William Samuel Brashear arrived in Lassen County in an unexpected way. In 1863, he helped fellow Southerner John M. Kelley retain his original land claim of 1200 acres. When the U.S. Government surveyed the Honey Lake Valley, one could only file claim to 160-acres. Thus, nucleus of southern sympathizers claimed property around Kelley and the region became known as the Tule Confederacy.
In 1865, with the mission accomplished Brashear moved to Susanville where he found employment with the Susanville Water Company. Among his many activities were mining, an orchard and small cabins he rented along Carroll Street, which would become part of Slippery Gulch and Susanville’s red light district.
When he died in 1923 he had the following inscription placed on his headstone:
Remember friends, as you pass by, as you are now, so once was I. As I am now, you must be, Live and upright life and follow me.”
Thanks for a few tidbits on my husband’s great-grandfather that we didn’t know before–like the fact that he worked for the local water district. News to us! We’d like to think, of course, that when he put up those cabins to rent out, it wasn’t with the idea that he was CREATING a red light district, rather that it only eventually became one. Still, a tad naughty, if indeed he was an entrepreneur of the the, uh, shall we say “titillating” kind?
We must be related. Nice meeting you!
Sincerely,
Christopher Brashear
Son to Charles Anthony Brashear (Tony)
This is my great great grandfather. Father to my grandpa Charles Brashear who’s son Charles Anthony Brashear is my father. Great to see this article, very interesting. Susan, we must be related via Louis Brashear? My son Nicholas Mikel Brashear (4) is the youngest Brashear still alive that will continue to carry on the Brashear name.
Best,
Chris Brashear