|
History and
Genealogy |
|
BIOGRAPHIES
EDGAR E. ADAMS
Edgar E. Adams, a progressive business man of Greenriver, where he has been conducting a general store since March, 1917, was born in Monroe, Iowa, September 26, 1873, his parents being Aaron and Lucetta (Gregory) Adams, the former a native of Pennsylvania, while the latter was born in the Hawkeye state. The father was a veteran of the Civil war, serving as a first lieutenant in Company C, Fortieth Iowa Infantry, which was attached to the Western Army. He was with Grant at Vicksburg and was wounded at Little Rock, Arkansas. For thirteen years after the war he filled the position of postmaster at Monroe, Iowa, and in 1888 removed to Kansas, where he followed farming. He became a prominent and influential resident of his locality and was the first representative of Greeley County in the state legislature. His wife died in 1889, while Mr. Adams survived until 1902, passing away in Greeley county at the age of seventy two years, it being a marvel to all of his friends that a man wounded as seriously as he was in the Civil war should have reached that age.
Edgar E. Adams obtained a common school education in Iowa and Kansas and also pursued a partial high school course. In 1889 he removed to Colorado and at once took up railroading, becoming timekeeper for a construction contractor on the Denver & Rio Grande when the line was being extended from Durango to Rico. In the fall of 1890 he went to Salt Lake, where he remained through the winter, engaged in selling fire insurance. In the spring he covered Utah County and for about four years was a resident of Provo. In 1895 he returned to Colorado, settling at Fruita, where he re- sided for more than a decade, or until 1906, when he became one of the pioneers of Greenriver and here took the management of a business devoted to the manufacture of cement blocks, making blocks for the school, the bank and other business buildings. In 1908 he accepted the management of the Greenriver Lumber & Supply Company and so continued until it was consolidated with the Bonneville Lumber Company. In March, 1917, he opened a general store and has since been identified with the mercantile interests of Greenriver, where he has built up a trade of large and gratifying proportions. He has ever recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement and has put forth every effort to please his customers, while his enterprise and his honourable dealing are factors In his continued success. At Fruita, Colorado, on the 3d of January, 1901, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Anna S. Mahany, a daughter of Albert and Minnie Mahany, the former a native of Buffalo, New York, while the latter was born in Hudson, Ohio. Her father was engaged in the live stock business but at the time of the Civil war put aside all business and personal considerations and joined the army. After victory had crowned the Union arms he took up his abode in Ohio, where he met and married his wife. Soon after- ward they removed to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where their daughter Mrs. Adams was born. In 1884 they became residents of Fruita, Colorado, where Mr. Mahany continued in the cattle business, which he had previously followed for some years before his removal to the west. He passed away in Fruita in 1907 and the mother now makes her home at Grand Junction, Colorado, where she is very comfortably situated. To Mr. and Mrs. Adams have been born five children, namely: Virginia, who was born in Grand Junction, Colorado, January 1, 1902; Luella, who was born in Fruita, that state, July 19, 1903; Charles, born in Grand Junction, June 6, 1905; Gordon, who was born in Greenriver, Utah, August 19, 1908; and Alwilda, born in Greenriver, November 29, 1910.
In his political views Mr. Adams is a republican and while never an office seeker he has served for eight years as a member of the local and county school board and has always taken a deep and helpful interest in educational affairs, doing everything in his power to advance the standards of the schools. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian Church and for twelve years he has been an elder in the church, while for one year he served as clerk of the sessions. He has also been church treasurer and superintendent of the Sunday school for a number of years and is teaching a class of boys in Sunday school, manifesting the greatest interest in these boys and doing much to mould their character. His life has been one of uprightness and honour, commending him to the confidence and goodwill of all. Throughout his entire career he has never deviated from a course that he believed to be right between himself and his fellowmen, and the high ideals which he has cherished have found embodiment in practical effort for their adoption.
Source: "Utah Since Statehood", Noble Warrum; Chicago :: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.,1920
Contributed and transcribed by Wayne Cheeseman
JOHN P. BROCKBANK
John P. Brockbank is conducting a very successful and profitable business as a merchant of Huntington. He was born at Murray, Utah, April 3, 1867, the place, how- ever, being known at that time as Cottonwood. His parents are Isaac and Mary (Park) Brockbank. The father came to Utah in 1856 with his parents from Liverpool, England. His mother was taken ill while crossing the plains and wandered off, being never found, although the train was held up for several days in a search for her. It may have been that she was carried off by the Indians. The mother of John P. Brock- bank was born in Canada and for a time resided at Nauvoo, Illinois, whence she came to Utah when but four years of age, her parents crossing the plains with the pioneers of 1847. Isaac Brockbank was reared from the age of fourteen years in Salt Lake City and it was in 1865 that he wedded Mary Park. He was a harness maker by trade but for years served as clerk in the tithing office in Salt Lake City. He lived in the eighth ward and was counsellor to Bishop Sheets for a number of years. He made a trip to Liverpool in the interests of the genealogical records of the family and was quite successful in tracing the ancestral line. He now makes his home at Murray and his wife is also yet living.
