PAULSEN, PAUL, farmer, son of Lars and Caroline, was born in Denmark, July 24, 1845. In the fall of '53 the family left for Utah, crossing the plains in Capt. Olsen's ox train company, reaching Ephraim in October, 1854, being one year on the way. They assisted in building the outside fort, father quarrying the rock and mother driving team in hauling. Father died in '84, mother still living, 77 years of age. Paul took part in the Black Hawk war, being in the Salina canyon and Grass Valley engagements. He purchased a small farm and now has ninety acres. In '63 he went to the Missouri river after emigrants. In '97 he went on a mission to Denmark, but had to return on account of sickness. Was married in Ephraim, March 20, 1866, to Anna C. Overson. She had five children: George P., Heber, John E., David and Annie C, and died October 13, 1884. Married again in November, 1885, to Annie S. Jorgensen. She has one child: Annetta.
PETERSEN, NIELS, one of the first settlers of Ephraim, son of Peter and Sena Neilson, was born in Denmark, October 29, 1814. He started for Utah in '52, crossed the plains in Capt. Fosgren's company, and reached Spring City in October, 1853. Went to Manti for the winter and in the spring of '54 came to Ephraim. Assisted in building the fort and took part in the Black Hawk war. The land was apportioned and he received twenty acres, which he farmed successfully and raised stock. Was recognized as a good, solid and substantial farmer. He died in Ephraim, March 28, 1897. Was married on the plains to Mary, daughter of Jens and Kirsty Jensen, born in Denmark, December 20, 1830. They had nine children; five still living in Sanpete. Jens P., Christina wife of Daniel B. Funk; Annie E., wife of Charles Whitlock, Jr. ; Maria, wife of Peter Thompson, and Ephraim, born March 29, 1868; married to Hannah E., daughter of Christian and Karen Nielson, born in Ephraim September 14, 1872.
PETERSEN, PETER T., farmer, son of Jens T. and Caroline, was born in Denmark, on the island of Falster, October 25, 1841. The family joined the Mormon church and came to Utah in 1854, crossing the plains in Captain Guyman's company of ox-teams, and located in Ephraim in September, 1855. They assisted in building the fort and lived inside it three years. Father died here March 10, 1877, mother December 2, 1891. Peter has always followed farming, now owns 100 acres of land. In 1864 he went to the Missouri river after emigrants. Took part in the Black Hawk war, being a Minuteman and being in the saddle a great deal. Was married in Ephraim February 22, 1877, to Helga, daughter of Christian and Christina Schagaard, born in Norway July 18, 1853. They have had six children: Melvina A., Alice C. A., Oscar C. and Dagness O., living; Peter J. J. and Maggie C, deceased. Wife died October 20, 1884.
PETERSON, PRESIDENT CANUTE, son of Peter Johnson and Herborg Peterson, was born in Eidfjord, Hardanger, Norway, May 13, 1824. His parents came to the United States when he was twelve and located in La Salle county. 111., where they died. Father died in 1838, mother in 1848. The parents were poor and had borrowed $400 to pay their emigration, which was paid in full by Canute before he was nineteen years old. He had no opportunities for attending school, hence is a self-made man. He followed teaming in the summer and threshing during the winters. August 12, 1842, he joined the church and in 1849 came to Utah, crossing the plains in an ox-train under Capts. Henry Ericksen Selbe and Ezra T. Benson. He was married at Kanesville July 4, 1849, to Sarah Ann Nelson. When they reached the Elk Horn river he and another man swam the stream to get the ferryboat, which was used in crossing. The company arrived in Salt Lake City October 25th, where he located. He was called to Lehi and removed there March 18, 1851, and later was married to Gertrude Mamie Rolfson and Charlotte Ekstrom. In 1852 he was called on a four years' mission to Norway returned in 1850 with a company of 400 Saints, on board the ship "John J. Boyd." In 1897 he was called to Ephraim to preside as bishop. He made a treaty of peace with the Indians in 1868 and that treaty has never been broken. He was called to perform a, second mission in 1871 and presided over the Scandinavian mission for two years. When he returned he brought a company of 900 Saints. July 5, 1877, he was ordained president of Sanpete stake, which position he now holds with perfect satisfaction to the people. He was also assistant superintendent of the Manti temple and laid the northwest cornerstone. While a resident of Lehi he served as a member of the City Council and was a bishop's counselor. Has served as a member of the Ephraim City Council and was a member of the Legislature three terms. He was ordained a, patriarch by President George Q. Cannon May 15, 1892. He is the father of twenty-one children and has sixty-nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His wife, Sarah, died May 20, 1896.
