USA > California > Lassen County > Fairfield's pioneer history of Lassen County, California; containing everything that can be learned about it from the beginning of the world to the year of Our Lord 1870 Also much of the pioneer history of the state of Nevada the biographies of Governor Isaac N. Roop and Peter Lassen and many stories of Indian warfare never before published > Part 8
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June the 12th 1857
Taylor went hunting returned and reported to have shot an antelope but could not get it. Roop started with a fishing pole to assist in getting the crippled game it is believed that the fish and antelope will suffer
June 13th 1857
Taylor Hill and H. B. Ray went to Smok Creek after Iron and when there they got they found they wer to lat the Iron was all gon But they made a rais some where of a tire and Chains
For the States 16th
Thomas. S. Bradford Alpheus Hunter C. C. Boundy Geo H. Brown for Pike For. God's. Country By --
Bought a Knife and Gun for knife. - for the Gun $10 for the staits or some other sea Port or rather
June 25 1857
Cut Arnold and family arrived to-day all well
June 21st 1857
Arrived in Town Seven men from St Louis on a prospecting tour
Sir Roop with his Troup Came down from the Mill Camp, to clean out the Town left Satisfied that it was a heavy Job Fish do not bite yet
Roops, House Three men from Humbug Valy they intend to come back Shortly to settle there names dont know there names I think the men are Humbug if they come back a Gain to Honey Lake vally
Roop House June 18 1857
Camped above the house eleven men 19 Horses from Yreka & Oregon bound for the White Settlements
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HISTORY OF LASSEN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
June 20th 1857 It has been as cold as hell for the last fortnight no frost July 1st-2-3 & 4th
Rained every day some days more Roop House Honey Lake Valley July 11 '57
Roop raised Mill today, Bob Sick"
There was one more entry that had nothing pasted over it. It was dated July 20th, but it was so indistinct that it could not be read. The remainder of the book was a record of the trains that passed the Roop House in 1857. The record of the second train was "Second Train Crawford & fullBrite 600 head of cattle & 4 Wagons 15 Men 4 Women 4 Children"
According to the Roop House Register there came through the valley from August 2, 1857 to October 4, 1857 ninety-nine trains, or parties, with 306 wagons and carriages, 665 horses and mules, and 16937 head of cattle. There were 835 men, 254 women, and 390 children. Two or three large bands of cattle and a few of the emigrants stopped in the valley. The rest of them went on over the mountains. They were looking for gold.
WESTERN UTAH POLITICS. 1857
In 1856 an armed mob of Mormons had driven the United States District Judge from the bench in eastern Utah, and he left the territory. The relations between the Mormons and the United States government became hostile. Where the Mormons had the power (which was not the case in Carson county) murders were frequent, and a reign of terror was begun. What was virtually a rebellion caused President Buchanan to send General A. Sidney Johnston with a small army to Salt Lake in 1857 to re-cstablish the authority of the government. Brigham Young ordered all the Mormons living outside of eastern Utah to return at once, and help defend the "City of Saints" against what he called an armed mob.
On the 14th day of January, 1857, the legislature of Utah enacted the following law: "Said county (Carson) is allowed to retain its present organization so far as county recorder, sur- veyor, precincts and precinct officers are concerned, and may con- tinue to elect these officers in accordance with existing arrange- ments and laws until further directed by Great Salt Lake County court, or legislative enactment. Section 5-The record books,
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papers and blanks, and seals, both of probate and county courts, shall be delivered over to the order of the probate court of Great Salt Lake county."
April 13th the county court, with Chester Loveland for judge, adjourned until the first Monday in the following June; but it was September 3, 1860 before there was another session of this branch of the Judiciary.
On the 16th of July the California Mormon train, consisting of seventeen wagons and sixty-five people, left Eagle valley for Salt Lake City. On September 26th 123 wagons and 450 people left Carson valley for the same place. A few of them were from Cali- fornia and Oregon. This left Truckee and Carson valleys almost without inhabitants for a while. The land and buildings left by the Mormons were sold for a trifle. People from California bought up this real estate, and the valleys soon filled up with Gentiles and apostate Mormons.
