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

ALDRICH, MARTIN, wool grower, son of Levi and H Louisa, was born in Worcester, Mass., December  31, 1834. The family came to Utah in '52 and located at Pleasant Grove. In the spring of '59 Martin with his mother and two sisters came to Mt. Pleasant.  He assisted in building the fort and lived in it for a time. Was an active minute man during the Black Hawk war and in several engagements with Indians. He was brought up a farmer and followed that business for several years. In '88 be engaged in wool growing and has been very successful. Was married in Mt Pleasant to Hannah Matson, a native of Denmark. She crossed the plains with her parents in a band cart company.  They have seven children: Amasa, Alanson, Leonora, Victoria, Lyman, Orange and Myron. Mr. Aldrich is following the mining business at present, and was one of the delegates to the Mining Congress held in Salt Lake City. His son Lyman owns half interest in the leading drug store of Mt. Pleasant.

ALLEN, SAMUEL, retired farmer, son of William and Anna Lord, was born in Ratliffe, Lancashire, England, May 29, 1829. He worked at mining and farming till '53, when he emigrated to Utah, crossing the plains in an ox train under Capt. Cyrus Wheelock, arriving in Salt Lake City, October 6, 1853. Resided in the city two years and removed to Provo, thence to Mt.  .Pleasant in '59, where he has followed farming till '93, when he sold out and retired. Being one of the first settlers, he assisted in building the fort and took part in the Black Hawk war. About. '62 he was called on a mission to assist in settling Circle Valley, where he went and helped build the town of Marysvale, from which they were driven away by Indians. His wife was a widow, Harriet West, with two children: Elizabeth and Thomas. They were married in Salt Lake City, August 15, 1854, and had eight children: Caroline, deceased, wife of James Reynolds; Harriet M., wife of A. Winters; Sarah H., deceased, wife of Joseph Seely; Rosella and Willie, deceased, and Martha A., wife of Sylvester Barton, and Samuel H., physician in Provo, and Mary, wife of Ben Hansen.

ALMERTZ, PETER, gardener, was born in Sweden, August 16, 1842. At the age of 12 he learned to be a musician and served at that until he was 18, then became a gardener. In '74 he came to Mt. Pleasant, built a residence and engaged in gardening and teaching pupils on the violin. Was married in Mt. Pleasant, March 15, 1875, to Mary, daughter of Andrew and Martha Anderson, born in Denmark, September 25, 1840. Her parents came to Mt. Pleasant in '60, being among the early settlers.

ANDERSON, C. W woolgrower, son of Nils and Louesa, was born in Sweden, November 12, 1843.  The family joined the Mormon church in '53 and came to Utah, crossing the plains in Capt. Guyman's company, locating in Brigham City. In '58 they removed to Ephraim, where his father was one of the first twenty-two agreeing to locate in Mt. Pleasant. The family, consisting of parents and son C. W., arrived here in March, 1859, building a fort with a few others. His father drew a twenty acre tract and built the third adobe house in town. They lived there for nearly thirty years. Father died in '85, mother in '83. He engaged in farming and now has about 165 acres. In company with Andrew Madsen he went into the cattle and sheep business, they being in partnership several years. They were in the Union Mercantile Co. business two years, and now own the large building and pavilion near by he owns about 3,500 sheep. Was Road Supervisor one year. Assisted in organizing the Union Wool and Live-stock Commission company, in which he was a director, and the Union Mercantile Company. Was one of the originators of the Twin Creek Irrigation Company. His first wife, whom he married in Mt. Pleasant March 8, 1864, was Margaret, daughter of Jens and Hannah Thompson, born in Denmark. They had one child, William M., deceased. Wife died April 12, 1875, and he married again, April 23, 1879, to Johanna Pearson. They have one child, Neilson W.

ANDERSON, O. C., teacher, fourth grade, Mt. Pleasant public schools, son of C. J. and Louise Larson, was born in Mt. Pleasant in 1870. His father was quite a prominent man in the Mormon church. He died September 21, 1895, mother died November 8, 1871. O. C.  attended the public schools of this city and took an academic course in the B. Y. Academy at Provo. Has taught in Mt. Pleasant most all the time since graduation. He also studied music and is an instructor in vocal and instrumental music. Is an active member of the Y. M.  M. I. A. and the Elder's quorum. Was City Recorder one term. Married in Manti February 10, 1892, to Annie M., daughter of Lars and Stena Ericksen, born in Mt. Pleasant February 9, 1872. They have three children: Leslie V., born July 14, 1893; Christina L., July 11, 1895, and William O., June 20, 1897.

