USA > California > Lassen County > Illustrated history of Plumas, Lassen & Sierra counties, with California from 1513 to 1850 > Part 57
USA > California > Plumas County > Illustrated history of Plumas, Lassen & Sierra counties, with California from 1513 to 1850 > Part 57
USA > California > Sierra County > Illustrated history of Plumas, Lassen & Sierra counties, with California from 1513 to 1850 > Part 57
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73
Mr. Partridge conducted the paper independent of all political parties, believing this to be but justice to all in a county where the patronage was not adequate to the support of two papers. It was managed solely as a business enterprise, and not for personal, political, or literary fame, always aiming to give the public value received for their money. Other pursuits occupied so much of his time that he decided to form a copartnership, selling a half-interest to his brother-in-law, D. C. Slater. Mr. Slater was a democrat, and this independent course outlined at the beginning was continued. They afterwards changed the name to The Lassen Advocate, and together continued its publication until Mr. Slater withdrew and embarked in the same business farther north, starting The Modoc Independent, the first paper in Modoc county, where he has since lived. Mr. Partridge managed the paper until he sold out, and was succeeded June 22, 1878, by E. A. Weed, a gentleman who had but recently arrived in the county.
Mr. Weed bought the material formerly used in the publication of the Lassen County Farmer, and merged the two papers into one. His course was independent, although he leaned towards republicanism. He changed the title, October 19, 1878, to Lassen Advocate, which appellation it still retains. During the year 1880 he started a newspaper at Greenville, Plumas county, and soon after sold the paper here to D. C. Hyer, his name appearing as proprietor November 19, 1880, for the last time.
Mr. Hyer at once formed a copartnership with Albert L. Shinn, late of the Mountain Review, to whom he sold a half-interest. In politics Mr. Hyer was democratic; but they paid no attention to politics, aiming to avoid partisanship as much as possible. These gentlemen continued together until April 1, 1881, when Hyer sold to his partner, stating in his valedictory that " his preferences led him to embark in other pursuits." Mr. Shinn continued to manage and edit the sheet until October 28, 1881, when he resigned his office, material, and pen to N. S. Mckinsey, and retired from the field of Lassen county journalism.
391
Mr. Mckinsey first entered into journalism in Modoc county, where he is still interested. Since the purchase of the Advocate he has remained here in active management of the paper constantly. In politics he has maintained a strictly neutral and independent course. In the past the people have spoken of his management in terms of appreciation, and it is evident from his record that he possesses that varied experience essential to the successful management of a country journal. His partner is D. C. Slater, who is interested with him in the same business in Modoc county, which branch he manages. The Advocate is now a seven-column, four-page weekly, published every Thursday.
October 22, 1874, the first number of the Lassen County Journal made its appearance. George M. Pierce was editor and proprietor. He continued the publication for a year, and then retired. The press lay idle until the spring of 1876, when J. G. Law and W. S. Lewis, both of Reno, Nevada, revived the paper, under the name of The Lassen County Farmer. Law soon retired, and Lewis continued the publication a few months, and abandoned it. After another season of suspension, it was again revived by T. H. Dawson. It was soon suspended again, and in 1878 was combined with the Advocate. '
November 12, 1879, Albert L. Shinn began publishing the Mountain Review, a four-page, five- column paper, issued once a week. Politicaly, he said he was "with the people and for the people," which meant that he would run an independent paper. In the campaign of 1880 he advocated the greenback cause. He assumed the aggressive from the first, denouncing the leaders of the republican and democratic parties abroad and at home. In the early part of December, 1879, his brother James O. became associated with him, and continued until the time of his death, August 16, 1880, at the age of 33 years. Albert continued the business alone until November 10, 1880, when the last number was printed, having been issued just one year. He then associated himself with Mr. Hyer in the Advocate.
JANESVILLE.
The little town of Janesville is pleasantly situated in the edge of the timber, four miles west of the upper end of Honey lake. It lies at the base of the beautiful Sierra, which rise above it on the south. It is about twelve miles south of Susanville, on the road to Reno, and on the south side of an arm of Honey Lake valley which lies along Baxter creek.
