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Let us know all about matters in Kansas

According to Augusta, after James "collected some money for a church in Topeka," they began their journey to Kansas where they arrived about "the first of November, 1855." By what route and means of conveyance is not certain but they did stop in Indianapolis briefly to visit the members of the 7th M. E. Church and to see his old Presiding Elder, Brother John H. Hull. In Kansas City, they were greeted with more bad news. Augusta explains:

Before going East, [James] had taken a claim not far from Topeka and paid a man to put up a log cabin, but on reaching Kansas City on returning, saw the man, who said sickness had prevented his doing anything. The steamboat coming up the Missouri [that we traveled on] was full of people coming to Kansas [and we, like them, had no place to spend the winter.] We left Kansas City in a two-horse spring wagon called a stage. We staid over Sunday in Lawrence and, at Big Springs, met Mr. Osborn Naylor of Tecumseh who with others was on his way to Kansas City for provisions. He told us to go to his cabin until some other arrangements could be made which we gladly did and were very cordially received. We found an empty claim cabin nearby and had permission to occupy it. Mr. Naylor brought our extra trunks and a cook stove from Kansas City and we began housekeeping in a very humble way. The November weather was delightful. [1]

[Owego, New York]
November 25, 1855

Dear brother Ralph [Goodrich],

We received your letter Wednesday together with one from James Griffing for [our brother] Stephen and mailed from Kansas City but written on board the boat. We have received another letter from [your sister] Augusta since we wrote you last. She wrote it on the boat and mailed it at Brunswick [Missouri], a village about 200 miles [upriver] from St. Louis. They had very pleasant company & a very great plenty and variety [on board]. She says it is no wonder that people have the cholera on those boats. The captain told them each meal cost 100 dollars and every trip 3,000 dollars.

They met with quite a loss at St. Louis. After they got their baggage on board, they went out around the city some & while they were gone someone entered their state room and stole from it. Her box of jewelry containing her pin with Aunt Mary’s and [our sister] Rachel’s hair, cuff pins, finger rings, James’ gold watch key 3$, her bead purse with five dollars in [it] and her new black silk apron. It is too bad I do think for anyone to do so...

Your affectionate sister, -- Sarah Goodrich

Owego [New York]
December 5, [1855]

Dear Brother Ralph,

...We received a letter from [our sister] Augusta today from their home [in Kansas Territory] and we were so glad to hear as we had not in two or three weeks before. They got there safely with but few of their things injured. [Her husband] James expected their home would be finished when they got there, but the man had done nothing to it since he left and they had to stay with a family until they fixed up one that was built nearby and they had moved into it and were living quite nicely when she wrote. She likes the country much and if they are only well, will get along well I think. When you come home, you can have a good time reading all the letters from them.... 

Your affectionate sister – Sarah [Goodrich]

By the time that James returned to Kansas Territory, there was a great deal of tension between the free-soil and pro-slavery settlers. Already the free-soilers had met in Topeka to draw up their own Constitution under which they hoped to apply for statehood. In November, the friction became worse. When a free-soil settler was killed in the vicinity of Hickory Point on November 21, and it appeared that the Sheriff of Westport -- the nearest law enforcement official and a pro-slavery man -- would refuse to arrest the known pro-slavery assailant, mobs gathered in the free-soil communities of Palmyra and Lawrence to protest. Taking matters into their own hands, members of the Kansas Regulators -- a free-soil militia -- traveled to the cabins of the assailant and burned his cabin along with two of his allies.

When news spread of these events to the newly appointed territorial governor, Wilson Shannon -- a Pierce appointee who was determined to support the bogus legislature -- he issued orders to "his generals" of the Northern and Southern Divisions of the Territorial Militia to assemble for the purpose of squelching the "rebellious acts" of the free-soilers. Hiram J. Strickler, a pro-slavery settler of Tecumseh, was given temporary command of the Southern Division and ordered to set up his headquarters near Franklin, southeast of Lawrence. There, within shouting distance of James' original claim, some 1,500 "border ruffians" gathered, spit tobacco, drank whiskey, and cursed "black abolitionists." Likewise, Free-soilers flocked to Lawrence to defend the city and, for what seemed like an eternity to the women and children in Lawrence, the two forces squared off against each other at arm's length.