AVRETT, CHARLES W., farmer and lumberman, son  of Juththan and Polly J., was born in Perry county, Alabama, July 13, 1836. In '52 the family came to Utah and located in Salt Lake City. In '60 they removed to Springville, where Charles assisted in constructing a threshing machine, which he ran there, and in the fall of '61 he brought it to Mt. Pleasant. He served in the Black Hawk war and was in many skirmishes, his first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Ann Coates.  They were married February 24, 1862, and had nine children living: Charles W., William, John, Frank, James, Annie, Mary, Emma and Delia. His wife died April 25, 1891, and he was married again October 1, 1891, to Emily Coates, a widow, daughter of William and Elizabeth, born in Nashville, Iowa.

BARTON, SYLVESTER a., farmer, son of John and .Susanna, was born in Bountiful, Utah, December 25, 1852. His parents came from Nauvoo, I11., about '49, locating in Bountiful; and when the settlement of Mt. Pleasant was made, they came here, where they died in '87. He was brought up a farmer and now owns about forty acres and a comfortable residence in the city. He is a stockholder and director in the Mt.  Pleasant Creamery company, His wife was Martha, daughter of Samuel and Harriet Allen, born in Ephraim, March 3, 1860. They were married in Mt. Pleasant, November 30, 1877, and have had nine children: Sarah A., Ada A., Lucile and Hugh M., living; Samuel R., Harriet S., Perry E., Marrill A., and John S., deceased.

BEAUMAN, HAROLD C., general agent, son of Harold C. and Ella, was born in Mt. Pleasant, September 20, 1863. His parents emigrated from Denmark in '62 and located in Mt. Pleasant, where they now reside. He worked on the farm and attended the schools of this city. In '86 was appointed postmaster, which position he held for six years. Was City Treasurer four years, County Treasurer two years and elected a member of the City Council in '95. He assisted in organizing the Mt. Pleasant, bank. Now owns a fifty-six acre farm. Is agent for the Royal and Continental Fire Insurance companies, and the Pioneer and Davis county nurseries. Also loans money. Was married in Mt.  Pleasant, September 20, 1892, to Anne, daughter of Henry and Kate De Graff, born in Salt Lake City, September 30, 1870. They have had two children: Harold W., born February 3, 1894, died September 22, 1894, and Ruth F., born October 15, 1895.

BECK, HANS C. H., farmer, son of Peter H. and Maria, was born in Denmark, May 12, 1839. The family came to Utah in '54, locating at Ephraim, where he took part in the Walker war as a lieutenant, and assisted in building the fort. His father removed to Kansas, thence to Wisconsin, where he died, his mother dying in Kansas. He came to Mt. Pleasant April 12, 1859, and built the first house in the town, one block south and two blocks east of the bank; also assisted in building the fort. In '65 he was called on a mission to help build up Circle Valley, where he remained two years, when Indians broke up the settlement and he returned. In '72 he moved to what is now Chester, and built the first house there. He was president of the Chester Irrigation company. He returned to this city in 1889 and erected his present nice residence. His wife, whom he married in Ephraim, was Maria Rasmussen.  They had five children: Joseph, Mena, Frederick M., Ishmael and Carrie. She died in Chester, July 7, 1888.  Second wife was Mary Olsen, married in Salt Lake City in 1858. Their children are: Andrew M., Mary I., Christian, Herman, Olivia and Cecil, living; Myra and Daniel W., deceased.

BJELKE, CARL G., retired shoemaker, son of Niels and Catherine, was born in Sweden, December 13, 1823. He learned the trade of a shoemaker; joined the Mormon church in '57 and emigrated to Utah in '51, crossing the plains in an ox train under Capt. Murdock.  After residing one year in Salt Lake City, he came to Mt. Pleasant in '62, and worked at his trade and on the farm. He built a shop and did quite a business, employing two to three men at the bench. Was one of the original stockholders in the Sanpete County Co-op, one of the largest institutions in the county, and still retains an interest. He retired from the shoe business in '89. His wife was Maria, daughter of Karl and Catherine Wall, born in Sweden. They were married in Mt.  Pleasant in '63 and have three children: Emma, Axtell and Oscar.

BORG, JAMES, harness maker, of the firm of Clemensen & Borg, was born in Sweden September 26, 1852. The family joined the Mormon church and mother and son Lars came to Mt. Pleasant in '61. In '62 James and sister Hannah came, the others following.  Father died here April 12, 1875, mother March l6, 1878.  His father was a harness maker and James learned the trade. Was a freighter to the mining towns of Nevada for several years, then bought a small ranch southwest of the city, where he lived for ten years. He is the only one of the family left in this country. Is a member of the Mormon church. Was married in Salt Lake City September 21, 1882, to Sarah, daughter of Jens and Christina Jorgensen, born in Mt. Pleasant September 11, 1859.  Her parents wore among the early settlers of Mt. Pleasant. They have three children: Georgiana, born June 22, 1882; Mabel G., July 30, 1885, and Perry K., May 11, 1888.

