History of Sanpete
Published by W. H. Lever in 1898
Prominent Citizens of Fairview

NIELSON, SWEN O., of the firm of Swen & Lars Nielson, merchants and farmers, son of Ole and Pernellie Bomm, was born in Christianstade, Sweden, January 1, 1854. In '55 the family removed to Denmark, where at the age of 7, Swen began working in a chicory factory at 3 cents a half day, attending school the other half; followed that work till '63, when he and his mother, brother and sister came to Utah, stopping at Mt. Pleasant, and in '67 located in Fairview. Father came in '65 and died here in February, 1876. Mother is still living. Swen worked at herding and farming and attended school until 17, when he went to Pioche, Nev., and engaged in driving team for six years. He returned to Fairview, took up 160 acres of land, now he and his brother Lars have 1,200 acres, with fine improvements.  In '79 he and his brother built a sawmill in Dry Creek Canyon, and later put in others, which they operated for ten years. In '85 they opened a general store in a little adobe building, and the following year built their present one, where they carry a stock of $12,000 to $15,000, consisting of everything usually kept in a first-class country store. They buy and ship sheep, cattle and grain and have imported Cotswold sheep. He is superintendent of the Fairview Creamery Company and member of the City Council. Is a member of the Mormon church and has performed a short mission, being forced to return on account of ill health. Is a Republican and chairman of the county committee and member of the State committee.  Served as chairman of the County Commissioners and was nominated for member of the Legislature, but the ticket was defeated. Was married in St. George February 14, 1878, to Rachael, daughter of William and Rachael Atkin, born in Salt Lake City March 14, 1861.  They have had nine children: Swen W., Annie N., Sarah L., Estella M., Sina C. and Peter F., living; Rachael M., Ole M. and Venice, deceased.

NIELSON, LARS P., of the firm of Swen & Lars Niel-son, the largest landowners, sheep raisers and busi-ness men in northern Sanpete, son of Ole and Pernellie, was born in Denmark June 27, 1857. He came to Utah in '63 with his mother and brother Swen, a sister Sine dying in Nebraska. They crossed the plains in a church ox-train under Capt. John F. Sanders, the boys walking most of the way, reaching Mt. Pleasant in September.  Father and son Peter followed in '65. Peter went to the Missouri river in '68 after emigrants and was drowned with five others while crossing Green river. The family was in debt for emigration and did not get the debt paid until '68. In '67 they removed to Fairview, where father died. The boys grew up there and herded sheep and cattle and did other work until about '74, when they went to Pioche, Nevada, and engaged in hauling mine timbers. Lars bought four yoke of oxen and two wagons on time and paid the bill, about $600, in six months. Swen owned a team and in this way they made a start. They returned and each filed on 160 acres of land four miles north of Milburn. They now own 1,200 acres, all under fence, principally in hay and pasture, with good buildings and machinery. They usually have about 4,000 sheep on the farm, which Lars cares for, while Swen manages a large general store in Fairview.

NIELSEN, ANDREW, farmer, son of Niels and Karen Johansen, was born in Denmark January 1, 1827.  He learned the trade of a bricklayer, married and joined the Mormon church in '61, and for seven months presided over a branch of the Aarhus conference. In '62 with his wife and three children he started for Utah, crossing the plains in church train under Capt. Murdock, and remained in Salt Lake City one year. Removed to Fairview in the fall of '63 and took part in the Black Hawk war. He had a hard time in getting along on account of Indians and grasshoppers and being in debt for emigration expense, which with interest amounted to nearly $100 and required eleven years saving to pay. He took a small farm and worked at his trade and in '74 removed to Fountain Green. In '82 he returned to Fairview. Was a member of the City Council two years. Is one of the presidents of the quorum of High Priests. Was married in Denmark September 5, 1857, to Sarah Rasmussen, born in Denmark September 6, 1827. They have six children: Caroline J., Antoine, Peter, Sarah J., Annie J. and Andrew J.