The so-called "Wakarusa War" -- as it came to be known -- never materialized. When Governor Shannon and Senator Atchison arrived from Missouri to find Lawrence heavily defended and the people determined to shed blood -- if need be -- to protect their city, they reconsidered and decided to dismiss the militia. Some accounts of the "war" suggest that it was really the arrival of a cold, wintry blast that sent the Missourians packing back to their homes. In any event, the incident ended peaceably but foretold eventual and certain bloodshed in the days to come.

Having moved his claim to the vicinity of Tecumseh, James was conveniently removed from all of the chaos that surrounded Lawrence in the winter of 1855-1856. Here, in relative peace -- except for having his "faithful" pony Jacob stolen[2] -- James returned to the labors of his mission. On November 21, 1855, the First Quarterly Conference of the newly appointed Missouri Conference, "South Kansas District" was held at the cabin of his good friend, Osborn Naylor. The Tecumseh Methodist society was organized -- "Father Jordan, Secy., J. S. Griffing, Missionary, and Abram Still, Presiding Elder."

In December, James received a letter from Rev. Goode informing him of his relocation to a new home higher up the Missouri River. In Outposts of Zion, Rev. Goode wrote that, “My year’s residence in Kansas [Territory] had been attended with great domestic inconvenience and heavy pecuniary expenditures, growing out of our disappointment in not finding a home on mission premises… [As a consequence,] I had, in mind fallen back on my original purpose of making a home further north.” Here, in the southwestern corner of Iowa, “near the village of Glenwood, twenty miles south of Council Bluffs, and ten miles east of the mouth of the Great Platt,” Rev. Goode constructed himself a new home.

Nebraska City, Nebraska Territory
December 11, 1855

Rev. J. S. Griffing

Truly my brother I sympathize with you in the late severe losses which, in the providence of God, have fallen upon you. Yet I doubt not that you have found divine grace able to sustain. May the same kind providence that has sent the blow take care of thou that may be left in infancy and helplessness.

I need scarce say that at the late sessions of Conference, I carved out what you know was my original purpose -- to settle my family higher up the Missouri -- and from which I had been temporarily diverted by the offer of a home on the Mission premises at Wakarusa. The necessity of a second breaking up & removal has caused us great labor, exposure, & expense. But in the mercy of God, we are spared and in health although we have had some sickness in the family. We have, of necessity, taken up winter quarters on the Iowa side just opposite the mouth of the Great Platte -- a central & convenient point for my present work. [My daughter] Clara -- as you probably have learned -- is married to John Wilson & lives in an adjoining county.  We just got sheltered in time to escape the storms. The climate [at present] is rigorous.

There was much greater difficulty in filling the work in Nebraska than in Kansas and, in that respect, my services [were] more needed [here]. I am now on my work. We are conducting our Quarterly Meeting in this place [and] looking to see a revival.

I paid over to Bro. L. B. Dennis One Hundred Dollars for the church in Topeka. I hope that you have set me right there -- that is all I could [raise]. How did you succeed in raising funds [back] East? Please write soon & let me know all about matters in Kansas. I am anxious to hear. We hope all to be brought together again in an Annual Conference at Lawrence and I desire to keep posted. My regards to Sister Griffing. Address me at Glenwood, Mills County, Iowa. -- Wm H. Goode

Years later, Augusta wrote about her brutal first winter in Kansas:

Before November was over, my husband [James] was taken sick with intermittent fever, congestion of the brain, and typhoid fever following. [3] The neighbors were very kind. The fever lasted several weeks and no one thought he could live. Just as a change for the better came [in his health], our delightful weather changed and a deep snow came sifting between the shingles [of our cabin], covering everything in the room with snow -- there being [only rafters and] no floor overhead. I put sheets up all around the bed but the floor was covered with snow which, [when it] melted and the weather turned cold [again], formed a cake of ice over the floor. [With the snow and ice inside our cabin, my husband] could not get warm, even with the hot irons, etc. [that I] put around him, and he shivered with cold [and the fever].

