ABRAHAM LOSEE., one of the early pioneers of Utah, was born in Holderman Township, Upper Canada, September 6, 1814. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at an early date and was with the main body of Saints throughout all their persecutions until their removal  to  the   Rocky Mountains, being intimately acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith. In the year 1848, he drove a team across the plains for Bishop Whitney, and was married in the same year, after reaching Salt Lake City, to Mary Elizabeth Lott. She also had been with the Saints in the East, and had lived with the Prophet's family and worked for him when 13 years of age.

After having worked on the Church farm at Salt Lake City for two years, he was called to remove and settle in Utah Valley, by Brigham Young. Bringing his family with him, he came and lived in what is now known as Lehi field, for the first winter in a covered wagon, having four men boarding with him. From then until his death he remained a citizen of Lehi and served as a City Councilman for several years. Having reared a family of eight, two boys and six girls, he died October 25, 1887, being 73 years old. His wife died in May, 1888, at the age of 60 years. They remained faithful church members andprogressive citizens until their death.

      Mary E. Lott Losee

PERMELIA DARROW LOTT, daughter of Mary Ward and Joseph Darrow, and granddaughter of General Ward and Captain Darrow   of   Revolutionary times, was born at Bridgewater, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, Sunday, December 15, 1805. She received her education from the best schools of the times, and afterward, prior to her marriage, she became a school teacher, riding horseback twenty miles to and from her work.

On April 27, 1823, she married Cornelius P. Lott; and with him joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in its infancy, and so suffered the hardships and persecutions of being driven from their homes with the heroes of that epoch.

They were the only members of their respective families to connect themselves with the Church, but they have left a large posterity to "rise up and call them blessed."

Father Lott and family were very warm friends and associates of the Smith family, especially the Prophet Joseph, as he had charge of the Church farm at Nauvoo and also held the same position in Utah after coming to Salt Lake City with Heber C. Kimball's company in the autumn of 1848. Their first home was where the Auerbach's new store now stands.

After her husband's death, which occurred July 6, 1850, she, with her family, moved to Lehi in the spring of 1851, where one daughter, Mrs. Abraham Losee, had preceded her. Her first home in Lehi was at the spring now owned by A. B. Anderson. She was the mother of eleven children, five boys and six girls, all of whom have been pioneers in the true sense of the word. Grandma Lott, as an old lady, impressed one with her quiet dignity and sweet unassuming manners, and all who knew her loved her. She never sought publicity of any kind, but was ever ready with a helping hand for the sick or needy. She died January, 1882, as she had lived, "faithful to her trust," at the age of 77 years and 18 days, and was carried to the Salt Lake cemetery and tenderly laid to rest by the side of her husband.

Following are the names of the children and those they married: Melissa (Ira Willes), John S. (Mary Fasicet), Mary (Abraham Losse), Almira H. (John R. Murdock), Jane P. (Abram Hatch), Alzina L. (William S. S. Willes), Joseph (died young), Amanda (died young), Peter L. (Sariah Snow), Cornelius (died young), Benjamin Smith (Mary A. Evans). All have passed to the other side except Benjamin S., the youngest, who will be 65 years old November 16, and is commonly known as Uncle Ben.

ELIZABETH T. MOOREHEAD. Was born July 31, 1812. Her father was owner of a large plantation in North Carolina.   Here Elizabeth was born and received an excellent education in the girls' boarding schools and colleges of the South. She moved to Mississippi, where she married James Madison Moorehead of Nashville, Tennessee. In Mississippi they both heard and received the gospel and came directly to Nauvoo. Her husband assisted in building the Nauvoo temple. They were driven from Nauvoo with the Saints, crossed the Mississippi River, and camped in a tent, where her husband, one child, and her brother Joseph died, victims of exposure. A child had died at Nauvoo. She was now left with three children and spent the winter in Des Moines City among strangers who proved to be kind friends.

In the spring her brother Preston came and moved her to Winter Quarters, and later she moved on again to Council Bluffs, where a child died. She and her two children, Ann and Preston, came across the plains with her brother, Claiborne Thomas, and family and her nephew, Daniel Thomas, in Aaron Johnson's Company in 1850. That fall all settled in Lehi.

