ROE A. DEAL.
Roe A. Deal, a farmer and fruit grower living in Springville, was born November 25, 1876, in the district in which he yet resides, his parents being Romanzo A. and Helen (Maycock) Deal. Extended mention is made on another page of this work of Romanzo A. Deal, who for many years was the president of the firm of Deal Brothers & Mendenhall, leading ranchers, stock raisers, merchants and railroad builders, the firm being prominently known throughout the west.
Roe A. Deal early became connected with the contracting business, as in his boyhood he accompanied his father, who was engaged in the execution of mammoth projects. The boy attended the district school and afterward spent four years as a pupil in the Agricultural College at Logan. His business training was received under his father's direction and for a time he engaged in contract work in connection with the firm of Deal Brothers & Mendenhall. Subsequently he entered into a partnership with Guy Mendenhall in the building of canals in Idaho and also in railroad contract work, extensive projects being carried forward to successful completion under his direction.
He likewise spent six years in Canada upon a large ranch, where he carried on business in connection with his father and brother, having five thousand acres devoted to cattle raising. Eventually he disposed of his interests there and is now concentrating his efforts and attention upon farming, horticultural pursuits and cattle raising on east bench at Springville, where he owns one hundred and seven acres of rich and productive land. He has twelve acres planted to cherries and sold nearly fifty tons of cherries in the present season. He also has six acres planted to peaches. He has a large silo with a capacity of one hundred and twenty-five tons of ensilage, this being one of the first three silos built in Utah county, the date of its erection being 1914. There is no improvement or equipment of the model farm property that is not found upon his place. There are good buildings and all modern machinery for the care of the crops and the fruit.
On the 21st of December, 1898, Mr. Deal was united in marriage to Miss Louise Rorick, of Morenci, Michigan, who became his wife while on a visit to Utah to see her sister. Mr. and Mrs. Deal have no children of their own but have adopted a little daughter, Margaret, who is now six years of age. Mr. Deal was the eldest of three children, his sister being Helen, now the wife of Abram Redford, of Provo, while his brother is J. Chester Deal, of Salt Lake.
In politics Mr. Deal is a democrat and keeps thoroughly informed concerning the vital problems and issues of the day but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. His business affairs, extensive and important, have claimed his entire attention and the wise direction of his interests has brought him to a prominent position in business circles. The name of Deal has long been a synonym for progressiveness and improvement at Springville and throughout Utah, having been written large Into the history of the state since 1850.
ROMANZO A. DEAL.
Inseparably linked with the history of Utah is the name of Romanzo A. Deal, whose active operations in ranching, stock raising, merchandising and contracting, especially in railroad construction, made him one of the leading promoters and builders of the state. He had the distinction of being the second white child born in Springville, his natal day being February 3, 1852. Two years before, his parents, John Wesley and Eliza (Crandall) Deal, had arrived in Springville, reaching that place with the first ten wagons that brought colonizers into the district. The Deal family is of English origin, but from an early period in the settlement of the new world representatives of the name have resided in the south, and it was in North Carolina, in 1822, that John Deal was born. There he remained to the age of twelve years, when he ran away from home and went to New Orleans. Later he proceeded up the Mississippi river and joined the Mormons at Nauvoo, Illinois. From that time forward his lot was cast among the people of the religious faith that he espoused. At Quincy, Illinois, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Crandall and for a time they lived with the Latter-day Saints at Nauvoo, whence they crossed the plains in 1850. In early life John W. Deal learned the stone cutter's trade and was employed at cutting stone for the Nauvoo Temple. He became an active factor in the development and up building of Springville following his long journey across the plains to Utah, and he made the first brick at Springville, also burned the first lime and built the first brick cottage in the town-a building that is still standing and is one of the noted landmarks of the district. After removing to Utah he turned his attention to farming, thus contributing to the reclamation of the wild and undeveloped lands of Utah. Following the Civil war he went on a mission to North Carolina, where his people had lived through many generations, but he did not find any trace of his family, as the country had all been devastated. Not only did John W. Deal contribute to the up building of his section of the state during a long and active life but reared a family of sons whose labors have been of benefit and value to the state. His five sons, J. W., D. E., R. A., L. D. and T. M. Deal, together with his son-in-law, Thomas L. Mendenhall, organized the firm of Deal Brothers & Mendenhall, which for many years remained a synonym for the most progressive and enterprising business methods throughout the west.