SECOND ATTEMPT AT TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION
On August 3d, 1857, at a meeting in Genoa of the citizens of Carson and adjoining valleys, a call was issued for a grand mass meeting of the people living along the eastern base of the Sierras. It was to be held at Genoa August 8, 1857. The object of this meeting was to petition congress to organize a new territory out of portions of Utah, California, and New Mexico, and to provide ways and means to lay this subject before the President and con- gress of the United States. Judge Loveland, the Morman elder, and Judge Crane were invited to be present and address the meeting.
On the appointed day the meeting was called to order by Ma- jor Wm. M. Ormsby, and Col. John Reese was elected president. By this time the Never Sweats had joined hands with the rest of the people living east of the Sierras, and their representatives were here. Isaac Roop was one of the four vice-presidents of the meeting.
After organization a committee was appointed to present busi- ness before the meeting. They retired to do their work, and in their absence Judge James M. Crane addressed the meeting. Judge Loveland was not there.
The committee then brought in some resolutions and a Memo- rial to the President and congress of the United States, and these were adopted.
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The Resolutions were to the effect that the people inhabiting the territory commonly known as the Great American Basin, lying east of the Sierra Nevadas, west of the Goose creek range, south of the Oregon line, and north of the Colorado river and its tribu- taries were convinced that the increasing population of this region were in danger from hostile tribes of Indians, and from the ab- sence of any law for the protection of life and property, and that some kind of a government should be established in the shortest time possible.
That a memorial should be drawn up setting forth the reasons for this movement, and the same submitted to the consideration of the President and both houses of congress, and that the meeting select a delegate to represent to the President and congress the views and wants of the people of this section.
That James M. Crane, on account of his long residence in and knowledge of this country, as well as his "candor, fidelity, and ability," be appointed to represent the people of this section in Washington.
It was also resolved to appoint twenty-eight men to carry out the work laid out at this meeting, and five of those appointed were from Honey Lake valley. They were Major Isaac Roop, Peter Lassen, Mr. Arnold, Wm. Hill, and Mr. McMurtry. (Probably it was Cutler Arnold, Wm. Hill Naileigh, and L. C. McMurtry.)
In conclusion the members of congress from California and the territorial delegates from Oregon, Washington, Utah and New Mexico were asked to use their personal and official influence to obtain the passage of a bill organizing the territory asked for; and the newspapers of the Pacific coast, and several in the eastern and the southern parts of the United States were "invited and requested to publish these proceedings and memorial, and other- wise extend to us the benefit of their powerful influence and sup- port."
The Memorial was a very long document, and contained a good many misrepresentations ; but it showed the condition of affairs in western Utah at that time, and also showed the ideas of the people living there in regard to their country. The following synopsis gives a good idea of what it contained.
It began as follows: "The citizens inhabiting the valleys within the Great Basin of the American continent, to be hereafter de- scribed, beg leave respectfully to present for the earnest consid-
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THE YEAR 1857
eration of the President of the United States, and the members of both houses of congress this their petition ; praying for the organi- zation of a new territory of the United States. We do not pro- pose to come with any flourish of trumpets or mere words in this memorial, but we propose simply to submit a few plain statements as the inducements and reasons which actuate us in making this appeal to those who have the power to remedy the existing diffi- culties and embarrassments under which we now labor and suf- fer."
It then stated that the majority of the people of this section had been there six or seven years, and during that time had been without protection of any kind from Indians and outlaws; and there was no reason to suppose it would be any better until some government was organized that could make laws and enforce them. They were law abiding citizens and did not wish to see "anarchy, violence, bloodshed and crime of every hue and grade waving their horrid scepter over this portion of our common country."
