Guide to the Goff family papers, 1842-1946
(bulk 1842-1867)
John Hay Library , Special Collections
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
email: hay@brown.edu
Published in 2013
Collection Overview
| Title: | Goff family papers |
| Date range: | 1842-1946, (bulk 1842-1867) |
| Creator: | Goff family |
| Extent: | 0.25 Linear feet |
| Abstract: | The Goff family papers number seven items in all. The collection includes a letter from Daniel H. Goff, a Rhode Island native, sent from San Francisco, in 1849 to his family in Rhode Island. It includes military commissions of Daniel H. Goff and his son William M.Goff, in 1849 and 1865-1867 respectively. The collection also includes the wills of William’s brother, Daniel. C. Goff, probated 1852, and the latter’s wife, Martha Hall Goff, dated 1946. |
| Language of materials: | English |
| Repository: | John Hay Library
, Special Collections |
| Collection number: | Ms.2008.016 |
Scope & content
Although a very small collection, the Goff Family papers provide a glimpse of nineteenth century and, to a lesser extent, mid-twentieth century American social life and customs. What is especially noteworthy about this collection is the letter of Daniel H. Goff, a native of Rhode Island, to his family; dated August 15th, 1849, it provides an account of his sea voyage from Boston, Massachusetts to San Francisco, California in his quest for gold. For historians interested in the California Gold Rush of 1848-1855, this letter provides a detailed, first-hand account of one person’s voyage in pursuit of gold during that period in United States history.In addition to the letter by Daniel H. Goff, the collection also includes the following documentation: several military commissions of Daniel H. Goff and his son, William M. Goff; and the wills of William’s brother, Daniel C. Goff, probated 1852, and the latter’s wife, Martha Hall Goff, dated 1946.
Access Points
Subject Names- Goff, Daniel Comins, 1847-1937
- Goff, Daniel H., 1811-1884
- Goff, Martha Hall, 1854-
- Goff, William Maxon, 1843-1871
- Letters--California--1849
- Public service commissions
- Soldiers--United States--History--19th century
- Wills--Rhode Island
Arrangement
The collection consists of seven items arranged chronologically and placed into 5 folders, with each folder labeled by name of individual Goff family member as appropriate
Biographical note
Daniel H. Goff was born in Cumberland, Rhode Island in 1811 and died in 1884. He married Louisa Maxon, who was born in 1818 and died in 1894. Together they raised four children: Maria Louise (1838-?), Jane Isabel Goff (1841-1866); William Maxon (1843-1871) who married Ella Marsh (1843-1883); and Daniel Comins (1847-1937) who married Martha Hall (1854-?).In 1849, Daniel H. Goff traveled by ship to San Francisco, California, during the California Gold Rush of 1848-1855. He and his son William were active in the Rhode Island Militia.
Access & Use
| Access to the collection: | There are no restrictions on access. |
| Use of the materials: | Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them. |
| Preferred citation: | Goff family papers, Ms. 2008.016, Brown University Library. |
| Contact information: | John Hay Library
, Special Collections Box A Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Tel: 401-863-2146 email: hay@brown.edu |
Administrative Information
| ABOUT THE COLLECTION | |
| Acquisition: | Bequest of Richard H. Anthony (Brown, class of 1925), a legatee of Martha Hall Goff, in 1996. |
| ABOUT THE FINDING AID | |
| Author: | Finding aid prepared by Robert J. Rosa. |
| Encoding: | This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2013-11-19 |
Additional Information
| Related material: | RESOURCES AT BROWN:Richard H. Anthony papers |
| Other information: |
|
Inventory
| Box 1, Folder 1 | Daniel H. Goff : Military commission |
1842 Aug 15 |
| Box 1, Folder 2 | Daniel H. Goff : Letter to family |
1849 Aug 15 |
| Box 1, Folder 3 | Daniel C. Goff : Will; probated, Coventry, Rhode Island |
1852 Mar 8 |
| Box 1, Folder 4 | William M. Goff : Military commissions 3.0 items |
1865-1867 |
| Box 1, Folder 5 | Martha H. Goff : Will |
1946 Feb 12 |