In the spring of 1857, there were only two cabins in what would be latter known as Susanville. By summer a nucleus of a hamlet had developed and some thought it should have name.  In August 1857, two names were proposed for the settlement around Roop’s trading post—Natauga and Fredonyer City. The Red Bluff Beacon reported: “The citizens of Honey Lake Valley are divided in opinion as to which names shall be given to their new town at the west end of the valley. Natauga in the Piutah tongue signifies woman and Fredonyer is the name of the gentleman who claims to be the first white man that ever beheld the beautiful valley. A gentleman who arrived here on Sunday last had in his possession an instrument in writing signed by fifty men declaring their preference for Natauga. An equal number are said to be as enthusiastic for Fredonyer. Simple and unimportant as this question is it said is to be creating quite a jealous feeling between the two rival names. They have no politics at Honey Lake and must have something to cavil about.”

Fredonyer City was the chosen name. However, it was more or less ignored and the place simply referred to as Roops. It should be noted that Fredonyer on April 11, 1857 filed a claim to property occupied by Roop with the Plumas County Recorder.

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