[One day,] Father Jordan, who lived with Mr. Naylor that winter, came as he frequently did and, seeing James' condition, cried like a child and said he must be moved. Dr. Martin, who had been very faithful and kind, came in just then and said [that James] could not possibly live in that cold room and they decided to move him. [4] Mr. Naylor came with a wagon and they put the bed with [James] on it -- and another one over him -- and carried him to Mr. Naylor's hospitable two-roomed cabin. [5] They placed the bed before a blazing fire in the large fireplace where his chilled and wasted body could feel some warmth once more. He was so grateful -- giving thanks to our kind Heavenly Father -- that it brought tears to all eyes. This home was already full, but there was always room and a welcome for others when they came, which was often the case. [6]

The winter of 1855-1856 was unmerciful. "Resourcefulness and ingenuity were the only weapons against the indifferent elements" that hurled themselves at the pioneer family. Summarizing the experiences of several pioneer women who endured the hardships of a Kansas winter, Joanna Stratton[7] wrote, "At times, [the winter] seemed interminable. For days and weeks on end the temperature hovered at zero, and often plummeted to twenty degrees below. Compounding these freezing temperatures was an almost ceaseless wind that whipped across the plains, often reaching over fifty miles per hour. To the settler unaccustomed to such climatic extremes, this numbing weather became almost unbearable. A winter blizzard was an awesome spectacle. Without warning, dark billowing clouds roared across the skies and unleashed blinding bursts of snow... Isolated in its cabin, the frontier family braced itself against the onslaught of ice and snow.  Wrapped in heavy overcoats and thick woolen blankets, they huddled around the fireplace [or cook stove] for warmth. Yet the searing gusts of wind outdoors seemed to penetrate every crack and crevice of the prairie house... In all directions, the prairie lay enveloped in a boundless and impenetrable whiteness."

What must this first harsh winter have been like for Augusta, just arrived from the East with her new life's companion? Whether the strength she exhibited in enduring this adversity was a basic survival instinct or one cultivated by a long and faithful trust in her Maker's Divine Will, is unknown. Whichever it was, she was only one among many women who found themselves in similar circumstances and discovered uncommon courage and determination. One young Kansas emigrant named Katherine Oliver, writing years later of her own mother's tenacity, rendered a statement that could just as easily have been applied to Augusta. She wrote, "We, her children, have often marveled that she who had been 'brought up' to the conventional refinements of life and its ordered ways, prepared neither by training nor anticipation for the life of a plainswoman,.. should have distinguished herself so gallantly" [8]

In describing that dreadful winter, Allan Nevins -- the eminent historian -- wrote, "[The] Siberian cold had shut down the plains, keeping most people close within doors. The icy winds and heaped snowdrifts, causing intense suffering among the multitude of ill-housed settlers, seemed a lesson in the unsuitability of the land for slavery." But despite the weather, earnest free-soilers carried forward the cause of organizing a state government. In December, the voters ratified the "Topeka Constitution" -- one that contained a clause forbidding the entrance of Negroes into the territory.[9]  In January, between snowstorms, the free-soilers held their own "illegal" elections.[10] With the Missourian's back home, huddled about their fireplaces, an entire free-soil ticket was elected. And now Kansas had two constitutions, two legislatures, and two governors. Everyone knew that bloodshed, narrowly avoided in 1855, was inescapable in 1856. If the emigrants, shivering out in the frigid territory, did not fear the coming spring, it was only because they were preoccupied with staying alive.

