Morgan County, Utah Genealogy

United States &gt; Utah &gt; Morgan  County

Parent County

 * 1862--Morgan County was created 17 January 1862 from Summit, Weber, and Cache Counties.

County seat: Morgan

Record Loss
PIONEERING MORGAN  COUNTY Purpose of compiling this historical record it to accumulate and preserve the names and achievements of the men and women who first settled Morgan County, and who endured the hardships and struggles of colonizing a new country. It is right and proper that we keep in mind the sacrifices they made in subduing the waste places and made it possible for their descendants to enjoy the present prosperity of this county. We realize that this history may not include all details of the settling of this area and may not be entirely accurate in some instances; however, we ask you tolerant understanding and acceptance of it as the tribute which we have meant it to be.

Published as a public service for the people of Morgan County in commemoration of Utah’s 1947 Centennial. The Morgan County News Mr. and Mrs. Albert W. Epperson, Publishers

To Mrs. William Chadwick . . . . . . in grateful appreciation for the many hours spent in compiling this history of Morgan county.

Prologue

Perhaps the dangers of Weber river shaped Utah's destiny, by changing the pioneer's route of travel. Otherwise, Ogden might have been the spot where Brigham Young uttered his immortal words, "This Is the Place." Weber valley was the scene of operations of some of the most famous of the early trappers in search of beaver. The valley abounded in wild game. It was first explored by trappers under Gen. William H. Ashley in the early 1820s. James Beckworth, Peter Skeen Ogden, William and Milton Sublette, Jim Bridger and many other noted men trapped in this valley. The Weber river was named in honor of Captain John Weber, an early trapper. Pumbar creek, later called Lost creek, was named for Pumbar, another trapper. Etienne Provot, after whom the city of Provo was named, was gathering beaver along the Weber in the fall of 1824. But when winter set in and the stream became frozen, successful trapping was impossible and he and his men followed down the river, passing the precipitous walls of Devil's Gate. They emerged into the open valley below and set up winter quarters on the lower Weber, just west of where Ogden city now stands. This became a rendezvous for trappers for the next two or three years. As many as 700 people-trappers and their families-were camped there during the winter of 1825-26. In the summer of 1846 Lansford W. Hastings led the wagons of the Harlan emigrants and other families from the east, down the Weber river, passing through Morgan county on their way to California. In the narrows of the Weber river they were forced to let the wagons down the steep rocky gorge with ropes. So much difficulty was encountered that the Donner party who came three weeks later, were forewarned, and they left the Weber river at Henefer and turned south and west, emerging from the Wasatch mountains into Emigration canyon, making the way which was followed by the Mormon pioneers a year later. In the spring and early summer of 1846, Lansford W. Hastings traveled eastward from California. At Fort Bridger he induced two companies, known as the Young and Harlan companies, to accept his leadership and take the cut-off through Echo and Weber canyons and the south end of Salt Lake to California. Hastings' assistant, Hudspeth, led a train of packers, known as the Bryant party, over the same route. These companies had great difficulty in finding a way for their wagons. It is said that the Bryant company left letters advising others with families and wagons not to attempt going the same route. These companies were the last to cross the Sierras for the season of 1846. The Donner party on reaching Bridger also determined to take "Hastings' Cut-off," and left Bridger on the 28th of July, 1846, only a few days behind the Young and Harlan companies, led by Hastings. Before reaching Weber canyon, however, they received a letter from Hastings, advising a change of route to avoid obstacles encountered by the other companies in Weber canyon. A Mr. James F. Reed of the Donner party and two companions were sent to overtake the advanced company to obtain additional information and explore the route. They overtook Hastings and his companies, and after consultation they returned to their encampment at the head of Weber canyon. From this point the party turned southward, going up the stream, which Orson Pratt a year later named Canyon creek. They crossed over the hills to avoid the deep gorge through which the creek passes, calling it "Reed's Pass," thence via Big and Little mountains, down Emigration canyon into Salt Lake valley, where they picked up Hastings' road around the south end of the lake. The whole of August had been consumed in making the journey from the head of Weber canyon to the "open country on the lake shore." These delays caused them to be caught by the snows in the high passes of the Sierras along the Truckee river and at Lake Tahoe. They suffered terribly before help could reach them. Thirty-nine out of 87 perished, a number of them becoming the victims of the cannibalism of the survivors, whose remains were strewn along Lake Tahoe when Samuel Brannan passed that point enroute for the pioneer camp, and whose remains-such as could be found at the time-were buried by General Kearney's party when passing the lake in June, 1847, enroute for the east. Twelve of Kearney's escort were members of the Mormon Battalion. The work of burial was completed in September by the returning Mormons of the battalion. When the Mormon pioneers reached Fort Bridger they left the Oregon trail, taking Hastings' new route. Erastus Snow writes: "Fortunately for us a party of emigrants passed this way last fall. Though their trail is in many places scarcely discernable." On July 11 the pioneers met Miles Goodyear and a small company on their way home to the states. The company was under the leadership of a Mr. Craig. They had come via the Weber river. Mr. Goodyear no doubt informed the pioneers of the difficulties in passing through Weber canyon on account of the depth and rapidity of the water and the high mountains on each side of the river. Orson Pratt's advance company was sent to find Mr. Reed's route across the mountains. They followed what was called the Red Fork of Weber river, a creek running down Echo canyon. Orson Pratt and John Brown rode five miles down Weber canyon until convinced that it was the "ten-mile canyon" they had heard of and which the Donner party had been warned against taking by Hastings. Other parties went in search of "Reed's Trail." They soon found the trail, although so dimly seen that it only now and then could be discerned, only a few wagons having passed here the year before, and the grass having grown up, scarcely leaving a trace. They camped about where the present town of Henefer is now located. The pioneers followed the trail made by the Donner party the year before. Pioneers of 1847 Of the first company of Pioneers to arrive in the Salt Lake valley on July 24, 1847, at least two were early residents of Morgan County-Jesse C. Little and Roswell Stevens. And of the companies which came later on 1847 there were several that made their homes here. Mr. Little and Mr. Stevens were both prominent characters in the journey across the plains. Early in 1846, a year before the trek to the Rocky Mountains, Mr. Little, at the suggestion of Brigham Young, visited Washington for the purpose of soliciting aid for his people. No money was asked for, but it was thought that the national authorities might wish to employ the Mormons in freighting provisions to Oregon and other points on the Pacific Coast. President Polk treated Mr. Little very well and promised to give his request consideration. However, nothing was done. But in a short time after, the Government called for five hundred volunteers to form a portion of General Kearney's forces to invade New Mexico and Galifornia. This is known in history as the Mormon Battalion. Mr. Little was one of an advance party of nine men to explore Salt Lake valley on July 22, before the main company reached the valley. He also explored Utah and Cache valleys in August, 1847, along with other explorers. Roswell Stevens was chosen one of the hunters, who supplied the people with meat on the trip. When the pioneers reached Fort Laramie it was reported to Brigham Young that a company of saints from Mississippi had wintered at Pueblo with Captain Brown's detachment of the Mormon Battalion. They were awaiting the coming of the pioneers that they might go on with them to the West. Roswell Stevens, Amasa Lyman and two other men were sent to Pueblo to assist these people and hurry them on to catch the main camp. This was considered a very dangerous trip at that time. They did not overtake the camp, however, but arrived in the valley a few days later.

Mormon Battalion

Among the early settlers of Morgan County were six men who enlisted in the Mormon Battalion in July, 1846, Philemon C. Merrill who held the rank of 3rd Lieutenant in Company B; George Taggart, musician in Company Band Williard G. Smith, musician in Company D. Willard G. Smith was a survivor of the Haun's Mill massacre. His father and one brother were killed there, and another brother seriously wounded. He enlisted, when a young boy, in the Mormon Battalion and marched the entire distance of two thousand miles to California. Soon after arriving a man came into camp and inquired for Willard Smith. On meeting him he told a story something like the following: "Young man, I am one of the men who shot your father and brothers at Haun's Mill. I have come all the way to California to forget my troubles, but I cannot forget. Now I want you to shoot me and put an end to my misery." As he spoke he stood up and bared his breast. Mr. Smith answered, "No, I will not soil my hands on you. There is a God in Heaven who will avenge that terrible deed." (Related my Mr. Smith to R. R. Fry of Morgan). Sanford Porter, Lot Smith, and Roswell Stevens were Privates in Company E.	. William Ira Porter gives the following account of an experience had by his father, Sanford Porter, Jr., during the march of the Mormon Battalion: "At one time, with feet bleeding and faint with hunger and fatigue, he stuck the bayonet of his gun in the ground and hung his knapsack on the stock and laid down to die, thinking perhaps someone might find his remains. He then bid adieu to this world and placed himself in the hands of his God, and fell asleep. He did not know how long he slept, but when he awoke he found himself sound and well. He felt like running and jumping. He shouldered his knapsack and gun and went into camp where he joined his companions. He gave his rations to a sick comrade and stood double guard that night. From that day until the end of the march he never suffered any pain or hunger."

Morgan County Militia In 1852 Utah was divided into military districts. The Utah Militia was still known as the Nauvoo Legion. In January, 1857, Lt. General D. H. Wells again issued an order dividing the Territory into military districts and commanders were elected for each district. Allen Taylor was appointed to organize Davis county, with Philemon C. Merrill as District Commander. Weber valley was at that time part of Davis county. (From duplicate copy of Muster Rolls, Church Histo rian's Office, Ma.rch 24, 1858.) Col. R. T. Burton, until further orders will relieve the guard of mounted men at Weber station (now Morgan) by weekly details of 15 and 10, alternately. Two detachments from Weber and Echo are mentioned. Regimental returns of the regiment, First Brigade, Militia of Davis Military district, mustered at Morgan City on October 15, 1869, give the following members: Willard G. Smith, Charles S. Peterson, T. R. G. Welch, Timothy Metz, Charles Bull, Joseph R. Porter, L. P. Christenson, Richard Fry, Joshua Williams, Samuel Porter, Gilispie Waldron, George A. Davis and W. G. Smith. Headquarters of the regiment was Morgan City, Utah Territory. Recorded at the armory in the office of the adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, Station of Battalion, Morgan county, October 26, 1863, is a list of members of the militia at that time, of Morgan county men. On the list are the names of George A. Davis, George Southam, George Simmons, Ephraim Robison, Thomas Grover, Thomas Rich and Thomas Adams. The name of James Brook, captain of the Militia of Davis county in 1867, is at the armory and our veterans tell of his reviewing the men at Morgan. In special orders Nos. 1 and 2 of October 18, 1865, we find the following record by Lt. Gen. D. H. Wells: "A well regulated militia is necessary to the security of a free people. The Lt. Gen. hopes all will enroll themselves, and keep necessary arms and equipment." Regimental returns of the Second regiment, First brigade were: one captain, two second lieutenants, five corporals, 90 privates, one lieutenant, five sergeants, eight musicians. As to arms and equipment, the records show that the militia had 29 revolvers, 30 rifles, 21 shotguns and muskets, 1420 rounds of ammunition, six trumpets and two drums. W. G. Smith was commanding and T. R. G. Welch was adjutant. No record of the Morgan County Militia can now be found, but Mrs. Annie S. Dickson has personally interviewed a number of former residents of Morgan county, now living at Vernal, Utah, and other places, and has obtained first hand information from them regarding the military tactics in early days. We have a partial list of the old Indian War Veterans who served under Territorial orders, to protect themselves and the early settlers from the Indians in the early history of Morgan County in 1867: George A. Davis, Capt., Philemon C. Merrill, David J. Ross, Colonel; Samuel Francis, recorder. Ephriam Robison, Thomas Grover, George Heiner, Daniel Heiner, Davis Coolbear, William Dickson, Thomas Rich, Walter Norris, (Randolph, Utah), Benjamin F. Smith, Thomas Adams, George Simmons, Conrad Smith, Henry Rock, David Robison, William Robison, Daniel Robison, Wyman Parker, Truelove Manhard, Christopher Johnson, Andrew Poulson, Ole Gorder, Simon Murphy, Albert D. Dickson, Judson Dickson, Peter Peterson, Money Welch. Capt. George A. Davis came with his father's family into Morgan county in 1860 or 1861. They came from Massachusetts, and lived first at Littleton. His mother was the first person buried in the Littleton cemetery. His sister, Helen Davis, married Thomas J. Thurston. Mr. Davis married Eliza Weaver, who came from England with the Bunn family. He built a house of hued logs, where the Thomas Butters home now is. He was employed as a clerk in the William Eddington store, and was the first manager of the Z. C. M. 1. Mr. Davis was a splendid man. Tall and straight, dark eyes and black hair. He had a wonderful personality and had been a Black Hawk War veteran. His friends say that it was not strange that he was chosen captain because he was an ideal leader. He was a man of reliability and strength of character. His son, Charles A. Davis, of Vernal, Utah, says he has heard his father speak of the early militia in Morgan, and how the men used to drill on the flat, south of town, near the warm springs. He says his father was captain, and used to wear badges with eagles, on his hat and shoulders, like those worn in the time of Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Davis sold his farm to Samuel Francis, and moved to Vernal where he became a prominent citizen, both in church and civic affairs. Mrs. Thomas Adams says she eame to Utah in 1866 and her husband came in 1861. She remembers him drilling with the militia on the city flat and tells how badly they felt when Mr. Adams lost the heel of the only pair of shoes he owned while drilling. Many of the women would go and watch the soldiers drill. David Coolbear says that it was a territorial law that all men of a certain age were required to drill. Morgan county was a branch of the Utah Militia, subject to call if needed, and the men were stationed 'everywhere. He recalls that he and Thomas Murphy at one time were sent from Round valley to Henefer and back through Porterville, a distance of 20 miles. The Davis County Militia was called the "The Davis County Greys." Thomas Rich of Porterville tells of his father being a captain in Davis county. He had two brothers-in-law, John Flint and Christopher Crawford, who were ordered south with Davis County Militia in the Indian troubles, and both got pensions. But Morgan County Militia was ordered to stay at home and got no pensions. David Clawson and John Green who later settled in Morgan county, were with the Davis County Militia and got their pensions. Mrs. B. F. Smith also tells of the Militia drilling in the early days. She, with other women, had been to the flat to see the men drill. She says the men had tents and were required to stay there. Much of the country then was Indian land, and the Indians thought the white people were trying to drive them away and take their lands. They were restless as they saw the approach of the whites, and particularly so when they saw the building of the railroad, which they knew meant the taking of their lands. There was trouble with the Indians north of them and south of them. She says her husband, with others, was called out to guard in the mountains, and that when Davis County Militia was ordered south, Morgan county men were ordered to stay at home and protect the people here in case of an attack from the Indians. George Heiner says he was 18 years old at the time they were first mustered out to drill. He says there was real danger of the Indians everywhere at that time, and that they had to be fed to keep peace. He has seen as many as 500 Indians go through Morgan county at one time. The Indians wanted to claim the valley. Settlers could not always pick berries. They were "Indian's berries." Once he and Joel Manhard were ordered up Pine canyon, and over as far as the Bear river, and were gone for a week. George H. Southam of Vernal says he has heard his father tell of the early days in Morgan, and that at one time his father with Money Welch and others, were sent to Devils Slide to guard the Indians at the narrow pass where the tunnels are now situated. Mr. Southam tells the story of a man, Mr. Cahoon, who was scalped by the Indians at Morgan, during the building of the Union Pacific railroad. He says Mr. Cahoon always wore a cap after this, even while eating. After the railroad was completed he was given a position as conductor on the line. Ephriam Robison, of Ogden, was a member of the Militia of Morgan county. He tells of an incident that happened in Morgan in the spring of 1865. He says it happened right in the heart of where Morgan now stands. He and John Roe were standing together when a band of 500 Indians, many of them warriors crossed the river and rode through town. They had long poles like fish poles, with scalps hanging from the ends of them. In the band was one white woman, "Never can I forget," says Mr. Robison, "seeing her with a white handkerchief tied over her head in Indian fashion and her long fair hair hanging behind. She uttered not a word, and we didn't know when our time would come. Later we heard that previous to this, between Green River and Rock Springs, a company of immigrants with wagons had all been killed with the exception of this one woman." Mr. Robison says that at one time in Porterville the Indians demanded flour or they would fight. President Young had told the settlers to give the Indians food to keep them peaceable. So they gave them flour and beef and they rode away., When the trouble came in Southern Utah, Mr. Robison states, that Davis County Militia was ordered out, and Morgan County Militia was ordered to stay at home and protect the settlers here, which they did. He and several other men were stationed all night, at one time, to guard the spot where the Union Pacific tunnels are now. Philemon C. Merrill, an old officer of the Mormon battalion was with them. Other men were put to guard other places. William Dickson relates the following incident: "The Indians were very treacherous. They had fine horses, and could go anywhere over the mountains. At one time I visited the camp of Washakie, the Shoshone chief, and his men when they were camped in Norwood Hollow, near Porterville. Washakie had been fighting with another tribe of Indians and I saw, hanging on sage brush, the wet and bloody scalps of the Indians that his men had killed and brought back with them." ‘This Is the Place’ Our Utah State, This Is the Place By Prophets long foretold. High in the mountain's valleys Where Christ's gospel will unfold The glories of His kingdom, More precious far than gold. With truth we are marching on.

Our fair state was founded By our gallant pioneer band, Who by the grace of God was led Unto this promised land. They crossed the many waters, Left their foot prints on the sand, As they came marching on.

We forge a link each time we meet That binds us to the past. We're grateful to our God and King That here our lot is cast. We'll anchor safe on this good ship, Withstand the howling blast. As we go sailing on. -Jesse C. Little Jr