Romanzo A. Deal was the eldest of the three brothers in the firm and when Springville was still a frontier district his boyhood days were spent in that locality herding cattle while later he took up the occupations of farming and freighting. He early recognized the eternal principle that industry wins and industry became the beacon light of his life He saw that success tauntingly plays before the dreamer, slips away from the sluggard but yields its rewards to the man of persistent and earnest effort. Close application and determination enabled him to take advantage of every opportunity hat was presented and at the same time his efforts were of a character that contributed to public progress and prosperity as well as to individual success. As time passed and the business interests of himself and his brothers developed in extent and importance he assisted in organizing and became the president of the Deal Brothers & Mendenhal Mercantile Company which was organized in 1888. They developed one of the largest mercantile houses in Springville. building up a trade that covered a wide territory but they did not confine their efforts to this single line. They have helped organize the Springville Banking Company, of which corporation Romanzo A. Deal was president until his death in 1903 They turned their attention to railroad building and became one of the leading firms in the construction of railways throughout the west. They executed many of the most important contracts put through in their time, for the Union Pacific and Los Angles & Salt Lake and they also constructed most of the Denver & Rio Grande west of Pueblo In railroad building they employed hundreds of men and solved most important engineering projects. They also had other contracts for line construction and they furnished hundreds of thousands of railroad ties for the different roads that were being built through Intermountain country. They operated all over the western states and the name of Deal Brothers & Mendenhall became one of the most familiar in the western country and ever stood as a synonym for enterprise and progressiveness. Extensive as were the operations of the firm in railroad building, Romanzo A Deal was likewise connected with ranching and stock raising interests, owning valuable properties and contributing much to the development of the state along those lines. He did railroad construction work through Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona as early as.1880 One of the elements of his notable success was the readiness with which he recognized and grasped opportunities which others passed heedlessly by.
In 1876 Romanzo A. Deal was united in marriage to Miss Helen Maycock and they became the parents of three children. Mr. Deal always maintained his home in Springville his native city, and for many years was a most prominent factor in the public life of that community. Although his business affairs were, of mammoth proportions, he ever found time to assist in promoting plans and projects for the welfare and ,development of his city and served as mayor of Springville and as county commissioner of Utah county. His sound judgment was often the guiding spirit in public activities and his advice, too , was frequently sought by his fellow townsmen in personal affairs. It was in August, 1903 that Mr. Deal was called to his final rest, and thus passed from the scene of activities one who had been a most prominent figure in the up building of the west. All who knew him. and he had an extremely wide acquaintance, recognized in him a man of splendid powers as an organizer and executive and who also possessed marked initiative. In the great western country, wild and unimproved, he saw opportunity for the development of a wonderful empire between the two mountain ranges He studied both needs and conditions and utilized the latter in meeting the former. This was where his initiative spirit came into full play. He knew just what it meant to annihilate time and space through the building of railroads that the slow methods of travel by team of the early days might be done away with. He therefore became a factor in railroad construction and no one can overestimate the value of his services in this connection. As long as the great state of Utah stands his name will be known and honored as one of its founders and promoters.
GEORGE N. DITTMORE.
George N. Dittmore, identified with farming interests in Utah county, his home being at Lindon. was born at Pleasant Grove in 1869, a son of Henry and Rachel (Smuin) Dittmore. The father was born in Saxony, Germany, and the mother in Berkshire, England. In 1859 Henry Dittmore came to America. He had previously learned the tailor's trade in his native country and followed that pursuit in Pennsylvania for two years before continuing his journey westward to Utah. In 1861 he entered the employ of Daniel H. Wells as a farm hand, spending some time in Salt Lake City in that connection, after which he became one of the pioneer settlers of Morgan county. He later took up land at Pleasant Grove and there engaged in farming. He was active in the work of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; in which he served as an elder, and he passed away in that faith January 3, 1893. The mother of George N. Dittmore long survived her husband, dying on the 8th of May. 1908. In a family of fourteen children, nine grew to maturity. Of these George N. is the second in order of birth, the others being Caroline, Eliza, Martin, Eva, Ellen, Lewis, Esther and Alice.
