MAYBELLE FRANDSEN LETTERS TO THE PYRAMID

 

HEAP BIG WATERS 1918 ~~~Shared by Judy Malkiewicz

 

June 18, 1918, during W. D. Candland's term as mayor, Mt. Pleasant was visited by a number of floods, one being the biggest in the history of the city. Great boulders and rocks were carried with the stream of mud, damaging bridges and fences, sweeping down the streets and through city lots, covering gardens and filling basements, and completely filling the channels with debris, rocks, etc. One life was lost, that of Louis Oldham, who, near his home east of the city, slipped and fell into the stream. Some days later, his body was found in the debris west of the city. A few days after the flood, a group of convicts were sent from the state penitentiary to assist in clearing out Pleasant Creek channel. Many local men volunteered their assistance. p 200 "History of Mt. Pleasant" by Hilda Madsen Longsdorf

Mt. Pleasant's First Murder (taken from History of Mt. Pleasant by Hilda Madsen Longsdorf)

JACOB CHRISTENSEN and wife INGER KRISTENA JENSEN (Thomsen)~~~ Pioneers of the Month ~~~ November 2025

Jacob and Inger Christensen

 

Inger was born Feb. 6, 1833 in Napstyert, Jutland, Denmark. Her parents were Thomas Christian Jensen and Else Margrethe Olsen. Inger grew up on a farm. No doubt she learned many valuable lessons on the farm, which helped her throughout her life.  She met and fell in love with Jacob Christensen. He had joined the LDS church in his native land of Denmark on Feb. 20, 1853. His mother Maren Pedersen Peterson was also a member of the church. His father Christen Peterson had passed away a few years earlier. Inger joined the church in June of the same year. Two years later, Inger and Jacob were married on Jan.17, 1855. Jacob was 28 years old and Inger was 22 years old. One year later Jan. 16, 1856 a little son Thomas was born to their family. They were a happy family and they were dedicated to their new faith, but troubles soon began. Because they had joined the church, family, neighbors, and friends ostracized them. They found it hard to live in Denmark where there were so many negative feelings about the church. So within two years of their marriage they decided to immigrate to the United States and join the saints in Utah. 

There are conflicting stories that have been handed down. One is that they received the money they needed for travel from the Perpetual Emigration Fund of the church and the other is that Inger’s parents gave them the needed money. With the financial help they left their beloved home on Friday April 18, 1857. Jacob, Inger, baby Thomas and Jacob’s mother, Maren joined 536 Scandinavian Saints who sailed from Copenhagen on the steamer L. N. Hvidt. The ship arrived at Grimsby, England on April 21 in the afternoon. The following day they rode a train to Liverpool. On April 25, 1857 these and other saints, 544 total, sailed from Liverpool on the ship Westmoreland. At this time Inger was just 23 years old with a baby of 15 months. Her husband was 29 and his mother was 68 years old. The voyage across the Atlantic Ocean lasted 36 days. There were good feelings of harmony among these saints. On May 31 they arrived in Philadelphia. Elder Angus M. Cannon who was the emigration agent at that port received the emigrants. They made arrangements to continue their journey to Utah. On June 2 they left Philadelphia on a train. They arrived in Iowa City on June 9, 1857. Most emigrants crossed the plains immediately afterwards but some saints did not have the means to continue. This was the case for Jacob and Inger and their family. Sadness came to them with the passing of Jacob’s mother soon after they arrived in Omaha, Nebraska. They remained there for two years. Although Jacob worked at whatever employment he could find, they lived under the most trying circumstances. One time Jacob was obliged to trade one shirt, of his supply of two, for a bushel of frozen turnips. 

Inger was very happy to finally have her parents join them in Omaha in 1859. They had sailed from England on the William Tapscott ship on April 11, 1859. It appears that they had also joined the church in Denmark and gathered with other emigrating saints. They had a pleasant journey of 31 days on the ship. Although there were nine different languages spoken and many different customs they enjoyed meeting together for morning and evening prayers and Sunday meetings and also gathering for singing, music, dancing and games. They arrived in New York Harbor May 14, 1859. They traveled by train and steamboat and finally arrived in Florence, Nebraska on May 25, 1859.

With their supplies ready and the arrival of Inger’s parents, the Christensen family was ready to make the trek to Utah. Jacob, Inger, and son Tommy and Inger’s parents Thomas and Else Jensen joined the Robert F. Neslen Handcart Company. This was the only handcart company to cross the plains in 1859. According to a pioneer diary they left June 6, 1859. Along with a handcart, they received utensils, a water-can, bedding and food rations.. A tent was provided for each ten persons. The company comprised 235 persons, with 60 handcarts, and six ox-drawn wagons to haul provisions and the sick. The company was very organized with sub-captains for each 10 carts. There were many hardships along the way. They would travel from 16 to 22 miles a day. There were blisters and mosquitoes and occasional trouble with the Indians. There often was not enough food to satisfy their appetites. On Aug. 22 the provisions were scarce and people were starving. It wasn’t until Aug 25 that wagons from SLC rescued the handcart company. They found out that the supply wagons had traveled day and night to bring food and assistance. 

