griffing@fnal.gov

A case could easily be made that never in the entire history of the United States did a single non-political event ever cause such a stir in the restless spirits of men as the California Gold Rush of 1849. The prospect of becoming rich overnight was enough to compel even the most conservative man to leave his family, his job, and his home to go to California. It is a sad fact that many who left with the highest hopes of becoming rich never made it to California as the routes were long and perilous. Whether one traveled the sea-land route over the Isthmus of Panama or took one's chances in crossing the continent on the Overland Trail, misery was often the only bargain for the adventure. But even though a large number of "forty-niners" lost heart and turned back while enroute, the American population in the "Bear Republic" swelled to over 100,000 by the close of 1849, and by half again as much in 1850. Back East, it seemed that no family was untouched by the western migration and "gone to California" became a common utterance and explanation for one's disappearance.

When Augusta Goodrich received James Griffing's letter from Baltimore, she did not hesitate to reply. During a lunchtime break in her Select School classes, she found a private moment to write the following:

Newfield [New York]
Saturday noon, May 25, 1850

Dear James,

I did not receive your last letter until last night with two others -- one from home and the other from my dear Aunt Mary [Goodrich in Hartford, Connecticut]. I did not know but [that] you were sick or else gone to California, the reason of your not writing. I did not know that you had left Tunkhannock [Pennsylvania]. I think you must have enjoyed your visit to Washington [D.C.], the place where I have often wished to go. You must have changed quite a considerable in six years if your brother [Daniel] did not recognize you.

I left home Friday morning the 3rd of the month for Ithaca [New York]. [My cousins] David, Ruth, and Nancy Stratton [1] came for me in the afternoon and I stayed with them until Monday afternoon [May 6], as it rained quite fast Sunday and we did not go to [church] meeting. I commenced [my select] school Tuesday morning with four scholars. I could have had more, but it was so stormy [that day] that they did not expect me [to show up]. I have had 21 [scholars], but some do not come regularly so that my school is small. Today I have but ten. There is a teacher [visiting] near here [who is] learning with her cousin from Orange County -- both strangers to me. I do not like it very well. The second Saturday after my school commenced, a Miss Sebring -- daughter of the one where I have my home [2] -- and myself started for Uncle William [Stratton's house], which is five miles from here. We walked to Newfield Village and there David met us and we rode over. I am afraid we should have stopped on the way all night if we had been obliged to go afoot.

Saturday eve. After school, I went to a Mr. Sebring with my company and staid to tea. And now it is nearly nine o'clock. But I am afraid that we shall not go to [church] meeting tomorrow as it is raining quite fast and does not look like being pleasant tomorrow. My visitors were a Mrs. Mills and her cousin -- a Mr. [James] Goodall from Middletown in this state. He puts me in mind of you. He is making a visit here and is going to visit a sister [named Eliza Goodall] who has lately removed into Owego [and is living with the grocer Samuel Tinkham and his family].

A few days ago I had a call from Mr. William [H.] Miller from Connecticut -- Ruth's Uncle -- who came here for his wife [and] started for home the day they were married. In a letter from home, I hear that [my cousin] Eunice [Goodrich] is married to a Mr. [Horatio] Brown in Mr. P. Ransom's store. I knew she intended to be [married] soon [because she told me] when I was at home. In my last [letter] from Aunt Mary [Goodrich], she wrote that her sister Sarah [E. Beach] was married to a Mr. [Jared Owen] Knapp, a minister of Plainfield, Connecticut. She felt very bad about parting from her only sister, but they like him very much. Aunt Mary's health has not been good at all the past winter and she has not been able to go out in the fresh air without taking cold. I do wish something could be done for her but I am afraid that she never will be better. She has been to Northampton to see the physician of the water establishment [3] and he thinks it will do her good to stay there for a few weeks. But I do not think she will go now [that] Sarah has gone for she thinks that her duty is [to remain] at home with her children. [4]

Do you remember the girl that Aunt Mary [Goodrich] kept the first time you were there [in Hartford]? She was married a while after [your visit] and more than a year ago her husband went to California. Aunt Mary wrote that he had lately sent her gold, which Uncle [Elizur Goodrich] sold for 112 dollars. She had been expecting it for a long time and had given up all hope of receiving it.

