Before Spalding Tract

Jules Hurlbut’s homestead cabin., that eventually became Spalding Tract.  Courtesy of Orville Watkins

In 1914, John Spalding announced his intention to subdivide “his” ranch on the west side of Eagle Lake. However, truth be known it was not actually his. The property in question belonged to his brother-in-law, Jules Hurlbut. At the age of 8, Jules came to Lassen County with his parents, Timothy Judd and Caroline, along with his sister, Mira Eleanor. The family first located in Willow Creek Valley, where other family members resided, but would soon locate to Eagle Lake. In 1881, John Spalding married Mira E. Hurlbut.

Pine Creek
Pine Creek, circa 1914. It sholuld be noted that John Spalding’s original homestead was on the north side of Pine Creek. Courtesy of Wyn Wachhorst

In time, Jules homesteaded the property that is now Spalding Tract. During the 1880s, Albert Gallatin went on a buying spree acquiring the majority of private properties around the lake, including that of John Spalding. Jules Hurlbut held firm, and would not sell to Gallatin. A confirmed bachelor, Jules spent most of his life at Eagle Lake. In 1937, he retired to Susanville and died there in 1941. He is buried in the Susanville Cemetery, there is no marker for his grave.

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