For many years I was involved with the legal system. One of my introductions was working for attorney Joseph B. Harvey, prior to him being elected Lassen County Superior Court Judge. His office, saw some potential in a young kid, and before I knew it, I was learning probate law. One of the first cases I worked on was a nasty fight over estate with very little value—but the opposing parties fought over everything including the the toilet paper! Who knew years later, that was important lesson learned, and came in handy dealing with my Uncle Jim Purdy’s estate.
Over the years, while the way we live has changed, human nature has not. As usual, while researching one item, in the files, I came across other information, which some may find of interest. This is an 1892 Lassen County Superior Case Hoagland v Shearer. Henry Hoagland sued his brother-in-law over the care of Solomon Shearer, who at the time was 88 years old. According to Hoagland, it was mutually agreed upon that he care for his father-in-law until April 1, 1891, and Josiah Shearer would pay Hoagland $25 a month. Josiah would take care of his father after the April date. That did not happen, nor did he ever pay Hoagland, hence the suit. A judgement by default was entered on September 10, 1892, but Josiah Shearer sold his Honey Lake Valley ranch and left the area, never paying Hoagland. As to Solomon Shearer, some how he made his way to Missouri where he died in 1902.
There is a irony later on with Hoagland. His family had him admitted to the Lassen County Hospital in 1919, as no one was able or wanted to care for him. The family agreed to turn over his Civil War pension to pay for his care, but they never did. A year had gone without payment to the County, thus the County notified the family he would be discharged. Before the issue was resolved, Hoagland passed away.