You asked me how I like my [select] school -- very well so far, but would like more scholars so as to be busy all the time. I have four large girls, but they do not come regularly. I like the people very well so far. I should like very much to go to Connecticut but do not expect to. Where, if at all, I do not not know where I shall go to school -- perhaps in Owego, but think not [too far] away from home. Uncle William [Stratton] inquires about you every time [I see him] and wants to know if you have written lately... Where, and how you are, & so on. I have heard this week that all are well there. Aunt Lucy Rockwood has gone to Connecticut to spend the summer with her children, and Uncle [Samuel] Rockwood is soon going west. Perhaps they will move to the West in the fall -- if her health is good enough, but I am afraid she will not live long -- her health is very poor.

There has been quite an accident on the railroad by Mr. Richard Sackett's. A Mr. Palmer from Spencer [New York] married the day before came very near being killed & his wife too. Both were hurt and he quite badly -- the carriage smashed and horse killed. It is a wonder that both were not killed. Whose fault it was, I have not heard. [5] I was some acquainted with him as he taught near where I did last winter.

I saw Roxanna & Caroline [Cox] last Sabbath. Both were well. Roxana's teaching in the village. I have joined a Bible class, which is forming in Newfield. Mr. Ferguson is to be the teacher. We were in hopes Mr. Minier would take [the class] but we knew he had enough to do. Dr. Ettabrook's family is well. I hope to hear from Hancie [Abbey] soon. How easy it is for her to write. The last two letters from her have been eight pages long and she is afraid that I will not have patience to read much, but I would not care if they were eight [pages] longer. But I must close as it is late. Yours truly -- J. Augusta

When Augusta's letter was received a week later, James made the following reply:

Tunkhannock [Pennsylvania]
June 1, 1850

Beloved Friend Augusta,

With pleasure I took from the [Post] Office yesterday a letter from you. Much time had elapsed since [I received] your last [letter] and it filled me with pleasurable emotions to again hear of your good health and a short narration of the circumstances that have surrounded you for a while past. Was pained to hear that your Aunt Mary's health is no better. Can it be possible that so kind a mother and one to whom two dear bright children are looking for a kind mother's counsel and direction, is soon to leave these her dearest of earthly treasures and enter the land of spirits? Shall we no more see her? I do hope it may be my happy privilege to greet her again in the flesh. Yet if this should never be the case, I know of no person more fitly prepared to enter upon the realities of the future. I believe she has been long endeavoring to lay up treasures in Above and for a long time she has been able to look far above her earthly home to a building not made with hands eternal and in the heavens, and to exclaim -- 

"There is my house and portion fair,
My treasure and my heart are there
And my abiding home.
For me my elder brethren stay,
And angels beckon me away
And Jesus bids me come."

I entertain not the least doubt but that her exit from time will be most triumphant. She has had all her interests too long identified with those of her Savior to have any relish for associations so very dear, and which can only prove the true sources of consolation and comfort as she feels that the final house of this tabernacle is waiting. I hope, however, she may be long spared a blessing to the church, a comfort to her husband, and a mother to her children.

Whilst below [in Baltimore and] writing to other correspondents, I have forgotten what I wrote to you [in my last letter]. I remember this, that it was a hasty scrawl. I was expecting to have a good visit down there [in Baltimore] and I think my highest expectations were more than realized. It seems as if [my] brother [Daniel] took all the pains possible to make my visit pleasant. Scarcely a night or day passed but that we were out visiting some places of interest and, when his business was such that he could accompany me, his father-in-law, who had long been a resident of the city, would go and his knowledge of the history of the city and its inhabitants would make our walks very interesting. [6] It seems as if I could have remained there for weeks longer.

