Sanpete County Utah Biographies

 

 

Aagard, Andrew
Aagard, A. James
Allred, Wily P.
Anderson, Archibald R.
Anderson, Arthur
Anderson, Christian W.
Anderson, James Jr.
Anderson, Rasmus
Barnes, Fremont
Bench, John Longman
Brand, George W.

 Utah Since Statehood Index

 

Utah Since Statehood
Author is Noble  Warrum - 1919

 

 

ANDREW J. AAGARD.

The contribution of the Scandinavian countries to the citizenship of Utah has been a most valuable one. Among those who have come from Denmark is Andrew J. Aagard, of Fountain Green, who although now seventy-five years of age, is still managing important sheep raising and farming interests and who is also identified with banking in his section of the state. He was born in Denmark, January 15, 1844, a son of Peterson and Maren (Anderson) Aagard, who came to Utah in 1860, traveling with ox teams across the country before the era of railroad building. They first settled at Moroni and in 1863 removed to Fountain Green, where the father followed the occupation of farming.  He was an active and consistent member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was ordained a high priest. Because of his age he was able only to do guard duty during the Indian war of 1866, but had served in the Danish army in the Napoleonic war of 1814. Andrew J. Aagard has only one living sister, who is the widow of H. P. Olson, and only one brother came to Utah, his death later occurring at Levan. 

Andrew J. Aagard acquired a common school education in Denmark and learned the English language after coming to the new world. He attended night school at Moroni for one season and managed the home farm for his father until the latter's death. He then entered business on his own account, becoming the possessor of farm land, cattle and horses and later specialized in sheep raising. For six years he managed a cooperative sheep herd and then carried on the business independently, breeding his sheep up from year to year until today he has one of the large herds of Merino sheep and ranks with the leading stock raisers of this section of the state. Although seventy-five years of age he is a man possessed of wonderful vitality and still manages his farming and sheep raising interests. He also has stock in two banks and in the Gunnison sugar factory farms and he is the vice president of the Bank of Fountain Green and also vice president of the North Sanpete Bank at Mount Pleasant. His business interests are therefore broad and varied and his enterprise and industry have constituted the foundation upon which he has built a gratifying success.

On the 14th of March, 1865, at Moroni, Mr. Aagard was married to Miss Annie Jenson, a daughter of Jens and Maren Jenson, who came to Utah in 1862, first settling at Moroni and afterward removing to Fountain Green, where they lived to an advanced age. Mrs. Aagard has but one sister, who is now a resident of Canada, and she had two brothers but both have passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Aagard have been born the following named: Mary is the wife of Sanford Holman and has eight children. Annie is the wife of N. M. Jenson and has three daughters. Ellen is the wife of James Yergenson and has seven children. Hannah is the wife of J. H. Wikkelson and has six children. Andrew J. married Louvinia Jenson and has three children. Wilson P. married Rachel Collard and died in 1912, leaving a wife and one child. Lena is the wife of Albert Olson, a resident of Wyoming, and they have eight children. John married Nellie Ostler and has seven children. He filled a mission of two years to Boston as traveling elder, while Wilson P. filled a mission to the south and was president of the conference in Kentucky.The religious faith of the family has long been that of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In politics Mr. Aagard is a stalwart republican and for a number of years he served as a member of the city council of Fountain Green and for two terms filled the office of mayor, discharging his duties with marked capability and fidelity.

His experiences have been broad, varied and interesting during the period of his residence in this state. He is one of the Indian war veterans, having served under Captain James Guyman in 1866, while in 1867 he was with the cavalry command of Captain Holbrook, and during the troubles the families were removed to Moroni to live in shacks, while all able bodied men built the fort in Fountain Green and attended to the farms.  He used oxen in his farm work in the early days and on one occasion, in 1862, when President Young went to visit the settlement, as was his custom of doing each year, he was driving from Moroni to Fountain Green in his carriage with a party of elders when he undertook to pass the ox team of Mr. Aagard, who then whipped up his oxen, running the president a race for some distance to the great amusement of the ancient head of the church. Mr. Aagard has now reached the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey but is splendidly preserved, a hale and hearty man still active in the management of his agricultural and stock raising interests, who, when questioned if he had not retired, replied yes, he had retired at the usual time yesterday and would continue to do so during the balance of his days. This indicates the energetic spirit which has always characterized him in the conduct of his business affairs and has brought him from a humble financial position to a place of prominence among the prosperous men of the state.


A. JAMES AAGARD.

A. James Aagard, devoting his attention to farming and sheep raising at Fountain Green, was there born January 8, 1870. his parents being Andrew J. and Annie (Jenson) Aagard. The father came to Utah in 1860. settling at Moroni, and in 1863 removed to Fountain Green. He was married in 1865 to Annie Jenson and both are still living.  He has prospered in his business affairs, is now the owner of a large number of sheep, is vice president of two banks-one at Fountain Green and the other at Mount Pleasant -and he owns the principal general merchandise store in Fountain Green. He likewise holds stock in the Gunnison sugar factory and, although now seventy-five years of age, remains still very active in business, giving personal attention and management to his farm and sheep raising interests. He seems to possess the energy, endurance and progressiveness of a man of half his years. He was a member of Captain Holbrook's company in the Black Hawk war. To Andrew J. and Annie Aagard were born six children who are yet living: A. James, John E., Mary, Annie Ellen, Hannah and Rena.  Two brothers and one sister of the family have passed away. 

