Utah Since Statehood
Author is Noble Warrum 1919

HECTOR WEILER HAIGHT.

Hector Weiler Haight, numbered among the successful business men and capable farmers and stock raisers of Davis county, was born in Salt Lake City, July 30, 1855, a son of Hector C. and Catherine (Weiler) Haight. The father was a native of the state of New York, while the mother was born in Pennsylvania and was a daughter of Jacob Weiler. also a native of the Keystone state, whence he removed to Nauvoo, Illinois, in the '40s. He came to Utah with Brigham Young in 1847. arriving in Salt Lake in the month of July. Hector C. Haight crossed the plains in the summer of 1847 and reached Salt Lake in September. It was in the capital city that he married Catherine Weiler in the year 1854. In 1848, however, he removed to Davis county, Utah, where he took up the farm that is now owned by his son and namesake. He made the place his abode to the time of his death and converted what was once a wild and arid tract of land into rich and productive fields. He was also prominent in community affairs, filling the office of probate judge for nine years, and he always took an active and helpful part in the work of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, of which he was a devoted member. He went on a three years' mission to Denmark from 1855 to 1858. To Hector C. and Catherine (Weiler) Haight were born two children and by his first marriage the father had four children, of whom William V., of Farmington. is the only one now living.

Hector W. Haight spent his youthful days at Farmington, Davis county, and attended the public schools at Salt Lake City, where he became familiar with the elementary branches of learning, while later he attended the University of Utah at Salt Lake, during the winter season for several years. After attaining his majority he started out in the business world on his own account, well qualified for responsible duties by his liberal educational advantages. He engaged in farming and stock raising and has continued active in that field of labor to the present time. For two terms he has served as probate judge, making an excellent record in the office, as did his father. He was likewise registrar from 1880 until 1890 and in every public position that he has filled he has been most loyal to the trust reposed in him. 

In March, 1878, Mr. Haight was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Clawson, a native of Draper, Utah, and to them were born three sons: Jacob C, deceased; George H. ; and Chester Leo. The wife and mother passed away in 1895 and was laid to rest in the Farmington cemetery. In 1898 Mr. Haight wedded Miss Nellie Rice, a native of Conant, Idaho, and they became the parents of three children: Weiler R.; Ernest, deceased; and Catherine Belle.

In his political views Mr. Haight is a republican and has always been loyal to the principles which he has espoused. He has not been very active as an office seeker, however, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs.  He is now the owner of a splendidly improved farm in Davis county and is one of its self-made men, for back of his success is individual industry and perseverance.  What he has accomplished and enjoyed has depended upon his own labors and resources.

He is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Davis county and he has in his possession a most interesting picture of the home which was built by his father in 1851. One can scarcely realize how rapidly the development and changes in this section of the state have been save by such photographic assurances that it is within the memory of living men when even beautiful Salt Lake was largely an undeveloped district. The Haight family have always borne their part in the work of general improvement and progress and Hector W. Haight of this review has materially aided in promoting the welfare of the county in which he makes his home.

THOMAS H. HARRIS.

The life record of Thomas H. Harris covers a span of seventy-eight years, for he was born on the 20th of May, 1841, in Norwich, Norfolk county, England, his parents being John J. and Mary Ann (Rushmer) Harris, who were also natives of England. The father came to America with his family, making his way to Omaha, Nebraska, from which point he started across the plains with ox team and wagon, with Salt Lake City as his destination, arriving in 1853. He was a carpenter by trade and after reaching Utah worked for a time along that line in Salt Lake. Subsequently be removed to Centerville, where both he and his wife passed away. The mother, who was born in 1798, died in 1880, and the father, who was born March 17, 1818, departed this life in 1901. Both always took an active part in church work. 

