Fiction: Jaudon – An American Family (a novel) [8]

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Chapter 8. Peace

1886. May 1 – A general strike begins in the United States and on May 4 escalates into “the Haymarket affair” in Chicago, which eventually wins the 8-hour workday in the U.S.
    May 8 – Pharmacist Dr. John Stith Pemberton invents a carbonated beverage that will be named “Coca-Cola.”

On the range there was peace. For the first time in years, there were no Indian raids, bandit attacks, or range wars. James had opened two toll roads across his land. The price was so low per head that even the hardest-core ranger saw no benefit in not paying it.

Fiction: Jaudon – An American Family (a novel) [6]

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Chapter 6. Rio Grande

True to his word, Rafael spoke to Juan about giving his daughter’s hand in marriage. Juan wasn’t happy about it, but, J.F., as James now wanted to be called, wasn’t someone who took being told no lightly. While Juan’s daughter Juana was sweet, gentle, and loving, J.F. Jaudon was hard and in some cases cruel.
    Juan cared for and loved his daughter a great deal, but in the end, the welfare of the whole family came first. Juan, at 40 years old, would have a hard time finding another job if he were let go from the ranch.

Fiction: Jaudon – An American Family (a novel) [4]

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Chapter 4. San Antonio

1866. On March 13, the United States Congress overwhelmingly passes the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the first federal legislation to protect the rights of African-Americans.
    On March 27, U.S. President Andrew Johnson vetoes the bill.
    On April 9, Congress overrides the veto.
    That year, the first big cattle drive takes place over the Chisholm Trail. Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving round up wild longhorn cattle and, with other ranchers, drive them to Kansas.

The Jaudon party rode into San Antonio with high expectations. James and Rafael led the wagon this time and were prepared for trouble. This was their last stop before heading into the backcountry.