George N. Dittmore acquired a limited education and in early life began work in the canyon and in the mines. He was thus engaged for a short time and has since devoted his attention to farming. He has prospered as the years have gone by through the capable conduct of his farming interests and is now largely living retired, his farm being rented on shares. He is also a stockholder in the Pleasant Grove Canning Company and a stockholder in the North Union Irrigation Company.
In 1894 Mr. Dittmore was married to Miss Minnie Bjork, a daughter of William Bjork, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Dittmore have one child, William Henry, who is a high school graduate and who is now on a mission to Australia, having left home in April, 1917.
In his political views Mr. Dittmore has always been a democrat since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has been through all the pioneer experiences in Utah. He was horn in a log house, has faced the conditions imposed by poverty and has worked hard to reach the plane of affluence. Year by year, however, he progressed and is now enjoying comparative financial independence. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as his success is the direct reward and result of his persistent, earnest and honorable efforts.
JOHN DE GREY DIXON.
In many ways John De Grey Dixon has left and is leaving the impress of his individuality and ability upon the history of Provo and of Utah. He has long figured prominently in financial circles, being identified with the banking interests of Provo as cashier and manager of the Farmers & Merchants Bank and with commercial interests as the secretary and treasurer of the Taylor Brothers Company. He has likewise been the state treasurer of Utah and he is the father of legislation of great importance to the state. It would be impossible to measure fully his labors and his influence but it is well known that his efforts have ever been of a constructive character, built along substantial lines.
Mr. Dixon was born in Salt Lake City, July 16, 1867. His father, Henry Aldous Dixon, was born at Grahamstown, Cape Colony, South Africa, and in turn was a son of John Henry Dixon, of English birth, who in 1820 left his native land and went to South Africa as a member of a colony known as the Dixon party, which had much to do with the settlement of Cape Colony. In the year 1856 Henry A. Dixon arrived in Salt Lake City and for years was connected with the tithing office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1870 he removed to Provo and became secretary of the Provo Woolen Mills, thus becoming prominently associated with the productive industries of the city. At a later period he had the management of the Provo branch of the great Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Institution and was called upon for public service, being made county treasurer of Utah county and also a member of the Provo city council during the early days. Continuing his work in the church, he served as a member of the Quorum of Seventy and he filled two missions, one to Africa of five years' duration, from 1860 until 1865. and a second one to England in 1879. A life of great worth and usefulness was closed when on the 4th of April, 1884, he passed away. The mother of John De Grey Dixon was in her maidenhood Miss Sarah De Grey and was born in Birmingham. England. She survives her husband and makes, her home in Provo. They had a family of nine children, of whom one died in infancy, while John De Grey is the second in order of birth. Arthur D., the third of the family, was killed by electricity in 1911 at the plant of the Murdock Power Company. Ernest is a resident of Provo. Maria is the wife of Arthur N. Taylor, vice president of Taylor Brothers Company, of Provo. Charles O. and Walter D. are both residents of Provo. Leroy is mayor of the city and Arnold is assistant cashier in the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Provo.