Thomas H. Harris, their only child, was reared and educated in Salt Lake City.  In 1855 he began work in getting out timber from the canyons adjacent to Salt Lake, and helped open several of the timber tracts in the canyons. He hauled much of the wood that supplied the early furniture makers in Salt Lake City. Later he took up the occupation of freighting across the plains with ox and mule teams. In 1862 he was called to serve in the United States army and became a member of the independent cavalry company commanded by Captain Lot Smith. He remained on active duty through a period of one hundred and fourteen days and was mustered out in Salt Lake City. He afterward again took up the business of freighting, which he followed until 1873. He took a contract for grading in the building of the Utah Central Railroad, having previously served as a superintendent of construction of the Union Pacific Railway in Weber valley. He then purchased a combined reaper and mower, one of the first in the state, and which he operated on custom work for several years.  In 1886 he began handling fast horses and was given charge of Mr. Howe's string of trotting horses. He also handled the famous pacing horse L. C. Lee, one of the fastest ever driven in this country. Mr. Harris is now living retired at Centerville, enjoying well earned rest as the fruit of his former toil and close application to business. 

In 1868 Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Cherry, who was born in Adams county, Illinois, a daughter of Aaron B. and Mary Margaret (Yelton) Cherry, pioneers of 1847, who are mentioned in connection with the sketch of their son, John J. Cherry, on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Harris had one son, Fay Thomas, who passed away in 1913, leaving a widow and two children, Thomas E. and Maud C.

Through long residence in Utah, Mr. Harris has witnessed much of the development, up building and progress of the state and has contributed in no small measure to its substantial growth and advancement. He has come to an honored old age by reason of the upright life he has led and he well deserves the rest which has crowned his labors.

EMELIUS CARL HARTMAN.

Emelius Carl Hartman, who for eighteen years has been successfully engaged in the plumbing and heating business at Brigham, was born in Denmark, January 12, 1875. His father, William Hartman, now deceased, was a tradesman. The mother, who in her maidenhood was a Miss Holm, was also a native of Denmark and has departed this life.

The son, Emelius C. Hartman, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native country and was twenty-six years of age when he decided to cross the Atlantic and become a resident of Utah. This was in 1901. He made his way to Brigham and afterward embarked in business here. He had been left an orphan when but nine and a half years of age, and thus thrown upon his own resources, has been dependent upon his initiative and labor throughout all the intervening period. He learned the plumbing trade while still a resident of Denmark and has made it his life work. For the past eighteen years he has conducted his present establishment, his business including plumbing and the installation of heating systems, also all kinds of supplies in his line.

He has erected a handsome and substantial brick building on the site where he first started in the plumbing business and he now enjoys a very gratifying patronage. His strongest characteristics perhaps are industry and honesty. No one ever questions his integrity in business affairs and his close application has been one of the dominant features in the attainment of his present day success.

In 1895 Mr. Hartman was married to Miss Victoria Bergstrom, a native of Denmark, in which country the wedding was celebrated. They have become the parents of nine children: Emma, deceased; Eva, twenty two years of age; Gerta, the deceased wife of F. Forsgren; Emelius, who is engaged in the plumbing business with his father; Agda, Rodolf and June, who have passed away; Shirley, six years of age; and Lloyd, who is in his second year.

Mr. Hartman is a member of the Brigham Commercial Club. He belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been an earnest worker in its behalf and has served on a mission to Denmark. In politics he is a democrat and is an active supporter of the principles of the party. By reason of his sterling worth, his integrity and his industry he is greatly admired and respected by his fellow townsmen.

GEORGE A. HILL.

George A. Hill, engaged in ranching in South Weber, Davis county, was born there, in 1869, a son of John and Mary (Bennett) Hill. The father was born November 14, 1836, and the mother on the 21st of January, 1837. John Hill was a native of England and came to the new world with his parents about the year 1850. He was a son of Joseph and Ann (Marsden) Hill, who with his family first settled at Nauvoo, Illinois, and later came with a handcart company across the plains, establishing his home in Davis county, Utah. Later he went to California, making the trip in 1865, but afterward returned to Utah and took up land upon which George A. Hill now resides.  John Hill, the father, was one of those who met Johnston's army at Fort Bridger and was out on active duty for several weeks. He also aided in the defense of the homes and settlers in the Salmon river country in Idaho. He and his father were builders of the first canal in the state and were instrumental in the building of many schoolhouses and churches of the early days, thus aiding in the work of general development and progress. John Hill was also identified with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which he became high priest. He likewise served as school trustee, and his aid and influence were ever given to any plan or measure for the public good.  George A. Hill acquired his early education in the district schools and was reared to the occupation of farming, which he has made his life work.

