Born: 1811 (Maryland)
Died: 1901
Nancy Gooch (1811 – September 17, 1901) was an early African-American settler in California and one of the state’s most successful 19th-century black female landowners. Born into slavery in Maryland in 1811, Gooch later found herself in Missouri, working in the fields. It was during this time that she met and married her husband, Peter. However, their life was about to undergo a significant change when their master, William Gooch, decided to move to California.
In 1849, Nancy and Peter Gooch arrived in Coloma, California, where the gold rush was in full swing. Nancy immediately set to work, doing laundry and domestic chores for the miners in order to earn money. While Peter continued to work in the gold-mining industry, Nancy lived in a small shack to save money. Her goal was clear: to buy their three-year-old son, Andrew, out of slavery and bring him to California.
By 1858, Nancy and Peter had saved enough money to purchase 80 acres of land. This land would become the foundation of their success as they continued to work and expand their holdings. Throughout their journey, they maintained a singular focus: bringing their son to California. Sadly, Peter passed away in 1861, but Nancy persevered, working tirelessly to secure her son’s freedom.
Despite slavery being abolished by the time Nancy had accumulated the necessary funds, she was able to pay for Andrew’s family to move to California in 1868. With her family finally reunited, Nancy continued to cultivate the land she and Peter had acquired. Their initial 80 acres eventually grew to 320 acres, including land at the gold discovery site at Sutter’s Mill.
Nancy Gooch’s story is not only one of personal triumph over adversity, but it also highlights her status as one of the first African-American women to succeed in California. Her determination, resilience, and hard work enabled her to overcome the challenges she faced and become a respected and prosperous landowner. Her connection to James Marshall, the man credited with discovering gold in California, further solidifies her place in the state’s history.
Nancy Gooch’s impact on society extends beyond her personal achievements. Not only did she break barriers and challenge societal expectations, but she also played a vital role in women’s history, particularly in the realm of African-American women’s landownership. Her success serves as a testament to the strength and determination of African-American women during a time of immense social change and challenges.