The Scottini’s were part of the earliest wave of Swiss Italians to arrive in Lassen County. In 1882, Innocenti Scottini purchased a 300 acre ranch on Gold Run from Otis Johnson for $4,000. Scottini, along with his brother, John, operated a dairy and a few mining ventures, the latter scheduled for a future post, in about a week’s time or so.

Things were not so content for Innocenti.  On December 21, 1886, he filed for divorce from his wife,  Nora on the grounds of adultery. He accused her of having an affair with his brother, John. Innocenti was given custody to his daughter, Mamie, and Nora of their one year old son, John. Shortly after this episode, John Scottini along with Nora and infant John left Gold Run and relocated to Butte, Montana.

In April 1889, the Scottini ranch house burned down. By May he started work on a two-story house, that remained on the property for nearly 100 years. On April 6, 1894, Scottini  borrowed $6,000 from John Maxwell who secured the loan by a mortgage on the property. Shortly thereafter Scottini disappeared and in 1895 Maxwell foreclosed on the property. Many residents will know this property as the Satica Ranch.

Never miss a story, click here to subscribe.