For many years I was involved with the legal system. One of my introductions was working for attorney Joseph B. Harvey, prior to him being elected Lassen County Superior Court Judge. His office, saw some potential in a young kid, and before I knew it, I was learning probate law. One of the first cases I worked on was a nasty fight over estate with very little value—but the opposing parties fought over everything including the the toilet paper! Who knew years later, that was important lesson learned, and came in handy dealing with my Uncle Jim Purdy’s estate.

Over the years, while the way we live has changed, human nature has not. As usual, while researching one item, in the files, I came across other information, which some may find of interest. This is an 1892 Lassen County Superior Case Hoagland v Shearer.  Henry Hoagland sued his brother-in-law over the care of Solomon Shearer, who at the time was 88 years old. According to Hoagland, it was mutually agreed upon that he care for his father-in-law until April 1, 1891, and Josiah Shearer would pay Hoagland $25 a month. Josiah would take care of his father after the April date. That did not happen, nor did he ever pay Hoagland, hence the suit. A judgement by default was entered on September 10, 1892, but Josiah Shearer sold his Honey Lake Valley ranch and left the area, never paying Hoagland. As to Solomon Shearer, some how he made his way to Missouri where he died in 1902.

There is a irony later on with Hoagland. His family had him admitted to the Lassen County Hospital in 1919, as no one was able or wanted to care for him. The family agreed to turn over his Civil War pension to pay for his care, but they never did. A year had gone without payment to the County, thus the County notified the family he would be discharged. Before the issue was resolved, Hoagland passed away.

Support

This is a follow up about comments posted about the Jensen Barn. The first comment, the person was. confused and thought the Jensen Ranch was on Highway 44. This property is known as Bunnells. For years it was owned by Georgia Bunnell Jensen. (1884-1976). Georgia was married to Albert “Bert” Jensen (1876-1964), son of Jurgen (1836-1900).. Georgia and Bert Jensen’s grandchildren still own the property, though it was devastated in 2020 Hog Fire.

The second comment was about the Jensen House and ranch. Jurgen Jensen’s house was some two miles east of present day intersection of Main Street (Highway 36) and Johnstonville Road. In 1908, Bert Jensen had a Queen Anne style home built near that intersection. In 1931, Johnstonville Road became Highway 36.  In 1966, the State Highway Department purchased the Jensen House from the owner of the time T.S. “Stan” Brown, Lassen County Farm Advisor. The house was moved to its current location as part of the realignment of Highway 36 between Susanville and Johnstonville that we know today.

Finally, on a personal note. One of the first people I reached out to in my very early days of historical research was Abe Jensen son of Bert and Georgia Jensen. Abe and his wife, Adelaide, were just the kindest, gracious people to meet. I have been very fortunate over the years that I have done historical research to meet so many wonderful folks who shared their knowledge with me. For that I will be forever grateful. One more note, Bert Jensen was the organizer of the Lassen County Fair and in 1922 sold twenty acres which is the current Lassen County Fairgrounds. Abe Jensen was the Lassen County Fair Manager for a number of years and for whom Jensen Hall is named for.

Support

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, and other times ask a thousand words. This one falls under the latter. One person is sharing documents to enlighten all of us. Stay tuned.

Tim

In 1911, Lassen County commissioned the Sunset Magazine Homeseekers Bureau to compile and publish  32 page booklet about the wonderful attributes of the area with the anticipation of the Fernley & Lassen Railroad. In the subheading “The County In General” I thought some might enjoy this observation.

”While this is a new country, and thinly populated, it is an error to conclude that it is not a civilized one, for law and order prevail here to an even greater extent than in many of the densely populated sections. Go where you will throughout the county, and nowhere will you find a locked door, by day or by night and the grass grows in the doorway of the jail. You will find everywhere, in both the towns and rural districts, good public schools, churches, a telephone in every home, daily mails, a prosperous happy people, and a hearty hospitable greeting; even the dogs will bark you a welcome, and come fawning to your feet in gladness at seeing you. In every town at every crossroads there is at least one hotel, not a Palace or a Fairmont, but a place where you can get a good bed in which to sleep, and at least plain substantial food, and wherefore you do not need to carry your blankets.”

Support