First White Settlers

Thomas J. Thurston of Centerville, Davis County, was the first white man to view Weber valley. One day, about 1852, he and his two sons were getting out logs in the mountains east of Centerville and he saw this beautiful valley, which reminded him of his old home in Ohio, and he decided that this should be the future home of his family. He, with others, went into and partially explored the valley and built a road into it. This, however, was little better than a trail. But a few years later, about 1866, a road was built on the north side of the river with a bridge and toll gate. Col. Jesse C. Little supervised the building of this road. The following was taken from the journal of Mrs. H. Cordellia Thurston Smith: "One day while getting timber from the mountain tops, in the vicinity of Centerville, Davis County, my father, Thomas Jefferson Thurston, went over far enough to see the beautiful Weber valley situated on the river by that name. It was early summer and that little well watered and well-wooded valley was in strong contrast with the hot, dry and almost barren Salt Lake valley, and it reminded him of his old home in Ohio. He felt he must go over and explore it. He talked of it until he got two of his friends to go with him, William Porter and J. B. Nobel. "They went over the mountains into the valley and camped there three days. It looked like a paradise to them. There was, however, one serious obstacle. The valley was surrounded by high and rugged mountains, and the narrow canyon, through which the Weber river flowed, seemed the only opening through which the entrance might be made. "But no difficulty seemed un surmountable to my father, and he talked much to his friends of the beautiful valley beyond. And finally one man, Charles S. Peterson, with his two sons and his son-in-law, Roswell Stevens, said they would go. So in the winter of 1855 they went to the canyon and camped, working constantly until they could get through into the valley with their wagons. "To the company was added one of Mr. Thurston's sons and two Englishmen, John Cousins, Thomas Bebington and Elder Jedadiah M. Grant, who sent three men with teams to assist in putting the road through. "It was truly a great undertaking, with their primitive ways of road making. Their tools consisted of picks, shovels and crowbars, with small plows. In some of the narrow places they had to go up on the side of the canyon and loosen large rocks and boulders and roll them down into the river below to make a foundation on which to build a road. "They finally got through and Mr. Peterson and Mr. Stevens settled at a place now called Peterson." Weber valley is in the heart of the Wasatch range. High mountains, covered with pines and quaking aspens, tower on either side. The Weber river flows down through the valley and empties into Great Salt Lake. Cottonwoods and mountain willows grow along the banks of the river. Plenty of sunshine and pure, fresh air are to be found here. Beautiful streams flow down the canyons fed by the winter's snow and summer's rain of higher altitudes. It was Brigham Young's policy to know the valleys, streams and lakes of Utah as well as the natural resources. Company after company was sent out to explore and settle. This valley was found to be an excellent place for cattle in the summer time because of the abundance of green grass and pure, fresh water. The historian Whitney says that Weber river was named for a trapper in this region. The only streams of importance were the river, entering from the east, and Canyon creek, entering from the south. The first people who came into the valley made permanent settlements and engaged in agricultural pursuits. They were encouraged to build houses and secure land to till. The wisdom of this advice has since been proven by the fact that a majority of the Mormon families here own their own homes and farms. Another matter emphasized was that of locating in villages instead of scattering out to live on farms. Community life has many advantages over a scattered, sparsely settled mode of living. The people who first settled here were possessed of high ideals, which were carried out. This can be seen by the record they have made. In every settlement the first substantial building to be erected was a meeting house, which served the many purposes of church, schoolhouse, amusement hall, etc. Much of the land was purchased from the Indians, and treaties were made and very well kept by both parties. So the settlements in Weber valley had very little trouble with the Indians as compared with other localities. They used to come in and camp wherever they could find wood and water. Chief Washakie would go to the bishop and ask for food for his people llnd he nearly always got what he asked for. The chief of the Weber Utes was "Little Soldier." He was ever a friend of the white man and endeavored to keep his people from preying on their property. Not being able to control the Indians' thieving, he became disgusted and moved to Ogden where he ended his days. The pioneers experienced difficulties with bad roads over rough hills and mountains; dangerous streams to cross, and seasons of drouth and grasshoppers. Many a time it looked as through the crops would be entirely destroyed. Most of the people were poor. Many of them had large families, and the burden of providing food was often discouraging. Nearly all the people manufactured the cloth from which their clothing was made. They would clip the wool from the sheep, then wash it, and after carding and spinning, it was woven into cloth, from which suits were made for the men and dresses for the women and children. Blankets and underwear were also made. Besides clothing, the people made their own soap, brooms, candles, molasses, combs, dyes and other useful articles. Soap was an important article and was made somewhat as follows: Ashes from the maple wood were kept in a barrel and water poured over them to produce lye. All the grease from the cooking and butchering was kept, and in the spring the lye and grease were boiled together in a large pot out of doors. Thus soap was produced. In the autumn candles were made. After the tallow was melted over the fire it was run into molds into which the wick had been carefully placed. This was allowed to harden and the candles removed from the molds. Rabbit brush was gathered and made into brooms. For making green dye they would gather sagebrush and boil and strain it. Black dye was made from log wood. The red dye was called madder, and the blue, indigo. These dyes were generally used for the women's and children's dresses. A cloth called jeans was made from the coarse yarns and used for making the men's and boys' suits. This was made from the natural colors of the wool, black and white. In weaving they would send to Salt Lake or Ogden for warp unless they wanted it all wool. Then wool was used for warp. There was a carding machine at Ogden where wool was made into rolls, Mrs. Dora Marker says, "These rolls were about as long as our arms. We would place one end in a spindle and turn a large wheel and draw it out as we twisted it. When it was twisted enough we would roll it in the spindle until it was full. Then wind it off into skeins." At times they were able to get buckskin from the Indians. This was used for men's clothing and gloves. They used a three cornered needle and strips of buckskin to do the sewing with. The women wore sunbonnets for ordinary wear and "shakers" for best. These were much like the sunbonnets, but were made from better material and more trimmings, also larger capes at the back. The women also made straw hats. They would get the straw from the stacks and wet it and braid in seven or eight strands. Eight strands would make a braid about an inch wide. They had a wooden form to mold the crowns on, and while the straw was wet it could be made into any shape. They thought they were dressed up when they could get one of these hats. Mrs. Dora Marker says: "We had no matches to start fires with, but would bank the coals up with ashes. Sometimes the fire would go out. Then we would take a shovel and go to our more fortunate neighbors and borrow fire." Children's shoes were often made from sheepskin, with the wool placed on the inside. They were also used for beds for the children to sleep on. An amusing story is told of a small boy in Joseph R. Porter's school. The teacher wrote the word "bed" on the board and asked the boy what it was. "I don't know," he said. "Don't you know what 'b-e-d' spells?" "No." "What is it that you sleep on at night," asked the teacher. "A sheepskin," answered the boy. At first many of the people lived in dugouts. These looked very much like the potato cellars of today, with a window in the back and a door in the front. Some had log houses with dirt roofs and dirt floors. The openings between the logs were "chinked" with pieces of wood and daubed with mud. The people learned the art of making adobes, and adobe houses were used very early. It was hard work to make them. The men had to dig the clay, wet it thoroughly and tramp it with their bare feet in order to mix it. Then the clay was put into molds and placed on a smooth surface and dried in the sun. Most of the houses had the old-fashioned fireplace in which sage and oak brush were burned. The Dutch ovens and baking kettles were used for roasting meat and making bread and cake. Corn, dried meat and potatoes were used, and the women made preserves and jam from chokecherries and service berries. Candy was made from molasses, and molasses from sugar cane. The pioneers made their own furniture, if they had any. Practically all the team work-plowing, logging, road making and traveling was done by oxen. These were yolked to the wagon and guided only by "gee" and "haw" of the driver. Grain was harvested with a cradle or a sickle. Considerable work was required to handle a crop. Threshing was done by beating the grain out with a flail, or having the cattle tramp it out, after placing it on a wagon cover, and then winnowing it in the wind. This Is the Place We Call Home

Near the banks of the cool Weber River, Many tales of true love have been told. May the ties that we've formed live forever, Just recall that sweet story of old.

'Mid the green mountains sheer lofty towers With the blue proudly arched o'er their dome. Here the rainbow blends hues with the flowers, 0, this is the place we call home.

There's a gate at the end af the valley In the gorge by the scenic horse shoe On the hills grow the sweet sego lily Here's room and welcome for you.

-Jesse C. Little Jr.

Peterson

In the year 1855 Charles S. Peterson, with his family and son-in-law, Roswell Stevens, settled in the northwest part of the valley. He brought a herd of church cattle to take care of during the summer. Before coming here he was president of a branch at Mountainville, now Alpine, Utah County. He had lived at Nauvoo at the time of the Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

They were the first white people in that part of the valley. A daughter of Mr. Stevens, the late Mrs. Daniel Heiner, was born there in December, 1855, and was the first white child born in Morgan County.

Martha Ann Stevens Heiner. . . the first White child born in Morgan County, December, 1855

The little colony succeeded in establishing a town which was known as Weber City. The name was afterwards changed to Peterson, in honor of the original settler. Mr. Peterson's home was where Albert Whitear's residence now is (1930) These people seemed to be well adapted to pioneering in those primitive times, when the necessities of life had to be supplied at the enormous cost of freighting goods a thousand miles in wagons, or be produced from the elements by home enterprise and industry. In 1856 this colony attempted to raise grain but it was destroyed by grasshoppers. This so reduced their provisions that they were without bread for three months, a some of the time subsisted by digging wild roots. In October, 1863, Mr. Peterson was set apart as Presiding Elder over the settlements in the Northern part of t valley. The first post office in the county was established Weber City with Mr. Peterson as postmaster. Before t trans-continental railroad reached Utah the mails were handled by means of an overland stage, or "Pony Express." often happened that months would elapse, especially during the winter time, between the arrival of mails, but the people had to be satisfied with this service. In 1861 six men came to that part of the valley and to up squatter's rights. They were Charles Boyden, Jarmes Carrigan, John Croft, Benjamin Hibbard, Joshua Willia1 and James Bond. They brought their families in the spring of 1862. They became prominent citizens in the north end of the valley. Peter Anderson and family came about 1862 At an early date a school house was built on the land now owned by Mrs. Alice Boyden Whitear, and just north of where her residence now is. (1930). James Bond taught school, also Thomas Colburn. A tannery was built there by Phillip Pugsley of Salt Lake City, and operated by Mr. Peterson. The dye used in this vat was made from pine tree bark. It was used in t: manufacture of leather from which Peter Nielson made shoes for the early settlers. Mr. Peterson with his sons, also operated a blacksmith shop. Joshua Williams started a saw-mill in Peterson at a very early day, and Roswell Stevens also had a saw-mill in that vicinity. Mountain Green and Enterprise

These towns have always been closely connected with Peterson. Mt. Green was settled at an early date, perhaps 1860 or before. Ira N. Spaulding, Eli Spaulding, Thomas and George Higley, the McLean and Arave families, also three Hammond and Bybe'e families were among the first to settle there. Daniel Williams located there in the spring of 1861 but remained there only a few months. At one time the town contained fifteen or twenty families, and was considered quite a prosperous settlement. Grain was raised there in 1860. Ira N. Spaulding was presiding elder of Mt. Green for ten years. Mr. McLean built a saw-mill on the Weber River, where the Strawberry bridge now is. Mr. David Coolbear says that at one time Nelson Arave and George Higley made a boat, flat-bottomed, to cross the river at this point. In using it the first time, the boat capsized and let all down into the stream. Mr. Coolbear very nearly lost his life. Enterprise is across the river southeast of PetersOJ Two brothers, Henry and Stephen Hales, did the first farming there in the summer of 1861. In September of the same year Jesse Haven and Thomas Palmer located there. Roswell Stevens had previously made a claim and in 1862 he built the first house there. Mr. Palmer and Mr. Haven built houses there the same season. Soon after this the Croft family moved over from Peterson, also Mr. Holmes and George Roberts, who afte1 wards moved to Henefer. Jesse Haven had been the first elder to carry the Gospel to South Africa in 1852. He acted as Presiding Elder of Enterprise for ten to twelve years. He was the third Probate Judge for Morgan County, having been elected to that office in 1869. John K. Hall was the first bishop of Enterprise, having moved there in 1874. He drew the plans for the Morgan County Court House and did much of the work on that building, also the stake meeting house. Henry Hales and Isaac Bowman were among the first school teachers in Enterprise.

Littleton and Milton The town of Milton is located about five miles south of Peterson on the west side of the valley, while Littleton is a mile or so farther south. The first man to settle at Milton was Thomas Jefferson Thurston, who came there in the spring of 1855. From his daughter's journal we quote the following: "My father took his wife, Elizabeth (and I went along for company) and settled farther up the valley (from Peterson) when with the help of Jedediah M. Grant's men and teams, he plowed some land, and sowed about ten or twelve acres of wheat, which failed to mature for lack of water. They built a dam in Deep Creek in the spring of that year, and took out the water in ditches. But the stream soon failed, so they went on about two miles to Canyon Creek, put in a dam, surveyed a ditch, dug it and brought the water to Deep Creek, where they turned it in above the dam. By this time there was not enough water to fill the creek bed or to wet the canal, which was about two miles long. So again their crops were a complete failure. Father had injured himself with the heavy work of lifting rocks in the canyon and before he had finished his work he became very ill and came near dying. He probably never would have gotten out of the valley had not J. Morgan Grant come up with his carriage and brought him to Centerville, where he could be under the care of a physician. He got better, but not well, and took his wife, Elizabeth and baby and again went into the valley. He plowed the same land, and a little more, and again sowed it to grain. This however, did not mature on account of frost. He harvested it and put it into corral, thinking it would be good for horse feed the next spring when putting in his crops. "Our Mormon boys who were out in the canyon passes in the year 1857-1858, watching for Johnston's army, found this fodder very useful. Our cabins also made them quite comfortable during the cold weather. "The interest of President Jedediah Morgan Grant in the early settlers of Weber valley was remembered with gratitude by those first early settlers, and at the organization of a stake of Zion in that locality the name of Morgan was given to it in honor of Mr. Grant. "In the spring of 1853 father sold our property in Centerville to Brigham Young for $7000.00, taking his pay principally in cattle, sheep, horses, and harness, which he took into Weber Valley. The Territorial Legislature had granted to Jedediah M. Grant, T. J. Thurston, and George D. Grant, a large section of land for a herd ground, and in the fall of the same year father moved our family here." Mr. Thurston built a house on Deep Creek. He owned a large tract of land extending as far as Morgan where he kept a large herd of cattle. He also owned tt saw-mill in Hardscrabble Canyon. He, together with Mads Paulsen, B. Y. Bextrum, Ole Johnson, and several other families built houses in fort form for protection against the Indians. This was called Thurston's Fort and later became Thurstonville, in honor of the first settler. Mr. Thurston built a large barn in 1863 or 1864, which was used as an amusement hall by the young people of the town. It was built without nails, wooden pegs being used instead. It was built so well that it is still being used and is in a good condition, and is a monument to his memory. (A new roof has been put on the barn). Mr. Thurston was Presiding Elder over the entire valley until 1863 when it was divided into two wards, and Charles S. Peterson was appointed to preside over Weber City, Mt. Green, Enterprise, North Morgan and Round Valley, while Mr. Thurston presided over Milton, Littleton, South Morgan, Richville and Porterville. Joseph Mecham settled in Milton in the fall of 1860, just across the creek from Thurstons. The creek was called Line Creek because of its being the dividing line between the property of the two men. Mr. Mecham followed farming with some sheep raising. Andrew Nielsen came to Milton in Sept., 1861, with his family. He moved into the fort. His son, Hyrum Neilson, now of Preston, Idaho, was born there in a wagon box in December of the same year. Ephraim Swan moved to Milton in 1861, and settled on a creek which was called Swan Creek in his honor. His son, Edward, was born there in 1863. Swans moved to Croydon in 1864. William Smith, father of William Smith of Richville, and his brother-in-law, Ted Dalton, came to Milton soon after this. Smith settled on Swan Creek and the name was changed to Smith Creek. Mr. Dalton settled on the creek farther north. This stream was given the name of Dalton Creek. Andrew Neilsen later settled on Dalton Creek. John Anderson and N. C. Jenson were early settlers of Milton. Mr. Anderson was a tailor and made men's suits. Mr. Jensen was a cooper and cabinet maker. He made many useful pieces of furniture for the pioneers of Milton, some of which are still in use. James Hanson lived at the mouth of Line Creek. He was a carpenter and builder. He also built and operated a saw-mill near his home in early days. L. P. Edholm was an early pioneer, and a well read man, who served for some time as Probate Judge of the county. L. P. Christensen was an early Presiding Elder of Milton Ward. In the summer of 1861, Surveyor Jesse W. Fox laid out the town. It was given the name of Morganville, in honor of Jedediah Morgan Grant, but the name was afterward changed to Milton, in honor of a Milton Musser, a prominent church official. The change was made that the county seat might be named Morgan City. In, as in all the other settlements, the desire for learning, and a building in which to hold school and religious services, was early manifested. A log school house was built in the fall of 1862, just north of Edholm's property, and in 1868 a substantial building was erected. A Miss Hall and Miss Cordellia Thurston were among the first teachers. Mrs. Sarah Mecham taught first in her own house, and later in the school house at Milton and at Peterson. Charlton Goldsbery taught in the early sixties. School was held only two or three months in the winter time. The late John Thurston was the first white boy born in Milton, his birth occurring in December, 1859. Littleton was named in honor of Co!. Jesse C. Little, who was a prominent factor in its early settlement. He came to the valley very early, perhaps in 1855 or 1856. Mr. Little was a pioneer of July 24th, 1847, and he owned a large tract of land in Weber Valley, besides his holdings in personal property and real estate. He also sought to establish manufacturing. W. E. Criddle says he well remembers the large water wheel and other machinery in Deep Creek, just west of the present viner sheds, which belongd to Col. Little. The children of the neighborhood used to play around it. The first person to winter in Littleton was John T. Richards, who had come from Wales. This was in 1859. The next season brought a number of families into the place. Mr. Richards brought his family. Daniel Bertoch came with the George D. Grant family. Robert Campbell was an early resident here. T. R. G. Welch and family came in July, 1860, and remained for two years. William Hemming came to Littleton in the fall of 1860 and farmed on shares for Col. Little for two years.

George Criddle and family came to the valley in the fall of 1862, and lived that winter in Richville, but soon moved to Littleton where he purchased a farm from Col. Little. Mr. Criddle was a mason by trade, and many of the houses he built in early days are still standing. Joseph Spendlove was said to be the greatest brush cutter in the country. He cleared off half of a good farm from willow brush. Mrs. Martha Richards Mecham has given us the following: "The residents of Littleton in 1870 were as follows: John T. Richards, Daniel Bertoch, Eli Whitear, George Criddle, John H. Giles, Col. Little's third family, W. G. Smith, George D. Grant, and the Dana family. "All the houses were built of logs with dirt roofs. Some had rough boards for the floor and some had no floors. Some used a fire place and others had stoves. All used wood for fuel. When the storms came the houses would leak and stream down the walls. Pans, buckets, tubs, etc., would be placed on the beds for protection. The first circumstance I remember was Deep Creek over flowing. A heavy storm prevailed. The only dry place in the house was under the table which was in front of the fireplace. My brother, Alma and I were under the table. My mother used a large umbrella to keep herself dry. The water from the creek washed into the house. "All the men were farmers. The grain raised was wheat, oats and barley. Corn and potatoes were also raised. "Our only means of transportation was on foot or by ox teams. Many of the old wagons were brought across the plains. The tires were so loose that some would walk and drive the oxen and pound on the tires, driving through a<: many streams as possible to set them. If a band of Indians chanced to come along the oxen would sniff, and run anywhere they could go, whether it was over the fence or into the river. The Indians used to pass through the valley quite frequently in early days. "The grain was cut with a cradle and raked with a wooden rake by hand. The binding was also done by hand. There was no lucern in those days. The farmers depended on blue grass for hay. This was also cut with a scythe. The oxen during the season, were turned into the hills at night, and the men and boys would walk after them in the morning. It would sometimes take several hours before they could be located. Plowing, harrowing, etc., was very slow work with an ox team. All the grain was sown by hand. "The homes were lit by tallow candles, or tallow placed in a saucer and a piece of candle wick, or cloth, with one end to light. That made a very dim light. The women were very industrious. All the washing was done on the wash board. "Nearly every farmer raised cattle and a small bunch of sheep. During the summer the sheep were turned onto the hillside in one big herd. No one took care of them. When a family wanted a mutton they hunted up the herd. No one was afraid to trust his neighbor. "When the sheep were sheared some of the wool was kept for the family. It was washed and picked clean of burrs, dirt, etc., and made into rolls and spun into yarn. Some of the women used spinning wheels, some large and some small. All the women and girls could knit their own stockings. They did all their sewing by hand. "If there was sickness they were all willing to lend a helping hand. All the women made their own soap. Some made salt rising bread and some made hop yeast bread. All the hops were picked and dried and taken to Salt Lake City, and either sold or exchanged for groceries or clothing. The women made their own butter and cheese, also raised chickens, ducks and geese. "In those days Littleton furnished a man, George Criddle, to work on the St. George temple. "There were no cross fences. None was afraid that his neighbor's ox or cow would eat a bite of grass off his land The land was all in one big field from Welch's field to Milton There were no fences in the hills. "Our fruit consisted of serviceberries and wild currants dried. Some made use of the berries that grew on the haw tree. No jelly was made on account of the scarcity of sugar. "The first school I remember was held in the old tithing house and was taught by Eli Whittear. Littleton children attended school only three or four months in the winter. Our first Sunday school was presided over by George Criddle. We had no marching and no singing. The smaller children read from their school books and the larger ones from the Bible. It developed from that small beginning until it was one of the best schools in Morgan County. "The meetings were held in what they called the "Bowery." And it was while they were holding conference then that Alma Smith, a brother of Willard G. Smith, suggested the name of Milton for the lower ward. Sarah Ann Bertoch was present at the meeting. "The county roads were kept passable by a poll tax. Every able-bodied man over 21 and under 60 paid three dollars or worked two days. "The social conditions were very good. We held dances occasionally. We danced the Virginia Reel, French Four Scotch Reel, Muni Musk and Quadrille. Very few round dances. The people were very hospitable. No one was turned from their doors hungry. W. G. Smith built the first brick house in Littleton. The Bowery was across Deep Creek, on the land now owned by Joseph Spendlove." John H. Giles bought out a part of the George D. Grant estate. He was engaged in the saw mill business as well as farming. He drove the last yoke of oxen used here, in his saw mill businses. After residing here a good many years George Grant moved away. Willard G. Smith was a very prominent citizen of Littleton. He was a presiding elder there and later became president of Morgan Stake. In 1866, Littleton became the county seat of Morgan County. It remained so for about two years when it was changed to Morgan City. It appears that the overflowing of Deep Creek at one time discouraged the people from locating there. That and other causes induced the laying out of Morgan City. The first white children born in Littleton are said to be Martha Richards Mecham and Frank Little. In 1877, Milton and Littleton were consolidated into one ward, Milton, with Eli Whittear as bishop. The first school house in Milton is said to have been above the old building which was torn down in 1935. The Soren Madsen family came to Milton in the spring of 1861 and Mr. Madsen was a first class carpenter. Porterville The town of Porterville received its name from the numerous family of Porters who first settled there. They came from Centerville, Davis County. As early as 1854, two brothers, Warriner and Sanford Porter Jr., crossed over from Centerville into Hardscrabble Canyon and built a saw mill there on a stream called Beaver Creek. They carried provisions and the necessary machinery, etc., on pack mules. This was before there were any settlers in Weber Valley to use lumber, or a road over which it could be hauled to market. They built log houses and moved their families up the following spring. Mr. Ira Porter, now of Centerville, was born there in January, 1860. On account of the difficulties and expense encountered in constructing the mill it was not completed until 1857. Then came the "move south" in 1858, and they remained in Provo during the winter of 1858-59. They returned to Hardscrabble in July 1859. The mill was very expensive, having cost $3000. It supplied Centerville with some lumber. The first 500 feet was taken there over the mountains on a cart with four yoke of oxen. In the spring of 1861, Sanford Porter Sr. came from Centerville and settled in what is now Porterville. He built the first house in that part of the valley. He brought his family there and took up land. That same summer or fall, his two sons built houses and moved their families from the canyon. In the spring of 1861, John P. and Lyman Porter, who were also sons of Sanford Sr. came in with their families and took up land and began clearing it off for farms. At that time all the land west of where the highway now is was just a dense growth of willows and wild gooseberry bushes. And east of the road it was bunch grass to the foot of the hills. Other families soon began to move in, the Smiths, Norwoods, Broughs, Jones and Woods. The first house built in Porterville was near the present house of James Carter. The second, a little east of Fred White's home. The third was near the meeting house. Another was where the Kershaw place is. William Deardon was an early settler in Porterville. Mrs. Anna Woods was considered a well-educated woman at that time, and was engaged to teach a school in her own home in 1862. Joseph R. Porter also began teaching in 1862. He taught during the winter months, and Mrs. Wood during the summer. So far as is known, Thomas Brough made the first brick in Weber Valley in the summer of 1864. Lyman W. Porter built the first brick house, the work being done by Henry Rock. This house is still standing and is occupied at the present time (1930) by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Rich. Pricilla Porter, Warriner's second wife, was the first midwife in Porterville, and Mrs. Jane Brough the second. An Irish lady, Bridget Cottom, was also a nurse. She was the mother of triplets and three sets of twins. A ward was organized very early with Warriner Porter as presiding elder. Soon a log room was erected where meetings and schools were held. The furniture was nothing elaborate, a fireplace for warmth, and slabs with legs put in the rough side for seats. But it answered the purpose and the children received a good start for an education. Other inconveniences were suffered which were more serious than these. In the first years of the settlement their were no grist mills or stores. The grain had to be taken to Ogden or Farmington to be ground. And during the winter, the roads through Weber Canyon were impassable. Therefore, when the supply of flour gave out, boiled wheat had to be eaten, and such vegetables as could be raised. But the Lord blessed the people with health and strength The town continued to grow until there was quite a population. Eliza Porter Clark, daughter of Alma Porter, was the first child born in Porterville. A schoolhouse was erected in 1867. In 1870 the settlement was divided into two wards known as East and West Porterville. The same year a substantial brick house was built in each ward. East Canyon About seven miles south of Porterville is the old Pioneer Trail, about 18 miles of which is in Morgan County. Of the journey of the first company of Pioneers through this section the following description is taken from Whitney's History of Utah: "Passing down the Weber River in Echo Canyon for about four miles they struck the Donner trail of the year previous, and proceeded toward East Canyon. They traveled six miles up a ravine to a dividing ridge, and then descended slowly into another ravine, where four hours were consumed in going two miles. At length they reached East Canyon. Up that difficult gorge they toiled for eight weary miles, crossing and recrossing its crooked torrent thirteen times. Large grey wolves stared at them and rattlesnakes also appeared. Leaving East Canyon the "trail" turned up a ravine to the west and finally crossed Big Mountain. From the summit of this pass glimpses of the open country appeared. Two small sections of Salt Lake valley became visible. Orson Pratt and John Brown caught the first glimpses had by any of the pioneers of Salt Lake Valley. Along this part of the "trail" a "Pony Express" station was built by the government. It was a log cabin about 12x14 ft., in a beautiful grove of cottonwood. The pioneers constructed two breastworks on the side of the mountain where each one could command four miles of the "Trail." This was built to protect Salt Lake Valley from Johnston's Army and other raiders. In one of the hand-cart companies a young girl 18 years old died in East Canyon and was buried there. The grave is still visible. Many pioneer relics have been found there, chains, ox shoes, insulators, and instruments for making bullets. The name of Dead Ox was given to a certain place in the canyon, because at one time the Pioneers left a number of oxen there and they all perished from starvation. There are several ranches in East Canyon and everyone is crossed by the Pioneer Trail. In East Canyon is the Davis and Weber Counties Canal company dam and reservoir. The first dam was completed in 1898 and stored 5,000 acre feet of water. This dam was constructed of rock, with a plate steel core. In 1900 the dam was raised and 10,000 acre feet of water was stored. In 1903, it was again added upon and its capacity raised to 14,000 acre feet. A new site was surveyed and in 1915, construction of an arched reinforced concrete dam was begun. The work was completed in 1916, and 28,000 acre feet of water are stored yearly in this reservoir.