He was united in marriage on the 15th of March, 1893, to Miss Maria S. Jones, who was born November 17, 1867, a daughter of Samuel Lane and Martha (Simmons) Jones. Her father was born in Worcester, England, April 14, 1828, and her mother's birth occurred in Bristol, England, July 17, 1851. The grandfather in the maternal line was Samuel Simmons, who was born in Bristol, England, July 28, 1799, and came to Utah about 1861. He was the first carpet weaver in Kaysville and was otherwise identified with the pioneer settlement and development of that district. To Mr. and Mrs. Hill has been born a son, George William.

The family is well known in their section of the state because of the business activity and enterprise of Mr. Hill and his devotion to every cause which he espouses. He has served as road supervisor for the past twelve years. He went on a mission to the northern states and his work in that connection was very successful, winning many converts to the church. His wife's father worked on Salt Lake Temple for five years and assisted in plowing the temple grounds. He was a stone and marble cutter and a sculptor. The family has ever loyally promoted the work of the church in every possible way, and at the same time Mr. Hill has been active as a farmer and stock raiser and has won substantial success in the conduct of his business affairs.

JOSEPH HILL.

The agricultural development of Davis county is largely attributable to the efforts of such men as Joseph Hill, who has now reached the venerable age of about eighty years and who has for an extended period been actively engaged in farming and stock raising in Davis county. He is a native of England, a son of Joseph C. and Ann (Marston) Hill, both of whom were natives of the same country. On crossing the Atlantic to the new world they first established their home in Chicago and afterward removed to Nauvoo, Illinois. There they resided until 1848, when they came to Utah with the Mormon emigrants who crossed the plains with ox teams and wagons, enduring many hard-ships and privations on the long journey. Joseph C. Hill established his home in Davis county, Utah, and here both he and the mother of Joseph Hill of this review remained until they were called to their final rest. They had a family of three children but their son Joseph is the only one now living.

Through the period of his boyhood and youth Joseph Hill remained in the home of his parents and his education was acquired in the schools such as they were. He early became familiar with all branches of farm work and when he had attained his majority he determined to continue in the same line of business. He has always carried on farming and stock raising and the success which is his has come to him through the close application and unfaltering energy which he has displayed in carrying on his farm work.  He has made judicious investments as his financial resources have increased and he is now the owner of more than seven hundred acres of land. He has never allowed difficulties or obstacles to discourage him but these have rather acted as an impetus for renewed efforts on his part, and as the years have gone by he has accumulated a handsome fortune.

In 1858 Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Scheen, a native of England, who came to America in 1857. She traveled across the country to Omaha, Nebraska, and then came to Utah with the first company of the handcart brigade in 1857. To Mr.  and Mrs. Hill were born seven children, of whom six are yet living, as follows: Joseph W., who is a farmer residing near Layton; Nettie, the wife of George W. Layton; Alice S. C, who died in infancy; Sarah Ann, the wife of Rufus Adams, of Layton; Louisa, who gave her hand in marriage to Main Adams, of Layton; Emma, the wife of Christopher Burton, of Layton; and David F., who follows farming at Layton. The wife and mother passed away December 18, 1916, and was laid to rest in the Kaysville cemetery.  Her death was deeply regretted by many friends as well as her immediate family.  The life of Joseph Hill has been quietly passed and in the faithful performance of each day's duties he has found prosperity and contentment. His earnest labors have brought him substantial success and his well spent life has gained for him the high respect of all with whom he has come in contact. A resident of Utah from pioneer times, he has witnessed almost the entire growth and development of this state and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.

CHRISTIAN HOIST.

Christian Hoist is one of the dependable citizens of Brigham, where he has served as mayor and where he is now engaged in merchandising. He was born in Denmark, February 16, 1854. His father, Christian Frederick Hoist, also a native of Denmark, came to the United States in 1857 and to Utah in 1860. He followed both farming and carpentering as a life work, thus providing for the support of his family. The mother of Christian Hoist was Kathlene Nelsen, also a native of Denmark, and both have now passed away. Their family numbered eight children, of whom two are living. The parents were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Mr. Hoist died in that faith in Brigham. He had lived for a time in Willard and afterward removed to Brigham, where he was identified with building operations.