A. James Aagard supplemented his common school education, acquired at Fountain Green, by a commercial course of nearly four years in the Brigham Young University.  When his textbooks were put aside he took up farming and sheep raising and built up his flocks to several thousand head and annually improved the grade by introducing strains of the finest thoroughbred sheep. Owing to a shortage of pasturage, he has at the present time reduced his herd to thirty-five hundred. He likewise became one of the stockholders of the Big Springs Electric Company on its organization. 

On the 1st of April, 1908, in Salt Lake City, Mr. Aagard was married to Miss Annie Luvina Jensen, a daughter of J. M. and Caroline (Andersen) Jensen, who were early settlers of Sevier county and thence came to Fountain Green, where they were living during the Indian troubles. Mr. Jensen went east for emigrants, driving an ox team, and was especially helpful through his ministrations in the homes of the sick. Both he and his wife have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Aagard have become parents of five children: James Conrad, who was born at Fountain Green, November 28. 1909; Andrew Jensen Orvord, whose birth occurred at Fountain Green, February 2, 1911; Annie Reva.  born at Fountain Green on the 4th of December, 1914; and Oris Edward and Iris, both of whom are deceased.

Mr. Aagard is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in 1902 went on a mission to the southern states under President B. E. Rich, returning in 1905 after an absence of thirty-one months. He was called from Ohio to preside in Kentucky and he did special canvassing work in connection with the elders that was very gratifying to the president. He made ready response to the call for mission work and arrived in Cincinnati just one week from the day when he was asked to undertake the mission. He was counselor to the former bishop and is retained by the present bishop. Recently he has been called to go to work in the Manti temple for two years without compensation and he will lease his home and farm during his missionary labors there. He is a member of the high priest quorum. He is also a member of the Amusemen Hall Association, which met a need in the life of the community for interesting and helpful entertainment. He has also served as president of the town board, being elected without a dissenting vote. Later he was a member of the city council, following the incorporation of Fountain Green, and in 1915 he was elected to the state legislature and was the first man in Utah to vote for statewide prohibition. His aid and influence are always on the side of those agencies and forces which work for the uplift of the individual and the up building of the community at large. He is a well educated man, kindly and genial in spirit, and is loved by all who know him. He is prominent in all interests for the benefit of the town and the church and is broad-minded and helpful.


WILY P. ALLRED.

Wily P. Allred, a wool grower and farmer whose industry and enterprise are the basic elements of a substantial success, makes his home at Fountain Green, Sanpete county. He was born, however, at Monroe, Sevier county, Utah, March 16, 1865, a son of Parley P. and Caroline (Anderson) Allred, who in 1868 removed to Fountain Green, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Sanpete county who faced the hardships and privations of frontier life to aid in the reclamation of a wild region for the purposes of civilization. They were married in Ephraim in 1859. In 1865 the father joined the military forces to aid in protecting the settlers against the Indians and participated in the Black Hawk war, in which he was shot through the clothing, while a bullet grazed his cheek, but he escaped all serious injury notwithstanding the fact that he participated in a number of engagements. In 1863 he drove a team to the Missouri river to bring immigrants to Utah. The family of Parley P. and Caroline Allred numbered ten children.

In the public schools of Fountain Green, Wily P. Allred pursued his education and early in life took up the occupation of farming. In 1906 he became actively interested in sheep raising, to which he has since given his attention. His early life was a period of earnest and unremitting toil. In fact he labored so hard for fifteen years of his life that he says he would be glad to forget it. However, his unfaltering industry constituted the basis of his present day success, and he is now numbered among the substantial farmers and wool growers of this section of the state. He today owns a large number of sheep and his annual cut of wool brings him a gratifying remuneration. He has also become a stockholder in the Bank of Fountain Green, of which he is a charter member. He is likewise a stockholder in the Peoples Sugar Company at Moroni and was one of the promoters of the Big Spring Electric Light & Power Company, Inc.  On the 16th of December, 1885, Mr. Allred was married to Miss Mary Ann Anderson, a daughter of Andrew and Martha (Olsen) Anderson. Mrs. Allred passed away, and on the 11th of July, 1911. at Manti, Mr. Allred wedded Marie Larson, a daughter of Swen and Christina L. (Matheson) Larson, who was a widow at the time she became the wife of Mr. Allred. The children of his first marriage are: Wily E., who was born July 20, 1887, and was married February 24, 1910, to Naomi Oterstrom, by whom he has two children; Wilford Ray, born March 10, 1890; and Andrew Delbert, born July 1, 1894. Mr. Allred has also adopted two children of his second wife's first marriage: Afton C. Larson Allred, who was born December 15, 1896; and Mildred E. Larson Allred, who was born August 30, 1898.

