his birth, his baptism, and his recommendation from there, and his recommendations as a journeyman, and being master of his trade, but I have no hopes of anything ever being obtained by the reason that I have heard father say that after fifty years it could not be obtained, if the lawful heir did not come within that time that it would fall to the public. I have talked with a man that has collected a great many Dutch claims for his German neighbors and he said it was too long, or if it could it would be a great deal of difficulty. And the principal is but little, only fifty dollars, I heard father say in his lifetime. I will send you all the papers. If you are encouraged to go on, I shall be happy in mind if you get it. I shall assign my right, title. and claim to you, Elizabeth Goodner, of our father, Jacob Daniel Sharer, his claim of heir ship of his father, Nicholas Sharer. This much from me, Christian Sharer, your brother. Four days ago I left Brother Jacob; I took your letter to him that you sent to me. He read your letter. I told him what I would do, assign all over to you. He did not say that he would or that he would not. He gave me no satisfaction in that line. He was well and his children and their families as far as he knew. He lives with his son, Daniel, about 18 miles from here. He broke up housekeeping about eight years ago, about two years after the dead! of his wife, Catherine. If you have hopes of getting it send this, your power of attorney, for there are no more heirs to claim anything. The postage will be high on these letters. I would pay the postage but I fear the letter would miscarry. I have sent letters to you, David Sharer and John Jordan till I am tired, and paid the postage and got no answer. The last letter I got from you was about six years ago. Write to me as soon as you get these papers. If there is anything more that you want me to do for you in this case, you must write it. I can't go to see you, or else I would. I am a lone man on my farm (one short sentence lost by break in the paper). My sons are all married off. Two of them live 200 miles off in the Illinois state. The other one lives 17 miles from me. I am left to shift for myself as touching men's help. The children that Nellie bore me are all married off. The nearest lives nine miles off. I have one daughter living with me that my wife, Sarah, bore me, and an orphan child, a niece. And the last I heard of my children, that is married off, they were in moderate health. I must inform you that I and my wife are striving to make our way to heaven although much tribulation which the Lord promised to his children. I often feel the comfort of my lord to my soul. I hope and that you are endeavoring to make your calling and election sure in the Lord. Direct your letters, State of Ohio, Butler County, Somerville Post office. Nothing more at present, but our best respects to you all, Conrad Goodner, Elizabeth Goodner and family.

Copy of Letter from Benjamin Goodner to his son, William J. Goodner, while in California in 1849 in the Gold Fields.

Your letters to me of 30^th April and 3^rd of June came safe to hand which was the last item of news from you until last Thursday when your letter of the 3^rd of September arrived with its heart cheering contents. I have the painful news to announce to you that your sister Sally Ann McCracken departed this life on the 25^th of June and that her infant son a few days old died a few days before her death. Thomas made a sale forthwith and sold off all his property in the house as well as out of doors. His land and horse excepted, and brought his children to my house on the 25^th of July to remain with me until next spring, and what will become of them after then God only knows. Thomas has been to Arkansas and to the Mississippi State for his health, but did not stay long at either place; his health improved very much while traveling. He is now in Washington county.

John worked at the brick mason trade for a few weeks but his health failed and he came home before harvest and has been here ever since in bad health. He is supposed to be diseased in his liver – is better now.

Elijah is doing well on his farm in Washington County. Cornelius and Daniel, with theirs, are doing well. Your Uncle Godfrey Goodner, who lives in Moscow, West Tenn, had a son come to my house a few weeks ago to go to school in this country; he is at McKendre College and is a pretty shrewd boy in his 22^nd year with small means to educate himself. His name is William Milton.

The cholera done an awful work in St. Louis, Belleville and Centreville. Those who died in Centreville 2^nd vicinity were chiefly foreigners. Herman and wife were the nearest to me that died of Cholera.

We have had a bad crop year here. Wheat nearly ruined with rust and the excessive rains which fell in torrents throughout the summer, cut the corn crops off to less than half of a fair average crop. My corn is all in my largest crib and it is not full. Jacob Holcomb is keeping bachelor's hall on your place, but it is said that his Mother will go and keep house for him soon and leave Jackson and John to manage the old place. Jacob put in some new ground last spring, say 8 acres. I understand that he has sown the farm down to wheat.

Mr. Gooding received a letter from Abram last Thursday. Mr. Wilson had received one from his son but I have not heard of its contents. There has no intelligence of the Monroe boys arrived yet that I know of. Great anxiety prevails here of the thousands of emigrants getting safely through.

Benton Lacey is married to Miss McCully, and is living in Jefferson County. William Agnew to Margaret Nixon, Alfred Crosby to Linda Bussell, James Sawyer to I know not who, and James J. Goodner to Miss Foster. Your Uncle David Goodner of Alabama died November, 1848.

Write often to me and let us have the truth and the whole truth. It is vexatious that I can't fill two pages to you and you fill'd seven to me. All are well at Present. My standing family is 13; pretty large.

Copy of Letter from Cornelius Glass of St. Clair County, Illinois, to Abraham Gooding or William Goodner, 1850, while they were in Hangtown, California, during the Gold Rush Days. Letter sent by T. C. Harrison.

After my best respects and my best wishes for you both, I will inform you that I take this opportunity of addressing you a few lines for information, as well as a desire to hear from you.

I suppose you will have heard of Truscott's death before this reaches you, but if you have not, I will inform you that he died on his passage home, I think on the 2^nd of December. Two days out from Charges, on board the Steamship Alabama. The Capt. of the vessel took possession of what little effects he left, but afterwards delivered them to Mr. William C. Davis, who brought them home. They consisted of $115.00 in coin, about $180.00 in gold dust and two notes on yourselves. We would be glad to know (if you can inform us) how much money he had when he left there. If he worked any while there? How long sick? When taken? How worked? And how this gold dust was obtained by him? And what disposition he made of his interest in the team? And for what these notes were given? All of which you will please write to me when you get this. As I have to see to the administration of his estate, and to know which, it would be some satisfaction to his family who have sustained a great loss in his decease.

I might write you a long letter – but I suppose you will be tired reading letters, as you will get letters from so many of the friends. When you get this, Mr. Thomas, Oglesby Harrison, or Gooding Harrison who carry this, or any of their company can tell the ravages of the cholera or the common occurrences that have taken place since you left, but leave that to be told by some of the many who are going to that country from here this spring if you should luckily see them. Peter Moosekopp and four or five of the Siberts[1] are preparing to leave for the gold diggings this Spring. The gold fever is carrying more off this season than it did last. And the only reason that it does not take me off, I am so situated that I can't leave.

The accounts from there vary considerably now. Some say the gold is exhausted and wages fallen and many there are anxious to get away but have not the means, whilst others represent the prospect as flattering as ever. Some say it is a delightful climate, fertile soil, and every way a desirable place to reside, whilst others say it is sterile, rocky, barren, fruitless, unproductive, the climate horrible, and the least desirable of any place on earth. I would be glad to hear what you have to say about these matters. Do you think the country sickly or healthy? Does anyone there live by farming? Is it stock country? And how do people subsist there – and cattle and horses? Is there grain raised in the country or is it imported? Or is all subsisted on the range? The most of those who have returned don't speak very highly of the Country, but the most of them stayed so short a time there, they know but little about it. Write to me and write a good description of the climate, seasons, country, and everything pertaining to the matters and things there.

All your friends are in good health so far as I know and getting along pretty much as usual. And all wishing you health and success, at least such is the case with myself. California has caused a stormy time in Congress this winter between the North & the South. Our Union appears almost on the verge of dissolution. And I can not tell you whether California will be admitted or not, or whether there will be a separation of the States – the Slave States forming one Confederacy and the free States another. There will be a convention of the Southern States assembled at Nashville, Tenn. in June next. What it will do is yet to be seen. At present things look very squally.

Copy of Letter from Benjamin Goodner to his son, William J. in Hangtown, California.

It is with some emotion of feeling that I sit down this Sabbath day to write to you. This emotion is caused by the tidings which has reached me of your affliction in your almost solitary condition. If I could indulge in the hope that you are surrounded with kind friends who possessed the means of nursing you I would feel contentment of mind but I hope for the best.

I wrote to you about the first of December, but as it appears to be very uncertain about letters reaching you from here, I think it best to write particulars again. And first, your letters on leaving St. Jo and near Laramie and of the 3^rd Sept. and 19^th Dec. have all been received, as also Abram's letter of 6^th Dec. and newspaper came safe to hand.

Sally Ann McCracken departed this life on the 25^th of last June and Thomas put his children in my care where they remained till three weeks ago when he married Matilda Linch and took his children home. Since his wife's death his health has become vastly better than it had formerly been.

John quit the brick business last June in consequence of bad health and he has been at my house ever since in poor health, but his health is better and he expects to live with Elijah this season. Elijah and his family are well and well satisfied with their home. John Holcomb's wife died a few weeks ago and he quit keeping house and is living with Harmon HoIcomb in Waterloo who has bought out Peter Rogers for eleven thousand dollars on credit. John Agnew (who married Elizabeth Holcomb) and his wife are parted. Joel Holcomb's son, John, met with an accident a few weeks ago, which caused his death; he and two young Morgans were hunting and they came on a deer when Jacob Morgan fired and while he was loading again, Andrew Morgan's gun fired and sent its contents through Holcomb's arm below the elbow without breaking a bone which proved fatal to him. Jackson Holcomb is married to a Miss Kerr and is living on his fathers' old place, and Jacob is intending to live with him this season and his Mother and the three youngest children are living on your farm. Jacob has put in cultivation half or more than half of the ground that he was to clear and has nearly all of the farm in wheat and has dug and walled a well which it is said affords plenty of good water.

James B. Moore told me two weeks ago that he received a letter from his son dated Sacramento, December 5^th, in which he stated he intended to start the next day to see you, but from your letter to Daniel Stookey, dated Dec. 19^th, which came to Millstadt last Thursday it appears that you did not see him at the time that he mentioned in his letter. John Wilson writes to his people about once a month and the Monroe boys write more sparingly, but I believe that letters from California come here with a good deal of certainty. while ours to you are apt to miscarry. Well this is better than if the thing was reversed for you Californians can imagine your friends here comfortably situated, surrounded with friends and the comforts of life, while we may follow our friends in our imaginations to the wilds of California thousand of miles from civilized life, destitute of all the comforts of life with hard bread, bitter flour and salt pork, and in our imagination we say this is all the nourishment the sick have in California. and worst of all no kind Mother or wife or sister to prepare it for them. Hence you see the propriety of writing every three or four weeks to keep us constantly informed of your well being.

The cholera was severe in its visit to our part of the world; it confined its ravages mostly to the foreign part of our population. Amongst your acquaintances who fell was Herlamann and his wife of the Germans and Stone and his wife and A. Mahan of the Irish, and old father Weible and James Sample and Isaac Mumau of the Americans. Mariah Goodner was married not long ago to William Yost of Franklin Co. William Agnew to Margaret Nixon and James Stanley to a young widow whose name I know not, and Benton Lacey to Miss McCully.

I would be glad to see you, but as you have been at great expense in getting to and supporting yourself in California, you would do the best in all probability to hold on and by your fortune a while longer before you return. You will have heard long before this letter reaches you that Mr. Truscott died on his return home and Mr. Davis of Belleville who was with him brought his money and papers to Mr. Glass, amongst which was a note on you for $130.00. It is not necessary for you and Abram to state how your Company matters stand till you return home. If you should think proper to continue longer than till your note comes due to Sharp you can find some safe opportunity to send the money by some one of the Harrison connection or some other safe and trusty friend. I expect to send this letter by the Harrison’s who expect to start for California in two days from this time, amongst whom are Hugh Harrison and the two oldest sons of James Harrison, William McBride and Dr. Goheen. There are several Germans about here who are going to California, amongst whom are some of the Sibets and a Mooscup and Fritz Herlamen. Asa Parker also says he is going, of whom beware.

James J. Goodner is married to Miss Foster – William Milton Goodner, a son of Brother Godfrey is a McKendrick's College; he is a sprightly young man of 22. Your relations in this county has had good health generally since you left. My health has been very good and my action has improved and I have been much abler to work than at any former period since my hard sickness.

Do not fail to write once a month or oftener, never mind postage. Your letter of 3^rd Sept. came marked 40¢ postage Paid; yours to Daniel is 40¢ also.

Nathan Cox died one year ago and Jeremiah's daughter died about the time that you was at St. Jo, and old Mother Cox last October and Matthew Cox a few weeks ago of lung fever.

Your excellent stepmother continues her offices of kindness to me and mine. Yours in love farewell.

Copy of Letter to Benjamin Goodner, Millstadt, St. Clair County, Illinois, from his Son, William J. Goodner, near Placerville, California, 1850.

I take my pen in hand to address you in which I will inform you that my health is good at present and hope these lines will find you enjoying the same good blessing. My mess are well and the health in the county seems to be improving. The weather is delightful, the rains have measurably abated and rural nature has again dressed the forests and landscape in their garb of green and unfolded to the pleasure and Support of the California hummingbird her amaranthine flowers.

Abram received a letter from his Aunt Fisher of Belleville a few days since which informed us of the death of Mr. Trescott. It is the only intelligence we have had of him since he left us at Hangtown. He was so debilitated when he left us that I was very doubtful whether he would live to get home; before his departure he proposed selling to Abram and me on a credit his part in all we had in partnership except our team and wagon which was the one – half; we being out of money, our team lost, and sick we concluded to comply with his proposal, and therefore gave him our notes drawing interest from date. I asked him if we should find the team and sell it if we must send him his part of the money; says he, no, keep it until you come yourself. We found the team, sold it and wagon and received the money for the same and Abram requests me to take in my possession Mr. Trescott's part which I did, and as he wanted me to keep it until I returned home I shall therefore not be particular about settling it unless I receive proper authority from his family or administrator until I do return. Our partnership cow that we bought across the plain I believe is entirely a loss; we have not found nor heard anything of her since Mr. Trescott left us.

Enoch Moore and I are now partners in mining, and have been doing very well; we worked four days and a half last week and washed out 174 dollars within a short distance of our cabin. We expect to leave here in a week or two is the weather continues dry and warm and go further up in the Mountains seeking better diggins and get in some rich canyon and work there until the water run down in the river and then go on to some river bar and there finish our fortune. There has been a great many of the miners left this part and gone further up in the mountains but I have been told they have gone too early, that the snow and water are so in the way that they can do but little. I have a much better opinion of the mines than I had when I last wrote to you; new diggins are constantly being discovered almost, and if there is gold here there certainly is further up in the mountains, and as the gold dust is washing constantly down the streams it looks reasonable that the fountain head is high Up in the mountains.

Political matters are taking a start here; there was an election held in this county on the first day of this month for the purpose of locating the County–seat or determining where it should be and to elect County officers. The result of said election I am not in possession of, but the county–seat will be either at Placerville (Hangtown) or Coloma (Sutters Mills) 12 miles from Placerville.

I was over at Webertown on the last day of March about 4 miles from our cabin and heard a sermon preached which is the first preaching I have heard since last fall under a shade tree at Hangtown. The preacher gave out that Mr. Owens would hold his quarterly meeting for this district at Coloma on the third Sunday of this month.

I have deposited in the hands of John P. Crantham the sum of four hundred dollars to carry to Belleville, Illinois, where he will leave it in the care of Thomas Harrison or some responsible person connected with his family. Mr. Grantham is a nephew to Mr. Harrison and from what acquaintance I have had with him I judge him to be a very fine man. He is religious and seems not to partake in any of the vices so common in this county. He told me his family and home is in Mount Pleasant, Henry County, Iowa. , and that his father lives in Montgomery County, Illinois. He gave me a receipt for the money and will take a receipt from the person whom he leaves the money with which will be good against the one he give me. He carries money for six per cent, taking dust at 16 dollars to the Ounce and agrees to exchange it for coin at New Orleans or some other place where he can do the best. If you get this letter you may be sure the money is at Belleville for I will send it by him also. I want you to go and get the money and remunerate the person it is left with for their trouble and oblige your son. I cannot tell you when I shall return home. If my health continues good I will probably remain in the mines until the rainy season sets in next fall. I think little about going to Oregon. I have half an ounce of gold dust done up to send you in this letter, I must close. Yours with respect.

If you get the money I am sending I want you to 90 or send some person to see Mr. Sharp and know of him if he is willing to have the mortgage satisfied and square up paying him the interest due on the money I borrowed. I think he will do it as he did not wish to let me have it for more than two years at the time I gave him the mortgage. If he is ready for settlement I want you to attend to it and stop the interest and get the note in your possession. There will likely be a little under or over four hundred dollars, it depending on what the dust is worth at the mint. I think there will be plenty to satisfy all demands and pay you for your trouble excepting Mr. Trescott's accounts. I am much better contented now than I have been since I have been in the mines and if John and Franklin was here I think we could make enough in two years to buy a good farm apiece and fix us to live comfortably for the means is here and labor will get it. I must close. Write.

(The above letter contained small pockets made of chamois and wrapped in paper on which was written, "It is about a fair specimen of the dry diggins gold dust. Father – I have done up a half an ounce of gold dust which you will please receive as a present. I dug it near the cabin. The largest piece is worth 90¢.)

Letter from G. W. Goodner to William J. Goodner, Sacramento, California, sent via New York. Letter was folded, no envelope and no stamp.

I sit down this day to write you a few lines in which I will let you know that I received a letter from you on the 24^th inst. Cornelius Gooding received a letter from Abram on the same day. I will now proceed to let you know that we are all enjoying tolerable health. Father wrote you a letter in December about the first I think; in this letter he wrote of the death of your sister Sally Ann McCracken who died in June last. McCracken brought his children in here where they wintered. In the fall he went down to Arkansas for his health. It improved while he was traveling but when he stopped it got worse. He came back and has taken cayenne pills. Since that his health has improved, and he has gained flesh. I think I heard him say that he weighs a few pounds more than he ever did. He was teaching school all last winter in Richmond, and this spring was married to your cousin Matilda Linch. He has moved back to his old place and is going on in the farming line rapidly.

Elijah lives out in Washington County about three miles from Richmond I think. He has got a good farm out there and is doing well. I wrote to you last spring while you were at St. Jo that John was living with T. Tarr alearning the brick mason trade. He took sick in a few weeks and had to abandon the business. His health has continued bad ever since. He has put in a small crop of beans with Elijah this spring, but is in here now. There is a young Mr. William M. Goodner (son of Godfrey Goodner) going to school at Lebanon, Illinois, now. Mr. James Nimerick, Esq, and Phillip Crehere are building a flour mill in Centreville, Illinois. Daniel and S. J. Stookey are agoing to run the saw mill this summer.

The cholera was very bad in St. Louis last summer and was tolerable bad in Belleville and Centreville. It did not break out in this country much. We have the finest looking wheat this spring I ever saw. Wheat generally is a good deal better this spring than common. We have 32 acres of wheat, about 30 of oats and about 24 of corn. Corn, wheat and oats have been higher than half a dollar a bushel. Wheat is a dollar a bushel.

There has been a few weddings since you left. Mr. Jackson Holcomb was married to Miss Carr last winter. Mr. John Glasgow to a Miss Tate. Mr. Benton Lacey to a Miss McCrilly. Also Ruth Henton to a Mr. Evens. Mr. James B. More received a letter from you last winter. Daniel Stookey received a letter from you also. And I heard a day or two ago that T. McCracken and E. Goodner received a letter from you a few weeks ago. I forgot to mention that Father received a letter from you last fall giving a Journal of your trip. Abram father received a letter from him at the same time. There are a few emigrants going through this summer. Father sent a letter to you by Oglesby Harrison.

I must close as I have nothing of importance to write. Write every now and then and let us know how you are getting along. Excuse all mistakes.

I received your letter yesterday and was happy to hear from you. You say you have got your health again. That is one of the greatest blessings on earth. I moved to your house in September and kept batch alone for about three months. At length mother got to tired of her old place and moved down with me. I grubbed and moled away till I had nearly finished my job but when mother moved that left Jack and John in a bachelor's row. Not long after this Jack tuck to himself a wife.

The three lived together on the old place for about one month. About the first of February a son fell so John took his rifle and way to the grove in search of game. At length fell in company with Jacob and Andy Morgan; the three came on deer; Jacob Morgan fired at the deer and John's gun snapped; the third was Andy having his gun under his arm; it fired and the ball passed thru John's left arm about two inches below the elbow. He lay sick about two weeks and died. He died the 15^th of February. Mary Ann Holcomb is dead and Uncle John Hol. has broke up housekeeping. You say you wanted to know about deaths. The cholera raged here last summer and hundreds of men women and children died but not your connection or mine. At Waterloo about 200 died, mostly Dutch and Irish, and at this time it is in St. Louis.

There has been a great many of our gals married and the rest of them wants to marry. Jackson Holcomb married Becky Ann Carey: Marg'tt Nelson married William Agnue: Andy Nelson married Elizabeth Evermen. Some not married yet, but the folks has it going through the neighborhood (naborhood) several times that I was married to Miss Marthy Nelson (above "Nelsons" may be Mixon) but it is all a mistake. I now live on the old place. I tuck in about 13 ackers of ground on your place and the rest of it I will have done this fall. I think I will go to Californy. John Goodner says that he is going to and if he does I will 9° too. John Goodner is living in Washington County. Your father got a letter from you the other day and the money that you sent it amounted to four hundred and 32 dollars. I think before I ever many I will see Californy. Nothing should happen me.

Our wheat crop is very good this year, but my wheat was not hardly worth cutting last year. Last fall I dug a well on your place. I had Jesse Stanly to dig. We dug about 21 feet but the water came in so fast that we couldn't dig any further.

The water came in about a barrel a hour and we 'oled it up. It is tolerable good water and plenty of it. There is a new mill in Waterloo and old James Nimerick has put in a new mill in Centreville.

Everything is going on here about the same as it was when you left here. Harvey Urmelvaney (McElvaney?) got back here some time ago but was unfortunate: he says had 25 hundred $ but was sold. He was married last week to Miss Ann Rose.

There was a great many started to Californy last spring but I heard that they are coming back again on the count of gals are not been sufficient for them.

I want you to rite as soon as you cane The connection is all well at present and I hope these few lines may find you in joying the same good bleson. Miss M. C. M. married M. H. is not married. Look over my mistakes. I remain your sincere friend til death.

