Charles Thomas Emerson (1836-1917) led a colorful life. In 1859, the Missouri native, along with Colburn Brown arrived in the Honey Lake Valley and claimed some 1200 acres in what was known as the Tule District. While residing there, he earned the nickname “Tule”. 1862 was a pivotal year for him. His partner, Brown, returned East to fight in the Civil War, who would become a casualty the following year. Emerson that year purchased a combine mower and thrasher one of the first in the Honey Lake Valley. He named his place the Eureka Ranch, but seasoned residents will know it as the former Gibson/Haley Ranch east of Litchfield. On March 29, 1865, Emerson filed for water rights and easement for an eight mile irrigation ditch, that he constructed that year.
Things change. The bachelor married divorcee Mrs. Sarah Laird on January 1, 1867. The following year, he mortgaged the ranch and built a hotel in Susanville on the northeast corner of Main and Lassen Streets (701 Main Street). In 1869, Emerson threw caution to the wind and set out for the booming mining camp of Pioche, Nevada, leaving behind his wife, and infant namesake son, Charles. It was a bust for him, but instead returning to his family in Susanville, he set his sights on Mexico. Of course, there were consequences for his actions. His wife was granted a divorce on the grounds of desertion, and he lost his ranch by default for non-payment of the mortgage.
After Mexico, he was off to South America. Then he would spend an additional twenty years exploring the South Pacific. It is interesting to note, he never forgot about his son, whom he deserted as an infant. From time to time he would send boxes of sea shells and other trinkets from his travels. In 1902, Emerson had gathered such a notoriety that that the San Francisco Examiner devoted a full page about his exploits.
Time takes its toll and Emerson was no exception. In 1913, he returned to Susanville to spend his twilight years with his son, whom he only met twice as an adult.