Richville In the fall of 1859 David Henderson and Jonathan Hemmingway located the town of Richville. Mr. Henderson built the first house down by the creek below the present town. Thomas Rich brought his family there in April, 1861. John H. Rich, Gillispie Waldron and Solomon Conley came the same season. They at once set to work to plow and put their crops in. Then they made an irrigation ditch (1861), and raised a crop that year. The place became a farming and stockraising community. Albert Dickson came in 1862 and his father and brothers came some time later. John Seamon, who was a brother-in-law of Jonathan Hemmingway, came very early also, and was one of the first school teachers. Nearly all the first settlers came from Centerville. The first schoolhouse was erected in 1863. Mr. Thomas Rich was the first Presiding Elder in Richville and the town was named in his honor. His daughter, now Mrs. J. T. Waldron, was the first white child born in that locality. John Seamon was the second Presiding Elder. Solomon Conley proposed the name of Richville for the settlement and it was incorporated as a townsite. Mrs. Conley was a nurse and she did a lot of good for the people. She was a graduate doctor from Sweden and saved many people's lives by her skill. About 1863 George W. Taggart of Salt Lake City, and two brothers, Morgan and Henry Hinman, of Farmington, Davis Co., commenced the building of a grist mill in Richville. Owing to the difficulties in those days of obtaining the necessary materials it was not completed until 1866. The irrigation ditch, which the early settlers had made, was now enlarged into a mill race. Mr. Thomas Grover says that Brigham Young came to the valley before the mill was in operation, and after looking at it said, "Brother Taggart, it won't run. The draft is in dead water." This proved to be true and the wheel had to be enlarged and sunk deeper before it would run. About 1867 a little child of Baltzer Peterson was drowned in this stream, the body being caught against the grates of the mill. About 29 years after this another child, that of John Wood, was drowned in the same ditch. Before the completion of this mill the people were dependent on the lower valleys for their flour, etc. At one time the high water destroyed the road through Devil's Gate. The flour supply became exhausted and the people were reduced to extreme want. Not until the first of August was there an outlet made to other valleys. At this time the people were compelled to move, and consequently ten teams, each having from one to two yokes of oxen, made an attempt to cross the mountains in search of flour. The teams were hitched to carts and followed Hardscrabble Canyon down to the Heber C. Kimball flour mills in Salt Lake City. They were obliged to cross over ten feet of snow but obtained some flour and returned home much to the joy of the people. So this grist mill, the first to be built in Weber Valley, was greatly appreciated and proved a blessing to the people, as it gave them the opportunity of milling what little grain they raised and encouraged them to plant more grain. This mill was patronized by the people of Coalville and all this upper country. They would come and camp overnight. As many as thirty teams have been there at one time. The mill remained in operation until 1890, but some years before that time the manufacture of flour was discontinued. The old mill was torn down in 1915. Mr. Albert D. Dickson was appointed Bishop of Richville ward in July, 1877, and held the position for more than 37 years. Hunting and fishing were the main sports. Game was plentiful in those days. It was easy enough to get fish for breakfast before the sun was up; or to shoot enough chickens for dinner. There were also wild animals-bears, deers, mountain lions, lynx, bob-cats, etc. Dancing was the social amusement. They would begin to dance at sun set and continue until midnight, when supper would be served, and dancing continued until sunrise. Candles were used for light; the people were frightened of the first kerosene lamps. Checker playing was very popular in the winter time. The Shoshone and Ute Indians made Richville their home during the summer time. In the year 1870 the taxes on 50 acres of land was $2.50. The first school house in Richville was erected by Billa Dickson in 1865. The first teachers boarded around at the different homes. The parents paid tuition for their children and furnished the text books. The first brick school house was erected by the people in 1872. The shingles for this building were hauled from the canyon on hand sleighs. The reason for this being that 4 ft. of snow fell in the early -fall and the people were unable to get into the canyon with bob sleighs. This school house furnished shelter for the church and school until 1913, when a modern building was erected. The first mowing machine was brought into town in 1870, by Jonathan Hemmingway. Before this all the grain was cradled by hand. Thos. Rich bought the first threshing machine. They called this "the Old Chaf Piler." Later on other machines were brought in, one of these being a horse power machine purchased by Jos. T. Waldron, F. W. Clark, C. W. Waldron, Thos. Spackman and W. H. Rich in 1897. The same company bought a self feeder, run by a tractor in 1919. Mrs. Annie S. Dickson bought the first piano in Richville in 1896. Thos. Murphy was the first missionary. He left in 1875. In 1876, David Eaton, David Henderson and John Seamon went on missions. John Seamon presided over the first Sunday school. He was succeeded by Isaac Morris. Charles W. Taggart was first President of the Y. M. M. I. A. Round Valley The first white man to settle in Round Valley was John Cameron. This is thought to be about 1860. Phillip Schop, a shoemaker, came soon after. He lived at the mouth of a hollow which bore his name. John Gibby moved there in 1861 with his wife and one child, who is now Mrs. Mina Nielsen of Roy, Utah. Henry Olpin, father-in-law of John Gibby, came about 1861 or 62. In 1863 Edward Geary, with his wife and five children came. Henry Blumill also came that year. About 1864 came Henry Ridout and Samuel Carter and their families. Mr. Carter was the first presiding Elder of the branch. After a few years residence in Round Valley he moved to Porterville and Henry Olpin took his place as presiding elder. The people lived by farming and sheep and cattle raising. Some of them lived in dugouts. Some had log houses with dirt roofs and dirt floors. At one time they were entirely without flour and lived on roots and greens for six weeks. The Indians showed them the kinds of roots to dig-sage, thistle, and artichokes. They had very little trouble with the Indians. Large numbers came through and camped on the outskirts of the settlement. The South Round Valley Canal was taken out in 1861. During the years 1867 and 68 a number of people came into Round Valley. Among them were Henry Wise, August Lambert and Johnney Binsley with their families. The place became quite a thriving community on the South side of the river. All the first settlers of South Round Valley have Sinc l The first school was begun about 1870 with Charley Watkins as teacher. Mrs. Olpin taught later. A small log room with a dirt roof was erected and used for both meeting and school house. All the first settlers of South Round Valley have since moved away, and only two families are now residing there. (1930).	George H. Southam of Vernal, Utah, says he was born at Round Valley, Morgan County, in 1867. His grandfather, John Cameron, owned the Hunter far at one time. He says Bishop Parker took care of his father' family while he went east to assist with the last emigration in 1868. Croydon This town is located about a mile north of Weber River on Plumbar Creek, commonly called Lost Creek, on account of the water disappearing underground and coming to the surface lower down. In the spring of 1862, George Knight, George Shill and James Walder visited this locality with a view to settling there. They returned to Salt Lake City, and in July of the same year they came back, together with some others, and put up hay, which they expected to need the next winter. G. A. Condie informs us that his father, Thomas Condie, built the first house there that year. In November, 1862, a number of men moved onto the ground with four families and seven wagons. George Shill. and Levi Savage had built a log cabin during the summer. The company built their houses in fort form for protection. Red sand rock was used in building the fort. In the square inside, a log school house with a dirt roof was built. This was to be used also for a meeting house. The men combined their labors, and besides constructing eight houses, corrals and sheds were put up at a safe distance to the rear of the houses. Hay was hauled to cover the sheds and general preparations made for the coming winter. Fortunately there were no storms or severe weather until the new year. The following year a townsite was laid out and several small farms selected. An irrigation ditch also was commenced. At first the church members belonged to Henefer branch, and went over there to attend meetings. About the year 1865 James Walker was appointed presiding elder. He was succeeded by George Shill, Ephriam Swan and George Knight. During the Indian troubles in Utah in 1866 the people of Croydon were advised by the Presidency of the church to leave their homes and move into Coalville. They did this but returned again the same season. Among the first settlers in Croydon were: Thomas Condie, W. H. Toone, George Shill, Charles Shill, George Knight, James Walker, Charles Bunting, Levi Savage, John Toone, Charles Blackwell, Joseph Blackwell, Ephraim Swan, Gibson Condie, George Thackery, William Chapman, Solomon Ed~ wards, Thomas Cooke, William Probert, John London, Charles Toone and John Caste. Many of these moved away and were replaced by later comers: John Hopkin, William Bower, W. A. Flagstaff, G. W. Bowering, E. Wilde, Charles Cottrell, J. Mole, James Bosworth, Rob Stokes, William Palmer, John Palmer, and many others who lived only a short time in the neighborhood. The location has proved to be very healthy. The first death, a Swan child, occurred about eight years after the founding of the settlement. The first child born was Victoria, daughter of James Walker;. The people engaged in agriculture and raised all kinds of grain. They also raised cattle and horses. Lyon Toone says: "We had to cross the river 13 times to get to Morgan. It took a full day to go there and back with oxen. We obtained most of our provisions from Echo. Two days were required to go to Salt Lake City by way of Coalville and Parley's Canyon." We are indebted to Gibson A. Condie for the following: "Some very fine, talented people have resided in Croydon and contributed much to the community life. Charles Bunting was a spendid painter. He painted signs and mottoes, some of which adorned the walls of the school house, and, I believe, still hang in the church. "John Toone, Sr., was a splendid musician. He with his famous cello, or bass viol, assisted by Jacob and John Mole, with fiddles, furnished splendid music for our entertainments; while J. Bosworth and Mr. Storer called the dances. "John Casto was the chief hunter and trapper. John Wainwright was a potter; Charles Cottrell a plasterer; George Thackeray, George Shill and W. Chapman were carpenters. Solomon Edwards was a saw-mill man. "The Storers and Taylors were fine singers; Lyon Toone excelled in base ball; John Kirkland in croquet; Joe Mikesell could catch more fish than anyone; J. Toone, Jr., could ride the wildest horse the range could produce. "Early school teachers were: John Wainwright, W. Chapman, Charles Bunting, Jr., Mary Bunting, John Toone, George K. Bowering, J. S. Barrett and James M. Mason. "In point of service in the community Fanny Swan and Helen Thackeray should have first place. They nursed the sick and cared for the needy. They were country nurse and doctor combined. Honorable mention is deserved by Mrs. Mortenson, Mrs. Blackwell, and Mrs. Jemima Toone. "Croydon has been the cradle of many distinguished people. Her sons have proved a wonderful asset to other places. Her daughters have gained renown as teachers, nurses and homemakers." I John Hopkin was the first Bishop. He was appointed in 1877. Devil's Slide The little valley on Lost Creek is divided from the main valley of the Weber by a high mountain ridge. At the east end of the gorge which penetrates the Bear River Mountains is a remarkable rock formation called the Devils Slide, two parallel upturned reefs of limestone, twenty feet apart, the edges project forty feet above the mountain side. A description of Devils Slide is given by the Utah State Road commission as follows: "Devils Slide is a good illustration of erosion in rocks that have been strongly folded. It has been developed by erosion of a layer of shale between two much more durable layers of limestone that form the sides of the slide. The rocks were formed in a Jurassic sea about 100 million years ago, long after they were laid down. This region was subjected to strong compressive forces which folded and uplifted the rock layers. Since then the winding Weber river has cut down and exposed these beds. About 1909 the Shriners erected a building at the foot of the Devils Slide for the purpose of initiating new members into their circle. At that time Jack Hopkin was sheriff and he and two deputies were assigned to guard the building and keep all outsiders from approaching the building. A train from the east and one from the west brought in the new candidates and they were put through certain ceremonies before they became members. A platform was built in the slide and each person was compelled to undergo, blindfolded, many experiences before they reached the building. As far as is known the building was only used once. It is no longer there, having been torn down a few years later. Just beyond is the town of Devils Slide and the cement plant, operated by the Union Portland Cement Co. The factory is located in a section where the materials for cement manufacture are practically inexhaustible. The entire mountain range on which it is located is rich in material for cement making. In 1905 a large deposit of rock from which Portland cement could he manufactured, was located by Aman Moore, and in 1906 the Union Portland Cement Company was incorporated to manufacture cement, and this property was secured. The officers of the company were: C. W. Nibley, President; Joseph Scowcroft, M. S. Browning and Reed Smoot, Vice-Presidents; James Pingree, Secretary and Treasurer. The plant was put into operation in 1907 and has been operating ever since. The capacity of the plant was 2400 barrels per day, and this has not been increased since. The ground was owned partly by the Federal Government and the balance by John and Heber Beesley. The supervision of the building of the plant and the village of Devils Slide was under O. B. Gilson and the superintendent was Edward Dutcher. In 1910 there was a serious accident at the quarry, caused by a premature explosion in which some fourteen men lost their lives. It was the policy of the management to give employment to as many local people and to buy all their supplies in the State, that could be produced here or handled by Utah dealers. The ground on which the town of Devils Slide was built was formerly owned by William and Alex Robison, sons of Ephraim Robison. High up on the mountain side just east of the cement plant is a round opening in the rock which is called the "Devils Looking Glass." Jesse C. Little tells us that when the first company of pioneers stopped where the town of Henefer now is, his father and others of the company came down the Weber River to this point and viewed this strange rock formation. About twelve miles up Lost Creek, north east of Devils Slide in Chinatown. This is said to be a fascinating curiosity shop of Mother Nature, covering about three quarters of a square mile. It has been called a miniature Bryce with its shades of pink, red, yellow, purple, gray, brown and white rock, intermingled I with the green pine trees and often decked with snow banks way into the summer.

Morgan City Morgan City lies on both sides of the Weber River, a little southeast of the center of the valley. It is divided into two wards, called respectively North and South Morgan. At first the river was the dividing line. North Morgan, at first called Mt. Joy, was settled about 1861. Among the first people there were John Heath, Wyman Parker, Daniel Williams and William George. It is said that Daniel Williams built the first house on the north side of the river. The first winter was perhaps one of the most severe in the history of Weber valley. The pioneers suffered many hardships from cold and sometimes hunger. But these difficulties did not daunt their courage. About this time, 1861, Abiah Wadsworth (a left handed carpenter), George Higly, and Nelson Arave and their families settled where the grist mill now stands. They built a saw mill there. Benjamin F. Smith came about the same season. Mr. Smith crossed the plains a number of times to assist emigrants in coming her-e. He also brought the first telegraph wire to Utah. In August, 1863, Martin Heiner bought a 40-acre farm in Mt. Joy. And that fall a number of people settled there, the Robinsons, Conrad Smith and Henry and Peter Rock. Henry and Leannah Rock crossed the plains by handcart and settled in Morgan. They lived here until 1890, when they moved to Idaho. Mr. Rock was a skilled cement worker and built a numbe of homes in Morgan County.