Making the most of a difficult situation, Augusta later wrote:

The snow covered the ground until March [1856] and some days were very cold. We all spent many pleasant hours before the blazing open fire, each having different ideas and freely expressing them, enjoying our inconveniences and privations as much as possible -- eating our corn bread, often made by mixing with water and a little salt, and baked in an iron bake kettle before the open fire with hot coals on the cover and around the kettle. Never did corn bread taste sweeter or better than that winter when we had such splendid appetites. A few quails were a welcome addition. We had some milk -- but no butter -- and [often ate] the invalid relished toast with milk over it. [11]

Sometime in January, James received a letter from his Presiding Elder of the Wakarusa District:

Lawrence, Kansas Territory
January 10, 1856

Rev. J. S. Griffing:

I certainly feel to sympathize with you in the absence of your "poney" -- if not his entire loss. I am not certain that I have heard a word of him. Brother Graham's boy says he saw [your poney] in Lawrence a few days ago [pulling] a sleigh or sled. He said so before he knew yours had left. But who had him, or where he is [now], we know not. But I think it quite possible that he saw him. If I should or can hear anything of him, I will let you know soon.

As to my visit up to your place, I am not prepared to say what time. But will say if the 27th of this, or the 3rd or 10th of next month will suit you, I will try and come. You will [please] let me know immediately which time you will choose. The 3rd of February will probably suit me the best. Do not fail to let me know soon.

Our health is very good -- "Praise God." But owing to a combination of circumstances, so far we have not done much in religious matters. Winter has come down upon us in such fury, we have no place sufficiently comfortable to worship in. As we sometimes sing, we all hope that, "There is a better day coming." I try to be patient and wait until I can "see the Salvation of God."  I feel yet to trust in God and try to do right. As yet, I feel no discouragement. "God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform!" My family join in respects to you and Sister Griffing. Bear our kindest feelings to Brother Jordan and [his] family. Believe me, as ever, your undeviating friend, -- L[evin] B. Dennis

Rev. Levin B. Dennis
United Methodist Historical Library, Baker University

Topeka [Kansas Territory]
17 February 1856

Dear Brother Ralph,

You must not think because we have not written to you that we do not think of you. But you know the reason -- the severe sickness of [my husband] James. He has said a number of times we must write to you, but since the cold weather commenced we have been almost destitute of ink as it all froze and broke the bottles. And what we have had occasionally is pale and I had rather write with a pencil and have done so several times.

We received your letter written from home during the Holiday. Then James was getting better, He was sick a long time and is very far from being well now. He was feeling so much better a few weeks ago that he went out too much & overdid in some way & took cold, and has not been as well since. He has a pain in his side & hip caused by taking cold, the doctor says, but thinks he will be well of it. He is not strong, not will be like himself for some time. He has reduced so very low. They all say here [that] they never saw anyone so low and recover. But I hope he will get entirely well when warm spring weather comes on.

It has been very cold & the snow deep for eight weeks, but is now gradually melting away. Such a winter the Indians never knew in Kansas before. They are usually very mild and pleasant. How has it been with you? They write from home [in Owego NY] that there is snow and it is cold, and so it is everywhere this winter. We are not in our cabin yet. It has been so cold nothing could be done about it. And so we stay here at Father Jordan's where we have been nearly eight weeks. It is very pleasant, as they are kind good people from Illinois. Our claim is adjoining this and we hope to have a small house on it before many weeks.

I presume you have heard that the Missourians came up to Lawrence, or near there, intending to take it &c., &c. -- but they did not then, and now it is said they are making preparations to come the 4th of March as the Free State Legislature sets then at Topeka, and they threaten to take that place. But I do not think they will. Some think one way & some another. Time only will decide.

It is expected there was fighting at Easton some fifty miles from here toward Leavenworth, the 15th, but we have not yet heard. Some Missourians were there & gave two men until the 15th to leave or they would then smell hemp & a party went from Lawrence to protect [them], if necessary.

Father Jordan took James & myself to Topeka last Thursday, about three miles from here, and we visited at the physician's Dr. Martin's. The family are from Pennsylvania, not far from Erie. They are pleasant people. A college [class]mate of James' -- a Mr. [Walter] Oakley from the East, is building quite a large house in Topeka. We saw him there. He has been here to see James [too]. The place is very prettily situated on rising ground overlooking the Kansas River and extending back from the river as far as the eye can reach [on a] rolling, not a flat plain. I like it and the country very much. When you get an education, you must come here.

