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

AMES, REUBEN K., farmer, son of Reuben, was born in Ephraim September 17, 1857. His father was a native of Norfolk, England, Joined the Mormon church and emigrated to Utah in the early '50s, living in Salt Lake City, Manti, Ephraim and Moroni, coming here in '59. He took an active part in the Black Hawk war, and was a prominent man in Sunday-school work and among children. He followed farming and was universally admired by those who knew him. Both parents died, leaving five children, of which the subject of this sketch is one. Reuben K. was raised here and engaged in farming, now owns a nice thirty-acre farm one mile east of the city. He served as a member of the City Council two years. Is an active member of the Mormon church and a much respected man. Was married in Moroni November 13, 1881, to Mary M., daughter of James and Mary A.  Cloward, born in Salem, Utah. She died in '89, leaving five children: Reuben R., Melissa, James, Glendora and Roscoe. He was married again in April 1891, to Helen, daughter of H. P. and Ansene Peterson, a native of Denmark.  They have had three children: Edith and Sada, living; Mary, deceased.

ANDERSON, ANDREW, manager and treasurer of the Co-op store, son of Peter and Christina, was born in Moroni November 8, 1864. He was educated in the Moroni district schools, and in '81 entered the Co-op as a clerk. In '89 he became manager. He has three assistants and carries a general stock of dry goods and groceries, besides farm machinery, wagons and buggies. The stock usually carried amounts to $20,000 and the firm does a business of $50,000 a year. Bishop John W. Irons is president. Andrew is a live, hustling business man and one of the representative citizens. In '98 he con structed. one of the finest residences in the city. Was married in Manti December 10, 1890, to Mary A., daughter of Lars N. and Peruella Larsen, born in Moroni December 27, 1863. Her parents, both now deceased, were among the early settlers of Moroni. She has two children: Andrew F. and Rodney L.

ANDERSON, JOACHIM C, contractor and builder and member of the City Council, son of Andrew C. and Katrina, was born in Denmark September 13, 1852.  He learned the trade of a carpenter and in '81 came to the United States, residing in Iowa, Illinois and St. Paul, Minn., till '86, when he removed to Manti, having joined the Mormon church in St. Paul, and worked on the Temple two and a half years, when he came to Moroni and worked over one year on the meeting-house. He then opened a shop and has contracted and put up many buildings in Moroni. Owns a forty-acre farm; was a school trustee three terms and elected a member of the City Council in '97. Is an active member of the Democratic club, having served as chairman and secretary. Is secretary of the quorum of Seventies and a director of the ecclesiastical board and a much respected citizen. Was married in Logan October 21, 1887, to Annie C. Anderson, born in Mt. Pleasant September 2, 1867. They have had five children: Abner J., Andrew F., Raphael M. and Ira K., living; Irvin V., deceased.

ANDERSON, DANIEL, farmer, son of Neils J. and Caroline, was born in Denmark March 28, 1866.  The family joined the Mormon church in '72, came to Utah and located at Moroni. Mother died here.  Father is still living and has performed a mission to his native land. Daniel grew up here to farm work and now has seventy-five acres of land. He was married in Logan Temple, October 27, 1886, to Vilate, daughter of James M. and Mary A. Cloward, born in Moroni April 17, 1870.  Her father was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, October 17, 1826; came to Utah in '51 and to Moroni about '67. He served as a member of the City Council and Mayor and was accidentally killed by a horse in Emery county May 27, 1890. He was a blacksmith and a prominent citizen. Mother was born in Chester county, Penn., July 19, 1836, and died in Moroni April 24, 1886.  The children of Daniel and Vilate are: Mary C, Daniel J. and Annie E., living; Addie V. and an unnamed infant deceased.