Joseph Benson Goodner and Benjamin Franklin Goodner, both sons of Reverend Benjamin Goodner, left St. Clair County in 1852, for California by way of boat to New Orleans, to Panama. and thence to San Francisco, for the purpose, I suppose of taking up mining. Benjamin Franklin took the Panama Fever and died shortly after reaching San Francisco. The following letters I quote in their original spelling of the incidents of this trip.

We left St. Louis February 10^th, the wind blowing us very bard, blew us against the Illinois shore. There we remained until about the middle of the next day, then we started down again and about two hours before sun down we run on a sandbar; there we remained until about nine o'clock that night when a boat came down and pulled us off. We arrived here the twentieth of February; there was about forty passengers on board for California, twenty of them was from Illinois. We have secured our passage to Chagres on the steamship Empire City; she leaves on the twenty–fifth. We take steerage passage; we pay thirty–five dollars a piece to Chagres. The Empire is a very large ship and has the name of being a good and fast running ship; she runs to Havana and there we go on to Chagres on another ship. There was four young men came down with us for California from Belleville, three of them are Germans; the other is a Mr. Nolen; he has gone back home. He started with only two hundred dollars; he says it costs to much to get there. We are boarding at Mrs. Hunter's boarding house. there is I think about twelve boarding here that came down with us for California.; all are from Illinois except two who are from Ma. They all appear to be very fine honorable men; one of them is a young doctor from Pewlaska.. Logan County, Illinois, and is a cousin to Primm Lacey’s wife; and there is a man and with here for Cal who cam down with us from Logan Logan County, Illinois. We all go on the same ship. Our board is one dollar a day. Its very warm here, about as warm as in May in Illinois. We are in very good hearth at present. Benson was sick for two or three days coming down, but is in very good health at present.

We left New Orleans Feb. 25^th about eight o'clock in the morning and that evening about three o'clock the fog became so thick we anchored near the mouth of the Mississippi; there we styled about twenty four hours and started down and in one hour and a half we entered the gulf.

We arrived at Havana Feb. the 29^th a little after sun rise; we styled there until Wednesday the third of March. We came to Havana on the steam ship Empire City with about four or five hundred passengers. She comes from Havana to Chagres and carries all the passengers that comes from New Orleans and New York; the mails from New Orleans and New York meets at Havana at the same time and the Ohio brigs them to Chagres. We were so Crowed on the Ohio that we got two meals a day and when we did get them they was not very good. It took them all day and part of the night to get around with two meals, we always filled our pockets every time we went in.

We anchored at Chagres Monday evening about nine o'clock, March eight and next morning before day we went ashore. I suppose there was about fifty went ashore at Chagres when the Captain ordered the boats off and wood not let any more go ashore there; he took them on to Navy Bay at the railroad and put them off there. The rail road is finished for about twenty miles. Navy Bay is about twelve miles from Chagres. It cost us two dollars apiece from the ship to Chagres and from there to Gorgona five dollars. We left Chagres about nine o'clock in the morning and arrived in Gorgona the next evening about three o'clock. Them that came on the rail road it cost them four dollars and from there up to Gorgona it cost them from eight to twelve dollars. The Captain is interested in the rail road. that is the reason he did not want them to go ashore at Chagres. We left Gorgona about one hour before sun down and came about six miles that evening; next morning about one o'clock we started again and arrive here about three o'clock in the evening. We hired our carpet sacks carried across at six cents a pound. that was something over one dollar and quarter apiece.

We have bought our tickets on a sail ship, there being no steamers but what is full. the steamer Panama left here the evening of the twelfth with about five hundred and fifty passengers; the steamer Isthmus will leave this evening with about fur hundred and fifty. The name of our ship is Sacramento some say she is a very good one and others say she is not. She is advertised to leave on the twentieth and will not take more than two hundred passengers; there has been about one hundred and eighty five tickets sold on her. There is two steamers expected in this week and will leave about the twenty–seventh.

We may sell out tickets and wait for a steamer as there is a great many here that has not got the dimes to go on a steamer.

Our tickets cost one hundred and thirty two dollars and a half apiece and on the steamers two hundred dollars.

We met with Thomas Morgan. Thomas Sharp, and his brother younger than himself at New Orleans and we are together now and all agoing on the same ship. We are boarding at about seventy five cents a day. We are all in common health at present. I have not been sick any yet. Benson was sick a little but Daniel was nearly all the way across. Excuse my mistakes so no more but remains your affectionate son,

I take my pen in hand this morning, to inform you of the death of Franklin; who left us yesterday morning about twenty–five minutes past five which was the 15th. He was taken sick aboard the vessel, on or about the twenty–sixth of March; after leaving Panama with a dire. He went to the Doctor of the vessel and go some medicine which stopped it on him. When he took the fever, which lasted until he died, I think it was about two days after the dire was stopped when he went to a doctor Leads (who was on his way to California who lives in Hogan Co, Illinois, we got acquainted with him a going to New Orleans) who said that his liver was affected, who give him medicine to act upon his liver; he continued to doctor him until we got to this place j we got her on the sixth inst. we first put up at the Atlantic Hotel, it being among the nearest hotels to the ship landing, where we remained until the ninth, when he still seemed to be no better. So I concluded I would look for a better tavern, the one we was at being built out over the bay. I then got a spring dray and moved him to the Montgomery House which was the evening of the ninth when he appeared to be better, having taken all the medicine that Leads had left him before he started up the country to Sacramento. Next morning he got up and came down stairs and washed and looked much better. We had some fears that he had what is called the Panama fever. The Land Lord said we had better send for another doctor, and recommended Doctor Stackpole who has her about three years on this place. He stopped in Panama six months when he was on his way her. We sent for him about ten o'clock that morning who came and called it Panama fever, and left him medicine, but though it was doubtful whether he get well, he came in the evening to see him and said he was doing well enough and thought him doing well enough until the evening of the 14th when saw a change for the worse. He visited him next morning when he give up all hopes. He was in his right mind most all the time, sometime after waking up out of a sleep when he had been dreaming he would talk out of his right mind. He seemed to suffer no pain, ask him how he felt he say tolerable well. The evening before his death I sent for Mr. Taylor a Methodist Missionary who came and saw him; his remains was laid in the city grave yard about four o'clock P.M. I am in a bad state feeling to write. I have requested a Christian friend to write to you who will give you more satisfaction than I can. So I must stop writing. I am going to start to Sacramento this evening on my way to the mines, write as soon as you get this letter. I will write soon. I am well, So no more but remains your affectionate son,

Note; the penmanship and general appearance of the above letter indicated that the writer must have been under much mental stress and grief.

I am under the painful necessity of sending you a flew lines that I was called on by you son Benjamin F. Goodner a few hours before his death he seemed to express a wish to have a flew lines wrote to you.

I am very low at present and not expected to get well. I am in the hands of very good treatment. I hope to meet you all in heaven. I want you to take the things that I have at home and distribute them among my brothers and sisters. My cloths and Carpet Sack I give them to Benson. My cloth coat give that to George. I give what money I have hear after my expenses is paid to Benson to use if he needs it and pay it to you when he goes home. This is written according to my instructions.

Copy of Letter from George Earle to Benjamin Goodner of St. Clair County, Illinois, in Regard to the Death of His Son, Benjamin Franklin Goodner, 1852.

I have been requested to perform a most painful duty. I was a passenger in bound the same Steamer from Panama to this City with your two sons. A few days after we left Panama Benjamin Franklin was taken ill which terminated in the Panama Fever, and yesterday morning about half past 5 o'clock he passed from this to a better world. He had an experienced physician to attend him, and everything was done for him that could be done in any land, but his time had come, and be must depart. He died at the Montgomery House where I am stopping. Wednesday afternoon the 14^th, I called in to see him I found him a very sick man. I thought he could live but a short time, and felt it my duty to warn him of his danger. He took my words very kindly and calmly. He expressed a willingness to die and a hope that he should meet us all in Heaven. We sent for a Methodist Clergyman who came and conversed and prayed with him, and sang a hymn to him. Benjamin was in full possession of his reason, and gave good evidence of an humble hope in the Merrits and Blood of a crucified Savior. He died without a struggle, and we have no doubt he is now in the Bosom of his Savior, and that your loss will be his gain, and may God in his goodness sanctify this bereavement to you. Spiritual and everlasting good. Your Sons remains received a respectable interment last evening at 4 o'clock.

I take the present opportunity of informing you that we are all well at present and hoping these lines may find you enjoying the same blessing. We have had a very cold winter here past and gone and here comes spring with all its bloom deay (?). The weather is fine and warm; the people is plowing, hoeing sowing and planting: the prospect for the next crop is good. The prices of produce is low and everything is plenty. We have planted some corn and next week I calculate to finish. I will have 11 acres of corn to tend and the old women and children to take care of, and that will keep one hand busy. I want you to read this to my brothers and sister and tell them that I have written one letter to them and have not herd anything from them. I want you to tell them to rite to me. They said they would come out soon as the spring opened but I have not seen them yet. The country here is fin. I have the pleasure of plowing good land here. I would advise you to sell them poor broken stony pints and come out where the land is good. We have meeting every Sunday and we have school here in one half mile. Melvinie Goading is teaching school here. Your folks are all well as fare as I now. I have not time to write much at present.

Copy of Letter from Reverend Benjamin Goodner to his son, Joseph Benson Goodner, while he was in California (Sacramento) in the days of the Gold Rush.

These lines are to inform you of things that have taken place since I last wrote you which was on the 26^th of May, the receipt of which you acknowledged in your letter to me under date of 18^th July. I regret that I have not written you oftener, but I will try to mend in this respect.

And first I have the mournful intelligence to communicate of the death of Margaret C. Ryan which took place on the 14^th of August at 7 o'clock PM. She had been confined to her bed from the time I wrote you before up to her death. Her disease was consumption. She left us good evidence of her enchanging mortality, for immortality and eternal life. Matthew Roach has left the shores of time.

William is still living in Centreville but is now out of business in consequence of J. N. Nimreck's mill burning down a few nights ago; it is believed that the mill was burnt by some spiteful person. The Esquire was greatly in debt, but it is said that the mill was insured for $9000.00, which will probably meet his dues. It is thought that he will build again as he has the offer of all the funds that he will need to enable him to rebuild. He owes me the rest of 60 dollars and to John the rise of 90, and to Mr. Gregg for all of his crop of wheat.

I had 374½ bushels of wheat on the Ryan farm and 340 at home. After all expenses was paid on the Ryan wheat, half the remainder fell to Franklin's estate which was 78 dollars and 30 I allowed for his colt which makes 108 dollars, which gives you 12 dollars as your part of said estate, which I will keep subject to your order.

In your letter to me of the 9^th of May which came in due time, you say that expenses while at San Francisco were about eighty–five dollars, and that you had 105 dollars left after paying Franklin's expenses which you will pay me when you get able. Now if you should be successful in making money, and you and Daniel each paid your own expenses out of your own money while detained at San Francisco (for I know not whether each paid his own expenses or whether the expenses was paid out of Franklin's Money) I want you to deduct from the 105 dollars your cash expense while detained at San Francisco with Franklin; and if you succeed well in getting money I want you to do the same by Daniel. Observe I do not want you to payout one cent to Daniel if it will hinder you in your business or prevent you from getting home, but justice seems to say that these expenses should be paid out of Franklin's money as he has no further use for it.

And I want to know something about Franklin's grave, whether there is a register kept of the graves, and if the graveyard is permanently located, and if his grave can at all times be found, and whether it might be possible for you to procure suitable tombstones and have them set up at his grave with something like the following inscription, – Benjamin F. Goodner, born in Illinois, June 25^th, 1829. Died April 15^th, 1852. You can give me such answers to the above questions as you may be able to collect. and tell me something about Franklin's fare with regard to food, drink, air, and lodging, while on the steamer. I have thought that you and Daniel kept dark on the subject of your sufferings on the vessel lest the truth should give us needless pain, but I think by this time we are prepared for the worst. Just let me say that about the middle of April I dreamed I saw you at some sixty yards distance coming home bearing all the marks of a heart broken person; at the distance of say 30 yards I concluded it could not be you, you looked so grief stricken, but when you came near I saw that it was you. I asked you where Franklin was, – you said he had passed on up to Robert Leard's country; you gave me no intimation that he would ever return and the thought struck me that I should never see him again, and here the dream ended. I have no doubt but what I had in this dream your real state of feelings presented to my mind at the time.

We have heard nothing from Mr. Sharp's boys since they were at Panama, their father thinks they are lost. Your letter to George of 27^th June came safe to hand, also one from Marion to John was received in bad condition, having been exposed to water, also two of Daniel's letters, his second to W. Coon and one to his Father bearing date August 8^th had both received a wetting.

Corn crops are not first rate; oats were very good. We have sown the field by the house in wheat which looks fine, and five acres on the west side of the large field has not yet come up. I suppose that George told you in his letter to you dated August 1^st, directed to Georgetown, that Charles Gooding and myself bought a large machine for cutting wheat which done good business. The sorrel horse that I got from John for Sam is a first rate work horse in plow or wagon and rides well and George has now rode him to Union to a singing, but he is too headstrong. Joe Stanly is married to a Miss Ogle, and Jim Wilson the coal digger to Miss Barbara Stookey, and Jeremiah Cox to Mrs. Holcomb. Tom Tar's wife is dead. Thompson Agnew has worked for me 2 months, is a good hand but has now left.

Elijah has another son. We have been looking for him and his family on a visit for two weeks but they have not come yet. The Central Railroad runs through his farm. Cornelius Gooding and his boys still have their home at his brother's.

Mary Jane is with us, all in good health. Caroline 's health has been slender up to this time. John done but little in cutting wheat except hauling water; he has not been quite so able for work this fall as he was last spring, but I think he is slowly improving. George had three or four days of sickness in August but soon got stout again. Myself with the balance of my family have had good health since you left us. Try, Benson, at all hazards to maintain a good moral character; take the advice that I gave you in my other letter. Come home if you cannot make money there. You have ample time to write to us. Let us hear from you often, tell us about your cousins, the Jackson’s, and give my best respects to them. Daniel's friends are all well. I requested Sam Chandler to say in his letter to Major hook that in writing to you I would direct to Caloma but as you still say to direct to Sacramento I will direct there until you order otherwise. A newspaper came to me from California some time ago, and the fellow that sent it has my thanks, be him who he may.

I am looking for a letter from you. Write every four weeks and let Daniel write in two weeks after you, and mention each other in your letters, and by that arrangement we can hear from you every two weeks.

I will close my letter by Subscribing myself your real friend and affectionate father.

(Note by author: The two Jackson boys, Marion and Daniel, mentioned in the letter, are cousins through the boy's father and the mother of Joseph. From the tone of the above letter it would appear that the father of Daniel lived close by. The only Jackson family residing in St. Clair County in 1850 which would qualify was the one of Joel Jackson and wife, Elly, ages 41 and 35 respectively, shown in the 1850 census of St. Clair County, qv.)

Letter to William J. Goodner, Esq, Payson, Adams County, Illinois, from his father.

Your letter of 21^st August was received in due time and read with pleasure. I was gratified to hear of your prosperous journey and of your improving health. George and Martha got home last night from a visit to Washington County. Our friends are a good deal sick with chill and fever, and scarlet fever is amongst the children in that county. Elijah has been sick with chills but had go about again. Mary and one of the children had the ague when George was there. The health of the people in this region is better than in other neighborhoods around, but there has been some ague through this settlement. My own family and friends have thus far had good health.

I am getting along very slowly with my building. The lumber and other materials are mostly on the ground and cellar dug, but workmen cannot be had short of two weeks. The army worm has been in our farms through here and the farmers have been afraid to sow their wheat up to this time. We threshed our wheat two weeks ago and had 511 bushels. I must wait for candle light.

Your money that Mr. Todd owed is in my possession and all in gold. J. N. Nimrick and his Brother has bought Ozel's mill and both have moved to it and are hard at work. He has not paid any of his debts that I know of except to those who bought property at his sale. He paid them as far as their sale bills went. I bought a cart and harness at $19.50 and Aaron Stookey, Sen. bought a cart and harness at $30.00 and I took Stookey's note due in nine months and gave Nimrick credit for $49.50 which left not more than ten or twelve dollars behind; he has paid none to John but I think he intends to pay his debts as soon as he cane I have not thought it worth while to go and see him for you, as I had no hope that I would get the money. If you come down after your money he may possibly pay you. Berry Todd has not left your old place yet, or had not a week ago. Noah Miner has paid $400.00 on it and is wanting possession. I received a line from A. Crosby last mail informing me that he had your obligation for possession on the first of this month and that if Todd did not soon leave he would have to sue for damages to save himself, but I had been to see Miner before I got Crosby's letter and I think the matter will be settled without further trouble.

A letter from D. Gregg to his father dated Aug. 9^th stated that they got through the rock with their tunnel but had not got pay for their labor, but had not tested the matter fully at that time. Benson and Daniel had been doing well in a claim that Benson was superintending but Benson thought it was nearly worked out as it had not paid so well the last week. Their health was good. You have heard before this time that Elijah Cox has sold out and has moved to Hancock County. D. Stookey has a contract to furnish 100,000 feet of plank for the Urbana plankroad. Lewis Holt got his leg broke last Friday by helping to load a saw log. James Robinson, Esq's wife died a few days ago.

Corn crops are first rate. The Columbia and Centreville mills are paying 80 cents for wheat at this time. If you cannot come down. write in receipt of this.

Copy of Letter from Reverend Benjamin Goodner, St. Clair County, Illinois, to his son, William J. Goodner, Payson, Adams County, Illinois, 1857.

These lines will inform you that I have not forgotten you, although I have not written to you for some time. I have not heard from you for some months. I have been blest with excellent heath since I last wrote to you. I have had a hired man with me for two or three years till the 18^th December when my boy left me with a promise to return in two weeks, but he has not returned. He lives at Richview. I have managed my business so as to raise considerable of wheat and corn enough to do me. My crop of wheat die last year was 504 bushels, and last fall I sowed 20 acres and John sowed 11 and about 14 is sown by two other men but the winter is so cold and dry that the wheat appears to be badly injured.

John has had so much affliction in his family that he is kept behind with his creditors. He and his family came on a visit last August and he wanted to sow some wheat to help pay his debts and I let him have 11 acres as already named. His little boy had the dropsy when they came and he appeared to mend under Dr. Romen's treatment while here, but he took violently bad while on the road home and they were compelled to stop in Washington four weeks where a doctor bill of $20.00 was run up on them. John said in his last letter that he thought his son might possibly get well. John borrowed $400.00 with me as security to pay for his land, and in three months from that time I paid back $200.00 of the borrowed money and took John's note for the same with a mortgage on 120 acres of land as security. John's prospects being so poor to make money he thought that he must sell 40 acres of land to enable him to pay his debts out there and come back and rent land to raise wheat on to pay his debts. I wrote to him that I would take his 40 acres and give him up his note a and mortgage and pay $100 of the borrowed money to Mr. Gregg which would leave him $100 in debt to John Lacey. I had paid $45 interest on his notes which also I gave him and to pay for rails and pay a man to haul them with his team to fence the broke ground, that is on the 40 acres and let him till the land free of charge. He has three 40 acres lying in a row – his house on the outside forty and his field on the other which I bought. His field is enclosed with another man's rails in part. I could not see any other way that I could get along with him. I have paid all excepting the fencing of the ground and have fifty or sixty dollars on hand and about 300 bushels of wheat in the grannery.

January 16^th – A letter from Elijah dated December 12^th said that his son Gilaspie accidentally got the point of a knife stuck in his knee on the first day of November and had not walked any since.

T. McCracken has sold his place for $1200.00 and bought land adjoining his wife's farm near the old camp ground.

George brought Salinda home in November and returned in a few days. A letter of November 2^nd from Benson stated that he was still at work for J. West and would continue with him till the rains would drive them out of the river and then he would look out for winter business somewhere else. Said that he thought he would come home in Mayor June if he could collect his money.

West was between two and three hundred dollars behind with him. His address is Strawberry Valley, Yuba County.

Write to me and say when you will visit us with your family. We had a light fall of snow on the last day of December which was repeated in a day or so as to be over about one inch deep which is still on the ground and has been some help to our wheat.

In conclusion I have 4 head of horses, 11 head of cattle, 27 head of sheep, 21 head of hogs and not less than 160 chickens. Your Aunt Jane is still with us. All well. Farewell,

January 17^th: The snow is falling this morning finely, say 3 inches deep at 9 o'clock.

Some time ago I received a very satisfactory letter from you for which I have my thanks. If I could guide my pen as I once could I would write oftener, but I have to write slow and a small hand, otherwise I cannot govern my pen at all. I have had excellent health for the last twelve months and so has my family. Salinda started two weeks ago on the cars to see her friend in Washington County and will be gone some three weeks yet. Benson's last date was September. He thought that in two months more he could get his claim opened, and if his claim failed to remunerate, he would quit mining. John and his family have had fair health since they have been here. They are living in the old loom house. It has a new shingle roof and sealed overhead. Elijah writes that he is square with the world out there. His youngest is their first daughter. We have had a very pleasant fall except a severe snow storm and bitter cold weather for a few days about the 12^th of November, but on the first of December winter came on us in earnest – rain, sleet and snow in quick succession to the depth of say four inches, almost solid ice which lay until January, and notwithstanding the extreme cold I thought that our wheat was secure under the great sheet of ice, but it was not the case for our wheat is full one half killed in this region and perhaps more. Wheat last year was rather a light crop, com was good, oats light. I have corn to do me and over 100 bushels of wheat yet to sell to my hands and our family expenses.

George has so far been unfortunate at farming, and I fear that he will not be able soon to pay his debts as he owes some $500, the most of it to Salinda and me.

I suppose that you have heard that Daniel Gregg and his Father both died last Sumner, and also James Jones, Mrs. Gregg's half brother. Write soon. Give my love to your family and bring them down and see us.

As I have neglected to answer your letter of Nov. 1^st. I will try and write you a few lines, hoping when they reach you that they will find you all in the land of the living.