The winter of 1851-1852 she and her brother Preston taught the Lehi school, he taking the boys, she the girls.

She was married to Samuel White, by whom she had one child,   Elizabeth White Merrill, of Preston, Idaho. All moved to Cedar Fort, where her son Preston married Cordelia Smith, and daughter Ann married Harrison Ayers Thomas. Both have reared large families. They moved to American Fork when the soldiers located at Camp Floyd; here they owned a large farm which contained land where the old depot stood. After several years they moved to Cache Valley and were among the first settlers of Smithfield. She was first Relief Society president of Smithfield. She died here December 12, 1894. Her son, Preston, was first counselor in the bishopric of   that   ward   for  over thirty years.He died in 1896. Her daughter, Ann, and husband moved to Preston, Idaho, in 1903, where he died the next year, a good Latter-day Saint, loved and respected by all.

SAMUEL MULLINER. was born in Headdington, East Lotban, Scotland, January 15, 1809. He emigrated to America in 1832, settling near the city of Toronto, in Canada.

He was baptized by Theodore Turley. September 10, 1837. The following spring he moved with his family to Missouri, and later settled in Springfield, Illinois, November 4, 1838. He was ordained a teacher March 10, 1839. On May 6, 1839, he was ordained an elder, and a seventy, July 16, 1839.

Soon after this, he left his family and started on a foreign mission. He and his companion, Alexander Wright, arrived at Glasgow December 20, 1839. The next day they continued their journey to Edinburgh, where his parents resided. They were the first elders to go to Scotland. On January 14, 1840, he baptized a number into the Church as the first fruits of the  gospel in Scotland. On the 19th, he blessed some children and administered the sacrament for the first time in that vicinity. On that occasion he received the gift of tongues. They were very successful in their labors and baptized a great number, among whom were his own parents. He left Glasgow on October 2, 1840, and returned to America, arriving home December 19, 1840.

He afterward moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, from which place he was again sent on a mission in November, 1842. He organized a branch of the Church at Cambria, Niagara County, New York, April 27, 1843. He was released to return home July 2, 1843.

In 1849, as he was preparing to go to Utah, he was sent on a business mission to the East. He returned  home the  same year. In 1850 he came on to Utah and settled in Great Salt Lake City with his family, six in number. He bought a lot, which now is occupied by the Walker Brothers Bank, and started a tannery and shoe shop, making the first leather in the state. He built a comfortable dwelling house. He bought a grist mill at American Fork, and soon after built a carding mill adjoining it, and also a sugar cane mill. With the latter he made molasses for the settlers. He also built a grist mill at what was known as Spring Creek, between Lehi and American Fork, where he resided most all the remainder of his days.

He gave employment to many Saints and new-comers and did much for the poor and needy. He never allowed any to suffer for the want of food or clothes if he knew it. He died February 25, 1891, at the age of 82 years, 1 month, and 10 days.

ANDREW A. PETERSON. Andrew A. Peterson was the son of Andreas Peterson and Marna Anderson, and was born in Ystad, Sweden. January 13, 1840. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints October 1, 1854, being a member of the first branch organized in Sweden. In 1855 he was ordained to the lesser priest hood and shortly after migrated to Denmark, where he labored for two years as a teacher, when he was ordained an elder and in 1858 was sent on a mission to his native land. In 1862 he was honorably released from his missionary labors to emigrate to Utah. He started on this journey in the first part of April and while passing through Germany was married on the River Elbe to Mary Ann Pherson. They crossed the plains in Captain Liljenquist's ox-team company, arriving in Lehi in October, 1862. he resided in Lehi continuously to the time of his death and held many positions of trust and honor. As a public servant he had few superiors, for his honesty and integrity were above reproach and his many years of service brought him the love and esteem of all with whom he associated.

For six terms Mr. Peterson was a member of the City Council; twelve years a member of the school board; several years a member of the water board; two years general water-master; four years a policeman; a number of years director of the People's Co-operative Institution; and one of the promoters and first stockholders of the Lehi Union Exchange.

In ecclesiastical affairs his record is an enviable one. For thirty-three years he was president of the deacons' quorum; for thirty-five years a faithful Sunday School teacher; for over thirty years he was president of the Scandinavian Saints of Lehi; and for many years one of the presidents of the 68th quorum of seventies. He was ordained a seventy January 17, 1872, and a high priest January 5, 1907. He died December 30, 1911.