John De Grey Dixon acquired his early education in the public schools of Provo and afterward attended the Brigham Young Academy, now the Brigham Young University. He started out upon his business career as bookkeeper in the employ of Samuel Liddiaid. a building contractor, with whom he remained for three years. He became connected with the Provo Lumber & Building Company, which he represented for four years, and or the expiration of that period he entered into active association with the Taylor Brothers Company at the time of its incorporation and is now secretary and treasurer of the company, which has three large stores in Provo, Eureka and Spanish Fork, Utah, the company occupying a front rank in mercantile circles in the state. In 1900 Mr. Dixon became the cashier and manager of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Provo, a member of the federal reserve system, which largely through his efforts has been developed into an extensive and successful institution. He is a man of sound judgment whose progressiveness is tempered by a safe conservatism, and in conducting the affairs of the bank he has ever recognized the fact that the bank is most worthy of public support that most carefully safeguards the interests of its depositors. It was Mr. Dixon's high business standing and well known ability that led to his election to the office of state treasurer in 1900 on the republican ticket. He filled the position for four years and while the incumbent in the office conceived a plan, after study of the laws of Iowa, California and other states, that led him to prepare a bill to tax foreign corporation stock. The income thus derived has been very great, in fact it has been sufficient to pay for the beautiful new capitol building of Utah, which was erected at a cost of three million dollars. The bill providing for the tax on corporate stock reads as follows:
"If a foreign executor, administrator, or trustee shall assign or transfer any corporate stock or obligation in this state standing in the name of a decedent, or in trust for a decedent, liable to such tax, the tax shall be paid to the state treasurer on or before the transfer thereof; otherwise the corporation permitting its stock to be so transferred shall be liable to pay such tax, and it is the duty of the state treasurer to enforce the payment thereof."
The result of this was a great increase in the revenues of the state and Mr. Dixon certainly deserves much credit for what he accomplished in this regard. The bill was adopted unanimously by both houses of the state legislature. In other ways Mr. Dixon has also figured prominently in connection with the management of public affairs. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has been a supporter of the republican party, unfaltering in his allegiance to its principles because of his firm belief in their efficacy as factors in good government. He was chosen a member of the Provo city council and was instrumental in having rescinded a contract with a company that was to build and operate waterworks for Provo. The contract was "very unfair and unwise in many particulars and instead of being carried out the city built its own splendid waterworks system, which has proved quite successful and has saved a large amount of money to the residents of Provo. In all public duties Mr. Dixon has brought to bear the same keen discrimination, close study and thorough understanding that have characterized the conduct of his private business interests. He was appointed by Governor John C. Cutler as secretary of the state land board and served in that capacity for two years, after which he resigned to enter upon his present relations with the Farmers & Merchants Bank. He likewise served, however, as city recorder of Provo for one term and his connection with the city council covered two terms.
On the 18th of September, 1889, Mr. Dixon was married to Miss Sarah Lewis, a daughter of Bishop William J. Lewis of the third ward of Provo, and to them have been born seven children: Henry Aldous, who is principal of the Weber Academy of Ogden, Utah, and married Lucille Knowlden, by whom he has two daughters, Phyllis Lucille and Dorothy; John William, who died in infancy; Second Lieutenant Stanley Lewis, who is property officer at the base hospital at Camp Hancock, Georgia; Rulon Sterling and Maud, both of whom are attending high school; and Lucien De Grey and Grant, who died in infancy.
The religious faith of the family is that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Mr. Dixon is a member of the High council of the Utah stake. He served on a mission to the southern states in 1896., He belongs to the Provo Commercial Club and has cooperated in all of its well defined plans and measures for the up building of the city, the advancement of its civic interests and the promotion of its trade relations. During the period of America's connection with the great war he gave much time to the promotion of the Liberty loans and other phases of war work. He turns for recreation to fruit raising and is the owner of a beautiful farm near Provo, devoted largely to the production of peaches and apples, of which he raises many carloads annually. Those who know Mr. Dixon speak of him in terms of the highest esteem. He holds friendship inviolable and as true worth can always win his regard, he has a very extensive circle of friends. In his life are the elements of greatness because of the use he has made of his talents and his opportunities, because his thoughts are not self-centered but are given to the mastery of life's problems and the fulfillment of his duty as a man in his relation to his fellowmen and as a citizen in his relation to his city, state and country.
LE ROY DIXON.