Mr. Allred belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and politically gives his allegiance to the republican party. He has served as a member of the town board. He is of the third generation of the Allred family in Utah, for his grandfather was one of the early pioneers of 1851, removing to this state during the boyhood of Parley P. Allred. The grandfather joined the church in 1839 and was well acquainted with Joseph and Hyrum Smith. He passed through all of the persecutions in Illinois and Missouri and worked on the Nauvoo Temple. The Allred family is today widely and favorably known throughout Utah and many of the name remain in Sanpete county, where they are classed with the most substantial and valued citizens. The record of Wily P. Allred is in harmony with that of an honorable and honored ancestry and he enjoys the respect of all with whom he has been brought in contact.


ARCHIBALD R. ANDERSON.

Archibald R. Anderson, of Fairview, is the owner of an excellent property devoted to hay and pasture, and the place is well equipped according to modern standards of agricultural life. He was born February 23, 1868, in Fairview, and is one of a family of nine children whose parents were John and Helena (Reese) Anderson. His mother crossed the plains with a handcart company in 1856, while the father made the trip across the long stretches of hot sand and over the mountains in the same manner in the year 1857. They were married in Utah and in the work of the church John Anderson took a deep interest and helpful part. He was superintendent of the Sunday school at Fairview for years, was active in all branches of church work and ever most strictly observed the Sabbath day. He cooperated likewise in every plan and project for the up building of his town and his life was characterized by high purposes and lofty principles. He died May 27, 1900, and the mother survived until August 28, 1912.  Their children were as follows: Agnes, born in 1866, became the wife of Albert Christiansen and had twelve children, three of whom are now deceased. Archibald R.  is the second of the family. Sarah Ann, born in 1870, is not married. Nora, born in 1872, became the wife of John Bench, had five children and died in 190S. Helena D..  born in 1874, is the wife of Dr. O. K. Hansen, of Provo and has six children. Christine Theresa, born in 1876, is the wife of E. L. Miner and has eight children. Dr. J. R.  Anderson, born in 1879. is engaged in the practice of medicine in Springville. Maud, born in 1881, is the wife of C. P. Olson and has six children. Margaret Georgina, born in 1883, completes the family. Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Miner are missionaries in Honolulu. Hawaii, Mr. Miner being called twelve years ago for service in that field, where he edits the paper and manages the school. He is a very efficient member of the church and his work is of such value that he is still needed there. For his second wife John Anderson married Hetty Brady and to them were born four children: Berdella, Flossie, Mamie and Hugh. At his death the father owned a large flock of sheep, which he divided among his children, our subject, his brother and sisters coming into possession of their share at the death of their mother.

Archibald R. Anderson passed through consecutive grades in the public schools of Fairview and in 1897 entered upon a review course at the Brigham Young University at Provo. Starting out in the business world, he was first connected with his father in managing his sheep interests, having a third interest in the business, which they continued to carry on under that plan until his father's death, following which Archibald R. Anderson settled up the sheep industry with his family upon the above basis, not taking any of his father's interests but giving all to his mother, brothers and sisters. He later purchased a part of the interests of the others in the estate and a part is still held by others of the family, from which they receive an annual dividend. Mr.  Anderson has greatly improved his sheep by introducing the Rambouillet stock until he has a valuable and well bred flock of sheep today. He is the owner of a good farm and has a fine brick residence in Fairview, supplied with all modern equipment. The place presents a most neat and attractive appearance and indicates his careful supervision and progressive methods. He is also the owner of stock in the Fairview State Bank and is now vice president of that institution.

On the 5th of February, 1902, at Manti, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Ida R. Bushman, who was born September 14, 1879, a daughter of Jacob and Charlotte (Terley) Bushman, whose parents were at Nauvoo and passed through the troublous times of the Mormon church there. Her mother's father belonged to the Terley family, which shielded Joseph Smith before he gave himself up to the authorities and was killed in a Carthage, Illinois, jail. The Terley family crossed the plains with the pioneers and Mr. and Mrs. Bushman settled at Lehi but after several years there spent were called upon to aid in the settlement of Arizona. In 1889, Mr. Bushman returned to Fairview, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred March 25, 1919. His wife passed away November 1, 1899. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Anderson are as follows: Amanda married John Saby and has eight children.  Theodore M. wedded Merilla Lambson and their children are five in number. Sarah is the widow of Henry Fowles, by whom she had three children, two now deceased.  Grace, deceased, married Emanuel Lundquist and they had eight children. Jacob B.  married Effie Bills and to them were born eight children. Ella I. is the wife of Orin Barker and they have seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are the parents of five children. Archie J., who was born in Fairview, June 28, 1903; Vora Vivian and Ora Nivian, twins, born July 5, 1906; and Helena Charlotte, born December 5, 1913. The daughter Vora passed away May 25, 1916. Jennie V. died in infancy.  Mr. Anderson votes with the republican party and for two years he served as justice of the peace at Fairview, in which connection he rendered decisions that were strictly fair and impartial. He has also served on the petit and federal juries. He belongs to the Mormon church, in which faith he was reared, and he filled a mission to Scotland, the native country of his ancestors, going in 1895, returning in 1897, after twenty-six months spent as traveling elder. A year after his return he was called to labor in the Manti Temple in the various ordinances and did so for two years without compensation, maintaining himself in the meantime. After five years of service in the church he married and established his home in Fairview. He is a member of the Home Missionaries, a member of the High Council of North Sanpete, has been counselor of the Young Men's Improvement Association and has been assistant superintendent of the Sunday school for several years. The interests of his life are broad and well balanced, making him a forceful factor in the community welfare.