John P. Brockbank acquired a common school education at Murray and afterward attended the Brigham Young University at Provo for three years, pursuing a commercial course. In 1892 he removed to Huntington, where he concentrated his efforts and attention upon farming and stock raising, and while he continued the management of the farm he also served as forest ranger for the government for a period of twelve years, resigning that position in December, 1917. It was on the 15th of May previous that he opened a general merchandise store at Huntington and he has a bright future before him, as there are splendid markets right at the door in the various coal mining towns of this locality. He has developed a very successful business and his patron- age is constantly increasing. He carries a large and carefully selected stock and his attractive goods and reasonable prices insure a continuance of the trade.
At Huntington, on the 1st of May, 1894, Mr. Brockbank was married to Miss Ellen Truman, a daughter of Jacob and Katy (Maxwell) Truman. Her father was a member of the Morman Battalion and after his marriage was called to settle St. George and later Hamblin in southern Utah. He is now deceased, but the mother lives at Huntington. To Mr. and Mrs. Brockbank were born four children: Cleone, born at Huntington, July 16, 1896; Orion, August 1, 1898; Leda, March 17, 1901; and Mil- ton, September 12, 1903. The son Orion joined the army in January, 1918, as a member of the Sixth fourth Balloon Company and was in the several aviation camps, both On the Atlantic and on the Pacific coast, receiving his honourable discharge in January, 1919.
Mr. Brockbank and family are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and he has filled the offices in the Elders and Seventy Quorums and is at present counsellor to the bishop. He also filled a mission to the northern states, labouring in Iowa from April, 1904, until April, 1906. His political endorsement is given to the Democratic Party and he is now serving as justice of the peace, while for two terms he was a school trustee. He is interested in all that has to do with the welfare and progress of this community along the lines of material, intellectual, social and moral progress and he has made for himself a very creditable position in business ranks.
Source: "Utah Since Statehood", Noble Warrum; Chicago :: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.,1920
Contributed and transcribed by Wayne Cheeseman
RASMUS JOHNSON
Rasmus Johnson, concentrating his efforts and attention upon farming and stock raising in Emery county, has been a lifelong resident of Utah, his birth having occurred at Ephraim, April 8, 1860. He comes of Danish ancestry, his parents being Rasmus and Metta (Jensen) Johnson, who were from Denmark, and in 1853 came to, Utah, crossing the plains with oxen. They remained in Salt Lake City for a brief period and then removed to Ephraim, where Mr. Johnson carried on farming and stock raising, becoming one of the earliest residents of that place. He was also a veteran of the Black Hawk war and he and his family shared in all of the experiences, hard- ships and privations incident to the settlement of the frontier.
Rasmus Johnson obtained a common school education at Ephraim and when fourteen years of age lost his father, after which he managed the farm for his mother and also carried on freighting in connection with farm work for ten years. Subsequently he settled at Emery as a pioneer, securing a homestead and timber claim and proving up on both. He has been very progressive in the up building of the town and county and his private business affairs have ever been of a character that have contributed to general progress and improvement. In addition to the cultivation of his fields he has engaged quite extensively in the raising of sheep and cattle and this has proven a profitable source of income. He is also a stockholder in the State Building & Loan Association of Price.
On the 28th of December, 1881, at Ephraim, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Christina Christenson, a daughter of Mads and Mary (Brown) Christenson, who were natives of Denmark and on coming to Utah in 1866 settled at Ephraim, where the father followed farming. Their children are nine in number, as follows: Rasmus R., deceased, who was born November 21, 1882, and wedded Susie E. Keele, who passed away leaving four children; A. M., who was born July 18, 1885, and wedded Beata Keele, by whom he has five children; Clement, who was born March 13, 1888, and married Alice Foote, by whom he has three children; Hazel, who was born January 19, 1891, and is now the wife of E. E. Burr and the mother of one child; Stanford E., who was born March 9, 1895, and wedded Artemesia Poote, by whom he has one child; Mary and Stanley, twins, who have passed away, and Marion and Clifford, who are also deceased.
Mr. Johnson and his family are identified with the Mormon church and he filled a mission to Norway. His political support is given the Democratic Party. He has served as constable and member of the town board for a number of years and he has been a director of the Emery Canal & Irrigation Company. He is also a member of the County Live Stock Association and is chairman of the local Farm Bureau Association of Emery. His interest in all that has to do with the development of the district is marked and his activities have resulted largely in the promotion of agricultural interests, while at the same time his labours have brought him substantial success.
(Source: Utah since Statehood Historical and Biographical, by Noble Warrum, editor, Vol 1, Publ 1919. Transcribed by Wayne Cheeseman)
JOHN C. LEMON
John C. Lemon, whose efforts have ever been guided by sound judgment and who in his farming operations has won a measure of success that now enables him to live retired in a most attractive, pleasant and comfortable home at Ferron, was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, September 4, 1853, his parents being James and Martha (Sweet) Lemon. The father was a soldier of the War of 1812, serving for three years. He lived in Indiana after the war, making his home there until 1847, when he crossed the plains in President Young's company. After living in Salt Lake City for a number of years, during which period he was married, he removed to old Box elder, now Brigham City and in 1857 became a resident of Springville, where he passed away at the age of seventy-five years. John C. Lemon had but one brother, James Lemon, who was born in Box elder, now Brigham, Box elder County, and was killed by the noted Squash head Indian in 1851, when but twenty months and six days old.