Le Roy Dixon is mayor of Provo, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive administration. He is at the same time prominently connected with business affairs and is the president of the Provo Ice & Cold Storage Company. He was born October 16, 1881, in the city which is still his home and thus his life record stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country. Extended reference to his family is made in connection with the sketch of his brother, John D. Dixon, cashier of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Provo, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work.
Le Roy Dixon, after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Provo, continued his education in the Brigham Young Academy, now the Brigham Young University, where he remained a student until 1898. In the school of experience he has also learned many valuable lessons and he early developed a persistency of purpose and strength of character that have constituted dominant factors in the attainment of his present day success and prominence. After leaving the academy he entered the employ of the Taylor Brothers Company, owners of the largest department store of Provo. He remained with that house in various departments until 1904, when, in association with W. H. Ray and others, he organized the firm of W. H. Ray & Company, Inc. They became extensive dealers in real estate and loans and Mr. Dixon continued successfully in that association until 1906, when he was called upon to fill a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in England. He therefore went abroad and labored successfully in Great Britain for two years, spending his time in Birmingham with good results. Upon his return to his native country he established his present real estate business under the style of the Dixon Real Estate Company. This was a partnership concern, his associate being J. Elmer Jacobsen, with whom he is still connected. They have their offices in the Farmers & Merchants Bank building and do a very large business, handling all kinds of realty and enjoying a large clientage. Mr. Dixon is thoroughly familiar with the property values in this part of the state. This, however, constitutes but one phase of his activity. He is interested in reclamation and development work, notably in the Uinta basin. He is engaged in draining and reclaiming low lands in the vicinity of Utah Lake, adjoining Provo. This will be converted into valuable property and Mr. Dixon is well known as a member of the Utah Lake Land Owners Association. He is likewise the president of the Provo Ice & Cold Storage Company and is a most alert, progressive and energetic young business man, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
On the 19th of August, 1903, Mr. Dixon was married to Miss Electa Smoot, a daughter of A. O. Smoot, a member of First Legislative assembly of Utah and a brother of Senator Reed Smoot. Her ancestors were among the honored pioneer residents of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Dixon have six living children and lost one son, Le Roy, their first born, who died when but six weeks old. The others are: Paul, now attending the Brigham Young University; Allie and Sarah, in school; Maurine, Helen and Arthur.
Mr. Dixon has been a member of the Provo Commercial Club since its organization and has taken a deep and helpful interest in promoting its work, for its object is the up building of the city, the development of its business connections and the upholding of its civic standards. He has always taken a keen and helpful interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of Provo and in 1911 was elected a city commissioner on a nonpartisan ticket. Where national questions and issues are involved he gives his allegiance to the republican party. In 1913 endorsement of his first term's service as city commissioner came in a reelection for a four years' term. He is an officer of the State Municipal League, so serving since 1912, and is on its legislative committee. In 1917 he was elected to the office of mayor of Provo, succeeding J. E. Daniels, and his administration is evoking much favorable comment, for he is devoting much of his time to the duties of the position and brings to bear the same splendid qualifications that have won him success in business. He is active in the work of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being now a high counselor. He was president of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association for a number of years and went on a successful mission to England. His activities have been of a broad and varied character, contributing in substantial measure to the up building and development of community and state along material, political, social and moral lines. He is actuated in all that he does by a spirit of advancement productive of splendid results and in his work, whether for his individual interests or for the city's up building, he looks beyond the exigencies of the moment to the opportunities and possibilities of the future and labors not only for the present but for the welfare of generations to come. His genuine personal worth is attested by all who know him and his circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
LEWIS NORMAN ELLSWORTH, D. D. S.
Dr. Lewis Norman Ellsworth, a well known representative of the dental profession, practicing at Payson, was born September 28, 1879, in the town in which he still resides.
