FRED MITCHELL JACKMAN.
Fred Mitchell Jackman, manager of the Springville branch of the Consolidated Wagon & Machine Company and thus actively identified with the industrial development of his city, was born in Diamond, Juab county, Utah, February 9, 1880. His father Sylvester M. Jackman, is a native of Illinois and on coming to Utah settled in Salt Lake City, where he lived for many years. He made the trip westward with his parents in pioneer times and was educated in the capital city. He afterward went on a mission to St. George, and established the colony there. He is now making his home at Salem, Utah, and still remains an active factor in the business world. For a number of years he engaged in farming but is now interested in mining. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Martha Gardner, was born in Payson, Utah, and died in Salem in April. 1915. She had a family of seven children, all of whom are yet living.
Fred Mitchell Jackman pursued his education in the schools of Salem to the age of eighteen years and after leaving there he attended the Brigham Young University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1906. For several years he was connected with railway contracting work, acting as timekeeper and foreman in railroad construction. Subsequently he devoted a year to farming in Idaho and then established business on his own account at Spanish Fork under the name of the Martell Furniture Company. This business he conducted for a year, and he was afterward with the Utah Implement Company at Spanish Fork, occupying that position of responsibility for four years, and later with the Nebo Coal & Commission Company at Spanish Fork for two years. He next entered into business relations with the Consolidated Wagon & Machine Company and has since been manager of the branch at Springville. He has done excellent work in this connection, greatly developing the business at this point. He represents one of the oldest and most prominent productive industries of the state, for the Consoldiated Wagon & Machine Company has large branch houses in many cities and manufactures all kinds of farm machinery and wagons.
On the 19th of February, 1909, Mr. Jackman was married to Miss Ada Kindred, of Springville, a daughter of J. R. Kindred, one of the early settlers of the state. They now have two children: F. Merrell, ten years of age; and Lamar K., who is seven years of age. The family adhere to the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which Mr. Jackman is serving as an elder. In politics he is a republican but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, and he is making substantial progress along that line. He is regarded as one of the representative citizens of his community and moreover his marked characteristics are those which make for personal popularity among those with whom he comes in contact.
JACOB E. JENSEN.
Jacob E. Jensen, a well known sheep raiser and capitalist of Provo, deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, as he started out in the business world empty handed and by persistent effort and the intelligent direction of his labors has reached the plane of affluence. With him opportunity has had to knock but once and he has utilized every advantage that would enable him to win legitimate success. He is numbered among the sons of Denmark now residing in Utah, his birth having occurred at Petersburg, on the island of Sjaelland, September 22, 1856. He is a son of Hans and Anna C. (Jacobsen) Jensen, the former a farmer and stock raiser who was prominent and successful in the conduct of his business affairs in his home community.
Jacob E. Jensen was reared upon his father's farm and was a lad of fifteen years when his father died. He had lost his mother when but a year and a half old and following his father's death he came to America in 1873 with his brother, J. C. Jensen, who was a resident of Brigham but is now deceased. They crossed the country to Utah and for a few years Jacob E. Jensen was connected with farming interests in Salt Lake and Boxelder counties. He afterward served for a year as clerk at the old Valley Hotel in Salt Lake City and subsequently spent two years in Millard county, where he engaged in railroading and ranching. He next took up his abode at Provo, where he became a student in the Brigham Young University. He had come to realize, through the experiences of life, the need and advantage of educational 'training and he entered the university, in which he remained a student for two years. In the school of experience, too. he has learned many valuable lessons which have been of great benefit to him as he has traveled the journey of life. When his university course was completed he removed to American Fork and acted as station agent for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad until 1891, when he resigned that position and opened a lumber and coal yard at American Pork. When he left the railroad company, they gave him passes in appreciation of his work and this enabled him to spend three months in travel in the United States, journeying from coast to coast and from the Canadian border to the gulf. He thus saw many points of interest and gained valuable knowledge throughout the country while on the trip. At length he disposed of his lumber and coal business, after having conducted it successfully for eight years, and concentrated his efforts and attention upon sheep raising, in which he had become engaged while with the railroad. He was also for three or four years president of the American Fork Cooperative Institution, of which he was one of the heaviest stockholders. At present he is largely concentrating his efforts and attention upon the sheep industry in connection with his son John. They carry on the business extensively, having two bands of sheep, and own also several thousand acres of grazing land in the Wasatch mountains. Mr. Jensen also owns two ranches in Idaho, comprising over five hundred acres of rich and fertile land, all under cultivation and improved with good houses and barns. One of these ranches is situated in Bingham county and the other ranch property is in Bonneville county. Thus as the years have passed Mr. Jensen has become a wealthy landowner whose fortune can be estimated in six figures. He is likewise a stockholder in the American Fork Cooperative Institution at the present time and is one of the prosperous residents of Utah county, highly esteemed not by reason of what he has achieved but owing to the honorable and straightforward methods that he has ever followed.
On the 15th of July, 1885, Mr. Jensen was married to Miss Martha A. Proctor, daughter of John and Martha Proctor, who were natives of England, whence they came to Utah, her father winning a place among the leading farmers and cattlemen at American Fork. Mr. and Mrs. Jensen have become the parents of eight children: Ida, who is now the wife of S. D. Atkin, of Salt Lake City; John, who is engaged in the sheep business in association with his father and makes his home at Provo; Myrtle, who died at the age of sixteen years; Millie, the wife of Clarence Naylor, a son of George L. Naylor, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work; Reuben and Royal, who are engaged in the sheep business at Provo; and T. Lolea, at home. In the church Mr. Jensen remains an active member and serves as an elder. In 1911 he removed from American Fork to Provo, where he erected a fine residence of ten rooms at No. 211 North Academy avenue. Here he is most comfortably situated, his success enabling him to enjoy not only all of the necessities but many of the luxuries of life. He has ever been guided by a well defined purpose and laudable ambition, nor has he been afraid of that industry and earnest toil which constitute the basis of honorable success. His life record should serve to encourage and inspire others, showing what may be accomplished by the individual who must start out in the business world empty-handed.