John C. Lemon acquired a common school education at Springville. At the age of fourteen years he went to Payson and during the next eight years went to Panaca, Nevada, but later returned to Utah, being variously employed during that period. He rode the range and carried the mail for a time, becoming thoroughly familiar with all kinds of frontier experiences. He then settled at Manti, where he followed logging and canyon work and also did some freighting until 1879. He then removed to Ferron, where he entered a timber claim. He has a beautiful home surrounded by fine old trees and is successfully raising timber in accordance with the timber law. Moreover, his farm is very productive, his fields yielding large crops, while he has a splendid orchard upon the place. He also raises good stock and is considered one of the most progressive men of the valley. He gives credit to Brigham Young for his splendid success in life. When a boy in Springville he heard people murmuring over their crop failures and he heard President Young says: "It does not pay to raise nothing but pumpkins." He treasured this expression and has followed mixed farming and fruit raising and always has good crops of something. If one thing fails, there are other things that produce abundantly and thus he has something to provide a substantial income. He possesses a cellar that will hold one thousand bushels of apples. His highly cultivated farm is one of the most attractive features of the landscape. Mr. Lemon is also a stockholder in the Gunnison Valley Sugar Company and in the Perron Roller Mill.
On the 23d of December, 1878, Mr. Lemon was married at Manti to Miss Emma Nelson, who was born February 10, 1861, a daughter of Andrew and Metta Nelson, natives of Denmark. They came to Utah when young people and were married in this territory, settling at Manti, where they made their permanent home. Mr. Nelson was prominent in church work and was also a very successful farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Lemon have been born eight children, namely: Delia S., who was born July 16, 1883, and is now the wife of Joseph Peterson, by whom she has three children; James C., who was born August 25, 1886, and wedded Ella Fulsom, by whom he has five children; Katie, who married Fred Hall, the Hall family being among the very first of Manti settlers; Arthur A., who was born September 27, 1893, and married Irene Ralph, by whom he has one child; Jennie V., whose natal day was August 6, 1895; Frank B., whose birth occurred May 10, 1901; and John Carid and Dora, who have passed away. In religious faith the family is connected with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and in politics Mr. Lemon is a republican. He has never been an office seeker, however, concentrating his efforts and attention upon the development of his farm and the promotion of his timber interests, and his successful accomplishments and the methods which he has followed place him with the most progressive residents of the district.
Source: "Utah Since Statehood", Noble Warrum; Chicago :: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.,1920
Contributed and transcribed by Wayne Cheeseman
RICHARD C. MILLER
Richard C. Miller, proprietor of a lumberyard at Castle Dale, where he also deals in builders' hardware and paints, was born in Aalborg, Denmark, November 14, 1854, a son of Niels C. and Petrea (Holm) Miller, who were likewise natives of Denmark. In 1886 they came to Utah, settling at Manti. The mother died in 1900. The father, who is a carpenter by trade, owns a comfortable home in Manti but is now living with his daughter at Heber, Utah, at the ripe old age of eighty six years. He is a member of the High Priests' Quorum.
Richard C. Miller obtained a common school education in Denmark and served his country as a soldier for seven months. He came to Utah in 1878, when a young man of twenty-four years, settling in Salt Lake City, where he remained until 1880. He then married and removed to Manti, after which he worked most of the time on the Manti Temple until 1884. In that year he removed to Castle Dale, becoming one of the pioneers of Emery county, and there he followed farming, securing land under the desert act. For a long period he tilled the soil but in 1903 disposed of his farm and established a general merchandise business, which was incorporated under the name of Wall, Miller & Company. He was then active in mercantile pursuits until 1910, when he disposed of the business. In 1914 he established a lumberyard, also handling builders' hardware and paints, and has since continued in this business alone, being accorded a liberal and well deserved patronage.
At Mount Pleasant, in 1880, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Carolina Nielson, a daughter of Christian and Johannah Nielson, who came from Denmark and settled at Mount Pleasant, Utah. Mrs. Miller passed away in 1892. In 1894 Mr. Miller wedded Martine Jacobson, a daughter of Mads and Else Marie Jacobson, who came from Denmark in 1857 and crossed the plains with a handcart company. It was a trip of great hardships and privations, for they did not reach Salt Lake City until November and many died while en route. Sleeping on the ground, the emigrants froze to death. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson lost two of their children while crossing the plains. After reaching Utah they settled at Mount Pleasant, where they have since passed away. The death of Mrs. Martine Miller occurred at Castle Dale in 1917. In 1918 Mr. Miller was married at Castle Dale to Hannah M. Larson, a daughter of C. J. and Marie Larson, who were pioneers of Emery County. The father was the first president of the stake, so serving for years, when owing to his age he was released and was ordained a patriarch. He died in 1911. Mr. Miller's children, born of his first marriage, are: Agnes, who was born on the 12th of November, 1881, and became the wife of Silas Shiner, by whom she has three children; Dagmar, whose birth occurred in October, 1885, and is the wife of Nephi L. Williams, by whom she has three children; Willard, who was born in October, 1887, and wedded Miss Anna Laura Woods, by whom he has two children; and two who have passed away, these being Richard, who was born September 14, 1883, and died April 27, 1886; and Katie C. f who was born January 24, 1890, and died September 25, 1891.
