James Monsen ~ Mayor of the Month ~ December 2010 ~ He Served from 1905 to 1909

The Sanpete Stake of Zion, which included Sanpete County, was in 1900 divided into two sections, the North and the South, all north of Ephraim to belong to the North Sanpete Stake, and all south, including Ephraim, to the South Sanpete Stake. C. N. Lund, of Mount Pleasant, was appointed president of the north section. On the same date, December 9, 1900, Mt. Pleasant was divided into two wards, the North and the South. Lars P. Madsen was made Bishop, with Thomas West and Joseph Seeley as counselors of the North ward, and James Larsen, Bishop, with Christian Johansen and James Monsen as counselors of the South ward. The first ward schoolhouse, which was built in 1875, was then razed to give way for the South ward chapel. The new building, which was begun at once, was dedicated in 1908.  Mt. Pleasant History Hilda Madsen Longsdorf  p 181

In 1901, the Mt. Pleasant Commercial Bank erected their building on the north side of Main Street between Second and Third West.

The mountains east of the city had in the past produced a great deal of lumber, and about this time and later, a number of mills were operated, among these later lumber dealers from time to time were: E. L. Durphy, Lauritz and Peter A. Larsen, John H. Seeley and James Monsen. Large forest fires were often seen in the mountains. HML p 182

During the year (1908), the Progress Mercantile Company, which became very prominent in the business world, was incorporated with James Larsen, president; F. C. Jensen, vice president; H. C. Jacobs, secretary-treasurer; S. E. Jensen, James Monsen, Andrew Larsen, John Strom and Andrew Swenson, directors. Their place of busi­ness was established in the Equitable building, formerly occupied by the Aldrich Brothers.  Mt. Pleasant History Hilda Madsen Longsdorf p 183.

Fiftieth Anniversary Celebrated

Early in February 1909, there was called a mass meeting by Mayor James Monsen, for the purpose of deciding the advisability of a celebration sometime during the year, honoring the fiftieth anniversary of the settling of Mt. Pleasant.




It was decided at this meeting to hold a three day celebration beginning on the 5th day of July.




At this time, Andrew Madsen stated he thought it would be appropriate if steps could be taken towards the erection of a suitable monument in honor of the Pioneers. The city officials felt that owing to financial conditions they were not able to officially take any steps in that direction. Madsen then began to take the matter up personally, having full confidence that if proper steps were taken, the descendants would join in a movement whereby something could be erected, giving honor and credit, not only to the pioneers, but to the descendants as well, and to all of the people of our city. He then called upon Bishops Daniel Rasmussen, James Larsen and Mayor Monsen.



A conference was held, after a few minutes discussion, they were united and agreed upon calling a mass meeting on the 17th day of February, 1909. At this meeting, Daniel Rasmussen was elected chairman and Joseph Seely secretary. The plan was pre¬sented to erect in some suitable place, a large monument in honor of the Pioneers. After a few minutes discussion, this was unanimously agreed upon.



Two committees were appointed. One, Ferdinand Ericksen. E. C. Johnson, James Larsen, James Monsen, and Andrew Madsen, to select the character of monument to be erected, and a like com-mittee, consisting of five members, Daniel Rasmussen, Joseph Seely, James Borg, C. W. Anderson and Joseph Monsen, were to devise ways and means by which to raise the necessary funds for the erection of a suitable memorial.



February 27th, another meeting was called and the two com-mittees were consolidated. The committees worked earnestly and it was only by stick-to-it-tive-ness and constant efforts with renewed vigor that they were able to make such rapid advancement.