WILLIAM JEX.
William Jex, a patriarch in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a most honored and valued citizen of Utah, now "eighty-eight years young," was born at Crostwick, Norfolk, England, September 5, 1831, a son of William and Ann (Ward) Jex, of Norfolk. While residing in his native country he became a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and on the 30th of September, 1854, he arrived in Utah, having traveled across the plains with the Darwin Richardson company. His experiences in Utah covered every phase of the pioneer development of the state and its later progress. He worked on the Salt Lake Temple in 1854 and he took active part in the early Indian troubles and in the Echo canyon campaign of 1857. Fearless and courageous, he has ever loyally stood by his duty, whether for the benefit of his fellowmen or the commonwealth at large. In June, 1866, a band of Indians stole a lot of cattle from the settlers at Spanish Fork and drove them up Maple canyon, at which time a company of fifteen was formed of men from Spanish Fork, who followed the redskins and engaged them in battle. Albert Dimmick was shot in the bowels at that time and suffered greatly. He was carried on a litter made of poles and ropes back to the settlement, and after three days of intense suffering he died. The fight which occurred lasted all day and in the evening the men from Spanish Fork were reinforced by eight men from Springville, one of whom was shot and killed, falling from his horse the Indians then scalping him and cutting off his right arm at the wrist. The white men, however, routed the Indians and recovered over fifty head of cattle. Mr. Jex took part in this engagement and also in other encounters with the Indians. He likewise contributed to the material development of the state and was early chosen to supervise the work of opening up roads into the canyon near Spanish Fork. He likewise had charge of the cooperative dairy and sawmill for a time and again and again has been called upon for public service of a varied character. In 1861 and 1862 he filled the important position of general water master and at different periods he has been called upon to serve as a member of the city council and as school trustee of Spanish Fork. His name is indeed associated with many features of the state's development and , improvement and with the work of moral uplift he has been closely associated. He has been unfaltering in his allegiance to the church and for twenty years was senior president of the Fiftieth Quorum of Seventies. Later he was ordained a high priest. In 1883 and 1884 he presided over the Norwich conference in England. In 1884 he returned to his native land after his missionary work for the church and for several years he was presiding teacher of the Spanish Fork ward. In the "early days" of the settlement in Utah Mr. Jex assisted when possible in helping to bring emigrants to the state and on one occasion he contributed his only ox (a very great sacrifice at that time) toward making up a team to make the trip. In 1912 he was called to the office of patriarch and while he apparently was very lacking in natural ability for this particular calling, yet in no work of his life has he exhibited greater gift and more successful application than in this calling. His record in this work has been a most fitting climax to his more than ordinarily successful life.
On the 22d of February, 1854, William Jex was married to Eliza Goodson, who was born in England. January 1, 1826, a daughter of John and Sarah (Traxon) Goodson. In the year of their marriage Mr. Jex and his bride came to the new world and made the trip across the continent, as previously indicated, with the Darwin Richardson company. Had she lived a few months longer Mrs. Jex would have attained the ninety-fourth milestone on life's journey on the 1st of January, 1920. The children of Mr. Jex number fifteen, his grandchildren, one hundred and fourteen, his great-grand children, one hundred and twenty-four, while he also has five great-great-grandchildren. The children born to William and Eliza (Goodson) Jex were: Emma Eliza, born October 11, 1855, who became the wife of Robert W. McKell on the 28th of February, 1876; Alice Vilate who was born August 28, 1857, and on the 9th of January, 1879, was married to Henry J. McKell; Rosetta Caroline, who was born March 30, 1859, and on the 18th of December, 1880, married Heber T. Robertson; Artemesia Jane, who was born October 6, 1860, and was married May 13, 1880, to Lars 0. Lawrence; Richard Henry, who was born April 7, 1862, and was married February 24, 1886, to Ruth Jex; George Hyrum, who was born December 28, 1863, and was married January 31, 1889, to Burl Christena Larsen; Ann Melinda, who was born September 25, 1865, and is the wife of Albert T. Money, to whom she was wedded January 9, 1889; Hannah Eliza, who was born October 5, 1867, and on the 22d of March, 1893, became the wife of Roswell Bradford; John William, who is the twin of Hannah Eliza, and married Emily Hedquist on the 22d of March, 1893; and Heber Charles, now receiver at the United States land office at Salt Lake City, who was born August 12, 1871, and was married December 23, 1898, to Sarah E. Bird. Of these children George died April 9, 1904. In January, 1865, in Salt Lake City, William Jex married Jemima Cox, as a plural wife a daughter of George and Ann Elizabeth (Newby) Cox. She was born in Leicestershire, England, January 15, 1836. She died and their four children have all passed away. These were: George William, who was born December 3, 1865, and died October 25, 1866; James Henry, who was born October 6, 1867, and died January 3, 1879; Jemima Sophia, who was born December 22, 1869, and died February 24, 1879; and David Walter, who was born April 23, 1872, and passed away January 3, 1885.
A notable event in connection with the history of the Jex family occurred March 2, 1919, when an organization of the descendants of William and Eliza Jex was perfected, on which occasion the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered to celebrate the sixty-fifth anniversary of the marriage of this aged couple. About fifty of the family assembled in honor of the occasion and elected officers of the organization. It was the earnest desire of William Jex that such a family organization should be formed for the purpose of continuing the excellent family spirit that had been shown in the past and also that they might be united in continuing commendable religious and civic work. The proposed constitution of this family organization provides that no member shall be disbarred because of religious or political belief, but urges temperate lives and places the family unequivocally on record against the use of tobacco and liquor, and invites to membership all who bear the surname of this worthy pair. This is indicative of the high principles which have ever guided the family, making the name of Jex an honored one throughout the state. Members of the Jex family have spent altogether sixty-five years on missions, serving in various parts of the world at a total cost of approximately sixty-five thousand dollars. William Jex, patriarch, has in some way assisted financially or morally every one of his descendants. That the family is imbued with a marked spirit of patriotism is indicated in the fact that twelve of his descendants served in the war against Germany. One of his brave grandsons was killed, one is still in France, another in Siberia and the others have been honorably discharged. In every particular the record of the Jex family is one which reflects honor and credit upon the state. Its members have made valuable contribution to the up building and progress of Utah along social, intellectual, material, political and moral lines. The work of the family has been a credit to the founder, William Jex, a patriarch of Spanish Fork, whose name is honored wherever he is known.
