Trails-to-the-Past-Utah-Sanpete-County-Biographies-Utah-Since-Statehood-pg8

Utah Since Statehood
Author is Noble Warrum - 1919

HYRUM M. VANCE.

Hyrum M. Vance has been an active factor in the business circles of Fairview and Sanpete county for a considerable period and is giving his attention to farming and stock raising, to the lumber business and to milling. His life illustrates what It Is possible to accomplish through determined effort and close application. He was born at Union Fort, Utah, September 27, 1857, a son of Isaac Y. and Martha E. (Yeager) Vance. The father was born in Tennessee, December 29, 1818, and in 1840 became a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was married in Hancock county, Illinois, and in 1847 came to Utah among the earliest settlers of the state, arriving with Captain Grant's company in October. For two years he remained at Salt Lake and then removed to Union Fort, while in 1859 he settled at Fairview and assisted in building the fort there during the trouble with the Indians that continued from 1865 until 1867. He was also one of the veterans of the Indian war. He owned twenty acres of land, together with a building lot in the town, and always followed farming, while at the same time he continued an active worker in the church and became a member of the bishopric. His wife, Mrs. Martha E. Vance, died at Mount Pleasant, June 5, 1866, leaving nine children; Sarah Jane, who married David Sanders and had five children but died when about thirty-seven years of age; Mary; John A.; George H. ; Willard I.; Joseph S.; Hyrum M.J Parley P.; and Jedediah, who died in infancy. The father afterward wedded Anna C. Johansen and they had the following children: Isaac W. ; Marguerite Boletta; James A. Deseret; and Amanda, who died in infancy.

Hyrum M. Vance is indebted to the common school system of Fairview for his educational opportunities. He was reared to farm life and has always continued his connection with agricultural and stock raising interests. He has carefully directed his labors and as his wise management and energy has brought to him success he has made additional investments in land until he is now the owner of nine hundred acres of farming and grazing land. He also carries on the lumber business and milling and is identified with various other business projects of importance. He has been president and superintendent of the Gooseberry Cottonwood Irrigation Company, a stockholder and director of the Fairview Mercantile Company, a stockholder and director of the Fairview Roller Milling Company, a stockholder in the State Bank of Fairview and in the Fairview Creamery Company and was also one of the promoters of the Fairview electric light plant, which has since been sold to the city.

On the 11th of December, 1878, in Fairview, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Vance and Miss Edith E. Garlick, who was born September 22, 1859, a daughter of Joseph and Amy (Jones) Garlick, the former a native of Pennsylvania, born May 2, 1828, and the latter a native of Ohio, born June 6, 1830. The father was ordained an elder by Lorenzo Snow in 1847 and in 1S48 came to Utah. He was well acquainted with Joseph Smith, the prophet. In 1859 he became one of the pioneer residents of Fairview and met all the hardships and experiences incident to the settlement of the frontier, including service in the Indian war. His name is deeply engraved on the pages of Utah's history as one of the earliest residents of Salt Lake City and of Fairview. He passed away December 29, 1916, and thus was ended the life record of one of the honored pioneer settlers of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Vance became the parents of five children: Hyrum M., who was born in Fairview, November 12, 1879, and who on the 9th of November, 1898, wedded Ann A. Bills, by whom he has six children; and Martha E., Amy. Mary F. and Sarah E., all of whom have passed away. Mr. Vance and family are identified with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His political views are in accord with the principles of the democratic party and for ten years he has served as a member of the city council, in which position he still continues. His many reelections prove how capably he has represented the city in connection with its business affairs, for in all matters of public concern he tempers progressiveness with a safe conservatism and yet unfalteringly seeks the ultimate welfare and development of the district.

ROBERT W. WEECH.

Robert W. Weech is proprietor of the leading drug store of Mount Pleasant, where he has conducted business since 1912. He was born at Pima, Arizona, December 3, 1891. a son of Hyrum H. and Sarah (Dall) Weech, both of whom were natives of England.