At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Miller became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his native land. He filled a mission before he came to Utah and in 1899 went on a mission to Denmark covering thirty months. In 1910 he again went on a mission to his native land, where he laboured for twenty-eight months as president of the conference. He has also been counsellor to the bishop for five years, a member of the High Priests Quorum and has filled several minor positions in the church, serving now as ward clerk. His political endorsement is given to the Democratic Party and for years he was school trustee. In 1892 he was elected county treasurer and was re-elected for two succeeding terms. In 1901 and 1902 he served as a member of the town board of Castle Dale and he is now serving for the fourth term as justice of the peace, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the law and the equity in the case. He has made a capable official in the various positions which he has filled; being ever loyal to the trust reposed in him.
Source: "Utah Since Statehood", Noble Warrum; Chicago :: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.,1920
Contributed and transcribed by Wayne Cheeseman
JAMES W. NIXON, SR.
James W. Nixon, Sr., who for many years was a prominent merchant and is now giving his attention largely to real estate interests at Huntington, where he is also engaged in bee culture, was born in St. George, Utah, September 7, 1866. During the period of pioneer development in this state his parents, James W. and Johanna M. (Schultz) Nixon, arrived in Utah, this being in the year 1852. They resided for a short time on the Weber and Mr. Nixon was then called to settle at St. George, where he continued to make his home. In the early days he made a trip to California to secure plumbing and blacksmith tools and later assisted in putting in the plumbing in the St. George temple. He was one of the early merchants in Pioche, Nevada, and was known as the Mormon trader. Later he became president of the United Order and operated the saw mills on Mount Trumbull and cut the timber for the completion of the St. George temple. His death, due to overwork occurred when he was but forty seven years of age. The mother is still living at St. George with two of her daughters.
James W. Nixon, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in the schools of his native city, passing through consecutive grades to the high school, and after completing his course there made his way northwest to Price, where for a year he was engaged in teaching a school numbering seventy pupils of all grades, from the first to the eighth. Emery County to what was then the Deseret University, where he spent two years, completing a normal course. He then returned to Huntington, where he taught for eight years, and in the fall of 1888 became the principal of the district schools, thus continuing, until 1896, when he was sent on a two years' mission to California. Following, his return he taught for a year at Wellington, near Price, and in 1900 again at Huntington for a year. It was during that year that he established a general merchandise business there and in the interest of the people handled alfalfa seed and honey. For years he had the largest mercantile house in eastern Utah, continuing in the business until May, 1919, when he sold to Edward G. Geary. He is still manager of the opera house and looks after his real estate interests, while at the same time he is quite extensively engaged in bee culture. He was one of the original incorporators of the Price Commercial & Savings Bank. His activities have thus been varied and important, contributing in substantial measure to the growth and development of the communities in which he has lived and laboured. His judgment is sound, his sagacity keen and his industry has been a basic element in his success.
On the 7th of September, 1888, at St. George, Utah, by John D. T. McAllister, Mr. Nixon was married to Miss Erne D. Woolley, a daughter of Franklin B. and Olive (Foss) Woolley. Her father was killed by the Indians on a trip with other Dixie people when going after goods to California. The mother died in Salt Lake City in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Nixon became the parents of eight children. James W., born in Huntington, June 5, 1889, and married at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is now practicing medicine at Hiawatha and is mentioned at length on another page of this work. Olive I., born in Huntington, December 21, 1891, has become noted throughout the state as a vocalist. She is the wife of F. L. Hickman, of Provo, and has three children. Myrtle L. died at the age of fourteen years. Erne Nina, born in Huntington in 1895, is pursuing a course in nursing in the Latter-day Saints Hospital and will graduate in 1920. St. Glair, born in Huntington in 1897, was in training when the armistice was signed and is now filling a mission in the Central states. Grace Dean, born in 1901, Ezra J., in 1904 and Jesse O., in 1908, complete the family, and they now reside in a beautiful home in Provo.
Mr. Nixon is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was bishop's counsellor for two years, was bishop for four years and is now a member of the high council, while for five years he was superintendent of the Sunday school of the stake. His political endorsement is given the Democratic Party and he has tilled the position of president of the town board and of the Commercial Club of the town and county. He has been a delegate to nearly all of the County and state conventions of his party and in fact regarded as one of the most progressive supporters of democracy in Huntington and one of the most enterprising citizens. In 1911 he was nominated for the position of state auditor. His opinions have long carried weight in the councils of the party and in matters relative to the welfare and up building of Huntington he has taken a most active and helpful interest. He has recognized and utilized opportunities that others have passed heedlessly by and his labours have ever been of a character that has contributed to public progress and prosperity as well as to individual success. The worth of his work in behalf of the church and of the state is widely acknowledged and the value of his citizenship is based upon the utilization of his opportunities for doing well.