In the spring of 1857 Thomas Mitchell located a section of land in which was embraced the site of the present town of Janesville. He sold it that fall to Malcom Bankhead, and the new proprietor erected a two-story house of hewn logs, on the ground now occupied by J. R. Bailey's hotel. Bankhead was a blacksmith by trade, and built a shop near the creek, on the opposite side of Main street, in which he worked for a number of years. The next residence was built in 1858 by Smith Hill. It, too, was a log house, and stood on the opposite side of the street from its predecessor. In 1862 David Blanchard opened a general merchandise store, and in 1864 sold it to L. N. Breed. In 1873 Mr. Breed built a new store across the street from the old one, and still conducts the only merchandising business in the town. The second story of his new building he fitted up for a hall, and Odd Fellows, Masonic, and Workmen lodges hold their meetings there. In 1867 there was opened a second store, but it was discontinued a year later. There were, for a time, two saloons, but one of them closed its doors.
During the Indian troubles in the early settlement times, a log fort was built just north-west of
392
where the town now stands. This was used as a place of refuge in time of danger. Later it was converted into a school-house, and served as the seat of learning for the vicinity until 1867, when the present school building was erected.
Until 1864 Janesville was simply known as the Bankhead place; but during that year a post- office was established, and a name was necessary. Mr. Breed, the present incumbent, was appointed postmaster; and in honor of Mrs. Jane Bankhead, the first lady who lived there, the new town was called Janesville. The town now contains L. N. Breed's store, J. R. Bailey's hotel, a saloon, post- office, fraternal hall, school-house, and about two dozen residences.
HONEY LAKE LODGE NO. 223, I. O. O. F .- This lodge was chartered October 14, 1873, B. F. Sheldon, Jerry Bond, P. R. James, William M. McClelland, and Charles Barham being the charter members. The lodge has now a membership of thirty, and the past grands are B. F. Sheldon, P. R. James, L. N. Breed, A. Otto, Jerry Bond, and T. R. Epley.
JANESVILLE LODGE No. 232, F. & A. M .- A dispensation was granted this lodge November 23, 1873, and a charter October 16, 1874. The charter members were : A. G. Moon, W. M .; John D. Kelley, S. W .; L. N. Breed, J. W .; T. R. Epley, Richard Bass, G. Pullen, E. T. Slackford, B. H. Leavitt, John E. Fitch, W. H. Clark, E. J. Hendrick, Jeremiah Leakey, A. Otto, John Parks, James P. Sharp, John Theodore, H. Winchell, Nicholas Clark, G. K. Bangham, A. G. Bechtol, James D. Byers, Andrew Dill, J. D. Hamler, B. D. Minckler, W. D. Minckler, E. C. Parks, George M. Pierce, and B. F. Sheldon. The membership is now forty. L. N. Breed, H. Winchell, and Jeremiah Leakey have held the office of master in this lodge.
LAKE LODGE No. 135, A. O. U. W .- The charter of this lodge was issued October 7, 1879. The charter members were Milton Santee, Hosea A. Bronson, S. M. White, T. J. Glascock, A. G. Bechtol, Charles Hartson, J. R. Bailey, A. Otto, Charles Barham, and M. P. Chamberlin. The past master workmen are Milton Santee, P. B. Bronson, and John T. Masten. The present mem- bership is seventeen. ยท
TULE CONFEDERACY.
Lying on the north and west of Honey lake is a tract of swampy land, once thickly grown with tules, containing about 20,000 acres. Until 1861 this was known as the Schaefer ranch, but at the outbreak of the rebellion the majority of settlers there were sympathizers with the Southern cause, and the name Tule Confederacy was bestowed upon the section by the people. The present settlers are a well-educated and prosperous class of farmers, engaged chiefly in raising bay and grazing cattle. About 7,000 tons of hay are cut annually.
MICHIGAN FLAT.
Bordering on the west side of Honey lake, between Baxter creek and the stage road to Reno as it passes Buntingville, are about 6,000 acres of land known as Michigan flat. This name was derived from the fact that a majority of the early settlers were from the Wolverine state, a condi- tion of affairs that has long since passed away. Wheat and hay are the principal crop of this fine farming section.
RESIDENCE OF T. MC FADDEN. MILFORD, LASSEN CO.,CAL.
393
BUNTINGVILLE.
Situated near Honey lake, and about two miles south-east of Janesville, on the stage road to Reno, is the little town of Buntingville, containing about fifteen structures. The ground on which it stands is part of a location made in 1857 by Manly Thompson and John Myers, for ranching pur- poses. Until 1878 it was known as the Thompson place, when A. J. Bunting erected a large building, in which his family resided, and in one end of which he kept a large stock of general mer- chandise. Since that time the place has been known as Buntingville. The store was continued two years, and then the building was converted into a hotel, now conducted by T. J. Glascock. The town also contains a store, blacksmith shop, and a carriage, carpenter, and cooper shop.
