By Susan Couso
Charles F. Gebhart was born in 1891 in Indiana. He loved the image of the western cowboy and in the early 20th century, he began working for a wild west show, assuming the name of Buck Jones. While working in the show he met another Wild West performer, Odille ‘Dell’ Osborn, and they fell in love. Unfortunately, money was an issue that seemed to prevent their marriage.
The producers of the show came to the rescue with the idea that the young couple could get married in public as part of the show. So, in 1915, Buck and Dell became Mr. and Mrs. Jones.
It wasn’t an easy way to make a living, but Buck got lucky and got a job as a ‘bit player’ and stuntman in Hollywood for $5 per day – big money at that time.
By 1920, he had worked his way up to his first starring role, and his fame spread through the 1920’s. The 1930’s ushered in the era of the ‘singing cowboy’ and that made it a little harder for Buck, but he continued to make movies with his horse, Silver.
In 1942, Buck and Dell decided to settle down and be real ranchers. They purchased the Meadow Brook Farm, which was the former George Wingfield ranch on Wingfield Road in Lassen County.
Buck said, “It’s something we have wanted to do for a long time and finally are getting around to it.” The 1,427 acre ranch was purchased from Fred Abbay and L. R. Cady.
Mrs. Jones remained at the ranch to supervise remodeling while Buck was away filming a new movie. The couple also purchased a house in Susanville, which was to be their ‘town house’ after its remodeling was finished.
Unfortunately, Buck and Dell never did get to sit back and relax at their new ranch. Their plans of raising blooded horses and Hereford cattle never came to fruition.
On November 30th, 1942, a party was held in the cowboy screen star’s honor at the Coconut Grove Nightclub in Boston, when a fire broke out. Escape routes were blocked, and only a few managed to break free.
Buck was one of the few who made it, but he returned into the inferno to help get the struggling party-goers to safety. In all, 492 people died, and Buck Jones was one of them.
You should join the Lassen 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 here.
