Genoa, Utah territory, 1859. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/National Archives

The Honey Lakers immediately moved to hold an inquest. A jury was formed, and the obvious conclusion was that Edwards and Mullen had killed Henry Gordier, along with Asa Snow’s help. It was suspected that the ‘wanted men’ had repaired to Genoa.

William (Rough) Elliott, Junius Gilpin, John Neal, Frank Johnson and Charles Adams comprised the committee to find out where the murderers were and apprehend them, and around the first part of May, Elliott headed down to Genoa to attempt to gain information without causing any suspicion that the outlaws were being pursued.

Asa Snow stayed at Henry Gordier’s cabin as if nothing was wrong. When he was questioned by a group of the Honey Lakers, he became belligerent, and tried to get away. He was stopped and held for further questioning in the Breed brother’s cabin about four miles south of Janesville.

One day, the men heard that Plumas authorities were coming to take Snow into custody, and they decided to move quickly before losing their captive. They wanted information as to who else was involved in the Gordier murder.

On Monday, June 7th, 1858, Snow was taken out and questioned. He would not cooperate, so after a short but efficient trial, they decided to hang him. He was taken to a large pine tree on the north shore of Honey Lake and they ‘strung him up’ and let him hang for a bit before lowering him and questioning him further. He still kept quiet. They strung him up again, and then let him down. He still kept quiet. They strung him up again, but when they let him down, he was completely quiet. They had let him hang too long, and Asa Snow was dead. He was buried under the tree.

With Snow no longer in any condition to give information, the Honey Lakers decided to travel to Genoa and capture Edwards and Mullen. They knew that Edwards and Mullen were in ‘cahoots’ with Lucky Bill and his gang and hoped to scoop up the whole bunch in one assault.

As Rough Elliott was already in Genoa, they planned to get near the town and then wait for Elliott’s intelligence to reach them.

Back in Genoa, things were heating up. Edwards arrived and went to Lucky Bill for help. Thorrington was assured by Edwards that he had nothing to do with the Gordier murder, and Lucky Bill, as always, was not too concerned.

When news reached the citizens of Carson Valley that Edwards, a wanted murderer, was in their area, everyone was ‘on the lookout’ for him. Edwards had come into possession of Mullen’s notable horse, Bald Hornet, who was easy to notice, so Lucky Bill hid Edwards away at a secret camp and brought provisions to keep him supplied.

Rough Elliott had made it to Genoa and quickly sought out Lucky Bill. He told Thorrington that he and Edwards were great friends, and he wanted to see him. Lucky Bill took him to Edwards, and Elliott acted very happy to see the wanted man and told him a story to explain his presence.

Edwards seemed especially glad to see someone who was a friend, and Elliott managed to become part of the group who surrounded Lucky Bill and Edwards. He gained a lot of useful information this way.

Junius Gilpin took a fine mare that belonged to Charles Adams and went to Genoa to help with the investigation. After a bit he met Lucky Bill and let it be known that he had stolen the mare. Lucky Bill took him in and made him one of the ‘gang’.

Gilpin and Elliott worked together and went to Major Ormsby to explain just what they were doing in Genoa. Ormsby promised the help of the Masons in the endeavor. Lucky Bill was said to have been part of a plot to kill Ormsby. The two Honey Lakers then sent word back north to raise a posse and come to Genoa.

Thirty-two men gathered at Captain Hill’s ranch, near Milford around the 11th of June. They headed out towards Carson Valley, staying out of sight as much as possible and traveling mainly at night.

Milford, on the shore of Honey Lake, in the late 1800’s

It was a three-day trip, and they saw no one until they reached Washoe Valley, where a group of Masons, hearing of the plans, joined the posse. Just at daylight on the 14th of June, they reached Genoa.

Elliott met them just before they got into town, and another group of Masons joined the posse. The group surrounded Lucky Bill’s house and ‘called him out’. Thorrington and his 17-year-old son, Jerome, gave themselves up.

Maria Thorrington plead for her son’s safety but didn’t seem to care much about her husband. The posse then went to the saloon and arrested two men, Orrin Gray and John McBride, who were part of Lucky Bill’s gang.