The people of that region appear quite different from those of our latitude -- perhaps, as a general thing, not so intelligent but then their hearts are larger. They possess a far greater share of hospitality and generosity, are much more frank and plain-hearted in their conversation, [and] are quite as industrious in their habits. And those whom fortune has favored do not tread the earth with that overbearing step and aristocratic demeanor as often appears so disgusting at the North. They do not seem to estimate real worth by the treasures of the pocket or head so much as those of the heart. A penny-pinching stingy soul can hardly survive there. It seems to me this is just as it should be.  If nature's laws worked upon the same principle, as rich a soul it certainly could not find. But the light and heat of the sun, the free and gentle breeze, the reviving showers and all the abundance and superabundance of natural infinitude of productions are just as free as Jehovah could possibly present them. Why then should poor puny man, so contrary to all the universal laws of nature, contract his paltry heart and clothe himself with such selfishness as to act as though the whole world was made for himself? I can't believe there is a more hated object that treads upon the "footstool" than such a poor pitiable person. 

Baltimore abounds in places of interest. The first thing that arrests the attention of the stranger is the monument erected by the State of Maryland in commemorative of the name of [George] Washington. [7] It is built of pure white marble and extends up to the height of 197 feet. On its summit stands the Father of his country where he has a commanding view of the whole city. Around him is a platform (fenced with a strong railing) to which visitors can ascend where is presented as fine a view as the eye can well rest upon. Battle Monument, [8] although not over fifty feet high, is noted for having deposited beneath it the bones of many illustrious heroes of the [American] Revolution whose names are chiseled upon its outer surface.

The museum, [9] I think quite inferior to Barnum's [American]  Museum in New York City. Perhaps I might not have thought so had I visited it before entering the National Museum at Washington [D.C.], which is far superior to either.

Yet the most lovely spot about Baltimore is the Glenwood Cemetery. To leave the noise and confusion of the city and return to this choice, yet delightful repose of the departed furnishes a contrast to city clangor that is truly the most agreeable. I well remember the peculiar sensations of my own mind occasioned by this agreeable transit. The cemetery at Hartford [Connecticut] might appear small compared with it. It consists of about 60 acres surrounded by a very high wall and abounding in huge trees of almost every species, whose ample shades are truly inviting to one who has long been wandering among the tombs. The lots are laid out with much regularity and fenced with every variety of railing. And those which have no railing are nicely bordered with boxwood. Inside are cultivated the choicest shrubs and flowers, many of which receive almost as much attention and care as house plants. At one place there is a large reservoir supplied by a fountain of fresh water in which fish of every hue are sporting. At another, there is a large wire enclosure in which are scores of rabbits and pigeons. The ground is somewhat undulating and abundantly diversified with a multitude of well arranged walks threading their way in almost every direction. In that, I think it as delightful a spot as I ever visited. Perhaps, however, the weariness occasioned by the hustle and confusion of the city, the agreeableness of the company, all contributed in causing me to appreciate it more highly than its real merit deserves. If you should ever visit Baltimore, do not fail for anything to visit the cemetery.

Fairmount Green is another delightful place to visit as well as Federal Hill Observatory. It furnishes a good morning's exercise to ascend to the summit of one of the shot towers [10] which are considerably higher than the monuments and command a delightful prospect. At this height, the hot lead is poured through sieves, which immediately assures a globular form and are cooled before reaching the bottom where falling into a liquid, the shot are shoveled out. It was with regret that I left the city, and when I came to leave I could hardly persuade myself that eight days had already fled away.

Arrived at this place safely last Thursday. Stopped at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Capitol, and went throughout the state house. It is quite a spacious brick edifice and I think does not discredit the state. Much interest is being awakened with the Branch Canal. An appropriation was made by the legislature for this object at $300,000 and already the men are at work. This will continue the canal from Wilkes-Barre right along up the [Susquehanna] River to the New York State line where, without doubt, it will be extended to the Seneca Lake, which will furnish a continuous canal route from Baltimore through the heart of Pennsylvania right through central New York.

Where does [my] brother Samuel live?  [When] is [my brother] Henry likely to get married? Where are Harriet & Hannah Hull? What other transformation has there been up there besides that of friend Eunice? How is friend Ruth? I have rather been expecting to hear from her but as yet have been disappointed.  Has she started for Mt. Holyoke [Seminary] yet? Do cupid darts prove in the least effectual in trying to find an entrance to her well-guarded heart? Do you think of coming home soon? I am not certain but that I shall make a short visit there next week.

