BIG VALLEY GAZETTE – BIEBER, LASSEN COUNTY, CAL.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1904
Mrs. S. Habert is suffering from erysipelas of the face. She is now
improving.
Oscar Holcomb got one of his fingers on his right hand in the cogs of a
drill, mashing it pretty severely.
Yesterday evening the young Indian, George Tonningsen, under sentence to the
penitentiary for attempted rape and robbery, hung himself in jail. He tied a
handkerchief around his neck and fastening the other end to a beam, kicked a
box from under and swung himself into eternity. – Plaindealer (1:3)
Frank Leventon, who was in a critical condition last week, is now improving
and will soon be up and around.
Word reached here Monday, that Judge E. V. Spencer, the able and well-known
attorney at Susanville, died that morning of heart failure. We were unable
to learn any further particulars but will endeavor to give a brief account
of his life in our next issue. (1:4)
The little infant boy of Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Loomis died Monday evening at 5
o’clock and was buried in the Mountain View cemetery yesterday afternoon.
The child had never been well since birth and every possible attention and
nursing was given the babe, but it proved of no avail. The community
sincerely sympathizes with the grief stricken parents in their hour of
sorrow. (1:4)
DIED
LOOMIS – Near Bieber, Cal., Oct 3, 1904, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. A. G.
Loomis aged 7 weeks and 2 days.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1904
DEATH OF E. V. SPENCER
The following account of the life of E. V. Spencer, whose death occurred at
his home in Susanville on the 3rd inst., we take from the Lassen Mail:
Judge Spencer was born in Whitetown, Onedia County, New York, January 28,
1836 and therefore, at the time of his death was 68 years, 8 months and 5
days. From the history of Plumas, Lassen and Sierra Counties, we learn that
in his youth, he received such an education as was to be obtained at the
common schools of that State. When still young, he learned the carpenter
trade from his father and later worked at his trade for himself in Michigan.
He came to Lassen County in 1859, where he built and operated a sawmill
until he was admitted to the Roop County bar. In April 1870, he passed a
rigid examination before the Supreme Court at Sacramento. In 1894, he was
elected the first district attorney for Lassen County and again in 1871 and
a third time in 1873. Mr. Spencer was married to Miss L. P. Montgomery,
April 7, 1867.
Although Mr. Spencer started in the practice of law with a limited
education, his was a brilliant mind, logical and keen of perception. Coupled
with these natural attainments, he was possessed of a grand physique. He
also had the tenacity and courage requisite to maintain his position. His
mind rapidly became stored with legal knowledge. His oratorical ability was
remarkable. There was a time, when Judge Spencer was in his prime, before
his vitality had been dissipated by the ravages of disease, when we doubt if
he had a peer as a criminal lawyer on the Pacific Coast. Judge Spencer was
of an emotional nature. Many misjudged him. While apparently blunt,
immovable and impassive, yet he was as tender hearted as a child and easily
moved to tears. The writer has been present in Court when Judge Spencer was
defending a prisoner charged with murder. The prosecution had presented the
case. To sum it up the man was guilty of murder, nothing less. Public
opinion would say, hang him. Later Judge Spencer would have his day in
court. By his adroit skill and magic power, eloquence and masterful tongue,
he would sway public opinion and show conclusively that the prisoner was
innocent of wrong-doing. That in committing the act it was only to save
his-own life. His presence, personal magnetism, eloquence and pathos, was
such that he could bring his auditors to tears.
His aggressiveness caused him some enemies, but it must be said of him that
he had the courage to sustain his convictions in the face of the possibility
of losing friends and gaining enemies.
Home life seemed to be beautiful. He always appeared devoted to home, his
wife and family. He was a good, moral man. His virtues were many; his faults
were few.
The people of the Assembly District comprising the Counties of Plumas,
Lassen and Sierra, elected him to that office a few years ago and he served
them in the capacity of Assemblyman, faithfully and well.
He has always assisted in the up building of Lassen County along every
legitimate line; studiously avoiding, however in assisting any enterprise
which smattered of the questionable.
Whether the Western Pacific should build through this valley or not, it was
through the untiring efforts of Judge Spencer that the survey was made in
this direction and his death seems sad at this time because he could not
live to have seen his fondest hopes realized.