MARY ANN PETERSON. was the daughter of Earland Pherson and Margaret Ingemanson an was born in Halmstad, Sweden. June 22, 1844 She embraced the gospel as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1859, and emigrated to Utah in 1862, walking the entire distance across the plains. She was married to Andrew A. Peterson on the River Elbe in Germany in route to Utah and has lived in Lehi ever since she arrived in October, 1862.

She has been a true wife and an affectionate mother and has passed through the trying times of early days in Lehi, helping her husband to raise a large and respectable family. She has been a member of the Relief Society almost from its organization and is still a faithful member in this society. She is the mother of ten children, six sons and four daughters. Those now living are: Leah, (Mrs. Lawrence Hill), Andrew, Mary Ann, (Mrs. Lyman P. Losee), Christina,. (Mrs. Wm. E. Southwick), Joseph (now principal of the Snow Flake Academy, Arizona), Hyrum, and David.

ANDREW F. PETERSON. was the son of Peter Anderson and Anne Evansen, and was born in Modum, Norway, October 13. 1823. He emigrated to America when a young man to seek his fortune. He was converted to the Mormon Church in Council Bluffs and was baptized November 19, 1849, by Torg Torstensen and confirmed by Benjamin Clapp. The following year he drove a team across the plains and on to California. He came back to Utah and settled in Cottonwood.

He was out in the mountains during the  Echo Canyon War and was one of those who rode around the hills to deceive the soldiers in General Johnston's army. He came to Lehi in the "move" and afterward made it his home.

He was ordained a seventy April 9. 1852, in Salt Lake City, by Joseph Young, and was a member of the 33rd quorum. He married Hannah Christensen September 29. 1869, and was ordained a high priest in 1874 by Daniel S. Thomas. He went to Norway on a mission in 1877, and after being gone one year and a half, was released on account of ill health. He died April 17. 1881.

.

HANNAH CHRISTENSEN PETERSON (Jones) is a native of Jylland, Denmark born December 30, 1845, her parents being Simeon and Karen Christensen. She received a common school education and was brought up in the Lutheran church, being sprinkled as a child and confirmed at the age of 16 years. She was taught the trade of dressmaking, which she followed through life, being exceptionally well qualified for this line of work.

On May 26, 1867, she was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Elder Mauritz P. Anderson, her brother-in-law, and confirmed by Mathias C. Anderson.

In the spring of 1869 she bid farewell to her native land and emigrated to Utah, crossing the ocean on the steamship "Minnesota," which left Liverpool July 15 and arrived at New York on July 28. She reached Taylor's Switch, near Ogden, August 6 and Pleasant Grove, August 15, 1869. After a short stay at the latter place, she came to Lehi and was married to Andrew F. Peterson September 29, 1869.

Mrs. Peterson soon adapted herself to her surroundings and although at first was not able to understand English, she was soon able to take part in public affairs. She was one of the first officers of the Primary Association and was an active Sunday School worker for twenty years. Her special work has been the Relief Society, in which she has always been  active as teacher, trustee, counselor and president, being set apart for the latter position in October, 1907.   At the age of 35 she was left a widow and thrown largely upon her own resources, but owing to her ability in her chosen calling she has lived in comparative comfort.    For many years she has taught large classes of girls the art of dressmaking and she has done much of the sewing for those who have been laid away.

She   married   John J. Jones July 15, 1897, and ten years later May 9, 1907, she was again left a widow.

CANUTE PETERSON. was born in Eidsfjord, Hardanger, Norway, May 13, 1824. The farm owned by his father is called Maurset, and is now visited by the tourists who go to view the picturesque waterfall called Voringsfors, which is only a few miles distant. His parents emigrated to America in 1837, taking Canute with them, but leaving two older sons, John and Jacob, who preferred to remain in Norway.

