While the last two days were focused on Sylvester Daniels rodeo observation, it was duly noted that his sole purpose to be in the Honey Lake Valley was to see if this climate versus Iowa would be beneficial for his health. It was not long after the gold rush of 1849, that California possessed many virtues other than minerals—weather being one. For Daniels, he was a firm believer. After only spending a year in Northeastern California, he returned to Iowa, to move his family to Lake City, Modoc County. Daniels passed away at Lake City on January 20, 1908, at the age of 79.
There were others who were not so fortunate. For example, J. St. Clair Riesenmen. This Pennsylvania native was lured to California, in 1914, to the Lassen County town of Amedee, known for its hot springs and their supposed healing qualities, coupled with the dry climate would be beneficial. What he found was romance. On August 14, 1915, Riesenman married Alda Callahan, whose parents owned the Amedee Hotel.
In 1920, they moved from Amedee to Wendel and owned and operated the Wendel Cash Grocery. By 1922, whatever his health infliction had returned. He carried on for several years with a sunny disposition. Riesenman died on March 18, 1927 at the age of 39.