The town was secured, with members of the posse guarding every access point and not allowing anyone to leave. The second floor of the Singleton Hotel was used to house the prisoners while the members of the posse took a rest and had breakfast.

There were many disgruntled people in Genoa, but the bulk of the citizens were thankful that the group of marauders led by Lucky Bill was contained. They breathed a sigh of relief as a major stress in their daily lives had been removed and they had hopes that the lawlessness was abated.

After breakfast, Elliott took some men and went to arrest more of Lucky Bill’s gang. Luther Olds, and two others were cornered at Olds’ ranch and retained with the others.

The prisoners were then taken about ten miles out of town to the Clear Creek Ranch for safety. Lucky Bill’s men were still lurking around Genoa, and the posse needed no more interference. There was a hotel and a large barn at Clear Creek which would meet all of their needs.

With Lucky Bill and some of his gang secured, the Honey Lakers set about getting Edwards, who was still hidden away in a secret camp. The Honey Lakers went to the young Jerome Thorrington with a ‘deal’. They said that if he helped them get Edwards, they would ‘go easy’ on Lucky Bill. Jerome was reluctant, but in an attempt to help his father, he agreed.

Jerome went to Edwards’ camp and told him that Lucky Bill wanted to see him at his river ranch, which was about six or seven miles above Genoa. Edwards had no idea that Thorrington had been arrested. The posse was waiting, and when Edwards went into the front door, the Honey Lakers hit him with clubs and bound his legs and feet. Edwards was no longer on the lam.

Next Week: Part Three – The Hanging, and resurrection, of Lucky Bill

Edwards gets the club in this illustration from the Reno Gazette’s 1949 retelling of Lucky Bill’s tale

If you are a fan of our weekly history stories you should join the Lassen County Historical Society! It’s a fun way to be a part of our county’s rich history. When you sign up, you’ll receive regular Historical Society newsletters with interesting stories and information. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in area history.

Through your membership you help preserve local history. You can download a membership application by clicking here.

On the steps of the historic Lassen County Courthouse

Susanville Symphony Prepares for Another Season of Unique Performances

The Susanville Symphony’s spectacular 19th season, which begins with the gala outdoor Concert on the Green September 17th, promises to be something special from the first downbeat until the last note of the Pops Concert rings out in May – with world famous trumpeter Wayne Bergeron making an appearance, and a wonderful return to the Methodist Church for the classical concerts.

It has been nearly twenty years since a group of dedicated musicians and organizers came together to create the Susanville Symphony Society, providing not only a sensational musical experience, but also something that Susanville can be proud of. This year the Symphony comes home, in a way, back to where it all started.

Artistic Director and Conductor Ben Wade confirmed that this year’s classical concerts will again be held at the United Methodist Church, including their annual Christmas Concert. If you didn’t get a chance to experience the magic of the early Christmas performances at the church two decades ago, you will have a chance once again. And it is magical.

“Every time I step into that building it brings back memories,” says Wade.

The symphony first performed at the 150-year-old church, as the Lassen Community College Orchestra, in April of 2003. The group spent eight seasons, four as the Susanville Symphony, at the UMC before moving to a different venue.

Wade worked with church Choir Director Dennis Roberts to coordinate the move back to the historic venue.

“They have the best acoustics in Lassen County, and it’s where it all began. I am thrilled to be going back home.”

The season kicks off with one of the most unique outdoor performances you will ever experience. Playing on the steps of Lassen County’s 105-year-old, historic Courthouse, the Concert on the Green features a truly eclectic mix of music – classical, pop, rock, funk, big band – in what has become the most attended concert of the season.

“You name it and most likely we will be playing it!” says Wade. 

It’s always a good time at the Concert on the Green

The concert features a fun, family atmosphere with people bringing picnic lunches, lawn chairs and blankets to watch the show from the courthouse lawn.

To make it a truly special day for families, the symphony is letting all children sixteen and under accompanied by a parent into the concert for free.

“We want to continue to foster the family focus of this concert. Patrons are welcome to come early and set up their camp.”

