The Pioneer spirit was alive and well. Hugh Jordan was of the pioneer spirit. Hugh Jordan missed so much of in terms of what we take for granted in these modern times, but what he did have was, without doubt, an exhilarating feeling of independence and freedom. Go west young man, go west. Hugh Jordan did just that, landing in Hanover Ohio where he established a new home. This was in 1839. During the California Gold Rush many asked How can I get to California? and How long will it take to get there? Hugh Jordan then only 46 years of age, must have asked himself these questions. Unfortunate for Hugh Jordan’s eager posterity readers, he left few details of his trek westward. It is known that he left St. Joseph Missouri in 1849, but we do not know what month. The journey across the country took him 6 months. He does tell of many a skirmish with the Indians, of lives lost, of suffering for lack of water, and a multitude of disappointments the travelers met with.