About the year 1860 they arrived in Utah, at which time they took up their abode in Goshen. He was one of the men who helped construct the first telegraph line into Utah. They were there married in 1866 and remained at that place for a considerable period. In 1883 the father was called to Arizona to assist in the settlement of Pima, where he continued for twenty-one years. During the following fifteen years he lived in Oregon and at Salt Lake City and in 1918 returned to Pima. He filled the position of bishop in the Mormon church there for a number of years. The children of his family are: Robert W.; David H., living at Pima; Joseph H., a resident of Idaho; William and John, who are located at San Juan county, Utah; Sarah, the wife of Heber Cluff, of Pima, Arizona; Lizzie, the wife of Charles Birdno, of Pima; Fanny, who married Jacob Burns and resides at Randlett, Utah; Janie, who married Dr. L. E. Whitman and lives at Globe, Arizona; Emma, the wife of Charles Walsh, a resident of Elgin, Oregon; Pearl, the wife of Philemon Merrill, of Pima, Arizona; and Clara, the wife of Theodore Olsen, a resident of Raymond, Alberta, Canada, and one son and two daughters who are deceased.

Robert W. Weech attended the public schools of his native city and also of Oregon and in 1906 entered the Brigham Young College at Logan, Utah, where he remained as a student until 1909. In the latter year he entered the Northwestern University of Chicago, in which he pursued a two years' pharmaceutical course and was then graduated. He is a prescription druggist and since 1912 has conducted a drug store at Mount Pleasant, where he has carried on a growing and profitable business, his trade being now very large and satisfactory.

In 1913 Mr. Weech was married to Miss Estella Jensen, a daughter of Niels and Nicholena (Rolfson) Jensen, who in pioneer times became residents of Utah, being numbered among the first settlers of Mount Pleasant, where the father engaged in the milling business, which trade he had learned in early life. Mrs. Weech has two brothers. Leo and Fred, and a sister, Annie, married. By her marriage Mrs. Weech has become the mother of three children: Robert Leroy, born in Mount Pleasant in 1914; Merrill Jensen, born in 1916; and Hyrum Grant in 1919.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Mr. Weech was secretary of the Elders Quorum of the north ward of Mount Pleasant, is also active in Sunday school work and is in the presidency of the Y. M. M. I. A. of the south ward. He is likewise connected with the Hub Club at Mount Pleasant and cooperates heartily in all of its plans and projects for the up building of the city and the extension of its trade relations. He is a genial gentleman and has many friends in Mount Pleasant, where he has built up a business of substantial proportions, his business qualifications and his social attributes making him a valued resident of the community.

GEORGE A. WHEELER.

George A. Wheeler is a representative farmer of the Milburn district north of Fairview, where he is the owner of a valuable tract of land of four hundred and twenty acres. He was born in Murray, Utah, January 4, 1858, a son of Thomas A. and Ann (Walker) Wheeler, both of whom were natives of England. Having crossed the Atlantic, they came to Utah in 1853, settling in Salt Lake City. In 1855 they removed to South Cottonwood, where they continued to make their home until called to their final rest. The father followed farming as a life work and at the time of Johnston's invasion into Utah he was engaged in military duty under General Wells. In 1876 he was sent on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to England. To Thomas A. and Ann (Walker) Wheeler were born the following named: Ann E., George A., Sarah E., Isabella, Josiah, Henry J., Jesse H. and Norah, all of whom are yet living. George A. Wheeler was a pupil in the public schools of South Cottonwood and when not busy with his textbooks devoted his attention to farming upon his father's land.

He early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and carried on general farming until he attained his majority, when he turned his attention to sheep raising, which claimed his energies for ten years. He retained his residence at South Cottonwood until 1885 and then removed to the Milburn district north of Fairview, where he acquired four hundred and twenty acres of valuable ranch property. He has since given his attention to farming and stock raising and the careful management of his business has led to the acquirement of substantial success. He is likewise a stockholder in the State Bank of Fairview.

It was in December, 1886, at Fairview. that Mr. Wheeler was joined in wedlock to Miss Thursey Nay. a daughter of John H. and Laura Nay. She died in 1889 and their only child has also passed away. On the 21st of June, 1899, Mr. Wheeler was married to Annie Deseret Vance, daughter of Isaac Young and Annie C. (Johansen) Vance. Her father came to Utah in Captain Grant's company in 1847 and settled at Salt Lake, whence in 1849 he removed to Union Fort, while in 1859 he again became identified with pioneer development by becoming a resident of Fairview. He assisted in building the fort and was a resident of the locality throughout the period of Indian troubles. He gave his attention to farming as a life work and passed away in 1898, having long survived the mother of Mrs. Wheeler, whose death occurred in 1873. To Mr. and Mrs. George A. Wheeler have been born eight children: Annie Teola, whose natal day was June 10, 1900; Nora, whose birth occurred October 20, 1901; George A., born May 25, 1904; Elva, who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 15th of January, 1906; Henry Vance, born December 16, 1907; Isaac W., born February 23, 1910; Isabella, born November 6, 1913; and Thurman Woodrow, who was born October 9, 1917. All are natives of Milburn. Mrs. Wheeler has a brother and sister living-Isaac W. and Boletta. Mr. Wheeler was reared in the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and continues his connection therewith. He votes with the democratic party and thus expresses his preference at the polls but has never been an office seeker. He has always preferred to give his attention to his business affairs and by close application and unremitting energy has become the owner of a well stocked farm equipped with all modern improvements, while its attractiveness is enhanced by the presence of a most pleasing family.