PETERSON, CANUTE W., son of Canute and Sarah A., was born in Lehi, Utah, September 5, 1859. The family removed to Ephraim when he was a boy. He attended the public schools and took a normal course in the B. Y. Academy at Provo, where he graduated. Taught school in Ephraim several years. Went on a mission in '85, laboring nearly two years in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. Was elected County Assessor in '88 and held the office eight years. Is a stockholder in the Junction Co-op and the Climax Roller Mill. Was a member of the City Council, elected in '95. A member of the High Council, having served as secretary He went on a second mission to Norway in June, 1897, presiding over the Christiania branch. Was married in Salt Lake City, July 22, 1880, to Hilda, daughter of Paul and Elna Waldemar Dehlm, born in Sweden, September 11, 1857. They have five children: Hilda E., Daisy B., Canute, Paul and Antone.
PETERSON, HANS P., farmer, was born in Denmark, April 15, 1839. He was raised on a farm and at the age of 22 entered the army, serving in the cavalry two years during the war with Germany. Joined the Mormon church in '68, and in '71 came to Utah, located in Ephraim and engaged in farming. Was married in Denmark, March 17, 1865, to Ann McGrader, They have had nine children: Nels P., Carl E., Louis F. and Hansina C, living; Jens Christian August, Joseph John, Hans Peter, Maria and one not named, deceased.
PETERSON, JENS P., farmer and stock-raiser, son of Niels and Mary Jensen, was born in Ephraim, February 13, 1855. He is probably the oldest male child now living in Ephraim, who was born here. The family came here in the spring of '54 with the first settlers. When Jens was 13 he took part in the Black Hawk war, standing guard and doing other duties. Was raised on a farm, worked in a sawmill several years, then purchased a farm and has a number of cattle. Was married in Spring City, November 12, 1877, to Martina, daughter of Andrew P. and Annie Mortensen Olson, born in Denmark, November 4, 1857. They have had nine children: Electa, Nels O., Zenobia, Hazel, Alonzo, Sana and Kay L., living; Elesta and James E., deceased.
PETERSON, LEHI, dealer in cattle and sheep and wool grower, son of Canute and Gertrude M. Rolfson, was born in Lehi, Utah, October 25, 1858. The family removed to Ephraim when he was 9 year's old; he grew up on the farm and engaged in the stock business. He bought for N. S. Neilson of Mt. Pleasant for several years, and in 1897 bought for Keat & Lewis of Nephi. Was married in Salt Lake City, October 11, 1878, to Caroline, daughter of Andrew and Caroline Overlade, born in Ephraim, November 17, 1859. Her parents were among the early settlers of Ephraim, father being a carpenter and cabinet-maker, assisting in building the Tabernacle and organ. He died in Ephraim, mother still living, 75 years of age. Lehi's children are: Cordelia, Lehi, Merle, Josephine, Sarah B. and Andrew, living; Carrie, deceased.
PETERSON, NELS, farmer and stock raiser, son of Canute and Sarah A., was born in Lehi, Utah, January 26, 1861. The family came to Ephraim when Nels was about 6 years old. He was raised to farm work and took charge of the home farm until 1880, when he engaged in the stock business. Owns about fifty head, mostly Durham, and has 100 acres of land. Is engaged in farming, stock raising and wool-growing. Was married in Salt Lake City, May 29, 1884, to Martina C, daughter of Peter C. Jensen, born in Circle Valley, Utah. They have had one child, Peter N., deceased.
PETERSON, NEILS L., usually known as Lead Pencil Peterson, was born in Sweden, November 14, 1820. He worked for two years as superintendent of a factory, making stove polish; joined the Mormon church in '52, was traveling elder one year, and came to Utah, crossing the plains in Capt. P. O. Hansen's company, reaching Salt Lake City, September 7, 1855. Lived in Salt Lake, Spanish Fork and Moroni, where he built a home. In '63 was called to assist the settlers in Marysvale, where he took up land and built a home, but was compelled to leave in '66 on account of the Indians, when he came to Ephraim. He engaged in farming and continues in that business. Was married in Moroni to Christina Neilsen. She died in Ephraim, and he married again, October 11, 1878, to Martha, daughter of Ole C. and Annie Olsen, born in Denmark, June 5, 1856. They have had five children: Hannah C, Carrie N., Ellen O. and Niels L., living; Mary A., deceased.