The year 1860 saw the last of the hand cart companies in Utah, and Daniel Robison was captain of one of these companies, which was said to be very successful in its journey. In describing the hand carts, Mr. Ephraim Robison says it consisted of two wheels between which were erected a box with bows and a canvas cover, much the same as a covered wagon. The tongue of the cart, about 2 1/2 feet long, had a cross piece mortised in the end. Two persons worked on each side of the tongue, leaning their bodies against the crosspiece, a task called "pushing" rather than "pulling." It was not uncommon to see young girls harnessed up, pushing the cart along the road. As many as four or five were attached to each cart where the roads were extremely heavy or the loads large. The people built a log house to hold meetings in, and in 1864 Thomas Grover, Anthony Heiner and George Heiner were appointed school trustees. They employed Lucinda Brown to teach a summer school. This same spring, 1864, they made a water ditch from the Weber river, on the east side of Daniel Williams' meadow down to the Stoddard meadow; this ditch was made nine feet wide and 18 inches deep. The people employed Daniel Williams to construct it from the river to the town, where the Robison Springs cross the road. From there every man was to make the ditch across his own land. It was completed in time to irrigate the crops and there was a nice lot of grain raised that year. The people paid Daniel Williams 200 bushels of wheat for his work. In the winter of 1864-65 Jesse W. Fox came up and surveyed the town. Most of the lots were in the Martin Heiner place. One lot in the center of the town was selected to build a meeting house on. In 1865, Martin Heiner built a rock house one and one-half stories high. This is said to have been the first rock house in Morgan County. The first fruit and shade trees in North Morgan were planted by Mr. Heiner. In the winter of 1868 the people quarried rock and hauled it down into town, and the next summer they built a rock meeting house, 24x40 feet. This was to answer for a school house also. The first school house was built between the two settlements of North Morgan and Stoddard, about where the Shurtliff farm is. This building was moved up to North Morgan, near the site of the present school building, and was used for four or five years. It was later bought by Dave Clawson and moved to his property in Stoddard. William Secrist was the second teacher. He taught two months in the winter of 1865. Then Joe Darke taught about six weeks. Fred Bunn taught a short time. In 1869 they erected a new building. Mr. Walcott from the east, taught there, also Rhoda Slade. Daniel Heiner taught the two winters of 1870-71, and had 111 pupils the second year. A very prominent citizen in North Morgan in early days was Philemon C. Merrill. He had been one of Joseph Smith's body guards, and a very fine highly respected man. He also held a prominent position in the Mormon Battalion. He was one of the first Presiding Elders of the ward. In 1877 Wyman Parker was appointed first Bishop. The two springs east of North Morgan, known in early days as the Bennett springs, have been very valuable to the people of Morgan City; about 1864, Martin Heiner and Daniel Robison each obtained a right from the court to a continuous stream of water, for domestic purposes, from the North Spring. The rest of the water from that spring was used to water the town lots. Each lot of one acre had a right to the whole stream for eight hours, then the next man took it. It took eight days and fourteen hours to water all the lots. In 1902, Heiner Brothers built a reservoir, and with the help of other people in the ward, they laid a pipe line down to the county road. From here every man laid the pipe to his own house. They also laid a line to the cemetery. In 1869 the U. P. railroad obtained a right to a portion of the East Spring. They built a reservoir and piped the water to their depot. About the year 1900 the Morgan Canning company obtained a right to a portion of the East Spring and laid a pipe line to their Property. The mayor and city council also obtained a right to a portion of the East Spring for domestic purposes. They built a reservoir and laid a pipe line across the river into South Morgan. In 1925 the mayor and city council built a larger reservoir and laid a larger pipe. They now have a fine water system.

Civil and Political History of Morgan City

Morgan City was incorporated in 1868, by an act of the Territorial Legislature. The Legislature outlined the boundaries of the city as follows: "Commencing at the bridge on the county road crossing East Canyon Creek, thence down said creek one mile, thence Northeast two and one-half miles, thence skirting the base of the mountains in a southeasterly direction to where the Weber River enters Weber Valley, thence skirting the base of the mountain on the South Side of the said Weber River two and one-half miles, more or less, to the southeast corner of the Bradt Survey, thence 3/4 of a mile to Canyon Creek, thence down said Canyon Creek to the place of beginning, shall be known and designated under the name and style of Morgan City." The first election was held on the first Monday in August, 1868. The officers elected were: William Eddington, mayor; Richard Fry, Wyman M. Parker, Robert Hogg, Charles Turner, and Abiah Wadsworth, counselors; Samuel Francis and David Robison, justices of the peace; T. R. G. Welch, marshall and supervisor of streets. A City Seal was adopted with a coat of arms, an antelope with cliffs of rock in the back ground, and the inscription, Morgan City, Morgan County, Utah. The first police force consisted of James Toomer, captain; Thomas Sewell and George Heiner, policemen. The first license granted by the City Council was to William Eddington, mayor, for merchandising. The second was to Timothy Metz for restaurant, feed stable and store. In July, 1869, the city created the office of water master, and Robert Hogg became the first incumbent. Richard Fry was appointed city treasurer in July, 1869. One of the first laws passed was one regulating the sale of liquor. The great Union Pacific railroad was in course of construction as that time and a lot of liquor was being sold, both to white men and Indians and the city found it necessary to take some action in the matter. Early in the year 1873, smallpox having appeared in the city and in the county, a quarantine was established. The disease was checked with the less of about five citizens in the city. An agreement was made between the city and Morgan county in June 1874, to build a court house, city hall and jail together; the building to be 38x56 feet, with a rock basement, containing five cells for prisoners, and two stories above the basement of brick. In 1878 the city council ordered that no tax be collected, the reason being that the crops had been practically destroyed by grasshoppers the previous year. In July, 1878, two hundred citizens petitioned the City Council to prohibit the sale of spirituous liquor. This ended the sale of liquor in South Morgan. The petition was granted with the proviso, that the agent have the privilege of selling out the stock in hand. The people began to feel that the expense of keeping up the corporation over balanced the benefits derived from it. The City Council partook of the indifference of the people, and it held no meetings from September, 1881, to May, 1882, on which date they again resumed their official duties. In July, 1883, it was reported that two cells were prepared for the reception of criminals. This was the first time that the city was prepared to take proper care of delinquents. In September, 1884, an ordinance was passed making the Z. C. M. I. bankers for the City. In 1886 and 1887 two cemeteries had been fenced and improved, and forty acres had been purchased for a public park. The government of the city was administered by men who labored for the general good of the people, with very little regard for their personal interests.

South Morgan In September, 1860, three men, Richard Fry, Richard Norwood, and Daniel Bull left Salt Lake City for Weber Valley to make their homes. They were the first people to settle in the vicinity of what is now South Morgan. They took up farms just north of the present town, on what is known as the Fry, Harding and Turner Farms. In February of the next year, 1861, Mrs. Mary Ann Fry Eddington was born there and was the first white child born in South Morgan. Again we quote from Mrs. Smith's journal: "In the spring of 1860 two or three families moved into the valley which made it more pleasant. And in the fall quite a number of families came and settled near us. Among them were some young people. We held meetings in our house on Sunday, and we generally had one evening meeting a week; and occasionally we moved our furniture out and had a dance, in which old and young took part. One of these families who came in was Daniel Bull and his son Charles, and an adopted son named George. One was quite a violinist and the other a prompter, and we truly enjoyed ourselves and were united as one family." The South Morgan Colony remained on their farms until the spring of 1862, when two of the families moved to Monday Town Hollow, and Mr. Norwood went to Porterville. The reason for this move was because they expected high water, and really had it, for the valley was practically covered with water that spring. Early in the year 1862 several settlers who owned land in the immediate vicinity commenced to build a town at the mouth of Monday Town Hollow, on a small piece of land between the base of the hills and East Canyon Creek, which was owned by T. R. G. Welch and donated by him for a town. A post office was established and Mr. Welch was appointed post master. The first merchandising done in the valley was here in Monday Town, by a man named Sholes. Before the railroad prices were very high, as goods had to be hauled in wagons from the Missouri River, matches being' sold for 75 cents a small box, sugar $1.00 a pound, calico 75 cents a yard, factory $1.25 a yard, shoes $5.00 a pair, tea $6.00 a pound, wheat sold for $5.00 a bushel and flour for $25.00 per hundred. This was in 1863. A brass kettle was $5.00. The Monday Town colony gave the name of Morgan to their new settlement. Mr. David Coolbear says that in 1863 three families-Edward Griffiths, Joseph Dean and Robert Richardson-were living on the hillside of Monday Town, while Richard Fry, William Hemming, Charles (Daddy) Budd, Charles Turner, T. R. G. Welch, Ethan Knight, Thomas Murphy and others, were among those living farther east. Monday Town was so named because it was Monday when the first settlers moved there. There was no bridge over Canyon Creek where it now is, the people having to go down to the Bull farm to cross. John Ager came to the valley in 1863 and lived in the field. In 1868 he was drowned in the Weber, and his body lay in the water for six weeks, but was finally found at the end of the island. Mr. Ager made the first brick in South Morgan. The Monday Town colony prospered as well as could be expected., The spirit of colonization began to grow more and more. This valley became a favorite locality for the home seekers, and people kept settling month after month until the limited space at the mouth of Monday Town Hollow would no longer furnish ample room for the people to live comfortably. Some of them were in favor of moving to Littleton because there was more room. Most of the settlers owned land east of Canyon Creek, and were in favor of locating a town where South Morgan now is. The land was offered at a lower price than that of Littleton, so most of the people decided to move there. The first to locate there was Ebenezer Crouch, Frederick Darke and Robert Hogg; it is said that Robert Hogg built the first house in South Morgan. This house was afterward purchased by Daniel Bertoch and moved to Littleton. In 1864, under the direction of Brigham Young, Jesse W. Fox surveyed and laid out the townsite as it now is. The lots were 13x18 rods and contained one acre and 74 rods of land each. They went up on the hill on the east side of the valley, and the main street was laid off from a large boulder to a certain bush, the center one of three, on the west side of the valley. This accounts for our streets not running at right angles with the compass. All the other streets run at right angles with the main street The lots were individually purchased from Darke and Hawkins at a price of $25.00 to $35.00 each. In 1865 and 66 most of the families in Monday Town transferred their residence to New Morgan. There were also quite a number of new settlers in 1867, and the town began to attract attention. About 1864 Charles Turner began the manufacture of bricks from native clay. These were the first made in Morgan City. Good brick buildings began to take the place of log cabins. The George W. Simmons house is said to have been the first brick house in South Morgan (and others say that John Agers house was the first). This house is still standing as are many others made from brick manufactured in that early day. Mr. Turner also burned lime for 30 years. Lime sold at 20c a bu. and brick for $6.00 and $7.00 per thousand. The Simmons house was built from brick made by Thomas Brough of Porterville. In February 16, 1865, death called for the first time on the settlers of South Morgan, Elizabeth Wilkins Turner, wife of Charles Turner, was the first to die. She was buried in a little clay hill south east of town which had been selected as a cemetery. Miss Elizabeth Crouch is said to have been the second person buried there. The Fry Ditch, now the City Ditch, was taken out in 1861 by three men-Richard Fry, Daniel Bull and Richard Norwood. It used to head just back of David Coolbears property, and continued down to the Bull and Fry farms. Abiah Wadsworth, Nelson Arave and George Higley operated a saw mill where the grist mill now stands. The cottonwoods that grew along the river were cut up into lumber, and this greatly assisted the new colonists in improving their homes. They floated logs down the river into a large pond back of the mill. This pond covered many acres of ground, and is now being farmed by Clark Brothers. Mr. Arave and Mr. Higley built a shingle mill just east of where the seminary building now is; and the head of the city ditch was changed to its present location and used by these men as a mill-race. In the spring of 1864 the people undertook to construct another canal known as the Weber Ditch; a committee consisting of Richard Fry, Charles Turner, and George Simmons acted under the direction of Thos. J. Thurston. Thework was to be done by pick and shovel. The ditch commenced near the Warm (Como) Springs, and followed down the valley as far as Line Creek near Milton. Work continued for three years and was done at times under very difficult circumstances. It was flumed across Canyon Creek at Richville and after some years Milton took out a new ditch from Canyon Creek and the lower end of the Weber Ditch was abandoned. In 1866, Ezra T. Clark of Farmington bought the saw mill, and on the spot where it stood just east of the river crossing, built the Weber Valley Flour Mill. About 1892 Thomas and Edward Spackman bought the Clark mill and mill site. They tore it down and built the roller mill which burned to the ground on Feb. 10, 1932. In Feb. 1865, the people of South Morgan were organized into an ecclesiastical district with Richard Fry as President, Robert Hogg and Charles Turner as assistants. The meetings were first held in Richard Fry's house and afterwards in Robert Hogg's and John Ager's homes. In July, 1877, the South Morgan Ward was organized with Charles Turner as Bishop, and Thomas Lorwill and Ebenezer Crouch as counselors. Robert Hogg was a counselor for awhile first. Mr. Lorwill moved away from Morgan, and James R. Stuart was made a counselor. In 1886 Mr. Crouch moved away and Richard R. Fry became counselor. About the year 1867 Richard Fry and Charles Tucker explored the rock above Como Springs and decided that it contained a good quality of lime stone. They built a lime-kiln there and manufactured a large amount of lime. It was in 1864 or 65 that the first school was opened by Elizabeth Crouch at her residence. The next year the people undertook to build a one-room log school house about where the Opera House now stands. It was under adverse circumstances that such a work was commenced. It took a determined effort, and little by little the material was collected and the house erected. Alexander Ross was the first teacher there. Sam Francis, A. O. Durrant and Mrs. Rawle also taught there. About 1867 or 1868 the people taxed themselves to erect a brick school house. This was opposite the T. W. Butters residence. just north and west of where the present school building is. It was used conjointly for school and meeting purposes. Court was held there; also theatres, dances and stake conferences. It was heated at first by a fire place. A bowery was built next to it in which the Morgan Stake was organized in July, 1877. This building served the people for fifteen years or more. The next school building erected about 1885, was a larger and more commodious building than the first one. It was a two-room brick structure and served the people for many years for all purposes. This one was torn down and replaced by the present five room building. (Upon consolidation of schools, this building was sold by the Board of Education to the Morgan Ward for the sum of $1.00.) Among the first school teachers were Alexander and David J. Ross, Elizabeth Crouch, Ester Francis, Sophrona Bull, Mary Ann Bunn, Mrs. Richard Rawle, James H. Mason, Gunda Anderson and Charles A. Welch.

Stoddard

The first man to make a home in Morgan County was Ben Simon. He was a trapper and built the first house in the valley, at what is now known as the Stoddard spring. Formerly it was known as the Simon Spring. Ben Simon was part French and part Cherokee Indian. He had an Indian wife. He came up from Mexico when the valley belonged to that country. He had obtained permission from the Mexican government to use the valley in which to run his cattle. It is said of him that he was very kind to the first white settlers. About 1860 Judson L. Stoddard of Farmington purchased the Simon property and the place was given its name in honor of Mr. Stoddard. He was a very progressive man and well to do, and brought large numbers of cattle and horses into the valley. He owned what is now the Hyrum Smith property. He was one of the men who, when Brigham Young and a large number of people were celebrating on the 24th of July, 1857, in Big Cottonwood canyon, brought word of the coming of Johnston's army to Utah. Colonel Jesse C. Little, another early settler of Morgan county, was marshal of the day at this same celebration. Another noted resident of Stoddard was Lot Smith, who played such an important part in the Echo Canyon war. In the fall of 1857 he, and a small company of mountain rangers greatly annoyed Johnston's army. They blocked Echo canyon against the troops. To this end they constructed barricades and breastworks in the defiles of the mountains and took all possible measures, effectively, to impede the progress of the army. At Sandy Fork they burned the supply trains and drove off the horses and mules. They stampeded the cattle and set the dry grass afire. But they shed not a drop of blood. All this was accomplished with the most meager equipment and a comparatively small force. Indeed, to deceive the enemy, Capt. Smith often had his men ride in file around visible hill tops and passes for hours at a stretch making it appear to the soldiers that the mountains were alive with Mormons. He thus accomplished, by strategy, what others might have performed by bloodshed. Lot Smith was utterly devoid of fear, and with a physique, and a will of iron, he was admirably fitted for just such dangerous adventure. His home in Stoddard is now owned by Mr. William Lyons. At one time there was quite a settlement around the spring. Perhaps a dozen families resided there. The road used to go farther towards the track than it does at the present time. Some of the families living there besides J. L. Stoddard and Lot Smith were: Philemon C. Merrill, Conrad Smith, the Manhards, Henry Rock, Miller Parrish, John Hess, Than Smith, a brother of Lot; Nick Barkdull, Dave Sanders, Johnny Hayes and Jake Grover. The people engaged in farming and stock raising. At first the children went to North Morgan to school. The present school building was erected by Henry Mortensen and John Simmons. Miss Olga Edholm taught school there. Charles Pentz was the first Presiding Elder. Stoddard is now a part of North Morgan Ward (1931). The first school house was bought by Dave Clawson and moved to his place in Stoddard. It is still standing there.

Early Civil and Political History of Morgan County

The name of Morgan was given to the county in honor of Jedediah Morgan Grant because he helped the first settlers. The pioneers were thorough Americans and had respect for law and order and could not long remain without some form of civil administration. Very early they took steps to form a county government. By act of Territorial Legislature, approved Jan., 1862, Morgan County was organized out of a part of Davis County. The Legislature aHointed Charles S. Peterson Probate Judge of the county, and he proceeded to organize the County Court on February 13, 1862, by appointing Ira N. Spalding, Philemon C. Merrill and Joseph Bradt as Selectmen and James Bond, County Clerk. After being duly qualified, the court met at the office of the Probate Judge at Weber City on Feb. 17, 1862, at 9 o'clock a. m., for the purpose of completing the organization of the county. The court appointed the following officers: John D. Parker, assessor and collector; Alvin M. Stoddard, surveyor; Thomas S. Johnson, sheriff; Isaac Bohman, treasurer; School Commissioner P. C. Merrill, and James Bond, John D. Parker, and Thomas R. G. Welch, inspectors of Common Schools. Thus Weber City, now Peterson, became the county seat of Morgan County. At the March term 1863, the county court ordered the business of the county to be done there until further action in the matter. The following June term of court decided that it should remain the County Seat, but later developments brought a change. March 18, 1865, Willard G. Smith succeeded Judge Peterson as Probate Judge. The selectmen, or commissioners, this year were P. C. Merrill, Jonathan Hemmingway and John Robinson. There being no Territorial statute locating the county seat, the power to do so seems to have been exercised by the County Court previous to 1866. In section 19 of the "Laws of Utah," approved by the Legislative Assembly of the Territory, Jan. 10, 1866, the boundaries of the county are defined, and the County Seat was located at Littleton. The following is a copy of the Section: "All that portion of the territory bounded south and east by Summit County, west by Salt Lake, Davis, and Weber Counties, and North by Weber County and a line running from a point in the eastern boundary of Weber County nearest the most eastern head waters of Ogden River, along the summit of the high lands or ranges passing around the head waters of Plum bar, or Lost Creek, easterly to the point where the northern boundary of Summit County crosses Bear River, is hereby made and named Morgan County, with County Seat at Littleton." Morgan City was incorporated in 1868; (It is interesting to note that Morgan was the only incorporated city between Omaha and Ogden when the railroad came through in 1869.) and the County Seat was removed from Littleton to Morgan by an act approved by the Legislature Feb. 19, 1868. The boundary lines between Morgan, Davis and Weber Counties were not satisfactorily settled until July 15, 1878, when the surveyors of the respective counties met and after due consideration made the following report : "We have examined into the matter of the aforesaid counties and have decided that the line between Weber and Morgan Counties lrosses the wagon road in Weber Canyon at what is generally known as the Devils Chair; and that the northeast corner of Davis County is at the center of the Weber River, immediately opposite to said point." The County was represented in the Territorial Legislature as follows: Charles S. Peterson, two sessions, 1864 to 1866; Philemon C. Merrill, four sessions, 1866 to 1870; Willard G. Smith, seven sessions, 1870 to 1878; Samuel Frands, four sessions, 1878 to 1884 as Representative, and in 1886 he represented Morgan, Summit, Wasatch and Uintah as Senator, while James R. Stuart was representative for Morgan County during the same time. Daniel Heiner was a representative in the first State Legislature, 1896.

The Weber Canyon Road The Weber Canyon road company was formed in 1866 for the purpose of building a good and permanent wagon road through the canyon from Henefer to Salt Lake Valley, with a toll gate and bridge at the mouth of the lower canyon. An agreement was made with Overland Stage and Mail Line that they should bring all their traffic and business over this road, and pay toll when the road was completed. They had been going by way of Parley's Canyon. Chauncy C. West was president of the company; W. G. Smith, vice-president; J. C. Little, secretary; and the following were directors: George W. Grant, Henry Robison, Philemon C. Merrill, Mr. Spaulding and one other man. Stock was sold by the company. The road was just completed when officials of the Union Pacific Railroad came along and wanted their right-of-way. Of course, the mail and traffic service would be taken over by the railroad, and the officials offered to build a better road for the people and make it all on one side of the river, if they would allow them to put their road where they wished. This proposal was accepted. (From H. C. T. Smith's Journal.)

