SURPRISE VALLEY RECORD – CEDARVILLE, MODOC COUNTY, CAL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23RD, 1935 SURPRISE VALLEY PIONEER DIES MONDAY CHRISTIAN HANSEN, RESIDENT OF SURPRISE VALLEY FOR HALF CENTURY SUCCUMBS The sad news reached us of the death of Christian Hansen, at the home of his nephew, Chris H. Hansen, about seven miles south of Cedarville, Monday. Apparently in his usual health, Chris, as he was known to everyone in Surprise valley, had gotten up as usual and eaten his breakfast and was out doing the chores, as was his usual custom. Noting an unusual quietness and the fact that he had not been seen about the house for a time, his sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary Hansen, went to the separator room to see if anything was wrong. Not finding him there, she made her way to the barn and other buildings and on her way back found him back of the separator room, a very sick man. It so happened that his nephews, Chris and Jimmie Hansen were just returning from feeding at the time, but before anything could be done for the faithful veteran, he had passed away. Christian Hansen was born in Denmark on October 13th, 1857, at which place his early youth was spent. In 1885, he came to America and later came to Surprise Valley, where he of sterling character, a friend to all, has made his home ever since. A man of sterling character and a friend to all, Chris found a place in their hearts that came foremost. A worker, who took pleasure in his work, a man among men, and the passing of Christian Hansen, is indeed regretted. He leaves to mourn his passing, his sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary Hansen, four nephews, Chris H., Dr. J. H., Louie and Jimmie, a niece, Mrs. Bertha Warrens of Huntington Beach, Cal., and a host of friends. Obsequies will be held from the Cedarville Methodist Church today at 2 o’clock P. M. and interment will take place in the Cedarville cemetery. (1:1) SNOWSTORM FOLLOWED BY BLIZZARD HITS SURPRISE VALLEY THUR. (HEADLINE) HEAVIEST WINDSTORM IN YEARS FOLLOWS SNOWFALL; ROADS, LANES AND HIGHWAYS BLOCKED TO TRAFFIC; VALLEY POINTS NOW ACCESSIBLE THROUGH THE FIELDS One of the heaviest snowstorms in recent years hit Surprise Valley and vicinity last Wednesday and Thursday, at which time some .47 of an inch of moisture fell. The snowstorm was followed by a terrific gale, which soon drifted the snow and blockaded all the roads to Modoc County. For Surprise the road between Cedarville and Eagleville was soon blockaded and about the same time the highway to the north to Lake City was drifted full and made the road impassable. Buses, the motoring public and all other modes of travel were stopped, with the exception of the old faithful "hay burner". On Cedar Pass the road was blockaded all day Thursday and Friday, but was opened for travel Saturday morning by the State Highway maintenance crews and their equipment. Saturday afternoon the road over the Pass was again blocked by huge drifts on the high points, just above the Cold Springs. These were soon opened, however, in order to allow traffic pass within an hour or so. The road from Cedarville to Vya was drifted full, which necessitated the transporting of mail to and from the little Nevada hamlet by horseback. Other roads in that vicinity were closed to travel on account of the heavy snowfall and drifting. By going thru fields the road from Cedarville was open to travel Friday evening. The road to Lake City was opened up for travel Monday afternoon, by crews from both Supervisor Districts, No. 1 and 2. The benefit of this storm of untold value to the farmers of this valley, who for the past few years have suffered from a dearth of water and think of the snow piled deep and solid in the canyons and ravines, which will furnish plenty of moisture and insure good crops in the valley again. Following is a table of moisture, which has fallen in Surprise Valley for the past three years, according to figures at the T. H. Johnstone’s Co.’s weather Observation Station. 1932-3 1933-4 1934-5 September tr. .42 .52 October .13 1.23 .61 November .79 tr. 2.01 December 1.31 1.37 .85 Totals 2.23 3.02 2.99 For the month of January up to and including January 22, 1.06 inches of moisture has fallen. TELEGRAM GOES 900 MILES TO GET WORD SEVENTEEN MILES Another one of Ripley’s "believe it or Nots" but nevertheless it is a fact. During the heavy storm of last Thursday, followed by a raging blizzard, which lasted for several days, roads in Surprise Valley became blockaded with snow which stopped all motoring, including the two school buses which come daily from Lake City and Eagleville respectively. Not able to get communication to either of the places by messenger or phone, a happy thought struck the bus drivers, which caused them to transmit a telegram to radio Station KNX, in order that it might broadcast the information over the nine o’clock news that all the pupils were safe in Cedarville. Sure enough the message was broadcast and the anxiety of the parents was relieved, when they learned that the buses had not left Cedarville for their destinations. Quite a comforting thought that their children were safe instead of perhaps "bucking" the elements or maybe freezing, while trying to reach their homes. Many thanks and appreciation has been expressed to KNX for their kindness in broadcasting the message. DEATH OF DR. WARREN SHARTEL AT LOS ANGELES Dr. Warren Shartel died from heart failure at 3:45 p. M. January 12, 1935, at Los Angeles. Dr. Shartel never recovered fully from a stroke of paralysis nearly 4 years ago. The last two months have been spent in bed in order to save the heart as much as possible. He was the second son of the late William Shartel and Mrs. Sarah Shartel. He was born February 22, 1874 near Lake City, Modoc County, the father died in 1916 and the mother passed away a little over a year ago. Aside from his many friends he leaves his daughter Mrs. Huldah Dickson and little granddaughter, Betty Dickson of Los Angeles and two brothers, A. F. Shartel of Redlands and M. e. Shartel of Seattle, Washington. Dr. Shartel maintained a dental office in Los Angeles from 1911 until he was stricken with paralysis four years ago. (1:3) NEW CITIZENS ARRIVE IN SURPRISE VALLEY Born in Cedarville, California, January 17th, 1935, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Dollarhide, to Mr. and Mrs. John W. Sharp, a son. Born near Cedarville, California, January 10th, 1935, to Mr. and Mrs. Pearl Addington, a son. Born in Cedarville, California, January 11th, 1935, to Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Harris, a son. Born in Eagleville, California, January 14th, 1935, to Mr. and Mrs. Sam Sweeney, a son. The masculine population is on the increase in Surprise Valley judging from the number of boys the Stork has left here so far this year. FINGER AMPUTATED AT WOODLAND CLINIC Willard Scott, mechanic at the Smith Auto Company in Alturas, had the misfortune of running a sliver into the little finger of his left hand several weeks ago. The finger apparently did not heal as it should and soon it became infected and blood poison set in. Scott was sent to Woodland last week by his physician, where he received medical attention. The surgeons found it necessary to amputate the infected finger in order to control the progress of the poison. He was doing very well at last reports. REPORTED SERIOUSLY ILL Mrs. Horace Hobbs, formerly of Lake City but for the past year has resided at Ashland, Oregon, is reported critically ill this week and there are no hopes are held for her recovery. C. F. Hopfield of Alturas is confined to his home, recovering from an accident, which he had been in suffering a fractured arm and dislocated jaw. John Benner spent Thursday and most of Friday hauling cars out of the snow drifts between Cedarville and the Dyke Ranch, with his big span of horses. Homer Beeson has sold to the Cummins Land and Livestock Company his ranch property in Newlan Valley, Lassen County. FLASH! CAR HITS GRADER ON CEDAR PASS RAY ABRAMS AND RAY GOLDEN TAKEN TO ALTURAS HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT As we go to press, we learn of a collision, which happened last night, when Ray Abrams and Ray Golden were returning from Alturas. In some manner their machine collided with the State snow plow, that was at work on the highway near the old highway camp. Abrams sustained a severe cut on the forehead and a slight concussion of the brain, while Golden escaped with a bad cut on the hand and other slight lacerations and scratches about the body. They were taken to the Alturas hospital for medical treatment. FORMER CEDARVILLE TEACHER DIES AT OAKLAND LAST WEEK Avis A. King, former school teacher of this place, about 25 years ago, died suddenly at his home in Oakland last week. He owned a pharmacy at Diamond, just out of Oakland. His widow survives him. (2:1) NEWSY NOTES FROM NEW PINE CREEK The funeral of John D. Dick took place from local Baptist Church on Tuesday of last week. The Church was crowded to the doors with sorrowing friends; Rev. Hall; the local pastor officiating. The casket was covered with beautiful flowers. After the services the body was laid to rest in the New Pine Creek Cemetery. John D. Dick was born at Willow ranch, California, on October 30th, 1893 and died January 1935, having reached the age of 41 years, two months and thirteen days. He was married April 4th, 1920, to Monta Sherman, of New Pine Creek, Oregon, to this union four children were born, Georgie, John, Dorothy and June and Marjorie Dick Smith by a former marriage. Mr. Dick was engaged in the dairy business at West Side, Oregon at the time of his death. Besides his devoted wife and children, he leaves to mourn his death, Anna Granthan, of Granite City, ILL., Rhea E. Dick of Granite City, Grover Dick of Plymouth, Idaho, Sadie Keller, Thomas M. Dick, Morris Dick, of New Pine Creek, Oregon and a host of friends through Lake and Modoc counties. Grover Dick on his way here to attend the funeral of his brother, John D., had an accident between Burns and Wagon tire. He was alone in his car, which turned completely over landing on all four wheels. The windows on one side were broken, fenders damaged on that side and the top was also damaged. He arrived too late for the services, but arrived at the cemetery before the burial. (4:3) Thomas