ELYSIAN VALLEY.
This is a small valley lying just west of Janesville. In the summer of 1856 Daney H. Keatley and L. N. Breed settled in the valley, and because of its beautiful appearance bestowed the name Elysian upon it. It is about two and one-half miles long, and three-quarters of a mile in width, hemmed in on one side by the pine-clad mountains, and on the others by the lower foot-hills. An abundance of water is furnished in all seasons by the mountain springs, fed by the snows on the summit. The valley is now owned and cultivated by Richard D. Bass, an old Lassen county pi- oneer, and Silas and H. H. McMurphy.
SUSANVILLE.
The seat of Justice of Lassen county was named in honor of Susan, the daughter of its first settler, Mr. Isaac N. Roop. She married Mr. A. T. Arnold, who resides upon the place where the original settlement was made.
Beautifully situated on a slightly elevated bench a short distance north of Susan river, and hemmed in on three sides by mountains covered with fine timber, while on the fourth it looks out upon the broad valley of Honey lake, Susanville enjoys one of the most pleasing locations to be found in California. Down the valley for miles lie fine farms and handsome residences; while thirty miles away can be seen the Hot Spring mountains walling in the valley on the north and east. On a clear morning steam can be seen rising from the springs that give the name to these mountains, though they lie twenty and thirty miles away.
The settlement made here by Hon. Isaac N. Roop in 1853, the building of the log house in 1854, its use for a fort in the Sage-Brush War in 1863, since when it has been called Fort Defiance, have all been related in the early history of the valley. When the territory of Nataqua was organized by the settlers in 1856, this place was reserved for a town site, and every genuine settler was en- titled to a lot upon which to build a residence.
In the spring of 1856, L. N. Breed brought a stock of goods from Elizabethtown, Plumas county, which he sold in a log house built by him about twenty yards from Peter Lassen's log
44
394
house. In September he moved to the site of Susanville, and opened his store in a brush shanty, near Fort Defiance, where H. N. Skaddan's residence now stands. He traded with the emigrants till winter set in, and then went to Butte county. In the spring he returned and opened a trading- post a mile below Buntingville, and soon after moved to the Schaefer ranch, on the emigrant road, where he kept a trading post two years.
In the spring of 1857, Cutler Arnold built a hotel of hewn logs, on the site of Susanville. The house was 25x30 feet, and one and one-half stories high. It still stands in the eastern end of the town, on the north side of Main street, and has so fallen from its high estate as to become a tene- ment for Chinese occupants. For two years this was the only place where meals were served to the public, for which the moderate price of seventy-five cents each was charged. The proprietor also provided a few beds in the loft, to reach which required a little climbing. This portion of the establishment was not patronized as extensively as the table, for few men traveled in those days and in such localities without their blankets, and all they required in bad weather was the floor of some saloon or store to spread them on; while on fair nights, the ground for a couch, and the stars for a roof, were all that they felt the necessity of. Thus prepared, the weary traveler composed himself to sleep, soothed by the soft voice of the coyote, and the sweet lullaby of the night-owl, while various insect's indulged in explorations about his person, and creaked forth their comments to their companions. With such surroundings no one could " court the balmy " without success.
From the time Roop's log fort was built, a stock of merchandise was kept there, trade with the emigrants being the first inducement for Mr. Roop to make a settlement here. Cutler Arnold also kept a variety of merchandise for sale at his establishment. Settlers all through the valley came to Susanville, which was at first called Rooptown, to procure supplies ; and gradually, as the valley increased in population and productiveness, residences and shops were built at 'Susanville, until quite a town sprang up. In 1858 a Mr. Scott kept goods for sale in Roop's log house. The third store was opened in 1859, by A. W. Worm. The next year Charles Nixon built a one-story frame house, 20x40 feet in size, in which a stock of goods was placed. This was the first building erected solely for mercantile purposes, and still stands just to the east of Cutler Arnold's log hotel. The first stock of merchandise of any considerable magnitude was brought to Susanville in 1862, by I. J. Harvey and E. D. Hosselkus, and placed in Neale's frame building. This stood on the ground adjoining Skadden's livery stable, and was Otto's blacksmith shop, when it was destroyed by the fire of 1881.