I wish you and our people [back home] could have some of our fine prairie chickens. The [Jordan] family have two traps & we have one & catch all we want and some to spare. We have three ahead now and part of one cooked and have been cooking for some time. The meat looks almost dark as beef and is very good, but not equal to the tame chicken, I think. We have had two rabbits & two quails; fresh pork & beef is our other meat. We have a good cow and have all the milk we want, but do not make butter this winter, not do Father Jordan's people. But we have good gravies & syrup &c. as a substitute.

[Our brother] James Goodrich was here a week ago. He was working for a Mr. Storms & doing very well. He has sold his claim for a hundred dollars and intends getting another that he likes better if he can find one. He was very well indeed. I wish you would write to him. He may go with the Surveyor awhile. They have offered him good wages; thirty dollars a month with his cattle & twenty without.

I suppose you enjoyed your vacation very much seeing so many old acquaintances. And did the working agree with you? How do you get along with your studies? And do you keep well? Do you like the place as well in winter as in summer and have you become acquainted with any of the people, besides students? How does time pass? Agreeably or not? Do not injure your health permanently with hard study. Exercise a great deal and try and keep well. If you lose your health now, you will never be able to finish your studies and always be an invalid. Do be very careful, Ralph. And take care and not take cold. They wrote you had a cold & cough when you went home. Write us as often as you can and ever believe me, 

Your affectionate sister, -- Augusta

I think my husband will write too.

Topeka [Kansas]
18 February 1856

Brother Ralph,

You will think that ink is scarce in this region, but when there are only three or four places for purchasing such things, and it freezes at those places, why we just are obliged to reconcile ourselves to make just such a mark as we can, and try and speak to our distant friends as audibly as we can through other means. How very much we should like to have been with you at your visit home [to Owego NY] and enjoyed the pleasure of a fireside gathering. We can imagine something of the feelings induced after such an absence from those so dear.

I was glad, dear brother, to learn of your success among your classmates. Tis noble, tis satisfactory to know that you are not behind in toiling up the steps of literature. And whilst one starts in the contest with a noble band, he does not like to be outstripped, but feels as if a place among the foremost secures much the most satisfaction. Yet one must not allow his physical frame to be sacrificed under any consideration. With care it is not necessary. Physical exercise should be just as systematically introduced and practiced as any of the lessons or exercises of the school. I hope your entire college course will be truly pleasant and fully satisfactory to yourself, and that you will find that your physical education has kept pace with your intellectual and moral.

I never so much appreciated the value of good health as within the few weeks past. Disease in its multiplied forms has been preying on my poor weak frame and I think my ambition has been flagging for some time back. I have not been free from quite severe pains. For two or three weeks latterly, [I have] been attending to Doctor's prescriptions but without much encouragement. Our physician's here are different -- not filling us with that confidence we would like [to hear]. I am in hopes as the warm weather comes on [that] I shall find my whole system gathering renewed strength.

I have secured an entire release from my ministerial cares, believing this would be best for a year at least. I shall, if health will allow, turn my attention to agriculture and shall find plenty to claim my attention. We want to plant out one hundred apple trees this spring and have engaged that number, besides some peach, cherry, plum, and pear trees. I think from all appearance this will be a fine country for fruit and the sooner anyone enters upon its culture the better. I want also to break considerable new prairie, as I have only five acres under the plough.

I was greatly in hopes to have secured [my brother] Ossy's aid the coming summer but from suggestions made in late letters from home, I am almost afraid he will not come out at all. I shall be greatly disappointed if he does not. I am confident it would be greatly to his interests to do so for I could afford to compensate him well for services, and without doubt he could manage to secure a good claim near[by], which would soon be worth hundreds of dollars to him. But I suppose the unsettled state of things in the territory will not only keep him but others from coming.

[With regard to your brother] James Goodrich, I suppose Cutie has told you about his late move, selling his claim, and determining to go out with the surveyors. He may do better in getting money for the time being, but in the end I think he would have the biggest pile to stay by and improve his claim. He is hardly sufficiently stable. What he will make out, time will determine. I am not certain but he is gathering money to [go] home, but I must close as [the] messenger has come.

Yours, -- James [Griffing]