M. Dick, our faithful mail messenger is at present using a sleigh with two horses in carrying the mail between here and Fairport. The snow also blocked the Sugar hill road for a couple of days, also the Willow ranch lane. It most certainly looks now as if our Old Time Winters that we have been preaching about are returning. Several predict that there is ten feet of snow on the level at high Grade and with a drifting wind blowing last week for three or four days, no doubt filled the canyons pretty well, which should insure our creeks feeding Goose Lake and would not be surprise to see water in Goose Lake all summer and with three or four good old time winters like this winter has been so far, we will no doubt see our beautiful Goose Lake, with hundreds of thousands of geese and ducks on it, and with fine large speckled trout in its waters, back on the map again. The writer joins New Pine Creek friends in extending sympathy to the Longwell family in the death of Mrs. Longwell, who died in Klamath Falls, a few weeks after her husband’s death in that city. The funeral took place at Davis Creek on Monday, the 21st. (4:3) The many friends of Mrs. Anna Rice, sister of Mrs. Sadie Keller and the Dick brothers will be glad to hear of her marriage recently to Mr. E. B. Granthan, a businessman of Granite City. The writer joins friends in extending congratulations. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1935 FUNERAL OF E. D. RUST AT ELY, NEVADA Edward Duncan Rust, resident of McGill, passed away Wednesday morning from a heart attack while on his way to work. He was 65 years of age and was born in Arcola, Illinois, on March 2nd, 1869. Coming to this county in 1920, he had made his home in this district the past seven and one-half years at McGill where he was employed. Surviving him are his wife and two sisters, Mrs. H. Armstrong of Hollywood and Mrs. H. L. Vandenberg of York, Nebraska. He was a brother of the late W. R. Rust of Tacoma, Washington. Funeral services are being held this afternoon (Jan. 11) at 2 o’clock from the Wilson-Bates Chapel, with the Rev. E. W. Kellett of St. Bartholomew’s Church officiating. – Ely, Nevada, Record (1:2) JOHN DANIEL FLOURNOY PASSES AT ALTURAS John Daniel Flournoy a colorful Modoc County pioneer of 63 years passed away at the home of his daughter in Alturas on January 26th, at the ripe old age of 87 years, 11 months and 1 day. Mr. Flournoy was born in Linus, Missouri, on January 25, 1847 and came west in 1864 and landed in Oregon and then came to Modoc County, where he has resided ever since. Obsequies were held in Likely yesterday and his body was interred in the Likely cemetery. (1:3) FUNERAL OF CHRISTIAN HANSEN Obsequies for Christian Hansen were held at the Cedarville m. E. Church last Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock, Rev. Virgil A. Vinyard, officiating. Acting, as pallbearers were Adolph Koenig, Vancil Beebe, Marion Rinehart, Mark Fitzgerald, Everett Hill and Harry Rinehart. Burial took place in the Cedarville cemetery. (1:4) MODOC RESIDENT SUCCUMBS MONDAY S. A. BILLICK, RESIDENT OF ALTURAS FOR 30 YEARS PASSES Funeral services were held at the Kerr Chapel in Alturas Monday for S. A. Billick, who passed away at his home in Alturas on Saturday, January 26th, 1935. Billick, a native of Illinois, came to California at the age of nine with his family in 1870. They settled in Princeton, California, until the death of his father in 1875 and then the family moved to Susanville. He went to school there with County Clerk Bob Smith and the late John E. Raker. Billick at the age of 18, was one of the first mail carriers from Alturas to Susanville and was noted for his proficient service in carrying the mail, even through winter months, having to ford rivers, swim when the water was too high, but always got the mail through. He moved to Goose Lake Valley and then to Downieville, Cal., where he worked under a cabinet-maker for three years. He married Sarah E. Smith on July 6, 1887 and to that union, were born five children, four sons and one daughter. In 1906, he moved to Alturas and up to the time of his death, he worked at his trade of carpentering. He leaves to mourn his passing three sons, Don, of Nevada City, Cal., George and Robert of Alturas; two grandchildren, Charles and Bessie. His wife and daughter and a son, having passed on before him. (1:3) FLETCHER (JACK) COFFMAN SUCCUMBS Fletcher (Jack) Coffman passed away at his home in San Francisco Monday morning. "Jack" as he was known in Surprise Valley, lived here for a number of years during his youth. He is a brother of Mrs. L. A. Wheeler of this place. (1:5) FORT BIDWELL HIGHLIGHTS Deputy Sheriff Ray Tierney was in town last Wednesday taking into custody Ernie DeGarmo, Indian boy, who had broken his parole, he was one of the four boys who robbed the pool hall of liquor. Young DeGarmo being only fourteen years of age was taken to the Whittier State Reform School. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Fee, in Reno, Nevada, January 22nd, a 8-1/2 lb baby girl. Born to Mr. and Mrs. John Onita of Ann Arbor, Michigan, on January 23rd, 1935, a 9-lb baby girl, named Joan Sue. Mrs. Onita was formerly Miss Ariel Petersen of Fort Bidwell. Mrs. L. A. Wheeler underwent a tonsil operation at the Lakeview hospital last Monday. Reports are that she is recovering nicely from the operation. NEW PINE CREEK JOTS OF INTEREST Albert H. Keller was born in Iowa in 1862 and died in Seattle, Washington, on January 12th, 1935, at the age of 73 years. He was the youngest of the eleven children, nine brothers and two sisters. One brother passed away at the age of 16, two past ninety years, three past eighty years and four past seventy years. Albert Keller came with his parents to Nebraska at the age of five, living there until he was 23 years of age, when he came to San Francisco, California, going into the mercantile business in which business he remained until in 1898, during the Alaska mining rush, he went to Alaska, where he made several trips from Seattle, Washington, during the 20 years he was there, going over the White Horse Rapids twice. He made his home in the city of Seattle for the past seventeen years, coming every summer for thirteen years to New Pine Creek, Oregon, to visit his sister, Mrs. Amelia Taylor and made many friends here who will miss him. (2:4) The passing of Albert Keller at Seattle, Washington, recently leaves only one of a family of eleven to survive, who is Mrs. Amelia Taylor, one of our good lady citizens of N. P. C. ALTURAS BRIEFS Jim McGinnis, father of Vernon McGinnis and Mrs. Joe Wistos of Alturas, passed away at his home in Nessa, Oregon, last Saturday, January the 19th, following a short illness. (2:6) John Williams, student at the Alturas High and residing at Likely, has been critically ill at the General Hospital for the past two weeks. He is well on his way to recovery now and was able to rejoice when he heard the good news that he had been elected student commissioner of Boy’s Sports. On account of the sudden death of Coach I. C. Elliott’s brother, the Alturas Hi School basketball teams had their game with McArthur at McArthur postponed. Mrs. J. B. Cloud of Cedarville, spent the two weeks visiting with her daughters in Alturas, Mrs. Bud Powers and Mrs. Joe Gloster. She returned Saturday. Jeff Kelly, who has been suffering from a gunshot wound received two years ago, is critically ill at this writing and slight hopes are held for his recovery. Dan Gloster, who has been critically ill for the past ten days with kidney trouble and obstruction of the bowels, is now up and around at his home in Alturas. FUNERAL RITES OBSERVED FOR W. D. RUNYON Funeral services for William Douglas Runyon, 74-year old pioneer who died at his home January 10, were held Saturday afternoon at the Phipps Chapel with Rev. Roy C. Mason officiating. Mr. Runyon, for many years, a prominent rancher near Lemoore, came to California in 1866, traveling from his childhood home in Richmond county, Illinois, across the country in a covered wagon to California where he resided for some 68 years. After living in Modoc County for a number of years, he moved to Lemoore in 1889 and since that time had made his home southeast of the city. The pioneer rancher was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge for 45 years and also was affiliated with the Woodsmen of the World. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. belle Runyon of Lemoore, two daughters, Mrs. Elda Hedges of Lemoore and Mrs. Cora Buchanan of Bakersfield; a sister, Mrs. S. E. Fletner of San Jose; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows were in charge of the services at the Lemoore cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Roya Alexander, who motored here to attend the funeral of W. D. Runyon last Saturday afternoon, have returned to their home in Oakland. Mrs. Alexander, a niece of Mr. Runyon, will be remembered here as Nettie Pryor. – Lemoore Advance The deceased was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Mary Perry, of Cedarville, cal., and was formerly a resident of the vicinity of Eagleville. He will be known to a number of the older residents of that section of Surprise Valley. (4:3) ~~~~~~ Billie C. & Anita 'Jean' Reynolds Family Researcher of "The Last Frontier" Modoc County, California --- Our outgoing mail is checked by avast! AntiVirus. Avast! 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The article about contacting radio station KNX conerning students in Cedarville brought many memories to me. In those days radios were big old monsters, and the reception was pretty bad, mostly static. There were however two stations, KNX from Los Angeles and one from from Salt Lake City, Utah that came in bright and clear, particularly in the evening. KNX was the station that decreed lights out in Modoc county after the 15 minute broadcast of the Richfield Oil news at 10 pm. I had an old Majestic table top radio in my bedroom and would listen to classical music from the Salt lake City station after 10pm. I would turn it as low as I could becuase the rest of the household was asleep. Usually my mother would catch me and turn the radio off after a severe scolding. To this day, listening to classical music at night time brings those old days in Modc County back. Funny what you remember for your entire life time. Ron Morgan