CHRISTIAN WILLARDSON.

Christian Willardson. now conducting a wholesale hay and grain business at Ephraim and also manager of the Ephraim Coal Company, was born November 6, 1870, in the city where he still makes his home. He is a son of Christian and Mary (Larson) Willardson, who were married in 1851 in Denmark, their native land, whence they emigrated to Utah, first settling at Spring City in 1853. Indians, however, drove them out and in 1854 they settled at Ephraim. They had crossed the plains with ox teams in Captain Fosgreen's company, and, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers, endured all of the hardships, trials and privations incident to the establishment of a home on the frontier. The father participated in the Black Hawk war and became thoroughly familiar with the Indian methods of warfare. He afterward performed a mission to Denmark and brought several emigrants to Utah. Not only with the moral development but with the material progress and up building of the district was he connected. He was interested in the first bur mill established at Ephraim, which later was converted into a roller mill.

Christian Willardson attended the public schools of Ephraim and also pursued a course in the Snow Academy. Starting out in the business world, he took up the occupation of farming, which he followed for a number of years with fair success. He is now conducting a wholesale hay and grain business and is likewise the manager of the Ephraim Coal Company and a director of the Utah Retail Coal Merchants Association. He is also vice president of the Bank of Ephraim and was one of the men who assisted in its organization.

On the 28th of March, 1894, at Manti, Utah. Mr. Willardson was married to Miss Lillie Larson, who was born December 22, 1871, a daughter of George and Kisty Larson. Her father came to Utah in 1854. settling at Ephraim. He had been reared to the occupation of farming, which he continued to follow throughout his entire life. He went hack east for emigrants in 1866 and he participated in several engagements with the Indians at Ephraim, seeing three men shot down. He was married in Salt Lake City, November 2, 1867, his wife coming to Utah from Denmark in 1853 and first settling at Manti, while later a removal was made to Ephraim. To Mr. and Mrs. Willardson have been born eight children, six of whom are still living. Mary A, born January 21, 1895, is now the wife of J. Wilford Anderson, by whom she has one child. Omera, born September 10, 1896, has just returned from a mission in the central states and was married October 15, 1919, to Floyd Anderson, of Ephraim. Ida L. was born March 16, 1901. Arthur C, born September 4, 1903. died February 2, 1909. George C. was born October 26, 1907. Spencer was born June 19, 1910, and died March 31, 1913. Howard O. was born June 28, 1914. Melba E. Was born June 11, 1919. Mr. Willardson and family are adherents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for eleven years he was a member of the bishopric. He has also served as superintendent of the Sunday school and was president of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. He filled a mission to the northwestern states for two years and was president of the conference at Anaconda and Butte, Montana. At all times he is an active worker in the church. His political endorsement is unfalteringly given to the democratic party and he has also been active and prominent in political circles. He has served as a member of the school board, has also been city justice and from 1904 until 1918 was the honored mayor of Ephraim. He was a member of the state land board, has been county chairman of the democratic party and chairman of the Sanpete county Victory Loan, his county being the first in the state to go over the top. He was also chairman of the Utah Council of Defense for Sanpete county and did everything in his power to promote war work and sustain the armies in the field. He has been a most useful citizen and his worth is such that he would be regarded as a valued acquisition to any town. Those who know him, and he has many friends, have ever entertained for him the highest regard by reason of his fidelity to duty, his progressiveness and his loyalty in citizenship, his thorough reliability in business and his devotion to friends and family.

WILLARD FRANKLIN WILLARDSON.