I have about concluded not to teach here [in Tunkhannock] during the next term as they are such miserable paymasters here. I have many bills back [that are unpaid] and I am fearful I shall never be able to obtain [payment]. Many are poor people and many more hide themselves behind the $300 exemption here so that every such bill the teacher loses. I don't think I shall ever try a select school again, but shall after this, teach [only] for a stipulated salary -- so that such [tuition collecting] responsibilities will come upon others. Besides, I had about as leave give a poor man his school bill as to ask him for it. Just how I may occupy my time, I have not yet fully determined, but must manage if possible to make some stir among the filthy lucre.

I hardly know, friend A., where to tell you to direct your next [letter]. Perhaps you had better wait until you hear from me again. It is not impossible but that I may make arrangements to see you which I should like to do very much indeed, as I much prefer talking over matters to using the pen. In the meantime, believe that I shall remain Your best friend, --  J. S. Griffing

[P.S.]  My compliments to your Uncle William [Stratton, and to his daughters] Miss Ruth & Nancy.

It would be six months before James would write to Augusta again. Perhaps they rendezvoused in Owego, New York shortly following the exchange of letters in the early summer of 1850. Perhaps too James found employment as a construction worker in Owego, helping the city to rebuild after the previous years' fire that destroyed most of the commercial district. In July, he must have considered returning to Westchester, Connecticut -- the village where he had spent two previous winter's teaching select school with nominal success. In early August, he received the following letter from his friend Hiram Griswold Buell -- a 36 year old iron manufacturer:

Westchester [Connecticut]
August 5, 1850

Mr. J. S. Griffing

Dear sir,

In compliance with your request, I improve this opportunity in answering your kind letter which I received some three weeks since. We were very glad to hear from you. I have been very busy & have not had the opportunity of seeing many of the [school] district but [from] what I have seen, most of them speak in favor of you having the [select] school. I cannot write you anything positive until we have our school meeting. As for myself, I should be very glad to have you [as teacher] in the school & also in the city. As for myself, I have not much to write -- matters and things in this quiet little village are much the same as thay used to be when you were here.  ______ has not yet got into their new house yet all that remains is the painting. Eunice [11] is very poor. She is mostley confined to the house. The rest of the Cousins, Uncles & Aunts & Grandpars & Grandmars are well & all the rest. As for the fourth [of July], it passed of without a gun. All seemed engaged to work. We have heard no California news for a long time. We have a meeting in the school house every Sabbath by Mr. Brainard & Posat from East Haddam. We expect [Rev.] Mr. [Spofford] Jewett will leave us in the fall. I intend to start for Bergen the 6th of this present month with my wife & two children. No more to present. Pleas rite again as I like to hear from you.

Yours with respect, -- Hiram G. Buell

Illustration credits 

[1] David (age 24), Ruth (age 22), and Nancy (age) 18) Stratton were cousins of Augusta Goodrich. They were the children of William Stratton and Alice Miller of Newfield, New York.

[2] There were two farmers named Sebring living relatively close to each other in Newfield, Tompkins County, New York appearing in the 1850 Census. It is most likely that Augusta was temporarily living with Samuel Sebring and his wife Francis (Fanny) who had a 22-year old daughter named Louisa. Louisa would eventually marry a Cox. The grave marker of both the parents as well as Louisa can be found in the Newfield "Bank Street" Cemetery.

The Seabring (Sebring) family marker in Newfield, New York

[3] In the mid-1850's, medical treatment with water -- or "Hydropathy" -- was popular. According to J. C. Furnas [The Americans, p. 443], "Of the many... water cure [establishments], the best known were the Brattleboro, Vermont, Water Cure House and Dr. Joel Shew's establishment at Lebanon Springs, New York.

[4] Frederic Elizur Goodrich (age 7) and James Tryon Goodrich (age 5).

[5] According to the May 23, 1850 Owego Advertiser, "On Friday last, a Mr. Palmer, while endeavoring to cross the track of the Cayuga and Susquehanna Railroad, with a horse and buggy, about five miles from this place, and while the train was in sight, came in contact with the locomotive, his horse killed, buggy broken, and himself badly injured. If we have heard the matter correctly, Mr. Palmer is the only one to blame. The bell was rung on coming within the required distance of the crossing, and continued ringing until the train struck the buggy. If persons will be foolish enough to try their speed with a locomotive they must suffer the consequences. In this affair we cannot see how any blame can attach to the engineer or conductor of the train."

