If you reside in northwest Susanville and you turn on the water faucet for drink of water, its source Bagwell Springs. That is good thing, as it is pure spring water. It was not until 1935, that it was tapped for domestic water supply.

So who was Bagwell that is spring named, which is located north of Susanville Ranch Park, one may ponder.A  native of Missouri, James Washington Bagwell (1835-1898) came to Lassen County in 1871. He eventually settled on a 160-acre homestead, north of Susanville, and a portion is now Susanville Ranch Park. Bagwell made a living working odd jobs, primarily selling firewood. In 1893, he sold his homestead for $300. Bagwell moved into Susanville where he was employed as the Lassen Courthouse janitor, earning $20 a month, until his death in 1898. He committed suicide from an overdose of strychnine. Bagwell was known for his interesting wit. In one instance he spoke of the stray horses grazing on the Courthouse lawn, “They got to go, if they continue to browse much longer, they will be applying admission to the bar.”

On a final note, it was not until 1901 when W.B. Long claimed rights to this spring that he designated as Bagwell.

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