Reminiscence of Mary Louisa Goddard in the Goldendale Sentinel

Reminiscence of Mary Louisa Goddard in the Goldendale Sentinel

The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., July 1, 1954

Diamond Anniversary Edition

MARY LOUISA GODDARD ALLYN, THEN 12, CAME WEST WITH HER PARENTS IN 1852

Mary Louise Goddard Allyn, one of the earliest of the pioneers, who came west with her parents in 1852, died at Goldendale March 23, 1936.

At the time of her burial, The Sentinel reported a chronicle of her early experiences which had been prepared by H.S. Goddard, Mrs. Allyn's brother. The story is here retold for anniversary edition readers.

Mrs. Allyn's children, who survived at the time of death, were: Mrs. H.J. Marshall, Joseph H. Allyn, Oscar Allyn, Jesse Allyn and Mrs. E.O. Spoon of Goldendale; Mrs. Virgil Peringer, Bellingham; Rufus C. Allyn, Vancouver; and Mrs. W.E. Miller of Stevenson.

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Joseph Hill Goddard and Hester Ann Henricks were married in Ohio December 29, 1836. They decided to move to Iowa. Before the journey was completed Mary Louise Goddard was born November 17, 1839 in Illinois. The family settled near the Trop, Davis county.

In 1849, following the announcement of gold in California a wonderful emigration took place to that state. All was excitement "In those days of old, in the days of gold, in the days of '49." The Oregon country was also being talked about, its wonderful climate, its a rich soil, the beaver and the salmon and the vast forests of giant firs. The government was giving a section of land to any family that would live on the land and improve it. All of these things created a desire that could not be resisted, so on May 4, 1852 the family started for Oregon, the land of opportunity. There were six children from 2 to 15, Louise being 12 years of age.

The company consisted of about 20 wagons. Mr. Miller was captain. The family possessions were nine yoke of oxen, four or five cows, 25 yearling heifers, to American mares, two new red wagons, a fair supply of betting and personal clothing and a small amount of money.

A load of hay went along to supply the cattle with food till the train would come to prairie grass. The company had but little trouble with the Indians. A sign now and then might be seen, "Lookout for the Indians." A few times the wagons were put in a circle with everyone inside, and all guns ready for instant use. Buffalo were seen by the thousands. At one time the prairie grass was burned for a distance of three or four days journey. The stock was fed by cutting willows in swampy places and carrying them to higher ground. Water was scarce a few times, nearly two days at the longest, the cows when dry and the children had to do without milk. Buffalo chips (dried manure) were used for fuel. The washing was done when sufficient water was convenient. Cholera was very prevalent among the emigrants of 1852, and three of the company died before reaching Oregon. In many cases, the grave was made in the middle of the road. The whole train passed over it to obliterate any trace of the burial, the Indians at times being in the habit of molesting the graves.

What at first was an Indian trail, soon became a dusty road and in the spring it was lined with wild flowers.

About ten miles per day was the rate of progress. Monotony was mixed with dust and heat, get the star of hope led on. A few storms were encountered and survived.

The company rested each Sunday, and every second week Samuel Mathew, a Methodist minister held preaching services. But hymns were lived and sung. The tabernacle of the Lord was the blue vaulted skies. The services were satisfying and stimulating. The days' duties were assumed with an abiding faith in the divine purpose.

On nearing The Dalles the food supply became exhausted and some dried salmon procured from the Indians, who were always ready to trade salmon for clothing or bedding. Ellen, age six, did not like dried salmon and refused to eat. A chastisement renewed her appetite.

On the plains some of the oxen became footsore and had to be shod, a few were killed, the loads had been much lightened and so one wagon was abandoned.

After a tedious journey of six months, The Dalles was reached. Winter was approaching and there was haste to complete the journey. The Barlow route was practically impassable by wagon. Some heifers were traded or sold for transportation by barge. The two American (not Spanish or Indian) mares were sent over the Barlow route. The cattle, two or three Indian ponies bought on the way, and the wagon were left at The Dalles to be recovered in the spring. None of them were ever found it.

The family arrived at Vancouver, Oregon territory on November 9, 1852. The journey was finished but no friends were there to bid them welcome. They were without money and among strangers, the Hudson's Bay Co. allowed several families to camp under a shed without walls. After a few days a two room house was procured for two large families. The beds were made on the floor, covering most of it. In the morning there were piled in the corner. Boxes or homemade stools were used for chairs.

