Philenda Spencer in 1895 – Lassen Historical Society photo

All humor aside, women generally get things done while putting up with a lot of ‘guff’.

By 1854, Isaac Roop had made his land claim and built his cabin, and the first emigrants had showed up and began to claim their own land. In April of 1856, the Nataqua Territory was formed to establish laws, mainly concerning land ownership and claims.

Also in April of 1856, Florence Smith claimed 660 acres of land just south of the Susan River. By August, she had claimed another section. Immediately men began to ignore her claim and submit their own.

First Cutler Arnold claimed the same section that Florence Smith had claimed in April, then J. B. Mankins ‘jumped’ her claim and moved onto the property.

Florence ‘Florancy’ Smith did not give in. These men did not scare her. In the very first case before the court of the newly formed Nataqua Territory, she sued J. B. Mankins to have him removed from her land. Florence won her case, and the women of Honey Lake Valley had a heroine.

And then there was Philenda Montgomery Spencer. Philenda came to the valley in 1860, when she was 13 years old. She was educated to the fullest that the valley could offer, which meant that she graduated from Johnstonville School.

She began teaching in Milford soon after reaching her 18th birthday, and then fell in love with Lassen County’s first District Attorney, E. V. Spencer.

After their marriage, Philenda began working in her husband’s office and really became interested in the law. In May of 1891, the State of California first allowed women to become a Notary Public, and Philenda became the first female Notary Public in the state.

In those days, a Notary’s job was filled with responsibilities, as a Notary would represent people in the courts, as well as compile all of the other paperwork involved with their position.

Philenda, as well as her husband, worked to promote woman suffrage, and she traveled across the country speaking and campaigning to give women their rights. Philenda was known as the ‘Mother of Suffrage’ in California, and she spoke at the White House among numerous other sites. She formed the Monticola Club in Susanville, in an effort to bring women together to be educated and to serve their community.

Philenda and her daughter, Iva Raker, wife of Congressman John E. Raker, were part of the 1913 Suffrage Parade in Washington, D.C. in which hundreds of participants were injured and harassed by spectators. Philenda and Iva were lucky, and escaped injury. They returned home safely.

E.V. and Philenda Spencer had another daughter, Gladys, and Gladys made marks of her own in the world. She attended Chico Normal School, today’s Chico State University, and was valedictorian of her 1891 graduation class. Gladys was intrigued by the legal world and decided to pursue a career in that field. She studied law and passed the bar in 1898.

Gladys had married Harry Burroughs, an attorney who became a Superior Court Judge in Lassen County, and after his death in 1936, Gladys was appointed by California Governor Frank Merriam to complete his term. She then became the second female Superior Court Judge in California.

Gladys had already made some pretty great achievements. She had become an attorney before women could vote. She was also elected Mayor of Susanville in 1923, becoming the first female mayor in the state, and in 1942, Attorney General Earl Warren appointed her to the position of Deputy Attorney General. Her achievements continued throughout her life.

As Gladys Burroughs’ term as Susanville’s mayor ended in 1926, city board members were pretty darn happy about her work. They then turned to another female member of the city board, Flora Mehl Neuhause.

Flora Neuhause

Elizabeth Henderson Houston was an Irish emigrant who graduated Michigan College of Medicine and Surgery in 1895, and in 1900 established herself in Bieber, Lassen County.

Insults, bias and difficult living conditions pushed both of these female doctors back to the San Francisco Bay Area, where life was a bit easier for them. Establishing a medical career was tough for any woman, but even more so in a rural area.

Maud Long was born in Susanville in 1875, and she grew up and married George Tomb. Life for Maud was most likely working out as people expected. She and George had three children, two daughters and a son. Unfortunately, Maud and George’s baby son died.

Then their marriage ‘soured’. The two were finally divorced after George left for places unknown, following a scandal concerning some ‘missing’ money.