Source: "Utah Since Statehood", Noble Warrum; Chicago :: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.,1920
Contributed and transcribed by Wayne Cheeseman
Edgar E. Adams, a progressive business man of Greenriver, where he has been conducting a general store since March, 1917, was born in Monroe, Iowa, September 26, 1873, his parents being Aaron and Lucetta (Gregory) Adams, the former a native of Pennsylvania, while the latter was born in the Hawkeye state. The father was a veteran of the Civil war, serving as a first lieutenant in Company C, Fortieth Iowa Infantry, which was attached to the Western Army. He was with Grant at Vicksburg and was wounded at Little Rock, Arkansas. For thirteen years after the war he filled the position of postmaster at Monroe, Iowa, and in 1888 removed to Kansas, where he followed farming. He became a prominent and influential resident of his locality and was the first representative of Greeley County in the state legislature. His wife died in 1889, while Mr. Adams survived until 1902, passing away in Greeley county at the age of seventy two years, it being a marvel to all of his friends that a man wounded as seriously as he was in the Civil war should have reached that age.
Edgar E. Adams obtained a common school education in Iowa and Kansas and also pursued a partial high school course. In 1889 he removed to Colorado and at once took up railroading, becoming timekeeper for a construction contractor on the Denver & Rio Grande when the line was being extended from Durango to Rico. In the fall of 1890 he went to Salt Lake, where he remained through the winter, engaged in selling fire insurance. In the spring he covered Utah County and for about four years was a resident of Provo. In 1895 he returned to Colorado, settling at Fruita, where he re- sided for more than a decade, or until 1906, when he became one of the pioneers of Greenriver and here took the management of a business devoted to the manufacture of cement blocks, making blocks for the school, the bank and other business buildings. In 1908 he accepted the management of the Greenriver Lumber & Supply Company and so continued until it was consolidated with the Bonneville Lumber Company. In March, 1917, he opened a general store and has since been identified with the mercantile interests of Greenriver, where he has built up a trade of large and gratifying proportions. He has ever recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement and has put forth every effort to please his customers, while his enterprise and his honourable dealing are factors In his continued success. At Fruita, Colorado, on the 3d of January, 1901, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Anna S. Mahany, a daughter of Albert and Minnie Mahany, the former a native of Buffalo, New York, while the latter was born in Hudson, Ohio. Her father was engaged in the live stock business but at the time of the Civil war put aside all business and personal considerations and joined the army. After victory had crowned the Union arms he took up his abode in Ohio, where he met and married his wife. Soon after- ward they removed to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where their daughter Mrs. Adams was born. In 1884 they became residents of Fruita, Colorado, where Mr. Mahany continued in the cattle business, which he had previously followed for some years before his removal to the west. He passed away in Fruita in 1907 and the mother now makes her home at Grand Junction, Colorado, where she is very comfortably situated. To Mr. and Mrs. Adams have been born five children, namely: Virginia, who was born in Grand Junction, Colorado, January 1, 1902; Luella, who was born in Fruita, that state, July 19, 1903; Charles, born in Grand Junction, June 6, 1905; Gordon, who was born in Greenriver, Utah, August 19, 1908; and Alwilda, born in Greenriver, November 29, 1910.
In his political views Mr. Adams is a republican and while never an office seeker he has served for eight years as a member of the local and county school board and has always taken a deep and helpful interest in educational affairs, doing everything in his power to advance the standards of the schools. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian Church and for twelve years he has been an elder in the church, while for one year he served as clerk of the sessions. He has also been church treasurer and superintendent of the Sunday school for a number of years and is teaching a class of boys in Sunday school, manifesting the greatest interest in these boys and doing much to mould their character. His life has been one of uprightness and honour, commending him to the confidence and goodwill of all. Throughout his entire career he has never deviated from a course that he believed to be right between himself and his fellowmen, and the high ideals which he has cherished have found embodiment in practical effort for their adoption.
Source: "Utah Since Statehood", Noble Warrum; Chicago :: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.,1920
Contributed and transcribed by Wayne Cheeseman
JOHN P. BROCKBANK
John P. Brockbank is conducting a very successful and profitable business as a merchant of Huntington. He was born at Murray, Utah, April 3, 1867, the place, how- ever, being known at that time as Cottonwood. His parents are Isaac and Mary (Park) Brockbank. The father came to Utah in 1856 with his parents from Liverpool, England. His mother was taken ill while crossing the plains and wandered off, being never found, although the train was held up for several days in a search for her. It may have been that she was carried off by the Indians. The mother of John P. Brock- bank was born in Canada and for a time resided at Nauvoo, Illinois, whence she came to Utah when but four years of age, her parents crossing the plains with the pioneers of 1847. Isaac Brockbank was reared from the age of fourteen years in Salt Lake City and it was in 1865 that he wedded Mary Park. He was a harness maker by trade but for years served as clerk in the tithing office in Salt Lake City. He lived in the eighth ward and was counsellor to Bishop Sheets for a number of years. He made a trip to Liverpool in the interests of the genealogical records of the family and was quite successful in tracing the ancestral line. He now makes his home at Murray and his wife is also yet living.