The Railroad In the spring of 1868 the great Union Pacific railway was pushing its way westward and by this time had reached what was then known as Great Echo. This proved to be a blessing to the people. Grading gradually came down until it reached Weber canyon. The people of Morgan were fortunate in securing a contract to grade two miles of road, from and including, Carlyle cut, and continuing westward into town. Richard Fry and T. R. G. Welch had the contract for the first mile, from the Cut to the William's point, and Wyman Parker and Philemon C. Merrill had the contract from there on, for a mile. Besides this they had the contract to construct a wagon dug-way from the Cut east above the track for several hundred yards. The contract specified that the price for moving the earth and making fills was to be 27 cents per yard. Much of this grade was put up with wheelbarrows. Richville became a tie center for the railroad; men would go from here into the canyon and get a load of ties and back to Richville. This was considered a day's work. Three days were allowed to take that load of ties to Echo and return. Wages were $10.00 a day for man and team. If the trip could be made in less time, they received $30.00 just the same. Sixteen ties was a standard load. Hardscrabble canyon produced tens of thousands of ties for the railroad. Men had camps in the canyon and hued tbe logs. They were cut into eight-foot lengths; some of the men, after hauling the ties to Echo, would go on to the mines in Coalville and bring back loads of coal. The railroad brought provisions into the country in schooner wagons, with eight and ten mule teams. Sugar sold for 40 cents a pound, potatoes for $3.00 per hundred, hay, $60.00 per ton; shoes, $5.00 and $10.00 a pair, and good cowhide boots could be purchased for $10.00. Had it not been for the work furnished by the railroad, the people wculd have suffered during the winter of 1868 and 1869. Several men were killed at Devil's gate while working on the railroad. The road was completed, May 10, 1869. This changed the entire industrial history of Morgan county. After this the people were able to obtain more of the necessities and comforts of life. It also opened up a market for lumber and other commodities. Daniel Williams found a good quality lime rock on his place, and burned all the lime used in the construction of the railroad along the Weber river. It was used for culverts, foundations for railroad buildings and other construction. Hyrum Geary says he rode on the first engine that passed through Morgan county on the Union Pacific. The following letter was received from George O. Brophy, chairman of public relations committee for the Union Pacific railroad: Omaha, Nebraska, June 25, 1931 “The original main track of the Union Pacific railroad was constructed through Morgan county in 1869 and the second main track was constructed in 1926. The length of our double track line through the county is 21.35 miles, and in addition to our main track we have 13.86 miles of side track in the county. “In 1926, we constructed a new passenger station at Morgan; together with brick platform, landscaping, curbs, gutters, etc., paid assessments for paving Commercial street, constructed two steel and concrete bridges to provide undercrossings for traffic on Bridge street, and the highway about one-half mile east of town. The cost of these improvements to the railroad company was $70,581.00. “We have assisted the county and state to obtain a desirable and economical location for their highway, and have enabled them to secure Federal aid for the construction of these by granting a lease along approximately six and three-quarters miles of our right-of-way through this county. The county occupies with its highways these leased portions of the railroad company's right-of-way practically without cost, thus effecting a very considerable saving to the county in the cost of obtaining land for highway purposes.” (Signed) G. O. BROPHY. On the afternoon of July 10, 1930, a violent rain storm visited this section, causing damaging floods to various parts of Utah. The storm appeared in its greatest violence at Devil's gate, Weber canyon, where it poured a torrent on the mountains, which rushed down the steep canyons, sending down huge masses of earth and rock, and filled the bottom of the main canyon in two places and covered the railroad tracks for 600 feet and 40 feet in depth. The river, swollen by the run-off from this storm, was backed up over the highway and railroad for half a mile, and filled the highway with tons and tons of rock and debris. Hundreds of men were employed with steam shovels, drag lines and other equipment, and both roads were closed for six days. A conservative estimate of the damages sustained by the railroad and highway was $350,000.00. Grasshopper War The pioneers were troubled with grasshoppers for a number of years. In the year, 1867, they came, but they were so late that they did not do much damage, as the crops were pretty well formed. However, the farmers realized a one-third loss by them. But they came as a fore-runner of what was to come. They came to lay their eggs; where there was one that year, there would be hundreds the next. During the winter of 1867 and 1868 the people were getting along fairly well. Everyone seemed to have the necessities of life. Spring came, and from all appearances, a prosperous year was before them. Farmers planted their crops as usual, and the crops came up, looking very promising. But this seeming prosperity was of short duration for, without any warning, the grasshoppers came like a black cloud, darkening the sun. They swept down onto the beautiful green vegetation, and in less than 24 hours there was not a vestige of green remaining. Mrs. Dorothy Norwood Marker writes the following in regard to her experience with grasshoppers: "I well remember, when only a child, of fighting grasshoppers. We had four or five acres of wheat and only realized ten bushels from it. Father would dig trenches around one side of the grain field, and fill them with water, the whole family worked trying to keep the hoppers back. We would take gunny sacks and scare them into the trenches and they would drown. But they were so thick that we lost nearly everything. Our gardens were cleaned out in a few hours, with not a sign of vegetation left."

On account of the grasshoppers the flour had to be hauled from the east, and was sold as high as $12.00 per cwt. The last of the hoppers was in 1874 or 75. They came from the east and passed over the country, dropping into Great Salt Lake. Schools The Pioneers of this valley were interested in education. On Feb. 17, 1862, as soon as the county was organized, a commissioner was appointed, Philemon C. Merrill. James Bond, John D. Parker and Thomas R. G. Welch were appointed inspectors of common schools. The Court ordered (on the same day) that there be four school districts created in the county, Mt. Green Precinct, District No.1; Weber City Precinct, District No.2; Thurston Precinct, District No.3 and Canyon Creek Precinct, District No.4. On July 26, 1862, District No.4 was divided and District No.5 created from part of it. The same day the County clerk was ordered to issue notices to the Justice of the Peace of every precinct, asking them to call meetings in their respective school districts, for the purpose of electing school trustees. On July 28, 1862, school district No.6 was created; this included Enterprise and Stoddard. On Sept. 6, 1862, District No.7 was formed. This district included all of Weber City lying south of Dalton Creek. On Dec. 7, 1863, two more school districts were formed. No.8 comprised Round Valley, and No.9 the portion of the county lying on Lost Creek (or Croydon). The first school trustees of the Croydon district were: Charles Shill, James Walker and Thomas Condie. They were appointed March 7, 1864. At the same time District No.5 was divided and No. 10 formed from a part of it. On Feb. 3, 1866 District No.7 was dis-organized and annexed to Nos. 2, 3 and 5 and on June 3, 1866 District No. 11 was created at Littleton. In some instances schools were held in private residences before school houses could be built. Mrs. Cordelia Smith writes in her journal that she taught a school in Weber Valley in 1863. Mrs. Elizabeth Crouch taught a school in her home in 1864, and in the same year Lucinda Brown taught a school in North Morgan. Mrs. Anna Weed taught a small school in her home in Porterville, perhaps as early as 1862. Joseph R. Porter taught school in Porterville in 1862. Mr. Porter taught during the winter months and Mrs. Wood during the summer months. The young people of Richville went to Porterville to attend Mr. Porter's school. In every settlement the first public building to be erected was a school house, which was also used for meeting house and amusement hall. The first schools in Morgan County were run on the tuition plan-each family paying according to the number of children sent to school. The people saw that this system did not work out very well, because where people were poor and had large families, it was almost impossible to send the children to school. Finally the tax system was begun. This lifted a heavy burden from the poor people, and placed the burden where it could best be carried. In 1890-91 there were ten school districts in Morgan County, with three trustees in each district; the districts being Peterson, Enterprise, Milton, South Morgan, Croydon, North Morgan, Richville, East Porterville, West Porterville and Littleton. At that time a record was kept of children of Mormon parents, and the number of children of non-Mormon parents; also if the teachers were Mormon or non-Mormon. In the school year ending 1891, all were Mormon teachers. There were 69 children of non-Mormon parents and 542 children of Mormon parents. Branches taught were reading, writing, spelling, language lessons, (in two schools), English grammar, geography, U. S. history, composition, drawing (in two schools), elocution (in one school) and music (in one school). Charles A. Welch was County Superintendent, and Jacob S. Boreman was commissioner of Education, with residence in Ogden. The average monthly salary of teachers was $46.00. The total amount paid teachers for the year was $2472.25. Total value of school property was $13,942.00. Means for running schools at that time was obtained from district taxes, from Territorial appointments and from tuition fees. Funds received that year was $6,164.99. $371.60 was spent for improvements. Current expenses for running the school, exclusive of teacher's salaries was $482.37. The compensation of trustees was $181.50. Payment of officers appointed by the trustees, $95.95 (janitors). In the year 1901-02 Thomas R. Condie was county superintendent. The next year there were 12 districts, Mountain Green and Stoddard being added. In 1895 the Stoddard school house was built, and in 1896 East and West Porterville Districts were consolidated. In 1896-97, Miss Emily Bohman was appointed County Superintendent of schools. This year the reports do not call for religion of teachers or pupils. The words "colored or white" are used. In 1897-98 the Enterprise, Peterson, and Mt. Green schools were consolidated, making nine districts and 27 trustees in the county. Trustees as follows: Peterson-Martin Gorder, Joseph B. Robbins and John Croft. Milton-John Thurston, Andrew Poulson and Abram Madson. Richville-William Rich, Fred Clark and J. B. Waldron. Porterville-WiIIiam Brough, C. G. Porter and Thomas Spackman. South Morgan-T. U. Butters, David Coolbear and Richard Fry, Jr. Croydon-Lyon Toone, John Palmer and Charles Condie. North Morgan-D. A. Robison, Charles Clark and J. W. Stewart. Stoddard-Edward Preece, Charles Pentz and Ernest Lyon. In 1899 V. R. Bohman was superintendent of Schools and in 1901 Thom~s R. Condie was superintendent and in that year North and South Morgan schools were consolidated. C. M. Croft became superintendent in 1905, and Rachel C. Farley in 1907-1908, which was the year of the consolidation. At this time Morgan County had 3 male teachers and 13 female teachers, 570 pupils, all white children, 78 % school population enrolled and 52% of school population in actual attendance at school. The average monthly teachers salary was $55.19 for females and $64.65 for males. Total amount paid to teachers in 1907-08 was $5,730.25. Value of school property in the County was $34,576.50, in school buildings.

CONSOLIDATION

On April 13, 1908, A. C. Nelson, State Supt. of Public Instruction appeared before the Board of County Commissioners relative to the consolidation of the various school districts into one school district. Supt. Nelson explained to the Board some of the advantages of consolidation, but advised the Board not to take action until they were thoroughly converted, although there were benefits over that of the present system. At this same meeting there was a petition presented to the Board of County Commissioners asking the Court to annex Mt. Green School district to the Peterson district for the reason that the school population of Mt. Green was insufficient to maintain a school for the time required by law. This was granted, but created so much opposition in that district, that later Mountain Green was declared a separate school district again. This affair caused considerable comment all over the county, and was discussed by people generally, and sentiment grew in favor of uniting the small districts into larger units. On September 21, 1908, a special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners was held for the purpose of considering the advisability of consolidation. After discussion it was decided to submit the matter to the people and vote upon it at the general election to be held Tuesday, November 3, 1908. After the election, on Monday, November 9, 1908, the County Commissioners again met to canvas the returns of the election. At this meeting the following resolutions were presented for acceptance: Resolution: "Whereas the question as to whether the School district of this county should be consolidated, and the entire county created into a county school district, was submitted to the voters of the county at the general election held on the 3rd of November of this year, and, whereas a great majority of the legal and registered voters of the county voted in the affirmative on said question and whereas the Board deems it for the best interest of the children and schools of this county that such county school district be created-Now, therefore, Be it resolved that all the school districts of this county be, and they are hereby consolidated into one school district, to be known as the Morgan County School District, and such Morgan County School District is hereby created. “And inasmuch as this county is already divided into five precincts for the election of Justices of the Peace and Constables, Be it further Resolved that each of said election precincts be, and the same are hereby constituted a school representative precinct of said Morgan County School District and be it further resolved that said representative Districts shall be known as and called Peterson District, Milton District, Canyon Creek District, Morgan District and Croydon District. “Be it further resolved that Victor R. Bohman, James Johanson, Joseph Durrant, H. B. Fry, and Thomas Condie be, and they are hereby appointed the members of the Board of Education of said Morgan County School District, and each of said members shall give a bond with sufficient securities in the sum of $1500, and shall be paid a compensation of $50.00 per annum each. “Be it further resolved that upon said members of said Board of Education of said Morgan County School District becoming duly qualified as provided by law, that each Board of Trustees of the school districts of this county, as heretofore existing, convey, deliver and transfer all of the property now belonging to their respective districts, to the Board of Education of the Morgan County School District.” Above resolutions were discussed and voted on and adopted by the Board. The first meeting of the Board of Education was held December 17, 1908, with full board present. At this meeting the Board was organized with Joseph Durrant, president; Thomas Condie, vice president; H. B. Fry, treasurer, and V. R. Bohman, clerk. December 30, 1908, was designated as the date upon which the various school boards of the old districts be requested to settle their accounts, balance their books, and be prepared to turn over all the school property held by them, to the new Board of Education. December 30, 1908, a special meeting of the Board of Education, and members of the old trustees from all the districts was held, and all money and property was turned over to the new Board of Education. It was decided at this meeting that the regular board meetings, hereafter, be held on the second Monday of each month. The first regular meeting of the Board of Education was held January 11, 1909, and a regular order of business was followed. The control of the Morgan County School Districts is placed in the hands of a board of education consisting of five members, elected by the people, one from each of the five precincts of the district, for a four year term. The odd numbered precincts, 1, 3, 5, each elect a board member at the same time every four years, alternating biennially with the even numbered districts 2 and 4. Compensation of the board is $300.00. The superintendent of the district is appointed by the board of Education for a period of two years time.

HOW SCHOOLS ARE FINANCED

The public schools are free, except that a small registration fee is charged at the High school. Schools are maintained by local and state taxes. Elementary education is compulsory, and text books are free. The grade schools are well built and are equipped for the purposes for which they serve. The opportunity for a high school education is afforded to every young person in the community. The schools of the county are well financed. There is an assessed valuation of $6,300 for a census school population of 775 students. A recent report of the Superintendent showed under the levy, and the school funds received from the state, a sum available for all school purposes of $105.00 per school child, which places Morgan County fifth in rank in the state in per capita expenditure. The bonded indebtedness is $84.00 per school child. The district maintains nine school buildings, three of which are used for high school purposes and the remaining six for grade work. In addition there are play grounds and gymnasiums. There are no one-teacher schools in the district.

MORGAN STAKE ACADEMY

The Morgan Stake Academy opened December 3, 1888, with Albert N. Tollestrup, principal. The school was housed in the upper room of the County Court House, and later in one or two rooms downstairs. The subjects taught were: theology, the New Testament, Book of Mormon, grammar and composition, arithmetic, geography, reading, United States history, physiology, bookkeeping, penmanship and music. The school year was divided into first and second semesters. Mutual confidence and affection were especially prominent between teacher and pupils. Mr. Tollestrup loved his work and his pupils, and he received love and unbounded confidence in return. The fundamental principles of the Latter-day Saint education were plainly marked, viz: a religious foundation, consisting of reverence for, and obedience to, the revealed word of God, and a living testimony of the divinity of the Latter-day work. Special stress was also laid on the need of forming habits of integrity, honor, truthfulness, chastity and love. Home social parties were encouraged and many happy times were enjoyed in this way, by teacher, pupils and parents. Dancing parties were held in the school building once a month. These were conducted under the auspices of the school and only persons of good moral character were permitted to attend. All dances opened by prayer, and commenced at 8 p. m. and closed at 12 P. M. A literary organization known as the Polysophical Society, was formed. This society held meetings once in two weeks, to which the public was invited. Lectures, readings, debates and musical exercises were given. The second school year opened November 4,1889. At the opening of this year, four normal students were appointed to assist the Principal in the government and teaching of the school. Each of these students taught two classes per day. The normal students were: Joseph S. Welch, Amelia Francis (Hopkin), Walter E. Tollestrup and Hannah Grover (Hegsted). These students received special normal training to assist them in their work. The normal training was given by Principal Tollestrup and Dr. Karl G. Maeser and Dr. Jos. M. Tanner, who made short visits to the school for this special purpose in connection with teacher's Institute. Mary L. Welch was appointed matron. Many beautiful lessons that are dear to a girl's heart were given by her, in a very humble, sweet way that was most effective. The discipline of the school was maintained by means of the "honor system." Students were taught the sacredness of their word of honor until it was easy to abide by it. "Bro. Maeser told us that the Lord sent Bro. Tollestrop to us and we felt that He did so, and that He also sent with him a rich endowment of His Holy Spirit, for that Spirit seemed to characterize all of the work of the school," said Mrs. Hannah G. Hegsted. The following set of rules was presented to the school by the Church Board of Education of Morgan Stake: As the Board of Education of the Morgan Stake of Zion are desirous that our school shall in every respect be worthy of the name it bears we wish the students to comply with the following rules: 1.	The use of tobacco and liquors is prohibited among the students of the Academy. 2.	All students should attend at least one sacramental meeting each Sunday. 3.	Students should be at home by 9 o'clock every night except Sunday night, and by 10 o'clock on that night. 4.	Students of the Academy will be given the privilege of attending four dances each term, two of which will be given in the school room by the Board of Education. W. G. SMITH, Pres. of Board, CHARLES A. WELCH, Secretary.

Following is the list of Charter Members of the School: Oluf B. Anderson, Thomas W. Butters, Alma Bertoch, Martha Bertoch, Charles H. Criddle, Edw. W. Criddle, William Coolbear, Elizabeth Cool bear, Alvin Coolbear, Emeline Crouch, El. Loretta Chapin, Lillie Compton, Albert D. Dickson, Mary S. Dickson, Alfred EIIingford, Arthur Francis, Amelia E. Francis, Lavina Francis, Eliza Francis, Henry Fry, Richard R. Fry, James Florence, Willard E. Gibby, Alberto Gibby, Charles Giles, William Giles, Minnie Giles, Albert Giles, Franklin Geary, Agnes Geary, Della Grover, Eliza A. Heiner, Adelgunda Heiner, Clara Heiner, Roswell Heiner, Anthony Heiner, George A. Heiner, Alfred Hemming, Isabelle Hogg, Charlotte Hemming, Evelyn Harding, Minnie Haywood, Sarah Hogg, Jesse C. Little, Ester Phillips, Joseph Littlefield, John R. Porter, Olive Porter, Hyrum K. Porter, Jarad Rock, Lucy Robison, Maggie Robison, William Robison, David Robison, Annie Smith, Joseph Smith, William Smith, David Smith', Amanda Smith: James Taggart, Alice Taggart, George A. Taggart, Jessie Taggart, James Taggart, Alice Taggart, James Tucker, Sarah Turner, Alfred Turner, Hannah Turner, Rebecca Tonks, Octave Ursenbach, Charles Tonks, Jessie Walker, Fanny Wells, Joseph Welch, Chrissie Wells.

Musical Activities A band was organized about 1866 with Eli Whittier as the first band master in the county. Later Daniel Bull became the band leader. The third band master was Joseph Littlefield. He was captain for 30 years. Members of this band were: Joseph Littlefield, Joseph Francis, George H. Taggart, James The first band organized in 1866. Front row, left to right: Joe Francis, Bob Welch and Joe Welch. Second row: Bert Toomer, Fred Ursenbach, George Taggart, Joe Littefield, James Rawle and William Eddington. Back row: Will Francis, John Simmons, Sam Francis, Lon Francis and Alex Smith. R. Rawle, W. J. Eddington, Fred Ursenbach, Bert Toomer, Robert Welch, Joseph Welch, William Francis, John J. Simmons, Samuel Francis, Alonza Francis and Alex Simm. At first the band received some financial aid from the City. Through the individual efforts of its members it attained a fair degree of excellence. In 1865 Eli Whittier organized the first choir in Morgan, which consisted, with others, of the following members: Alfred Gunn, Benjamin Gunn, William Hemming, Ebenezer Crouch, Harry Dean, John Toomer, Charles Bull, Daniel Bull, Elizabeth Crouch, Emma Hemming, Betsy Tucker, Jessie McNiven, Mrs. Daniel Bull and Sophronia Harding. A popular song at that time (author, James H. Mason) is worthy of mention here:

Be careful now when after Darke, What Littlefield you roam, For if the Bull gets in the park He’ll make you hunt you home.

And if you’re Rich and have a Bunn, You soon will Tucker out, For Crouch will have a Fry for fun, Ere Toomer spoils his snout.

Another one was: We went up to Tonkos, those wicked, bad boys, We drank some slop beer and ate some mince pies. We kissed our dear Lizzie and slung the chairs round, I'll tell you dear bishop this must be put down.