His father, German Ellsworth, is a native of Salt Lake City, being one of the first white children born there. His father. German Ellsworth, Sr., was a native of Michigan and of English descent. He became a pioneer settler of Utah, taking up his abode in Salt Lake in 1847 and there residing until his death. German Ellsworth, Jr., was reared and educated in Salt Lake and in the early '50s removed to Payson, where he has since made his home, engaging in business as a carpenter and builder. He is one of the patriarchs of the Nebb stake and has always been very active in church work, serving as bishop's counselor of the second ward of Payson for many years and going on a mission to the northern states, with Chicago as his conference headquarters. He has likewise been active in support of public interests, has served as a member of the city council of Payson for a number of years and, moreover, he is numbered among the veterans of the Black Hawk war, which terminated Indian supremacy in Illinois. The mother of Dr. Ellsworth was prior to her marriage Miss Christina Parsons. She was born in Sweden and came to the new world with a brother when nine years of age and when a maiden of thirteen walked across the plains with her widowed mother and a brother. By her marriage she had fifteen children, ten sons an five daughters, of whom eleven are yet living.
Dr. Ellsworth, the seventh in order of birth in the family, attended the public schools of Payson and was graduated from the eighth grade, after which he entered the Brigham Young University at Provo, where he studied for three years. He next took up the profession of teaching in Salt Lake county, where he taught for three years, and for one year he was a teacher in the schools of Utah county; but he regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor, it being his desire to become a member of the dental profession. Accordingly he matriculated in the Chicago College of Dental Surgery and was there graduated in 1907. He was president of his class in the Northwestern University Dental College, in which he did post-graduate work in 1912. Locating for practice in Payson, Utah, he has since maintained his office here and through the intervening years has won a very substantial measure of success. His high standing in the profession is indicated in the fact that he was honored with election as the first president of the Utah County Dental Society. He also belongs to the Utah State Dental Society and has served on a number of its most important committees. At all times he keeps in touch with the trend of professional thought and progress, and not only is his knowledge of the science of dentistry most broad, but in practice he displays marked skill and ingenuity in the use of the delicate instruments necessary for the care of the teeth. He has gained high standing in dental surgery and his patronage is now most gratifying. He also figures in banking circles as the vice president of the Payson Exchange Bank, a position which he has occupied for two years.
Dr. Ellsworth was married in Riverton. Utah, to Miss Mary Tempest, a native of Riverton and a daughter of James and Matilda (Vincent) Tempest. They have become parents of five children: Naoma, Tempest, Melba, Stacie, and Curtis T.
Dr. Ellsworth is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of Payson's second ward. He was counselor to Bishop George W. Tanner for four years and is at present first counselor to Melvin Wilson of the Young Men's Stake Board. He has always taken an active part in the work of the church, of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association and of the Sunday school. He belongs to the Payson Commercial Club and cooperates heartily in all of its well defined plans and projects for the up building of the city. In politics he is an earnest republican and for a number of years has served on the city council, while at present he is chairman of the Utah County Republican Club. During the recent great war he aided all movements tending to uphold the interests of the government, was a member of the National Dental Preparedness League of America and gave much time to professional service for soldiers without compensation.
HON. HENRY ERLANDSON.
Hon. Henry Erlandson. mayor of Payson and president of the Central Lumber Company, was born April 11, 1875, in that city, a brother of Otto B. Erlandson, mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was educated in the district schools of Payson and the University of Utah, completing the normal course with the class of 1896. After his graduation he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for two years in Utah county and for one year in Salt Lake county. He then entered the building and contracting business in connection with his brother, Otto B., and became one of the organizers and incorporators of the Central Lumber Company, of which he has since been the president. In this connection he has been active in the development of a business of extensive proportions and one which constitutes an important element in the commercial activity of the city. He is also a stockholder and director of the State Bank of Payson and in all business affairs he displays unfaltering enterprise and sound judgment, carrying forward to successful completion whatever be undertakes.
On the 24th of October, 1901, Mr. Erlandson was married at Mapleton, Utah, to Miss Zina Curtis, a native of Springville and a daughter of Uriah and Sarah (Mendenhall) Curtis, representatives of an old and prominent pioneer family of Utah county. Mr. and Mrs. Erlandson have three children: Thelma, who was born in Payson, September 23, 1902; Norma, born May 16, 1907; and Ada, born August 1, 1913.