Your letter brought some very interesting, but mournful news: among the rest was recorded the death of my old friend and companion Daniel Gregg. I think among the many letters that I have received from you the last had about as little good news as any of your letters, and I have about come to the conclusion that I am doing as well as a majority of your children; a making a living and that is about all that I can brag of at present. I am getting along rather slow with my claim, found some ground in the start that did not pay. That was the first ground that we wash, after getting our cut finished, and ground that we had not prospected. The reason that we worked it is because it lay between our cut and the creek. I supposed it would pay something but I hardly think we will come in contact with any more ground but will pay something. All the money that we have taken out is $375. The most of that we made in the last two weeks, but I cannot tell you how well the claim will pay. There was not much mow fell last winter as the winter before but the snow came very early and lay on the ground until spring. We get the news from St. Louis to Sacramento and San Francisco in nine days by the pony express which has been successful so far in making the trip, and I suppose that when Bates gets to be president that we will soon have a railroad. I claim Mr. Bates as my first choice for that office and somewhat of a Union man at that, as well as a Republican.

I should like very well to pay you a visit sometime this year, but I do not see any chance to get off at present. There are times when passage is very cheap and it would cost not more than $75 to take me home, but I think that I will hardly do anything else until I leave the mines for good. I had been looking for a letter from Salinda for the last three months, but looked in vain.

I have given you a poor idea of my claim, but as good as I could do until I see into it a little more myself. I promised but little in the start so I am through.

Copy of Letter from Reverend Benjamin Goodner to his son, William J. Goodner, Payson, Adams County, Illinois, 1861.

I have for some months wanted to write to you but my hand trembles so bad that at times I cannot write at all. We have had poor crops of wheat and corn down here. North of here in this County corn is good. It will be with care that I can live on what I raised. Times are very dull.

Salinda was married to John H. Lacey, Nov. 20^th. They are living in Centreville and he is a clerk in a store and bids fair to live very fast. They’re in a rented house and have some $140.00 including fine carpets to furnish it. His father wants him to take charge of the farm and live on it but he is not willing to do so.

We have had pretty good health for the last 2 years, as I have no more local news of importance to write I will fill my sheet with extracts from a letter which I received from Benson.

“Pinkards Creek, Oct. 22^nd, '60. Dear Father – As I have not written to any of you for a long time I will now take the opportunity sending you a few lines and hope some one or all of you will be so kind as to send me some in return for I have had no news from home since I received Salinda's letter of last spring. When I last wrote to you I stated that we had taken out but little dust from our claim (this was last May) we were at that time about $1500.00 in debt which is now paid, we have taken out the rise of $2000.00 since we commenced washing and expect to take out three or four hundred more in a day or two. The mining laws of Pinkards Creek allows each miner to hold 200 feet in width or from bank to bank running 300 feet along the bed of the Creek that being the amount of ground which constitutes a mining claim. There are four of us in the Co. and we hold seven claims four by preemption and three by purchase which is equivalent to 200 feet with and running twenty one hundred feet along the bed of the creek, and if you was to ask me how much gold there was in the claims and how long it will take to get it out I would tell you that there was not less than twenty–five thousand dollars and how much more I could give but a vague idea. And I suppose that four men could not work the claims short of six years, and perhaps not as soon as that. So you will see that I figure our labor down to about four dollars per day to the hand, but it pays better than that while washing. The claims are covered over with a heavy forest of large timber and under brush and it requires about as much time to get rid of the timber as what it does to wash the dirt. I do not know of any claims in this district that I would exchange mine for. Therefore you will come to the conclusion that I am located in a very poor district or else mining is getting to be a very poor business. It is my opinion that this section of the mines are rather below par; and I do not believe that there are more than one miner in twenty–five that is making more than a living and but poor prospects of doing any better. the merchant at Strawberry Valley (that we traffic with) said that he did not know of any one that had done as well this season as what we have done. So you see that I am as well off as most of my neighbors. I would like to know what the chances are to sell my land on short notice and if they are not very good perhaps it would be as well for you to hold the land for sale for I have no idea of settling on it and if I should I believe that I would always regret it, knowing as much as I do now of the Pacific States. I have been trying to fix upon some time in the next six months but I cannot hit upon any plan as yet, and I cannot say that I will meet with an opportunity unless I sell my claim and there the chances are against me, in finding a ready purchaser and get what the claim is worth. If it were not for some improvements that we expect to make next spring I could make my arrangements so as to leave my claim. You must not look for me until you see me acoming, and do what you think best in regard to the land for the present, and should you not sell and I do not come home soon, I will try and send some money.

The Republicans of California have some hopes of carrying the state for Old Abe Lincoln. Anyhow let the impending crises rest upon whom it may. I am for honest Old Abe.

The PO at Cascade is closed so you will please to direct to Strawberry Valley, Yuba. Since I commenced this letter we have taken out four hundred and thirty eight dollars. It seems that all my old correspondents have quit me, and for what reason I cannot say whether it is my poor miserable letters or they consider me past redemption. Tell them that I have one in California, a country where there is land for the landless and a home for the homeless.

Remember me to all of my old friends and neighbors. Write soon and you will oblige.

You will see that I employed another person to write for me. Mr. Slade a school teacher is boarding with us and he finished copying Benson's letter. which was so interesting that I concluded to give you the whole of it. There is no sale for the land now. I believe his California correspondent is Milton Moore's daughter, for in one of his letters he spoke of his receiving a letter from her, and in another of his private correspondent telling him that there was something to be made by farming.

(In Benjamin's handwriting in this letter, the penmanship was small and very shaky.)

Copy of Letter from George Washington Goodner to William J. Goodner, 1861, both sons of Reverend Benjamin Goodner of St. Clair County, Illinois.

I take this opportunity of writing to you after so long a time. I received your letter of February's in due time. In a few days after I received your letter I went to St. Clair County, and spent two weeks there and in Washington County together.

Father is looking old and breaking pretty fast. John looks weakly and bad as usual; his wife's health was not very good at that time. They have four healthy looking children. Salina and her John Handsbrough are living in Centreville, he is clerking in a store for George Seiber. They talk like making Centreville their home, which to my mind is folly. It is the last place with me.

Livonia Gooding was slightly recovering from a long spell of sickness, she was not able to sit up much when I was there. Her two little boys died in January .

Old Mrs. Bailey was buried while I was there. the rest of the friends and neighbors was well I believe. I only spent a few days in Washington County. Thomas McCracken was buried a week before I got there. his disease was lung fever, his family will remain together with the exception of James, he will shift for himself. I did not get to see him. Will is getting to be quite a man. He is five feet, 8 or 9 inches in height and spare built, weighs about 130 lbs. James they said was not so tall. Benson is low and heavy, stout looking, no Goodner visible about him. Franklin is small of his age, good looking very pert and sociable, as they all are. They are good boys, with good morals.

Elijah's head is quite frosty,otherwise he is not altered much, he has a regiment of stout looking boys with a little girl a true model of Mary in the rear. I had not been there for five years, and Jefferson knew me. Mary looks very stout. I was at Aunt Betsie's, she has had the rheumaties, and was not very well. Sophronia and George is still with her on the old place, also Jim. Jack is there with his children - you had heard I suppose that he lost his wife, and that Paulina Phillips is at Jacksonville in the insane asylum. Well, I am at home, and have forty acres of good looking wheat, and my renter has thirty five acres that looks ditto. I sold 200 bushels of corn at 20 cents per bushel in the ear. I sold upwards of eight hundred shelled at 24 cents per bushel and have about 600 bushels to dispose of yet. I cleared some money with my last crop, and will clear a great deal more this season if it is as favorable as last was.

The Political sky is very dark every corner of the union seems to be in a perpetual commotion. The Devil is in the people and it is beyond comprehension where it will all end or how. I wonder what the good Lord is a going to do with us all any how. Some are for Paul, some for Apollis, and some for Jeff Davis. My mind is that the Devil has pretty well run his course, that the time will soon be that he will be chained, as that time nears he gets more malicious in the hearts of the people. I think it will all be for the best. There has been some few sales of land this winter and spring at prices from ten to twenty five dollars per acre. I suppose unimproved prairie can be bought at ten dollars per acre, from four to six and eight miles from timber, farms within three miles of timber cannot be had for less than twenty to thirty dollars per acre, out farther in the prairie they can be bought for a little less, the railroad land was sold at from twelve to seventeen dollars per acre. Come over and see our country . No more at present.

I received yours dated September and was glad to hear from you and family we are not in very good health at present Rose Ann is still complaining of her breast and Lincoln with a sore mouth fathers and Laceys are well a late letter from Jackson Stookey says Capt. Stookey and company are quartered at Boonville. They are all well and expected to find work soon. A son of Aaron Stookey is first lieutenant in that company. Francis M. Goodner is in the same company. He is Uncle Godfreys youngest son formerly went by the name of little Godfrey. He joined a company of miners and went to the arsenal and finding Benson there left his company and joined Capt. Stookeys. Bert Gooding is in a company that belongs to the same regiment. John H. Lacey is still living in Centreville. He joined Freemonts body guard but the folks on both sides broke up the arrangement. A great many Germans have gone from this part of the country but very few of the Americans. John Weibles son William was out three months. He was in Gen. Seigles retreat. There is but few secessionists in this vicinity . Mr. Glasses is very strong for the Southern Confederacy. Chas Askins and Geo. Garard has a very tender feeling for the rebels. Salem Goodner is a very strong secessionist. He is Sheriff of Washington County. I understand that Gov. Yates had called him to Springfield on account of his principals; if so he will be discharged from his office.

I moved to Centreville about three weeks ago. I rented Jim Nemericks house at $5 a month. Whether I can live at that rate I am not able to say. I have rented 13 acres of father for wheat of which I am not quite done sowing. I think of going to Jefferson this fall to fence some of my ground. Wheat is only worth 65 here in Centreville in hard money. I was told yesterday that the best was worth 80 in Belleville. We have a nine months school which commenced the first of this month. Edwin and Clara is going every day. Ed is beginning to read a little.

I will bring my letter to a close. My hand is so nervous I can hardly write. I saw Joe Cox last Thursday at the Fair in Belleville. He is living with a Mr. Cring in Prairie du Long probably not doing much good. I will stop.

I seat myself this night to let you know that I am still alive and blest with a reasonable portion of health. We have had a beautiful fall and winter so far. We had a tolerable good snow the Saturday night before Christmas which went off on Christmas night. We have sleet and snow on the ground now. The atmosphere is mild and roads elegant. I have got my corn all gathered. I have about 2200 bushels of that article, which I suppose I will have to keep till next spring or summer. I had about 700 bushels of wheat, apart of which I have on hand yet.

I sowed about 25 acres of wheat last fall, which is doing well so far, besides that there is about 60 acres more in wheat on my farm. Produce of every kind except wheat is hardly worth hauling to market and wheat is only worth 60 cts per bushel. I don’t know whether I will farm next season or not. Our Prairie is improving finely notwithstanding the hard times.

Dan'l Stookey has got lumber on his farm for house building. I paid them a visit in October. They are all well and seemed to be doing well. I get letters from J. H. & Salinda Lacey occasionally. They have a son which they call Elmer Ellsworth.

Jordan Burkey was married on New Years day to a Miss Haunsley an English girl, and Horatio Eyman to a Miss Salina Miler, thus you see old Bachelors can marry in war times. This goes to prove that I could many if I would, but I don’t think it right to take advantage of our soldier boys that way.

I need not tell you that times are very hard here for that you know as a matter of course. I fear for the future. My pen is so poor that I believe I will close for the present. Give my compliments to Lizzie Whittleton, Janetta and the friends generally. I don’t know when I will visit you. I would like to do so very much. Please write me a letter when you can make it convenient. I believe this will be the second that I have sent you since I received one from you, at any rate it has been a long time since I heard from you.

Copy of letter from Salinda Goodner Lace to her brother William Jackson Goodner of Payson, Adams County, Illinois, 1862.

As this is Sunday and a day set aside for rest, I thought I could not employ my spare moments to a better advantage than by writing you a few lines, thinking perhaps we might start up a correspondence which if agreeable to you would afford me great satisfaction. I have been thinking for a long time about writing to you, but somehow or other something would always come in the way when I felt in the humor of writing, that I never got started, but I hope these few lines will merit an answer.

Well in the first place the friends are all enjoying tolerable good health. John's wife has been on the grunting order with the toothache, pain in the breast, etc, for some time, but I believe she is about convalescent now. We have had some very cold weather; there is snow on the ground four or five inches deep, it being the third snow we have had this winter. Times are very hard, money is scarce, produce low, merchandise high, and everything represents a doleful aspect. Corn is selling at 20 and 25 cents per bushel, and the best of wheat at 40 cents. The prospect for the next crop is splendid. It is to be hopes that times will get better soon. Although our Army is making slow progress, we think that Providence is on our side and we will finally come out victorious; that the star spangled banner long will wave over the soil of freedom and the home of the brave.

I suppose you have heard before now that Benson returned from California last July and has been in the Army four months; he is Orderly Sergeant in Company E 9^th Regiment Missouri Volunteers. We heard last week through the public prints that they had left Otterville, and had gone to Springfield to meet Price. It is supposed that he, Price, will give battle.

The secessionists are very strong in Washington and Jefferson Counties. Salem Goodner is as hot headed a secessionist as you can find. He wants to sell out and go south. We have heard that there was an old man by the name of Goodner, CoI. of a Regiment in Jeff Davis' Army - his son was Captain of a company. We think that the information is reliable. Milton Goodner is Chaplain in the Army one hundred and sixty miles north of St. Louis.

We received a letter week before last from Elijah. They were all well. They call their girl Lucy May. John's are living in Centreville; they talk of moving to Jefferson County in the spring. Father's health is good; his hand trembles so much that he can hardly fashion a letter. He has been at me to write to you for-a long time, but this is the first letter I have written in three months.

Horatio Eyman is married to a Miss Miller of Mason County . I want to come up and see you all very much, but I don't know when that time will come. We intend moving to the farm next March. Our little Elmer Elsworth Lacey was three months old yesterday; he has blue eyes, dark hair, and is as fat as a butterball; he weighed just four pounds when he was one week old.

I would like if you could come down. I want to see you all very much. Give my love to Janetta and the children. I have not learned the baby's name as yet. I believe I have written all that would be interesting to you. Excuse poor writing and mistakes as I was hurried, and oblige your sister by an early answer.

PS The measles are raging all over the neighborhood; Mrs. Evaline Eyman and two of her children are sick with them, and several others.

I have delayed writing for the want of something to write, and I am afraid that I shall fail to interest you now. The folks that are living with me are nearly all sick with measles. I am tolerably well myself. Dan'l Stookey left here about one week ago for home. He finished building a house at that time on his farm. Caroline and the children are well.

The last six weeks has been very severe on wheat in this county. The wheat looks very bad but not certain that it will not sprout out green again. Yesterday we had a shower of rain. which has made the ground very muddy as it is considerably frozen yet.

John Jefferson, a boy who lived (with) Father a year or w when about the age of fifteen was killed at the battle of Fort Donelson. He went with the Decatur boys and was under the gallant Oglesby and a Mr. Bullard who lived just a half mile from me was wounded in the breast and died last week in Cincinnati.

There were just two men in company A, 8^th Illinois reg, Oglesby the Colonel who did not receive wounds or bullet holes through their clothes. I received a letter from Cousin Sophronia a few days ago. She writes that the connection in Washington are all well, that Uncle Elijah's Caroline's husband was stabbed and killed in a drunken row sometime ago, that Salem Goodner continued to be a secessionist, and his son Mattisson is printing a secession News Paper in Nashville, and that Uncle Jim Goodner is a Colonel in the rebel army, and one of his sons a Captain. I have not heard from Benson for weeks, have not had a letter from St. Clair since early in the winter.

We have had a mild pleasant winter both under foot and above ground, but it now has the appearance of mud and spring weather.

Letter from G. W. Goodner to his father, Reverend Benjamin Goodner. Addressed to Millstadt, St. Clair County, Illinois, 1862.

On the fifth of this month I mailed a letter with forty dollars in it to you, and one to J. H. Lacey with fifty dollars in it. I should have had an answer before this, but I haven’t heard a word from them. I am a little uneasy and want you to write as soon as you get this. I am well. There is a company being made up for the war in this Township. Lewis Eyman, Ed Eyman, and John Eyman have enlisted. Macon Co. has already sent more volunteers than any other county in the United States in proportion to population. I have not stacked my wheat and oats yet. Write sure. No more.

Letter from G. W. Goodner to his father, Reverend Benjamin Goodner a few days later.

I will spend a few moments in writing to you. We are all in terrible excitement now. Everybody seems to be in trouble. We are volunteering by the hundred. I have been sworn into service today. I am acquainted with a great many of the company. How I will stand it I don’t know, but I must go. We will go into camp about the 15^th at camp Butler I suppose. I would like to go down and see you all, but I don’t know that I can. I have got so much to attend to, and I want to go to Bloomington in a few days to see Daniel Stookey to make arrangements with him if I can to superintend my affairs here. I will come down if I can get a furlough. We have got a good company. Our officers are to elect yet. I don’t know what to do with my team. Had I time I would take them down to you. Perhaps I can get Dan'l to keep them until he can sell them. I go not for pleasure, for it will be the hardest work I ever done, but I go to give my life to save this government.

I shall make up my mind to take the worst, and will trust in one who is able to help in time of trouble, but I must close as the drum is beating for parade.

I will write you a few lines today to let you know my whereabouts but I have almost give up all hopes of hearing from home again for we have been making this our headquarters for a month or more and I have written to you since my arrival here and to Lacey also but get no answer.

I am in good health at this time, was taken down with a bilious attack two weeks ago. That and the chills have been takin a wide range among the soldiers lately.

I have received a letter from D. Stookey since I came to the Mississippi that stated that you and old Muff had been plowing corn & that George had enlisted and J. H. Lacey was trying to get up a company, the latter he could not vouch for. General Curtis is here with his army. I have no idea to what point he will be ordered next. I will not give much for the Union if the war lasts another year, but I will wait and see what our six hundred thousand recruits can do before I censure anyone. You have had a better opportunity of getting the news than I have so my war news would be useless.

I will send you a twenty dollar bill in this letter if you receive it make use of it for I fear that times with you are bad. Direct your letters to St. Louis Co. A 3^rd Illinois Calv. in care of Col. McCrellis.

It has been a long time since I wrote to you, but I had nothing important to write and was expecting every few days to leave for dixie, and then I would write. Four weeks ago last night I was taken sick with a chill and from that I had a severe spell of bilious fever. I was then in Camp Macon. After I got better I came out home and took a relapse but not severe. I got the fever broke again in a day or two and now I am able to knock around the house, but as we are having a rainy and cloudy spell of weather I haven’t ventured out in the neighborhood yet. The fact is that I mend so slow that I am scarcely notice any change. The camp has been healthy and in the country Town there has been a great deal of sickness this fall, and the people have been very slow to recover. I heard about a week ago that Caroline Stookey was sick but did not learn how bad. Some one in this part had written to Daniel to come down, he wrote back that he could not leave home for Caroline was sick. Will McCracken staid with me Saturday night and Sunday night. Last night he went to the old man Eyman's and will start south this morning with my team which he is going to take to Father. He has been herding cattle at D. Stookey's farm, the cattle belonging to Nenian McCracken and Sam Stookey.

My regiment went off and left me on the 8^th inst. They started for Columbus, Ky, but when they got to Cairo some of them wrote back that they were going to Memphis. . I shall follow as soon as I fully recover my health and get means of transportation. Our regiment is the 116^th.

I will give you a list of the names of some of the Officers. N. W. Tupper, Col. J. T. Boyd, L Col. Froeman Major Capt. Brown, Co. A, Capt. McClurg, Co. B, Capt. White, Co. C, Capt. Lingle, Co. D, Capt. Eyman, Co. E, Capt. Bishop, Co. F, Capt. Davis, Co. G, Capt. Dobson, Co. H. Capt. Forbes, Co. J, Capt. Matticks, Co. K.

Decatur has sent out five Colonels, Col. Oglesby of the 8^th, Col. Peugh of the 41^st, Col. Smith of the 47^th, I think. Col. J. H. Moore (Methodist Preacher stationed at Decatur and a son of Jonathan Moore of Lebanon, I believe) of the 115^th, and Col. Tupper of the 116^th. Oglesby and Smith are now Brigadier's. Oglesby was wounded in the thigh at the late battle at Corinth and is at home, but is able to walk around. Oglesby, Peugh and Moore are republicans, Smith and Tupper are democrats. Tupper although a democrat is unlike the majority of democrats in this County, he is true to his country, laid aside his politics and kept his men here by the consent of the Governor for the election, made his men some grand speeches, and told them all to vote the union ticket. He is the best speech maker and the best lawyer that Decatur had. His brother a republican was L Col. of Col. Peugh's regiment, and was killed at the battle of Pittsburgh landing. Write as soon as you get this and direct to Harristown, Macon, Illinois, and I may get it before I leave, if not it will be forward to me. I belong to Eyman's Command, Co. E, but you may leave that off and merely direct to Harristown. My love to you all.

Letter from G. W. Goodner to his father, Reverend Benjamin Goodner, addressed to Millstadt, Illinois, and postmarked from Decatur, Illinois.

A few days ago I read a letter which J. H. Lacey wrote to J. Burkey concerning my welfare. Burkey requested me to answer the letter, which I have not hurried to so as I wrote to you not long ago.

Since I wrote I have gradually been on the mend, but get along very slow. I ride about, and work a little, lining up my fence around my orchard. When I will go to the regiment I can’t say, as I have no means of transportation and don’t know when I will have. I think I will be able to go in a week. I was in Decatur today and saw two of my comrades, that was left, they are ready to go. We hear from the regiment often, they are at Memphis in possession of secesh houses and have contrabands to cook and wash for them, they write that house flys are very plenty. I saw Major Post of the 8^th regiment today, he was taken prisoner at Donelson, and only got home a few weeks ago, he went down to Memphis with the boy's of the 116^th. He says that there are a great many soldiers there. I am anxious to follow up and see the army and country. Will McCracken left here last Monday week with my team, and I suppose that you have them ere this. I think that he had a bad time for traveling. You may sell the team and wagon for what you can get, or keep them awhile if you think it best. If you sell them, credit the money on the notes that you have on me, and use it. The weather is very cold now. I got a letter from D. Stookey today. Caroline has been sick but is now about well.

I notice in the Missouri Democrat that the Illinois Third Cavalry is in Virginia, and doing some fighting. I had hoped to meet Benson down the Mississippi, and get a transfer to his regiment if I liked the cavalry. I got a letter from J. H. Lacey some weeks ago, and will answer it when I get to the regiment if not before.