This "Mr. Palmer" is probably 20-year old Abel Orlando Palmer and his 19-year old wife Sarah. Abel was the youngest son of Shubael and Hannah [Mitchell] Palmer who came to Spencer, New York from Connecticut in 1817. 

[6] Daniel Griffing's father-in-law was Jacob Shaffner, who came to Baltimore before 1820. Jacob was born in April, 1780 in Pennsylvania. Jacob married Phebe Weaver on 1 January 1803 in Frederick, Maryland. Phebe was born about 1785. Jacob died on February 12, 1861 according to a letter that was written by the grandson of his sister, Catharine [Shaffner] McClure. This letter was supplied by Claudia McClure-Keyes who says that William McClure's father was Richard McClure -- a carpenter working in Baltimore at the time. The "Madison friends" refers to cousins of William McClure who resided in Madison, Indiana. The letter reads as follows:

Baltimore [Maryland]
February 14, 1861

Dear Grandmother

It becomes my painful duty to inform you that Uncle [Jacob] Shaffner (your brother) died on the morning of the 12th instant and will be buried this afternoon. He died from Old age he would have been 81 in April. I enclose you some of his hair, his wife is feeble and I do not think will survive him long. Times here [in Baltimore] are very hard. Thousands are out of employment and suffering. Father has very little to do I am clerking and helping him as much as I can. We never hear anything from our Madison friends now except through Russell's folks. I do wish some of them would keep up correspondence with me. Father says he thinks it is as little as his three sisters can do to send him their pictures like they did to Aunt Rebecca. He says Aunt Kitty promised to send hers but has never done so. Tell Uncle John or Aunt Maria to write to me. Our family are all in good health and send their love to you and all our friends hoping this may find you all in good health I remain

Your affectionate Grandson
Wm McClure

[7] Baltimore's monument to George Washington was the first to be erected in his memory. It was built on a hill in "Howard's Woods" north of the town. Construction of the monument was begun in 1815 but was not completed until November 25, 1829. The monument was made from marble obtained in the Hampton Quarries, in Baltimore County. The sixteen foot high statue of George Washington was sculpted by the Italian Henrico Cancini, and depicts Washington in the act of surrendering his commission after the Revolutionary War. By 1850, the city had grown out to the monument and the area was well built up.

[8] "Battle Monument" was begun in 1815 to commemorate not the fallen heroes of the Revolutionary War, as James supposed, but those who had died in the defense of the city of Baltimore during the War of 1812. The monument was not completed until 1825. It was constructed on the site of the "Old Courthouse," -- an area that now lies on Calvert Street between Lexington and Fayette Streets. The monument consists of an "Egyptian pyramidal base surmounted by a pedestal with eagles at the four corners. From the pedestal rises a column and on top of the column is a female figure ten feet high. The lady symbolizes the city of Baltimore. The overall height of the monument is fifty-two feet." [Quoted from The Amiable Baltimoreans, p, 96.]

[9] "The Old Baltimore Museum," which stood at the northwest corner of Calvert and Baltimore Streets, housed Rembrandt Peale's collection of portraits, stuffed birds and animals, and other curiosities... By 1850, John E. Owens, and English comedian, assumed management [of the museum]. The "National Museum" referred to is the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C., which was founded by an Act of Congress in 1846. The museum had just opened its doors when James visited there in May, 1850. The building wasn't entirely finished until 1855, however.

[10] There were three shot towers constructed in Baltimore shortly after the War of 1812. Given the close proximity to Daniel Griffing's residence, it is likely that James visited the shot tower on East Fayette Street. This 234-foot tower remains standing today as a museum. "The shot was made by passing molten lead through colanders and letting it fall from stations high up in the tower into buckets of water at the base. The passage through the air rounded the lead into shot." -- The Amiable Baltimoreans, pg. 99.