While crossing the plains, Jacob and Inger had a great misfortune. Their only child died. The company halted and buried little Tommy. Jacob, overcome with grief, threw himself across the newly made grave declaring he could not go on and leave his little boy. According to his great granddaughter, Elizabeth Averett Vance he asked, “ Inger, is it worth it? We have lost our families, our friends, our home and our country. My mother died. And now this. Is it worth it?” Inger, grasping hold of him said, “Jacob Christensen, you know it is worth it. It is worth it and more. Now you get up off that grave. We must go on.” 

HAPPY DISNEY HALLOWEEN

 

HOME OF ROBERT KENNER and wife ANNE MARGARET RASMUSSEN ~~~Researched, compiled and updated by Tudy Brentsen Standlee

 

HOME OF LEVI FRANKLIN PRITCHETT and WIFE SARAH ELLEN THOMPSON (From our archives)

 

 

 

MT. PLEASANT GRAVE MARKERS 2005 (From Our Archives)

 

Just a random  selection  of photos  ~  Some are friends, some relatives, some very significant to Mt. Pleasant History 

Clark Truscott, a lifelong friend of Peter Hafen

Mrs. Clitheroe ~ A friend of My Mother's

Alice and Niel Hafen  (Peter and "our kids")

Oscar Anderson

Jack and Parline Shepherd
Peter puts an arrow this grave site in memory of many bow hunting trips. 

Orlin and Veone Simons, Our Daughter-in-law's relatives 

Annie Lizzie Buchanan

Annie Theresa Peel

Peter Madsen Peel and wife Christine Folkman Peel
Peter memorializes with a blacksmith crafted cattail.
Peter M. Peel, First Mt. Pleasant Blacksmith 

Hilda Madsen Longsdorf
Author of Mt. Pleasant History

JANET JEAN SEELY ~~~ Truly Missed

 

Janet Jean Seely

March 22, 1958 — October 17, 2025

Mount Pleasant

Listen to Obituary

Janet Jean Olson Seely was born on March 22, 1958, to Glade Larry Olson and Rhea Jean Livingston in Mount Pleasant, Utah. She peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her family on October 17, 2025, after a long, courageous battle with COPD.

Janet grew up in Moroni with her parents and her younger brothers. She was a bright, friendly child. She had many friends growing up, a trait that defined Janet’s life. Janet was a good sister who loved and looked after her brothers. Janet enjoyed spending time with her grandma Livingston and was often at her house.

Janet and her former husband, Richard Kent Olson, married on November 15, 1975. They had two daughters, Aimee and Misty, who they adored.

Janet married her late husband, Stanton C. Seely, on December 6, 1999. They lived a wonderful life together full of love, joy, and laughter in Mount Pleasant, where they renovated and moved into their dream home. Their family was a true blended family, Stanton and his family loved Janet’s children and grandchildren like they were his own and Janet’s family loved Stanton deeply. Stanton later passed on January 23, 2011.

After Stanton’s passing, Janet found an amazing companion, David Clancy Johnson. They went on many adventures together and had a lot of fun. Clancy was a dedicated partner who took Janet to her many medical appointments and never left her side. They went to the bar almost everyday until her passing for a root “beer”, potstickers, and Peanut M&Ms.

Janet was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2019. She fought it and won. After her bout with Cancer, she took up riding a Harley. She loved it. Her kids, not so much. She loved the feeling of the wind on her face, and the freedom riding gave her.

Janet loved a lot in life. She loved gardening and flowers. She loved going fishing and riding in the boat. She loved her dogs. She loved shopping for anything, literally… anything. She especially loved shopping for Christmas decorations, primitive home décor, and antiques. She was always bringing something new home. She would call her daughters and ask, “Where can I put this?” and they’d simply ask what she wanted to take out. The answer was nothing, so they made room for all. She has so many trinkets and intricate things, her family is pretty sure she had more butter molds and coffee grinders than an antique museum. She loved old quilts, hutches, and teacups and had many for decoration in her home. Janet’s daughters called it “mom stuff” and she loved all of it.

Janet loved her family, especially her beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was proud of each one of them and loved seeing them more than anything.

Janet was a 30-year fixture at the Triangle Lounge. She loved working there with Stanton until his passing. In 2012, Janet purchased the bar, and it became Stanley’s Triangle Lounge. Janet was a pillar in the community and served many people their first legal drink. She is very much loved by her bar family and will be sorely missed.

Janet is survived by her companion, David Clancy Johnson, Fairview, Utah; her children Aimee (Kyle) Jensen and Misty (Russell) Hill, Mount Pleasant, Utah; her grandchildren Garrett (Reagan) Pyper, Kyden Johnson, and Ava Jensen; and her great-grandchildren Hudson, Paisley, and Grayson Pyper; her brother Larry (Robin) Olson, Kaysville, Utah; her loving furry friend Zero; and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband Stanton C. Seely, her parents Glade and Jean Olson, her brother Kirk L Olson, and many in-laws, friends & extended family members.