Give my friendship and tender regards to all who may enquire after my welfare. Give yourself no uneasiness as to my morals. I know what the army is, and know full well what to expect. I have already had an introduction to what I may see yet of immorality. Yours in bonds of affection,

I suppose it is my duty to write to you if I do not bear from you, and have neglected it too long already.

I am enjoying good health and have had no reason to complain since I last wrote. We are still in camp at Helena where I have spent most of my time since my arrival at the Mississippi. Our regiment bas been on several scouts during the time we have made this our headquarters: the last was across into Mississippi to tear up the Mississippi Central RR., and burn some bridges on that road which was successfully accomplished. There will be a general move from this place down the river in a day or two and the 3^rd Illinois is among the number that is going. Part of our camp equipment is already aboard the boats. I do not know where this expedition is going, perhaps to Vicksburg. There are several regiments coming down from Memphis, and looking for the 116^th Illinois reg. and may get to see George if he has recovered sufficiently from his sickness to be able to join his reg.

While this is a short letter I have some work to do that must be done and will have to close. Write soon if you can.

I take the pleasure once more of writing you a few lines, which may be of some interest to you. Several weeks ago I wrote to you, and I believe I told you to direct to Memphis. I haven’t been sent for and there bas been no means provided for me to get to the regiment. The 116^th was at Vicksburg in the attempt to take that place, but did not suffer to any consequence. They then came up the river to Arkansas Post and participated in that battle, their loss was six killed and eleven wounded. Among the killed was Captain Eyman, who was shot in the heart with a minnie ball while doing his duty. He had carried one of his men off the field and returned and was in the act of lying down when be fell.

Perhaps his desire to see as much of the battle as possible caused him to loose his life, for it appears that be was loth to lay down. The 116^th are down at Vicksburg again. They have been on the river for about two months and I am sorry to say that nearly nine tenths of them are sick.

The war seems to drag slowly, but I believe it would soon close, if these Northern Copperheads were truly loyal, but I am juberous of war at home before long, unless things take a change. I don’t know when I will go to the army, it will be though as soon as they want me bad enough to send for me. Dan'l Stookey was here a few days ago. The family was well when he left. He talks of coming down here, and go to farming. He has about traded his house and lots for some prairie down here.

I was married the 7^th of January to Mary Huff. She lives three miles from my farm. We had talked of it a good while ago, but had put it off until the Regiment went and left me. Dan'l said that Benson wrote to him that I was married was the first he heard of it. He thought it a rather round about way to hear much news, so it was. I think farming will be good business next season. I don’t think that there will be much old grain on hand next fall when the new crop comes in. The prospects for wheat is very poor here. Corn is worth 40 cts. per bushel now and wheat is $1.00 and upwards. I wish you to write soon and direct to this office. Tell me if you have heard anything from Cornelius Goodner lately. No more.

I take this opportunity to answer your letter. I left my woman the 30^th of March and reported at Springfield for transportation to my reg't. I arrived at St. Louis March 31^st at 11 PM and left that place at 4 PM. April 3^rd, arrived at Cairo at 4 PM the 4^th, and left that place at 9 PM the same night. Arrived at Memphis at 2 AM the 6^th, and left that place at 6 PM the 7^th. Arrived at Helena at 2 AM the 8^th, and left that place at 1 PM the same day, and arrived at Young’s Point the 10^th at dusk, and found my reg't the 11^th. I was very unwell the 9^th and 10^th, but I am as well as usual now. The reg't is reduced greatly. I guess that there is about 340 men in the reg't that is fit for duty. There has been about 100 died with sickness and a few by gunshot. They have nearly all been troubled with camp diarrhea, and the most of the deaths have been caused by that complaint. Yesterday and last night our reg't stood picket, which was beginning a new leaf with me. The Canal that was dug here proved a failure and they are digging another a few miles above the old one. Our reg't worked in it day before yesterday but we didn’t work but three hours, and pretty much as we pleased during that time. I guess it will be finished in a week or two. There don’t seem to be much prospect of a fight, and I don’t think its the calculation to attack Vicksburg at all, but to cut of their supplies and starve them out. Occasionally a deserter comes over. They seem to think the rebs will evacuate the Burg in the course of a couple of months. I heard that Benson's Co. are quartered at Millikens bend which is a few miles above here, but I don’t know that it is true. Edward and John Eyman have both been sent away from here very sick. Their Mother, Martha and Hardin were lying very low with typhoid fever when I left home. Jim Eyman's wife was buried the week before I left home; she was a sister to my Mollie.

It is raining today, which makes it disagreeable in our quarters. The river is very high and raising. I don’t know but it will run us out of this hole pretty soon. I can see the Burg from here when there is no smoke to interfere. It is 4 or 5 miles off. This reg't is to draw pay tomorrow. I guess that I will get several months pay, as I have never got any yet. The trees have put on their foliage, and the weather is mild and pleasant. There is fine plantations on this point, and our Generals use them for their accommodations. Old Abe's proclamation has recruited the army considerable. Deserters from the reb camps say that the people are whipped, and are willing to come to terms, and say that if we will only hold out a few months longer we will have peace. John Windsor is temporarily our Co. Commander, and probably will be our Captain. Please write and direct to Co. E, 116^th Illinois. It is immaterial about the Capt. name being on the address. It is bedtime and I must close. My respects to you all. Adieu.

Letter of G. W. Goodner to W. J. Goodner. dated June 6^th, 1863, and addressed to Payson, Adams, Illinois.

I wrote to you in April but have no answer. I get letters regular from Mollie and have letters from Caroline, Elijah, and J. H. Lacey, written in May, the folks were all well. I am very poorly and have been for the last five or six weeks. Although I have kept up with the reg't all the while. At first I had no appetite and was too costive, but for the last three weeks I have had diarrhea and at times severe pains in my bowels. We moved from Young’s Point to Millikens bend the third of May, and on the 5^th had orders to march up the river, which we did and was ordered back the 7^th, got to camp the 8^th at 10 AM and started for Grandgulf at 1 PM and reached that place on the 11^th and crossed the river. On the 12^th, we took the Jackson road, and reached a little town east of here called Raymond on the 15^th, and from there took the Vicksburg road. On the 16^th we came to the enemy's lines, and only missed a battle by the enemy moving to our right to out flank us, when they come in conflict with Osterhaus' division. A battle ensued which was hotly contested for three hours, when Logan came up, and the rebs retreated in confusion, leaving knapsacks, blankets, ammunition, wagons, etc. That evening our men brought in a great many prisoners. On the 17^th they bothered some at Black River, but we finally crossed on a pontoon bridge and reached this place the 18^th without any more difficulty. On the 19^th we made a charge on their breastworks, but was repulsed with a smart slaughter. On the 22^nd the whole line charged but was repulsed with greater loss than before. In the 2 days our reg't lost 80 in killed and wounded and our flag had 21 bullet holes put through it and one cannon shot. Since then we have been digging rifle pits and building forts. We have a great deal of artillery that is operating with the pickets every day, while the mortar and gun boats are pecking it to them on the other side. I suppose that we are two or three miles from the Burg. We are looking all the time for them to break out, as they manifest uneasiness. The reb Gen. Joe Johnson is in our rear with a few thousand men trying to get in, but I don’t think he can come it. We get our supplies up the Yazoo river, by way of Haines Bluffs, and have them to haul 5 or 6 miles; we get a plenty with what foraging we get. Our rear lines reach back to Black river, where they are entrenched, and I suppose our Cavalry are considerable ways on the other side. I think it is about 18 miles to Black river. We are in the 15^th Army Corps Gen. Sherman commanding, the 2^nd division commanded by Gen. F. H. Blair, the first brigade commanded by Col. Giles A. Smith of the 8^th Missouri. There are five reg'ts in our brigade, the 6^th and 8^th Missouri, the 113^th & 116^th Illinois and 13^th regulars. On the 23^rd of May Benson made me a visit of three or four hours. He was then to out left about six miles and was well, but looks middling thin. He is in Osterhaus's division. He said that he had got but one letter since last winter, and that one was from you. You ought to write to him, direct, Co. A, 3^rd Illinois Cavalry, Memphis, Tenn. I have forgotten whether I wrote you of the death of Ed. Eyman, he died at Millikens bend. His sister Martha is dead also. John Eyman was sent to Memphis sick, from there to St. Louis and there Old Billy Mc-----tstock interceded for him and got him out to Belleville. I think if you knew with what anxiety a Soldier looks for letters you would write oftener. In the last two months I have written near 40 letters. Benson said that he would give me another call if he could get off, but I haven’t seen or heard from him since. I presume that he is out on black river. If you visit Father this fall, please inform me of the time, or as near as you can, and if I am alive and can get a furlough I will try and meet you there. If we are successful in capturing Vicksburg with her prize, I hope the 116^th will see better days. I must tell you how a pontoon bridge is made. A pontoon is made of the same kind of material that a gun belt is made of. They are made sound, about 18 inches in diameter and 10 a 12 feet long. Three of these are made together, side by side, that is inseparable. When they are loaded on a wagon the air is let out of them, and when they are to be used they are blowed up by means of a hand bellows. If I understand it one of these is called a pontoon.

Our Co. crossed over on these pontoons, and so did others, to stand picket. They were rowed over as you would a canoe, and run swifter than a canoe. Well now for the bridge. One of these pontoons are shoved out into the stream about 10 feet from shore and anchored lengthwise with the stream. Then the railing is put down one end resting on shore and the other end resting on the pontoon. The plank is then put down across the railing and tied there. Now you have one section. Then anchor pontoon is shoved out and anchored and the railing and plank put down as before, and so it goes until bridge reaches across the stream and is ready for use. As the troops passed over I noticed that it was springy. It is the prettiest and simplest bridge that I ever saw. Our lieut. CoI. was badly wounded in the breast. I would like to know what reg't William Holcomb is in, and what you know of him by this time. If you told me the number of his reg't I have forgotten it. There is a great many new troops here, and if I knew the number of his reg't I might find him. The weather is getting pretty warm. I sleep under a shed made of cane and sleep warm enough without a blanket. We have no tents here. The country from here to Grandgulf is nothing but high hills and deep ravines. We are camped in a deep ravine. The secesh balls pass over our heads. Occasionally a man gets wounded straggling around and occasionally a picket gets picked off. We are anxious to see the rebs stick up a white flag, but they are very stubborn, and I fear we shall have some bloody work before they will surrender. I think that they are looking for Joe Johnson to gather a force and fight us in the rear. I don’t think they can send troops from the east, and I don’t think that Bragg dare start for Rosecrans will certainly follow him and take a great many of his men, but still we are not clear of apprehensions. It is true it will take a heavy force to do anything in our rear, but if fighting does commence in our rear and the rebs hear of it here, they will make a desperate effort to get out. If we succeed in capturing the whole kitteroo, I think the rebellion will be about done in the southwest. The Yanks will spread all over the Southern States, and subsist on what the rebels have left, and I think that they will be compelled to plead for mercy.

Our troops are in fine spirits, I don’t think that they were ever in better, and if fortune should frown upon us now what a sad change would take place in our brave boys health. How is the war sentiment in Old Adams by this time, and how does the copperhead fraternity prosper or conduct themselves since Grant has coiled his northwestern Anaconda around the strongest fortified post in the south. I think I know from observation experienced last winter how they conduct themselves. I will guess that they lay low and speak soft words. They are all right on the eagle just now, although they talk a great deal of our repulse here but never say anything about how we thrash the rebs when we catch them out of their holes. I am in hopes if we bag the whole thing here that our much abused reg't will be shipped north to guard prisoners. We can’t muster three hundred men for service now. The most of the men died at Young’s point, and was taken sick and sent away up the river together, so the 116^th is a very small reg't now. I expect you will find it a job to read this, but it will do you the more good, if it takes you some time to read it. I expect that Laura & Julia are almost grown. I should like very much to see them and you all. I guess it is eight a nine years since I saw you. Please write soon and often.

I have been wanting to hear from you for a long time and have thought every day for three months that I would write. I believe you wrote the last letter.

I am so anxious to hear from Benson and George when I can find time to write. I received a letter from George last Sunday written May 28^th. He was then in the rear of Vicksburg. He said he had not done much duty for three or four days he had not been well for a week but was then getting better. He says he had a hard time marching, having been on the march from the 5^th to the 18^th of May. They went from Milliken's Bend down to Grandgulf, then to Vicksburg. He says he paid 25 cents for six eggs. The evening before he wrote he says he had ham eggs fresh bread & potatoes for supper, the best meal he had had for a month and the first bread he had had for three weeks. They are camped in a ravine where they get good spring water. He says he came to his regiment on the 23^rd & spent three or four hours with him. He says Benson was well but looks poor & slim & sayed he had not received a letter since in the winter: It is too bad. I got a letter from him written June 30^th, have written two since, but heard nothing till George wrote. Now William you are a good writer, do write to him. Direct to Memphis, Tenn. Co. A (?) (E?) -letter imperfect - 3^rd Illinois CavI. Do not wait for an answer but write often. George wrote the day he got my letter. He got one from Elijah, one from J. Lacey & two from Molly, so you see he is well posted. George says his regiment lost in the Vicksburg battle, 80 killed and wounded his Co. one killed & seven wounded. I guess you have heard that Cap. Lewis Eyman was killed at the Ark. Post battle. Ed Eyman has since died at Vicksburg & John Eyman the last I heard was at St. Louis in the hospital very sick. Marthey Eyman their youngest sister died this spring; their Mother came very near dying with Typhoid fever. That is some of the troubles of war.

William how much do you lack of escaping the draft? They are enrolling the names here I understand. Daniel has traded some property here for Macon Co. land: the land is near his farm. It is unimproved land. We calculate to move down there this fall: We will probably go to Decatur as there are no schools near the land.

We are all in reasonable health. Jimma has a very bad cold: he was two the 10^th of April, and does not talk much yet. We never had a child so backward about talking.

Well Jennetta when I got your washing reciete, I fixed up some and tried it & thought it good and tried to do my washing, but had to give it up not having the strength to wash this spring. I have been trying it again and have got along better.

Last Saturday a week I went to the Soldiers aid Society to take all the old linens I had. There was 30 or 40 ladies employed making clothing for the soldiers. Last Thursday evening the ladies of the Soldiers aid Society had a strawberry festival: they took in four hundred & sixty six dollars. I was not there. The prospect is good for a good crop of peaches here this summer.

When did you hear from Cornelius Gooding ? Daniel says he never can hear from you & them unless he writes you answer his letters that is the last unless he writes again. Jennetta have you forgot our visit to Corneels? How nice and white our children was. That is a time I shall never forget I was so tired. How are Laura & Julia ? I guess they are almost women. When are you coming to pay us a visit? Write soon.

I received your letter of the 7^th & 14^th day before yesterday with one from Mollie and one from John & SaIinda Lacey. They wrote that all was well, and John wrote that they had another boy. I am very glad to hear that you are all well, and doing well. I am tolerable well. I think that I am as well as I was in Illinois of a gen. thing. As to having the camp diarrhea, I don’t think I had it. Or if it was I hope that it will have a salutary effect on my system, for of a general thing I have been too costive all my life. This is Sunday and a very fine morning. Co. E have gone on picket, but I am excused as I stood camp guard last night. Last Sunday morning one of our pickets was pretty severely wounded in the arm. He is one of our Co. Joseph D. Noon, our first lieut, died of his wound which he received on the 19^th of May at Memphis on the 18^th inst. His commission came after he was wounded. Our original first lieut resigned last spring. Our original second lieut is still with us but has never been fit for duty since last winter. I think his resignation will be accepted soon. Last Thursday evening our men undertook to blow up Ft. Beaureguard, the most prominent of the rebel Fts. on this side of the burg. They partly succeeded, and a terrible conflict ensued which caused a great deal of bloodshed on both sides. The Ft. is to our left, perhaps a mile. It is General John A. Logan's division that is doing that part of the work. Our men are holding the side that was blown up and the rebs still hold the other side. After the explosion cannon shell fell profusely among the rebs as they rallied, and the musketry was quick and constant on both sides. I think the rebs suffered severely, and so did our men. The rebs throwed hand grenades and lit the fuse of cannon shell and dropped them down on our men mangling them horribly. The reg'ts that suffered the most is the 45^th & 124^th Illinois and some other one that I have forgotten. The old 8^th (Gen. Oglesby's old reg't) lost pretty smart yesterday. It is reported that Ft. Pemberton is to be blown up this evening, it is a little to one right, and commands the NE corner of the rebel fortifications, but I don't think they are quite ready to blow it yet. I am told that Gen. Steel is going to blow up one in a few days. His division is still further to the right and reaches to the river. I think when the truth is known it will be found that the rebs have lost a great many men in there. If they don’t surrender before the fourth of July I predict that they will find it the biggest fourth that they were ever at. I expect that they will get the National salute from all the guns anyhow. We will teach them to be humble on that day. As to Grants blowing up Vicksburg, is easier said than done. I suppose that the rebs, have an area of 2½ or 3 miles by 8 miles fortified.

It is reported that Fort Hudson is in possession of our troops but I fear it is not so. If Gen. Hooker had had such success as Grant, the war would soon end. I was at work last Friday helping to plant a battery. I could see the Miss. (or Old river I cant tell which) on the west, and Ft. Beaureguard on the south. I watched some 30 pound parrot guns shoot at the Ft, sometimes the shell would strike on the Ft. and scatter the dirt high, and then the shell would burst and tare up the earth more than before. The rebs are shooting more since Thursday than they did before. You cant get much idea of things here unless you was here to see for yourself. I suppose that we may look for some Illinois conscripts before long, and probably will hear of some trouble in getting them, but if they are stubborn the 116^th would come up and insist on their coming anyhow.

I can’t tell you anything more of Benson, but I hope that he has been lucky thus far as I. I wrote to you some days ago informing you that I saw him the 23^rd of May, and that he was well. I suppose that you will soon commence your harvesting. I saw wheat the 17^th of May that was nearly ripe, but there is but little of that article in this country . If we can get in Vicksburg before peacetime, and be lucky enough to get on a scout I shall be pretty well satisfied for awhile. Or I won’t complain if we are sent up towards Memphis. The weather is warm, write soon.

Letter to W. J. Goodner from J. B. Goodner, Payson PO, Adams County, Illinois.

Your welcome letter came safe to hand a few days ago being the only news that I have had direct from you for a long time. I was very glad to hear of the good health of you and family, and that you was living in the land of plenty. My health is very good at this time, considering the climate and the exposure that a soldier has to undergo. I saw George some three weeks ago near Jackson. His health was better than common at that time. I do not know exactly where he is at this time but I believe that he is camped on Black River some 15 miles from Vicksburg.

I believe that the troops here all returned to the vicinity of Vicksburg that went with Sherman to Jackson and I am unable to say where the next move will be. After the surrender of Vicksburg Grant started most all of the army after J. Johnson under command of Sherman. Johnson is the man who was going to raise the Siege of Vicksburg. We found the rebel pickets at Edwards Station, five miles from Black River, and had skirmishing with them until we drove them into the fortifications at Jackson. Johnson had a force of twenty-five or thirty thousand and was well fortified but would not give us time to surround him. Jackson is on the west bank of Pearl River, a small stream. When Johnson saw that Sherman was trying to get a force in his rear, he pulled up stakes, burnt part of the town in destroying his supplies that he could not get away and crossed Pearl river, burning the bridge after him. There is not much of Jackson standing now. After the evacuation of Jackson I went in a series of raids down to Jackson and New Orleans railroad to the sixth station taking them in rotation as we went, destroying the railroad, burning the bridges and towns, plundering the stores and stripping the land of Dixie in general. Buckhaven was the last station that we went to; it is considerable of a town and there were a great many of the sesech prisoners from Port Hudson that had been paroled at that place and as soon as we opened the stores they walked in and helped themselves to that that suited them. So you can imagine that we had a mixed up mess, women, children, white and black, every one helping himself. Southern pride is becoming humbled fast. I do not know where we will go when we leave here but there is a strong probability that it will be down the river in a few days, if not we will go to Memphis. I am very tired of the army but I suppose that I will have to stick to it till my three years are up. Give my respects to all the folks and write and direct as before.

Letter to Mrs. Jennetta A. Goodner, Payson, Illinois, from her sister-in-law, Caroline Goodner Stookey.

I take the present opportunity of answering your letter which I received in good time, but have neglected to answer. I was glad to hear from you, to hear that you are all well and that you were going to make a visit south but sorry that I cannot meet you there, but want you to come here. You can come from St. Louis here in six or 7 hours. The state fair is in Decatur this fall. If you do not come before then I guess you are come for half fare. The fair I Believe commences on Sept. 25^th. When you get started make a good visit. I am anxious to see you all and if life and health is spared will in a few years. When we get moved to Decatur I can come almost straight to your house.

A letter from George written July 28^th. He was then at Camp Sherman, twelve miles from Vicksburg. His health is uncommonly good for the last five weeks, has been tired but has stood the march as well as the best of them. He was at the landing of Jackson on the 22^nd Company C and D of the 116^th went back towards Brandon foraging and were taken by guerillas and have not been heard of since. He was at both the charges at Vicksburg - bullets whizzed around him like bumblebees but none as yet touched his cloths. On the 11^th Benson came to his regiment - he was well. He is in Osterhaus' division camped a few miles south of George. We have had one letter from Benson since I wrote to you. The next letter William writes to him. I would direct to Vicksburg, Osterhaus Div. I think he will get it sooner.

Daniel went to Macon County last Thursday to see about his cattle and farm. He has over a hundred head of three year old steers there. Will McCracken has been up there herding cattle all summer. Lewis has hired himself to work at a corn shellers at 50 cents a day. He has clerked in a store two summers but I want him to learn that he can work. He complains that his clothes get so dirty.

I have not been well for two weeks - have had trouble with diarrhea but hope that I shall come out all right. The rest are all well. I heard about a month ago that Salinda had another boy. I have not had a letter from her since.

PS A secret for you Jennetta. I guess Daniel's bees will swarm about the 1^st of Oct. I think it is hard now that I am getting old and have taken care of children all my life. I reckon if that is the greatest sin I shall have to account for I shall come out all right at the Judgment Day. I shall not be able to go to the fair. Come and see us if you can. We live at the west end of Grove street: the bus will bring you here or Daniel will meet you at the depot with the buggy, if you will let us know when. If you can't come write all about your visit.

Letter written by G. W. Goodner, to his father, Reverend Benjamin Goodner, addressed to Millstadt, St. Clair County, Illinois.