So Maud was left with two little daughters to care for. She did have the support of the community, and in 1918, she successfully ran for the Lassen County Clerk position. Also, at this time, she added an ‘s’ to her name, becoming Maud Tombs.

Maud’s career as County Clerk was a long and successful one. She finally retired in 1951, after having served in the Clerk’s position for 33 years. Unfortunately, right after her retirement party, she died before ever enjoying her retirement.

Throughout the history of our area, women have held their own. The western part of our nation has always seemed to realize that women are essential to community growth.

Women made do, improvised and created. While making a home and caring for others, they have shown that their thoughts and ideas were, and are, indispensable.

“Women should do for themselves what men have already done, occasionally what men have not done, thereby establishing themselves as persons, and perhaps encouraging other women toward greater independence of thought and action.” – Amelia Earhart

Gladys Burroughs in 1891 – Lassen Historical Society photo

Photos: LHS Football Honors Players at End-Of-Season Awards Banquet

Lassen High’s Grizzly Football players were feted at their annual end-of-season awards banquet held December 13th, in the Student Center at LHS.

From the varsity team – Ben Wheeler was named The Northern Athletic League Defensive Player of the year.

Running back Deshon Moore, center Cole Russell, linebacker Anthony Sanchez, defensive end Branson Glover, long snapper Connor McCloskey and punter Travis Ross were all named to the First team all-league team.

Making the Second team all-league team were offensive tackle Connor McCloskey, offensive tackle Reagan Dunten and defensive back Connor Langslet.

Honorable mention went to defensive end Joey Harrison and defensive back Talon Pleau.

Team awards were given to, Most Valuable Player – Ben Wheeler; Offensive player of the year- Branson Glover; Defensive player of the year- Connor Langslet; Offensive lineman of the year- Cole Russell; Defensive lineman of the year- Reagan Dunten; Ultimate Grizzly- Connor McCloskey.

Class is in session from 8:30a.m. until 5:15p.m. each day of the course.

Students will receive a certificate and a 10% discount on any semen purchased from ABS Global.

Cost of class is $75 for CA residents and $299 for out of state residence.

Class material can be accessed online now.

For more information or to sign up call Brian Wolf 530-310-3217.

The BLM is considering updates to its 2012 Western Solar Plan that included six southwestern states—Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah—and is seeking comment regarding expanding its solar planning to include five additional states: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. The Sacramento meeting is one of a series being held in January and February in various western states, as well as in Washington DC and virtually. For the complete list of meetings visit the BLM webpage. 

“The BLM is committed to expanding renewable energy development on public lands to help lead the nation into a clean energy future, enhance America’s energy security, and provide for good-paying union jobs,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “We look forward to hearing from the public on effective ways to expand our nation’s capacity for producing solar energy while continuing to ensure robust protection of our public lands and waters.”

The Sacramento meeting will be held on January 18, 2023, from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. in the Golden State rooms at the Courtyard Marriott, 1782 Tribute Road, Sacramento, Calif. 95815. Parking is complementary for attendees.

The Notice of Intent to update the BLM’s 2012 solar programmatic environmental impact statement was published in the Federal Register on December 8, 2022, with interested parties invited to submit written feedback or to participate in one of the in-person or virtual public scoping meetings.

The public comment period will remain open for 15 days after the last public scoping meeting, or February 6, 2023, whichever is later. For the most current information on these meetings and to view the Notice of Intent, visit the BLM’s ePlanning web site.

Dairy cows with Susan Hills in the background from 1946 – Eastman Studios photo

Lassen Ranch Property Sold

January 5, 1943

The J.T. Sharp ranch near Johnstonville, compromising 180 acres, has been sold to F.J. Davis, Sr., and F.J. Davis, Jr., Susanville Physicians.

Clifford Smith, proprietor of the Mt. Lassen Barber Shop, acquired the property several months ago, but in anticipation of navy duty sold the ranch and closed his barber shop. He is now awaiting call to duty.