[11] Probably Eunice Blish Buell, age 18 (1832-1913) who appears in the household next door to Hiram Griswold Buell (1813-1864) and his wife, Phoebe Bissell (1820-1902). Eunice was the daughter of Talcott Loveland Buell (1797-1885) and Mary Gates Carrier (1797-1836). She would later marry Daniel Ives Norton (1827-1880), son of Samuel S. and Sylvina Chapman. Perhaps Eunice was a former student in one of James' Select Schools, or merely an acquaintance from his days spent teaching in the area.  There were as many as four Buell family households in the little village now known as North Westchester appearing in the 1850 census records. The children in these four households ranged from ages 1 to 12. The above-named Buell family members are all buried in the Ponemah Cemetery. To see their gravemarkers, click on their names below:

Hiram Griswold Buell & Phoebe Bissell
Talcott Loveland Buell
Mary Gates Carrier Buell
Eunice Blish Buell Norton & Daniel Ives Norton
Samuel S. Chapman & wife, Sylvina

The Obituary of Rev. Jared Owen Knapp

Born 6 October 1818, North Greenwich, Fairfield, CT
Died 14 July 1860, Beloit, Rock, Wisconsin

Rev. Knapp's wife was Sarah Elizabeth Beach (9 February 1822 to 20 March 1899)
Marriage, 8 May, 1850 in Hartford, CT

"Died in this city, on the 14th inst., the Rev. Jared O. Knapp, aged 41 years.

During his brief sojourn among us, Mr. Knapp has won the high esteem and warm regard of all who have known him, and some notice beyond the bare announcement of his death seems due, both to his memory and to the feelings of his many friends.

Mr. Knapp was born in the village of Greenwich, Connecticut. In his simple New England home, his pious parents trained him by the Scripture rule, in piety towards God, and love to his fellow-men. At an early age, he was hopefully converted to Christ, and from that time he seemed to grow up steadily into the spirit of Jesus. Such was his maturity of mind and character, that at the age of fifteen he was called to the charge of a school in his native village, the responsibilities of which he successfully met. Though the limited means of his parents seemed to forbid his acquiring a liberal education, yet, encouraged by his pastor, he succeeded in working his way through College and was graduated at Yale, in the year 1840. While in College, his character both as a scholar and a Christian gained the peculiar aspect and esteem of his instructors and fellow-students, and raised high hopes of his future usefulness.

After leaving College, he taught in the Academy in Middletown, Connecticut, for two or three years, with marked success. Then he pursued his Theological studies in New Haven, and immediately on their completion was called to the pastoral office in Plainfield, Conn., where he was settled in 1846. A precious revival marked the opening of his Ministry, and in the memories of the people of this his first charge, his name is cherished with warmest affections. In the year 1850, he accepted a call to the church in Hatfield, Mass., where he labored for five years with most earnest devotion and eminent success in winning souls to Christ. His severe and constant exertions broke down his health which had been hitherto firm, and he was obliged to resign his charge. He was seized with a bronchial affliction, which brought him very near the grave. But his strength rallied, and after a year's respite he resumed his work taking charge of a young church just organized at the Suspension Bridge. He entered into his work there with the same love and zeal which characterized him everywhere, and was blessed by seeing precious fruits of his Ministry.

About a year ago, his old difficulties returned upon him, and he was obliged to seek a change of climate. Traveling in this region, he found in Beloit [Wisconsin], old College friends and a feeble enterprise just started for establishing a Second Congregational Church on the West side of the river. He was induced to hope that he might here find a congenial climate and a sphere of labor, where he might yet accomplish something more in his master's service. With strength and voice enfeebled, he undertook to conduct one service on the Sabbath and to look after the interests of the little Congregation. For a few months, both he and his people enjoyed his work. Then he was laid aside, and we have been instructed more effectually than could have been by preaching, in the power of the gospel, as illustrated by his patience of faith and constancy of love through the months of his slow decline to the grave. He contemplated the end, with regret, only that he could do no more work for Jesus his Lord. Then again towards the last, hope kindled anew at the thought that death would only prepare and introduce him to a higher sphere and a nobler work for the same loved Master. So he passed away, conscious to the end, and when the power of continuous articulation had ceased, ejaculating at intervals in whispers, "Peace," "Joy," "Christ." -- Faith had interwoven with his poor human life, the divine life of Jesus, and all along its earthly course the savor of Christ's love has exhaled. Its fragrance lingers here, while his spirit lives in union and communion with his risen Savior."

griffing@fnal.gov