Goodyear's Constant Education
A more recent edition of a book that Charley had requested.
One common theme throughout the
history of Charles Goodyear was his love of reading. It is what kept him
going through his tough years at the Logan farm, and it was because of his
constant reading that F. W. Gunn took an interest in Charley and brought him to
his school. When he joined the fight against the South, his love of
reading did not stop at all; he never finished his education.
In at least two letters, Goodyear mentions his ongoing education. At first, it seemed that the reading and learning was, in part, a defense against the boredom and tedium of being stationed at Fort Scott. It wasn't out of complete boredom that he read, rather, it was something that he believed worthwhile and enjoyed, and participated in the activity whenever he could. He even asks Mr. Gunn on one occasion for some text books from his school to help him learn about trigonometry and French.
As the time came closer to the exam by the Casey Board, which would effectively either begin or end Charles’ quest to be promoted into a Colored Regiment, Charles writes to Gunn about the topics he is studying. The exam covered not only military tactics, but also history, geography, and mathematics. He mentions that a number of his fellow soldiers were also studying, and they would all study together. During this time, he not only studied for pleasure, but to reach an important goal. He succeeded, showing off his knowledge and hard work in the process.
Even after the war, there is no evidence to show that Mr. Goodyear ever finished his education. Taking advantage of the Reconstruction of the South in all probability, Charles moved to Georgia where he got an education as a lawyer. He started a successful firm in Georgia that still survives today. And though there is no actual evidence, I have no doubt that he continued to read right up until he died. He was, after all, constantly educating himself.
In at least two letters, Goodyear mentions his ongoing education. At first, it seemed that the reading and learning was, in part, a defense against the boredom and tedium of being stationed at Fort Scott. It wasn't out of complete boredom that he read, rather, it was something that he believed worthwhile and enjoyed, and participated in the activity whenever he could. He even asks Mr. Gunn on one occasion for some text books from his school to help him learn about trigonometry and French.
As the time came closer to the exam by the Casey Board, which would effectively either begin or end Charles’ quest to be promoted into a Colored Regiment, Charles writes to Gunn about the topics he is studying. The exam covered not only military tactics, but also history, geography, and mathematics. He mentions that a number of his fellow soldiers were also studying, and they would all study together. During this time, he not only studied for pleasure, but to reach an important goal. He succeeded, showing off his knowledge and hard work in the process.
Even after the war, there is no evidence to show that Mr. Goodyear ever finished his education. Taking advantage of the Reconstruction of the South in all probability, Charles moved to Georgia where he got an education as a lawyer. He started a successful firm in Georgia that still survives today. And though there is no actual evidence, I have no doubt that he continued to read right up until he died. He was, after all, constantly educating himself.