John P. Brockbank acquired a common school education at Murray and afterward attended the Brigham Young University at Provo for three years, pursuing a commercial course. In 1892 he removed to Huntington, where he concentrated his efforts and attention upon farming and stock raising, and while he continued the management of the farm he also served as forest ranger for the government for a period of twelve years, resigning that position in December, 1917. It was on the 15th of May previous that he opened a general merchandise store at Huntington and he has a bright future before him, as there are splendid markets right at the door in the various coal mining towns of this locality. He has developed a very successful business and his patron- age is constantly increasing. He carries a large and carefully selected stock and his attractive goods and reasonable prices insure a continuance of the trade.
At Huntington, on the 1st of May, 1894, Mr. Brockbank was married to Miss Ellen Truman, a daughter of Jacob and Katy (Maxwell) Truman. Her father was a member of the Morman Battalion and after his marriage was called to settle St. George and later Hamblin in southern Utah. He is now deceased, but the mother lives at Huntington. To Mr. and Mrs. Brockbank were born four children: Cleone, born at Huntington, July 16, 1896; Orion, August 1, 1898; Leda, March 17, 1901; and Mil- ton, September 12, 1903. The son Orion joined the army in January, 1918, as a member of the Sixth fourth Balloon Company and was in the several aviation camps, both On the Atlantic and on the Pacific coast, receiving his honourable discharge in January, 1919.
Mr. Brockbank and family are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and he has filled the offices in the Elders and Seventy Quorums and is at present counsellor to the bishop. He also filled a mission to the northern states, labouring in Iowa from April, 1904, until April, 1906. His political endorsement is given to the Democratic Party and he is now serving as justice of the peace, while for two terms he was a school trustee. He is interested in all that has to do with the welfare and progress of this community along the lines of material, intellectual, social and moral progress and he has made for himself a very creditable position in business ranks.
Source: "Utah Since Statehood", Noble Warrum; Chicago :: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.,1920
Contributed and transcribed by Wayne Cheeseman
RASMUS JOHNSON
Rasmus Johnson, concentrating his efforts and attention upon farming and stock raising in Emery county, has been a lifelong resident of Utah, his birth having occurred at Ephraim, April 8, 1860. He comes of Danish ancestry, his parents being Rasmus and Metta (Jensen) Johnson, who were from Denmark, and in 1853 came to, Utah, crossing the plains with oxen. They remained in Salt Lake City for a brief period and then removed to Ephraim, where Mr. Johnson carried on farming and stock raising, becoming one of the earliest residents of that place. He was also a veteran of the Black Hawk war and he and his family shared in all of the experiences, hard- ships and privations incident to the settlement of the frontier.
Rasmus Johnson obtained a common school education at Ephraim and when fourteen years of age lost his father, after which he managed the farm for his mother and also carried on freighting in connection with farm work for ten years. Subsequently he settled at Emery as a pioneer, securing a homestead and timber claim and proving up on both. He has been very progressive in the up building of the town and county and his private business affairs have ever been of a character that have contributed to general progress and improvement. In addition to the cultivation of his fields he has engaged quite extensively in the raising of sheep and cattle and this has proven a profitable source of income. He is also a stockholder in the State Building & Loan Association of Price.
On the 28th of December, 1881, at Ephraim, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Christina Christenson, a daughter of Mads and Mary (Brown) Christenson, who were natives of Denmark and on coming to Utah in 1866 settled at Ephraim, where the father followed farming. Their children are nine in number, as follows: Rasmus R., deceased, who was born November 21, 1882, and wedded Susie E. Keele, who passed away leaving four children; A. M., who was born July 18, 1885, and wedded Beata Keele, by whom he has five children; Clement, who was born March 13, 1888, and married Alice Foote, by whom he has three children; Hazel, who was born January 19, 1891, and is now the wife of E. E. Burr and the mother of one child; Stanford E., who was born March 9, 1895, and wedded Artemesia Poote, by whom he has one child; Mary and Stanley, twins, who have passed away, and Marion and Clifford, who are also deceased.
Mr. Johnson and his family are identified with the Mormon church and he filled a mission to Norway. His political support is given the Democratic Party. He has served as constable and member of the town board for a number of years and he has been a director of the Emery Canal & Irrigation Company. He is also a member of the County Live Stock Association and is chairman of the local Farm Bureau Association of Emery. His interest in all that has to do with the development of the district is marked and his activities have resulted largely in the promotion of agricultural interests, while at the same time his labours have brought him substantial success.
(Source: Utah since Statehood Historical and Biographical, by Noble Warrum, editor, Vol 1, Publ 1919. Transcribed by Wayne Cheeseman)
JOHN C. LEMON
John C. Lemon, whose efforts have ever been guided by sound judgment and who in his farming operations has won a measure of success that now enables him to live retired in a most attractive, pleasant and comfortable home at Ferron, was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, September 4, 1853, his parents being James and Martha (Sweet) Lemon. The father was a soldier of the War of 1812, serving for three years. He lived in Indiana after the war, making his home there until 1847, when he crossed the plains in President Young's company. After living in Salt Lake City for a number of years, during which period he was married, he removed to old Box elder, now Brigham City and in 1857 became a resident of Springville, where he passed away at the age of seventy-five years. John C. Lemon had but one brother, James Lemon, who was born in Box elder, now Brigham, Box elder County, and was killed by the noted Squash head Indian in 1851, when but twenty months and six days old.