William Franklin Willardson, who controls important farming and stock raising interests in Sanpete county, making his home at Mayfield. was born at Ephraim, Utah, December 19, 1876, a son of Willard and Mary Ann (Thorston) Willardson. The father was born in Denmark in 1852 and came to America with his parents, the journey across the plains being made with one of the early handcart companies. When he was a boy approaching manhood he was in the standing army of the Black Hawk war and was in several skirmishes with Indians. He followed farming and stock raising for many years and in 1892 he removed to Mayfield, where he and his wife still reside. He is yet interested in various business enterprises of Mayfield and is the owner of a good farm but is not active in the management of business affairs, living retired at the present time. In 1876 he wedded Mary Ann Thorston and they became the parents of ten sons and four daughters: Willard Franklin. Christian Tory, Rosetta, Amanda, Fred Elmer, Christena, Margareth, Aaron, Marlin, Rulon, Ernest Roy, Hyrum Melvin, Marion La Mar.

After acquiring his early education in the common schools of Mayfield, Willard F. Willardson became a student in the Snow Academy, in which he pursued the normal course. He started out in business life as a farmer and had upon his place a few head of stock. In early manhood he also spent two years as a traveling salesman in the implement business but has since concentrated his efforts and energies upon agricultural pursuits. As the years have passed he has increased his live stock interests until he now owns some high grade cattle and his business affairs are bringing to him a very substantial income.

At Manti, on the 23d of June. 1897, Mr. Willardson was married to Miss Angie Nora Christiansen, a daughter of Joseph and Hanna M. (Peterson) Christiansen. The father, who was born in Utah, was a farmer and merchant. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and filled a mission to Denmark. He passed away in 1895 but the mother is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Willardson have been born eight children, namely: Angus, who was born August 1, 1898; Edith A., born April 7. 1900; Reed M., January 21, 1903; Mable, December 22, 1904; Willis R., August 11, 1907; Florence, April 4, 1910; Woodruff W., October 26, 1912; and Ethel, March 6, 1917.

Mr. Willardson adheres to the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and filled a mission to California in 1914 and 1915. At present he is the assistant superintendent of the Sunday school and is one of the seven presidents of the Sixty-fifth Quorum of Seventy. He has also been president of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. In politics he is an earnest republican and at the present writing is filling the office of president of the town board of Mayfield. He is interested in everything that has to do with the up building and improvement of the community and he is an energetic and enterprising farmer and stock raiser with a successful future before him.

ORRIN R. WILLIAMS.

Orrin R. Williams resides at West View, where he owns a valuable farm property, to the further development and improvement of which he is directing his energies. He has born at Sevier Bridge, Utah, January 10, 1872, a son of George S. and Sarah J. (Tidwell) Williams. The father, one of the pioneer settlers of the state, first resided at Nephi and after five years removed to Sevier Bridge, where he lived for three years. He then became a resident of Fountain Green, where he also spent three years, on the expiration of which period he took up his abode at Gunnison, where he remained for two years. He then settled permanently at Salina, where he conducted a salt refining plant for a number of years, but two years ago retired from active business. He is still living at the age of eighty-five.

Orrin R. Williams obtained a public school education at Salina and started out in the business world when twenty years of age by accepting a position with Keho Brothers of Salt Lake, cattlemen, for whom he rode the range in Idaho for a year. He then entered the employ of the Inland Stock Company, with which he remained for a number of years, and while thus employed carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him a sum sufficient to enable him to purchase a farm at Salina. After several years he sold that property and bought a farm at West View, where he now makes his home. His land has been very profitably conducted in the intervening period and he is now in comfortable financial circumstances.

Mr. Williams was married at Manti, Utah, October 1, 1898, to Alice E. Murphy, who was born November 17, 1881, a daughter of Hiram and Sarah Ann Murphy. Mrs. Williams passed away in 1917, leaving eight children, namely: Arthur 0., Lester W., Lela, Viola, Oral, Wilber W., Dessa, and McCoy. For his second wife Mr. Williams chose Alda Sanderson, whom he wedded in 1919. She was born May 13, 1901, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Sanderson, residents of West View, and formerly of Santaquin, Utah.

Mr. Williams belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and filled a mission to the state of Mississippi. He was also superintendent of the Sunday school at Salina, president of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association and filled other offices in the church. His activities have been carefully directed both for the moral progress and the material development of the district in which he makes his home. Throughout his life he has devoted his attention along business lines to farming and stock raising and has won a creditable place among the representative agriculturists of Sanpete county.

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