Although not yet 13 years of age, Louisa kept a diary while crossing the plains, and even if done in a child's way, yet it showed a continuity of purpose. On one occasion in Wyoming she wandered from the others, and discovered a subterranean stream. All were too far away to be called, so she alone saw this wonder.

Vancouver in 1852 was one of a few important towns of the west, yet it was only an insignificant village in size. There were no churches and practically no roads. The forests were as yet untouched.

"Oh solitude where are their charms

That sages have been seen in thy face?

Better dwell in the midst of alarms

Than reign in this horrible place

But the sound of the church-going bell

These valleys and rocks never heard

Ne'er sigh'd at the sound of a knell,

Or smiled when the sabbath appear'd" - Cooper

The Hudson's Bay Co. conducted a school in the Covington house on the 4th plain, now called Orchards. The first of January 1853 Louisa was sent to this school where she remained six months, the following year seven months. Here she was taught the 3 R's, also cooking, spinning, sewing, butter making. In later life she told me that the only reason for being sent to the school was that she was so exceedingly lonesome that there appeared to be no other cure. The Covington house was not a school house but a residence, and still being in a good state of preservation, it was moved a few years ago to Leverich park on the highway just north of Vancouver. It is made of hewed logs and is one story high. In its say it was an outstanding figure in social life. Gen. Grant, a Lieutenant at Vancouver in 1853, made frequent visits there. In February, 1853 the Goddards moved to Salmon Creek where Mrs. Goddard taught school in her own home, a log house. Church services were also held at the Goddard home and all of the neighbors attended; some were Methodists, some were Baptists and some Catholics. There were about a dozen houses within five miles, and some of these were occupied by bachelors. Some of the families were small. After about three years a log school house was built, being about 12 x 16 feet. This served the neighborhood for four years, when a larger log schoolhouse was erected. And this latter house in 1860 school began with an attendance of eight. In this school house there were many early candle lighting meetings. Church began at dark, so that going to church could be done in daylight.

Below Vancouver there lived a family by the name of Sturgess. Their son, Orville D. Sturgess, and Mary Louise Goddard were married in 1855. To them were born three children, Alonzo, who died at the age of seven, Mrs. Howard Marshall, of Goldendale, whom you all know, and Orville D. Marion, who was born at about the time of his father's death, lived in Goldendale from 1881 to 1896.

In 1863 Mrs. Sturgess married Robert Nerton who died in 1865. One child came to this family.

At her own home, a farm near 4th Plain, in 1866 Mrs. Nerton married James Henry Allyn. To them were born eight children five of whom are now living in Goldendale.

Mr. Allyn had various ministerial appointments, until on account of poor health, the family moved to Klickitat county in 1879, where he died in 1889. At his death there were some debts, and Mrs. Ellyn by her own efforts paid these while still caring for the family.

In 1896 she moved into Goldendale where she resided till her summons came to cross to other shores.

She saw the West in its crudest days. She has noted the transformation one by one, until the West has become the chosen haven of all the world. She lived in the log cabin with the dirt floor. She attended school in the log school house, the progenitor of our fine high schools and colleges, and it was a mighty factor in its time. She has seen the circuit rider transformed into the well garbed clergyman, the tallow candle give place to the coal oil lamp, the impassable road become the paved boulevard. In her youth, grain was cut with a cradle and bound by hand. She lived before the bicycle, the sewing machine, the typewriter, the telephone, electric lights, high explosives, refrigerators, washing machines, rubber goods, repeating rifles, and modern plumbing came into being.

In her youth there were practically no homes for the aged, for infants, for crippled children, for the tubercular, for ex-soldiers, for retired ministers The modern hospital, hospitals for the insane and even our public schools came into being since her birth. In her girlhood there were no unions, nor strikes nor an eight-hour day.

With all of our conveniences and luxurious and opportunities for advancement and betterment we are probably not any better satisfied and contended, not any more generous, nor any more faithful to our duties and responsibilities than were those of pioneer times.

Mrs. Allyn was patient in trial, of a calm and unruffled disposition but seldom seen. She was a loving wife and a kind and considerate mother. She was loyal to her Church and did what she could to advance its cause, and she built for herself a home beyond the skies where she will now abide.

She was anchored to a high conception of righteousness and her life ought to be an inspiration to all who knew her.

"When I rise to worlds unknown,

And behold thee on thy throne,

Rock of ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in thee."