The family wishes to thank Clancy for being Clancy and all he has done for our mom for so many years. We love him. We also wish to thank Dr. David Bennion and IHC Home Health and Hospice for their kindness and care.

Janet wanted everyone to know she loved them… all of them! She wanted to say thank you to all her loyal customers over the years. She is going to miss all of you!

After opening a cupboard in Mom’s home after she passed, we directly blame her for the coin shortage of 2020. We think it’s hilarious, the bank probably not so much! We apologize in advance.

Janet was truly a bad ass! We will miss her.

MARIAN EVA LAY SCHOONOVER ~~~ Daughter of Howard and Eva Beck Lay ~~~ Together Again With Her Husband

 

Marian Eva Schoonover

March 3, 1941 — September 26, 2025

Fairview

Listen to Obituary

Together Again 

The Heavenly choir just received an amazing addition. Marian is now singing and playing beautiful music again!

Marian Eva Lay Schoonover was born on March 3, 1941 in Mt. Pleasant Utah to Howard K. and Eva Beck Lay. She was born with an ear for music, and she amazed everyone with her talent. Marian could play any song that she had ever heard, by ear. She never had piano lessons, but you wouldn’t believe it if you ever heard her play. If she didn’t know a song, you could just hum a few bars, and she would play it as if she had always known it. She could transpose to any key, on the fly, to make the singer sound their best. She filled our home with beautiful music every day. Our fondest memories are sitting around her at the piano and singing Christmas carols together as a family. She was such a cool mom, playing in a band, and entertaining at parties. She truly blessed so many lives with her music.

After graduating from North Sanpete High School (with her dad as her principal), she attended Snow College, where she was a cheerleader. While at Snow, she was entertaining at an event in Maple Canyon, playing the guitar and singing, when she caught the eye of her sweetheart, Lee Schoonover. They were married on December 12, 1961, in the Manti Temple. There was a huge snowstorm that day and it took them three attempts to get up the hill to the temple. Marian and Lee had great years at Snow and Westminster College. She supported him as he played basketball, and she helped him finish school. She was so supportive as he started his career, and they were such a great team. Together, they had four children: Marilee (Rick) Poulson, Gary Schoonover, John (Sidnie) Schoonover, and Paula (Matt) Evans. Marian was involved in all of our activities, volunteering at the school, playing for talent shows and plays and singing groups, playing catch in the backyard, and cheering loudly from the stands. She was an entertainer. She would host great parties, and it never failed that someone would ask her to play the piano. Lee was always so proud of her and loved to show off her talent.

Marian was a great friend. She had the opportunity to move around the country with Lee’s job, and she was able to develop great friendships in every place that they lived. She had a little red phone book full of numbers and addresses. and she kept in touch with all of her cherished friends over the years. In Fountain Valley, she would get on her little 10-speed bike and ride all over the neighborhood, going to check on her friends and stop for visits. She really was such a great friend and loved to laugh and to serve.

 Marian loved her family fiercely. She would do anything for us. After settling in Fairview, following retirement, she loved being close to family. Her health struggles in recent years made it difficult to attend all of the various family events, but she never missed her early morning birthday phone calls to sing to us. She called very very early, so she could be the first one to wish us a happy birthday. She truly loved her family.

In her later years, Marian’s health struggles increased. Lee took such tender care of her for many years, until it became too difficult. She moved into an assisted living facility and Lee would make the long drive to visit her multiple times a week, where they would play cards and just be together. They were such a great team and their love story has been such a wonderful thing to witness. The love and service that they have shown each other over nearly 64 years, is such a great example of what true love is. Their love and devotion was obvious this week, as we know that they still longed to be together. Our sweet mom went to go be with dad, only 16 short days after his passing. We find comfort in knowing that they are together and that their love story lives on.

Marian is survived by her children Gary, John, and Paula, and son-in-law Rick Poulson, 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, and her sister, Paula Bright.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Sandra and brother Ron, her daughter, Marilee Poulson, and her grandson, Kyle Poulson.

We would like to thank First Choice Home Health for the wonderful care that they have provided over the last few years.

Graveside services for Marian will be held Monday October 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery. 

To Watch Recorded Graveside Service, Click Here.

Recordings will be available for 60 days from date of service. 

THE GREAT SALT LAKE MERIDIAN (From ourarchives)

 

With permission of David R. Gunderson, we include the following book to our blog.   I will do a few increments at a time, as I have done with the Andrew Madsen and James Monsen histories.  I will also paste the pages over to David's own blog page: http://davidrgunderson.blogspot.com/

This book will be of interest to not only the Gunderson Family but also to the Brotherson, Ericksen, Peel,   Madsen, Larsen and more.

RECIPES: DANISH PICKLES, BRAN BEER and STARCH CAKE

 

HOME OF MATHIAS JURGENSEN and wife (STINE ) MARY THOMPSON ~~~ Researched, Compiled and Updated by Tudy Barentsen Standlee