During his school days Mr. Erlandson had military training in 1893 and there is manifest something of the military spirit in the way in which he goes at any proposition or situation which engages his attention. In politics he is a democrat and has been an active worker in support of all political and civic matters which he deems of importance to the community. During the past eight years he has been most active in politics. He served as a member of the city council of Payson for two terms and while the incumbent in that position the city installed the present water system, the most modern system in Utah county outside of Provo. He stands for general improvement and progress along all lines and as mayor of Payson he is giving to the city a very businesslike administration, resulting in the advancement of various improvements including the development of Central Park, the building of streets and in fact the advancement of all that has to do with high municipal and civic standards. He belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints of Payson, first ward, and is a member of the Payson Commercial Club. As mayor and councilman of the city he has worked indefinably for the cause of prohibition and has been a member of the City Council of Defense, doing everything in his power to further the cause of the country while engaged in war. In the working out of the distribution and extension of the Strawberry irrigation system he has been active in promoting the extension and purchase of sufficient irrigation water to develop the farming land in and around the city and the lots within the city to the highest possible degree. He advocates acquiring sufficient water first, with price of same of secondary importance. He is the prime mover in the plan to organize the entire city with its many and complex classes of water rights into an important district, unifying and equalizing the rights to all and purchasing sufficient to meet, in an ample manner, the future needs of the community. In a word he stands as a high type of American manhood and citizenship, honored and respected by all who know him and most of all by those who know him best.
OTTO B. ERLANDSON.
Otto B. Erlandson. of Payson manager of the Central Lumber & Hardware Company was born in Malmo, Sweden, September 20, 1867, a son of Elias and Kjersti (Lundstett) Erlandson, who were also natives of that country. The father came to America with his family in the fall of 1870 and made his way direct to Utah as a convert to the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He first settled at Santaquin. where he spent the first winter, and then removed to Payson, where he continued to reside until death called him to his final rest in 1914, when he had reached the age of eighty-four years and nine mouths. He was for thirty years associated with Walter Huish & Sons and subsequently conducted a contracting and building business on his own account, in which he was very successful. A devoted follower of the teachings of the church, he took active part in its work and contributed much to its growth and development. His widow is still living. They were the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter have now passed away.
Otto B. Erlandson, who was the third child in the family, pursued his education in the schools of Payson and in the Agricultural College at Logan, where he took a commercial course and also studied mechanical drawing. At the age of twenty-two years he left home and entered the building and contracting business, which he followed successfully until 1906, when the Central Lumber Company was organized and became a factor in the new concern. The business was incorporated in 1916 with Mr. Erlandson as vice president, secretary, treasurer and manager. In point of trade theirs is one of the largest concerns in Utah county. While engaged in the contracting business Mr. Erlandson, in connection with his brother, erected most of the schools in Utah and Juab counties, and also many prominent industrial buildings and fine residences. He is now active in the control of an extensive lumber business and is also the vice president of the Santaquin Lumber Company. In the conduct of his affairs he displays marked executive ability and keen discrimination and never falters in the performance of a task that will lead to success.
At Logan, Utah, in 1893, Mr. Erlandson was married to Miss Lula Hancey, of Hyde Park, a daughter of James and Louisa (Purser) Hancey, the former now deceased, while the latter still lives in Logan and is a representative of a well known and old family of Hyde Park. Mr. and Mrs. Erlandson have two sons; Wendell, who was born in November, 1900, and spent two months at the Presidio as a volunteer for service in the European war; and Roland Barnard.
The family are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of the first ward. In politics Mr. Erlandson is a democrat where national issues and questions are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot, supporting the candidates whom ho regards as best qualified for office, he was for nine years a member of the school board of Payson. During the World war he was a supporter of all activities to further its prosecution to a successful completion and served as chairman of the finance committee for the Victory Liberty Loan. His business record is one of successful achievement and steady advancement, for he started out with a cash capital of but twenty dollars and today is a prominent figure in lumber circles of Utah county as vice president and manager of the Central Lumber & Hardware Company of Payson.
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