The census of the descendants were taken and an assessment of $35.00 to the family was made. Any male in Mt. Pleasant over ten years of age in 1859, was eligible to have his name on the monument. Some responded promptly, while some were lax. Madsen made a trip to Carbon County, meeting with a number of the descendents at Price and Wellington, who, after receiving full explanation of the progress and intentions of the committee, did not hesitate and at once contributed their portion. In March, a mass meeting was held to prepare for the celebration. The city appointed the following committee chairmen: James Monsen

general chairman; C. N. Lund, program; Daniel Rasmussen,  decoration; W. D. Candland, finance; Ferdinand Ericksen, amusement; Joseph Seely, entertainment; and also made an appropriation of $200.00.







The work was completed in due time and a beautiful monument, which is composed of white bronze metal was erected on the northwest corner of the Church Block, intersecting Main and State Streets. It stands upon a cement foundation, ten feet square, and is surmounted by six foot figure representing "Faith" typifying the devotion and confidence of the Pioneers. The total height of the monument is twenty-seven feet, six inches. The estimated cost about $2,500.00. Mt. Pleasant History Hilda Madsen Longsdorf p 183-185









In 1909, during the time James Monsen was mayor, three cement side walk districts were created. District number one, on the north side of Main Street from State Street to Fifth West. District number two, east side of State Street from Main Street to the cemetery, and the west side of State Street from Main Street to Fifth South. District number three, west side of Fifth West from Main Street to Fifth South. Mt. Pleasant History Hilda Madsen Longsdorf p  195

Harold C. Beauman ~ Mayor of the Month ~ November 2010

Harold C. Beaumann, son of Harold C and Ella, was born in Mt. Pleasant, September 20, 1863.  His parents emigrated from Denmark in 1862 and located in Mt. Pleasant.



He worked on the farm and attended the local schools.  In 1886 he was appointed postmaster, which position he held for six years.  He was City Treasurer for four  years, County Treasurer for two years and elected a member of the City Council in 1895.  He was then elected mayor of Mt. Pleasant in 1904.



He assisted in organizing the Mt. Pleasant Bank and was an agent for Royal and Continental Fire Insurance Companies and the Pioneer Davis County nurseries.



He was married in Mt. Pleasant September 20, 1892 to Anne, daughter of Henry and Kate DeGraff, who was born in Salt Lake City, September 30, 1870.  They had two children:  Harold and Ruth.

January 25, 1889, Harold C. Beaumann was appointed Post­master. For a time the post office was in the former location; later. however, it was moved to the east side of First West, between Main and First South.          .Mt. Pleasant History by Hilda Madsen Longsdorf p. 167.

In March 1903, while George Christensen was mayor, the city voted a bond for water works, but not until 1905, during H. C. Beaumann's term, were contracts let for installing the system. In due time, the system was installed, and with its completion. the settling barrels with their prickly pears, which had been used at most every home for the settling of the roily water, disappeared.  HML p. 182.

February 1906, the North Sanpete Bank was incorporated with a capital stock of $50,000.00. W. D. Candland, president; A. J. Aagard, vice president; and H. C. Beaumann, cashier. They were installed in their new building on the north side of Main Street, midway between State and First West.  HML p. 183

1904-5. Mayor, H. C. Beaumann; Recorder, A. H. Maiben; Treas­urer, E. Ellis Day; Marshal, Andrew S. Jensen; Justice of the Peace, A. B. Waldermar; Councilors, A. E. Mcintosh, (16) Joseph Monsen, A. C. Madsen, George H. Marshall, (17) A. C. Wall, S. E. Jensen, Bent R. Hansen.  HML p. 237

Mayor of the Month ~ October 2010 ~ George Christensen ~ He served as Mayor 1900 - 1902

John Carter ~ Mayor of the Month ~ September 2010. He served 1885 - 1887

Among the original pioneers of Sanpete County, were the following men, some being accompanied by their families: Isaac Morley, Seth Taft, Charles Shumway, D. B. Huntington, Barney Ward, John Lowry Sr., Titus Billings, C. W. Bradley, Albert Petty, C. S. Cox, Albert Smith, Jereel Shoemaker, Cyrenus H. Taylor, Azariah Smith, Abraham Washburn, John D. Chase, Isaac Chase, Sylvester Hewlett, Wm. Potter, Gardner Potter, James Brown, Joseph Allen, Madison D. Hambleton, Wm. Richie, Harri­son Fugate, Sylvester Wilcox, Gad Yale, John Carter, Isaac Be­hunin, Wm. Mendenhall, Edwin Whiting, Wm. Tubbe, John Hart, John Baker, John Elmer, John Butterfield, Amos Gustin, John Cable, and W. K. Smith.