In the public schools of Brigham Christian Hoist pursued his education. He was but three years of age when brought to the new world and has been a resident of Utah for fifty-nine years. He acquired his education in the schools of Brigham and afterward took up the occupation of farming. He likewise did teaming for a time and in 1876 he established a general merchandise business in Brigham which he has since conducted. He first began by peddling goods and thus made his sales for several years but eventually developed his present store. He has a large and carefully selected line of general merchandise and his business methods are thoroughly reliable. 

In 1879 Mr. Hoist was married to Miss Annie Frederica Schow, a native of Denmark and now deceased. They had eleven children, seven of whom are living, namely: Carlos, W. L., Claudius I., Gorilla, Hilda, Hortense and Gladys.

Mr. Hoist is a high priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is active in Sunday school work. He is also a stalwart supporter of the republican party, believing firmly in its principles as factors in good government. Twelve years ago he was elected mayor of the city and his administration was of a very practical yet progressive character. Mr. Hoist was also the organizer of the Commercial Club and has been keenly interested in everything pertaining to public progress and improvement. He stanchly supports all church and civic interests and at the same time carefully and wisely conducts his business affairs, being now the owner of an excellent store on South Main street. His friends speak of him as a man of sterling character, well deserving classification with the substantial residents of Brigham.

GEORGE W. KENDELL.

George W. Kendell has devoted his life to farming and stock raising and has been active in the promotion of irrigation interests, which constitute one of the chief sources of the development and prosperity of the state. He makes his home at South Weber, where he has an excellent ranch property. He was here born April 21, 1856, and is a son of William and Joanna (Peek) Kendell. The father was born at Wickerslie, England, June 20, 1828, and became a resident of Utah in October, 1854. He had been converted to the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had filled a mission to England from 1852 to 1854 before sailing for the new world. After coming to Utah he was counselor to Bishop Spaulding of Uinta from 1867 until 1877. He also servedas school trustee for several years and was deeply interested in all that pertained to the material, intellectual and moral progress of his community. He likewise took a prominent part in promoting irrigation work and assisted in building the road through Weber canyon. In fact every worthy public enterprise could count upon his aid and cooperation, and both school and church found in him a most earnest and effective worker. He passed away April 12, 1883.< /FONT>

George W. Kendell was born in South Weber and lived there until 1862, when he removed to Uinta with his parents, and resided there until he was married in 1877.  He then returned to South Weber, where he has since made his home. He had but limited educational opportunities and those were afforded by the district schools. His training at farm labor, however, was not meager, for at an early age he began work in the fields and after attaining his majority took up farming and stock raising on his own account. He has always followed this line of business and has won a substantial measure of success as the years have passed. He now has a well developed ranch property, equipped with all modern improvements and conveniences, and in addition to successfully conducting diversified farm work he carries on a general store and the sale of merchandise adds materially to his annual income.

On the 3d of April, 1877, Mr. Kendell was united in marriage to Miss Margery Pingree, a daughter of Job and Mary (Morgan) Pingree, of Ogden. There were eight children born of his first marriage but his wife died in 1910. On the 2d of October, 1913, Mr. Kendell was again married, his second union being with Miss Josephine Nilsson, a daughter of Claus T. and Anna Sarah (Erickson) Nilsson, who were natives of Sweden. Three children have been born of the second marriage, namely: Sarah Elaine, Emma Laverne, and Georgia, born September 18. 1919. The children of the first marriage were: George and Mary Adella, both of whom are deceased; Job Peek; Joanna; Myrtle; Henry Timothy; John W.; and Lillie N.

On the 25th of January, 1891, Mr. Kendell was ordained bishop of his ward and continued to fill that office until 1915. He has also been prominent in the promotion of irrigation work and served as water master and director, and for six years he occupied the position of constable. His aid and influence can ever be counted upon to further any plan or measure for the general good and his support is given to every project that he believes will in any way benefit the community. That his life has been an honorable and upright one is indicated in the fact that many of his staunchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.

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