Since the above was written Mrs. Jex has passed away and thus ended the life work of a remarkable pioneer woman whose words of counsel and encouragement were always looked forward to at each family gathering and nothing so indicated the beautiful life, of this good woman as the last message to her posterity and friends, written in her ninety-third year, as follows:
I, Eliza Goodson Jex was born January 1st, 1826, at Beeston, Norfolk, England. My father was John Goodson and my mother Sarah Traxon. We had eleven children in the family and when I was eleven years old my mother died and it was a sad time for us. We got along the best we could and I was able to go to school but a very little while.
A few years later I heard the missionaries and was soon converted to the new religion. My father was a good man but he was very bitter against the new religion being preached and when I told him I wanted to join the new church he was so amazed that he said he would rather kill me than see me go away with the Mormons. I had to leave home or give up the gospel I had accepted. It was an awful time for me but the Lord showed the way. Before I left to come away I went to see my father and bore my testimony to him, my friends warned me not to go home as I would never get a chance to leave. Soon after I left with a company of Saints and came to Zion. When we came to Utah we had a terrible time, so many died, including fathers and mothers, with cholera leaving many poor children to the mercy of others which was very sorrowful. We had many trying times to pass through, but we put our trust in the Lord. We arrived in Salt Lake City moneyless and destitute, but we found friends who divided and let us have a little flour and we got through somehow. We had many experiences that my children will never know.
The second year in Salt Lake the bishop had me teach day school and that was quite a help to us as my husband worked on the church farm and we got but very little to live on. Then I took in work, all kinds, to get along. Then came the famine so we had to live on roots and nettles to keep from starving-I must say though very faint at times I never felt better in my life. The spirit of God was with us. I thanked the Lord daily for what we had, but one morning my oldest child said, "Mother, why don't you ask the Lord for something to eat. He will give us something if you will please ask Him to tell someone to bring us something to eat or we will starve." We knelt down and prayed for bread and when we arose from our knees our prayers were answered, a lady was at the door with a cup of milk and two slices of bread. She said she couldn't eat breakfast till she came to see if we were in need. I told her I could not tell her when we last tasted bread, with tears of joy I thanked her and the Lord for His goodness. In referring to this incident earlier in life, Mrs. Jex stated that after the daughter had eaten the bread she was happy to take as her share the crumbs from the bread with a swallow of milk and thanked God more especially that her prayer was answered.
My husband worked on the church farm but they could pay but small wages. It was great sorrow for him to bring what little he did home for us, sometimes greens and nettles. He said he would gladly divide his mush with us but he could hardly bring his mush supper home in his pockets so he had to eat it there. A kind sister let me work for her. I got one slice of bread and one pint of milk a day till times got better. President Young told the brethren that if those that had did not divide to their last with those that had not the Lord would fetch his curse on them. We had three children then and I felt rich. I made my own soap and made molasses of squash and made squash pie, when I could get a little milk. I was glad to work all day for a pint of milk and many times glad to work for one meal. I sold all my best clothes for something to eat. It was hard times for our husbands to try to provide for us, but the Lord did bless His people.
Next the soldiers came to kill off all the Mormons, it was Johnston's army and the brethren were called to go and meet them and to protect their people. If the soldiers came to raid the city, we were to burn the poor homes we had after building them up, for we had done no wrong. But the Lord let them go so far to try His people and then He came to their deliverance and all went well for a while. We then moved to Spanish Fork in 1858. We went to live with George W. Sevey's family. They were both brother and sister to us; their kindness will never be forgotten. After a while my husband built us a house in the side of the hill by the mill- it was built in the sand bank, a four light window and a door and oak brush in the bank for a bed. We lived there until we got some land on the bottoms and we built a log cabin. We had four girls and two boys and I came to town for the children to go to school and Jemima, William's other wife, remained on the farm to look after things there. The Indians soon got bad and Jemima had to leave the farm and come and live with me I had eleven children, she had four, she was a very good woman and had nice children. We had our trials in life but still we got along the best we could. Soon after she died and left me her children to care for and I did the best I could and I think my husband was satisfied with my work in that regard.
We both learned to spin our own clothes for the family and the girls helped their pa on the farm as we had to work very hard them days-but I thank the Lord for it all. I feel blessed every day. We had very hard times but we got through. I belonged to the Relief Society from 1857 till 1900, teacher, secretary and treasurer also treasurer for the Temple funds and tabernacle at Provo. We paid many hundreds of dollars. I was counselor in the organization; then I was made president and later president of the Primary Association and in all I was happy in my work. It all helped me to remember the Lord when I felt the little trials of life upon me. I have been in the temples of the Lord with my husband. He is a good man worthy of all the blessings the Lord has to give.
This is a little history of my life, not much has been told, but my children, I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for His blessings to them. I could write much more to them but think it will not be necessary for they will not have to pass through what we have had for the Gospel, as I had to leave my home and all that was dear to me in life for the Gospel-but the Saviour says "He that will not leave all for the Gospel is not worthy of me," so I hope I have proven worthy. All the trials of life have been sweet to me for the Gospel's sake as I look back upon them for I am the only one of my and we got through somehow. We had many experiences that my children will never know. Eliza Goodson Jex, Age 93.
BISHOP CHARLES G. JOHNSON.
Charles G. Johnson, bishop of the second ward of Lindon and an enterprising farmer residing on the Provo bench, was born in Salt Lake City, November 1, 1872, a son of A. G. and Charlotte C. (Anderson) Johnson, who came from Westeruttlan, Skaraborglan, Sweden, in which country they were married. They left their native land and arrived in Salt Lake City on the 1st of October, 1872, with one child. The father was a carpenter by trade, having acquainted himself with the business in Sweden.