I will write you a few lines this morning to let you know where and how I am. I am well and have been tolerably so ever since I wrote you last. We left Camp Sherman the 27^th of Sep. and got to Vicksburg that day. The next day we got aboard a boat at started up the river and got to Memphis Oct. 4^th. We staid there until the 9^th and got to Corinth the 10^th by Rail Road. We are camped about three miles south east of Corinth on the Mobile Rail Road. Our camp equipage, horses, mules, etc, were in the cars and the Soldiers rode upon the top. Last Sunday, Gen's Sherman, Ewing, and Leightburn with the 13^th regulars started from Memphis to follow us. When they got something like 20 miles from Memphis and at a station near Moscow, there were attacked by about 2500 rebels who had some artillery and a fight ensued which lasted five hours. The rebels withdrew then and left. There were five Co's of the 66^th Ind. stationed at the place, and they were all the assistance that the regulars had. I don’t think that we will stay here more than a few days. I don’t know where we will go, but I suppose that we will move on towards Chattanooga. I got a letter from William yesterday in which he informed me of his visit to St. Clair. I have another from John and one from D. Stookey. I have the news from home that I have a fine boy who weighs 7 pounds. The weather has been rainy here for several days, but it looks now like we would have some fair weather.

I have not heard from Benson since I wrote to you before, but I heard that the 13^th corps is in Texas. I have nothing more to write and will quit. Your son,

I take this opportunity to let you know that I got your letter of the 4^th inst. in due time, and also that I am well, and have enjoyed very good health ever since I wrote you last. I will give you a sketch of our travels since we left Camp Sherman the 27^th of September, and got aboard a packet at Vicksburg the 28^th and arrived at Memphis October 4^th. We lay at Memphis about a week when we started by rail on the Memphis & Charleston RR and come to Corinth, stopping a few hours at Lagrange, where some fighting was going on, but we were not engaged in it. We camped about a week three or four miles south of Corinth on the Columbus and Mobile RR. From Lagrange to Corinth we done the fastest traveling that I ever done.

The 116^th and Co. A Chicago battery were on one train. The cars were loaded with camp equipments, horses, mules etc, and the soldiers were piled upon top every one of them and as thick too as we could sit. While going at about one mile to two minutes, or faster, the top of the car that I was on cracked and sprung like a buggy, but it made out to hold up until we got to a water tank where we stopped, and about half of us got back on flat cars with the artillery. We marched from Corinth here, stopping a day at Inka.

The Rail Road is in running order as far as Burnesville a few miles this side of Inka. We are now about 125 wiles from Memphis. I suppose they intend repairing the Rail Road to the Tennessee river, and perhaps to Chattanooga. There is a lot of rebel cavalry prowling around, some says there is one reg't and some says 800 strong, but many or few, they have been fighting some in front, and we don’t know how soon it may become general. The 1^st, 2^nd, & 4^th divisions are here, and I understand that the 3^rd is coming and also the 16^th corps. I guess that we will be prepared for any number that we may come in contact with here. Sherman is in Command, and he is very popular among his boys.

I have just been to dinner. I had fresh pork, sweet potatoes, hard tack and coffee. I haven’t fared better for some time. Last evening I and two others started to a sweet potatoes patch, and a little before we got to it we saw a hog which we pressed into the service.

That’s the way we fare so long as such articles are in our reach, and when we can’t reach them we don’t take them. Sometimes we fare pretty hard. Generally when we are in camp, we have soft bread baked by a baker. I am in a rebs house, have a good fire, and slept here last night. The woman says that her husband is a forage master in the rebel army. The most of the women around here are very sour, but it makes the boys worse, and they take such as they want.

This is a better country than that we summered in. There is a great many springs running out of rocky hills, and I think it is very healthy here. Furloughing has stopped in this department for the present, and in all probability will be for sometime. I have information from home that I have a boy up there, who is said to be as plump as a quail. I proposed naming him Cyrus Wilber, but I haven’t heard whether it is accepted or not. I had concluded that you had quit writing. I will propose answering all your letters. Direct to Memphis, Tenn. My compliments to you all. Yours, etc.

Night before last Co. E visited a smokehouse and got something over a bushel of salt. The Commissarys are very scarce of salt and sometimes we are without when we need it the worst. I understand that the rebs are fortifying at Tuscumbia, a few miles from here.

I had a letter in September from Benson. He was at New Orleans, and I saw a furloughed soldier on the boat who belongs to the 118^th Illinois, and lives in the upper edge of Adams, he said the 13^th corps is in Texas.

We are having a great deal of cold rainy weather, which makes it very disagreeable Soldiering, but I look for some warm weather yet.

I will write you a few lines to let you know that we are in enjoyment of good health and have been since we left your house. The second day on our homeward journey we arrived James Moores in Brighton and found himself and family well and apparently doing well. That night it rained quite a rain and the roads are still bad. Next day we got to Kane and stayed overnight with James Trescott. Next day we got to the Illinois river about sundown, came out two miles and put up with a clever man and family till morning. (The roads were bad all the way up to the river but it was dry from there home). We drove hard the next day and got to Elijah Bonham's. We found them well. Aunt Sally is bad off with rheumatic pains; she suffers a great deal of pain - is perfectly helpless and has to lie in bed all the time. The day following our stay over night at Bonham's we got home. It was a very hot day and come very near wilting down my near horse. he being very free to go ahead and sweating freely because so overheated that he came near giving out, but we got home and found things all right. We were a glad set, for we were tired of traveling. Willy and his little dog had quite a play before he went in the house. The frost had hurt nothing here. The rain that we had the night we were at Moore's was quite a strong in places - in Pike County the hail knocked out a great many window glass in the neighborhood of Barry. I saw in places as we came through the county that the tobacco was out all to pieces and the blades beat clean off of the corn.

When I got home I found Nathan Cox ready to go out on the Alton and Chicago railroad to look for a home. He had seen Capt. Gooding who has purchased some property in a little town 12 miles north of Springfield and has gone in partnership with another man in a drug store, he Gooding had told him that he thought the chances for a new beginner was better there than here to get a situation for farming so Nathan went and looked for himself and came back to fix to move right away. He employed his brother in law (Whittleton) to sow his wheat while he was gone to look for a place - the wheat you understand is on my land, the stubble he was breaking while we were at your house visiting: he was at all expense in putting it in. Now I take the wheat and give him the proceeds of one-fourth delivered in Quincy. We have had some cold weather in October, attended with snow which injured a great many potatoes and apples. The apple business has been very great here this fall, hundreds of bushels going into Quincy almost daily. Farmers engaging their apple crop to shippers at from thirty to thirty-five cents per bushel and cider four dollars per barrel and barrels furnished. We bought part of a orchard near to us for $18.00 and have sold $30.00 worth of apples, put away and dried for our own use and have plenty to make into cider and apple butter.

Don Carlos is on Columbus circuit the coming year 16 miles north east of us in this country.

The children are going to school and have been for a month. I have had no letters since I was at your house. I wish some of you to write and let me know how you all are and the news from the boys in the army.

Letter to William J. Goodner, Payson, Illinois, from his brother, J. A. C. Goodner, 1863.

Your letter to Father came to hand yesterday evening and was read with pleasure. Father wishes me to answer it which I shall hasten to do. I have been here 2 weeks today, part of which time I have been helping John Lacey haul off his wheat to Georgetown. He had somewhere near 800 bushels.

Eckert's mill was burned down two weeks ago last Tuesday night: he is removing the rubbish as fast as possible to build a new and larger one that the old one was. It is not known how the old one caught fire. John Lacey has bought Joe Cupp's farm adjoining the south end of Centreville and is sinking a shaft for coal. He has gone through a great deal of rock and is now within three feet of the coal.

The last news from George he was at Corinth and was well and thought likely they would move on to Chattanooga. He says he has a fine boy. Benson was at New Orleans when last heard from. George says in his letter he heard that the 13^th Army corps was in Texas which is the one Benson is in. Father's health is very good at this time. He has Lewis Lacey to stay with him this winter. The Circuit preacher preaches at Union this evening and they are all gone to meeting. I stopped at Elijah's as I came in. They were all well. His corn crop was cut short with the frost but thinks he will have enough to do him.

I received a letter from Rose two days ago: she said the children had been sick some since I left home and that Edwin had had something like a fit, the first one he has had on about five years. If they return on him again he will not be likely to ever get rid of them again. Since they left him the first time he has had very good health.

In my section of the country the frost killed nearly all the corn cotton and tobacco on the 29^th of Aug. My corn was just beginning to get hard, so you will imagine what kind of corn I have made this year. There is but few that will have corn that will fatten a hog and but little old corn in the country. I have cut up six acres of mine and sowed the ground in wheat.

I take this method to let you know that I am well, and hope you and family are all in good health. I got to Port Hudson on the 9^th and found things going as usual. The health of the white troops is good for the time of the year, but there has been a great many deaths among the Negro Soldiers this spring and Summer.

There is no news of importance in this department. Banks Red River army has fell back to the Mississippi river, and was camped on the bank of the river twenty miles below the mouth of Red River when I came down. The rebels are doing quite a business at this time in the way of firing into transports. I got to Centerville the day after I left your house found the folks at John Laceys all well. John was at work in his coal bank at present. I went to Belleville to see mother. Found her at Charles Goodings in good health. I took her on a visit to Lakes Galls, she is not satisfied with her home at Charley's and talked as though she would leave there. There was nothing said between her and I in regard to the old place. Some one told me that Mrs. Lacey had a talk with her since she went to Belleville, that she told Mrs. Lacey that she would rather have her advice than anyone that she knew of, and wished that you and Daniel had made her an offer for her dowry in the old place. Elijah thought that you and Dan'l had better give her the fifteen hundred dollars while she was in the notion, for he thinks, since she is dissatisfied with her home in Belleville that she will go back to the old place to live. Elijah is like John would like to get his share in the estate as soon as possible. I wrote to Daniel Stookey that I thought it best to write to you and to make her the offer of fifteen hundred dollars to be paid when the sale money is due. All that I talked with that I saw in Washington Co. were all well. Sophronia Goodner's husband is dead. The Government is going to buy the horses in the third Illinois cavalry perhaps in a few days and we will be sent to Memphis. We will be mustered out in July or August.

Give my respects to Jeanetta and the children and write if convenient. I will quit the army when my time is out. So no more at present, but remain

Letter to William J. Goodner, Payson, Illinois, from his sister, Salinda, 1864.

Having a few idle moments this morning, I will devote them to writing you a letter to give you some idea how things are progressing down here. We are enjoying reasonable good health at present. John has been troubled with sore eyes but they are getting better now.

The draft has occasioned considerable excitement down here. A. T. Primm, Theopholus Harrison, Charles Gooding, Aaron Stookey, Isaac Bailey and a good many more are of the lucky number. Copperheads are foaming with rage and will give all they have before they will go, while substitutes are ranging from twelve to fifteen hundred dollars. Aaron Stookey got one for 300 dollars, but I think they will be up to $2000 before the last of the week. The man that I rented the old place is drafted - he has his ground ploughed for wheat and is in a peck of trouble about his affairs.

We have been as dry all fall as what the summer was; we had a good shower night before last which laid the dust. Jesse Leard a son in law of Uncle Elijah stayed here last Wednesday night. He is a circuit preacher and came to Belleville to conference. He is a neighbor of John's. They were all well when he left and the relations were all well.

I have no more news from George since the last battles and none from Benson since he went to Springfield.

Since writing the above we have had a good rain. Tomorrow we will make cider for apple butter. I should like very much to be at your fair, but I wanted to go to Daniel's this fall and it would cost too much to go to both places, and John cannot leave his business and I can't travel alone with the children. If I don't go until next year I will visit both places.

We will have the same Minister that we had last year. It is now half past nine and all are asleep but me, so with my best wishes and pleasant dreams to all I will bid you good night. Write often for we are always pleased to hear from you all.

Your sorrowful letter came several days ago and I feel that I can sympathize with you in your loss although it is 27 years the 22^nd day of this month since Adaline died; she was not quite seven years old but the only daughter I had. I think it was the second spring you was in California. I think our baby died about the same time our dear brother Franklin died; Cornelius died the 28^th of May eleven months before Adaline died. I often think that if it was not for such trouble we would almost forget there is a God to rule over us and he only takes them home to the arms of our dear Savior to bring them nearer to him and the hope that we have of some day seeing them again ought to comfort us although it is hard to give them up and those light afflictions that we have here are not to be compared with their joy and happiness along the blest on high nor that will be revealed to us when we meet them to part no more; it is our duty to try to be prepared to appear at that judgment bar to meet the judge whenever the Master calls for us. It appears there is more people die suddenly of late years than used to be. Margaret Thomas, James Harrison's oldest daughter died suddenly February 7^th. She was at meeting the night before she died and arose as a witness for Christ, next morning went up town, came home and looked around and told her daughter she had a bad headache. Luch sent for her Pa and the Dr. but she died about ten o'clock and before they got there. Miss Leora Peck in Harristown died a few weeks ago, the only child at home. They have one daughter married living two miles west of here. Leora took a part in the entertainment at the ME church Thanksgiving day. She was the Prima Donna a good singer, and her death is seriously felt in H. She was 19; her parents can hardly stay at home - so lonely. The citizens of Harristown have just bought and laid out a new cemetery a quarter of a mile south of town on a high place and will make a nice cemetery and makes this place appear more like home to me. I have had such poor health since we lived here that I have never liked the place. This is good corn country. Daniel makes his money raising corn and feeding it to hogs and cattle. He keeps a man or two hired all the time. land rents for four dollars per acre and corn is worth 28 cts now. I wrote to William to let you know if there wasn't a farm there you could get to live on, for I think that is a better place than this to live in and think it would be better to rent than go to a new country to live so you see I don't want you to go, but you are at liberty to do as you please. All are well but Jimma, he has just been very sick with measles but is up again. It is Florence's time next. Harristown is full of measles, four or five families have it. Reverend May our minister has never had it - his son Sheffa has measles now . It is very wet here, no garden made yet. Our folks have sowed some oats, no corn ground plowed yet - it rained all day yesterday, last night all night before. Mary and Florence are washing today. Wesley is making preparations to farm for himself this summer. I have just bought some early dwarf red tomato and egg plant seed and will send some in this letter. We have the prickly pear cactus growing here that is all the kind I know of in Illinois. Just send two or three small ones. As ever your sister,

PS Brother John's girls both married brothers in three weeks after Laura was married - her man died with lung fever. Stover is living with Martha Goodner laird.

(Copied from original in the possession of Margaret Wendler Bond in San Francisco, granddaughter of Jos. Benson Goodner, by Lenna Goodner Goit and recopied by Hubert W. Lacey.)

Your letter written Jan. 19^th came about one week ago: we were glad to hear from you once more. I had begun to fear there was something wrong or you had never received the package I sent. The obituaries was given to me at Father's death. Mother's I don't think I had ever see until then, and when you was here I did not think of them. Wesley looked at his map and concluded that Palouse was not a city is why it was not put on. I wrote to you about three weeks ago and directed to Palouse again. I sent one of your letters written when you was in the Army and sent some change for you to send me one paper that is printed there and will send another letter with this. I have got the letters mixed up so that I cannot tell whether this one is right or whether those pieces go together but you will know. I have several more letters that will interest your children more than mine and will send some more for you to keep for them for old things is becoming to be a treat with some people. I want to keep one of the letters. I do hope you will not be bothered with the Indians this spring. Don't place yourself in danger; hope if they find you are prepared for them they will not come near, and feel that I can commend you to the All Seeing eye that has watched over you in (six?) troubles will not forsake you in the seventh. Only trust him. All are well here but a good deal of sickness on our prairie. Daniel got all his money from Kansas this spring.

February 26^th. The thermometer was at zero this morning. It was warm and very muddy yesterday, roads bad. Elijah is living in Richview. I do not know how long he is going to stay there. George had an old woman keeping house for him last accounts. He don't want me to come there any more. I thought that I never loved one of my own children better that I loved Lenna when her mother died; my family is not good enough for him. Wesley is Superintendent of our Sunday School. He is 26 years old and looks like a boy in front of the school asking questions and explaining the blackboard he has drawn on. Remember your sister, Caroline.

(The original of this letter is in the possession of Margaret Wendler Bond (Mrs. Cecil W. Bond), granddaughter of Joseph Benson Goodner; Mrs. Bond is now a resident of Burlingame, California. This is a copy of the copy made by Lenna Goodner Goit, September 24^th, 1954.)

Letter to William J. Goodner, Payson, Adams County, Illinois, from his sister, Caroline, 1882.

I was surprised when I hunted up your letter to find that it had been so long since you wrote. I was glad to hear from you once more for I had about despaired ever getting any more letters. I did not intend to be so long writing but we were so busy fixing up for Mary's wedding and our schools were all engaged when the letter came but there was no vacancy for Lizzie here. I wish there had of been for she would have been so much company for me.

Well I suppose Jennetta has had her visit to Missouri. Camp meeting is over and the pies Hester was making when you wrote are all eaten by this time. I do not think we have had word since you wrote. I don't know whether the girls are married or at school or at home this winter. Jennetta’s invitation to camp meeting and your promise to meet us in Quincy is very kind but we feel that one good turn deserves another. Haven't we all been there and isn't it your turn to come visit us? We do not mean to be fashionable or anything of the kind but really can't see anything to hinder the girls from coming here once at any rate. If the girls are at home they might come here this winter.

Florence is at home since the 6^th of December. She went to Normal the last term and intended to stay at home the winter term next winter, but found she could do better to stay at home this winter so she will all the time next winter it being her last year and I could not bear the idea of her being away nine months this year and I can't see how I can spare her next year but feel it is my duty to do whatever is best for her good. She is only 18 and has pledged herself to teach three years school. Teachers are plenty. I have no idea where she will find a situation. Had I of known poor Jimma wouldn't live long I never would have sent him to school, but it is too late now. It is very lonely here especially for her – only three of us here this winter, when we used to have such a large family. Wesley is still in the tile business at Buffalo, 25 miles west of here: he has sold nearly all his tile and has a good many orders for tile he can’t fill. Lewis is still on his farm and had a fine boy come to them on October 11^th. Mary and E. B. Randle attended Conference at Pana and was sent to Ashland, sixteen miles north east of Jacksonville: he has four preaching places and just closed a meeting at Prentice in December with 29 additions to the church and is now holding protracted meeting in Ashland. He is a relative of the old Randels that used to live in Belleville and met one of them at Conference that knew our Father well. He is twenty nine years old.

All the children were here Christmas and Mr. French and Lauren. She is the same Laura yet and appears to enjoy coming as well as any and we all like to have her come. Wesley heard her mother and the children are at Riverton, first station this side of Springfield. She is no better and her brothers have taken her there to take care of her. A letter from Benson written December 11^th: they are all well and the ground was covered with snow and indications of a hard winter. A railroad now running past his farm gives him good market for his produce. He raised more vegetables last year than he ever raised in one year before. In about eight months the railroad will be completed, then we can go right to his door yard and get out: let’s go! Small pox has been raging there south of him so bad the trains and mail were stopped for several weeks.

Daniel and I went to the St. Louis Fair and to visit Dr. Lacey’s. Found them well, Salinda doing all her work, the Dr. following his profession and Elmer a graduate of Jones Commercial College and was then a teacher there. We went to old Union. Tramps have burned the old church down. Mother is breaking very fast: she is not fleshy like she used to be and went with us to Old Union. The graveyard had all been cleaned off and looked natural: the fence was falling down around our graves but no stock there is allowed to run out now. Isaac Eyman's boys had married Jacob Holcomb's daughter a short time before. This old lady has grayer hair than I have and looks ten years older than I do, so our folks tell me.

PS Colwell the preacher at Kinderhook preached here six, seven and eight years ago. Bell Burns the girl that is with them is a fine number 1 girl.

Your last letter came in good time. I was as I always am, glad to hear from you all; was careful to put the letter away so that I wouldn't be lost and haven't found it since but think I will when I clean my bureau out. The second of April Florence and I started to Hot Springs, Arkansas, for our health and was gone nearly eight weeks. We took the hot baths and Some medical treatment and came home but little benefited. My health has been poor for so long, and her head and eyes had been afflicted. I hoped it would care for both of us. A Mr. Allen and family went there from here in December and he was getting well; they met us at the depot and helped us to find a room. We went prepared and done our own cooking and got along much cheaper than we could have boarded. I thought I would write to you while we were there but couldn't find time. I took a bath nearly every day and would sometimes have to wait two or three hours until my turn came there was so many people there, fifty names in our bath house–six bath houses there. There was people from every state in the union, some would only stay to take one course of baths–people coming and going all the time. I often wondered if you wasn't there when you was in the Army four years ago. The old bath houses all burned down and new ones are built now that look like fine hotels. The street car runs two miles along the valley and houses on both sides. The water is hot enough to cook and egg in fifteen minutes where it boils out of the Mountain; it is cooled to 98 degrees fur our baths and we stayed 6 to 9 minutes in the water. Daniel came there and stayed one week while we was there; he took his meals with the family in the old house and slept here, made garden and kept his men at work. There was so much rain in the spring corn is only tolerably good, wheat and oats are poor, the cold weather killed all the peaches and grapes; apples are tolerably good. It is very dry now, no rain for some time. Wesley was married March 7^th to Miss Angie Donnock of Mechanicsburg two miles from where he is in the tile business; he claims he cleared fifteen hundred dollars last year, but I'm afraid he can't do so well this year for there is two tile factories being built in three or four miles of him. Lewis has two children; the little girl is two months old; he is still farming. Mary has no child, has been married two years; she is going all the time with her preacher helping him and acting the part of a good Samaritan, taking care of the sick. Since conference he has married 25 couples and two weeks ago he had 50 probationary members to take in full membership. Florence is still suffering pain and weakness with her head and eyes at times. In four weeks school at Normal, Illinois, commences; she is anxious to go but I fear she can't stay long. She would have graduated last June if she could have been well. Hughey Goodner went away from here last Thursday; he stayed three weeks; his health is poor. He came here from the Asylum at Jacksonville (where he was a nurse) and went home from here. He expects to go back there if he gets better. Thomas is still there. Elmer Lacey spent a week here visiting this summer. He is a very tidy young man and still teaching in the college in St. Louis. (Permit the writer, Lenna, to second that – he also visited us at my father's near Waltenburg and I remember him very well – he wore a silk hat.)[1]

I heard that Keelon one of brother John's twin boys has the rheumatism until he can't walk. He is a very nice little boy; if I was able to work I would like to have him but have to keep a girl most of the time; they are all living among their mother's people, the first station this side of Springfield. Aunt Martha's mind is better but she is not capable of taking care of her children. We went through St. Louis to Hot Springs and Stopped at Salinda's. She says Mother's health is poor. She would enjoy a letter from you ever so much as she always is from any of us and wants to be buried at Old Union. We haven't heard from William this summer. The cholera is now at Cairo and I fear will be bad at St. Louis and perhaps be here. Please write when convenient and I will try to do better. The picture I send is Lewis, my oldest son.

