Charles Goodnight

Born: March 5, 1836, Macoupin County, Illinois
Died: Dec. 12, 1929, Tucson, Arizona

Charles Goodnight was a cattle rancher in the American West, perhaps the best known rancher in Texas. He is sometimes known as the "father of the Texas Panhandle." Essayist and historian J. Frank Dobie said that Goodnight "approached greatness more nearly than any other cowman of history."

What do you know about Charles Goodnight? Try this Old West Legends Quick Quiz.

1. Goodnight moved to Texas in 1846 with his mother and stepfather, Hiram Daugherty. In 1856, he became a cowboy and served with the local militia, fighting against Comanche raiders. A year later, in 1857, Goodnight joined the Texas Rangers. Goodnight is also known for guiding Texas Rangers to the Indian camp where Cynthia Ann Parker was recaptured, and for later making a treaty with her son, Quanah Parker.

• Fact or Myth?

2. What side did he fight for during the Civil War?

• Neutral
• Confederates
• Union

3. What vehicle was Goodnight credited inventing?

• Model T
• Chuckwagon
• Motorcycles

4. In 1866, who did he form a partnership with and drove their first herd of cattle northward?

• Oliver Loving
• Johnny Ringo
• Rowdy Yates

5. On July 26, 1870, Goodnight married a teacher from Weatherford, located west of Fort Worth. Who was the teacher?

• Beth McDonald
• Mary Ann "Molly" Dyer
• Amanda Moore

6. In order to take advantage of available grass, timber, water, and game, he founded in 1876 what was to become the first Texas Panhandle ranch, the JA Ranch. Where was the ranch?

• Lubbock River Canyon
• Tom Mix River
• Palo Duro Canyon

7. What was he known for preserving?

• Apples
• American Bison (buffalo)
• Photographs

8. Goodnight's wife Molly died in April 1926. On March 5, 1927, Goodnight turned ninety-one and married his 26-year old wife. What was her name?

• Lydia Pickle
• Corinne Goodnight
• Kitty Russell

9. He never learned to read or write but had his wives write letters for him to various individuals, including Quanah Parker.

• Fact or Myth?

10. Where is Charles Goodnight buried?

• Goodnight Cemetery , Goodnight (Armstrong County), Texas
• Hillsboro City Cemetery, Hillsboro, Texas
• Longstreet Cemetery, Grimes County, Texas

Charles Goodnight Answers

1. Fact
2. Confederates
3. Chuckwagon
4. Oliver Loving
5. Mary Ann "Molly" Dyer
6. Palo Duro Canyon
7. American Bison (buffalo)
8. Corinne Goodnight
9. Fact
10. Goodnight Cemetery , Goodnight (Armstrong County), Texas

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