Lassen County History
Illustrated History of PLUMAS, LASSEN & SIERRA Counties
with CALIFORNIA from 1513 to 1850, Farriss & Smith, 1882, San Francisco

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper, Oct 2009

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HANGING OF CHARLES BARNHART. 

A case of summary justice occurred June 25, 1865, at Mud flat, beyond Granite creek, in a 
party headed by Captain Pierce, of the firm of Pierce & Francis, proprietors of the Idaho stage 
line. This party had started out with a number of wagons and pack animals to work upon the 
road. On the morning in question Captain Pierce sent William Rogan to Charles Barnhart for a 
rope to be used in packing. Barnhart refused to give him the desired article, and when he laid his 
hand upon the rope to take it, drew his revolver and killed Rogan on the spot. There were 
present thirty citizens and ten soldiers, and they at once formed a court, tried the murderer, and 
sentenced him to death. During the hour of life granted him, Barnhart behaved in a most reckless 
manner, exhibiting that bravado that men of his class are pleased to call courage. A gallows was 
improvised from wagon tongues, the prisoner was placed in position with a rope around his neck, 
and was then asked to prefer a dying request. He said he wanted them all to get in front of him, 
so that he could take a good look at them before he left. His request was complied with, and he 
left immediately afterwards.