"In the winter time the snows that fall upon the summit and spurs of the Sierra Nevadas frequently interrupt all intercourse and communications between the Great Basin and the state of California and the territories of Oregon and Washington for near- ly four months every year. During the same time all intercourse and communication between us and the civil authorities of Utah are likewise closed. Within this space of time, and indeed from our anomalous condition during all seasons of the year, no debts can be collected by law; no offenders can be arrested, and no crime can be punished except by the code of Judge Lynch, and no obedience to government can be enforced, and for this reason there is and can be no protection to either life or property except that which may be derived from the peaceably disposed, the good sense and patriotism of the people, or from the fearful, unsatisfac- tory and terrible defence and protection which the revolver, the Bowie knife, and other deadly weapons may afford us."
Even during the favorable season of the year, on account of their location, they could get no benefit from the governments of the neighboring states and territories. The most of them be- longed to the government of Utah, but no intercourse could be held with the authorities of that territory, because it was nearly 800 miles to Salt Lake City ; and to get there it was necessary to
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cross two deserts. Besides that in Western Utah no one paid any attention to the territorial laws. The Mormons, in their social affairs, conformed to the habits of life among the Gentiles; but their dealings with each other were regulated by the rules of the Mormon church.
These were only a part of their grievances. Nearly one half of the county in which the most of the petitioners resided had only two justices of the peace and one constable. No one respected their authority, and very few knew or cared where they lived. The territorial legislature of Utah once made a county called "Carson" out of nearly the whole of this region, but for some rea- son unknown to the petitioners they abolished the county and established in place of it an election precinct in which nobody voted, or cared to vote.
There were 7000 or 8000 people living within the limits of the proposed new territory and their numbers were rapidly increas- ing. There were no less than two hundred valleys, running into one another, of the most fertile grazing and agricultural land. In the mountains were found "gold, silver, copper, lead, iron, coal and other minerals, metals and precious stones," and they be- lieved that proper exploration would show that they had one of the richest and most productive regions on the globe. For these reasons they expected to have a rush of population such as settled up California and Texas so rapidly, and unless congress at its next session organized the territory asked for, when the rush did come, there would be no laws to govern the settlers and the land would be full of "unrestrained violence and bloodshed."
"There are some portions of the Great Basin of this continent claimed by the state of California in which reside a considerable number of people who, in the winter time, can have no connection with it. This is the case with those who reside in Honey Lake valley. That valley lies east of the Sierra Nevadas, and within the Great Basin, and from this cause the people living in it have no intercourse with other parts of the state during the rainy sea- son for nearly four months every year. They, therefore, natu- rally belong to the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas, and on this account they desire to join us in this movement. If they are forced to remain with California they can not know anything about the affairs of their state during the whole time its legisla- ture may be in session. It is, therefore, folly, and worse than
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folly, to attach the people of this valley to a state about which they know nothing, and care nothing, for one third of the year, and that third the most important part of it to them. They there- fore cordially unite with us in this prayer and memorial to con- gress, asking not only that they may be attached to the proposed new territory, but that they may add their united voices in sup- port of the great necessities for the organization of the aforesaid territory." Those living in southern California east of the Sierra Nevadas and those of New Mexico (New Mexico then included Arizona) living near the Colorado river and its tributaries were also shut off from their respective capitals during the winter months.
It was then submitted that in addition to the facts here pre- sented, all the routes across the continent between the Atlantic and Pacific states would be well guarded when this new territory was organized. The Indian population of the proposed new territory was not far from 75000 or 100000, and the most of them could be very easily controlled, if there was anything like an organized gov- ernment in their country. For these and many other powerful reasons that would readily suggest themselves, they prayed for the organization of a new territory.
The petitioners suggested that the boundaries of the new terri- tory, which, by the way, was to be called "Sierra Nevada," be as follows : Beginning at the northeastern corner of California, the line was to run east about two thirds of the way across the present state of Nevada, and then southeast to a point about forty miles north of where Phoenix, Arizona, now stands. From there it was to run south to Old Mexico, and west along the northern boun- dary of that country to the southeastern corner of California. Then it was to follow the eastern boundary of that state to the place of beginning.
