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
US Old West History Made Easy Quiz. "Check
Your Answers" at the end of the page.
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.
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.
10. Where is Charles Goodnight buried?
- Goodnight Cemetery , Goodnight (Armstrong County), Texas
- Hillsboro City Cemetery, Hillsboro, Texas
- Longstreet Cemetery, Grimes County, Texas
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