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Who was the Bitter Scribe of Quail Springs who left a mysterious legacy for generations to view? Several facts are known about the peculiar "Sweed" Samuelson. He was a hard worker, when he worked. He was a hard drinker, when he drank and he was a hard fighter, when he fought. |
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| Samuelson homestead was near Quail Springs where he spent his leisure time chiseling political sayings on the rocks. He built his home on top of the hill, and a corral at the base. His command of our language was poor as evidenced by the carvings, but his political views were clear and remain for all to see. Left Picture is Stone Falcon standing on Samuelson's rocks. Right picture is view of Samuelson's homestead from his corral. | |
| Samuelson left the desert in 1928 and moved to Los Angeles. In 1929, while at a dance at Compton, his temper got the best of him in an argument with two men. During the ensuing scuffle he shot and killed the two and was apprehended. Later he was convicted of the double murder and sent to Mendacino State Prison. |
| His house was comfortable for the time but was
destroyed by arson. All that is left today is the foundation and bed
frame. Samuelson escaped in 1930 and managed to make his way through Oregon to Washington where he found a job in a logging camp. He died there from injuries in a logging accident. |
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| Samuelson's neighborhood is colorfully decorated by desert flowers and more than 300 petroglyphs (mostly hidden), some of which are up to 20,000 years old. | ||