We started for home from the east end of town, A happier crowd could never be found, We waded in mud about knee deep around, I'll tell you dear Bishop, this must be put down.

There's old D. B's daughters so long and so slender, Of course they belong to the feminine gender. They're 6 feet through and 12 feet around, I'll tell you dear bishop this must be put down. Church Organization During the earliest settlement of the valley the people met in worship in what was known as the Line Creek colony, and continued doing so until 1863. Thomas J. Thurston presided over the entire valley until this time, with Richard Fry as counselor. In this year, 1863, Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, with a brass band, visited the people, and held conference for two days. One feature of the conference was the singing of the good old song, "Hard Times Come Again No More," accompanied by the band. At the conference was a display of vegetables, fruits and grains. From that time on Mr. Thurston presided over the south part of the valley, and Charles S. Peterson presided over the settlements in the north end of the valley. In the latter part of 1866 William W. Cluff was called to preside over Morgan, Summit and Wasatch counties, as presiding bishop, with headquarters at Coalville. He held this position for about three years, when he was called to preside over the Scandinavian Mission. Willard G. Smith presided over Morgan county as a bishop before it became a stake. On July 1, 1877 Morgan stake was organized, with Willard G. Smith as president and Richard Fry and Samuel Francis as counselors. John S. Barrett was clerk and historian. The people built a bowery 100 feet square in which to hold the conference. Apostle Lorenzo Snow and Franklin D. Richards were in attendance; also W. W. Cluff. The following were selected as members of the High Council by a committee consisting of T. R. C. Welch and W. W. Cluff: Thomas Rich, Sr., George Criddle, T. R. C. Welch, T. J. Thurston, Joseph S. Card, George W. Taggart, John H. Rich, Fred Kingston, Jesse Haven, Richard Rawle, Martin Heiner, and David Robison. The priesthood quorums were organized in 1877 as follows: High Priests: Joseph Mecham, president; Wm. Hemming, counselor. Elders: James McNiven, president; Charles Tucker and Thomas F. Welch, counselors. Priests: Charles Turner, president; Robert Hogg and Thomas L. Serwill, counselors. First Deacons: Charles Welch, president; Samuel Francis and Henry Tonks, counselors. Second Deacons: William H. Simmons, president; Alma C. Smith and Moroni Clawson, counselors. Third Deacons: John Palmer, president; Wm. Bosworth and John Arthur Croft, counselors. Later officers of the first quorums were: Joseph Francis, president; Henry Pugh and Ether Butters, counselors. The 35th Quorum of Seventy of Morgan Stake was organized June 13, 1881. A few of the first presidents and members were: Thomas Grover, George Goodrich, James Toomer, Daniel Robison, James Tucker, Mads Paulson, E. A. Richards, Daniel Bertoch and Uriah Chapin. The Relief Society of Morgan Stake was organized in 1878 in the South Morgan school house with Lydia Rich, president and Amanda Rawle and Jane Toomer, counselors. H. Cordelia Smith was secretary. In April, 1829, the ward societies were formed and the following ladies were named heads of their ward Relief Societies: North Morgan, Elizabeth Worlton; Richville, Fanny Taggart; Peterson, Ann Peterson; Milton, Harriet Spendlove, South Morgan, Ann Fry; East Porterville, Maria Porter, Croydon, Helen Thackeray; Enterprise, Emma Croft and West Porterville, Sarah Florence.

Before the stake organization was effected some of the wards had local Relief Societies, which were enjoyed by the women, as it was the only organization for women in the valley. The South Morgan Relief Society was organized May 17, 1868, with Mrs. Ann Fry, president; Jane Eddington and Janet Hogg, counselors. Esther C. E. Francis was named secretary and Harriet Welch, treasurer. The first members were: Jesse Hogg, Louisa Budd, Eliza Beradt, Mary Havar, Emma Kingston, Emily Halliday, Emma Hemming, Betsy C. Tucker, Judith And'erson, Flora Jane Bull, Elizabeth Richardson, Ann Chapin, Hannah Serwill, Johanna Metz, Mary Richardson, Caroline Griffiths, Rachel Gunn, Sophia Ross, Catherine Dean, Caroline Ager, Amelia Slade, Elizabeth Lithbrook, Mary Ann Gunn, Marie Holbrook, Annie Turner, Ann Littlefield, Aroline Arave, Nancy Higley, Mary Ann Arave, Lucinda Miller, Ann Darke, Jane Toomer, Sister Bull, Sophonia Bull, Lizzie Bull, Lydia Rich, Martha Richards, Lizzie Wells, Maria Little. On August 4, 1870, Mrs. Rawle was released from the Stake presidency and Mrs. Martha Tonks appointed. The stake officers of the Relief Society labored faithfully for many years. They were succeeded by Mrs. Maryette Waldron as president with Nettie Durrant and Martha Heiner as her counselors. Annie W. Clark was secretary. The first stake Sunday School superintendent, after the organization of the stake, was John K. Hall. His counselors were John Croft and James R. Stuart, and John S. Barrett, secretary. The Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association was organized August 18, 1878 with Wm. G. Brough, president; Joseph Durrant and Joseph Littlefield, counselors, and Wm. B. Parkinson, secretary. The Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association of Morgan stake was organized August 18, 1878 with Sarah A. Rawle as president. In October, 1879, Mrs. Rawle resigned and Mrs. Jane Teomer was appointed president with Jane Crouch and Nina Porter as counselors. Mrs. Porter resigned and Pricilla Tucker was appointed second counselor and Flora Rawle, sectary. The Primary organization of Morgan stake was organized in stake capacity October 25, 1880, with Harriet Welch as president, Rachael Robison and Eliza A. Goodrich as counselors; Lucy Rich, treasurer, and Emma Bull, secretary. Mary L. Welch was appointed secretary some time later. Some of the ward primaries were organized as follows: Croydon: October 28, 1879, with Elizabeth Blackwell, president; Hannah London and Ellen Stokes, counselors, and Margaret A. Thackeray, secretary. South Morgan: Organized October 25, 1879, with Harriet Welch, president; Ann Fry and Janet Hogg, counselors; Laura Bull, treasurer; Frank H. Mason, secretary and Robert H. Welch, assistant secretary.

North Morgan: Organized January 30, 1880, with Rachael Robison, president, with Margaret Robison and Sarah Heiner, counselors. Richville: Organized December 3, 1880. Eliza Goodrich was president and Martha Dickson and Ann Waldron were her counselors. Marcus Taggart was treasurer; Fanny Goodrich, secretary, and Charles Goodrich, assistant secretary, When Morgan Stake was organized in 1877 the wards were reorganized, with the following presiding in the bishoprics: North Morgan: Wyman M. Parker, bishop; Oluf B. Anderson and George Heiner, counselors. Richville: Albert D. Dickson, bishop; Gillispie Waldron and William Dickson, counselors. East Portervi.lIe: Joseph M. Porter, bishop; Eli Kil burn and John J. Cherry, counselors. West Porterville: Thomas Brough, bishop, Samuel Carter and Oscar O. Stoddard, counselors. Milton: Eli Whitear, bishop; John H. Giles and Ole Gorder, counselors. Enterprise: John K. Hall, bishop; John Croft and Thomas Palmer, counselors. South Morgan: Charles Turner, bishop; Thomas Serwill and Ebenezer Crouch, counselors. Croydon: John Hopkin, bishop; George Knight and George K. Bowering, counselors. Peterson: Charles S. Peterson, bishop; John Robison, counselor. Mr. Peterson moved away soon after this and David W. Tribe was appointed bishop. Willard G. Smith remained president of the stake until April 15, 1893. At this time Richard Fry was sustained president and Samuel Francis and William H. Rich, counselors. Mr. Fry died April 15, 1900, and the following September the stake was again organized with Daniel Heiner, president; Wm. H. Rich and William W. Francis, counselors. After almost 24 years of service President Heiner was released. William H. Rich had died a short time before this. Mr. Heiner was succeeded by M. Howard Randall with G. S. Heiner and C. Calvin Geary as his counselors. Missionaries Most of the early settlers of this valley were converts to the L. D. S. church, and they were anxious to do their part in spreading the Gospel. So when the call came for missionaries to leave their families and farms to travel far and wide, preaching the Gospel, they accepted willingly. The first missionaries departed from Morgan county in 1863, only seven or eight years after the first white settlers entered. Below are the names, missions and dates of men and women who honored their communities and their church by becoming missionaries. This information is as complete as it is possible to obtain at this time, and if this record is lacking of names or details, it is unintentional. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

L. D. S. Missionaries Sent from Morgan Stake During the Period from 1863 to 1942. Left	Returned

Australian Mission William Robinson	1897	1899 Raymond R. Tonks	1910	1912 Preston D. West	1910	1912 Horace Heiner	1910	1912 Edwin G. Warner	1911	1913 Louise R. Warner	1912	1913 Earl S. Francis	1914	1916 George Wallace Mecham	1909	1911 Walter D. Francis	1921	1923 Richard R. Francis	1925	1927 Harold H. Francis	1928	1930 Joseph H. Francis	1929	1931

British Mission George Peterson	1866	….. Charles S. Peterson	1870	…. John Hopkin	1875	1876 John Toone Sr. He was a violinist in the court of Queen Victoria, and went to England three times. Henry Florence	1876 Samuel R. Brough	1886	1890 Lorenzo H. Durrant	1887	1889 Charles Criddle	1888	…… John Gibby	........ …… George Tonks	........ …… Robert Hogg	........ …… James Tucker	........ ……. Thomas F. Welch	........ ……. Edward A. Steed	........ ……. Charles Tucker	........ ……. Joseph Spendlove Sr.	1884	1885 Henry Eddington-Spent six months in U. S. First. Samuel Francis Sr. ........	……. William B. Parkinson	1883	……. Isaac Morris	........ ……. William H. Toone	........ …….. David Robison	1911	1914 William Knight	........ ……. Thomas Spencer Jr. ........	…… Lorenzo H. Durrant ... 1908	1910 Frederick W. Clark	1890	……. Thomas Phillips ... ........	……. Thomas Spackman	1888	……. James Phillips	........ …… Thomas C. Harding	1900	1902 Carl Eddington	1910	1912 J. Melvin Toone	1913	1915 Charles W. Tonks	1913	1915 LeRoy Dickson	1915	1917 James T. Palmer	1920	1922 Lester W. Fry	1921	1923 Delbert S. Robison	1921	1923 Charles J. Parkinson	1927	1929 Cecil H. Toone	1927	1929 George Gibby	....... ……

Canadian Mission Richard R. Fry-Six months, Trans. To	……. England. Clarence E. Rich	1926	1927 Edward Heiner	1888	1890 Ernest Toone	1901	…… Delores Carter	1931	1932 Elizabeth Parrish	1937	1938

Central States Mission William Coolbear	........ ……. Richard H. Rich	1906	1980 William W. Farley	1910	1912 Sanford M. Spencer	1910	….. Nettie Mecham	1911	1912 Joseph Henry Florence	1912	1914 Bert S. Dickson	1914	1917 Hyrum Phillips	........ …… Joseph Heiner	1903	1905 Angus Heiner	 ….. …… Selena Kippen	1915	1917 Parley A. Rose	1920	…… Kenneth N. Durrant	1922	1924 Alonzo F. Hopkin	1927	1929 Cecil Tonks	1927	1929 Charles Smith	1907	1909 Royal O. Heiner	1907	1909 Binden Cottrell	1935	1937 David Giles	……	........ Clifford Spendlove	1919	1920 John R. Hopkin	1927	1930

German Mission John Heiner	1892	….. Albert F. Rich	1902	…… Alma R. Bertoch	1903	….. Marlon R. Porter	........ ….. Spencer Heiner	1913	….. John C. Irwin Jr. 1935	…..

South African Mission Harlan Clark	1935	….. Dee R. Parkinson	1935	…..

Eastern States Mission Thomas Murphy	........ ….. John Seaman	1876	1877 Joseph R. Porter	1876	1877 David Henderson	 ........ ….. Justin Porter	 ........ ….. Charles J. Peterson, Jr. …..	…... John R. Porter	. ......	…. Charles J. Pence	 ........ ….. William G. Brough	1881	1883 J. Benjamin Waldron	1897	1899 Samuel S. Florence	1897	…. George C. Turner	1905	1907 A. O. Durrant	1903	1905 Hyrum K. Porter	1904	1906 John H. Dickson	1907	1909 G. Sylvester Heiner ... 1907	1910 Levi Waldron	1908	1910 Charles A. Rich	1909	1911 Earl J. Welch	1912	1914 Lawrence Clark	1916	1919 Joseph Welch	 ........ …… Mark Thackeray	1917	1919 Elbern Dickson	1920	1922 John Sterling Rose 	1941	1944 Marcell Anderson	1938	….. Ervin T. Nelson	1920	1922 Wallace Parrish	1934	1936

Hawaiian Mission Charles Boyden	1863	1867 Mary Horsefield Boyden	1863	1867 Also their child, the late Mrs. Alice B. Whittier. Mr. Boyden was sent to teach carpentry to the natives. Lyman Mecham Sr. ........	….. Rufus Dickson	1909	1912 Hugh Phillips	1909	….. Clarence Porter	1909	….. Henry S. Florence	1915	….. Abigale Hentze Florence	1915	….. James LaVon Rich	1928	….. Errol K. Rich	1934	1936 Eldred Waldron	1935	1937

Swedish Mission L. P. Edholm	 ....... …… Andrew Mortenson	 ........ …… Angus E. Rose	1896	…… John H. Rose	1900	1903

Norwegian Mission Peter Anderson - Brought home four young children	........ 1884 Nephi W. Anderson	 ........ …. Oscar Anderson	1903	….

Danish Mission Soren Madsen	1893	…. Niels Nielsen	. .......	…. Lawritz Larsen	.. ......	…. North Central States Mission John Durrant	1908	…… Howard Florence	1925	1926 Lula M. Giles- trans. to California__1925	….. David Robison	1925	….. Newel B. Cook	1925	1926 Wanda Carter	1938	1940

German-Austrian Mission Charles T. Francis	1926	….. Dean White 	1936	….

Netherlands Mission William W. Francis	 ……	….. Edward H. Anderson	1926	….

California Mission Stanley B. Rose	1914	1916 Iola Mead Crouch	 ……	…… Frank Turner	1934	…… Howard Cottrell	1939	…… Northern States Mission William H. Dickson	1888	1890 George W. Florence	1899	….. W. E. Criddle	1895	….. Joseph M. Anderson	 ….. …… Roswel1 Heiner	 ……	…… Albert Carrigan - Ten months, then trans. to England	1903	……. J. Lyman Mecham	1906	1908 Andrew H. Nelson	1912	1914 Albert C. Welch	1920	1922 Forde Dickson	1923	1925 Samuel Carter Durrant	1923	1925 David Robison	1925	….. James S. Hopkin	1926	1927 Mary Parrish	1939	1941 Heber Heiner filled a mission to the South Sea Islands. New Zealand Mission Joseph T. Waldron	1887	1890 H. H. Crouch	1909	1912 Carlos Clark	1920	…… Wesley Crouch	1925	1927 France and Switzerland James Alfred Nielson	1906	1909 Alonzo Francis	 ….. …… Horald G. Clark	1925	…… Max White-Spent 11 months, then fin- ished his mission in the Eastern States. Northwestern States Mission Frank S. Porter	1908	1910 Wilford Lester Mecham	1919	…… Frank Francis Hopkin	1920	…… Thora Hulet	1924	……. Raymond Jerome Brewer	1924	……. Howard Hulet	1930	1932 George Dee Rees	1938	1940 Vern Hopkin	1921	1923 Samuel Hopkin	1929	1931 Edison Toone	1929	1931 Ruth Whittier __	1930	22 mo. Ruth Parrish	1927	1929 East Central States Mission Willard O. Mikesell	1928	1930 New England States Mission Josephine Parrish	1939	1941

Southern States Mission Perer Anderson Jr. . ……	……. L. O. Porter	 ......... ……. Thomas Rich	 ……	…… William H. Rich	1885	…… George R. Thackeray	 ……	……_ John Wood	_....... …… John Henry Dickson (Jack)	_....... …… Hyrum Carter (died on mission)	._....... …… Alva Porter ___	 _....... …… Joseph S. Porter	 _....... …… Gibson Condie	_....... …… George H. Toone	. .......	…… George Phillips	. .......	…… Orson Porter	_....... …… William Phillips	_....... …… Walter G. Waldron	1898	1900 James T. Rich	1898	……. Landon Porter	1903	1905 W. George Brough	1903	1904 Joseph Condie	_....... …… Thomas R. Condie	_....... …… Charles Giles	_....... …… Alfred Carter	_....... …… Marias Spencer	_....... …… Walter Spencer	_....... …… Laurence Robinson	 ....... …… Charles G. Turner	1893	1893 (Died November 21, 1893.) Anthony Heiner	1886	1887 Thomas Palmer	1895	1898 Charles Clark	1917	…… Joseph Smith	1899	…… Daniel Black	....____	….. H. B. Crouch	1896	….. Looman Mecham	 ..…	….. Alma P. Richards-Kil1ed in Meridian, Miss., August, 1888. Walter E. Francis	1902	1904 Dare Wilde	1916	1918 Lillie R. Clark	1920	1922 Howard F. Francis 	1922	….. W. Calvin Waldron	1917	…… Walter Kenneth Francis	1921	1923 Allison Crouch	1922	1923 Charles R. Kippen	1922	1924 Horace E. Thackeray	1924	1926 Walter B. Waldron	1921	1923 Parley Heiner	1921	1923 Marcus Reed Wilde	1924	1926 Claudius C. Toone	1924	…… Rulon Giles	1924	…… Elwood Chadwick 	1927	1930 Joseph Dewey Spendlove	1928	…… Paul Nelson _	1933	……. William J. Carrigan	1928	1930 Charles Pentz	1940	1942 Dean Toone	1940	1942

Western States Mission Frank Robison	1906	1908 Lucy Morris	1916	1918 Archibald T. Lyon	1921	1923 Archie Smith	1921	1923 Lyman Loyd Carter	1924	1926 Veda Lucile Bertoch	1924	1926 John Silas Hulet	1926	1927 Edison Rose	1942	1944 Douglas Thackeray	1942	1944 Canadian Mission In 1899 the following young men were called by the church to go to Canada and assist in the construction of a canal. They left in June and July and returned in October of the same year: James R. Rich, Fred Toomer, Ira Creager, George Hogg and Joseph Francis.

Morgan street scene, showing early business establishments – note that no buildings were west of the present post office building.