ARTHUR ANDERSON.

Arthur Anderson, the owner of a good farm in Sanpete county, was born in Ephraim, September 26, 1877. He is a son of Andrew C. and Elizabeth (Dungaard) Anderson.  The father was born in Denmark in 1853 and came to Utah with his parents when a little lad of eight years, at which time the family home was established at Ephraim.  He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, at which time he married and began his domestic life at Ephraim. After five and a half years he removed to Mayfield, where he has since resided, following farming for many years, or until 1916, when he retired from active business life. He has been prominent in community affairs and is respected by all who know him.

Arthur Anderson was but a young child when his parents removed to Mayfield, where he now lives. He acquired his education in the public schools and when a young man went to Nevada, spending some time in that state, in Idaho and in Wyoming.  However, he returned to Mayfield in 1907 and here took up merchandising and farming.  He remained active in the commercial circles of the city until 1917. when he disposed of his store and turned his attention to the live stock business. In this he has won a very substantial measure of success and he is today the owner of a good home and an excellent farm property. He raises high grade stock and his capable management of his business affairs is bringing to him very gratifying success. 

Mr. Anderson was married in Mayfield, January 31, 1900, to Miss Malinda Sorensen. who was born November 9, 1876, "a daughter of John and Christina (Saunders) Sorensen. Her father was one of the first settlers of Mayfield, where he carried on farming and stock raising. In 18S2 he removed to Rabbit valley but after seven years returned to Mayfield, where he again lived for two years. He then once more went to Rabbit valley, where he passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have become the parents or seven children: Blanche L., born July 25, 1902; Glenn A., October 30, 1905; Lamar.  November 7, 1907; Thelma and Delina, twins, born June 14. 1910; Royal A., October 4, 1912; and Etheline, August 9, 1916.

Mr. Anderson has always been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. His political support is given to the democratic party but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him. Ho has worked dilisentlv and persistently in the conduct of his business interests and his close application and capable management have constituted the basic principles in the attainment of his prosperity.


CHRISTIAN W. ANDERSON.

With the sheep industry in Sanpete county Christian W. Anderson of Mount Pleasant is closely and prominently associated and throughout the period of his connection with agricultural interests he has displayed a most progressive spirit and has occupied a position of leadership which has largely established a standard of activity for others along agricultural lines. Mr. Anderson was born November 11, 1843, in Malmo, Sweden, and came to Utah with his parents when a lad of twelve years. He is a son of Nels Wedergren and Louisa (Linburg) Anderson, who were likewise natives of Sweden.  They joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1853 and on the 11th of November, 1854. started for America to join the colonists of their religious faith in Utah. They crossed the plains with ox teams in 1855 and soon after arriving at Salt Lake removed to Brigham, where they remained until after the big move, when the family home was established at Ephraim in 1858. On the 20th of March, 1859, Mr.  Anderson became one of the pioneers who settled Mount Pleasant, then known as Hamilton.It had been previously settled but afterward abandoned by the Hamilton party on account of Indian attacks. The second settlers remained and Wedergren Anderson continued a resident of Mount Pleasant until his death, being active throughout the entire period in various offices for the church. He died in 1880 and the mother passed away in 1882. C. W. Anderson has an only sister, who was born in 1840 and on the 25th of December, 1858, became the wife of Andrew Madsen, a son of Lars and Boel Madsen.

C. W. Anderson acquired his early education in the common schools of Sweden and after coming to America in order to acquaint himself with the English language attended school for one winter, the school being held in the basement of the church at Brigham. He studied spoiling and mathematics and later he continued his education by attending night school at Mount Pleasant. His has been a life of unremitting industry and his attention has largely been given to farming and the raising of sheep and other live stock. As he has prospered in his undertakings as a farmer he has invested his surplus in stock and sheep and is still largely interested along those lines. Sheep raising constitutes the most important industry of Sanpete county and Mr. Anderson is a prominent figure in connection therewith. In his farm work he has always followed the most progressive methods and that he is a man of initiative and enterprise is indicated in the fact that he brought the first mower and the first self-binder to Mount Pleasant. Also, in connection with his brother-in-law, Andrew Madsen, he ordered from Buffalo, New York, the first threshing machine used in the county. It was sent by water to San Francisco and by team to Salt Lake and thence brought to its destination. Mr. Anderson was likewise connected with the first sawmill, in which all the lumber was sawed for the Manti Temple. He figured as" one of the most prominent, active and influential men of Sanpete county during the early years of its development and progress. As time has passed and he has prospered in his undertakings he has become a stockholder in various important business enterprises and industries. On the organization of the North Sanpete Bank of Mount Pleasant he made investment in its stock and is also a stockholder in the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Provo, in the Utah-Idaho Sugar Company and in the Consolidated Wagon & Machine Company. He has displayed sound judgment and keen sagacity in the conduct of all of his business affairs and his success has followed as the legitimate outcome of intelligently directed effort. 