There will be a raffle and prizes for those who sign up for season tickets at the Concert on the Green, as well as a prize for the best “dressed” table.

Speaking of season tickets. If you buy a season ticket now you will get a discounted price on the five-concert season. General admission to each concert is $30, so if you plan to see them all the $125 season ticket makes sense.

If you are interested in purchasing tickets, you can find out all the essential information by visiting thesusanvillesymphony.com.

Each and every concert is something unique!

On October 28th and 29th, at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall, the Symphony’s second concert of the season will feature a truly incredible musician with more than five hundred movie credits to his name.

“If you have gone to a movie lately, chances are you heard the sizzling trumpet sounds of Wayne Bergeron,” says Wade.

Bergeron, considered to be the number-one studio trumpet player in the world, will be performing at An Evening of Jazz with the newly rejuvenated Susanville City Big Band.

“Bergeron rarely leaves the studio to do solo shows and certainly not to Northern California or Nevada. This is a very special occasion with perhaps the best guest artist the Susanville Symphony has ever brought to town.”

From The Incredibles to West Side Story Bergeron will bring his unique Hollywood style to the shows with silver-screen hits like, “When you wish upon a star.”

Bergeron began his career as lead trumpet player for Maynard Ferguson in 1986.

According to Wade the Symphony has already received calls from people outside the area who want to reserve tickets months ahead of time. Better get these early, or better yet, get those season tickets!

The Susanville City Big Band will return on March 24th, for another appearance, this time on the stage at Susanville’s venerated Elks Lodge.

“This is not your grandfather’s swing band,” says Wade who invites everyone to come hear the new sounds of jazz, blues, funk, and the good old-fashioned swing band.

With guest artists like Danny Sandoval, a legend in the Sacramento jazz scene, and local vocalists, the one-night-only performance at the Elks will take you back to a different time.

And you can dance!

“This is the only venue in Lassen County that has a live big band and dance floor,” says Wade, who adds, “the bar is open an hour before the show to loosen those dance steps.”

The final concert of the season probably needs the least explanation. The fan-favorite finale, May 13th’s Susanville Pops Concert, thrills audiences without fail each year, delivering a variety of popular and light classical works.

For season 19 the Pops Concert will feature popular television and movie music – taking some of the most loved classic films of the last 40 years and performing their soundtracks.

Principal Cellist Peter Lenz will perform Memoirs of a Geisha, and the brass section will be featured on the pulse-pounding theme from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. 

The season ticket membership drive is currently open for the Susanville Symphony. If you would like more information about season tickets or membership in the Susanville Symphony, you can click here and download the season 19 brochure or drop by Susanville Dental Care at 720 Ash Street.

You can purchase tickets for the season, or individual concerts, online at thesusanvillesymphony.com

Individual tickets for the Outdoor Concert are being sold at Margie’s Book Nook.

1. Be a resident of the Susanville School District.
2. Submit a letter of interest, including a statement of why you are interested in serving on the Susanville School District Board to: Susanville School District, 109 S. Gilman, Susanville, California, 96130. Letters must be submitted to the Susanville School District Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on September 9, 2022.

Application letters from candidates meeting the above qualifications will be reviewed by the Susanville School District Board of Trustees, and the Board may fill the vacancy at the September 21, 2022, meeting of the Board.

Unless a petition calling for a special election, containing a sufficient number of signatures, is filed in the Lassen County Office of Education within 30 days following a provisional appointment, the appointment shall become effective. The appointee shall hold office until the next regularly-scheduled board member election, which will be in November 2024.

Lassen Industrial Bank at the corner of Main and Gay Streets in

the mid 1930’s from an Eastman Studios postcard

Susanville Banker Retires

September 1, 1919

After more than forty years of business life in Susanville, Jules Alexander, principal owner of the Lassen Industrial Bank, has sold his stock in that institution and will retire within a shot time. The purchaser is Roy D. Mays, who has been engaged in ranching and other enterprises here for about three years.

The retired banker is a native of Strasburg, Lorraine, and in his youth he saw the victorious Germans take possessions of that country. He plans to return soon and visit has natïve land as it now exists under French rule.

Alexander will retain many business interests in Lassen County.