A fire-proof store building, the first in the town, was built of stone, by Andrew Miller and Rufus Kingsley, over the front door of which they placed a stone tablet bearing the inscription, " 1863." It is in the central portion of the town, and has always been occupied as a store. In this, by the provisions of the statute creating Lassen county, the commissioners to organize the county held their first meeting. After meeting and electing a chairman and clerk, they adjourned to the Masonic Hall, on the north-west corner of Lassen and Main streets.
Peter Lassen, who settled in the valley in 1855, was a blacksmith by trade; and the first work of that nature done in the valley was by that old pioneer. In 1859, Clark Rugg & Harper opened a shop on the south side of Main street, in a log house near where Smith's hotel now stands. Clark Rugg was arrested in 1860 for stealing a horse, and was convicted at Quincy, in May, 1861, of larceny, and sent to San Quentin for five years. The record of that institution says he was "discharged January 12, 1862"; but as we learn that he was killed while attempting to escape, we are forced to conclude that the authorities of that prison have more than one way of discharging a felon.
395
During the summer of 1860 Dr. Z. J. Brown came into the valley with a small stock of drugs, and displayed his healing wares to the suffering public beneath a canvas tent. In the fall he had so prospered that he erected a frame building where Smith's hotel now stands. It was octagonal in shape, and from this peculiarity the proprietor was endowed with the title of Dr. Eight Square. In 1861 he bought a piece of land from Governor Roop, embracing that on which Fort Defiance stands, and transplanted quite an extensive orchard of apple and peach trees, claimed to be the first in the valley, though Mr. L. Vary is credited with having planted a number of peach stones , some time before this. The property reverted to Governor Roop, and is now owned by A. T. Arnold.
In 1859 the first regular saloon was opened on the north side of Main street, midway between Gay and Union, by B. B. Painter and George Mitchell, and was known as the Black Rock. The town has now three establishments of this character.
The first frame dwelling-house in Susanville was erected in the fall of 1859 by A. B. Jenison, on the south side of Main street and in the eastern end of the town. It is now owned by W. H. Harrison. It was 16x30 feet in size, sided up with planed shakes, and was ornamented with a rustic cornice, making a fine residence for those pioneer days.
As many of the settlers had their families with them, facilities for educating their children were soon required. In 1858 Malcom Scott opened a private school in a small building that stood on the south side of Cottage street, about midway between Gay and Lassen streets. Dr. James W. Stettinius taught a school in 1859, in a frame building that stood on the south side of Main street near where the blacksmith shop now stands. The next school was taught in 1861-62 by Miss Fannie Long, in a building on the north side of Main street, where the Black Rock saloon was kept. In 1863 a school-house was built on the site of the present building. It was a frame structure, one story in height, and 20x30 feet in size. This building was used until 1872, when the school becoming too large to be accommodated in it, the old house was moved away, and a fine, two-story, frame school-building was erected. This was 30x60 feet in size, and was divided into two rooms. It was surmounted by a tower, in which a fine bell was suspended. Again, in 1881, it became necessary to enlarge the school accommodations, owing to the great increase of attendance, and a frame addition, 28x45 feet and one story high, was built on. A view of the structure as it now appears will be seen on the title-page. The school facilities are of a high order, and give evidence of a desire on the part of the citizens to give their children as good an education as can be obtained in any public school in the state.
In 1876 the First Congregational Church of Susanville was built, at an expense of $2,200, the money being donated by the citizens. In 1877 a Methodist church was erected through the exertions of Rev. Warren Nines, who had been sent to this circuit from the Nevada conference three years before. This energetic divine wheeled nearly all the rocks used in the foundation, and worked hard and alone to accomplish something, in the lack of funds to hire help. "Little Nines," as he was called, was so persistent and so thoroughly in earnest, that the people all became inter. ested in his work, and subscribed liberally, without respect to religious opinion, business, or occupation-the sporting fraternity not being behind the others in their donations. The result was that a fine church edifice was erected, and was dedicated in the fall of 1877, by Bishop Bowman. Both of these churches appear on the title-page.
Besides many good residences, Susanville contains at the present time six stores, two jewelers, two drug stores, three saloons, three hotels, one livery stable, one feed stable, two barber-shops, one blacksmith and wagon shop, one market, two shoe-stores, one harness and saddlery store, five
396
attorneys, four physicians, one dentist, a post-office, express office, telegraph office, two churches, a school-house, and six fraternal organizations. The Lassen Advocate, now in its seventeenth volume, is published weekly by N. S. Mckinsey and D. C. Slater. It is an excellent local journal, with four pages of seven columns each, devoted to the interests of Lassen county. A United States land office was established here in 1871, by the exertions of Hon. John S. Ward.