In 1874 C. W. Anderson was married to Miss Margaret Thompson, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret Thompson. Mrs. Anderson passed away in 1875. For his second wife Mr. Anderson chose Johannah Pearson, a daughter of Lars and Benta (Poulson) Pearson, who were natives of Sweden and came to Utah at an early day, spending quiet lives at Mount Pleasant until called to their final rest. The only son of Mr. Anderson's first marriage was William Martin, who died when but six months old. The children of the second marriage were: James McCalius, who died at the age of seven years; and Nelson W., who was born in Mount Pleasant, July 3, 1885. He was married in October, 1909, to Emma C. Johnson, of Salt Lake, and they became parents of six children, of whom three died in infancy, while those living are: Hulda Elizabeth, born November 14, 1910; Gordon N" born April 20, 1915: Olive Emma, born May 5, 1918, Nelson W.  Anderson filled a mission to Sweden, leaving home in February. 1907. and returning in June, 1909. He was educated in the graded schools of Mount Pleasant and the Latter-day Saints College at Salt Lake, where he studied for seven years, pursuing a general and also a commercial course. He likewise took a missionary course and also spent one year as a student in the Agricultural College at Logan, where he gave his attention to civil engineering.

C. W. Anderson remains a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is the vice president of the Mount Pleasant (Utah) Historical Society and is serving on the monument directorate. In 1864 he went to the frontier in Captain Canfield's company to aid in bringing emigrants to Utah. In 1897 he went on a mission to Sweden, where he spent two years. He has been closely associated with many events which have had to do with shaping the history and formulating the policy of Utah. He was in the Indian wars of 1865, 1866 and 1867 and received a pension in recognition of services then rendered. In politics he is a democrat, well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has now reached the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey and his life has been one of usefulness, in which many interesting experiences have come to him. his stories of the early days in Utah presenting a most fascinating picture.


JAMES ANDERSON, Jr.

James Anderson, Jr.. conducting important farming and stock raising interests, being well known as a dealer in live stock and sheep, was born at Fairview, October 22, 1866, and still makes his home in his native city. His parents were James and Hannah M. (Cheney) Anderson, who were among the first settlers of Fairview. The father was a son of Archibald and Agnes (Adamson) Anderson and the mother was a daughter of Elam and Hannah (Compton) Cheney. The birth of James Anderson, Sr., occurred in Scotland in 1842 and he came to Utah with Captain Dan McArthur's handcart company in 1856, when a youth of fourteen years. He followed the occupation of farming and the raising of cattle and sheep for a long period, winning substantial success in the capable management of his business affairs, but is now living retired. In 1868 he went to the frontier for emigrants with oxen and he has ever been keenly interested in the settlement and development of the state. He has filled nearly all of the quorums in the church and is now a high priest. He has ever been ready to help in all enterprises for the benefit of his city, his church or his state and for years he was president of the Cooperative Store. He lived through the period of early Indian troubles and was with Captain Ivey's company when they rescued the Dewey Company of Salt Lake City from Indians and moved the company to safety. James Anderson, Sr., has now reached the age of seventy-seven, while his wife is seventy years of age.  They have reared a large family: James, Jr.; Hannah Alzada, who became the wife of Walter Hurst and the mother of eleven children, two of whom have passed away; Matilda Deseret, who is the widow of L. O. Larson, of Spring City, and the mother of five children, one of whom is deceased; Archie Edmund, who married Ida Breckenridge.  who died leaving five children; Elam H., who married Elizabeth Petersen, by whom he has six children; Agnes Emma, the wife of George Terry by whom she has eleven children, one of whom has departed this life; Silva Rebecca, the wife of Lester C. Miner and the mother of four children; John William, deceased; and Loren A., who married Ida Olson, by whom he has one child.

While spending his youthful days under the parental roof James Anderson, Jr., mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Fairview. In vacation periods and after his schoolbooks were put aside he worked with his father upon the home farm to the age of twenty years and then began raising sheep and cattle on his own account. Later he acquired a farm and has since given his attention to its further cultivation "and improvement, having now one of the splendidly developed properties of the district. In addition to his general farming interests he has continued to engage in the raising of live stock, in which he has been quite successful, and he is now the owner of some excellent pure bred shorthorn cattle. He is likewise a stockholder in the Peoples Trading Company.