John C. Lemon acquired a common school education at Springville. At the age of fourteen years he went to Payson and during the next eight years went to Panaca, Nevada, but later returned to Utah, being variously employed during that period. He rode the range and carried the mail for a time, becoming thoroughly familiar with all kinds of frontier experiences. He then settled at Manti, where he followed logging and canyon work and also did some freighting until 1879. He then removed to Ferron, where he entered a timber claim. He has a beautiful home surrounded by fine old trees and is successfully raising timber in accordance with the timber law. Moreover, his farm is very productive, his fields yielding large crops, while he has a splendid orchard upon the place. He also raises good stock and is considered one of the most progressive men of the valley. He gives credit to Brigham Young for his splendid success in life. When a boy in Springville he heard people murmuring over their crop failures and he heard President Young says: "It does not pay to raise nothing but pumpkins." He treasured this expression and has followed mixed farming and fruit raising and always has good crops of something. If one thing fails, there are other things that produce abundantly and thus he has something to provide a substantial income. He possesses a cellar that will hold one thousand bushels of apples. His highly cultivated farm is one of the most attractive features of the landscape. Mr. Lemon is also a stockholder in the Gunnison Valley Sugar Company and in the Perron Roller Mill.
On the 23d of December, 1878, Mr. Lemon was married at Manti to Miss Emma Nelson, who was born February 10, 1861, a daughter of Andrew and Metta Nelson, natives of Denmark. They came to Utah when young people and were married in this territory, settling at Manti, where they made their permanent home. Mr. Nelson was prominent in church work and was also a very successful farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Lemon have been born eight children, namely: Delia S., who was born July 16, 1883, and is now the wife of Joseph Peterson, by whom she has three children; James C., who was born August 25, 1886, and wedded Ella Fulsom, by whom he has five children; Katie, who married Fred Hall, the Hall family being among the very first of Manti settlers; Arthur A., who was born September 27, 1893, and married Irene Ralph, by whom he has one child; Jennie V., whose natal day was August 6, 1895; Frank B., whose birth occurred May 10, 1901; and John Carid and Dora, who have passed away. In religious faith the family is connected with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and in politics Mr. Lemon is a republican. He has never been an office seeker, however, concentrating his efforts and attention upon the development of his farm and the promotion of his timber interests, and his successful accomplishments and the methods which he has followed place him with the most progressive residents of the district.
Source: "Utah Since Statehood", Noble Warrum; Chicago :: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.,1920
Contributed and transcribed by Wayne Cheeseman
RICHARD C. MILLER
Richard C. Miller, proprietor of a lumberyard at Castle Dale, where he also deals in builders' hardware and paints, was born in Aalborg, Denmark, November 14, 1854, a son of Niels C. and Petrea (Holm) Miller, who were likewise natives of Denmark. In 1886 they came to Utah, settling at Manti. The mother died in 1900. The father, who is a carpenter by trade, owns a comfortable home in Manti but is now living with his daughter at Heber, Utah, at the ripe old age of eighty six years. He is a member of the High Priests' Quorum.
Richard C. Miller obtained a common school education in Denmark and served his country as a soldier for seven months. He came to Utah in 1878, when a young man of twenty-four years, settling in Salt Lake City, where he remained until 1880. He then married and removed to Manti, after which he worked most of the time on the Manti Temple until 1884. In that year he removed to Castle Dale, becoming one of the pioneers of Emery county, and there he followed farming, securing land under the desert act. For a long period he tilled the soil but in 1903 disposed of his farm and established a general merchandise business, which was incorporated under the name of Wall, Miller & Company. He was then active in mercantile pursuits until 1910, when he disposed of the business. In 1914 he established a lumberyard, also handling builders' hardware and paints, and has since continued in this business alone, being accorded a liberal and well deserved patronage.
At Mount Pleasant, in 1880, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Carolina Nielson, a daughter of Christian and Johannah Nielson, who came from Denmark and settled at Mount Pleasant, Utah. Mrs. Miller passed away in 1892. In 1894 Mr. Miller wedded Martine Jacobson, a daughter of Mads and Else Marie Jacobson, who came from Denmark in 1857 and crossed the plains with a handcart company. It was a trip of great hardships and privations, for they did not reach Salt Lake City until November and many died while en route. Sleeping on the ground, the emigrants froze to death. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson lost two of their children while crossing the plains. After reaching Utah they settled at Mount Pleasant, where they have since passed away. The death of Mrs. Martine Miller occurred at Castle Dale in 1917. In 1918 Mr. Miller was married at Castle Dale to Hannah M. Larson, a daughter of C. J. and Marie Larson, who were pioneers of Emery County. The father was the first president of the stake, so serving for years, when owing to his age he was released and was ordained a patriarch. He died in 1911. Mr. Miller's children, born of his first marriage, are: Agnes, who was born on the 12th of November, 1881, and became the wife of Silas Shiner, by whom she has three children; Dagmar, whose birth occurred in October, 1885, and is the wife of Nephi L. Williams, by whom she has three children; Willard, who was born in October, 1887, and wedded Miss Anna Laura Woods, by whom he has two children; and two who have passed away, these being Richard, who was born September 14, 1883, and died April 27, 1886; and Katie C. f who was born January 24, 1890, and died September 25, 1891.