OLSEN, CHRISTIAN, farmer, son of Christian and Brigitta, was born in Sweden February 23, 1841.  He was raised on a farm, joined the Mormon church, and in January 1864, was ordained an elder, after which he spent most of the winters at missionary work, until '68, when he came to Utah and located in Salt Lake City. In October 1869, he came to Fairview and engaged in farming, then in manufacturing lumber and for a time was in the mercantile business. Went on a two years' mission to Sweden in '79 and labored in the Stockholm conference. Was a member of the City Council nine years, president of the Gooseberry and Cottonwood Irrigation company six years and an active worker and teacher twenty years. Was married in Salt Lake City March 17, 1869, to Christina Olsen, a native of Sweden.  They have had six children: Heber S., Christian P. and George F., living; Mary C, Erick O. and John J., deceased.

OLSON, Peter, of Pehrson & Olson, woolgrowers and cattlemen, son of Olof and Christina C, was born in Sweden December 24, 1861. He came with his mother and two sisters to Utah in '67 and settled at Vernon, where he was engaged herding and working in the mines. He then purchased sixty-six sheep and secured some on shares and has made quite a success of the business.  In 1885 he came to Fairview and now owns a half interest in 5,000 sheep and fifty head of cattle, a nice farm and is a stockholder in the creamery company. In '92 he was elected a member of the City Council and served two years. Was married in Manti Temple August 28, 1890, to Christina M., daughter of Lars and Olena Larsen, born in Fairview June 20, 1869. They have five children: Ida E., Sophronia C, Lena A., Peter E. and Charlotte L.

PEDERSON, CHARLES O., lumberman and farmer, son of Ole and Olong, was born in Norway December 22, 1860. He came to Utah with his mother in '71, resided in Salt Lake City six years, then removed to Fairview. He is a stockholder in the Gooseberry and Cottonwood Irrigation company. Owned and operated a, sawmill for eight years and served as a Democratic member of the City Council in '96-7. He served as Sunday-school teacher three or four years and as assistant to the president of the Scandinavian society. Is a ward teacher and was ordained a member of the quorum of Seventies in '85. Was president of the Y. M. M. I. A. in '89. In '85 he went on a two years' mission to Norway and gained many converts to the church. He is a representative and honorable citizen. Was married in Manti Temple June 14, 1888, to Elizabeth T., daughter of Ransom A. and Tranquilla A. Stevens. They have four living children: Tranquilla A., Helena, Ruth F. and Ruby; the deceased being Ovidia and Charles O.

PEDERSON, PETER O., farmer and lumberman, son of Ole and Olong, was born in Norway, May 21, 1819. He joined the Mormon church March 12, 1870, and came to Utah August 10, of the same year, residing in Salt Lake City over six years, then removed to Fairview. Owns several shares in the Gooseberry and Cottonwood Irrigation company and is engaged in farming and getting out lumber and timbers. Is a member of the Elders' quorum and the Y. M. M. I. A. and a good citizen. Was married in Norway, May 13, 1870, to Caroline, daughter of Hans O. and Petrinila Fiksted, born in Norway, August 11, 1849. They have had two children, Ole H., living, born May 10, 1874; Peter O., deceased.  Ole H. is now on a two years' mission to Norway.

PETERSON, HON. LORENZO, Mayor, son of Andrew and Anna M., was born in Ephraim, July 29, 1858.  His parents emigrated from Denmark in '54, lived in Brigham City and Salt Lake City till '67, then re moved to Ephraim, thence to Mt. Pleasant, and in '60 located in Fairview among the first settlers. Father was bishop a short time and a leading man. He died January 20, 1873. Mother is still living. Lorenzo was raised here and worked at carpentering and blacksmithing.  Was elected Mayor in '90, serving two and one-half years, having been City Assessor and Collector four years.  Served as Justice of the Peace three years, and in '97 was again elected Mayor. Is secretary of the Co-op. store; secretary of the Union Roller Mills company; secretary of the Gooseberry Irrigation company; a director in the Cottonwood Irrigation company, and vice-president of the Social Hall company. Was married in Fairview, June 9, 1879, to Mary, daughter of John and Chastie Norstrom, born in Sweden, July 22, 1858. They have seven children: Chastie M., Mary M., Christina E., Annie H., Arthur L., Peter L. and Ruby N.