Mt. Pleasant History by Hilda Madsen Longsdorf p 16

C.N. Lund ~ Mayor of the Month ~ August 2010

 

John H. Seely, Mayor of the Month ~ July 2010

John H. Seely was born in San Bernardino, California on April 29, 1855.  He was the son of Justus W. and Clarissa.  The family moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1859, where he was educated and grew up a farmer.



At the age of 21 he had nothing and made a start at hauling mine timbers in Bingham.  He secured about 3,800 sheep on shares and at the end of three years had about 10,000 head.  He also raised cattle, hogs, thoroughbred Scotch collie dogs and Plymouth Rock chickens.  He also raised grain and hay.



He was a stockholder in the Mt. Pleasant Roller Mill Company, the Electric Light Company and Wool and Live Stock Commission Company.  He owned a sawmill in the canyon and a planing mill in the city.  A member of the A.O.U.W. and a member of the city council for six years.  He served as Mayor of Mt. Pleasant from 1900 to 1902.



He married Margaret, daughter of Peter M. and Christina Folkman Peel, born in Lehi on March 1, 1858.  They were married in Salt Lake City January 15, 1880 and had eight children:  Ethel, Zella, Earl, John, Leonard, Arbretia, Lucretia and Chesley.



John Seely died on July 31, 1920 at Fish Lake.



Additional Information ~ excerpts from Seely Family History



He was not born rich, though his parents were not poor, but they were pioneers, coming to Mt. Pleasant in 1859 when John was only 4 years old, and he grew up in a pioneer community with all its limitations, its primitiveness but also its opportunities.  That he realized these opportunities, that he made good use of them by applying his strength and his talents that God had given him to the best of his ability is to his credit and that he used the means thus acquired by his honest efforts not only for his own good but for the benefit of his fellow men, his community, state and church that is his everlasting honor.

~~~

He was well and favorably known as a breeder of pure bred livestock, especially Rambouillet sheep and Shorthorn cattle, a farmer and also prominent in business and public affairs, holding many offices of trust and responsibility during his active and useful life.

~~~

As a pioneer in the livestock line he originated, not merely initiated, his methods and the means he employed were his own, but he had no monopoly on them and there were plenty of others who profited by following the paths he had made.