PETERSON, NEILS L., farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Denmark, October 8, 1857. He was raised on a farm and came to Utah in '73, locating in Ephraim. Arrived here with no capital and went to freighting produce to the mining camps; was soon able to purchase a farm and engage in stock-raising. Now owns a farm, seventy-five head of cattle and 800 sheep. Was married October 8, 1880, to Jensina J., daughter of John C. and Amasena Jensen. They had three children: Clarence, Gilbert and Phenor. Wife died March 17, 1891 Married again March 25, 1897, to Mary C. Stevens, nee Olsen, daughter of Peter and Johanna, born in Sweden, October 3, 1862. She has one child, an infant.
PETERSON, PETER, farmer and wool-grower, son of Peter and Anna, was born in Stubbelyjobing, on the island of Falster, Denmark, October 14, 1844. He was raised on a farm and joined the Mormon church in 1862. In 1864 he and brother Hans came to Utah, he driving an ox-team across the plains for a Salt Lake company. He stopped in Manti for the winter and came to Ephraim in the spring of 1865. Has been engaged in farming and sheep raising. Owns 100 acres of farming besides other dry land and a nice home in the city. Served as City Marshal two terms and was a member of the City Council two terms. Took part in the Black Hawk war. Is a member of the high council of Sanpete Stake. Was married in Ephraim November 4, 1865, to Mary Thompson, widow of David. She had three living children: Louisa, David W., and Caroline and Diantha and Elizabeth., deceased, by her first husband. She has had six children since marrying Peterson: Orval, Lorinda and Sarah, living; Peter, Hannah and Dorothy A., deceased.
PETERSON, THOMAS P., usually known as Thomas Thompson, son of Peter and Dorthea, was born on the island of Falster, Denmark, January 2, 1841. The family joined the Mormon church and emigrated, crossing the plains in an ox-team under Captain Olsen, reaching Ephraim in October, 1854. Mother died on the Mississippi river and father with five children came here, being in good circumstances, he paid the fare of several others. He was a leader in public improvements, a prominent churchman and assisted in building the fort. He died here some years ago. Thomas removed to Circle Valley in 1865 and built a home, which he was compelled to leave with nearly all he had on account of Indians and return to Ephraim. He freighted produce to the mining camps several years and engaged in farming. In 1868 he went to Cheyenne after emigrants. Was city street supervisor in 1896-97 and county road supervisor in 1897-98. Was married in Ephraim to Mary J. Whitlock;, who died here, leaving two children: Diantha and Lissa. Married again to Gauey M. Christensen, who has five living children: John O., Ida E., Ole H,, Clarence and Raymond.
QUINN, GEORGE, saddler and harness-maker, and notary public, son of William and Mary A., was born in St. Heliers, Isle of Jersey, England, May 28, 1842. Father was a furniture dealer and cabinet and chair-maker. Parents joined the Mormon church and came to this country in '56, fitting up handcarts at Iowa City to cross the plains. He tired of the work and stopped to play marbles and was lost from his parents, they stopping at Council Bluffs, where they remained four years. In '60 they came to Utah in Joseph W. Young's company, an ox train, and located in Ephraim, Christmas, '64. His parents died here. During the Black Hawk war George was a member of the martial band and made saddles. He was a member of several theatrical companies, being a comic singer and comedian. Was postmaster for seven years and interested in many enterprises. Was five years in the firm of Quinn, Larsen & Co., that did a business of $25,000 annually. In '94 he opened his present place of business, manufacturing harness and saddles and dealing in wagons, buggies, agricultural implements and real estate and loaning money. His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of William B. Wilson of Council Bluffs, Iowa. They were married in Salt Lake City, August 17, 1862, and have had eleven children: William H., Emma, John, Lilly, Ida, Myrtle and Hettie, living; George W. and Arthur L., deceased.
RASMUSSEN, RASMUS, farmer, son of Hans and Mary, was born in Denmark February 16, 1845. In '56 his parents and five children came to Utah, crossing the plains late, and having to abandon wagons and contents and come to Salt Lake City with a relief company. Father was a well-to-do farmer in Denmark and paid the fares of twenty-eight persons besides his family. In '57 they removed to Ephraim, where father died in '87, mother still living. Rasmus grew up a farmer, now owns fifty acres and a home in the city. Took part in the Black Hawk war being a minuteman. Was a member of the City Council one year, and has held several minor offices. Was married in Ephraim March 8, 1866, to Annie Bjerregaard. She had four sons: Andrew, Hans, Oliver and Homer. Wife died and he married again May 14, 1885, to Hannah, daughter of Charles and Catherine Cooper. She has three children: Rasmus D., Charles A. and John E.