BAILEY, JOHN, farmer and stock raiser. and member of the City Council, son of John and Jane, was born in Leiscestershire, England, November 26, 1840.  The family joined the Mormon church and in '56 emigrated to Utah, crossing the plains in Capt. Martin's handcart company, fitted out at Florence, Nebraska, in which many persons died from cold and hunger. They were met by a relief expedition and brought to Salt Lake City and from there went to Nephi, where they resided till '60, when they came to Moroni. They took up land and farmed. Father died in '91, aged 85 years. Mother died in '95, aged 86 years. John took part in the Black Hawk war as a minuteman, being in the engagements in Salina canyon and Grass valley. In '63 he returned to the Missouri river after emigrants. He now has a farm of sixty acres and is a stockholder in the Co-op store. Is a prominent Democrat, being chairman of the party, and a member of the City Council, which position he has held thirteen years. Is road supervisor and a representative citizen. Was married in Moroni February 20, 1866, to Charlotte, daughter of Joseph and Ellen Shepherd, born in Staffordshire, England, May 7, 1848. They have eleven children: Sarah E., Ellen, Jane, John, Joseph, Parley, Albert, George, Edward, Melissa and Fern.

BLACKHAM, JOHN, farmer, son of Samuel and Martha Robinson, was born in Lancashire, England, November 14, 1827. He learned the trade of a cotton spinner, joined the Mormon church April 28, 1849, and in '55 came to Utah with his wife and two children, crossing the plains in Capt. Milo Andrews' ox-train, and located in Salt Lake City. In '56 he responded to the call of Brigham Young and went with others in an expedition to relieve the handcart company. He removed to Fillmore in '57 and in '59 came to Moroni, where he received a small farm and now has twenty-seven acres. He took an active part in the Black Hawk war, holding- the rank of Second Lieutenant, and was in the Salina canyon engagement.  With his three sons he was among the first to work on the Manti Temple. Is a stockholder and formerly a director in the Co-op store and a land company.  Is a member of the High Priests' quorum and was for several years superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is an old resident and respected citizen. Was married in England April 21, 1851, to Susannah, daughter of John and Betsey Lees, born in Lancashire, December 11, 1830. They have nine children: Elizabeth, Martha, William, John, Josiah, Samuel, Alma, Betsey and Mary A.  Second wife was Elizabeth Christensen. She has two children: John M. and Annie.

BLACKHAM, WILLIAM, farmer, woolgrower and manufacturer of lumber, son of John and Susan, was born in Salt Lake City October 31, 1856. He came to Moroni with his parents in the spring of '59 and grew up to farm work. At the age of 18 he began freighting produce to the mining camps of Utah and Nevada and continued in that business fifteen years. He then bought a farm and now owns forty acres and a band of 500 sheep. In '95 he and William Cook bought a portable sawmill east of Mt. Pleasant, which they run. He served as a. member of the City Council two years and is an honest, hardworking man. Was married in Salt Lake City March 24, 1881, to Vicinia C, daughter of Uriah and Elizabeth Curtis, born in Springville, Utah, October 15, 1860.

BLACKHAM, ALMA, farmer and woolgrower, son of John and Susannah, was born in Moroni November 5, 1869. He was raised to the occupation of a farmer and when he attained manhood bought a small farm. He now owns twenty acres of land and has 2,300 sheep. Is an active Republican politician, an energetic worker and prominent citizen in church and public matters. He was married in Manti Temple December 22, 1893, to Lucy, daughter of Henry E. and Amelia Potter, born in Moroni. They have two children: Amelia and Alma E.

BLACKHAM, HIRAM, farmer, son of James and Harriett, was born in Moroni March 14, 1861, being one of the first children born in the town. His parents emigrated from England in '57, locating in Salt Lake City, then to Nephi and to Moroni, as one of the first families.  Father helped make the first irrigation ditches.  Hiram was brought up here to farming and has been engaged in that work. He was baptized into the Mormon church in '73, and for the past five years has been counsellor to the president of the Elders' quorum. Was married in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, November 22, 1874, to Arlety, daughter of Isaac and Abiah Morley, born in Moroni February 15, 1863. They have seven children: Hiram, Harriett, Edgar, Edney, Alphonso, Morley B. and Laura.