When he went into the sheep business, first he took the old Mt. Pleasant Co-op herd on shares.  His contracts in those days called for payments in kind, not in money; so many pounds of wool per head and so many lambs per hundred sheep per year.  By the way, that old sheep account book is in existence yet and will be kept as a relic.  That kind of contract was good as far as they went.  But, of course, the sheep that he took on shares in those far off times were nothing like the sheep of our days. 

~~~

 In the meantime he bred up his share sheep until he had  a couple of well graded herds of his own, which enabled him to quit the shares business and go on his own hook entirely.



And last but not least, this man was a Mormon.  Yes born and raised and died a Mormon, never ashamed of it, no matter where he went.  And like all good Mormons, he performed a mission, only his was different, he did not go to foreign lands and spend a couple of year or so to preach the Gospel.  The mission that the Lord had evidently chosen for him wa at home: to build up the country, to develop and increase its resources, to spread its fame as a fair and goodly place.



His life work is done, but his spirit lives on, and we that knew him here, live in hope that we may see him again, and so we say to him in faith and all sincerity ....Au Revoir until Eternity.



This was written by Will C. Clos, Personal Secretary to Mr. Seely for over 20 years.



Submitted by his grandson, Edwin M.G. Seely

Mayor of the Month ~ June 2010 ~ Ferdinand Ericksen

Ferdinand Ericksen, son of Lars and  Stena, was born in Mt.  Pleasant, September 30, 1863.  He attended the district schools and took a two year course at B.Y. Academy at Provo.

He taught school for four years in Mt. Pleasant and then entered the Ann Arbor Law College, studying one year.  He was admitted to the bar of Michigan, June 5, 1890 and opened an office in Mt. Pleasant.


He was elected County Prosecuting Attorney in August, 1890 and County Collector in 1892.  In 1897 he was elected mayorl.  He was cashier of the Mt. Pleasant Bank from January 1893 to July 1895, and was a member of the board of directors.  He also had an interest in the Ericksen Meat and Grocery Company.


In 1894, he was elected Major of the National Guard of Utah, and in 1896 was appointed Judge Advocate, with the rank of Major, on Brigadier-General Willard Young's staff.  He was appointed a school trustee in 1896, to fill a vacancy, and in 1897 was elected to that position.

Addendum

He was one of the influential persons to bring about the construction of the Pioneer Monument that stands in front of the Carnegie Library today.



His Speech

"Judge Ferdinand Ericksen, in his presentation speech, gave a brief history of all that had been done by the committees and the source of obtaining the necessary funds for the erection of the monument on the beautiful spot on which it stands, and thanked the ecclesiastical authorities for the privilege of locating it there without cost or consideration for an indefinite period of time. He explained in brief, the inscriptions upon the Monument, the names of the persons inscribed, he said, being representative of many nationalities, and among them were names of noted scholars.. musicians, artists, teachers, etc. Men who would, because of their skill and ability, have achieved distinction in any community. He stated in brief that this determined band of fearless and God-fear¬ing men, together with their wives, who shared their labors and who had come here under most adverse conditions; he said that the now vast rich fields with growing crops, were then covered with sage brush, and that the roads, bridges and canals were yet to be constructed, the churches and temples of learning had not then even been planned. The Opera Houses and Amusement houses were unknown. In fact, there were none of the attractions, or features of civilization to induce those pioneers to come, but on the contrary, the existing conditions at that time were such as to discourage."

"Not only were the elements to be subdued and the arid soil made to produce a livelihood, but the roving and uncivilized Indians had to be met and conquered. In conclusion he stated that it was indeed fitting that we perpetuate the names and deeds d such worthy ancestors, and that this was the underlying and controlling thought and desire in erecting the Memorial. He said that he took great pleasure in performing the duties his commission imposed, and presented the Monument to the community in behalf of all those who had in any manner aided in its construction, to honor of all the pioneers, both men and women, who settled in Mt. Pleasant, as a memorial of the esteem in which the pioneers who had made the present Mt. Pleasant possible, were held."

from Mt. Pleasant History pp 188-189; Hilda Madsen Longsdorf