He lived in Salt Lake for a short time and in December, 1872, removed to Grantsville, where he took up the occupation of farming, there remaining for six years. In the fall of 1878 he removed to Pleasant Grove and in the spring of 1879 took up his abode on the place which is now the home of his son Charles. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he devoted to general farming, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation. In 1908 he was sent on a mission to Sweden, his wife accompanying him. He was taken ill and was forced to return, passing away the following year, when sixty-two years of age.
Charles G. Johnson was the third in order of birth in a family of twelve children who reached adult age. He supplemented his public school education by a year's study in the Brigham Young University at Provo and then worked on the farm with his father until 1906, when he purchased a part of the old homestead and to that property has since added from time to time as his financial resources have increased until he is now the owner of an excellent property of two hundred acres. He has carefully and systematically cultivated his land and his fields annually produce large and abundant crops. He displays sound judgment in all that he undertakes and his industry and persistency of purpose have been the basic elements of his success. He is engaged in dairying and he also has a small orchard upon his place. The substantial buildings upon the farm were erected by his father, and Charles G. Johnson has brought water to the place, has also equipped it with electric light and has added other modern improvements. The farm is situated on the Provo bench of the state road, between Pleasant Grove and Provo, being about four miles from the former town. The farming interests of Mr. Johnson do not constitute the extent of his activities, however, for he has been an important factor in promoting other interests which have been of great value to the community as well as a source of individual profit. He is one of the directors of the Provo Bench Canal & Irrigation Company and a director of the North Union Irrigation Company. He is also the president of the Johnson Sons Investment Company, is a director and the vice president of the Pleasant Grove Canning Company, of which he was one of the promoters and in which he has held office from the beginning. He is likewise the vice president and a director of the Gold Crown Mining Company, owning mining property at Milford, Beaver county, Utah. This is a growing concern and the mines are large producers.
In 1892 Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Edith R. Ash, a daughter of Joseph W. Ash, one of the pioneer settlers of Pleasant Grove, who has been prominent in church work and was ward clerk for many years. He is a native of England. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born thirteen children, nine of whom are living. Leona is the wife of Gustavus S. Omer. residing on Provo bench, and they have two children, Vandis and Grant. Olive has just returned from a year's mission to the northwestern states and previously had been on a mission to the eastern states covering a year. Harold, living on Provo bench, married Eva York and they have a son, Earl. Eliza, Rosa, Frances, Joseph, Cyril and Hazel are all at home.
Mr. Johnson went on a mission to Sweden covering the years 1903 and 1904 and presided over two branches while there. He was made bishop of the Lindon second ward on the 5th of September, 1915, and has also served as high priest. He is likewise president of the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Quorum of Seventy. At one time he was a member for several years of the old folks committee of Lindon ward and for fourteen years he has been a member of the school board. He served for three terms as school trustee by appointment and was twice elected for the Alpine school district, a consolidated district, comprising all of the northern part of Utah county. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for a number of years he served as a member of the county republican central committee. He stands loyally for any cause which he espouses and his position upon vital questions is never an equivocal one. He is thoroughly honorable and trustworthy and in everything that he attempts is actuated by a spirit of enterprise and progress.
DON CARLOS JOHNSON.
Don Carlos Johnson, a pioneer of Utah and a well known publisher of Springville, was born at Winter Quarters, Florence, Nebraska, July 1, 1847. His father, Aaron Johnson, was a native of Haddam, Connecticut, where his birth occurred June 22, 1806. In 1820 he became a member of the Methodist church but in 1836 was converted to the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was ordained an elder at Kirtland. Ohio, in 1837. The following year he was ordained a Seventy at Farwest, Missouri, and in 1842 became high priest and high counselor at Nauvoo, Illinois. The following year he went upon a mission. While residing at Nauvoo he filled the office of justice of the peace for four years and in 1846 he became president of Garden Grove, Illinois. The following year he was high counselor at Winter Quarters, Nebraska, and in 1848 he served on a mission upon horseback through Iowa, Illinois, Indiana. Michigan and Ohio. Through the succeeding two years he was bishop and president of the Kanesville and Pottawattamie branch in Iowa and in the winter of 1850 he started on a mission to the New England states. It was in the same year that he was captain of a company of one hundred and thirty-five wagons that crossed the plains to Salt Lake City. They arrived at Springville. September 18, 1850, and founded that town. Throughout his remaining days Aaron Johnson made his home in Utah and for three years was Judge of Utah county. He filled the office of bishop of Springville for twenty-two years and was also postmaster of the town during the same period. For an equal period he was high counselor of the Provo stake and he likewise figured in military affairs, while in 1857 he was elected brigadier general of the Peteetneet military district for Utah and was commissioned major general in 1866 by Charles Durkee. governor of Utah. He had much to do with shaping the political history of the state in that he was a member of the general assembly for seventeen years and was a delegate to the constitutional convention to draft a constitution for the state of Deseret. Thus in many ways he left the impress of his individuality and ability upon the up building of the new commonwealth.
His son, Don Carlos Johnson, was a little lad of but three years when brought by his parents to Utah. He acquired a district school education and from the age of eight years has been dependent upon his own resources. Taking up the study of law, he was admitted to the bar in 1892. For many years he has been closely identified with newspaper publication. In August, 1891, he established the Independent at Springville and has since been its owner and publisher as well as the editor. Through the columns of his paper he has done much to shape public thought and action in his section of the state and has always taken a progressive stand on vital questions. His political allegiance has ever been given to the republican party but his paper is independent in politics. In 1900 he was elected to the state legislature for a two years' term and served on several important committees. He has also been prosecuting attorney of Springville for a period of eight years and in every public office has discharged his duties with marked fidelity and capability. Aside from his journalistic work he has been known in professional circles as a teacher and has imparted clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he has acquired.
