Since there were some requests for information about the McClelland Ranch, I will provide some of its earliest history. It should be noted that the McClelland Ranch is one of many that will featured in my forthcoming book about stories behind the brands on the wall at the Pioneer.
In the summer of 1857, two brothers, Abijah and Charles Adams settled on what would become the McClelland Ranch. In answer to one question posed in June of 1859, George Lathrop and Thomas Harvey located on land that would later become the Mapes Ranch. In that same year, another Adams brother, Horace arrived on the scene to take up residence there.
The story of Horace Adams is tragic one, for on June 18, when Horace Adams was stepping out of the cabin he was killed by Big Jim, a Paiute. To have better understanding about the tense situation then, read my Willow Creek Valley book, though out of print, it is available at many libraries.
In 1868, the Adams Brothers sold their ranch to James R. Withington for $2,000. In 1872, Withington sold the ranch, which then consisted of 955 acres to James D. Byers for $2.700. In addition, Byers purchased three adjoining homesteads. Byers, a bachelor, made his home with his nephew’s family, William McClelland. Upon his death in 1902, he left the ranch to the McClellands.