This boundary would take in a range of valleys connected together, and in the winter time the people who inhabited them were almost entirely shut off from communication with California, New Mexico, Utah, Oregon, and Washington; but in all seasons they could enjoy free intercourse with one another. All the proposed wagon, military, stage, and railroad routes crossing the continent between the Atlantic and Pacific states and terri- tories enter and pass through these valleys; and the most trouble- some Indian tribes roam through or live in them. For these and
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similar urgent reasons and considerations they asked that the said territory be organized by Congress within the shortest pos- sible time.
W. W. Nicols, R. D. Sides, Orrin Gray, J. K. Trumbo, and Col. William Rodgers were appointed to procure signatures to the memorial.
The meeting adjourned "with the full determination of all to work in good earnest to accomplish the success of the under- taking. Great harmony and enthusiasm prevailed on the occa- sion."
No "flourish of trumpets" about that. They certainly claimed everything in sight and "then some." The semi-arid country between the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky mountains can hardly be called "the most fertile grazing and agricultural land;" and although the minerals and metals they told about were there, probably they knew nothing about any of them excepting the gold. They were not one fourth as many whites and Indians as they claimed living in the proposed new territory, and eight hundred miles to Salt Lake City was rather stretching the road.
T. & W. (Thompson and West's History of Nevada) have the following: "Western Utah at the close of 1857 had perhaps two hundred or three hundred people. There was not much to attract settlers. The placer mines were poor, and as the emigra- tion grew less trading with the emigrants was not very profitable. The principal occupation was stock raising from the Truckee to the head of Carson river. There was only one Mormon in the country, and there was no organized government of any kind. The only law was that dealt out to 'Lucky Bill.' "'
Judge Crane went to Washington to "boost" the cause of the new territory, and in the history of the next year the results will be given.
HONEY LAKE POLITICS. 1857
When the Honey Lakers found they had taken in a lot of settlers to the south of them who paid no attention to their gov- ernment, they dropped Nataqua and, as previously told, joined the people of western Utah in their endeavor to have the United States organize a new territory. Besides this they had some politics to attend to at home.
In 1857 the valley was settled up quite rapidly and the land was taken up and improved. Before long there was settlement
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enough in the valley to make the property worth noticing, and August 4, 1857, the board of supervisors of Plumas county organized it into a separate township, calling it Honey Lake town- ship. This, and other official, acts, and the taxing of the people of the valley brought on trouble that lasted for the next six years. Everybody thought the valley was close to the line, but no one took the trouble to do a little surveying and be sure about it. A part of the Honey Lake settlers said they were in Cali- fornia, and the Plumas county officials said so, too. That was all. The people of the valley, however, were not all of the same mind during the years of trouble with Plumas. Some of them believed they were in California, and were willing to acknowledge its jurisdiction. Others paid their taxes rather than have any trouble. Another class owned property both here and in Plumas. They had to pay their taxes, for if they didn't, their property there would be taken to pay them. But forty or fifty men, most of them men who came into the valley first, endured hardships, fought Indians, and in other ways bore the brunt of the battle, would have nothing to do with Plumas county. They said it did nothing for this valley, made no roads, built no schoolhouses-just came in and collected taxes. They didn't want to be in California, and didn't believe they were; and as long as the matter was in doubt they were going to pay no taxes, and were willing to fight it out-and they did. It seems as though a majority of the settlers here wanted to be in the new territory to be organized east of the mountains, but they were not willing to fight about it. The most of the settlers here filed their land claims with Roop, but some of them went to Quincy and filed their claims, deeds, etc., there, too.
F. & S. say : "The action of the board of supervisors, in the creation of Honey Lake township and the appointment of jus- tices and constables (none of whom qualified), called out the following proceedings from the citizens of this valley: (Quoted by them from Roop's record.)
"In pursuance of a notice, the citizens of Honey Lake valley met at M. Thompson's ranch on the twenty-ninth of August, A. D. 1857, and were called to order by appointing M. Thompson chairman, and L. N. Breed secretary.
"The following Preamble and resolutions were offered by Mr. Williams, and unanimously adopted :
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"Preamble
"Whereas, we, the citizens of Honey Lake Valley, entertain- ing very reasonable doubts of our being within the limits of the state of California, and believing that until the eastern boundary of the state of California is determined by the proper authori- ties that no county or counties have a right to extend their jurisdiction over us, therefore be it Resolved by the citizens of Honey Lake Valley in Mass Meeting assembled that we consider the action of the Board of Supervisors of Plumas county an unwarrantable assumption of power.