On the 29th of November, 1869, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Lydia M. Boyer, a native of Union county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Augustus and Catherine (Houtz) Boyer, who were of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. They have three children. Don Carlos, Jr., is a veteran of the Spanish-American war and attained the rank of battalion sergeant major in the United States army during the great European war. Catherine Boyer became the wife of Arnold S. Hines and both have passed away. They left a daughter, Lydia Theresa Hines, who is residing with her grandparents. Aaron Augustus, the third of the family, is in business with his father. He married Floss Packard, a daughter of Nephi H. and Clara Packard, of Springville. Mr. Johnson formerly adhered to the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and went on a mission to England and Scotland in 1875, doing successful work there for the church. At the present time, however, he is not connected with the church. He was at one time a member of Captain Jesse Steele's cavalry company of the Utah Militia, so serving in 1866, and did considerable scouting work, participating also in several engagements. He is well known as the author of a most interesting history of Springville. He has always been a close student of history, finding great pleasure in study of that character. He is not only a successful and progressive business man and loyal citizen but also a man of high moral character and his sterling worth is recognized throughout the community in which he has so long made his home, while throughout the state he has many friends who bear testimony to his ability and his worth.
JOHN JOHNSON.
John Johnson is now living retired at Provo. For many years he was closely connected with agricultural interests and through the careful conduct of his business affairs acquired a competence that now enables him to rest in large degree from business cares and labors. He was born June 7, 1849, in Ostre Sveen, Lyten, Hedemarken, Norway, a son of John and Bergite (Larsen) Johnson. The father died on the 31st of January, 1849, before the birth of Mr. Johnson of his review, and the mother afterward became the wife of Hans Knudsen. She reached a remarkable old age, passing away within but two months of her ninety-ninth birthday.
After coming to Utah, John Johnson spent his first winter on the farm of Lars Jacobs and for two years was employed at farm labor by Peter Madsen and during that period also devoted much time to fishing for commercial purposes. In 1868 he was called upon to go for immigrants as far as the North Platte with ox teams, driving four yoke of oxen in the last wagon train that made the trip before the completion of the railroad. It was after reaching his destination that he met his wife, whom he first saw going after a pail of water, his gallantry prompting him to offer his assistance in this task. It was practically a case of love at first sight. After arriving at Salt Lake, Mr. Johnson went to work for E. F. Sheets, a railroad contractor at Echo Canyon, being there employed until the snow drove them out. He afterward entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad and thus worked until the grading was finished. Subsequently he went to Provo and it was there that the friendship which started at the North Platte found its culmination in his marriage when on the 13th of June, 1870, he wedded Miss Inger Sward, who was born in Ostra Uram, Sweden, on the 2d of May, 1848. Mr. Johnson then took up farming at Lake View and for many years followed agricultural pursuits in order to provide for the support of his family, which as the years went on numbered nine children, seven of whom are yet living. Ellen B., the eldest, is the wife of Leslie L. Bunnell, a farmer and stock raiser residing at Lake View, and they have eight children: Lamond, who is married and has a son and a daughter; Leona, who is the wife of James Nuttell, of Lake View, and has one child, Neva; Merrill; Leroy; Vina; Ervin; Carl; and Elvin. Josephine, the second child born to Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson, became the wife of William W. Goodrich, who was superintendent of the Utah-Idaho Sugar Company at the time of his death, a position which he occupied for eighteen years. He passed away November 19, 1918. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich, Effie is deceased. Zatella, now at home with her mother, is the wife of Frank Taylor, who is in Germany with the army of occupation, and they have one child, Frank Willis Taylor. The other children of the Goodrich family are Maurine, Barbara, Wilma, Linn W. and Helen. Julia, the third child of Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson, is the wife of H. E. Hatton, a butcher by trade, living at Provo, and they had four children: Beulah; Sward; Bessie; and Lucile, deceased. Emma became the wife of Conrad Maag, a farmer, and died in 1900, leaving one son, Wesley. Alfred H., who follows farming at Lake View, wedded Murle Holdway and they have four children: Harold, Dean, Nathan and Leila. John, the sixth child of Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson, died at the age of fourteen months. Tenie is the wife of Martin Klinger, a farmer residing at Lake View, and their five children are Herschel, Cleo, Morris, Alta and Clifton. Nora became the wife of William W. Taylor, bishop of Lake View and a farmer and stock raiser, by whom she has four children: Weldon, Virginia, Paul and Margaret. August, the youngest of the family, married Ruth Taylor, a sister of Bishop Taylor, and they have three children: Marjorie, Phyllis and Herbert A. August Johnson is first counselor to Bishop Taylor and devotes his life to farming and stock raising.
In the work of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mr. Johnson has always taken a most active and helpful part. In 1889 he went upon a mission of two years to Norway and during the latter part of that time presided over the conference at Christiania. His son August was sent on a mission to the southern states that covered two years. It was on the 14th of February, 1892, that Mr. Johnson was appointed bishop of Lake View, in which office he continued to serve for twenty-four years, or until he removed to Provo four years ago. He is the president of the Scandinavian organization, which holds services each Sunday, conducting the meeting in the Scandinavian language for older people who cannot understand English. These services are attended by the Swedish, Norwegian and Danish people of the district. In secular affairs, too, the labors of John Johnson have been attended by a substantial measure of success and he is now the owner of a good farm of one hundred and fifty acres at Lake View which his sons are now operating on shares. They likewise own land independently of their father. Mr. Johnson is also a stockholder of the Provo Implement Company and he was agriculturist for the Utah-Idaho Sugar Company for a time and was sent by that company to Phoenix, Arizona, to give instruction in beet raising there, remaining in that state for a year. He makes frequent trips to the farm in his automobile, taking a deep interest in the work of his sons and giving them the benefit of his counsel and advice, which is the result of broad experience. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he was a recognized leader in political circles of Lake View but never an office seeker. His has been an active, useful and honorable life, gaining for him the high respect and warm regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
WILLIS KELSEY JOHNSON.
