MOUNT PLEASANT FIRST CHRISTMAS ~~~ FROM THE JOURNAL OF ANDREW MADSEN

 

UP ON THE HOUSETOP CLICK, CLICK, CLICK

 

CHRISTMAS INSIDE THE WHITE HOUSE

 

THE RELIEF SOCIETY OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS ~~~ (From our archives)

 

ANNIE WILCOX SUNDAY SCHOOL

Back Row Left to Right: Ada Althea Barton, unknown, Ella Fechser, Emma Johnson, Sarah Barton, Lula Kroll, Mabel Flora Pearson, Annie Wilcox

Middle Row L to R: Anna Eliza Braby, Cecil Beck, Ethera J. Allred, Ester Monsen, Eva Barton. Lettie Hampshire, Lydia Madsen, Unknown 

Front Row L to R : Unknown, Etta Rolf, Annie Knudsen, Ester Monsen, Lucile Rolph, Bessie Wilcox, Fannie Frandsen, Mary Petersen,

 

THE WAIT IS OVER WITH MARIAH CAREY SINGS ABOUT CHRISTMAS

 

HOME BUILT BY JOSEPH WILCOX

 

YOUNG PEOPLE OF MT. PLEASANT ENJOY A MEMORABLE NIGHT IN THE BIG CITY

 

TWO BABY BOYS DIE IN A BARN FIRE

 

CARL LUDWIG PETERSON and METTA MARIE PETERSEN

Life Story of Carl Christian Larsen  Carl Christian Larsen was born in Copenhagen on August 10, 1826. His mother died when he was born. His grandmother raised him until he was eight years of age. Upon the death of his grandmother and father, he was sent by an orphan’s home in Copenhagen to Jutland to be raised by an old bachelor, known as “Finkalas.”  

He married Mette Marie Petersen. His oldest son was Louis, born before Carl was called as a soldier in the Danish-German war. He received no pay from this service until 1907-8 when he received 100 crowns, or $27.00 in American money, for two successive years.  He and his wife and four daughters, Annie, Marie, Wilhelmina and Epsena, came to the United States. 

He joined the LDS Church in Denmark in 1871. His wife was anxious to come to Utah, and this was the main reason for his coming. As he said, “Moder vilde heroppe og jeg gik jo med om hun saa vilde have gaaet til Helvede ad,” which was his Danish way of saying “Mother wanted to come up here and of course I followed her, as I would have done even if she had wanted to go directly to Hades.” 

They reached the home of Hans Johansen in November, 1873.  The family moved to Ephraim, Sanpete County, in 1874 where they made their home for about 26 years. For a couple of years or so they lived at Spring City, Sanpete County, Utah. He worked some as a carpenter, but the principal source of income was through the efforts of his wife, who was midwife for Ephraim and surrounding towns.  In 1902, he and his wife moved to Salt Lake City where they lived with their daughter, Annie Peterson. His wife died at Salt Lake City, November 9, 1904. In 1906, he came to live with his son, Thomas Larsen, at Pleasant Grove. Here he died July 21, 1908, and was buried in the Thomas Larsen lot, Pleasant Grove Cemetery, on July 23, 1908.  ** 

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Life Story of Mette Marie Petersen

Mette Marie Petersen was born in Denmark, August 26, 1829. She married Carl Christian Larsen on March 9, 1849. About 1864 she trained in Copenhagen to become a midwife, and about 1866-67 she became district midwife, a government position.

Her medical practice was the principal source of family livelihood. Her trials and troubles were those of her husband. She died at Salt Lake City on November 9, 1904, and was buried at Pleasant Grove Cemetery on November 12, 1904 in the Thomas Larsen lot.

 

TEMPLE SQUARE CHRISTMAS

 

SEELY BARN

North of the residence of Ray and Mildred Seely (1981) at 430 West Main Street in Mt. Pleasant, Utah stands a large barn, the first built in that pioneer community.  It's construction is unique to the present day and stands as a reminder of the hard work and physical labor of those early settlers.

From information obtained through Ray Seely, and his sister, Elva Guyman, it was built in approximately 1862, 3 years after Mt. Pleasant was colonized.  Huge timbers were brought down from the east mountains with teams of horses and the inner structure was built by craftsman who didn't use a single nail!  All the beams were hewn and pegged so that they fit together perfectly to make a sound sturdy building. 


When the men were lifting the timbers, one man, who they called "Joe Heave", would call out "heave" so that they could lift together the heavy beams into place.  It's original construction site was on 5th west, halfway between Main Street and 1st North.  It was later moved to Main Street on the creek just east of Aunt Miranda's home, so that the animals could have water more readily.  From there it was moved to its present location.

 

Orange Seely, brother of Joseph Seely and Uncle of Ray, was the first owner and Henry Wilcox, brother of Clarissa Jane who was a Grandmother to Ray, was the builder with much help from other members of the family and the settlement.  One can picture in his mind these men all working together with the horses and the tremendous amount of toil and labor it would have taken to move the heavy beams and hew the rough boards into the work of art that they are.

In that day, there was always the danger of Indian aggression.  Chief Black Hawk and his painted warriors terrorized the women and children.  So horses were kept saddled and ready in the barn 24 hours a day so that the minute men could ride quickly to Manti or Thistle for help.  Also, Indian squaws were kept as prisoners there during times of battle.  It was also used as a place for dancing where good times were shared by many.



When Dad (Ray Seely) move to Mt. Pleasant, from Moroni, he purchased the lot where the home now stands and the barn went with the property.  Uncle Orange had moved to Castle Dale so Dad became the rightful owner of the barn.  And no prouder owner could there have ever been!  It was his most prized possession, and he loved to tell of its history to all who would listen.  He had great respect and love for the hands who built it, and always did all he could to preserve it and maintain it.  The reverence and love that Dad had for the barn has been passed onto his family and posterity- - -a memory we all cherish.

(written in 1981)

Photograpy by Tudy Barentsen Standlee

GUNDERSON PHOTOS ~~~ (From our archives)

 

Betty found three new pictures of Erick and Caroline's Family

The  two small ones are of 'Uncle Henry', and Gunner Anthne (Betty's Grandfather). in their childhood. Both sons of Erick and Caroline.  I thought you may like to see them..

'Uncle Henry',

'Uncle Henry',

  Gunner Anthon as a young man