Shadden, Thomas J.

Thomas Jefferson Shadden (1809-1894, Oregon) was identified in Riptide as an Arkansas native who accompanied the Vardamon Bennett family from Arkansas to Oregon, then to California. The Find-a-Grave page identifies Shadden as emigrating to Oregon via the Oregon Trail in 1843, which does not conflict with what is known of the Bennetts. However, Rowland lists Shadden as a 1845 arrival in Santa Cruz.

Daughter Drusilla Shadden (1833-1882, Soquel) married John Hames. Hames also came to California in 1843, so he may have also been traveling in that wagon train, and met Drusilla during the journey.