Of late, we have been too often reminded of the uncertainty of life. One by
one our friends are passing away. Not only are the ranks of the old sturdy
band of pioneers, of which Mr. Spencer was a member, being fast depleted;
but youth and middle age are also contributing their quota.
The funeral was held from the M. E. Church on Tuesday afternoon under the
auspices of Silver Star Lodge, No. 35, I.O.O.F., of which order the deceased
had been a member for many years. The services at the church were conducted
by the pastor, the Rev. J. M. Wilson. The discourse, though brief, so packed
was it with incident and studded with salient points, that it could be used
as a text or outline from which to write a forceful biography of a long and
useful career. The solemn and impressive burial service of the Odd Fellows
was rendered at the grave by the Noble Grand, Mr. Charles Brockman.
And thus after a long and well spent life of usefulness and honor, Judge
Spencer was tenderly laid to rest in the sacred spot, where lie buried our
loved ones, who have gone before. His remains rest beside those of his son,
Ephriam, Jr., who preceded his father to the grave several years ago. His
widow survives him, besides two daughters, Mrs. H. D. Burroughs of this
place and Mrs. J. E. Raker, wife of Judge Raker of Modoc County and many,
many friends to mourn his demise.
The attendance at the funeral was very large and the church was filled. Many
were up from the Valley to show their respects for the departed. The
business houses in town were all closed during the funeral.
J. W. and George Norwood received word last Sunday that their mother, who
resides in Millville, was seriously ill and they left the same evening for
her bedside.
Mr. and Mrs. Lafe Marks came in from Hayden Hill the latter part of the
week. They have disposed of their Big Valley property and after a short
visit in Susanville contemplate going to Loyalton to reside. – Advocate
A young man, 20 years of age, by the name of Cleve Plummer, committed
suicide at Davis Creek last Friday, by taking strychnine. No cause for the
rash act is given and we have heard none of the particulars. Judge Henderson
left here yesterday for that place to hold an inquest. – New Era (1:4)
BORN
GIBBINS – In Bieber, Cal., Oct 9, 1904, to the wife of Ollie Gibbins, a
daughter
KENNEDY – Near Bieber, Cal., Oct 9, 1904, to the wife of T. J. Kennedy, a
daughter
LAMBURTH – Near Bieber, Cal., Oct 9, 1904, to the wife C. M. Lamburth, a
daughter
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1904
DIPHTHERIA
HEALTH OFFICERS TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS, AND NOW HAVE THE DISEASE UNDER CONTROL
That dread disease, diphtheria, has made its appearance in our midst and has
already claimed one victim. There has been an epidemic of follicular
tonsillitis for the last three months and finally several cases of
diphtheria were developed. It was first discovered in the family of H. C.
Watson, where their youngest daughter and the two little boys were taken
with it. The girl had but a slight attack but the boys suffered severely and
both were n the verge of death for several days, the youngest finally
succumbing to the dread disease. The next family affected were the two
daughters of Mrs. B. H. Bassett, who also had severe cases and the report
had already spread about that one of them had died. Fortunately the report
proved untrue and at this writing, both have good chance for recovery. Two
cases were also discovered among the Indian children near town, but those,
so far have proven to be light.
As soon as it was fully determined that it was true diphtheria, steps were
immediately taken by Health Officer, Dr. Bradshaw, to confine it to its
narrowest limits. Guards were appointed and stationed at each of the
affected places to prevent ingress or egress. Dr. Bradshaw also appointed
Dr. Houston deputy Health Officer to assist in enforcing the quarantine
regulations. Two arrests have been made for disobeying the quarantine and
after a few words of admonition by Justice Sheppard, both parties were
discharged.
It is to be hoped that the Health officers have the matter well in hand and
will succeed in confining it to its present limits. Dr. Bradshaw has also
telegraphed for a sufficient supply of anti-toxin to meet any emergency.
The parties who have been quarantined feel severely the loss to their
business and it is to be regretted that the steps were necessary in the
interest of the public health and safety.
The Alturas Plaindealer says, that a rich vein of quartz was found by Col.
Hess, near the Adin road about three miles south and west of the Canby
bridge. Some of the ore was sent to Hayden Hill and returns show that gold
in paying quantities exists.