At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Miller became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his native land. He filled a mission before he came to Utah and in 1899 went on a mission to Denmark covering thirty months. In 1910 he again went on a mission to his native land, where he laboured for twenty-eight months as president of the conference. He has also been counsellor to the bishop for five years, a member of the High Priests Quorum and has filled several minor positions in the church, serving now as ward clerk. His political endorsement is given to the Democratic Party and for years he was school trustee. In 1892 he was elected county treasurer and was re-elected for two succeeding terms. In 1901 and 1902 he served as a member of the town board of Castle Dale and he is now serving for the fourth term as justice of the peace, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the law and the equity in the case. He has made a capable official in the various positions which he has filled; being ever loyal to the trust reposed in him.
Source: "Utah Since Statehood", Noble Warrum; Chicago :: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.,1920
Contributed and transcribed by Wayne Cheeseman
JAMES W. NIXON, SR.
James W. Nixon, Sr., who for many years was a prominent merchant and is now giving his attention largely to real estate interests at Huntington, where he is also engaged in bee culture, was born in St. George, Utah, September 7, 1866. During the period of pioneer development in this state his parents, James W. and Johanna M. (Schultz) Nixon, arrived in Utah, this being in the year 1852. They resided for a short time on the Weber and Mr. Nixon was then called to settle at St. George, where he continued to make his home. In the early days he made a trip to California to secure plumbing and blacksmith tools and later assisted in putting in the plumbing in the St. George temple. He was one of the early merchants in Pioche, Nevada, and was known as the Mormon trader. Later he became president of the United Order and operated the saw mills on Mount Trumbull and cut the timber for the completion of the St. George temple. His death, due to overwork occurred when he was but forty seven years of age. The mother is still living at St. George with two of her daughters.
James W. Nixon, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in the schools of his native city, passing through consecutive grades to the high school, and after completing his course there made his way northwest to Price, where for a year he was engaged in teaching a school numbering seventy pupils of all grades, from the first to the eighth. Emery County to what was then the Deseret University, where he spent two years, completing a normal course. He then returned to Huntington, where he taught for eight years, and in the fall of 1888 became the principal of the district schools, thus continuing, until 1896, when he was sent on a two years' mission to California. Following, his return he taught for a year at Wellington, near Price, and in 1900 again at Huntington for a year. It was during that year that he established a general merchandise business there and in the interest of the people handled alfalfa seed and honey. For years he had the largest mercantile house in eastern Utah, continuing in the business until May, 1919, when he sold to Edward G. Geary. He is still manager of the opera house and looks after his real estate interests, while at the same time he is quite extensively engaged in bee culture. He was one of the original incorporators of the Price Commercial & Savings Bank. His activities have thus been varied and important, contributing in substantial measure to the growth and development of the communities in which he has lived and laboured. His judgment is sound, his sagacity keen and his industry has been a basic element in his success.
On the 7th of September, 1888, at St. George, Utah, by John D. T. McAllister, Mr. Nixon was married to Miss Erne D. Woolley, a daughter of Franklin B. and Olive (Foss) Woolley. Her father was killed by the Indians on a trip with other Dixie people when going after goods to California. The mother died in Salt Lake City in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Nixon became the parents of eight children. James W., born in Huntington, June 5, 1889, and married at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is now practicing medicine at Hiawatha and is mentioned at length on another page of this work. Olive I., born in Huntington, December 21, 1891, has become noted throughout the state as a vocalist. She is the wife of F. L. Hickman, of Provo, and has three children. Myrtle L. died at the age of fourteen years. Erne Nina, born in Huntington in 1895, is pursuing a course in nursing in the Latter-day Saints Hospital and will graduate in 1920. St. Glair, born in Huntington in 1897, was in training when the armistice was signed and is now filling a mission in the Central states. Grace Dean, born in 1901, Ezra J., in 1904 and Jesse O., in 1908, complete the family, and they now reside in a beautiful home in Provo.
Mr. Nixon is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was bishop's counsellor for two years, was bishop for four years and is now a member of the high council, while for five years he was superintendent of the Sunday school of the stake. His political endorsement is given the Democratic Party and he has tilled the position of president of the town board and of the Commercial Club of the town and county. He has been a delegate to nearly all of the County and state conventions of his party and in fact regarded as one of the most progressive supporters of democracy in Huntington and one of the most enterprising citizens. In 1911 he was nominated for the position of state auditor. His opinions have long carried weight in the councils of the party and in matters relative to the welfare and up building of Huntington he has taken a most active and helpful interest. He has recognized and utilized opportunities that others have passed heedlessly by and his labours have ever been of a character that has contributed to public progress and prosperity as well as to individual success. The worth of his work in behalf of the church and of the state is widely acknowledged and the value of his citizenship is based upon the utilization of his opportunities for doing well.
Source: "Utah Since Statehood", Noble Warrum; Chicago :: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.,1920
Contributed and transcribed by Wayne Cheeseman
Visit our National Site
Submitters retain all copyrights