In Logan, Utah, on the 10th of November, 1886, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Ada A. Sanderson, a daughter of Henry Wicks and Rebecca (Sanders) Sanderson, who cast in their lot with the early settlers of Utah but have now passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been born eleven children, namely: Ada E., who was born in Fairview, October 14, 1887; Hannah R., who was born April 9, 1889, and is the wife of Charles Briggs, by whom she has two children; Dora E., who was born February 15, 1891, wedded Frank Rigby and has two adopted sons; James Cleon, who was born February 8, 1893, and married Selma Jensen, by whom he had two children, one now deceased. Henry Merrill, who was born July 6, 1896, and is now deceased; Louie Armenta, born May 3, 1898; Ruby Elta, born July 4, 1901, and Leah J., born January 28, 1903, both of whom have passed away; John Elam, born November 13, 1904; Ferd Rex, born July 28, 1907; and Rheah Marulda, born December 11, 1911.  Mr. Anderson and his family are faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he filled a two years' mission to the northern states, going to Indiana in 1898 and returning in 1900. He has also been active in community affairs, serving as a member of the city council for two terms and as county commissioner for a period of four years. He exercised his official prerogatives in support of various interests of public moment and his aid and influence can always be counted upon to further progress and improvement along any line leading to the material, intellectual, social or moral development of his district.


 

RASMUS ANDERSON.

Rasmus Anderson, engaged in the real estate, insurance and loan business, has for twenty-four years been the representative at Mount Pleasant for the Miller & Veile Company of Salt Lake and as such has placed many thousands of dollars in loans, leading to the continued development and up building of this section of the state. Mr. Anderson is a native of Denmark, his birth having occurred at Jutland on the 10th of May, 1851. His parents were Peter and Caroline (Jensen) Anderson, who in 1854 left Denmark with their family, having become converts to the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They arrived in Utah in the fall of 1855 and settled in the Sugar House ward of Salt Lake City, where they remained during 1856. That was the year in which the grasshoppers destroyed all the crops and for a time they were forced to live on roots. Three years later they removed to Ephraim, Utah, and afterwards came to Mount Pleasant with the first settlers in the year 1859. Soon afterward Mr. Anderson was called upon to aid in settling Richfield but was there driven out by the Indians in 1864 and rescued by the soldiers. He then returned to Mount Pleasant, where his remaining days were spent. He and his family passed through all of the hardships and privations of frontier life at a time when man had to depend largely upon his own labors and resources for everything that he had or enjoyed. They were too far from a settlement to secure those things which could be obtained in the older east and, moreover, they were constantly in danger in the early days from the Indians. Rasmus Anderson has one sister who is still living and is the wife of Charles Schroder, of Grand Junction, Colorado, by whom she has two children. He also had four brothers but all are now deceased.

Rasmus Anderson acquired a common school education in Mount Pleasant and when his school days were over worked at Promontory, Utah, on the railroad, being present there when the gold spike was driven that signified the completion of the line in 1869. He was but four year of age when brought to Utah by his parents and he can well remember digging roots in the Sugar House ward of Salt Lake City during the grasshopper scourge of 1856. His memory also compasses the period when his people were driven out of Richfield by the Indians and returned to Mount Pleasant. He assisted in building the fort and he joined the army under Captain Jacob Christian and later was with the company commanded by Captain Orange Seely. In the fall of 1869 he went to the region of the White Pine gold excitement and was there engaged in mining until 1876, meeting with a very gratifying measure of success. Upon his return to Mount Pleasant he purchased with the profits of his mining operations what was known as the Horse Heaven ranch and he also embarked in the real estate business, while later he extended the scope of his activities to include a loan and banking business. He has in his possession a silver medal bestowed for twenty-five years' constant service with the Home Fire Insurance Company of New York and he has been with the Miller & Veile Company, loan agents at Salt Lake City, for twenty-four years, placing thousands of dollars for them with the people of Sanpete county and thus promoting the success of his employers and aiding in the further development and improvement of this section of the state. He is today one of the best known of real estate men, loan agents and insurance agents in his section of Utah, having a very extensive and gratifying clientage.  For twenty years he has been a director of the Mount Pleasant Commercial & Savings Bank.

On Christmas day of 1877 Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Annie Martin Brotherson, a daughter of Christianson and Elsie (Morton) Brotherson, who came to Utah in 1856 with a handcart company and cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of the state. Both the father and mother have now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson became the parents of eight children, of whom Ave are deceased, while those living are as follows: Eloise, the eldest, born October 16, 1881, was married in 1914 to Roy McClure. Ho, born July 29, 1889, was married in 1907 to Roy Campbell and they have one child, Anna Lucile, born May 24, 1908. Charles Russell, born July 8, 1890, is the youngest of the family. All three children are living in California. 