BRADLEY, HON. ORLANDO, Mayor, son of George H. and Elizabeth A. Love, was born in Moroni December 25, 1862. He was raised on a farm and has followed farming all his life. Now owns thirty-five acres of good land. In '93 he was elected a member of the City Council and served as City Marshal for a short time. In '97 he was elected Mayor on the Democratic ticket and serves in that capacity with satisfaction to the people.  He has performed a mission of two years to the Southern States and is prominent in church and political circles.  Was married in Logan December 4, 1884, to Irene, daughter of William and Mary H. Draper, born in Spanish Fork March 8, 1861. They have had five children: Laura, Grover O., assistant superintendent of the Sunday school, Sadie M. and Irene A., living; Mary E., deceased.

BRADLEY, ANDREW L., member of the City Council and farmer, son of George H. and Elizabeth A.  Love, was born in Nephi, Utah, June 6, 1858. He came with his parents to Moroni in '59, where they were the first settlers. At the age of 16 he began freighting to the mines of Utah and Nevada, when his father and grandfather became railroad contractors, and he worked for them. He afterward became a contractor in hauling coal and grading on the Sanpete Valley railway. Is now engaged in farming and owns thirty acres. Served as a school trustee three years and in '97 was elected a member of the City Council on the Democratic ticket. Is a prominent politician and has been a delegate to many State and county conventions. Was married in Salt Lake City February 3, 1881, to Elsie M., daughter of John N.  and Elsie Anderson Larsen, born in Moroni September 20, 1861. They have six children: Andrew L., Ella M., John F., Mary G., Katie and Bigelow.

CHRISTENSEN, NIELS, farmer and proprietor of the Moroni Creamery, son of Niels and Christiana, was born in Mill Creek, Salt Lake county, Utah, May 16, 1859. The family came to Moroni in '60 and Niels was raised here to farm work. When he grew to manhood he engaged in farming and stock raising, and now has 170 acres of land. In the spring of '95 he started the Moroni Creamery, with a capacity of 3,000 pounds per day. He is now making about 2,000 pounds daily. He served as a member of the City Council two years and is a prominent, reliable business man. He was married in Salt Lake City January 15, 1880, to Maria, daughter of Rasmus and Maria Johnson, born in Denmark October 5, 1859. They have had seven children: Hannah E., Elmer E., Ruby C, Grover E. and Rhoda A., living; Victoria M. and Niels E., deceased.

CHRISTENSEN, PETER C, farmer, son of Christian and Caroline, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, December 5, 1850. His parents died on the ocean while en route to Utah and he was taken by John Fosgren, who brought him to Utah in '53, locating in Eagle valley till '58, thence to Box Elder county and in '59 he came to Moroni. He lived with Fosgren about five years, then with Abner Lowry twelve years. In '66 he began farming for himself and has followed farming, freighting and the mercantile business. Is now engaged in farming, having 140 acres of land. Owns an interest in a steam sawmill and is a stockholder in the Meadow View Creamery company. Has served as a member of the City Council and delegate to many county conventions of the Republican party, of which he is an active member. Served as counsellor in the Elders' quorum two years. He was married in the Salt Lake Temple to Mary, daughter of Edward and Ophelia Mallinson. They have nine children: Edward C, Peter A., Blanche, Ernest R., Hannah, Nelson, Randall, Viola and Frank J.