He died on April 20, 1927 in Salt Lake City.
He married Clementina Marion Morrison in December of 1885, a daughter of William and Mary Margaret Farquhar Morrison. New Family Search shows them to be the parents of three children, Clementina Beatrice, William, and Clementina Marian.  His wife, Clementina died while giving birth to Clementina Marian.

He was also a partner to Henry Ericksen in the Ericksen Meat and Grocery for short time.  Henry was a brother-in-law.  Ferdinand had a law office on the second floor of the grocery business.


"In 1898, during the time Ferdinand Ericksen was mayor of the city, the city purchased the north brick schoolhouse, (the now mortuary) corner First North and First West, and in due time, after remodeling it, placing in a heating plant, vaults and cells, suitable furniture, etc.,it became an up-to-date and creditable city hall, and was the first real home the Mt. Pleasant city council had ever known.

The north Public Square was cleared of the brush and burrs, and trees and grass were planted for a city park".  from Mt. Pleasant History pp 179-180 by Hilda Madsen Longsdorf

Picture taken at the dedication of the Mt. Pleasant Pioneer Monument

N. S. Neilson ~~~ Mayor of the Month ~~~May 2010

N.S. Neilson, son of Neils and Beuta Swenson, was born in Sweden, September 5, 1848.  In 1868 he came to Ut5ah with a sister, Hannah, locating in Moroni, where he engaged in farming, mining and railroading.



Aout 1869 he moved to Mt. Pleasant, and in 1872 became a stockholder in the Sanpete County Co-op Store.  In 1877 he engaged in the cattle business in a small way.  He started in the sheep business in 1883.  When the Mt. Pleasant Commercial and Savings Bank was organized, he became one of the largest stockholders and was elected president.  He also carried a small stock of agricultural implements and conducted a meat market for several years.



He was a stockholder in the Electric Light Companyh, had stock in both the roller mills, being president of the Mt. Pleasant mill.  He was a member of the city council for two terms and elected mayor in 1895.  He was a member of the I.O.O.F.



He married Beuta, daughter of Neils and Karn Neilson in Mt. Pleasant on October 3, 1883.  She was born in Sweden, June 5, 1860.  They were the parents of three children:  Irene, Beatrice, and Adie.

Abram Johnson - - - Pioneer of the Month of April 2010

Joseph Page, Mayor of the Month - March 2010

 

Joseph Page, son of Daniel Page and Mary Socwell was born February 6, 1830 near Newport, New Jersey. He came to Utah in 1852.

He married Elizabeth Mills on August 8th, 1863 in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. She was the daughter of Thomas Mills and Alice Allen of Radcliffe, Lancashire, England. She was born March 16, 1844 and died January 14, 1869. Their children were:

Joseph Thomas, born June 3, 1864,

Mary Elizabeth born September 12, 1866 -- she married S. H. Freston;

Jonathan Socwell, born January 9, 1869.

Their family home was in Mt. Pleasant.


Joseph also married Alice Mills May 3, 1869, Salt Lake City. She too was a daughter of Thomas Mills and Alice Allen of Lancashire, England. She was born January 2, 1847. Their children were:

Joseph Ulysses, born June 23, 1870

Edward C. born January 29, 1872

William T. born May 11, 1874

Jeremiah I. born February 21 1876

His third wife was Ida Jensen mother of:

Alice Addie, born April 3, 1878 --- who married Daniel W. Hancock.

Ruth, born May 6, 1880 and died as an infant

Lorana, born November 18, 1881 --- She married Joseph Willard Anderson

Samuel R. born February 12, 1884 --- He married Lydia Jane McClemands .

Renzie, born February 6, 1886 and died at the age of 8

Eulalia May, born April 23 1888 and married Niels S. Nielsen

This family resided at Mt. Pleasant, Orangeville and Roosevelt, Utah

Joseph Page was an High Priest of the Latter Day Saints.  He was the  second Mayor of Mt. Pleasant and served for 10 years. He was postmaster at Mt. Pleasant for 12 years. He assisted in bringing immigrants to Utah in 1862. He was a member of the Nauvoo Legion, as well as an Indian War Veteran. He was also one of Mt. Pleasant’s first school teachers. He was a farmer and stock raiser and apiarist. He died January 29, 1911 in Roosevelt, Utah.

William Stewart Seely - Mayor of the Month - February 2010

 

Double Click to enlarge

Mayor of the Month

A few years back two of the Mt. Pleasant Daughter of Utah Pioneer Camps took on the project of finding biographies to accompany the photos that were earlier collected of Mt. Pleasant City Mayors.

This will become a new feature of our blog.  Thankyou to Mae Thompson and Andrea Lloyd for heading up this project.  The full album can be viewed at the Mt. Pleasant Relic Home.  We plan the feature "Mayor of the Month" in the middle of each month beginning in February