Willis Kelsey Johnson, actively interested in farming and stock raising at Springville and classed with the most prominent and influential residents of that city, was born in Salt Lake City, October 2, 1850. His father, Willis Kelsey Johnson. Sr., was a native of Haddam, Middlesex county. Connecticut, and was a son of Aaron Johnson, who for twenty years was bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints in Springville. He was numbered among the pioneers of 1850, and his son, Willis K. Johnson, Sr., father of the subject of this review, died while the family were crossing the plains on route to Utah. The grandfather devoted his life to the occupation of farming in this state.
Willis K. Johnson of this review obtained a district school education at Springville, thus pursuing his studies to the age of eighteen years. Later he went with his step-father, Richard Bird, to Muddy Mission, where he remained for two years, aiding in founding the colony there. In 1868 he traveled by ox team to the North Platte river for the purpose of bringing immigrants to this state, this being the last year that they traveled in that way. From his boyhood days he has been active in the work of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has been advanced from deacon to priest and president of the Quorum of Seventy. He has reared his family in this faith and four of his sons served on missions. Mr. Johnson has done a great deal of temple work for the dead, working in three different temples.
On the 6th of July, 1874, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Lovell Mendenhall, who died in March, 1900. To them were born the following children, seven of whom are yet living: Junior, who was born in 1875 and is now a bishop in the church; James Bayard, who was bishop born in 1877 and is conducting the state fish hatchery; Franklin Milton, who was born in 1879 and died at the age of thirteen years; Minerva, who was born in 1881 and is the wife of John S. Hill, a son of Patriarch Hill, of Springville, Utah; Harrison, who was born in 1883 and died at the age of nineteen years; Chester, who was born in 1885 and served with the United States army in France in the great World war; Richard M., who was born in 1889 and follows farming in Utah county; Thirza, who died at the age of eighteen months; Edna, who was born October10, 1892, and is at home; and George Leo, who served with the United States army in France as a corporal in the Seventy-seventh Division. After losing his first wife Mr. Johnson married her sister, Hanna Mendenhall, their wedding being celebrated on the 11th of January, 1906.
Mr. Johnson has always given his political allegiance to the democratic party and for three terms served as a member of the city council. He was also for three years school trustee. The business interests of Mr. Johnson have largely boon concentrated upon farming and stock raising and he is the owner of valuable land devoted to agricultural pursuits. He is very highly respected in church and social circles and he and his family occupy a most pleasant home in Springville, where their position is one of prominence.
EDWARD T. JONES.
Edward T. Jones is engaged in the abstract business in Provo and is also identified with various mercantile and manufacturing interests. His position is that of a leading business man and his progressiveness is acknowledged by all with whom he has been brought in contact. He has been a lifelong resident of Utah, his birth having occurred at Spanish Fork, May 20, 1879. his parents being Llewellyn and Alice (Creer) Jones. The father was horn in St. Thomas, South Wales, and came to Utah in 1856, at which time he took up his abode at Spanish Fork. He followed the occupation of farming and was actively identified with the development and up building of that region. The mother was born in St. Louis. Missouri, while her parents were en route from England to Utah.
Edward T. Jones attended the Agricultural College of Utah at Logan in 1898 and 1899, thus supplementing the early educational training which he had received in the public schools of Spanish Fork. In 1900 he was a student in the Brigham Young University of Provo and soon afterward he was called upon for public service, being chosen deputy county recorder. He made an excellent official in that position and later was elected on the republican ticket to the office of recorder of Utah county, serving for a period of four years. His capability and the confidence reposed in him are indicated in the fact that he was accorded the largest vote of any man on the ticket. He retired from office as he had entered it-with the confidence and good-will of all concerned. He then bought the abstract business of the Havercamp Company in 1909 and established his present business along that line, incorporating his interests in 1914. He has the only complete set of abstract records in Utah county. He is also interested in various mercantile and manufacturing projects and likewise in a large land tract in Utah county containing ten thousand acres. In business affairs he displays sound Judgment and unfaltering enterprise and never stops short of the successful accomplishment of his purpose if it can he achieved by straight-forward and honorable methods. In addition to his other investments he is interested in farming and owns farm property near Spanish Fork, on which he is engaged in raising cattle.
In 1900 Mr. Jones was married to Miss Margaret Jenkins, a daughter of Thomas Jenkins, formerly of Spanish Fork but now of Salt Lake City, who has made his home in Utah from early pioneer times. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have become parents of four children: Edward Earl, nineteen years of age, now a student In the Brigham Young University; Donna J., aged seventeen, also attending Brigham Young University; Thomas L., a lad of twelve, who is in the public schools; and Margaret, three years of age.
Mr. Jones belongs to the Social Sixty Dancing Club. He also has membership In the Provo Commercial Club and is interested in all that has to do with the up-building and progress of the city, aiding the club in all of its well organized efforts for the advancement of community interests. In politics he has ever been a stalwart republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and is now secretary of the Utah county republican central committee. His opinions carry great weight in county political circles and he is a man of influence in that and various other connections.
THATCHER C. JONES.
Commercial enterprise in Provo finds a worthy and substantial representative in Thatcher C. Jones, who was born in Lehi, Arizona, on the 29th of September, 1888. His father. Edward E. Jones, was born in Wales and came to the United States In 1856, when fourteen years of age. He made his way to Iowa, where he took up the occupation of farming, and later he became actively identified with the oil industry. He is now living retired from business cares and makes his home in Salt Lake. He has been a most earnest worker in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, In which he has served as high priest and also in the bishopric, contributing in every possible way to the development of the church and the extension of its influence. His political allegiance has ever been given to the democratic party and his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, have called upon him to serve as their representative in the state legislature. The mother of Thatcher C. Jones was prior to her marriage Miss Letitia Wheatley, a native of England, and she also survives. She had a family of ten children, nine of whom are yet living.