BRABY, THOMAS, woolgrower, son of Edward and Ann, was born in Sussex county, England, January 10, 1864. The family came to Utah in '75, whore they still reside. In September, 1879, he came to Mt.  Pleasant, with L. .J. Jordan; was with him five years as a herder, then was foreman over sheep herders for John H.  Seely  for six years. After this he engaged in business for himself and has been quite successful. Is a stockholder in the Nephi Wool-growers Association. Is Past Master of the A. O. U. W. and Past Noble Grand in the 1. O. O.  F. Was City Marshal four years and precinct Constable six years. Was also Captain Company C, National Guard of Utah for three years. He was married in Salt Lake City September 20, 1887, to Eliza, daughter of William and Mary A. Keddington, born in Salt. Lake City December 14, 1866. They have five children: Annie E., Thomas E., Orson A., Robert R., and Iva P.

BRANDON, WILFORD W., farmer, son of George W.  and Keziah Fowler, was born in Henry county, Tennessee, July 16, 1837. The family joined the Mormon church about 1834, afterwards removing to Hancock county, Illinois, residing there till the Mormons were driven out, thence to Kanesville and in '52 mother, then a widow, and seven children came to Utah in Capt. Henry Miller's company and located at Provo. They removed to Centerville and mother finally became a resident of Salt Lake City, where she now lives. Wilford went out to meet Johnston's army when it came to Utah, worked one year at Fort Bridger and came to Pleasant Grove, where he resided till '61, when he removed to Mt. Pleasant and assisted in building the second fort. Was through the Black Hawk war, being one of the minutemen under Col. Ivie, and was in two engagements with Indians. He bought a small farm and now owns fourteen acres and a residence in the city. Was engaged many years in getting out timber from the canyons; served as City Marshal and was deputy United States Marshal two years. Was married in Pleasant Grove to Margaretta, daughter of Elisha and Annie Pickel Wilcox. They have eight living children: Annie, Keziah, Wilford W., Elisha, George, Thomas, Miner and Eveline.

BROWN, HANS J., farmer, son of George and .Mary, was born in Denmark July 1, 1838. His father died in Denmark and with his mother he emigrated to Utah in '62, crossing the plains in an ox-train under Capt. Murdock, locating at Mt. Pleasant. he threshed grain with a flail in the winters and made adobes in summers for several years, finally buying a farm, now owning about 100 acres. Is a stockholder in the Fairview Co-op store, the new roller mills, the Co-op Sheepherding Institution and vice-president of the Twin Creek and City Creek Reservoir Company. He was head water master for fifteen years for City Creek, member of the City Council in '95 and served as City Marshal. Is one of the presidents of the sixty-sixth quorum of Seventies and president of his church district. Was a traveling elder in Denmark for four and a half years after joining the church in '57 and took an active part in the Indian wars after coming here, serving as lieutenant in the home militia.  Mr. Brown was one of the leading pioneers, taking an active part in building the fort prior the Indian war, and the different enterprises, lending his services to assist and benefit the interests and welfare of the city whenever it was necessary. His first wife was Anna, daughter of Amelius and Bodel Peterson Nielsen, born in Denmark May 20, 1839. They were married April 13, 1862, while crossing the ocean. The second wife was Anna C.  Larsen of Denmark. She has had eight children: Anna D., Hans G., Eliza C.,  Elinora, Andrew M. and Joseph, living; Caroline C. and Mary, deceased.

CAHOON, ANDREW A., wool grower and shipper, son of Andrew Cahoon and Margaret Carruth Cahoon, was born in Murray (then called South Cottonwood), Utah, September 14, 1853. His father was a bishop in the Mormon church, of which he was an early member.  Parents now reside in Murray, he was raised on a farm, but at the age of 18 entered the employ of Jonas Erekson on stock ranch, then an extensive cattleman, where he worked for ten years. In August, 1882, he removed to Mt, Pleasant, being then engaged in the sheep business and handling about 6,000 head. In '94 he sold out and has since been much interested in developing mines in various sections of Utah. The company with which he is connected has a ten-stamp mill on the Gold Queen property in the Blue .Mountain district, he is a charter member of the A. O. U. W. and was school trustee for-three years when plans were selected for the large .new school building. Married in Murray February 25, 1880, to Mary A., daughter of Jonas and Mary Erekson, born in Murray, November 2, 1857. They have four living children: Lenard, Shirley, Vera and Hallie; Joy, deceased.