In politics Mr. Anderson is a stalwart republican, having long supported the principles and candidates of the party, and for four years he served as a member of the city council. Fraternally he is connected with Damascus Lodge, No. 10, A. F. & A. M., and is a worthy exemplar of the principles of the craft, which is based upon a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind and the obligations thereby imposed. He is an Indian war veteran of 1866 and 1867 and was one of the first pensioners of the war, his pension being granted April 3, 1919. He is the owner of the old home of Bishop Seely, which was built in 1865 and is said to have been designed by Brigham Young, who, it is also stated, assisted in laying the flooring in the hall that still remains. Bishop Seely was a great favorite with the Indians and was largely responsible for the peace treaty of the Black Hawk war, which was signed in the south room of the Seely home by Chief Labrone and other chiefs in the fall of 1867. In the yard adjoining the home a barbecue was held by the Indians and the people of Sanpete county, several oxen being roasted on that occasion. Rasmus Anderson remained a strong personal friend of Bishop Seely up to the time of the latter's death. Many phases of pioneer life which to others are merely matters of history and of hearsay are known to him through personal experience or by reason of the fact that he has been an eyewitness thereof. His reminiscences of pioneer times are most interesting and Utah numbers him among her honored pioneer settlers, for through almost sixty-five years he has made his home continuously in this state.


FREMONT BARNES.

In early life Fremont Barnes recognized the eternal principle that industry wins and industry became the beacon light of his life. His intense activity has brought him to a position of leadership among the successful farmers of Sanpete county, where he owns two hundred acres of very valuable and productive land situated near Centerfield.  He was born in Iowa, June 14, 1873, a son of Eaton and Mary C. (Roll) Barnes, who were natives of Indiana, whence they removed to western Iowa, where the father followed farming until six years ago, when he retired from agricultural life and is now occupying a most comfortable and attractive home at Council Bluffs, Iowa. He has reached the age of seventy-one years.

Fremont Barnes obtained a public school education in Iowa and when twenty-one years of age started out in the business world on his own account. He has always followed farming and stock raising, in which business he engaged for fifteen years at Underwood, Iowa, at the end of which time he sold his interests there and came to Utah, buying a farm at Centerfield, where he now makes his home. He is today the owner of more than two hundred acres of very arable land and is one of the most successful men in the valley. He has led a most industrious life, has never been afraid of hard work, and his close application and keen business discrimination have gained him a place among the representative farmers of Sanpete county. He is also a stockholder in the Gunnison Valley Sugar Company and in the Farmers Equity Association, Ltd.

At Oakland, Iowa, February 10, 1898, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Miss Sylvia Dalrymple, who was born October 18, 1876. a daughter of George W. and Henrietta (Earnest) Dalrymple, who removed from Iowa thirty one years ago to Coolidge City, Washington, where they have since remained. The father followed farming until about three years ago, when he retired from active business. He is now seventy-one years of age, while his wife has reached the age of sixty-two years. Mr. and Mrs.  Barnes have one son, Orvil, born July 7, 1899. and are also rearing a little girl (a niece of Mrs. Barnes), Margaret Dalrymple, born September 21, 1915.  Politically Mr. Barnes is an earnest democrat and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Royal Neighbors. He has made for himself a creditable position in agricultural circles since coming to this state, and the progressive spirit which has always actuated him is manifest in the splendid appearance of his farm, which is now one of the valuable properties of the district.


JOHN LONGMAN BENCH.

John Longman Bench, who is serving for the second term as county surveyor of Sanpete county and makes his home at Fairview, has to his credit the record of most capable and efficient service in this and other offices which he has filled. He was born at Manti, Sanpete county, February 19, 1870, and was one of the three children of John L. and Maria Watson (Kirby) Bench. The father came to Utah from England, in which country he was born, and established his home in Sanpete county in 1852. He settled first at Pleasant Creek, afterward called Mount Pleasant, but was driven from that place to Spring City by the Indians and subsequently to Manti. His wife came to Utah with a handcart company in 1857, suffering many hardships while crossing the plains, for she and her mother, Mrs. Honor W. Kirby, pulled their own handcart. Mrs. Bench was then a slender girl of thirteen or fourteen years, anything but vigorous in health. She and her mother had worked their way from England to America. Her father, Thomas Kirby, had been one of the famous six hundred who made the "Charge of the Light Brigade" in the Crimean war and "was one of the few who survived that memorable charge. The brother of John L. Bench is W. E. Bench, of Fairview, who married Rose Autry, of North Carolina, and they have one child. The sister, Susie, is the wife of Frank Wall, living in Colony Juarez, Mexico, and they have five children.

Liberal educational advantages were accorded John L. Bench and greatly enjoyed by him. Following his graduation from the seminary at Manti under A. C. Nelson, late superintendent of public instruction, he attended the Brigham Young University at Provo, Utah, where he pursued his studies under Karl G. Maeser, Professor Benjamin Cluff and George H. Brimhall. When he had completed his course at Provo he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed successfully for five years, proving an able educator by reason of the prompt and thorough manner in which he imparted to others the knowledge that he had acquired. He was then called to the office of postmaster at Fairview and occupied that position for two years, at the end of which time he resigned in order to go on a mission to the southern states. Following his return he again took up the profession of teaching, to which he devoted two years, and he had charge of the dancing pavilion at Fairview for ten' years. After leaving the schoolroom in 1903 he was appointed postmaster at Fairview again and continued to act in that capacity until March, 1915. During this period he held a number of city positions also. He was a member of the city council for two terms and gave thoughtful and earnest consideration to the vital question's concerning municipal welfare. He also served as city treasurer for one term and was school trustee for three terms. He was likewise ward clerk under James C. Peterson for thirteen years. He became the president of the Fairview Water Works Company at the time of its organization and so continued until the system was taken over by the city of Fairview through purchase in 1916. Mr.  Bench was also called to the office of mayor of Fairview and his administration was characterized by progressiveness, tempered by a safe conservatism. He is now serving for the second term as county surveyor and again is making an excellent record in office as he has in the other positions to which he has been called. During his leisure moments while in the post office he continued his favorite study of engineering and thus qualified for his present work as a surveyor. He had had practical experience from time to time along that line as his other duties would permit. He is today the owner of a farm of two hundred acres, well stocked with hogs and cattle in sufficient numbers to consume all the farm products which he raises.