Thatcher C. Jones attended the schools of Arizona until he had completed his common school education. He afterward entered the Brigham Young University as a member of the class of 1909 and won his diploma upon graduation from the high school. Desirous of still further promoting his knowledge and thus rendering his life of greater efficiency as a factor in the world's work, he went east, where he entered the New York University, and in 1916 he won the Bachelor of Commercial Science degree, while in 1917 that of Master of Commercial Science (Cum Laude) was conferred upon him. With the completion of his course he returned to Provo and spent two years in the business department of the Brigham Young University. He is now well known in commercial circles of the city through his connection with the Provo Implement & Motor Company, Inc., which enjoys a very large trade in farm machinery of all kinds, also in automobiles, tractors and other lines of like character. The company was organized in 1916. Since September, 1917, he has acted as president and manager with George P. Parker, an attorney, as the secretary and treasurer and Elmer Holdaway as the vice president. Mr. Jones has won a well earned reputation for integrity and enterprise, for he is energetic and progressive in his methods.
In 1912 Mr. Jones was married to Miss Vera Harding, of Provo, a daughter of Edward T. and Mary Harding. She died January 29, 1919, leaving two children, Rudger E. and Kay H.
Mr. Jones is a member of the bishopric in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of the third ward, under Bishop T. N. Taylor. In 1910 he went on a mission to Ireland and while thus engaged was president of the conference, his labors in behalf of the mission proving very successful. He belongs to the Provo Commercial Club and has taken a very active and helpful interest in public work, especially during the period of the war. He has been head of the publicity bureau for the Liberty Loan drives, very earnest and active in his support of Red Cross work, and his labors, guided by sound judgment and prompted by a most loyal and patriotic spirit, have been productive of excellent results. He is a man of magnetic personality, forceful and earnest in his support of every cause which he espouses and at all times popular with his fellow townsmen because of his genuine personal worth.
EDWARD KARREN.
Edward Karren is a well known capitalist of Lehi. There is no phase of western frontier life with which he is not familiar and his experiences in this connection have been broad and varied. He is now spending his days in the enjoyment of well earned rest at Lehi, where he was born March 23, 1859, a son of John and Maria (Lawrence) Karren. His grandfather in the paternal line was born on the Isle of Man, May 1, 1810, and in 1830 went to Liverpool, England. There under preaching he was converted to the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and crossed the Atlantic to the new world in order to be with those of similar faith at Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1844. In 1846 he joined the Mormon Battalion for service in the Mexican war and made the trip to California, where he was honorably discharged. On the 23d of July of the same year he reached Salt Lake City and thence traveled to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he joined his family, returning to Utah in 1850. He was one of the pioneers of Lehi, probably the first man to erect a home on the present site of the city and one of the first to plow land at Lehi. He continued an active worker in the church, filling the office of bishop's counselor and also serving on a mission to the Hawaiian islands in 1852-3, being associated while there with George Q. Cannon and other prominent men of the church. His son, John Karren, was born in Liverpool, England, July 4, 1834, and accompanied his father to the new world and to Utah, casting in his lot with the pioneer residents of Lehi. He participated in battles with the Indians in the Tintic war and was a veteran of the Black Hawk war. In 1865 he was sent to the Missouri river after immigrants and in all phases of pioneer life and frontier experience he bore his part, aiding materially in the substantial development and up building of this section of the state. He wedded Maria Lawrence, who was born in Toronto, Canada, and went with her parents to Winter Quarters in 1846. There her father and also a sister died. In 1847 the others of the family came to Utah and in 1854 Maria Lawrence became the wife of John Karren. His death occurred March 19, 1909, while Mrs. Karren passed away August 21, 1912. They were parents of seven children: John D.; Edward; Rosabelle, the wife of John D. Woodhouse; Flora, the wife of Heber McNeil and now deceased; William; Josephus; and Kate M.. the wife of James H. Dunkley.
Edward Karren obtained a common school education, attending the district schools during the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked upon his father's farm until he reached the age of nineteen years. He then started with a company for Denver in the fall of 1878, traveling by wagon. On account of the deep snows they went south to New Mexico, traveling by way of Durango, and Mr. Karren was at Albuquerque for a year, engaged in railway contracting. He afterward went to Arizona, where he engaged in sheep raising, and for twenty-six years he lived in that state, devoting his attention to the sheep industry, to ranching and to railroad contract work.
In 1892 Mr. Karren returned to Lehi and married Julianna Stewart. He then took his wife to Arizona, where they resided for two years, after which he returned to Lehi and began farming in Utah county. In this work he continued active to the present year (1919), when he sold his farm and is now living retired. His wife is a daughter of John and Lydia M. (Rolfe) Stewart and is a native of Beaver, Utah. Her father was born at Chestertown. Kent county, Maryland, September 27, 1827. Little is known concerning his early life save that he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and came to Utah some time prior to 1851, when he was married by Heber C.Kimball to Lydia M. Rolfe. The latter at the age of eighty years recalls many interesting incidents of family history. Her parents joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she was quite small and removed to Kirtland. Ohio, where her father worked on the Kirtland Temple, Mrs. Stewart well remembering incidents of its dedication. In 1838 the family removed from Kirtland to Farwest, Missouri, where they were present at the laying of the cornerstone of a temple. Because of the persecutions there suffered by people of their faith the Stewarts left Farwest in 1838 and traveled to Clayton, Illinois, where they spent the winter. The old town of Commerce was then purchased by the church and the name was changed to Nauvoo. Mr. Stewart secured a city lot and about 1839 or 1840 removed his family to that place. They lived to see the temple built there and they also went through many hard experiences which resulted from the persecutions suffered by the people of their religious belief. In 1846 they crossed the Mississippi river and started for the west with a band of immigrants who sought religious freedom in Utah. It was a week after their marriage that Mr. and Mrs. John Stewart, in response to a call from Brigham Young, left Utah for California and settled at San Bernardino. In 1858 they were recalled by President Young, and upon their return to Utah established their home at Beaver. In 1861 they went to Camp Floyd and in 1868 removed to Lehi, where both passed away, the death of Mr. Stewart occurring July 12, 1895, while his wife died November 26, 1912. Mrs. Karren was the fourth in order of birth in their family of eleven children, the others being: Arthur M.; James, now deceased; Harriett E., the wife of A. P. Rhodes; John; Charles T.; Harry; Jasper; Margaret, deceased; Benjamin; and Samuel.