DEATH ENTERS THE WATSON HOME
Gervis, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Watson, aged about 5 years,
died last Saturday afternoon of that dread disease, diphtheria and was
buried in the Mountain View cemetery the following day. Mr. and Mrs. Watson
have certainly had more than their share of trouble; but this is the saddest
blow that has befallen them, for the loss of a loved one. We sincerely hope
that with this last trial, their misfortunes will come to an end and health
an prosperity follow in its wake. (1:4)
LIST OF GRAND JURORS
The following named citizens of Lassen County were drawn as Grand Jurymen on
the 10th inst. They are summoned to appear before the Superior Court on
Thursday, Nov 3, 1904.
T. J. Durfee R. V. Craig
I. E. Bailey F. Studley
J. S. Borrette E. Foote
Wm Brockman W. A. Dill
J. E. Jellison F. A. Hansen
C. E. Dawson L. M. Folsom
E. F. Rowland F. D. Hall
L. G. Stiles A. Bunnell
John Cahlan A. Bantley
Anton Gerig Joe Conger
J. I. Christie H. W. Bennett
F. W. Dieter S. Hoffman
C. A. McQueen J. Alexander
G. B. Cook A. R. Jensen
S. A. Johnstone G. B. Davie
The following venire of trial jurors was drawn to appear before the Superior
Court on the 26th inst:
Ed Hart, S. H. Paulk, A. L. Triplett, J. James, A. Frasier, j. R. Boggs, Wm
Clark, J. Fulstone, A. Smith, Levi Conklin, C. A. Bean, H. F. McMurphy, F.
P. Moss, H. H. Dakin, James McCabe, T. Rager, E. A. DeForest, D. Wood, F.
Kahler, George Watson, Charles Cain, G. Holman, A. Buchler, Wm James, H.
Moe.
John Jenkins and family moved over from Fall River Valley last week and are
now stopping at Frank Moss’.
O. G. Williams and family, former residents of this valley, are here on a
visit from their home in Washington.
DIED
WATSON – Near Bieber, Cal., Oct 15, 1904, Gervis, youngest son of Mr. and
Mrs. H. C. Watson aged about 5 years.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1904
NEW CASES OF DIPHTHERIA
Since our last issue a number of new cases of diphtheria have developed
here. The new cases are Mrs. M. J. Ayers and two children, Mrs. C. A.
Packwood and daughter, Ed. Dunlap and wife, N. Bieber and two children,
Georgia Elliott and Dena Courtright. In all these cases, the disease is in a
mild form.
Dr. A. Gibson, Health officer for Modoc County, was here last evening and
reports between thirty and forty cases in the Adin and Lookout section. All
families where the infection exists have been quarantined and everything
done to check the spread of the disease. One death has occurred in that
neighborhood and that in the family of Mrs. Isaac Hastings, near Adin.
Our health officers are doing everything to confine the disease to its
present limits and we hope by next issue to report the malady well in hand.
ANOTHER DEATH
We are compelled again this week to chronicle a death in the family of Mr.
and Mrs. H. C. Watson. This time Lyle aged five years and six months. The
child had entirely recovered from the disease diphtheria, but was left in a
very weak condition and Sunday morning about 1 o’clock it passed away. The
entire community deeply sympathizes with the bereaved parents, in this ,
their second loss. The remains were interred in the Mountain View Cemetery
Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock. (1:3)
Mrs. A. F. Bradshaw left Friday morning on the Redding stage for Los
Angeles, where she will visit her mother and will remain there indefinitely.
Last Sunday afternoon, Ross Ricketts, while acting as quarantine guard near
L. Kramer’s place, accidentally shot himself through the left hand. An
Indian by the name of Jim Short attempted to run by him and in stopping him
the gun was discharged with the above result. Dr. Houston dressed the wound
and the hand is now getting along nicely. Constable Boyd brought the Indian
before Justice Sheppard Monday and was fined twenty dollars.
DIED
WATSON – Near Bieber, Cal., Oct 23, 1904, Lyle, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. C.
Watson aged years, 6 months.
Willie Packwood, yesterday evening, was thrown from a horse and one of the
bones in his forearm was broken.
~~~~~~
Billie C. & Anita 'Jean' Reynolds
Modoc County, California
"The Last Frontier"
www.rh2o.com/modoc
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