Your letter written November 25^th containing the photographs came two weeks after it was written, and the paper came also. Please accept my thanks. Your picture looks very natural – very much like you did when you started to California. How plain and near it brings those old –times to my recollection; how sad those days were when our dear brother, Franklin, died so far away from home, and you there alone a mere boy with no place to lay your body down to rest that you could came home; again I say how sad it must have been to you. I know Father wished time and again he had never given up for you to go there. I have always wished his body could have been brought back and he could have known it would before he died. I talked to Father about it – he said yes it could, but what was the body, and he didn't expect Franklin cared, but I think he did; but there was no railroad then; it would be no trouble now but I am afraid the grave couldn't be found now. The time may come yet sometime that I may go there for my health, it is so cold here I can hardly live in the winter time. You never looked natural to me after you came home from the Army, but this picture is all right and explains it all and now I feel that you are the same Benson. It has done me a great deal of good, but I feel that I must not keep it for your children need it and Florence says your children wouldn't appreciate it like they would the other one, if she ever gets time to enlarge one of them. I think you have children a good plan to give your daughters an education; there is nothing girls can do so well as at teaching and if they don't want to teach, an education won't hurt them but will set them up in life in their own estimation and in the estimation of other people. Partly on account of my eyes I got a poor education. I have never done an example on a slate in my life – and can't now, neither can I enjoy myself in the company of educated people as I mould like to, and I very much see the need of good schooling. From your description of Spokane Falls, it is a growing business place. I saw Mr. Shrullin Decatur about two months ago. He takes a Spokane Falls paper and brags very much on the place, and says he saw in the paper that you had set out a large orchard or a great deal of small fruit he had forgot which, and thought you had moved to Spokane Falls. I told him I thought not – at least I hadn't heard of your moving. It must have been the girls at school is what he saw. He is still clerking in Linn & Scroggs store. I have Mary and Florence's pictures ready at last to send to you but still feel it is a poor time for any certainty about mail as there is so much snow this time of year. They are both very good. Florence's hair is one yard and a quarter long and is very nice; it is the color of Daniel's.

We would be glad to have all your children's pictures when convenient, but save everything you can to educate them. I have Gertie's when she was a baby. I have some letters you wrote when you was in the Army that I will send as soon as I get time to look for them. They will interest you and all of your family. I have so many sick spells and lose so much time from my work that I never get caught up even if I don't have much family now. I was just able to sit up from a hard spell of bilious fever when your letter came. I am now as well as usual. I went to Mary's the last of November on the 27^th, and took cold. Daniel took me to a Doctor in the buggy to meet the train and I got so cold going. I only stayed four days. They live in Kansas, Illinois, Edgar County, a town of 15 inhabitants. E. B. Randle commenced meeting while I was there and took in 65 members; he weighs two hundred. Keelon is no better. I had a letter from him a few weeks ago, wanting a pair of pants, two shirts and two pair of drawers. I sent them and two bottles of medicine for him to take. Our minister's wife had stiff joints and it loosened them. I hope it will help him. He said Aunt Betsy couldn't keep him and dress him. She is his mother's sister. She and Nora are at their guardians, and Cloyd is staying in the country going to school. I never see George or any of his family. I have never seen his last wife. He is a sanctified Christian and wants nothing to do with us, at least I heard he was sanctified. We never meet any place. I wish him well and hope the day may come sometime when we may meet again. I have nothing against him: I don't know what he has against us.*

James McCracken was here this winter. I gave him your letter to read and told him to tell George what you wrote. He lives in Nashville, Illinois, and was looking for a better place to live. Elijah still lives in Ashley. He has to work – has poor and a hard time I fear. His boys are all married but Hugh; he was in Southwest Missouri, last summer. I have nothing late from William. Laceys are still in St. Louis, doing well.[2]

PS The ground is now covered with snow and good sleighing, but not so cold now as the first week in January; it was the coldest weather I ever knew; some said it was 25 below zero. We saw in the paper the oranges were all frozen in Florida, something that was never known before. We haven't had any peaches for three years. I was in hopes we would have some this year, now I fear the grapes and blackberries are all killed. No fruit agrees with me like peaches. Corn is now 25 cts per bushel and everything else about as it is there, butter 15 cts; those that have it engaged get 25 cts per lb. We offered to take Keelon last summer and keep him awhile if Nora could come to help work. Daniel wrote to Lanham but he wouldn't let her come. I am afraid he wants to hire her out. Salinda wrote she had some clothes for Keelon when he comes here. I wrote to her to send them if she liked to. Lewis is still farming and has three children. Wesley's lease lasts one more year where he makes tile. There are so many tile factories near him he thinks it is time to shove out for a better place and is looking around for a better situation or quit the business and go at something else. He is slim, only weighs one hundred and twenty five. How much do you weigh? I thought the other sheet would hold all I had to tell. Florence is writing a piece on art for the paper. If I can get a paper I will send you one. I will start the pictures with this letter. If Florence goes to school any more I shall try to get Nora to come and live with me; I can't keep house without help. Daniel still keeps a lot of stock, one man all the time and in summer two and often three, but I have quit cooking for them because I can't. He don't work much.

Copy of Letter written by Caroline Goodner Stookey to Joseph Benson Goodner.

This has been as bad a summer as anytime; at least it takes all my time to get my work done. Perhaps if I was younger and stronger I could work faster and have more time to write letters. Your letter telling you had received the girls photographs came sometime ago. I had begun to be afraid they had never reached you and two nice landscape or home pictures of yourself, family and house we suppose they are. When I put them in the stereope it brings them out full and quite real Sallie has changed in her looks more than you have. She looks to be so much fleshier. I don't see but four girls; I thought you had five living. I wonder if you are as gray as you look to be, if you are your beard is as white as Daniel's is. I can scarcely see your eyes at all, but the children's are plain, all but the baby – he looks squinty, but I suppose it was about noon and the sun shone bright, for I see the table set for dinner – I suppose – but can't tell what you had to eat. The yard appeals to be full of flowers, and how much the fawn adds to the picture. All the children are pleased with its appearance. Upon the whole it is a grand picture. It makes me feel that I have seen all of you. The scenery in the other picture is grand, especially the evergreens on the hill. Your orchard, vines and shrubbery – what a large pine tree near the house – and I see a fellow looking around the corner of the house as though he was watching all of you. I can see all of you in this picture and have looked and looked, but your pictures are small for my weak eyes. I don't see how the little boy got outside the fence but can see his head is not as high as the top rail of the fence. I can see a pile of rock or some sheep lying down on the hill I can't. tell which, but the pictures are a nice treat that I was not expecting, and I send my thanks. This has been a very dry season – we only had one good rain in July and only one shower this month. Wheat is good but only sixty five and seventy cts. per bushel. Corn was very promising until dry weather cut it short, and the drought dried up the blackberries but other fruit was pleantier than it has been far years; only peaches, my favorite fruit, there is none here, but plenty in the south part of the state I believe. This dry hot weather just suits me ; I feel better than at any other time of the year. The relatives are all alive and well so far as I know. William had a cancer taken off his lip or mouth by Dr. John H. Lacey in May in St. Louis. I had one letter from him after be went home; he said he was still taking medicine for his blood and was very nervous, but doing well he thought. Keelon's uncle Lanham put him in the cars the fifth of April and sent him here alone, and when he came to Harristown he had to get strangers to carry him into the depot; there he sat for three hours before we knew he was there – a mean trick. Lanham wrote to me to take him or he would take him to the poor house. I told him I would, but Nora must come too. He wrote if I would pay him sixty dollars a year he would keep him, but I thought I would let him rest awhile; I had no right to pay him to keep Keelon, and here he sent him without even telling me be was coming and wouldn’t let Nora come or she wouldn't come I don't know which. I have doctored him all summer and am beginning to think he can't be cured. He is sixteen yeas old, hearty and well, but has to walk on his hands and knees. I will keep him until October then I will take him to his uncle where his mother is; she can work, is well – only is ill at times; Matthews is well off and may put Keelon to a trade – shoe ma king or some sitting work. I am sick hall the time in winter and can't keep him. William sent me ten dollars and said he would send ten more, and that will help to pay his board until he can support himself. Salinda and I have clothed him for the last two years. Please find some of your letters with this one written in the Army.

(The original of this letter is in the possession of Margaret Wendler Bond in Burlingame, California, and was copied by Mrs. Lenna Goodner Goit, and recopied by Hubert W. Lacey.)

Your long and very interesting letter of November 8^th, came a few days ago; have much sorrowful news to tell you but suppose some of the relatives have written to you before now. Elmer Lacey told me he had sent a dispatch to you about the death of his mother. It didn't seem possible she should die so soon after Elijah's death. My dispatch came a little before twelve o'clock, November 10^th. She died before daylight, I didn't learn the exact time for I didn't think to ask, all as in such deep distress, especially Uncle John; he is completely broke up, the boys all away all day at work and he left alone in Elmer's three story brick house. They just moved in five months ago. Daniel went to Decatur with me that evening and I took the early train and was at Dr. Laceys by hall past one o'clock. The funeral was that afternoon at half past one o'clock at Watertower church near their home. Rev. Haggerty took for his text Mary has chosen the good part. He praised her for her benevolent qualities and said that everyone that knew her liked her – he had known her for ten years and for her religious ways as being one of the masters workers in his vineyard and spoke of a protracted meeting where the minister called on her every night to lead in prayer. She took right hold of the work and stood to her post all the time – she died calling to the Master to take her – she was ready. We then went to Bellefontaine cemetery one mile and a half away and there I saw her laid in her last resting place, a large Cemetery. The floral decorations was the nicest I ever saw; the President where Elmer teaches sent an arch of flowers two feet high; in the arch was a white dove and at the bottom these words At Rest. The coffin cost one hundred dollars, made of cedar wood and covered in black and mounted with silver. What noble boys they are. I think Elmer done the most of it; he is a good Christian and Superintendent of the Sunday School. She died of pneumonia or lung fever and was taken sick the night Elijah died and was delirious that night and the next day and was not able to go in the room where the funeral was. This was Thursday and Friday Florence Goodner and Will Goodner took her to Ashley on a bed in a wagon three or four miles and then Florence took her home from there and could hardly get her home she was so sick, and stayed there a week and thought me was better and went out to Belleville to make her visit there and didn't get back until her Aunt was dead but left word for them to write to her if she was not better. Dr. Lacey said Salinda pitied Florence more than she did herself after she went home; she says the poor child Florence did have such a hard time with all of us sick folks. Florence took it hard because she left her Aunt, but her [word omitted] had written to her to go to Belleville and she thought he didn't like it because she stayed there. Florence said she sat up three nights in succession at Will Goodner's where Elijah and Aunt Mary was taken after they was hurt. Mary is getting well; they was on the last load and hadn't gone far and going down hill he let the horses trot and the load slid forward and they both went down under the horses feet. They commenced kicking and running and kicked Elijah’s head and bruised and cut it until it was covered with blood; he was insensible and never knew anything. The last letter I had from him he said he was hauling and it was a hard place to make a living. James McCracken has lately moved near George (Warrensburg); he said Elijah had had a hard time lately and expected he would have to be helped through the winter. When Florence went there she felt very sorry for them she gave them five dollars I had given her for a birthday present and wrote to me to send some money. I sent her ten more but poor Elijah was gone then and couldn't know it to cheer him up. They telegraphed for me but the weather was damp and cold and I get sick so easy I didn't think it was safe for me to go, and Keelon is still here and I couldn’t leave him when the dispatch was sent. Florence was at her Aunt Salinda’s they both went. Florence expected to find me there. She hasn’t come home yet but went to E. B. Randles yesterday and will come home next week; it will make seven weeks she has been gone and she only expected to be gone four. George wasn't at either place. A letter from William a few days ago – he had just started four miles to cut and haul a load of wood and when he came home it was too late for him to be at the funeral or he would have been there. Dr. Lacey had written for one of the Primm women, his cousins, to come and keep house for him awhile but I haven't heard. She has a son and daughter grown. Her name is Reynals now. Lizzy and Hester are still in Kansas. Lizzy has a music wrote; and Hester is clerking. Willie has two little boys. Tom Goodner is in Denver, Colorado, running a brick kiln and Hughey was in Tennessee – had taken a contract on a railroad and didn’t get home in time to see his father but was at Salinda’s funeral. I stayed there until Monday and then came home and Florence went back to Belleville. Keelon is no better. I have bought medicine and strengthening plasters and tried hard to get him to walking until I am clear discouraged and spent all the money I have to spare. He ought to be learning a trade but no one seems to want to be bothered with him. I didn’t want to keep him this winter. I wrote to his Uncle Matthews that I couldn't (where his mother is, he has over seven hundred acres of land) and to meet Keelon at the train. I intended to go with him, and Matthews wrote to me he wouldn't receive him, for me to send him to some of his father’s brothers or write; to his guardian and I knew he would tell me the same that Matthews did. There are no shops in our little town but blacksmith. I expect that if I did get him to make something for himself, his guardian would take all he could make so I don't know what to do with him. We have had a very dry summer but not so hot as you speak of, but it cut the corn short – but it is over half a crop. I think now if you are still hauling you will suffer with the cold. It must be a good country for fruit and vegetables or you couldn’t half as well as you do. I have taken another good look at your photographs and can see that you look more like the Goodners every time. It only makes me want to see all of you the more, but I am afraid that can never be, and have decided my namesake Carrie is a fine looking girl. None of my children have named a child for me, but Lewis wanted to call their last one for me, but Leona named her Annis for her Aunt. I think that country will soon be ahead of this, the way it is improving. If we could only see ahead, how wealthy we might be, but we cannot gather up spilt milk. Why didn't you vote the Prohibition ticket with your wife? I think all the women here would vote; as she did if it was allowed. We had more small fruit this summer than usual but none to sell. Our apples are not much account and no peaches. I have a good two story brick house to live in, but have never had any better clothes or better victuals than the average people, and have always had to work until Jimmy died, then I concluded it was time to quit farming, my children all grown and I was broke down. Florence was twenty–three the fourth day of October. I hope I can keep her two years longer and when she is gone I can't keep house any more I tell all of them.

PS We have a young minister this year. He has been principal of the school in Pana for two years and was paid 10 or 12 hundred dollars a year and was offered that this year. The Elder says to him – Now think what you are doing. There you only get six hundred. Well if it is the Lord's will I could preach a year or two for nothing, he says. His name is Gibbs. Love to all.

PS William's address is Bogard, Missouri. He has moved from Carrolton. I don't know what county. His cancer is not entirely well – I think I told you he went to John Lacey last May or June and had it taken off his lip. Salinda’s obituary came today in the C. C. Advocate. I will send you one as soon as I can get one. Wesley has been Secretary of the rue workers convention for 4 or 5 years. He is Superintendent of their Sunday School and has Bible reading and song service when their minister is away. I was sixty–one last June 26^th day. I am 14 years older than Mother was and have outlived all of my sisters. What my life is spared for is a mystery to me. Can it be for any good that I have done – but I am very glad that I still live, but when Florence leaves me. My work is done while you have much to do yet until your family is grown, so take care of your health and be careful when you are on your wagon.

Your letter came this PM. I am just in from the street and heard the bad news of McKinley’s assassination. Bad thing. I have never been much of a Roosevelt man. The heat is oppressive again and I am suffering still from the July weather. I have to take too much of cooling medicine. It is so extremely dry. There is but little news. All the old houses on the East Side of 6^th bel. Ky. & York are moved out except Koenig & Whrs Shop, and it is on jacks ready to move out; the excavating at 6^th & York for depot is finished but it is not known by the majority whether it for freight or passenger.

If you have a letter I wrote you and mailed to Denver you will see the names of grandfathers' children in regular order. If you haven't I will send the names next letter. You haven't them right. The McCracken children have double names, Benjamin Milus, James Washington, Wm. Lytle, Henry Benson & Thomas Franklin. I had forgotten Marshall, have no recollection of him. Now, Elijah's, – Tom. Jef., Benjamin Walker, Hugh Comstock, etc. William Baylus was Luverba's oldest. He was called Bud. He was sensible like Moody. They were very much alike. There were only three. Caroline 's oldest was named Adeline. She was born the same year that Frank McCracken, Charley Gooding & Tom were. There was another, Cornelius, between Lewis & Wesley. They were buried in St. Clair County, also Luverba & Baylus & Elijah's Walker. Brother Franklin was buried in San Francisco. Nancy Hester & David Andrew, between Salinda & I, are buried there. (He means St. Clair Co) Hester was ten when she died and little David only two. The cemetery is called Old Union. Conrad & Elizabeth Goodner were buried at Nashville, Illinois. Grandmother Jackson's maiden name was Catherine Goodner. She was sister to Grandfather. Sophronia Shank's mother & my mother was sisters & fathers were brothers. Sophronia Shank is not like George, but she is very quiet. I wish you had seen her again. Tell me if she looks old and about her children. Is she poor & is she a widow? I could tell you the names of the greater part of Father's brothers and sisters children.– Mother has a sister who married a Mr. Wood. She had two sons that I know of. The elder named Leonard, and the younger, Richard. Mother had one or two brothers that I know of. A son of one of them was at fathers quite a while. His name was Marion. He went to California and from there to Australia. I never heard more from him. He originated in Hardin C0. , m. Grandfather Jackson 's first name was William, I believe. I don't know his nationality but I believe he was part Irish. Father was born in June, 1795 & died in December, 1863. Mother was born in 1798 & died in June, 1845. She gave birth to triplets between Elijah and Luverba. It was the 4^th birth and was premature. There were 13 births & 15 children. Sallie Browning's (not Brownlow) husband was a very bad man. They were divorced in St. Clair County, Illinois & she returned to Tennessee & lived & died with her oldest brother, John. (Balance of this letter is missing.)

Copy of Letter from George Washington Goodner to his daughter, Lenna, 9–9–1901.

I forgot to send your sketch back in my last. I will add that I don't know the politics of Grandfather. Father was a Whig, and all of his brothers were Democrats. When the republican party was formed, Francis & Elijah & father all were republicans. I may be too fast for Francis. May have been dead prior to that. I believe that he was. His son James J. was republican though. I don't know about Jacob but he was strong antislavery and I believe he was republican, although his son, Salem, was & I presume is still democrat. Godfrey I guess was republican for his unionism cost him his life during the war. The pictures have just arrived & Rafe's letter. The work on the pictures is very good but your expression in all your pictures are rather strained. The most natural picture of you would be taken unaware to you. There is a little too much attempt of smile on the one with dressed neck or I should have chosen it, but perhaps I will choose another. I would rather the neck was clothed. Did you know you had an infant brother born prematurely the 16^th of April, 1870 & lived three days? And that another dark eyed sister which looked just like Nellie was buried on your mother's arm? Well, the McKinley news is all good today. The Melenial dawnist says God permits evil. I don't know anything about Uncle D's book. All I know I got from Dr. George in Chicago. I suppose he got from his parents. Perhaps it was nothing but a pamphlet. You must remember it is a Methodist Protestant work, a protest against Episcopalism. I suppose that Conrad Goodner was simply a farmer. It is possible he started the tanning business in the family. Jacob speaks of brother Brownin (Browning). He must have come to Illinois with Jacob. It was in St. Clair Co. where he had trouble. Aunt Sallie went back to Tenn. and spent her last days with her brother, John. Send a card to Aunt Jeannette at Bogard, Mo. when you send to Lacey, asking where they are. If you write to Will Goodner, direct to Spokane Bridge, (Wash.) C/O J. B. Goodner. He will send it to him. I write so slow and got so much of it to do. I don't know what Uncle Benson remembers about these things. He can't write, but I guess he could get it done. He remembers well. I used to have a tin type of Uncle James but I don't know where it is.

I suppose you heard that Frank Garner and Cora Jansen are married. They were at Chicago and sang for Ince's congregation. I don't mind being alone, but this house ought to be occupied and bringing some money in. I have 59 little chicks & three hens to hatch yet. George told me that his brother, James J. said that grandpap (Conrad) was the best man ever was. I remember of seeing him once. He still lived on the farm he lost. I don't suppose I was more than four or five years old. Father went over horse back and I rode behind him. Conrad was paralyzed, his hands were hooked with fingers pointing to elbows. He was sitting in bed by windows, and father was standing on outside talking to him. Aunt Jane or

Grandma gave me a lump of sugar. He didn't look dutchified. Uncle Elijah lived in the neighborhood. About the time Conrad had to give up the place, Uncle sold out and took his parents to Washington County with him. Uncle Francis was in the neighborhood & he sold about that time & Uncle John Holcomb too. He married father's youngest sister, Elizabeth. Uncle Jacob was already living near Nashville, Illinois. then. So they all got together out there but father. The State elections in those days were held the first Monday in August. Grandmother was always on hand with ginger bread & sweet cider.

Did you talk any to Sophronia Shank about the Goodner genealogy. If you are writing to Knott get him to ask Sophronia about Uncle David's book, and other things that you may think of. She will know as much about it as George. I think I have a copy of Marriages, births and deaths which I got at Laceys when I was in St. Louis. I don't remember whether I copied it from the bible or from a record that Salinda had copied. I am rather of the opinion that Julia Baker has that old German bible. That is my first guess at least. Suppose you write to Stover at Seehorn and ask him if he knows whether Lacey has the old German bible, or if he knows where it is. I don't know anything about him whether he is there or not, but I suppose he is, he sowed wheat last fall. Maybe you would find out whether it is at Bakers or not. The weather has been very gloomy for quite a while but today the sun shone some. Well it is late, and I must go to bed. Good Night.

Part of a Letter from George Washington Goodner to his daughter, addressed to Lenna at Chicago, Illinois.

