Amid a gentle drizzle that's all too typical for Northern California this time of year, history buffs and family alike huddled together to witness a bit of local past get its due recognition - the Kneebone family ranch and cemetery was formally dedicated as a Nevada County historical landmark on October 25. In a nod to their tenacious ancestors, the Kneebone descendants, some trekking from as far as Atlanta, congregated in the Spenceville Wildlife Area to celebrate the unveiling of two plaques that tell of a family saga marked by triumph and tragedy.
For those who like their history tangible and their landscapes steeped in tales of yore, the Kneebone homestead, now officially NEV 25-06, presents as a time capsule nestled near the old mining town of Spenceville. The dedication, which was nothing short of a history enthusiast's delight, is the culmination of efforts spearheaded by Kneebone descendant Karen Hill and backed by Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission's indefatigable commissioner Chuck Scimeca. As reported by Nevada County's official release, not only did the family honor their roots by telling the tale of Joseph Kneebone, who emigrated from Cornwall and secured a 1,595-acre ranch for his lineage, they also did not shy away from acknowledging the darker shades of their history, with grisly accounts of murder and accidental death.
What might catch a passerby's attention are the texts on these commemorative plaques, which depict both the strength and the suffering that came with pioneer life. The main plaque reads: "Joseph Kneebone came to California from Cornwall, England, in 1867, acquired this 1,595-acre ranch near the historic town of Spenceville and started a very successful teaming business" - proving the Kneebone's pioneering spirit was as robust as their mule teams, as noted by Nevada County.
For those now itching to explore, both the ranch and the cemetery will soon feature in the next update of the Commission’s e-guide, an interactive, GPS-friendly map that readers can snag from You Bet Press for their gadget of choice. According to the Nevada County announcement, tech-savvy historians can plunge into over 250 local landmarks, though few are as moving as the Kneebone family’s homestead and its lasting story.
