Around 1860, Golden was elected to the legislature of the provisional government of Jefferson Territory, organized by area citizens in hopes of federal recognition. Golden's correspondence may be read in the Missouri Republican and Western Mountaineer, two newspapers from this time.
Around 1860, Golden was elected to the legislature of the provisional government of Jefferson Territory, established by local citizens with the aim of gaining federal recognition. Golden's correspondence can be found in the Missouri Republican and Western Mountaineer, two newspapers from that time, which provide insight into the community's efforts.