The Susanville cemetery is prettily located on a knoll just outside of town. It was first selected in November, 1860, for the last resting place of Perry M. Craig, son of Milton Craig, who was drowned in a mill-pond near town. It was inclosed in 1864. As many from all over Honey Lake valley, as well as many emigrants, were buried here, it was decided in 1879 to enlarge the grounds, and that fall a new fence was built, inclosing a lot 300x416 feet. In 1881 water was conducted to the cemetery in an iron pipe, and flowers and shade trees may now be planted with an assurance of springing up to beautify and adorn this quiet spot.
The first establishment of a post-office was made March 17, 1859, and Governor Roop was appointed postmaster. The government allowed the office to support itself upon its receipts, and as best it could otherwise, for a time, and then made a regular office of it.
In 1877 a telegraph line was constructed from Susanville to Taylorville, in Plumas county, to connect with the Western Union line there. It was built by J. H. Maxwell, and W. G. and J. C. Young, at an expense of $2,000, subscriptions, to be taken out in use of the wire, being given to the amount of $1,250. In 1881 the line was sold and removed, as the receipts did not pay the expense of keeping it in repair; and Susanville was again cut off from telegraphic connection with the world.
The first fire of any magnitude in Susanville occurred March 17, 1865, destroying Wentworth & Wilson's livery stable, where it originated, Lovell & Wiggin's blacksmith shop, Fredonyer's saloon, J. Smith's hotel and brewery, a tailor-shop, a butcher-shop, Samuel Peyser's store and dwelling-house, and R. F. Moody's drug store. There were no facilities at hand for combating the flames, and the citizens could make but little headway against them. The loss amounted to $20,000, on which there was no insurance. No other fire of any magnitude occurred until Sunday morning, November 6, 1881, when a fire was started in H. N. Skaddan's Empire livery stable. The citizens worked with determination, forming a bucket line, and succeeded in confining the fire to the row of buildings in which it originated. The Empire and Fashion stables, Otto's blacksmith shop, Frank Strong's residence, and the dwelling of J. G. Newington, occupied by A. L. Shinn, were destroyed. Forty-one horses were burned to death. The loss amounted to about $22,000, the insurance being only $5,000.
LASSEN LODGE NO. 149, F. & A. M .- March 21, 1861, the grand master of California issued a dispensation to John S. Ward, David Titherington, Absalom M. Vaughn, Richard D. Bass, D. J. Wilmans, Stephen D. Bass, and A. D. McDonald, to organize a lodge of Masons at Richmond, Honey Lake valley. At that time, owing to a mining excitement, the town of Richmond had sprung up suddenly into the most important and populous settlement in the county, completely overshadowing and distancing Susanville. The first meeting under the dispensation was held April 18, 1861. A charter was granted in May, 1862, and the lodge was instituted in due form, June 24, 1862. In October a dispensation was obtained for that purpose, and the place of meeting was changed to Susanville. This was done because Richmond had " gone up like a rocket, and come down like a stick," and Susanville had been left to glory over the decay of her rival. The present membership is 72, and since its organization 192 persons have belonged to the lodge. The masters of the lodge have been : John S. Ward, 1861-1869; A. A. Smith, 1870; J. C. Partridge,
CAPT. C. A. MERRILL
397
1871; J. R. Lockwood, 1872; W. H. Crane, 1873-1877 ; J. C. Partridge, 1878-1880; J. W. Hen- drick, 1881; James Branham, 1882.
LASSEN CHAPTER No. 47, R. A. M-A dispensation was granted on the fifth of August, 1874, for the organization of this chapter of Royal Arch Masons at Susanville. July 23, 1875, the chapter was instituted under the charter by Hon. Thomas H. Caswell. Allen Wood was installed as H. P .; J. C. Partridge as K .; and J. R. Lockwood as S. The gentlemen who have held the office of high priest are General Allen Wood, J. C. Partridge, J. R. Lockwood, E. G. Bangham, and P. J. Goumaz.
LASSEN COMMANDERY No. 13, K. T .- June 11, 1877, a dispensation was issued to organize this commandery, with Allen Wood, E. C .; E. S. Talbot, G .; and W. B. Bransford, C. G. The commandery was instituted under the charter April 23, 1878, by Thomas Callow. There is now a membership of .62. The position of E. C. has been held by General Allen Wood, E. S. Talbot, A. A. Smith, and J. C. Partridge. The present incumbent is General Wood.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.