Lake County Biography
Charles Goodwin
Charles Goodwin - The subject of this sketch was born in Ontario County, New York, October 8,1816. When he was eight years of age his parents moved to Detroit, Michigan, whither young Goodwin accompanied them. Here the boy was not idle but set himself vigorously at work to obtain an education, and how well he succeeded is evidenced by the fact, that at the very early age of sixteen we find him engaged in teaching, which profession he followed for the succeeding seven years, when, on account of failing health, he connected himself with E. and J. Wilber & Co., wholesale hardware dealers, as a traveling salesman, and remained in that position for the following two years. In the spring of 1850 he started for California across the plains, coming as far as the Truckee River with horse teams. At that point they met with the misfortune of having all their horses stolen by the Indians. Mr. Goodwin then set out to accomplish the remainder of the trip on foot, and arrived at Nevada City, California, October 10, 1850, without a dollar in his pocket. Like all other old timers Mr. Goodwia was engaged in various pursuits, among which may be mentioned mining, auctioneering and teaming, until the spring of 1856, when he came to Lake County and settled in Big Valley, where he has since continued to reside. He now owns about three hundred acres of land, located at the extreme lower end of Big Valley and near Clear Lake, where he is engaged in farming and wool growing. Mr. Goodwin is one of those active, stirring men who pushed out to the very vanguard of civilization, and has always given his best energies to the advancement and upbuilding of the community in which he resides. He was united in marriage, March 24,1880, with Mrs. R. J. Arnold, a native of Missouri.
History of Napa and Lake Counties,: San Francisco, Cal.: Slocum, Bowen & Co., Publishers, 1881
Transcribed by Julie Appletoft, February 2008, Pages 236-237
Lake County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
Copyright © 1996-2009; This Web page is sponsored by Supporters on behalf of the California portion of The USGenWeb Project by The Administrative Team of the CAGW. Although believed to be correct as presented, if you note any corrections, changes, additions, or find that any links provided on this page are not functioning properly please contact the Archive Coordinator for prompt attention to the matter.