On the 13th of June, 1894, in Manti Temple, Mr. Bench was married to Miss Leonora Anderson, a daughter of John and Helena (Rees) Anderson. She died in July, 1908, leaving three sons, Rees E., Dean and Ruel. In the Manti Temple, on the 25th of May, 1912, Mr. Bench wedded Elvira Cox, a daughter of Walter and Nancy (Sanders) Cox, and their children are four in number, two sons and two daughters, namely: Nora, Worth, Kirby and Ireta. Both the Cox and Anderson families were among the early pioneers of this section of the state. The eldest son of Mr. Bench, Rees E., is now nineteen years of age and was sent to the school at Provo to prepare for the call to arms.

Mr. Bench has ever remained an active and earnest worker in the church. He served as assistant superintendent of the Sunday schools in the North Sanpete stake for two years under Abraham Johnson and after Mr. Johnson resigned from that position Mr. Bench was made stake superintendent and so continued for four years. He also served in the Stake Mutual Improvement Association work for a year. He is the secretary of the Commercial Club of Fairview, a very live organization, accomplishing great things for the city. He has been a stanch supporter of the republican party since 1891 and has been a member of its local or county committees almost continuously, acting as chairman of the local organization and still serving as republican chairman of his precinct. Aside from the offices already mentioned that he has filled he has been a member of the state legislature, representing his district in the lower house of the general assembly in 1901 and 1902. His record of public service in behalf of the material, intellectual, social, political and moral progress of the community is one that is to be most highly commended. From early boyhood he has been actuated by a spirit of progress and improvement that has been manifest in every connection of his life and he has made valuable contribution to the work of up building the city, county and state.


 

GEORGE W. BRAND.

George W. Brand, a contractor and builder of Mount Pleasant, has for more than a quarter of a century been a resident of Sanpete county. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, February 22, 1864, and is a son of Louis and Adeline (Walters) Brand, who were natives of Germany. Both have now passed away. On coming to the United States they settled in Ohio and afterward removed to Indiana. The mother died in 1897 and the father, surviving for a decade, departed this life in 1907. Their five living children are George W., Walter, Charles, Katherine and Mary.

George W. Brand was educated in the public schools of Indiana and has been a resident of Utah since 1888, arriving here when a young man of twenty-four years. He first settled at Ogden and in 1891 removed to Mount Pleasant His early work was at the carpenter's trade with his father and by close application, unfaltering industry and experience be developed his powers in that connection and ultimately became a successful contractor and builder. His first work in Mount Pleasant was on the Wasatch Academy and later he erected the public school building, the South ward meetinghouse, several large business blocks and a considerable number of the fine homes. He now has a well established business and his success is evidenced in his own comfortable residence.

On the 6th of July. 1893, at Manti. Mr. Brand was married to Miss Emma Bjelke, who was born in Mount Pleasant, January 25, 1871, a daughter of Carl G. and Mary (Wall) Bjelke. Her father came to Utah in 1862 and her mother in 1863 and their marriage was celebrated at Mount Pleasant in 1864. Mr. Bjelke was a shoemaker by trade and during his later life was Interested in merchandising. He did active service in the Black Hawk war under Captain Swenson of Moroni and after long connection with the up building and development of his section of the state, covering the pioneer period as well as the era of later progress, he passed away at the age of eighty-six years. His widow still holds interests in the Sanpete County Cooperative Store. Their three living children are Mrs. Brand. Axtel and Oscar. To Mr. and Mrs. Brand have been born four children. George Levern, who was born at Mount Pleasant, June 7, 1894, died at the age of seven years. Adeline M., born at Mount Pleasant, September 8. 1897, is now teaching in the public schools of Salt Lake City. Estelle E., born February 22, 1903, is at home. Charles L., born at Mount Pleasant, September 8, 1905, passed away at the age of seven years.

Mr. Brand is a republican in his political views and a firm believer in the principles of the party. He has served as a member of the city council and is now serving on the library board. Since 1908 he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, which finds in him a worthy exemplar, and he is also identified with the Woodmen of the World. His life is actuated by high and honorable principles, his business career has been stimulated by a laudable ambition and a spirit of unfaltering progressiveness and at all times he stands for those interests and elements which feature as factors in the progress and up building of community, commonwealth and country.

 

 

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