CHRISTENSEN, NIELS, retired farmer, was born in Denmark April 25, 1832. He was raised on a farm, joined the Mormon church in '53 and in '57 came to Utah, crossing the plains in a handcart company under Capt.  Christiansen. The company was fitted up at Iowa City and he, with his wife and three children, started for Utah. Caroline, the eldest child, was then 3 years old, and is now married to Lauritz Christensen of Freedom.  The second child died on the road and the third, Christina, then only three weeks old, is now the wife of James Syme of Moroni. They had to haul the children, bedding and provisions by hand and were eighty-seven days making the trip. He first located at Mill Creek, Salt Lake county, remaining two years, and in January 1860, came to Moroni, where he bought a small farm; now owns eighty-six acres. He took part in the Black Hawk war, being an express carrier. Has served as a member of the City Council several terms; was City Justice two years.  Assisted in organizing the Co-op store and served as a director and superintendent two years. He has always been active in church matters, being a teacher, counsellor, assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school and at present a member of the High Priests' quorum. Was married in Denmark in January 1853, to Christiana Christensen, daughter of Jeppa and Karen. She died in Moroni September 28, 1884. The children not named as crossing the plains are: Niels, Hyrum, Christiana E., Emily and Heber.

CHRISTENSEN, J. M., JR., principal of the district schools, son of James M. and Annie K., was born in Moroni October 27, 1868. His parents came to this country in '67 and located at Moroni, where father was engaged as a farmer and merchant and served as Mayor of the city for several years. He took part in the Black Hawk war and was superintendent of the Co-op store for some time, in which he is still interested. Is the principal stockholder in the Meadow View Creamery and one of the firm of J. M. Christensen & Co., Salt Lake City, where he now resides. J. M., Jr., grew up here, attended the schools of Moroni and the Deseret University and began teaching. In '92 and '93 he was made principal of the schools, which position he still retains with satisfaction to patrons and pupils. Is a stockholder in the Co-op store and a director and treasurer of the Meadow View Creamery company. Is an active Democratic politician and has served the third term as a member of the City Council. Was married in Manti December 5, 1894, to Elizabeth, daughter of George H. and Elizabeth Bradley, born in Moroni December 28, 1874. They have one child: Melba.

CHRISTENSEN, LAURITZ, farmer and stock raiser, son of Soren and Elsie, was born in Denmark April 28, 1845. His early days were spent in farming and fishing and as a ferry man. The family joined the Mormon church about '58, and in '60 emigrated to Utah, crossing the plains in Capt. Oscar Stoddard's handcart company. They fitted out at Florence; father, mother and two sons pulled the handcart to Salt Lake City and located in Moroni, where parents died. In '64 Lauritz went back after emigrants. When the Black Hawk war broke out he was chosen Captain and led his company into the engagements in Salina canyon and at Fish Lake.  In '75 he located at his present home, where he has a nice sixty-acre farm, with good orchard, one and a half miles north of Freedom. Was married in Salt Lake City May 19, 1873, to Caroline, daughter of Niels and Christiana Christensen, born in Denmark. They have eleven children: Lauritz U., Vina, Ettie, Niels A., Emma I. Soren E., Joseph, William E., Dorthea, Celia M. and Ernest L.

COOK, DANIEL H., blacksmith and City Councilor, son of William N. and Elizabeth, was born in Gold Hanger, Essex county, England, December 1, 1850. He entered a blacksmith shop when 9 years old and worked there till '66, when he came to Utah on account of having joined the Mormon church; crossed the plains in Capt.  Glassby's ox-train and located at Salt Lake City. In November 1874, he removed to Moroni, where he has followed his trade and erected a fine brick residence. He was one of the first miners in the Tintic district and helped develop that district at Silver City and Camp Floyd. Now owns a seventy-five-acre farm, which is conducted by the boys. Is an active Democrat and was elected a member of the City Council in '97. Has served as a delegate to several county and State conventions.  Is an active churchman, member of the Elders' quorum and a respected citizen. Was married in Salt Lake City October 3, 1873, to Emeline, daughter of William and Fannie Draper, born in Draperville, Utah, June 8, 1855.  They have had seven children: William N., Charles R., Edna E., Clara B., Chloe and Macel E., living; Lily M., deceased.

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