Early Industry William Eddington was called the Pioneer merchant. In 1867 he built a store in South Morgan. It was made of brick and consequently very durable. The first place of business on the North side of the river was a restaurant and feed stable, which was built in 1868 by Timothy Metz, at what was known as the mouth of Metz hollow. The railroad coming through brought many avenues of trade, and ways of making money. There was no need of anyone being without employment. Cordwood and charcoal were in great demand, considerable charcoal was burned by Sloan, Smith and Tucker. The method of carrying on commercial business in Utah was revolutionized in the years 1868 and 1869. The people of Morgan City caught the inspiration and commenced to build a cooperative mercantile business, with a small capital of $1300.00. Soon after this the pioneer merchant, William Eddington, went with the current and put in his stock of goods which swelled the capital to four or five thousand dollars. The new institution occupied Mr. Eddington's former place of business in South Morgan to begin with, but was later moved to North Morgan, which was more convenient to the railroad depot. The institution was called the Z. C. M. I. (Zion's Co-operative Mercantile Institution). George A. Davis was made manager and salesman. He was succeeded by Fred Kingston. At this time Daniel Williams' wife was made postmaster of Mt. Joy, at which place the overland stage had a station. But in 1869 he built nearer the track, and the following year he went into the mercantile business. During the winter of 1868 a shoe shop and tannery was established with the following officers: Robert Hogge, president; Charles Turner, vice-president; directors, W. G. Smith, Richard Fry and James Tucker. James R. Stuart, D. J. Ross and Fred Kingston were employed as shoemakers and cobblers. The tannery failed because of the fact that material could be imported cheaper than it could be produced at home. In the spring of 1869 there was no bridge across the Weber River, it having been taken away by high water the previous spring. During one entire winter James R. Stuart waded the river everyday to get to his work. The shoe company was turned over to and made a part of the Z. C. M. I., which firm assumed its liabilities, and continued the work with James Tucker as manager. Later Mr. Tucker bought the shop and continued business with James R. Stuart and James T. Worlton as shoemakers. About 1869, soon after the incorporation of Morgan City and the coming of the railroad (Morgan City at this time had the distinction of being the only incorporated city between Omaha and Ogden at the time of the coming of the railroad) Morgan County appropriated $1500 and the Territory $1000, to build a bridge across the Weber river in Morgan City. It was completed in 1870 and gave South Morgan easy access to the railroad. It proved to be very expensive in the end, costing about $6,000. The pioneers of Morgan County were very much like those of other localities. Most of them were poor and had large families, and to provide food and clothing was a great burden, besides building roads and ditches, and subduing the waste places, to make it possible for their descendants to enjoy the present prosperity: of the county took a great deal of time. Early-day tavern, operated by Daniel Williams; a stopping place for Pony Express and overland stages. Mr. Williams established his first store in this building, and later moved it across the tracks. Mr. Williams is pictured third from right and Mrs. Eliza McCausland is at right. They had very little time to think of the finer arts. In most cases every family was able to build a home and what furniture they needed; as well as prepare clothing and food. But we do have some outstanding examples of men who excelled along certain lines. We will mention a few of them. Blacksmiths: Charles S. Peterson and his sons were perhaps the first blacksmiths in the county. His son, George, built the log cabin which we have on the Stake House grounds, as early as 1857. From information we have been able to obtain, the first white boy born in the county was born in that house, Charles Russel Stevens, on September 23, 1857. He was the second child of Roswell and Mary Ann Peterson Stevens. William Tonks was perhaps the first blacksmith to locate in the vicinity of South Morgan. He came from Salt Lake City where he had been operating a nail factory in the 20th ward and opened a blacksmith shop. He built up an extensive business and made considerable money out of it. Painters: Charles Bunting of Croydon was a splendid painter. He painted signs and mottoes which adorned the walls of the school house and meeting house. Shoemakers: In the early days, Phillip Pugsley of Salt Lake City built a tannery at Peterson. This was operated by Charles S. Peterson. The dye used in the vat was made from pine tree bark. The hides of animals were tanned and made into leather from which Peter Nielsen made shoes for the early settlers.

During the winter of 1868 a shoe shop and tannery was established in North Morgan. James Tucker, James R. Stuart, David J. Ross and Fred Kingston were employed as shoemakers and cobblers. Later, James Tucker bought the shop and continued business with James R. Stuart and James T. Worlton as shoemakers. Richard Rawle also made shoes there. Brickmakers: Thomas Brough is said to have manufactured the first brick in the valley. A number of brick buildings were erected in the vicinity of Porterville from brick made by him. Lyman Porter's house, now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Rich, was perhaps the first brick house in the valley. John Ager made brick in the field south of Morgan, perhaps as early as 1864. Some of the brick made by him are still to be found in the residence of Bert Allen in South Morgan. About 1865 Charles Turner began the manufacture of brick from native clay. Good brick dwellings began to take the place of log .cabins. The George W. Simmons house was one of the first brick houses in South Morgan. This house is still standing, as are many others made from brick manufactured in that early day. Architecture: In 1865 Martin Heiner built a rock house one and one-half stories high. This is said to have been the first rock house in Morgan County. It is still in very good condition. In the winter of 1868 the people quarried rock and hauled it down from the mountains, and the next summer they built a new rock meeting house. George Simmons was a carpenter. Besides building houses etc., he also made coffins to bury the dead. George Criddle of Littleton was a carpenter also. He worked on the St. George temple. The old rope bed which we have in the cabin was made by Mr. Magleby in 1863, and the lounge was made by James Hansen who lived at the mouth of Line Creek in Milton. These articles belonged to the Edholm family. N. C. Jensen of Milton was a cooper and cabinet maker. He made many useful pieces of furniture for the pioneers of Milton, many of which are still in use. About 1872, David J. Ross, a petticoat soldier from Scotland, built a play ground for the Ross and Azer children, between Bert Allen's place and Stake House. This served as a public play ground for many years. There was a merry-go-round, flying trapeze, teeters and small swings for the children, with wooden bars to keep them from falling out. Mr. Ross also drilled the men of the settlements for military purposes. About 1870, an eastern man, William Farrell, brought a steam saw mill into the valley, and ten expert mill men. He also brought a large number of oxen. They camped in Richville that spring. The mill was taken up into Hardscrabble canyon where they cut hundreds of thousands of feet of lumber. The cutting and hauling of the timber furnished employment for most of the men in Porterville and Richville. After using this mill for about a year, Mr. Farrell sold it and bought a larger one, a 60-inch saw, with which he was able to cut a great deal more lumber. His camp supplies he brought direct from the east. Fruits and finer provisions to the value of one thousand dollars were brought by him at one time. He had a lumber yard at Richville where the Stanley Rose property now is. It was the largest lumber yard that has ever been in Morgan. Mr. Farrell married a daughter of Billa Dickson. Nine saw-mills were operated in Hardscrabble canyon in the early days, some were run by steam and some by water. There were also two shingle mills. The mill farthest up the canyon was Farrell's mill, which was located on the east fork of Hardscrabble. The timber was brought down the mountain side by oxen. The next was the Standish mill. It was located on the west fork of Farrell canyon. The work here was mostly sawing ties. The next was Holdman's mill, a water power mill, which sawed a great many shingles and lumber also. This was located at the mouth of Standish fork. Then came Billa Dickson's mill, which furnished shingles and lumber of all kinds. It was situated about 200 yards down the main canyon from Farrell's canyon. The water mills ran night and day because they could get more power in the night than in the day. Farther down the canyon was Porter and Walton's mill, and at the mouth of Arthur's canyon, was Jake Arthur's mill. Josh Williams also owned a mill in the same canyon. Lumber was hauled over the mountains from these mills to Bountiful. Charcoal was produced in the same canyon. This was shipped to the mines at Bingham for smelting purposes. The lumber business brought a great deal of wealth to the people. MORGAN CANNING COMPANY James A. Anderson was at one time employed in the mercantile business of the John A. Guild company of Rock Springs, Wyoming. This company handled a large amount of canned goods, prominent among which were canned peas packed at Long Mountain, Colorado. It occurred to Mr. Anderson that if peas could be packed profitably in Colorado, the same could be done in Utah. After studying the proposition over thoroughly he presented the matter to James Pingree, who was then cashier at the First National Bank of Ogden. He became interested, and in 1904 a company was organized with a capital of $10,000. A small building was erected, which housed one viner, and one line of pea machinery. This was rather crude, compared with modern equipment and methods. The factory, including equipment, cost in the neighborhood of $12,000. Neither Mr. Anderson nor his associates knew anything about the processing of peas, so they hired what was supposed to be an expert processor. But as is often the case with so-called experts, about 25% of the first year's pack of 4,000 cases had to be culled out as swells, leaks or springers, and thrown onto the dump pile. Instead of getting a dividend with which to reduce the debt, the profits were on the wrong side of the ledger. The next year 6,000 cases were packed, and although the losses were too great to make any profit they were reduced somewhat over the year before. The Anderson brothers were rapidly learning the details and technicalities of the business. In 1905 the Morgan Mill and Elevator company, a local flour mill, was sold under a forced foreclosure sale. On Mr. Anderson's suggestion the same capitalists in Ogden, authorized him to bid on this mill property. It was sold to him on his bid of $6,000-thus the Pingree-Anderson Milling Company was organized with a capital of $10,000. It was about this time that Mr. Anderson induced some of these same capitalists, together with others, to establish a bank at Morgan, and so the First National Bank of Morgan was organized with a capital of $25,000; the money being borrowed from Ogden capitalists. In 1907 the Canning Company packed about 8,000 cases, but no money was made for the reason that the market was very dull. At the close of the canning year James Pingree, president of the company, called a meeting of the stockholders for the purpose of changing the management. Mr. Anderson arose and told those present that he was quite sure that he understood the object of the meeting. He said, "Gentlemen, I persuaded you to go into this business, and I am quite sure your stock can be bought for 50 cents on the dollar, and that you would be glad to unload at that price. I am sorry that under my management, the business has seemingly failed, but I have got you in and I will get you out. I have made some money in the produce business and my brothers and I have sold our farm at Peterson, and we will give you one hundred cents on the dollar for your stock." This changed the atmosphere of the meeting. Every stockholder, except Mr. Scoville of Ogden, accepted Mr. Anderson's appeal, and sold. Mr. Scoville said, "I will stick to Jimmie to the end." Three years later the Anderson brothers bought Mr. Scoville's stock at $3.50 a share. This made James and Joseph Anderson sole owners of the Morgan Canning Company. The following season produced a bounteous harvest. The business would be a success if they could get enough money to pay for the cans. They succeeded in getting most of the farmers to wait for their money until the pack was sold. But there came a day when a car of cans was standing on the tracks and there was no money to release the bill of lading. Loads of peas were waiting to be threshed and it looked as though everything must be shut down. Jim went to Joseph Williams, Sr., in an appeal for money. He in his kind way said, "Jimmie, how much money do you need to release those cans?" Mr. Williams wrote out a check for the entire sum, and when asked what he wanted for security, he said, "Jimmie, I want nothing but your word. Use the money and pay me back at your earliest convenience, as I need it in my business." The year 1910 proved to be a very satisfactory year. Thirty thousand cases of excellent quality peas were packed. The following year was also good, but some money was lost in the seed pea business. Up to this time the Morgan Canning Company had experienced a serious struggle for existence, but from now on each year added success. This necessitated an enlargement of the plant, and a better organization of the personnel of the company. The original factory had been added to each year, until it spread over a considerable area, and by 1916 the company had outgrown the small plant. A large modern, up-to-date plant was built that year, about a quarter of a mile from the old one. In this new plant was installed the latest and best equipment. The entire plan and arrangement was the result of years of experience and close observation of other efficient plants. It was, therefore, deserving of its well earned reputation. It had a capacity of 12,000 cases a day. In other words, this factory packed in one-half day what the old one packed in an entire season. When this plant was built, Morgan peas had attained such a favorable reputation that even this factory was not large enough, and could not take care of the large demand for "Those Good Peas." So the owners began to look elsewhere for a location. They tried out several valleys in the intermountain country and finally located in Cache Valley. This wonderful plant in Cache Valley was described by a correspondent of an eastern magazine, who was writing up western industries, as follows: "Out in this great, broad, western country, in a crack in the mountains, I find the largest, best equipped and most wonderful pea canning plant in the world, with nine complete lines, having a capacity of over 20,000 cases a day." This plant was very successful, until November 18, 1926, when its beloved president, James A. Anderson, passed away, and his brother, Joseph M. followed him in three months. This large business was left to the two widows, who did their best for two years, and then finally sold. James A. Anderson gained the distinction of becoming one of the nations leading canners, and was honored by becoming president of the National Canners Association.

COMO SPRINGS Lake Como, or Como Springs, is a beautiful spot in Morgan county. It is located on a tract of ground containing 40 acres. It was so named by Dr. T. S. Wadsworth in honor of Mrs. Samuel Francis whose birthplace was in northern Italy, near a beautiful lake, by the same name, at the foot of the Alps. The springs are of volcanic origin, and have been in existence for ages. During the early settlement of Weber Valley along in the sixties, the river would overflow and wash around into the springs. In this way a gutter was washed out, forming a pool, or lake, which was the beginning of the present lake. The warm water lake furnished a fishing resort for boys in the winter time during the early settling of Morgan. The springs and lake came into the possGSSion of Samuel Francis and Richard Fry through the purchase of land in Fry Hollow from the railroad company. No particular notice was taken of the springs until the coming to Morgan of Dr. Kohler of Rush Medical College of Indiana. He analized the water and found it to contain wonderful properties for curing skin diseases as well as being valuable for bathing purposes.

MORGAN VALLEY It was 1852 that a man with a will, T. J. Thurston, saw this valley so still. It reminded him of his Ohio home, And gave him the urge in the valley to roam.

'Twas a beautiful picture that met his sight, The towering Wasatch on left and right, The Weber winding through willows so tall, Stately cottonwoods shadowing the country o'er all.

To Charles S. Peterson, he revealed his fond dream, And told him of this beautiful valley he'd seen. So, into this valley these men came, As did Jed Morgan Grant, from whence came the name.

A road was constructed, Colonel Little supervised; Homes and churches were built and towns organized. Farm crops were planted, but failed to mature There were hardships a'plenty for them to endure.

In the year '55, the first white child was born To the Roswell Stephens on a cold, wintry morn. Martha Ann, she was christened. Remember the name? Wife of President Dan Heiner, she later became.

More families came and the settlements grew, By use of irrigation, crops thrived anew. A grist mill to supply this county and others Was built by George Taggart and Hinman brothers.

In '63, the first merchant came, Monday Town had his wares; Sholes was his name. Charles Turner made bricks from the native clay, Houses built of them are in use today!

The railroad came through in '69, Rapid progress continued since that time. More places of business are seen to appear A factory, cement plant, good schools we revere.

And now we are proud to print this story Of Morgan County in all its glory. To our pioneers, all honor we give For this wonderful valley in which we live! -MRS. BEN CREAGER. Later on Dr. T. S. Wadsworth and Dr. C. F. Asgood made their homes in Morgan. They also analyzed the water; came to the same conclusions as Dr. Kohler; and urged the owners to convert the springs into a bathing resort. This developed into the organization of a company consisting of Samuel Francis, Richard Fry and Dr. Wadsworth, with a capital of $1500.00. Dr. Wadsworth was given charge of turning this wilderness into a pleasure resort. At this time the ground surrounding the lake was covered with a dense growth of underbrush, with cottonwood and box elder trees. The $1500 was soon spent, and an additional $1000 was borrowed and used in clearing grounds, building a plunge bath, dressing rooms, store rooms, and a small pavilion. Finally the Lake Como Resort was opened to the public. The largest and most notable gathering at the resort was when the Salt Lake Tabernacle choir and friends-800 in all-were transported by the railroad company from Salt Lake City to Morgan and return for 50 cents. Quite a little business was done for a few years, and all earnings were used in developing the resort. All went fairly well until the coming of the panic of 1893-94, during the Harrison and Cleveland administration. After this the business was closed and the resort turned over to vandalism. In a few years the buildings were all torn down and the pavilion burned by an incendiary. In 1900 Mr. Fry died. The resort became involved and was taken over by Mr. Francis who assumed the liabilities, and paid a small sum to the heirs of Mr. Fry. The resort remained in this condition until after the death of Mr. Francis, when it was sold to the present company for $8,000. At present there were 45 cottages, swimming pools with both hot and cold water, a dancing pavilion with one of the finest floors in the state, playground for children and the usual attractions that go with a summer resort.

Prohibition In 1908 and 1909 the commissioners of Morgan county were T. W. Butters, W. E. Criddle and George Carter, with Charles E. Condie as county attorney. Early in 1908 the people petitioned the county commissioners to refuse to grant a saloon license to D. A. Smythe at Devils Slide. They were advised by the county attorney that they had the right to do so, and they acted in keeping with that advice. Mr. Smythe had the commissioners cited into the District Court to show cause for refusing the license, and the commissioners lost the case and were ordered to grant Mr. Smythe a license. On the advice of the county attorney the ('ase was appealed to the Supreme Court and the county commissioners won their right to refuse to license any saloon in the county. This decision virtually established local option in the State of Utah and was the most advanced step taken in the State up to that time. Right after the decision of the Supreme Court the city took it up and refused to grant further licenses. There were three saloons operating at that time.

Fire Department There was no organized bucket brigade in Morgan County in the earlier days. Whenever a fire occurred a brigade was formed and everyone helped extinguish the blaze. People came for miles to offer their services to a neighbor. About the year 1890 the Stake tabernacle roof caught fire. It was Sunday morning and Sunday school was in progress. Bishop Anderson of Round Valley was riding past and saw the blaze. He hurried into the building and informed A. O. Durrant who was in charge and he quickly dismissed classes. The congregation marched out in order. When all were outside a bucket brigade was quickly formed and all set to work. Water was passed from the ditch in front of the Court House. Altho the roof was so badly burned that it fell, the rest of the building was saved and rebuilt. Another destructive fire of early days was when the tannery caught fire. This building was located back of the present drug store site. It was totally destroyed by the fire although the vats were saved by a bucket brigade which was immediately formed. The first fire department of the County was a fire cart with 250 feet of hose. The fire had to be within this distance of a stream or the hose cart was of no avail. This hose cart was replaced in 1924 by a model T Ford converted into a fire engine. The city and county each bore half the expense of this new equipment. Bob Richards was the first fire chief. His wages were $2.00 per call; the same amount to be paid within the city limits and $4.00 for all county fires. In 1932 a new fire engine was purchased. The expenses were borne, two-thirds by county and one-third by the city; also the same arrangement was made for paying the fire chief and for the up-keep of the apparatus. Before the days of the telephone and the electric fire alarm, shouting was the common way of telling that a fire had started. (Shouting is still used, but not to the extent it was in the olden days.) Running out of a burning house, a person would call at the top of his voice, "Fire!" Those who could hear would take up the shout, and men would go rushing to the nearest neighbor. Those who ran there have been described as "a howling mob." At least we may feel sure that they got in the way of one another as they tried to wheel out the hand pump and rush it to the fire. When they arrived, they fitted their engine to the nearest hydrant and used the hose to pour a half-inch stream of water on the burning timbers. If they gave up hope of saving the house, as they often did, they turned the hose on near-by houses, in an effort to keep the fire from spreading. In many places there were no hydrants from which to take water. "Bucket brigades" were used in such cases. Buckets of water were taken from wells and were passed from hand to hand, either to be poured directly on the flames or to be placed in a tank from which the water could be pumped out of a hose. A Dutch engineer is given credit for inventing the first leather hose for use with a fire pump. By twisting long strips of leather into tubes, and sewing the edges together, in 1672, he made a hose which was fairly "flexible." The rubber hose did not come into use until much later. There were towns in the olden days where any and every man who heard the cry of "Fire !" was expected to rush to the scene and to do his part; but some towns had fire brigades made up of men who volunteered to serve in case of need, and who practiced with the hand-pumps of fire-engines.

POST OFFICES OF MORGAN COUNTY MORGAN CITY

The first post office in Weber valley was at Weber City, now Peterson, with Charles S. Peterson as postmaster. Before the railroads reached Utah the mails were handled by an overland stage, or the pony express. It often happened that months would elapse, especially in the winter time, between arrival of mails, and the people had to be satisfied with this service. At Monday Town in 1862, a post office was established and T. R. G. Welch was appointed postmaster by Abraham Lincoln. He held the position for seven years and received $56 for his services-$8 per year. He held the office after moving to South Morgan. After the coming of the railroad in 1869 the post office was moved across the river to be near the railroad. Mrs. Harriet Williams kept it at her home near the first lime kiln, southeast of where the W.O.W. building stands. Mrs. Williams was a daughter of Thomas J. Thurston and the wife of Daniel Williams, who owned the lime kiln. She later moved to a house located where Jabin Robinson's barn stands, and kept the office there for some time, but finally moved it to the W.O.W. building again. After Mrs. Williams' death, Wyman Parker kept the post office in what was then the Hyrum Williams home. Mr. Williams lived in the back part and Mr. Parker kept the post office in the front. Mr. Parker was the first bishop of North Morgan ward and moved to Idaho in April 1881. A Mr. Vilas, who was station agent at Morgan at one time, had charge of the mail for a short time. The next postmaster was John S. Barrett, who kept the office in the Z.C.M.I. building. Joseph S. Williams became postmaster following Mr. Barrett's term, about 1881, and he moved the post office to the Williams building. In 1883 or 1884 Mrs. Laura C. Webb became postmistress. About 1890, Dewey Shurtliff became postmaster, and his daughter, Mabel, now Mrs. George A. Taggart, was his assistant. The office was still in the Williams building. About 1894, James R. Stuart was appointed and he kept it in the same building for about four years, or until 1898. The next postmaster was Thomas S. Wadsworth and his daughter Kate, now Mrs. Joseph Littlefield, was his assistant. He moved the office down the street to the James Tucker shoe store. Mr. Wadsworth kept the office for six years. On July 1, 1904, George Heiner was appointed postmaster by Senator Reed Smoot. Mr. Heiner's daughter, Ida May (Mrs. Angus Berlin), was his assistant. He kept the office in the same place for a number of years, the building being owned by the C. W. & M. Company, who later sold it to George Gibby. Mr. Heiner then moved the office to the building just north of the bank, which was known as Heiner's butcher shop. In 1914, Richard T. Fry was appointed postmaster and he moved the post office to the building adjoining the A. W. Francis store. Before this time it had been a fourth-class office, where the employe was paid a percentage on the business he did, such as writing money orders, stamping letters, etc., and he paid all his own expenses. At this time business had increased and had reached the third-class standard. The employe was paid a certain wage and the post office department paid all expenses. The office was then moved to its present location. Mr. Fry held the office until January 5, 1925, when he was succeeded by Warren W. Porter, who held the position until May 15, 1933. He was succeeded by Richard R. Francis.