SORENSEN, SOREN A., farmer, son of Andrew and Ollegor,was born in Denmark November 14, 1839. His parents joined the Mormon church and came to Utah, crossing the plains in Captain Olsen's ox-train, and located in Ephraim, arriving here October 6, 1854. They assisted in building the fort and lived in it several years. Father died May 21, 1875, mother October 26, 1879. Soren was brought up on a farm and owns seventy-five acres and his home in the city. In '61 he went to the Missouri river after emigrants. Took part in the Black Hawk war and witnessed the killing of a man and two women by Indians, when Black Hawk shot at him but missed. Was married in Ephraim October 26, 1861, to Johanna, daughter of Johannes and Bengta Larsen, born in Sweden October 3, 1834. They have three living children: Annie, wife of Peter H. Peterson; Hannah, wife of Alfred Bellander, and Soren.
SORENSON, JOHN, merchant, son of Neils and Helene, was born in Denmark August 19, 1853. His parents joined the Mormon church and emigrated in 1854, locating in Ephraim in September, 1855. They crossed the plains in an ox-train, father paying the fares of several others and coming here without funds. Father died March 4, 1893, mother still living, 82 years of age. Father and two sons took part in the Black Hawk war, Jens being killed by the Indians in Salina Canyon. He shot five Indians, killing three in his last engagement, being shot six times before he died. John, though a small boy, took part in the war and had a narrow escape when three people were killed west of town. He purchased a farm and worked it till '93, when he engaged in the mercantile business, carries $3000 stock of general merchandise and does a good business. Owns his store, thirty acres of land and a nice residence. Was married in Salt Lake City May 31, 187.5, to Johanna, daughter of Christian and Anna C. Simmonsen, born in Denmark March 1, 1855. They have had seven children: Don C, Hugh L. R. and Joan C., living; John O., Nels C, Edgar A. and Johanna J., deceased
SORENSON, SOREN N., farmer, son of Neils andHelene, was born in Denmark July 3, 1893. The family came to Ephraim in 1855, crossing the plains in Captain Guyman's company, and lived in the fort for several years. Father died here March 4, 1895, mother still living. Soren was raised to farming and has always followed it. In '61 he removed to Circle Valley to assist in settling that county; lived there till his brother Jens was killed by Indians in Salina Canyon, when he returned to Ephraim. Took part in the Black Hawk war in guarding and herding stock. His first wife was Carrie E. Rasmussen. She has three children: Neils P., Caroline M. and Enger H. Second wife was Mary C. Sorenson. She has had six children: Carrie E. and Parley E., living; Hannah, Joseph W., Neils C. and Soren H., deceased.
STEVENS, HENRY, son of Henry and Chloe, was born in Vermont June 18, 1812. He came to Utah in 1850 and lived in Payson for three years, then removed to Manti, being called to help settle Sanpete. Came to Ephraim in '54 and assisted in building the fort. In '61 he went to Shonesburg, where he lived three years, but had to leave on account of Indians. Removed to Rockville and in '70 returned to Ephraim. He is probably the only man living in Ephraim who passed through all the Mormon persecutions in Far West, Nauvoo and elsewhere. While living in Far West he lost $600 in property, in Payson he lost considerable and again in Dixie he lost all he had. During the past twenty years he has been confined to the house most of the time. Was married first in Canada to Mary A. Howe, by whom he has two children: Henry B.. and Elisha, Married again in Salt Lake City July 25, 1854, to Augusta, daughter of Nicholas and Ann S. Dorius, born in Copenhagen August 29, 1837. She has four living children: Charles J., Laura A., Ellen M. and Juliet.
STEVENS, HENRY B., farmer, son of Henry and Mary A., was born in New York State October 26, 1834. The family joined the Mormon church, living in Nauvoo and Kirtland, and then came to Utah in '50, crossing the plains in Captain Pace's company, and located at Farmington. They removed to Payson, thence to Manti, and in '54 came to Ephraim, assisting in building the fort. Henry has always followed farming, now owns sixty acres of land. Took part in the Walker war at Payson, in Sanpete and in Dixie. He lived here three years, in Spring City three years and in Dixie seven years, returning again to his present place. Was a member of the City Council two years. His first wife, married in Ephraim, was Elizabeth Whitlock. She has four living children: Melinda, Healon, Olive E. and Lula L. Second wife was Lucy A., daughter of Redick and Lucy Allred. She has three children: Newton H., Lucy A. and Redick E.
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