PETERSON, BISHOP JAMES C, was born in Denmark, April 5, 1842. Father died when he was six years old and mother with three children started for Utah in December 1854. Mother died of cholera near Mormon Grove and the children were taken by different families. They crossed the plains in an ox-train under Capt. Guyman, reaching Salt Lake City in September 1855. James was taken by Thomas Bullock and brought up on a farm seven miles south of Salt Lake City. In '64 he went to the Missouri river after emigrants. He secured a small farm and added to it gradually until by diligence and economy he had a good home. In '84 he removed to Fairview and purchased a small farm. Was appointed bishop April 20, 1890, and served in that capacity with perfect satisfaction to the entire people. Is a Republican in politics and was a member of the Constitutional convention. Is a member of the City Council and a good, charitable citizen. Was married in Salt Lake county, December 31, 1865, to Sarah A., daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Cushing Brown, born in England, September 1, 1846. They have four living children, James J., Charles A., Mary E. and Floren.

PETERSON, JAMES, farmer, son of Andrew and Annette, was born in Fairview, March 12, 1872. He was raised there to farm work, and in '92 removed to Oak Creek, where he owns twenty-six acres of land.  Is a member of the Mormon church and leader of the choir in Sunday-school and the Y. M. M. I. A. Was married in Fairview, October 28, 1891, to Melissa, daughter of James and Elizabeth Stewart, born in Fairview, December 12, 1871. They have had four children, Dorcas and Ernest L. living; James R, and Hyrum R., deceased.

PETERSON, ANDREW S., farmer and carpenter, son of John E. and Christine, was born in Sweden, July 26, 1862. He came to Utah with his parents in '76, locating in Fairview, where they arrived July 21. He has always been active in church matters, being a member of the Seventies' quorum, the Y. M. M. I.  A., and a ward teacher. Is a stockholder in the Gooseberry and Cottonwood Irrigation company, and an energetic and representative citizen. He owns a farm which he cultivates and attends to the duties of his trade, being an experienced mechanic and first-class carpenter.  Was married in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, August 27, 1883, to Caroline, daughter of Carl and Caroline Magnuson, born in Sweden, March 27, 1865. She died April 9, 1889, leaving three children, Caroline E.  and Hilmia living; and Andrew C. deceased. Was married again January 6, 1892, in the Manti Temple, to Annie M., daughter of Ivor P. and Caroline M. Peterson, born in Spring City, January 3, 1870. They have three children, Newel L., Eskel L. and Crystal M.

PETERSON, LEWIS, City Marshal, son of Andrew and Annette, was born in Fairview, February 9, 1868. He was raised here and worked in the canyon at lumbering. Was engaged in the sheep business with Samuel Bills for several years, and now owns several hundred head. Owns an interest in a binder which is operated every year. Is a member of the Mormon church and a ward teacher. Was elected City Marshal in '97 and fills the position with satisfaction to the peo ple. Was married in Logan Temple, November 10, 1886, to Sarah E., daughter of Samuel and Ophelia A. Bills, born in Fairview August 5, 1868. They have had six children, Ina A., Lionel L., Hilden L. and Alden L. living; Ruby E. and Ophelia D. deceased.

PETERSEN, CHRISTIAN, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Denmark, May 3, 1845. Father died in Denmark in '48, and mother and family started for Utah. Mother died at Weston, Mo., in '55, and Christian, with a brother and sister, was taken by other families and brought to Utah. He lived with H. P. Peel in Salt Lake City and Lehi for a time, when the family removed in '57 to Ephraim and in '61 to Mt. Pleasant.  He was brought up to farming. Took part in the Black Hawk war, being a minuteman under Capt. Ivie. In '66 he went to the Missouri river after emigrants. Removed to Fairview in '69 and bought a farm, where he has since been engaged in fanning and stock raising.  Served as City Marshal seven terms; Constable five terms, and Deputy Sheriff four years. Has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for four years. Was married in Mt. Pleasant January 2, 1867, to Christina, daughter of Andrew and Ellen Anderson, born in Sweden, January 2, 1850. They have had eleven children, Annie E., Amelia H., Hannah C, Alice M., Andrew C, Caroline E., James L., Ellen M., Minerva S. and Edward J. living; and Joseph F., deceased.