"Firstly, in appointing Justices of the Peace without our knowledge or consent.
"Secondly, in dividing the Valley into precincts, and appoint- ing officers for the same.
"Thirdly, in ordering an assessment of the property of the Valley. Therefore be it further resolved that we will resist any action of the authorities of Plumas, and individually and col- lectively pledge ourselves by all we hold sacred to assist and aid each other in resisting any infringement of our rights.
"Resolved, That the officers appointed by the board of Super- visors to conduct the election in this place be requested to keep the Polls closed upon the day of election.
"Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed as a com- mittee of safety, whose business it shall be to correspond with the authorities of Plumas county, to end meetings when neces- sary, and to take such action as they may think necessary, sub- ject always to the approval of the citizens of this Valley.
"Resolved, That we cordially unite with the citizens of Carson Valley in their endeavors to have a new Territory struck off, whose limits shall be the Oregon line on the North, the Goose Creek range of Mountains on the East, the Colorado River on the South, and the dividing ridge of the Sierra Nevadas on the west.
"Z. N. Spalding offered the following preamble, which was adopted and signed by all present :
"We, the undersigned individuals of Honey Lake Valley, feeling a just indignation at the course pursued by certain individuals, calling themselves citizens of this Valley, relative to a certain petition signed by them, and forwarded to Plumas county, praying them to consider this Valley under the juris-
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diction of said county, and for the authorities to appoint certain officers, such as Justice and constable.
"Now, be it known-First, that the petition above mentioned was drawn up and signed by persons most of whom were, and are now, non-residents of this Valley, and had no interest identi- fied with the welfare of this community. That very few of the resident citizens of the Valley knew anything about the petition until it was announced that Plumas county had appointed officers for us, nolens volens.
"Secondly, We are, and do consider this Valley, not in the state of California, and shall continue to do so until our bound- aries are defined and established by the legally constituted author- ities of the United States, and we will not recognize the authority of Plumas county or California to make ourselves or appoint our officers.
"Thirdly, Were we under the jurisdiction of Plumas county, we would not suffer the office-making power to force upon us men odious to the citizens generally, and destitute of the requisite qualifications to fill any office.
"Fourthly, We disclaim the whole proceedings from beginning to end and shall not regard any mandate issuing from under the officers appointed by Plumas county to preside over us.
"In token whereof, we severally pledge ourselves.
Names.
M. Thompson,
Thomas Eaton,
L. N. Breed,
J. D. Sharp,
Joseph Lynch,
A. G. Eppstein,
H. Dony,
Peter Lassen,
Wm. Hill,
Ralph Niesham,
G. A. Williams,
R. J. Scott,
Wm. Weatherlow,
A. U. Sylvester,
C. Arnold,
H. A. Wilmans,
D. C. Jackson,
R. Hewitt,
Thomas Mitchell,
L. M. Robertson,
I. E. Wick, Ireton Warp,
Wm. N. Crawford,
G. Lathrop,
A. F. Chapman, Wm. Dow,
Henry Denny,
W. C. Kingsbury,
M. W. Haviland, Anthony Barlow,
Stephen O'Laughlin,
W. Powell."
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HISTORY OF LASSEN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
William Dow says he did not attend this meeting.
"On motion, the following persons were appointed on the committee to correspond with the authorities of Plumas county: Wm. Hill, Mr. Williams, M. L. Robertson, Z. N. Spalding.
"Moved, that the committee authorized to correspond with the Plumas county authorities be vested with the power to draw up a petition to Congress for the purpose of having a new terri- tory organized. Carried.
"Mr. Jackson moved that the corresponding committee be invested with power to draft such laws out of the code of laws now governing the two districts, as may suit the people of said districts in common, but so to form them as not to permit an encroachment upon claims taken under former laws, and said laws submitted to the people for adoption or rejection on such day as the committee may designate. Carried.
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