CANDLAND, HON. W.  D., of Mt Pleasant, is a son of David and Hannah (Wright) Candland, born in Salt Lake City August. 22, 1858. In 1861 the family came to Mt. Pleasant, where our subject attended the city schools. Having his own way to make, he taught school for a time and also worked as surveyor on the railroad. He soon saved money enough to purchase a small band of sheep, and securing a few more on shares, he embarked in business for himself, he is naturally a shrewd and capable business man and enterprising citizen and when any project is launched which helps build up the city he is a leader, he helped organize the Mt. Pleasant Wool and Live Stock Commission Company, of which he is a director and was for a time secretary. He also was one of the organizers of the Electric Light Company, of which he was a director and secretary and is still a stock-holder. He is also a stockholder and secretary in the Mt.  Pleasant Milling Company. In politics Mr. Candland is also a great worker, he was one of those who early saw the old Liberal and People's parties had accomplished their object and the necessity of a division on national party lines, he was the first man to act in organizing the Republican party in Mt. Pleasant in 1891 by making a personal canvass of the city and was for many years chairman of the party. Many thought the action premature and only eleven members were secured, the others gradually falling into line until the party is now in the majority and usually elect their candidates at the polls.  Mr. C. has been a delegate to many of the county and State conventions and in the fall of 1890 was elected Recorder of Sanpete county, which office he held two and a half years. He was a member of the City Council four years and was the first State Senator from Sanpete county, being elected in the fall of 1895. he is a charter member of Mt. Pleasant Lodge of A. O. U. W. W hen our subject was about 18 years of age the family moved to Chester, where he married February 14, 1884, Miss Annie, daughter of Peter M. and Christiana (Folkman) Peel, who is a native of Mt. Pleasant, born December 5, 1860.  Their children are: Winifred, Royal, Maggie and Guy. In 1888 Mr. Candland moved back to Mt. Pleasant.

CARTER, HON. JOHN, ex-Sheriff Sanpete county and ex-Mayor of Mt. Pleasant, son, of John and Ellen Jackson, was born in Preston, Lancashire, England, January 26, 1847. Father died when he was three weeks old and the family, consisting of mother, her brother and parents, came to Utah in 1856, crossing the plains in a handcart company under Edward Martin. This company endured many hardships, many starving, John's grandparents both dying. They arrived in Salt Lake City December, 1856, moving to Pleasant Grove, which he and his mother left in 1859 and came to Mt.  Pleasant, his mother being married to Bishop W. S.  Seely. They were among the first settlers, living in a log cabin inside the fort. John worked at farming and cabinet making, taking an active part in the Black Hawk war as one of the minute company. At the age of 16 he drove an ox team to Florence, Neb., for emigrants and merchandise. He secured a farm and followed that, work, now owning 100 acres and a comfortable residence. In 1889 he performed a mission to Georgia, has served as Constable, City Marshal and member of the City Council.  In 1890 was elected Mayor, serving one term. Was appointed Sheriff in '94, elected in '95 and served two years.  Served as County Selectman for several years.

His wife was Almeda. J., daughter of W. P. and Urania McArthur, born in Ft. Madison October 29, 1847. They were married in Mt. Pleasant March 10, 1868, and have nine children: John P., Ella O., Charles B., Abbie C., Louisa, Mary, Authneal, Parlen and Almeda. M.

CHRISTENSEN, JACOB, son of Christian and Mary, was born in Denmark, September 21, 1827. He joined the Mormon church in his native land February 30, 1853, and was a traveling elder for two years. In 1857 he emigrated to the United States and resided in Omaha for two years, then crossed the plains with his wife, their one child dying on the way, and located at Mt. Pleasant, among the first settlers in the fall of 1859. He now owns a nice farm north of Mt.  Pleasant and is president of the high priests' quorum.  Took an active part in the Black Hawk war, being a Captain of company A, Mt. Pleasant, militia, and was in several engagements with Indians. He has always been a prominent man and much respected in the community.

Was married in Denmark to Inger C. Thompson, who died in Mt. Pleasant May 20, 1888, leaving three living children: Jens C., Mary and Thomas M., and three deceased: Thomas C., Jacob and Christian. His second wife was Ingabor Christiansen. She has five living children: Stena, Christy, Diantha, Marie and Lena; Joseph and Andrew, deceased. The third wife was Anna C.  Marborg, born in Sweden March 2, 1850. She has six living children: Hannah, John C., Henry, Grace, Sadie and Hyrum, with John C. and Jacob, deceased.