His parents settled in La Salle County, Illinois. The father died in 1838. Canute's mother lived some ten years after her husband's death, but was afflicted with rheumatism and confined to her bed during these many years.    Sister Jacobs, a benevolent and faithful Latter-day Saint, gave her the care and the love as of a devoted sister. Sister Jacobs afterwards came to Lehi, where she was known to Brother Peterson's children as Grandma Jacobs, and spent her last years there. Young Canute had to take work among the farmers. Sometimes he would be miles away from his mother; but when through his work Saturday night, he would walk all the way home, though it took most of the night to reach it and most of the following night to return, in order to spend Sunday with his beloved mother. As he grew older he tried to buy a few luxuries for her. Before he left the state, he had paid the debt which his father had incurred through his and his wife's sickness. This act shows how dearly he cherished the memory of his parents. No one could have made a claim on him for the debt. Money was scarce and wages low, but he was determined that none should lose through having loaned money to his father, and after years of toil he succeeded in paying it in full.

When Canute was 18 years of age, his mother and he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was baptized August 12, 1842. There was a large number of Scandinavians    living   in   La Salle County, Illinois, and a large branch of the Church was raised up there. He visited Nauvoo in 1844 and was ordained a seventy. The same year he was called to take a mission to Wisconsin. Here he baptized quite a number and organized a branch of the Church.

A few miles from Ottawa lived Widow Nelson, who had a number of sons and daughters. She was kind to the poor and even the tramp was never turned away from her hospitable home. Here Canute Peterson was always a welcome guest. One of the daughters, Sarah Ann. a couple of years younger than he. had also joined the Church, and thus they were thrown much into each other's company, attending meetings and other gatherings of the Saints. She was a lovely girl and a most lovable woman.

When the Saints were advised to gather with the Church in Utah, she showed her integrity to the gospel by leaving her good home and those she loved so highly. A number of the Saints left La Salle for Utah in 1849; among them was Canute Peterson and Sarah A. Nelson. In crossing Iowa their camp was attacked with cholera, and Miss Nelson came down with it. Canute Peterson felt deep anxiety on her account. Should she die what would her mother and relatives say? The thought was agonizing to him.   He went into a little grove by the creek and plead with the Lord to spare her life. When he arose from his knees he felt endowed with heavenly power and went to her wagon and placing his hand on her head he commanded her to arise and be healed. She felt a miraculous power pervade her and was healed immediately. When they came to Mt. Pisgah. they met Elder Orson Hyde. He performed the marriage ceremony, making Canute and Sarah husband and wife. They reached Utah in the fall and settled in Salt Lake City. Next year he was called to go and help settle Lehi.

In the fall of 1850, in company, with Jesse W. Fox, and Henry Royle, he went out to the present site of Lehi and helped to survey the town site. He did not move his family to Lehi until the middle of March, 1851. He helped make water ditches and commenced breaking his farm when he was called to go to Scandinavia on a mission. His wife was left with the care of two children, and though it was a time of Indian troubles and grasshoppers, she felt the Lord had richly blessed her. When the grasshoppers had swept the fields clean, her little patch of wheat was spared and she raised sixty bushels of treasured breadstuff.  She helped many who had lost their whole crop. Canute Peterson returned in 1856, bringing a large company of immigrants with him, whom he inspired with a deep love for him. He became counselor to Bishop Evans. In 1867 he was called to go to Ephraim to preside over that ward as bishop. In 1870 he was called to take a mission to Scandinavia to preside over that mission.    He returned in 1872.

When President Brigham Young organized the Sanpete Stake, Canute Peterson was chosen as its president. He held this position until the stake was divided and then he continued to preside over the South Sanpete Stake, until his death, which occurred October 14, 1902. He held the office of stake president more than twenty-five years. He was generally loved and esteemed by the Saints. He was a good gospel preacher. The Bible and the book of Doctrine and Covenants were his favorite books, and few were so well versed in the Scriptures as he.

He loved Lehi and its people, among whom were many of his dearest friends, and he never tired of relating his experiences during the seventeen years he sojourned there. His wife Sarah died in May. 1896. Two wives, Mariah and Charlotte, and fifteen children survived him.

The information on Trails to the Past © Copyright    may be used in personal family history research, with source citation. The pages in entirety may not be duplicated for publication in any fashion without the permission of the owner. Commercial use of any material on this site is not permitted.  Please respect the wishes of those who have contributed their time and efforts to make this free site possible.~Thank you!