Mr. Karren has served on the city council of Lehi and in politics gives his allegiance to the republican party, having firm belief in the efficacy of the principles of the party as factors in good government. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. and Mrs. Karren occupy a good brick residence in Lehi, where they enjoy all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life as the result of his well directed thrift and energy in former years. The experiences of the frontier are to him a twice told tale. With every phase of pioneer life he is familiar and he has aided in planting the seeds of civilization throughout the west. His labors have brought about settlement and development in various districts and he is now enjoying the well earned rewards of former toil.
JESSE WILLIAM KNIGHT.
One of open countenance and abounding good humor, standing six feel in height, with broad shoulders, dark hair, dark eyes, and florid cheeks, is Jesse William Knight, a man well known in business and church circles in the state of Utah. J. William Knight is the son of Jesse and Amanda M. Knight. His large stature is likely inherited from both father and mother, while his coloring is undoubtedly taken from his mother. He was born in Payson, Utah, August 20, 1874, where his early schooling was obtained. In 1892 he removed to Provo, entered the Brigham Young Academy, registering for a business course. He was graduated from the commercial department of the institution in 1894. Since the time of his graduation he has had the welfare of the institution very much at heart and has extended help to it at many times and in many ways. After leaving school he spent two years in farming near Milford, Beaver County. Returning to Provo at the expiration of this time he went into mining with his father, in connection with whom he discovered ore in the so called Humbug mine in Tintic.
In 1896 Mr. Knight filled a mission to Great Britain, spending most of his time in the Cheltenham conference. During his mission he took a trip to the continent with a number of his relatives and friends. In the group was Miss Lucy Jane Brimhall, daughter of George H. and Alsioa Wilkins Brimhall, also a missionary in Great Britain, who later became Mr. Knight's wife, in the latter part of 1898 Mr. Knight and Miss Brimhall were released from their missions, arriving home December 9, 1898. On January 18, 1899, they were married. The date marks the anniversary of the marriage of Mr. Knight's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Knight have two sons. Richard and Philip. Mr. Knight has for many years been connected with the Knight Investment Company. He is at present vice president and general manager of the Spring Canyon Coal Company. In Canada he was interested in the big ranch and sugar interests of the company. While a resident there he was a delegate to the International Dry Farm Congress held at Lethbridge, Canada.
Yet prominent as was Mr. Knight in business circles in Raymond. Canada, he will perhaps best be remembered for his services in his ecclesiastical office. He was the first bishop of Raymond. The duties of a bishop in the Latter-day Saints church are always exacting and varied, but Bishop Knight's duties were extraordinarily complex and difficult, because of the. pioneer conditions of the country. Despite all difficulties, he was extraordinarily successful in his work and greatly beloved by the many people to whom he devoted almost his entire time. At the organization of the Taylor stake, he was chosen a counselor in the stake presidency.
In 1907 Mr. Knight returned to Provo. For a short time he was first assistant to the superintendent of the Fifth Ward Sunday school, but after a brief season in that work he was called to the Utah stake presidency, first as second counselor to President Joseph B. Keeler, and later as first counselor, which position he still holds. Projects in reclamation and road building have always made a strong appeal to Mr. Knight, consequently he has been identified from the very first with some of the most important moves in that direction made in this part of the state, prominent among which is Provo Reservoir Company and Utah Lake Irrigation Company. Mr. Knight is a member of the American Mining Congress and has attended a number of its national meetings.
Mr. Knight is affiliated with the democratic party. Many times he has served as delegate to county and state conventions. In 1916 he was a delegate to the national convention held in St. Louis. In 1908 Jesse William Knight was the democratic candidate for governor. Mr. Knight's party was defeated, but he ran further ahead of his ticket than any other candidate. Particularly was this true of Provo, his home town, where the citizens gave small heed to party affiliations in this matter. So large was Mr. Knight's majority in Provo, that it carried Utah county for him. In 1918 Mr. Knight was a candidate for the state senate he was elected running far ahead of his ticket. In the legislature he served on three committees: commerce and industry, appropriations and public affairs. He was chairman of the committee on commerce and industry. At the recent Peace convention, held in Salt Lake City, he represented commerce and industry in his address.
Mr. Knight's interest in a League of Nations to Enforce Peace is not exceptional in any way. Many other questions of public moment have likewise claimed his undivided loyalty. He has worked constantly and consistently for prohibition and suffrage, and it is most fitting that he should he a member of the legislature, called in special session to ratify the federal amendment for suffrage. Under appointment from Governor Spry, he was a member of the state committee for the Panama Pacific Exposition, a committee that distinguished itself for its splendid business management. Under appointment from Governor Bamberger he became a member of the Utah Agricultural College board, a position that it was necessary for him to resign when he was elected to the state senate. However, he served on the board for two years. In his leisure he exhibits an extraordinary fondness for outdoor sports. Hunting, fishing and tennis have always appealed to him. Athletic sports never fail to win his interest. Times unnumbered he has served as an official at the athletic contests of the Brigham Young University, and on the various committees interested in town sports. Before the days of the automobile, he took a very great interest in fine horses and has always been interested in live stock exhibitions.
Mr. Knight's abounding good humor has a most exhilarating effect on all groups of which he forms a part. A story of good point and good humor never fails of ready response from him. He is fond of telling a story. He is original in his form of expression both in private conversation and public address. In public address his admonitions are noted for their wholesomeness. practical quality and their tenderness. Yet were we to seek to point out a single trait of character that stands out above all others, and which seems innate in a very large measure, we should, in all probability speak of his infinite tenderness and sympathy for persons in distress. Few people have any knowledge of how often he has lent material and spiritual comfort to the poor and the sick, and particularly those who are called to mourn the loss of loved ones. During the distressing times through which we have recently passed, resulting from the influenza epidemic. there are many, we believe, who will not soon forget the kindly offices of Mr. Knight, both in a material and spiritual way. Mr. Knight is distinguished for his devotion to his family; for his fondness for and attachment to all of the persons who form the family group.