I was looking at a map to see which way you would be likely to go. I see that Knoxville and Atlanta is on line from Cincinnati. If you go to Knoxville, then you will go by Cleveland where I ate breakfast with John Goodner and then you will soon be at Chattanooga where you will Strike the Memphis and Charleston RR. There you will see Lookout Mt. four miles to the SW, and Missionary Ridge to the east extending a few miles to the north. At the extreme north end is where I was (Sherman's corps) and Thomas' in the center, and I forgot who commanded the south end, during the great battle. Hooker, in the commencement, drove them from Lookout Mt. to the south end of the ridge, that is, a small portion of the rebel army.

If you will pass there, and in daylight, you will get some idea of the magnitude of that great battle. Then you are 130 miles from Atlanta. You will pass a station not far from Chattanooga called Resacca. There is where we met them the next spring, 1864, and it was some fighting nearly every day till they gave us a big battle on the 21^st or the 22^nd of June at Atlanta, the battle at Resacca taking place about the 1^st of May. Before you get to Atlanta, you pass to Kennesaw Mt, alone Mt. I had a narrow escape from a bursting shell fired from the top of it. I was four miles west of it when it bursted. East of Atlanta about 20 miles is another lone Mt., called Stone Mountain. I don't believe you will see any more mountains after that. In the fall, Sep, we took up our march to the sea at Savannah on the Savannah River. It may be that you will go by Savannah. If you do you will cross the Ogechee river some 20 miles to the south. At that river you will be a few miles west of where fort McAllister was built, and where the rebels had big guns to command the river. It was built at the edge of tide water. There were ships down at the mouth of the river with supplies for Sherman's army, 70 or 80 thousand men. Our regt, 116^th Illinois, and the 6^th and 8^th Missouri had to capture the fort. It was on the south bank, and we formed a half moon while the tide was in. Our regt. had to form on the river below. We had to crawl around a few at a time to get in line. The fort was taken, and in a few hours the ships came up and we got first rations. That was as near as I got to Florida. Perhaps you have a day set to start, or can let me know the next time you write, and what road you will go on. When I am writing of these things I forget my trouble for the time, and feel better. It may be that I will write to Miss Huff, but I don't know that I can interest her. How soon does she expect to start.

There is more to write but I can't think of any more just now. You had better take this sheet along with you.

I got letter from you yesterday. Gen. Hamilton died suddenly last Thursday at Josiah Barnes, north of locust on 12^th St. While the funeral was being held yesterday, Barnes was stricken at his home and was in bad shape last night.

Charley Bimson tumbled over also about the same time. The German M. E. folks dedicated their 8^th & Ky. St. church today. If you get as far east as Scottsboro you ought to go on to Chattanooga. I don't think it is more than 50 miles from

Scottsboro. When we left Tuscumbia to return west again, we stopped a day or two at Cherokee Station. We had stopped two or three days of rainy weather and I with a few showers slept in an empty house. Something very unusual to sleep under shelter. . Then we went north and crossed the river somewhere west of Florence into Tenn. Then we, went east through Pulaski, and turned south again in time to strike the RR near Paint Rock. Then we followed the R. R. past Woodville, Larkinsville, Scottsboro, Stevenson & Bridgeport, and other small stations. When we returned that winter our Brigade spent four months at Larkinsville, from first of Jan. to first of May, '64. Then we returned to Chattanooga and started the Atlanta campaign which brought us to the sea in November. While at Larkinsville, Logan, was in command of the 15 corps (ours) with headquarters at Huntsville, the corp being scattered all along the RR. At Stevenson a RR intersects the M & C from Nashville. There were no towns that were respectable villages between Scottsboro & Chattanooga then, else you could arrange to give concerts to pay expenses to Chattanooga. Then you would want a carriage drive up and down the ridge. Remember I was at the extreme north end and crossed the river in the first night which is about one mile to the west. It is not far from Chattanooga to Cleveland, and there are several more little towns up that RR where you might do well if you had time to arrange, and up there you surely would find Goodners. If you run out of money I could send you some to Memphis. The weather is getting warmer but not sultry. The grass is greening but the buds are not swollen. The limits of the temperature ranges from 30 to 60.

We are all around but I am not feeling well. I will close and start this at once.

PS Could not the trio of you strike a town in the morning and arrange through the day for a concert at night. I have heard it said before I expected to see Huntsville that it was one of the prettiest towns in the south. I expect you will find old people who can show you where Logan’s headquarters was. The day I was there I saw him in a picture gallery getting pictures taken. Sherman had been promoted.

Copy of Letter to Lenna Goodner from her father, G. W. Goodner, March 25^th, 1902.

I thought I would write you again. If you want to go to Chattanooga while you are so near it would pay you to do so as you would never have so good an opportunity again. John Goodner had a brother living four miles southwest of Cleveland at the foot of Whiteoak mountain. His name was James,* and he had a son James in Cleveland that morning, a fine looking young man, a few years my junior. He told me he had been driving a government team in Kentucky and had come home on a visit while Sherman’s was passing through there, as it was not safe at any other time. Said he was going back.

John and James[1] were sons of Uncle John, father's oldest brother, and wanted father to be partner with him in the tan yard business when father left there, as seems that father was his favorite brother. You might find some of the Cleveland Goodners in Chattanooga, and if not it would not cost much to run up to Cleveland. Minnie could go on to Memphis if she did not want to wait, and you could follow in two or three days. If that road which runs down to Stevenson from Nashville is a branch of the L & N then your fare would be free from Stevenson to St. Louis unless you chose to go to Memphis.

I got a letter yesterday from Lewis asking your address and I expect you will get a letter from him along with this one. If you run out of money I can send you more. The Chickamauga National Cemetery is a few miles east of Mission Ridge, and no doubt if you find some Goodners there they would take you out there. It is where Rosecrans' federal army was defeated by Braggs confederate army and was driven across the Tenn. River, and Bragg occupied the Ridge, Chattanooga & Look Out. Immediately after the defeat we got marching order from Vicksburg. If John and James* are alive they must be a little past 80; but some of James'* children may be in that region. You could find old people living there who would tell you all about them. I thought if I waited till I got another letter from you it would be too late to write this. Good Night.

(Written to Miss Lennie Goodner, Huntsville, Alabama, and forwarded to Montgomery, Alabama, from her father, George Washington Goodner, Illinois State Street, Quincy, Illinois. Miss Goodner at the time was on a concert tour.)

Copy of Letter from George Washington Goodner to his daughter, Lenna Goodner. Dated April 6^th, 1902. Copied March 11^th, 1957, by Hubert W . Lacey.

Your Memphis letter came today. So much rain was a great misfortune to you. Well, I shall write to the PM at Cleveland in regard to John & James Goodner.

There is a prettier spring near Tuscumbia than the one at Huntsville, and fully as large. It flows out of a rock. Did you see any sign of the old stockade at Corinth?

The greatest fright I got while in the army was at Memphis. It was in the suburbs and I was guarding horses & provender. It was by moonlight. I was leaning on a bale of hay which was under a large tree and about half asleep when a large owl which was high up in the tree screamed suddenly. I believe it was to the SE of the city and perhaps is a part of the city now. I believe that horse shoe bend is above Memphis. It is a bend of thirty miles. You will turn around and go back south for about fifteen miles. The distance across the heel is very short. There is nice scenery above Cairo on the Missouri side.

There is not much news here. After two weeks of rough Easter weather it has got warm enough to do without fire. Last Friday was the first clear day in all that time. No snow and but little rain. It does seem so strange that we can't have a wet spell once more to fill the cisterns and soak the earth.

Dick & Weller have taken down their front fences. and Weller took down the board fence between our houses and put his front fence in stead. Schmidt & Purpose are going to take down their front fences, so I shall take down ours.

I have no news from any once except Aunt Jeannette who wrote she is still at Bogard. Five months ago to day I fired up the furnace and shoveled in coal this morning. I will never run it that way again. Besan came yesterday from Chicago where he went a few days ago from St. Louis, and will return to St. Louis to night, so Demsy says.

Senator John McAdams' son. Harry tried to kill himself in a Chicago hotel last Friday with strychnine & lead. The wound is not fatal and the strychnine was too big. He will recover. Officer Gus Hellhake, night policeman, shot himself in the head at the old Hellhake place SW comer of 7^th & Oak yesterday, and recovery is against him.

I show Rafe your letters but he don't say much. He still goes to school and stays there, or some where, till supper. But I am getting some of the heaviest work done by him. He seems to be practicing football. Well I will close. I can't go to St. Louis till warm weather.

Your letter of yesterday rec'd. Don't write to Will. for records of father's old bible. I have a copy. Think I wrote so once. I have just finished bugging the potatoes & am too nervous to write. There are three or four anxiously waiting letters from me. I got a roll of Chattanooga papers two weeks ago from Dr. D. M. Goodner. He is mayor of Fayetteville, Tenn. He sent note saying he would write letter in a few days. One sheet contained a picture of himself. He was born in 1849 & Uncle David died in 1848. Blooming died in 1842 a M. P. preacher on the Hundsville circuit. A victim of exposure. Superior was Dr. D. M.'s father and died in 1885. Born in 1815. He knows nothing of John C. I got his letter last Thursday. The picture was in the paper. I wrote Rapha & sent the picture and told him to send it on to you. I got answer but he did not say anything about it. Maybe he sent it to his man first. She has got too much to do with him. He is having a hard time he thinks. No doubt. Says he is too tired when he gets to his room of nights to write. I have to write such long letters. I copied in part from Dr. D. M.'s letters to brother Bens. Mrs. Don ("Carlos") & Mrs. Hockensmith. I want to copy from it for John Goodner & Dr. W. B. or I would send it to you this time. Aunt Orpha died in 1851. Her name was Orpha Rosebrough.

If you get that picture you will see a typical Goodner. He sent me an old book written by Uncle David. It is in writing and is copies of old songs & melodies. Some that I sang long ago. There is a great long rhyme of his composing as a memorial to the M. P. Conference of Blooming's ministerial labor and death. The following not was in the letter. This book (the leather & string was tanned and made by David Goodner. The first date in the book is 1809 and the last is 1846. It is 4 x 7½ in and ⅝" thick. It looks just like fathers' writing. I have to send it back. I would like for you to see it and copy Uncle David's memorial in the M. P. Conference. He had seven children. Three of them girls, and all are dead. The two younger boys, Samuel & David, died in early childhood. Now in 1817 his family consisted of eight. David, Orpha, Superior & Blooming. Godfrey was not there. John C. learned the trade with David, and was no doubt the fifth. Who were the other three, two hired men and one woman? The mystery of John C. deepens. I asked brother Benson what he knows about it. I wrote to Charley Goodner for Martha Logan’s address. She is Will's mother in law and daughter of Uncle Godfrey. She took Will's two girls to Texas to her sister. She is sister to Milton at lamed, Kansas, and he knew who John C’s father was.

David's daughters were Malinda, born in 1819, Eliza born in 1823, Martha born in 1827, Samuel was born in 1822 & David in 1830.

Superior had four children, three boys and one girl. Blooming C. (I wonder if that C. is for Cunningham) is living at Blue Grove, Texas, Clay Co. and my sister Mary E. Buchanan lives at Howell, Lincoln County, Tennessee, about six miles from this place, and my other brother, William Samuel, died in Sulphur Springs, Texas, in 1887, and left a widow with four girls and one boy, Edward. They live in Ft. Worth, Texas. Brother B. C. has six or eight children, and sister has a large family. I, David Milton Goodner, am the youngest child, and my wife & myself are enjoying good health, and as much of life as we should. We have one child, a daughter, 23 years old. She has been married 13 months, and we are all living together. She married J. M. McWilliams who is practicing medicine and selling drugs. I wrote you to see about stopping the daily News. Did you get that letter? I would send you father's family record but I want to copy it for Dr. D. M. who is looking for a letter.

As Benson's letter came this AM. I will send it to you at once, so that if you have not written to him you had better do so pretty soon. You will observe that his memory is pretty green yet and he may tell something that you may want to know. In my last letter to John of Cleveland I asked for the age, or birth, of his brother Cyrus, who was Conrad's oldest grandson. It has been 120 years since the birth of Uncle John, and Cyrus might be nearly 100 if living. But still he could not be the father of John C. Today I mailed a letter to the P.M. of Georgetown, Vermilion County, Illinois, asking for the address of G. W. Goodner if in that County, or some other Goodner not under 40 years old. I want to find out if they descended from Gottlieb Goodner. As Dr. W. B. has things mixed so I thought I would write to John Green Goodner, of Waters Polk County, Ark. Dr. W. B. says that his father, James Monroe, was born in 1833. That was 70 years ago. Then he says that his aunt was second to Monroe, (his father) and John Green third from his father, and again he says that John Green is about 75 years old.

I asked John Green if he remembers uncle Godfrey, Columbus & Milton. I asked him if his grandfather's name was John. I told him of Martha Logan and who was her father. Told him that her father liked John C, his father. That they were only second cousins. If Cyrus was John C.(s) father, then John of Cleveland would be John C (s) uncle, and John says he never heard of a John Goodner moving to Ark. But Dr. W. B. has several things mixed, and quotes Guilford Dudley instead of John Green, who is older, that I concluded to try John Green. If he is 75 years old he knows where his grandfather lived, and who he was. My mother had a sister Mary Jackson. I think she was older than mother. Her husband's name was Woods, or Wood. It may be that he was son of the father Woods that Uncle John mentions in one of his letters. We called her aunt Polly Woods, but I don't remember of ever seeing her. I think they stopped in Hardin County, Illinois, where mother's brother lived. I believe his name was Andrew Jackson, but I am not sure. Aunt Polly had a son Leonard Woods, or Wood.[2]

You had better ask Benson which name is right. I remember that Leonard was at our house in the long ago and that is about all I remember about it. Ask Benson if he knows where Leonard settled. She had another son named Richard. There is a family named Huffman that have agreed to move into the house some time next week. They have two grown daughters who are stenographers. He is a moulder. They bought a lot at the Chaddocks sale some years ago on the north side of Ky. St, and built. Lately they sold out. She is a very large stout woman and I guess they are not afraid of work. I will also send Dr. D. M. letter and you can return them. We have too much rain. Goodnight.

Copy of Letter from George Washington Goodner to Jeanette Goodner, December 28^th, 1903.

I will write you a few lines and risk their finding you, as I have not heard from you since last summer, and know that you are not bound anywhere, and knowing that in these days a letter may travel many hundreds of miles in a very few days. I have to say that my health is as good as it was when I saw you last. A few weeks ago I was down for a week with catarrh in my head & eyes, and neuralgia with it. My eyes are still affected by it. They can't stand the electric lights at all. My right eye has a cataract forming a cover over it, and the left one will soon be in the same fix.

The rest of them got back in October, and Rapha is going to the college. I haven't any news to tell you about any of the kin more than I got a letter not long ago from John Goodner of Cleveland, Tennessee. It stated that his sister, Martha York, died six miles from that place a few weeks ago, aged 81. An older sister, Mrs. Nancy Dillahay, died last May in another county. John is in his 84^th year, and is the only child of Uncle John Goodner that is living. I ate a breakfast with him 40 years ago this month. It was only a few days after father's death. I had just heard of it, and I remember of telling John about it.

I have corresponded with more than a dozen of the connection since last February. Have corresponded with two great grandsons of a brother of Conrad Goodner, whose name was Henry. My last correspondent is Rev. M. G. G. Scherer, a Lutheran minister of Charleston, South Carolina. He is a great grandson of a brother of father's mother, whose name was Fredrick Scherer. Their father's name was Jacob Daniel Scherer, who came to America in 1748. He married Hannah Sophia Dick. Jacob Daniel's father's name was Nicholas Scherer, who left a small estate in Germany. Grandma had six brothers, and Christian, who lived in Preble County, Ohio, wrote to grandma in 1835, that he would give he his share of the estate if she could get it, and sent her the papers giving proof that their father Jacob Daniel, was the lawful heir to Nicholas Scherer's estate, giving date of his baptism, description of his trade, etc. Now I want you to tell me whether William found those papers when he took charge of father's letters & papers. Rev. Scherer is tracing back the Scherer genealogy and he wants me to inform him in what part of Germany Nicholas Scherer resided. He has changed the spelling of the name to Scherer. Uncle Christian spelled it Sharer, Sherer, Sherrer & Shearer. I sent Rev. Scherer a copy of his grandfather's letter of 18l3: and subsequently copies of four letters written in 1822, 1823, 1825 & 1835, all written in Ohio, one by Daniel Scherer, son of grandma’s brother, Jacob, and the other three by her brother, Christian. Benson wrote me that your son, W. G, has a Scherer letter written in Germany more than 100 years ago. Do you know of anyone else having old letters besides W. G. & Elmer Lacey.

Do you know whether Caroline got some of the old letters or not. I have another genealogical correspondent in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her name is Mrs. Ophelia J. Bryant. She is a great grand daughter of Uncle James Goodner. She has promised me that she will search the records of Guilford, Alamance, Orange & Randolph counties of that State for the enlistment of Conrad Goodner in the army of the Revolution, and for the marriage of Conrad Goodner to Elizabeth Scherer. She will look out also for the marriage of William Jackson to Catherine Goodner, by my request. I wrote to Thomas Conrad Goodner, son of Uncle James & he told me of his sister in Rome, Tennessee, Mrs. Elizabeth Caroline Grissim, 83 years old. I wrote to her and got reply stating that her daughter, Mrs. Coles of Nashville, was visiting a relative in Charlotte, North Carolina, and when she came home she would get her to write for her.. I wrote to her again and got reply from Mrs. Coles, telling me of Mrs. Bryant. I next wrote to Mrs. Coles of the Scherers in North Carolina, and told her to tell Mrs. Bryant to look out for them, and if she found some of them and got to comparing genealogies without success, to write to me and I would help her out. Pretty soon I got a letter from Mrs. Bryant stating that Mrs. Grissim & Mrs. Coles had sent her my three letters. Said that she had made application to join the daughters of the Revolution on the Fite line. John Fite was her great grandfather's father–in–law, a soldier of the Revolution. Then she gave me her genealogy back to John Fite. Her father's name was Turner, and her grandfather's name was Cartwright, whose wife was Martha Goodner, daughter of Uncle James. She questioned me closely about Conrad Goodner & Elizabeth Scherer, which she got out of my letters. Said she didn't know that she could go back further on the Goodner line than James Goodner. She is 27 years old & was educated in Nashville. Her husband is a South Carolinian; was educated at Vanderbilt University, and is Secretary & Treasurer of the Cotton Manufacturers Association.

We were very much surprised a few days ago to receive a letter from Mrs. M. E. Logan enquiring of my Great Aunt Mrs. Myers.

We had about decided that the Goodner kin from my grandmother Neeley's side of the house had become extinct, but from Mrs. Logan we learn that many of the Goodner kin yet live, also through her we learn of you and your whereabouts, and I will first explain to you who I am and then, as you can see that we are the offspring of the same noble ancestors, and that the ties of kindred are not so distant, you may take a greater interest in what I say. You have probably heard that your Aunt Louisa Goodner was married to Nathan Neeley of Grandville, Tennessee. She was the mother of four children; my mother is the oldest one of these children, therefore you and she must be first cousins. My mother married Dr. E. M. Burton, who, at that time, was a merchant in Grandville.

I am a young man twenty three years old, just preparing myself to venture out into the business world.

I have made one tour through the West but have never been as far north as South Dakota. I now anticipate a trip west some time in the near future. I'm much better satisfied with the vim and energy of the Western States than I am with the crowded business states down South and East. It may be that sometime in "The rambles of youth" I may be able to see you or at least some of the kinfolks, and should any of you ever visit the grand old "State of Tennessee,” it would be a pleasure to us to entertain you at our rural home, not only this, but we would like for any of you to treat yourselves to some special holidays and come to see us.

Now, if you will excuse me for taking the liberty to learn more of you all, as "Blood of my blood and flesh of my flesh,” and to be more able to appreciate you as descendants of the same ancestral geniuses, I will close. Hoping that you will, in leisure moments, write me at Chestnut Mound, RR One, Tennessee, and that the ties of kindred; the quick winged ship and the "Iron Horse" on his steel paved track may bring a welcome meeting.

Copy of Letter from George W. Goodner to his daughter. Lenna, March 21^st, 1906. Addressed to Miss Lennie Goodner, 2923 Indiana Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Copied by Hubert W. Lacey, March 11^th, 1957.

Your letter rec'd this P.M. I wrote to Scherer to keep the old letters until he was satisfied that he would need them no more. I told him that I didn't know how many of them he intended to photograph & set in his book, but I thought it would be well to have all the Sherer letters photographed so that he could fill orders for them, as I thought a great many would want them. He replied & thanked me for extending the time & said that his uncle was coming to see them & others after the storms were over & said he would send them next Monday. He didn't give me any satisfaction though about how many he would photograph. He sent me a letter written by his grandfather's widow, his great step–grandmother. She thinks that old Aunt Albert was a distant relative. He thinks she was Jacob D. & George T's sister, who came over after their parents died, to live with Jacob D. & married & became widow. Since Uncle James' letter (W. G. G. sent him about 12 old Goodner letters), he has draped the idea of her not being related to the Goodner's, because the Goodners were concerned about her. So he has fell back to Jacob D's sister, while I believe that she was grandma's sister & the oldest of the family. Some one kept a record & I find that the old letters have corrected that record in two or three places. His uncle & I are second cousins & his grandfather & father were first cousins. I sent him a letter Monday night & as he uncle was coming to see the old letters, I put an old Photograph of father to show to his uncle. It is recently that they heard of the Goodners & the old letters. I asked him if he could see any Sherer features in the photograph. Did you know that Dr. Cy. Demsy is in Los Angeles. Well, I would think that you wouldn't want any of them for callers. I hate for you to get so far away unless my affairs were in better shape. I thought if you stay in Chicago that I would tell Rapha that he must go to Chicago this summer when he gets a week of rest.

He says he can't find anything to do here. He ought to have spent every while at home in the college. It is no use now for him to go & half hear something else.

I wrote to Cyrus Tucker about Scherer's history & told him to ask old Henry Albert what country he lived in, in Ohio & if he knew anything of Albert's living in Guilford County, North Carolina, about 90 years ago.

This last snow was a bad one to stick to houses. I had some trouble yesterday & today about getting the snow water to go down the pipes. What do you think of a man of my age being upon the edges of the roof of this tall house cutting the ice out of the gutters?