CHRISTENSEN, J. G.,  teacher, son of Emanuel and Minnie, was born in Denmark February 24, 1866.  In 1873 the family emigrated to Utah, stopping in Brigham City, then removing to Mt. Pleasant, where mother died January 28, 1871. Father died April 8, 1898, 83 years of age. J. G. attended, the district schools, then entered the B. Y. Academy at Provo, graduating in two years, he then taught school in this city, being principal of the Sanpete Stake Academy for several years. In May, 1896, he went on a mission to Copenhagen. Was a member of the City Council two years and County Treasurer two years. has served as superintendent of the Sunday school of Sanpete county. Was secretary and treasurer of the Union Mercantile Company, which he assisted in organizing. Was married in Mt. Pleasant December 31, 1890, to Dorthea M., daughter of Peter and Dorthea M. Monson, born in Mt. Pleasant July 23, 1865.  They have two children: Ethelinda and George Q.

CLARK, FERDINAND, of the Consolidated Furniture  Company, son of Otto C. F. and Abigail Larsen, was born in Denmark January 23, 1859. He and his mother came to Utah in '73, stopping for a. time in Brigham City, and locating in Mt. Pleasant in '73. He learned the trade of painter, which work he followed several years. In '92 the firm of Clark, Johansen & Co. was formed for handling furniture and in '95 the name was changed to the present one, of which he is secretary, treasurer and manager. They carry a good stock of about $3,000 and do a successful business in furniture, wall paper, carpets, paints, oils, glass and toys. Ferdinand has been City Justice two terms and was elected a member of the City Council in '95. Is a Mormon and very active in church work, having been superintendent of the Sunday school two years, on a mission in Minnesota one year and was president of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association some years ago. Is one of the presidents of the sixty-sixth quorum of Seventies.

His wife was Hannah C., daughter of James C. and Harbro Christensen, born in Mt. Pleasant April 27, 1863. They were married in Mt. Pleasant October 1, 1880, and have had eight children: Rosina A., Otto F., Daniel W., Myrtle and Alonzo, living; Hannah O., Hazel and Heber, deceased.

CLARK, ORRIN, express man, son of Joseph and Phylinda Carpenter, was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., November 7, 1833. His parents joined the Mormon church in early days and lived in the different Mormon settlements in Ohio and Illinois. In '51 they removed to Pleasant Grove, Utah, where mother died in '54, father in '67. Orrin came to Mt. Pleasant in '59 and resided in the fort. Was active in the Black Hawk war.  In '65 he removed to Kanab to assist in settling: that section. He remained there one year, being captain of a company, and having many exciting experiences with the Indians. Returned to Mt. Pleasant in '67 and for many years has run an express and dray wagon. He also owns 120 acres of hay land. Was married in Pleasant Grove in '59 to Sarah Gilson. They have nine children: Phylinda, Joseph, Sarah E., Martha, William, Ella, Bird, Annetta and Addie.

CLEMENSEN, OLEN., harness maker, of the firm of Clemensen & Borg, son of Ole N. and Annie, was born in Mt. Pleasant. September 22, 1863, His parents came here in 1862, father died August 25, 1863, mother still living. The family consisted of parents and three sons and two daughters: George M., Ole N. and Melvina Crane, residing here; Newton E., Presbyterian minister at Logan, and Nephena, wife of E. B. Kelsey, Salt Lake City. Ole N. learned the harness trade at the age of 21 and has since followed it. Was married in Mt.  Pleasant October 25, 1893, to Emma, daughter of David and Sarah Graham, born near Tuscola, I11., January 19, 1868. They have two children: Newton O., born March 7, 1895, and an infant, August 16, 1897.

DAY, GEORGE W., farmer, son of Abraham and Charlotte, was born in Mt. Pleasant September 7, 1865.  His parents were among the early members of the Mormon church, coming to Utah in '51 and locating in Mt. Pleasant in '60. Father was active in the Black Hawk war and a member of the Mormon Battalion, being discharged in California. The father is living in Emery county. George has always resided here. Is a member of the Mormon church and has been president of the elders' quorum and counselor to the president. Was married in Logan Temple November 17, 1886, to Elizabeth E., daughter of Nathan and Eliza Staker, born in Mt. Pleasant February 4, 1866. They have had four children: Arthur G., born November 20, 1888, died April, 1889; Nathan A., born September 2, 1890; Irvin M., September 26, 1892, and Olea, August 18, 1894.

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