PETERSON At Peterson, Isaac Bohman was appointed postmaster before the coming of the railroad. He kept the office at his home, on a ranch just under the hill from the Wilkinson ranch. The mail was brought on horseback, probably from Ogden. After the coming of the railroad in 1869, Mr. Bohman built two front rooms of the old house above the track now owned by the A. F. Bohman family. He had a small store in connection with the post office. Mr. Bohman kept the office until about 1882, when Edwin. Williams was appointed. Mr. Williams kept the office until the appointment of John Croft. After from four to five years Joe Greenough became postmaster. Then came Albert Olsen, Joseph B. Robbins, who was a bishop of Peterson ward, and A. F. Bohman, whose daughter, Mrs. Esther Thompson, was appointed after his death. This post office was discontinued in 1940. CROYDON John London was postmaster at Croydon for about 30 years, being succeeded by J. E. Rees, who kept the office from 1917 to 1933. Mark Thackeray followed for about a year and then John Condie for a half year. Clifford London was appointed in 1934 and holds that position at the present time.

DEVILS SLIDE Verne Thomas was perhaps the first postmaster at Devils Slide. He and his father owned both the store and the drug store. The cement company purchased the store first and in June 1911 they purchased the drug store. D. H. Woodman was postmaster from 1911 to 1914, at which time Joseph E. Rees took the office and retained it until May 1917. He was followed by Elwood Carruth for one year; then J. W. Astin took the job for a year. A Mr. Graham also had it for awhile, then Frank Gibbs, from 1920 to 1921, followed by Walter Ulrich who is the present postmaster.

PORTERVILLE At Porterville Miss Elizabeth Rich was postmistress for a number of years. The office was situated where the Porterville store is now located. William H. Carter and his sons, Walter and James, carried the mail from the office at Morgan to Porterville and back for years. This post office was also discontinued.

LITTLETON About 1880, or perhaps earlier, Colonel Jesse C. Little made application to the post office department for an office at Littleton. According to law a branch office must be a certain distance from the main office. A survey was made by George Criddle and J. H. Giles, and an office was established at Colonel Little's house, with himself as postmaster. He had a buggy which was painted blue, and he carried the mail from Morgan twice a week. The children called his buggy the "Blue Bird." After a number of years this service was discontinued.

MILTON After the postal service was discontinued at Littleton, the people were forced to go to Morgan for their mail. About 1894 or 1895, largely through the efforts of Reinhardt Olsen and Julius Hansen, a post office was established at Milton, with Mr. Hansen as postmaster. The office was kept at his residence which was located across the road from the Milton meeting house. The name of the office was changed from Milton to Lee because there was already a Milton post office in Utah. Dave Hansen was the mail carrier for Milton. Daily papers were entirely out of the question with this service. The mail carrier traveled most of the time on horseback and used saddlebags that fit over the back of the horse with a large pocket on either side. This office was discontinued. R. F. D. Rural Free Delivery service was established in Morgan county April 15, 1905, with one carrier, at a salary of $720 per year, including horse hire; the route to be known as Route No.1. Reinhardt Olsen was appointed carrier. In December, 1904, a petition was circulated and sign~d by the people asking the post office department to grant this srevice to Morgan county. Reinhardt Olsen worked hard to get two routes established, and with the help of Judge J. A. Howell of Ogden, who was a nephew of Congressman Howell, had a good chance of getting the two routes; but some of the people could not see the need for this. It was intended that both routes would start from Morgan; the south route would have. taken in Round Valley to Milton, then across the valley to Stoddard and back across to Morgan. The north route would have gone to Stoddard and crossed the valley at the lower end of Milton, then through Peterson and Mountain Green and back to Morgan. To the present generation with cars and paved roads to drive over, these two routes may seem unnecessary, and they perhaps do not blame the post office department for not granting this request, but at that time there were only graveled, dusty roads all summer, and in the fall storms made the roads very hard to travel. The time set by the government for the carrier to leave on his route was 10 a.m. and he must return by 5 p.m., but that time of his return was often extended until 8 p.m. When winter set in with snow and more snow the patrons along the road would hold back until the mail carrier had come through to break the trail for them. In the spring, when the frost came out of the ground and the mud was up to the hubs of the cart, the carrier became not only a carrier of news, but he also had to bring a little tea, coffee and other articles for his patrons. So, for a part of the year, it took him seven to eight hours to m~ke one-half of the trip, returning the next day. Mr. Olsen was the carrier for more than 25 years. He was succeeded by Albert C. Welch. UTAH NATIONAL GUARD OF MORGAN COUNTY Company G of the First Regiment of Infantry, National Guard of Utah, was organized in Morgan County when Caleb W. West was governor of the Territory of Utah. The organization was effected June 16, 1894. The commissioned officers were: T. S. Wadsworth, captain; J. Harrington, first lieutenant; Fred W. White, second lieutenant. The next year Mr. Wadsworth resigned and on July 6, 1895, Charles H. Criddle was elected captain. The strength of the company when mustered in was 36. The roll in July 1895 was as follows: Captain, C. H. Criddle; first lieutenant, M. J. Harrington; second lieutenant, Fred W. White; first sergeants, J. T. Davison, Charles Clark, N. M. Corbett, L. H. Durrant and Alfred Croft. Corporals, P. A. Jackman, William Ovard, John Eddington and D. M. Anderson. Musicians, W. A. Visick, Thomas Paulson; privates, T. F. White, G. W. Platt, George Palmer, Walter Croft, Ernest Palmer, Fred Palmer, Kilburn Hall, John Wise, Lorenzo Eddington, H. W. Phillips, T. F. Wilcox, Eugene Hibbert, Joseph Spendlove, Angus Heiner, Frank Bramer, Ephraim Whittier, George Criddle, W. G. Smith, Jens Piepgras, Mart Black, Frank Croft, Joseph Palmer, Herman Amundson, Joseph Carter, Joseph Wise, Charles Hibbert and Thomas Cottam. The company assembled every two weeks on the city flat for drill exercises; sometimes more often if the boys could get together. The following articles were loaned to this company from headquarters to be used in their drill work: Thirty-nine rifles, 39 bayonets and scabbards, 39 sight covers, 39 gun slings, 40 cartridge boxes, 40 waist belts and plats, 40 screw drivers, 40 shell extractors, 40 canteens and straps, 40 haversacks and straps, one musician's sword and belt, three arm chests, 200 rounds ball cartridge and one target. ' From the quartermaster's stores were loaned the following: Forty blouses and trousers, 40 caps and cap ornaments, one trumpet, one company order book, one army regulations book, one stencil set, 10 pairs chevrons, 10 pairs stripes, and nine yards of officers' cloth. The following letter explains the order of procedure: Enterprise, Utah June 7, 1895 Lieutenant Fred White Dear Sir: I enclose to you Lt. Harrington's orders for the management and regulation of Company G and you are hereby instructed to execute these orders to the letter as near as practicable. You will call out your squad on or before Saturday evening, June 15, for the purpose of inspection. Each man must appear fully equipped with uniform rifle, bayonet and neat in person, shaved and with shoes in proper condition. You must inspect them and send report to the sergeant immediately, together with the name, age, date of enlistment, number of rifle and amount of other equipment of every man in your squad. And remember that no one has been discharged from this company, but every man must attend drill, and if anyone refuses to do as ordered, he must be dealt with according to law. I enclose the list of non-commercial officers which must be recognized as .the proper officers. When you inspect your squad, you will make the necessary changes in officers and turn all company property, now in use, over to Sgt. Clark, who will hereafter act as quartermaster sergeant. The names of these non-commissioned officers I will send in to headquarters so they can receive the proper recognition. You will call out the company for company drill at Morgan City on Saturday, June 29, at 2 o'clock p. m. and from that date you will take charge of the company until further orders. I wish to make a revision in the management of the affairs of this company and I want the cooperation of all the officers. At present the affairs are in bad shape and we don't know how many men there are in the company or how many rifles or other equipment or the date of enlistment of anyone. Therefore, it is necessary to make a new roll and record the company. If there is anyone away from the squad who requires a furlough, they will have to make application at once through the first sergeant, stating the length of time for which they ask a furlough. Also age, place of birth, color of eyes and hair, occupation and reason for application for furlough. J. T. DAVISON, First Sergeant E. W. Tatlock was inspector general of the National Guard of Utah. He was a gentleman who served in the army during the war of 1861 to 1865, and he visited Morgan County several times and inspected the company, and was pleased with their progress. The company was on hand to render service if called upon. They were disbanded and discharged from service in the summer of 1897. When the Spanish American war broke out, Lt. White wrote to Governor Wells and tendered the services of the company to fight for our country and the flag. The governor, through the adjutant general, John Q. Cannon, expressed his appreciation for the loyalty of the Morgan County company. PLACE NAMES IN MORGAN COUNTY

PORCUPINE PEAK: East of the Clayton ranch in East Canyon; the highest spot in that range of mountains. The elevation is about 14,000 feet and is on the airlines route. It has a beacon light on the summit for guiding planes. So named because there were many porcupines. Mr. Kilburn says the oak trees used to be full of them.

TAYLOR HOLLOW AND CREEK: Named for Joseph Taylor, who owned a ranch there. He was the father of Mrs. Mary Kilburn. Taylor creek comes down Taylor Hollow and runs from the reservoir east.

DEAD OX: In East Canyon. where the pioneers lost a great number of oxen during a terrible storm.

DIXIE HOLLOW: On the road coming from Henefer into East Canyon.

TUCSON CANYON: Named by Sanford Chipman from Texas, for his home town in that state.

RED ROCK: A branch of East Canyon below the reservoir, so named because of the red color of the rock. About two miles above White's crossing; it is a great place to hunt deer.

PRIEST HOLLOW: Named for a man by that name. Comes down into the valley east of Carl Phillips' place.

WHITE'S CROSSING Fred White established a home there. Used to ford the river at that point, but a bridge is at this point now.

EAST CANYON AND CREEK: Named so by Orson Pratt and the pioneers.

PORTERVILLE: This town received its name from the numerous families of Porters who settled there in 1861. They came from Centerville, Davis county.

HARDSCRABBLE CANYON AND CREEK: Canyon so named because it was a hard scramble to get through it. The creek heads on the divide between the two counties, Salt Lake and Morgan, near the head of City creek, southwest of porterville.

SHINGLE MILL CREEK Is a branch of Hardscrabble creek leading west. A shingle mill was built on this creek by Samuel Brough, hence the name.

SHEEP CANYON FORK AND CREEK Quite a range for sheep running northwest from East Canyon, between White's Crossing and Red Rock. There are two forks in Sheep Canyon. The left-hand fork runs south and the right-hand fork runs west. At the foot is a very beautiful place. Porterville people used to go there for outings in the summer time.

TUCKER CANYON About a mile below Devils Gate in Hardscrabble. It was named for Mr. Tucker.

LITTLE EMIGRATION CANYON: Located above the reservoir, it leads off to the east. near the Clayton ranch.

BIG DUTCH HOLLOW: Leads east from the Clayton ranch. Little Dutch Hollow leads west from the ranch. No one seems to know why they were so named.

COTTONWOOD CANYON: Comes into Hardscrabble canyon about four miles from the beginning of the canyon. A great many cottonwood trees grow there.

DEVILS GATE So called because of its very high narrow walls. It is located in Hardscrabble canyon, and is also called the Narrows.

ARTHURS' CANYON Is also in Hardscrabble, about four miles up the canyon above the Narrows. Named after Jack Arthurs, who had a saw mill there.

BEA VER CREEK: So named because of the great number of beaver found there; it is located one mile above Arthurs canyon. One-fourth mile above there is Walton's canyon.

PINE CANYON: North of White's crossing, running west and so named because of the many pines growing there.

NORWOOD AND SOUTH NORWOOD CANYONS: Northwest of Porterville, runs along canyon which extends almost over into Round Valley. It was named for Richard Norwood, who was one of the first settlers in South Morgan in 1860. A few years later he moved to this canyon and lived there with his family for many years. About half way up Norwood canyon or hollow is a canyon which runs south; this is called South Norwood canyon. The Kippen family lives there at the present time.

CROYDON: Located about a mile north of Weber river on Plum bar creek. It was named by settlers who came from Croydon, England. LOST CREEK: The name used to be Plum bar, but on account of the water disappearing underground and coming to the surface again, it has been called Lost Creek. The canyon through which the creek runs is called by the same name.

FRANCIS CANYON: Named for Samuel Francis and sons who established a ranch there about 188B. A right-hand fork of Lost Creek runs almost directly east. and was called Red Rocks before Francis obtained possession of it Tributaries of Francis canyon are Coal Hollow, Beaver Dam, Red Hollow and Willow Hollow.

TRAIL FORK: Runs along Francis canyon at the head of Lost Creek. Men used to trail large numbers of sheep and cattle up this fork.

INDIAN FORK: Takes off from Lost Creek and strikes Solaratis Creek. At the top of this is Squaw Flat, named for the Indians.

BLUE FORK: Is the main fork of Lost Creek canyon and heads at the head of Lost Creek.

HELL CANYON: A branch of Lost Creek, so named because it is very rough and rocky.

PARADISE CANYON: Just opposite Hell Canyon, so named because of its contrast to Hell canyon. It is easily traveled.

TOONE CANYON: Named for the Toone family, it is on the south side of Lost Creek, two miles below Hell canyon, Charles Toone built a home there at least sixty years ago. CEDAR CANYON: Is located just opposite Pine canyon, and has an abundance of cedar trees growing there. CHINA TOWN: Located at the head of Toone canyon, it has a wonderful rock formation. Wind and sand erosion have cut rocks until they resemble Chinamen. GUILDERSLEEVE CANYON: Named after a man of that name who staked a claim in that canyon in the early days. It is located seven miles from the mouth of Lost creek canyon. SOLDIER CANYON: East of Guildersleeve is Soldier canyon, so called because an Indian called "Old Soldier" always camped there; perhaps sixty or more years ago. DEVILS SLIDE: The little valley on Lost Creek is divided from the main valley of the Weber by a high mountain ridge. At the east end of the gorge is a remarkable rock formation called the Devil's Slide. Two parallel upturned reefs of limestone, 20 feet apart, projecting 40 feet above the mountain side, make this phenomenon. DRY CREEK: Below Devils Slide, it comes down near the railroad tracks. It often runs a good stream in the spring, but drys up in the summer. There is a red stone quarry up this hollow. Cottonwood Creek is between Dry Creek and Devils Slide. TUNNEL HOLLOW: Comes out at the river near the little tunnel on the railroad. COOPER CANYON: Just below Taggart's canyon camp, it was named after Billie Cooper, who obtained timber from that canyon in early days.FILSHOP CANYON: Comes down into what was the Geary farm in Round Valley. A man named Phillip Schop used to mine there. The name is a combination of his first and last name. TONKS HOLLOW: Located in Round Valley, it comes down near the William Tonks home. FRY HOLLOW: Just above Como lake. So named because of Richard Fry, who, with Charles Tucker, established a quarry near, and the one from which the rock for building the stake house was obtained. RICHVILLE: Named for Thomas Rich who settled there in April, 1861.MILTON CREEK: At first called Mill Creek because the Hansen saw mill was built on it. It is in Milton. LINE CREEK: In Milton, it was the line which divided the two sections presided over by Charles S. Peterson and Thomas J. Thurston. Mr. Peterson was given the north end of the valley and Mr. Thurston the south end, in 1861. DEEP CREEK: So named because of the deep wall through which the creek flows. It heads near Farmington flat and is about five miles long. In early days it used to overflow its banks and cause a great deal of damage. Gordon creek runs from Deep creek into the Littleton Milton irrigation canal. SMITH CREEK: In Milton; this was called Swan creek at first in honor of Ephraim Swan who moved there in 1861. Later he moved to Croydon and William Smith settled there soon after. The name of the creek was changed to Smith. He later moved to Porterville. DALTON CREEK: About three-fourths of a mile north of Smith creek is another creek called Dalton; named after Ted Dalton, a brother-in-law of William Smith. PETERSON CREEK: This creek is located in the town of Peterson. DURST MOUNTAIN: The highest mountain in the range east of Mountain Green, this peak was named for a man who operated a saw mill there when the railroad was being built through Weber valley in 1868-69. MOUNTAIN GREEN: So named because of the beautiful green mountain on the south side of the canyon. ENTERPPRISE: When this community was first settled it was laid out in city blocks, and was so called because one of its leading citizens, Jesse C. Haven, suggested that the people make an enterprising community. It is located across the river, southeast of Peterson. COTTONWOOD CANYON AND CREEK: The main canyon and creek southeast of Mountain Green, it is perhaps 25 miles long, and has an abundance of cottonwood trees growing there. BOHMAN HOLLOW: It was named for Isaac Bohman, who lived near the mouth of the hollow in early days. It comes down past the Wilkinson ranch. GORDON CREEK: Is in Mountain Green and comes out at the Ostler ranch. DRY CREEK: Is east of Gordon creek. It runs past the small cemetery up on the hillside, and goes dry in the summer time. . STRAWBERRY CREEK: Comes down near the Archie Robinson home in Mountain Green. Wild strawberries used to grow on its banks. JACOBS CREEK: It is across the river from Strawberry creek and is the last creek before entering the canyon. DEVILS GATE No doubt is was called this because of the difficulty the first people had in getting into the valley because of the narrow canyon and high rugged mountains on either side. Located on the Morgan Weber county line.

AFTER 100 YEARS Nestled in the Wasatch mountains lies beautiful Morgan county-its greatest length is 45 miles, and its greatest width is 20 miles. Protected by the mountains from keen winter winds, its high altitude modifies the summer's heat. An average yearly rainfall of 20 inches keeps the valley looking green and fertile. It is small wonder that those gazing from the top of the mountains to the valley below longed to make their homes here. The population has grown from a few pioneer families to approximately 3000 in 1947. From uninhabited land 15,000 acres have been put under cultivation and 284,000 are used for grazing. The land supports dairying, poultry raising, livestock breeding, truck farming, canning and cement manufacturing. Through the valley runs U. S. Highway 30. This lush valley is a welcomed sight to travelers entering Utah through the wastes of Wyoming. The well-kept homes, beautiful yards and painted barns are proof that the pioneers' teachings of industry, thrift and love of one's fellow man have been followed by the descendants of that valiant people.

THE PIONEERS We honor you, Oh! Pioneers, You were a valiant band To leave your native countries And come to this far away land.

Your faith in your God and religion, Your trust in your fellowman, Was as strong as the rock of Gibraltar, Your courage never to wan.

We know your lot wasn't easy, And your sacrifice was great, Always looking on the bright side, Never thinking what might be your fate.

We are the ones who are reaping, The great spoils wrought by your strife. Oh! God we ever thank Thee, For the Pioneers' gallant life. -Mrs. Ben Creager.

Places/Localities

 * Cities: Croydon | Henefer | Morgan | Mountain Green | Petersen | Richville | Stoddard | Monte Verde |

Neighboring Counties
Davis | Rich | Salt Lake | Summit | Weber

Census

 * 1870
 * 1880
 * 1890
 * 1900
 * 1910
 * 1920
 * 1930

Church
LDS Ward and Branch Records


 * Croyden
 * Milton
 * Morgan
 * Morgan N.
 * Slide
 * Stoddard
 * Mountain Green
 * Peterson
 * Porterville E.
 * Porterville W.
 * Richville

Newspapers

 * One major resouce for newspapers throughout Utah is the University of Utah's Utah Digital Newspapers project "with more than 600,000 pages of digitized Utah historical newspapers." One newspaper from Morgan County is included in this digital project, the Morgan County News. Read more... about using Utah newspapers for your family history research.

Vital Records
Utah Death Certificates 1904 - 1956 -A free internet access to the 1904-1956 death certificates can be viewed on theFamily Search Record Search Pilot. Utah requires a death certificate before a burial is completed. A death certificate may contain information as to the name of the deceased, date of death, and place of death, as well as the age, birthdate, parents, gender, marital status, spouse and place of residence.

Web Sites

 * USGenWeb project. May have maps, name indexes, history or other information for this county. Select the state, then the county.
 * Family History Library Catalog
 * Morgan County, Utah Genealogy and Family History (Linkpendium)