I started a letter today to Dr. W. B. Goodner, telling him about his great grandmother, Mary Goodner. You see that it is pretty certain that Henry Goodner had two brothers under 16 in 1790 & I am a little suspicious that the Indiana & Danville Goodners are their descendants. There was a Henry at Danville, Illinois, who might have been Tennessee Henry's nephew.

Copy of Letter from George W. Goodner to his daughter. Lenna, April 3^rd, 1906. Copied

I thought to write you a few lines tonight. This has been a summer day, the temperature having up to 76. Rapha is here & heard nothing from King yet. I got a letter from Mrs. L D. Allison of McKinney, Texas. She sent me a record of births & deaths of uncle James & aunt Sally. She was 81 the 31^st of March & does her own writing. She lives with a son, R. F. Dowell, who is city clerk & for 14 years has been a widower. Then I got letter from Laura A. Wall of Belle Rive, Jefferson County, Illinois. She is Uncle Elijah's youngest daughter & half sister to the older ones, Marinda Ham & Will of Howard, Kansas. She has a record of the births of Conrad & Elizabeth & their children, drawn in 1817 by Uncle Francis, in his 18^th year, so it must be reliable as he was still at home & his parents must have seen it & perhaps asked him to write it. Conrad was born in 1756, month figures not given. Elizabeth was born in June 1765. This gives room for her sister to be 10 or 12 years older. It is the strongest evidence yet that "old Aunt Albert" was her sister, as grandma was 49 in 1814, so Aunt Albert could easily have been 60 & if not healthy could easily have been called "old" by Jacob, her nephew. I wrote to Cyrus Tucker to talk to old Henry Albert about the Sherers in Ohio & North Carolina. Mrs. Wall believes that grandma's mother must have lived at Conrad's some time & somewhere, for her father some times talked about Granny Sherer. Well it must have been after Godfrey Sherer died & before she went to Ohio, or Uncle Elijah could not remember her, for Godfrey died in 1813 & Uncle Elijah was then 9 years old. Mrs. Wall said that her father said his mother said she believed she was born in New Jersey, but was not quite sure. She sent a copy of uncle Francis' record & I sent it with her letter at A. T. Scherer. As soon as he returns them I will send them to you.

Marinda Ham lives in Mt. Vernon & Belle Rive is 12 miles beyond, where Stover's father lived. I was at uncle Elijah's in Belle Rive in June 1860 or '61. Mrs. Wall was a little girl 7 or 8 years old. Wall is a doctor.

A. T. Scherer sent me two tin type pictures of his father & uncle, brothers & I will send them to you & you must return them soon, as I must return them to Scherer. His father, Benjamin Scherer, is dead & I expect that his uncle, Matthew Scherer, is getting old. They look familiar to me. He promised another but I guess forgot to put it in. I guess I will send you his letter. I got a letter from W. G. G. He is about to move to South West Washington. I wrote him for the way Jacob Daniel name is spelled in the old translation of the old letter, which he has & he says it is spelled Schearer. In the old German letter it is spelled Sherrer, three r's & that is the way the name is spelled on the old certificate, but no c between the Sh. I sent him an old photograph of father. I sent a letter which I got from our Tom Scherer's father at Ottawa, Illinois. He told me to write to his brother, Thomas, of that city as he had some records & write in German if I could. I sent the letter to A. T. & told him to write if he wished. The Ottawa Scherers came from Baden, just across the river from Bavaria. A. T. sent 10 questions to his congressman, Overstreet, at Washington, DC, to give to the German Minister at Washington & request him to have the questions answered by officials over there. He expects the answers this month.

Copy of Letter from George W. Goodner to his daughter, Lenna, Dated April 15, 1906. Copied by Hubert W. Lacey, March 11^th, 1957.

I wrote you some time ago & sent two tintype pictures of Scherers & asked you to return them, as I have to send them back. A. T. has sent me a picture of Mrs. Hickman, Dudley, Illinois, 90 years old, oldest living child of Daniel Sherer, the writer of the old letter to Thomas Ray, Lebanon, Tennessee, in 1823. A. T. has sent her a copy of her father's old letter. She has a brother at that place who is 79. I have another letter from Miss Allison (81) of McKinney, Texas. In my last letter to her, I sent copy of Uncle David's letter to Conrad, telling him of her father James going south to fight the Creek Indians in 1813, also a copy of her father's letter to Conrad in May, 1814, after his return. She wants me to send her father's letter.

It begins to look like grandma's sister lived in Illinois. You know that uncle Christian complained in his letter of 1825 to Conrad & Elizabeth, that he would not hear from his brothers (David & John), and his sister. I suppose that he meant grandma, not knowing that he bad another sister. It is evident that A. T. has at least one old letter from uncle James, which I know something of. It is with that lot which W. G. G. sent to him. It is pretty evident that old granny Sherer came to Illinois, after her son, Godfrey, died & she broke up housekeeping. A. T. thinks that Godfrey lived somewhere west of North Carolina & quotes from this letter of uncle James' which I know nothing of.

In Uncle David's letter to Conrad he told him that Uncle James, when he went to war, that he wanted him to take care of his mare and colt & not to allow his property to be sacrificed, to pay the debt which he owed to the estate of his uncle Godfrey. But I am sure he did not live in southern Illinois, for in October, 1813, Jacob Sherer of Guilford County, North Carolina, wrote to Conrad & David & John Sherer of Johnson County, Illinois, that a son of Barney Waggoner came to Guilford County & told that grandmother Sherer & uncle Godfrey died last spring (But it was Godfrey only that had died.) I think that must have been news to our folks. Then Jacob, in closing his letters, would say This letter is to be sent to all our friends in your parts. That indicates that there were more than Conrad's family & David & John Sherer. (But still uncle Browning & aunt Sally were not far away.)

After Uncle James finished his letter to Conrad, he wrote to granny Sherer & told her that he would direct his letter to Blount County or Knox. He did not know which & did not have much idea she would ever get it. He told her that a man in the army told him that Mr. Jordan had bought land somewhere & his son in laws also. Goddard & Tod, or Tade. This means Jordan must have been kin to the Sherers, but I don't believe that he was her son in law, however there was a widow Godard who lived close to father when I was a very small kid & my mother was very intimate with her. But I don't know what became of them. I remember I was there once, had my little chair along & took it to the east end of the house (outside) & sat down in the chimney corner (the chimney was built outside of the house) & sat there until we went home. A small bunch of half grown girls & boys, perhaps, came around & tried to get me to go into the house, but as I remember, it was a failure. As well as I remember, they were considerably amused. Since I got A. T.'s last letter, I have been wondering if that woman might not have been a daughter of grandma's sister & her father's name was Jordan & if that did not cause Conrad & Browning to move from Johnson County up to St. Clair. But I never heard of a Jordan, having lived in St. Clair County.

Some day I will send you a copy of uncle Francis' record of the births of Conrad & Elizabeth Goodner & their children.

Rob. Fulton about ten days ago imagined that a mob was after him to hang him & grabbed a razor & slashed his throat. The paper said it was a pretty big gash, but not quite deep enough & the doctors sewed it up. I have heard nothing more about it.

The peach buds are getting pretty plump, but it is cooler again & hope they won't unfold for a few more days.

I will close for tonight & if I think of more tomorrow, will write more Monday night. I have heard nothing today. The peach trees will be loaded with bloom in a few days. The weather has been threatening, but the present danger is past & it is a bright day today. I gave up the garden to the principal of high school.

(Following is an excerpt from a letter of Geo. W. Goodner to daughter, Lenna, and on which there is no date – it is only a portion of a letter.)

I send you Mrs. Don's & Mrs. Hockensmith's letters and you may return them. Can you send Mrs. Don a copy of her father's letter? That ought to satisfy her. I want to send all of these to Dr. W .B. and ask him to return all but David's. I will get time to write to him this week perhaps.

Effie Thompson is Mrs. Don Carlos' youngest child. I presume she is about 40 years old. Don Carlos lived at Jacksonville, Illinois, while Lacey & Salinda lived there and that is how she know of Elmer Lacey. Your mother & I visited them when Lewie was 8 months old. Brother William had grandmother's old German bible when he died, I believe, and Jeannette kept it when she gave me the old letters. It is my opinion that Julia Baker has got it. Think I will (write) to Jeannette and find out. Don Carlos was once on the Payson circuit long before they lived in Jacksonville. E. Lacey has fathers old bible.

I believe It is possible that I am mistaken and he has grandmother's old German bible. I will find out. You will observe from Emily's letter that Conrad's father's name was Gotlieb.[5] Don't that take us back to Dutch names though? Patsey was nickname for Martha. I am well satisfied that–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––.

Copy of Letter from George Washington Goodner to his daughter, Lenna, January, 15^th, 1908. Copied by Hubert W. Lacey, March 11^th, 1957.

I rec'd the enclosed letter this AM & spent about one hour tying to read it. Pencil writing docs not show well on that kind of paper. I wish that you would copy it for me. 1! any of your friends have a typewriter I would prefer it in type, as I want to send a copy to uncle Benson & one to Scherer & one to Maryville, Tennessee. I am on a trail now, which may lead to something. In regard to Fanny Goodner, they must be mistaken, as I don't believe that I ever heard of a Goodner of that name. Possibly grandma is the person sought. I have made a "x" over a word I can't make out. The next word may be meant for cousin. How a "Fanny" Goodner of St. Clair County could be a cousin to that family of Browns, is a new one on me.

I will soon learn whether Fanny Goddard Baird's son is still at the Soldiers home & may learn something. Betsey Goddard did not have a son Reuben, according to J. A. Goddard's account. Betsey's son Joseph moved further west in Tennessee & after a while they lost track of him. This man says his father had an uncle Joseph near Shelbyville, Illinois. Then he was a brother to Reuben, who was buried in St. Clair County. Still I believe that Reuben was a son of Joseph Sen. & Betsy. Betsy was cousin to father, therefore Reuben could not have been a grandson of Betsy. Reuben was in generation with me, but much older. His four children, all were older than I. If Reuben was not a son of Betsy Goddard, then he was no kin whatever to father. The children of Joseph & Betsy Goddard were the first Goddard’s that were related to the Sherers, Goodners & Tades. He says they came from Kentucky. Then they were there with the Tades & father's grandmother & her son Godfrey.

Conrad Goodner I presume lived just across the state line in Tennessee. Two or three years after Conrad moved to Johnson County Illinois. Godfrey Sherer died 1813. Then in 1814, the "old mother" was at Conrad Goodners & the Tades moved to Johnson County. Of course Reuben Goddard & wife (perhaps newly married) followed. In 1815, Conrad moved to St. Clair & Reuben Goddard followed. If they were not kin. they would not have been there. Grandma was Betsy Goddard's aunt. Betsy Jordan Goddard was older than grandma's oldest child.

Well copy as soon as you can, for I want to start the ball to rolling & if possible get this mystery straightened out. All well & no news to speak of. Not much winter yet. Yesterday morning it was 10 above. The lowest so far. We had two snows with one day between. The old yellow hen after moulting. commenced to lay on December 28. Up to yesterday she had laid 15 eggs. Now she is wanting to sit.

I hope that Mary Jane is getting along well. I reckon she has learned by this time that we have a few thousand kin folks.

Tell Mr. Goit that I read that 30 per cent of the people of Chicago have grip. I have not had my walk since supper. I walk about two miles after supper every night & don It feel tired either. I am a little older than bro. William was when he died. I’ll get news soon I will try to make out a letter next time.

Copy of Letter from Martha Goodner Logan, daughter of Godfrey, to her nephew, Milton Perry Goodner of Seattle, describing death of Godfrey Goodner.

I received your recent letter to me in due time, and was quite pleased to get it and to learn that you seemed to think that I had really given you at least a little help in regard to the Goodners of years agone. I certainly wish I knew more about the Goodner family than what I do, not only to help you in your effort to get up a "Tree of the family,” but to also satisfy my own desires in that line. But I fear that I cannot help you very much more if indeed I have really helped you anyway. Tho' I shall have to just write down what I do write as my memory presents it to me. Perhaps that will make you some trouble and take time too. That is the best that I can do. Now in regard to giving you the addresses of any who might be able to give you desirable information on those lines. I fear that I can't do that. I know that that would be very desirable and helpful too. I remember that one of my cousins did live in Mt. Vernon, Ill.. a few years ago, and if she still lives she is there yet, as they owned a very nice and well furnished home there. Her name is Mrs. O. M. D. Ham. She is the daughter of Uncle Elijah Goodner. His youngest daughter by his first wife. She is a few months younger than myself. She ought to be able to give you some information that I can't give you. Her father took care of the old grandparents in their old age.

I know this to be a fact. Uncle Elijah took the old homestead and his Father and mother to care for as long as they lived. He was to have the farm for taking care of the old parents as long as they lived. If Mrs. Ham still lives I presume you can find her at 303 South 15^th St, Mt. Vernon, Illinois. She was living some 7 years ago. She can't write you herself as she cannot see to write. But her husband can write for her if he will. He is a fine man. They had two sons, both married and had families living some 13 or 14 miles east of Mt. Vernon, in Jefferson County, Illinois. Mt. Vernon is in Jefferson County. I think that the old Goodner homestead was in St. Clair County, Illinois, and perhaps near a small town called Centerville, but am not sure of that fact. But Mrs. Ham ought to be able to tell you of these things.

Uncle Elijah sold the Old farm and bought another farm in Washington County near Nashville, the county seat of Washington. Tho' years later he sold again and bought in Jefferson County, Illinois. But he died in Irvington, Washington County. I do not know when the old grandparents died. But Mrs. Ham ought to be able to tell you if you write her. She may be blind but I have not: heard of it if so. Uncle Elijah went blind sometime before he died.

Now as for grandfather, Conrad Goodner and his brother,[6] Henry Goodner, coming to America from Holland, perhaps they did. If they did I can't understand how I got the firm belief that our grandparents were married in Germany. Let that be as it may, I know that grandmother Goodner was German. And she have fallen heir to a Dukedom in Germany as all the Goodners know that she did. Great grandmother Sherer had two sons who trained in Germany 7 years for war. I do not know what they called that training or drilling but it was a schooling for drilling that every one had to take in Germany in those times according to what my father and the old Goodners used to talk in my presence when I was a child squatting around and listening to them talk of those to me strange things. Our old grandmother Sherrer must have come to America and lived with grandfather and grandmother until her death. For I used to hear my father and mother tell how great grandmother spoiled my father when he was a big baby because he was named for one of her sons whom she thought was about perfect.

They said father would fall down and scream for the old lady to come and help him up. So one day he was out in the barn and fell down and screamed for his old grandmother to come and help him up, and his own mother knew his tricks and she came this time with a whip and it didn't take long to do the job. Ha ! Ha ! Well that is the way I learned quite a little of the old time things which I did learn. Perhaps there is not another one living who learned things about the Goodners long long ago. I never forgot what I learned in those childhood days. Perhaps you are all out of patience with me for telling all of this but you ask me questions and I like to tell of those things that happened so long before my time.

Milton, you ask something about sister Marietta and Mrs. Myers. Whom did you mean? I do not know any Mrs. Myers only sister Marietta Myers.

Now I will tell you what I can about my father and his death just as near as I can. After my mother's death which occurred in Illinois, in 1854, for we were living in Illinois, at that time. Perhaps I had better commence back a few years before telling of her death. Father sold his farm in Tennessee in 1848, which was in Hardin County, middle Tennessee, and moved to Fayette County, Tennessee, in 1848 and we lived there about five years. Then father went to Illinois, and lived there until my mother died which was less than a year after going to Illinois. We moved there in 1853 and mother died in 1854. Father never seemed contented after mother's death. He sold and went to Texas and visited my mother's people who had about all gone to Eastern Texas in 1838. He visited there for a while then came back to Illinois, for a while, then went to Texas again and stayed a while then came back to Illinois, for a short time, then went to Madison, Arkansas, where brother Sardis was living at that time to make his home with Sardis, who had a large wholesale and retail store. Sardis and his brother–in–law were partners in that store. Well Sardis had no family excepting a wife and she was dieing with consumption at that time. And after a while father concluded he would take what money he had and go out some miles from Madison and put up a small grocery store. I suppose he had selected a place he thought would be a good place for a store of that kind. And he was doing very well. He boarded with a certain family but by and by he found that man was not honest and was going in too deep on father and father moved his boarding place. And this man was owing father 60 dollars. By and by father wanted him to pay him what he owed him. That made this man mad and he came one day to where father was boarding and brought a drunken officer with him, pretending that father owed him 60 dollars for board, which was false as Judas. He and that drunken officer went to the barn and took father's fine saddle horse out ready bridled and saddled ready to ride and father knew nothing of it. But as they marched out with the horse father saw them and (went) out to them and said Gentlemen this is my horse. The drunken officer drew out his Pistol and deliberately shot father through the lungs. There were witness to the murder. Both men fled the country and the officer took father's horse and never did come back. The other man came back after a while but he had better never have come back. Sardis said the whole country was enraged to the extreme. That was about the time A. Lincoln was elected President the first time. All this was down in Ark. Now I never tell or talk of this matter for of course it is painful subject to me and the public knows nothing about it and it was a long long time ago. And many would probably say "Well, that is what she tells. We don't know how it was." See? Now you can tell just what you please about this. You know just how it would look in print.

Now I have told you a long and uninteresting story but it is a true story if unpleasant. You asked me to give you a detailed account of my poor father's death and I have done the best I could and could not have made you understand things as they were without making a long story.

As for giving you addresses of persons who lived near us when we were living on father's farm, I can't do that it has been so so long ago. I doubt there being a soul living there now who ever knew or heard of father. Remember the wreck made of all that country during the Civil War. And as for Elizabeth Sperry, she went to Heaven many years ago, as she died before she came to the years of accountability. And Millard, Columbus' son, if he is living he is somewhere in Texas as that is where he was I heard last of him. I have forgotten all of brother Sardis' addresses. It was so long that I had never heard of him at all, and then when I did hear from him we soon got lost again. He lost;, or almost lost, his eyesight so that one of his daughters had to write for him and they moved and I moved and finally we lost each other and that ended it all. I tried to keep track of my folks but with all our moving and sickness and trouble it seemed we finally lost out. And you will just have to take what I write you and you and your father look it over, and if you find anything in it worth while just use it if you can. I heartily wish I could tell you something of some importance.

Now I remember you asked where Benson Goodner lived, but I told you in my last little letter that he died in Spokane some five or six years ago.

Now I want to thank you for the books you sent me. I will call them books of Art, for convenience. I shall spend quite a little time later looking at the Portable houses. I really like and enjoy looking at such things, not that I imagine I could make any improvements on the designs but just look at them and imagine I can see them. Now I will look at the letters and so forth which you sent, and see if I can give you anything that would help you in the least. If you should get in touch with cousin Marinda Ham, you might mention me and tell her I will try to write her soon.

Now about the counties the Tenn. Goodners used to live in I can tell you of one of the counties and if I had a map of the State I think I could tell you of another which used to have quite a number. One of the counties was DeKaIb. I believe my eldest sister was married in that county but am not right sure. She went up there to visit the large connection or Goodner relatives there aiming to spend spring and summer there, and instead of returning home in the fall she got married there and she went to Nashville to laying her wedding outfit for it. And tho' I was only 7 years old then I think she went about 50 miles, tho' am not sure that it was that far. And if I could see the map of Tenn, I could find the other county I think.

We lived some one hundred and 50 miles from where she was married. The Goodners up there were all wealthy at that time. But that was long before the Slaves were freed. They almost or quite all had many slaves then. Do not know whether they are wealthy now or not. That was in 1845. I am certainly sorry I cannot give addresses of any of my old friends or cousins. Wish I could. Well perhaps you will be provoked at so much writing and getting almost nothing. It is the best I can do tho'. If you come to Frisco be sure and give us a call, but I do not want you to be disappointed in me so I will tell you to be expecting to find an old lady who is very homely both in feature and form.

Please excuse all defects that you can and let the rest go. Ha! Ha! None sense. I can't afford to read over I have scribbled down. So you can add what I have left out, eh?

[1] Lenna had written the name "Jacob" over the name "James" in this letter, indicating that her father meant Jacob, instead of James, and evidently was referring to two sons of John Goodner, namely John and James, or rather Jacob, who had a son, James, born in 1839. He later moved to Justin, Texas.

[2] Note by H. W. Lacey. It was later found out that the father of John C, John Cunningham Goodner, was Henry Goodner, a son of Mary Goodner. Henry was a nephew of Conrad. The name of his father has not been definitely determined. The father of Mary Jackson Wood was William Jackson, and her mother was Catherine Goodner, a sister to Conrad Goodner.

[3] Chestnut Mound is in Smith County.

[4] Note by H. W. Lacey, 1957. This letter was among some old letters that were in the possession of Milton Perry Goodner of Seattle, Washington, son of Ivan W. Goodner. He wrote Emerson Burton in 1925, addressing the letter to Chestnut Mound, but the letter was returned by the postmaster with the notation "Return – Addressee Deceased. No member of his family living in the delivery of this office.”

[5] Note by H. W. Lacey. This is in error. There is no evidence, circumstantial or otherwise, that tends to credit Gotlieb as the father of Conrad. There is no knowledge of such a person.)

[6] Note by H. W. Lacey. Henry was not the brother of Conrad, but a nephew. Jacob Daniel Scherrer and Hannah Sophia Dick were married in America, and not in Germany. Martha Goodner Logan is in error in stating that Hannah had fallen heir to a Dukedom in Germany, as there is no truth to that statement. It is evidence however as to how far some things can get out of hand.

[1] Inserted by Lenna Goodner Goit, daughter of George Washington Goodner. She also copied this letter, here reproduced by Hubert W. Lacey, from original in the possession of Mrs. Cecil W. Bond of Burlingame, California.

[2] Lenna Goodner Goit, in copying this letter from the original, has this to say regarding the differences between her father and Caroline, "For the record, let Lenna (typing this) just say that the slight 'rift' came when father thought Aunt Caroline persuaded his niece, Laura (Goodner) – afterward ‘French,’ to leave his home where she was taking care of his children, recently bereft of their mother and go to her at Harristown. I was then two years old." The original of this letter is in the possession of Margaret Wendler Bond of Burlingame, California. This is a copy of the same made by Mrs. Lenna Goodner Goit. H. W. Lacey.

[1] This refers to members of the Sibert family. Author.)

[1] The proper spelling for Imen is Eyman, and for Stooca if Stookey . H. W. Lacey.