PRITCHETT, JAMES M., retired farmer, son of Samuel and Rebecca Anderson, of Scotch-Irish descent, was born in Smyth county, Virginia, June 1, 1817. He was raised on a farm and came to Fairview in November 1866, crossing the plains in an ox-train.  Bought a small farm and has since been engaged in farming. Took an active part in the Black Hawk war.  Is a stockholder in the Co-op. store and was once president of the company for two years. Served as a member of the City Council. Is one of the high priests in the Mormon church. Was married in Virginia, September 18, 1885, to Mary A., daughter of Douglas and Nancy Atwell Fulcher, born in Surrey county, North Carolina, July 4, 1819. They have four children, John A., Thomas, James D. and Rebecca.

PRITCHETT, N. B., farmer and stock raiser, son of Samuel N. B. and Mary J., was born in Linn county, Mo., March 19, 1863. The family came to Fairview in '65 in Capt Pritchett's company, an uncle to N.  B. Father was a farmer and stockman and died here in '70. Mother is still living. N. B. was raised in Fairview, working at various occupations and finally went into the sheep business, accumulating 2,500 head. In '96 he sold his sheep and engaged in the cattle business; now has seventy head and 150 acres of land, being an extensive and successful farmer. Is a stockholder in the Gooseberry Irrigation company, the creamery, the Union roller mill and the Co-op. store. Served as Deputy City Marshal two years. Was married in Logan, November 10, 1887, to Olive L., daughter of John F. and Mary I.  Sanders, born in Fairview, October 19, 1872. Her parents were among the early settlers of Fairview, father being an extensive and wealthy cattleman, who brought two companies of emigrants to Utah and died May 19, 1896. She has five children, Mary L., Rolland N., Hazel B., John F. and Thomas L.

RASMUSSEN, ANDREW, farmer, son of Anders and Mary, was born in Denmark, January 22, 1834. He was raised there, and in '54 joined the Mormon church and became a traveling elder for four years. In May, '60, he started for Utah, crossing the plains in an ox-train and located at West Jordan, where he resided two years. Removed to Fairview in March 1864, and bought ten acres of land. Took part in the Black Hawk war and was alone twice in the foothills when he met parties of Indians, but escaped by rare presence of mind.  Served as a member of the City Council six years. Is a stockholder in most of the local enterprises which he assisted in starting. Is senior president of the Twenty-sixth Quorum of Seventies. Was married in West Jordan, October 12, 1862, to Sevirine M. Madsen, who has five children, Mary, Andrew, Amasa, Nephi and Jacob.  Second wife married October 12, 1875, was Sidsel M.  Neilsen. Third wife was Annie K, Mortsensen, married November 1, 1883.

RIGBY, JAMES, farmer and stock raiser, son of James and Jane, was born in Burlington county, Iowa, October 8, 1844. His parents joined the Mormon church in Manchester, England, and started for Utah.  Father died in Iowa and mother and family crossed the plains in an ox-train in '50. James grew up in Salt Lake City, hauled wood for several years, and went to Tooele county and engaged in the cattle business. In '80 he came to Fairview and went into the sheep business, running the Co-op. herd four years and getting 2,500 head of his own. He sold out in '97 and returned to the cattle business, having Durhams principally. Owns a nice farm of ninety acres, is a stockholder in the creamery and superintendent and director of the Gooseberry Irrigation company. He took part in the Black Hawk war as a minuteman in company A, cavalry, of Salt Lake City, under Capt. Miles, Was married in Salt Lake City, March 21, 1870, to Fannie, daughter of James and Sarah Jordan, born in England, October 8, 1852. They have ten children, James L., Fannie M., Leroy, Charles, Joseph C, Mary E., William F., Samuel B., Frank and Louis.

RIGBY, CHARLES, farmer, son of James and Jane, was born in Iowa, September 1, 1847. In '50 the family came to Utah, crossing the plains in an ox train, and located in Salt Lake City. In '70 he came to Fairview and bought a farm. Now owns fifty acres. He has always taken an active part in educational matters and is one of the school trustees. Was married in Fairview, September 27, 1875, to Julia, daughter of Henry W.  and Rebecca Sanders Sanderson, born in Green River, Wyo., September 26, 1856. They have had twelve children, James M., Lovena, William E., Howard W., Victor R., Thomas M., Francis E. and Roland L. living; Charles H., John F., Emily E. and Horace D., deceased.

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