Sunday, August 2, 2026

DEEANN PETERSON LUBBERS (Sweet thoughts and memories of Mt. Pleasant) Shared with my husband, Peter before she passed away.

DeeAnn Peterson Lubbers








 DeeAnn Peterson Lubbers 10/28/1939 ~ 10/17/2020
DeeAnn was born in Salt Lake City and raised in Mt. Pleasant, Utah by her parents Josephine Pagano Peterson and Bert Edwin Peterson. She followed her mother's profession as an educator, teaching elementary students for 30+ years with a special emphasis on reading. Like her father, she loved the country life and maintained her childhood home, returning often.

DeeAnn graduated from North Sanpete High School, Class of 1957, and valued lifelong friendships with her classmates. Following high school and through her college years she worked summers at Zion National Park, a sanctuary she loved throughout her life. She graduated from the University of Utah in 1961 and began her dreams to travel the world. In the summer of 1962, some 17 short years from the end of WWII, she set sail, traveling alone, from Los Angeles to Japan where she lived as an exchange student with a family in Nagano, creating a lifelong bond. That family would visit DeeAnn's family in Tucson, AZ in the late 1970s, teaching her young sons at an early age to love, value and appreciate all of God's children the world over. She would go on to earn a Master's degree from the University of Arizona in Early Childhood Development and a certificate in Gerontology. As a lifelong learner, in her retirement years she enrolled in the Institute of Continual Learning at Dixie State University and took classes of all varieties for many years.

In 1963 she married W. Boyd Dover and had two sons; W. Brent Dover (Catherine) and Bert Travis Dover (Gena). After a divorce, DeeAnn had the good fortune to meet and marry Earl R. Lubbers in Tucson, Arizona in 1973. Earl became the "father he didn't have to be" to Brent and Bert. They added their son Ryan Earl Lubbers (Raquel) and have eleven wonderful grandchildren who were her "jewels in the crown of old age."

Earl and DeeAnn loved one another deeply, and found a shared sense of adventure in finding opportunities for travel throughout America and much of the world, including missionary pick-ups in Finland/Russia and Brazil. They twice participated in the China Teacher Program for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, living and teaching English and American Culture to students in Qingdao and Xi'An China for a total of two years. DeeAnn always had a very strong commitment to learn about her pioneer and immigrant heritage which involved traveling several times to Sweden and Italy to meet many relatives and obtain genealogy records. In 2011, she had a marvelous experience of guiding and teaching her three sons of their Swedish and Italian roots. DeeAnn and Earl also served their church in a variety of callings including Scouting, teaching, and service in the Tucson, Arizona Mission.

Upon retirement and having lived the majority of their adult lives in Arizona, Earl and DeeAnn moved to St. George, Utah and welcomed friends and family from many countries and states into their home. They especially enjoyed having extended family from Europe come to visit and see where their ancestors settled when they came to America in the 1860s, and former students from China visit for long stays, experiencing "American life" with her entire family, and visiting the National Parks.
With strong roots, fearless wings, and imaginative dreams, she had a wonderful life! DeeAnn is preceded in death by her parents and half sister Bonnie Peterson Jefferies. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the LDS missionary fund, or the Mt. Pleasant public library.
A Graveside service will be held Saturday October 24, 2020 at 12:00 noon in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery with a viewing prior at 11:45 a.m. at the cemetery. Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com

Saturday, August 1, 2026

JOHN MEYRICK AND JAMIMA JOHANSSEN JENSEN MEYRICK ~~~ PIONEERS OF THE MONTH AUGUST 2026

 

John Meyrick 

Jamima Jensen Meyrick is a 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY: (From handwritten ledger by John Meyrick and also a typewritten copy by Jamima Johannsen Jensen. I, Ione Merrick Bush retyped his diary and added some changes or differences from a history written by my grandmother Hattie Henry Merrick from interviews she had with John & Jamima H Meyrick. She titled it 'A Short Sketch of John Meyrick's Life.' I have included differences and/or corrections in [ ] in the following text: 'LIFE OF JOHN AND JAMIMA HUTCHENSON MEYRICK - TAKEN FROM A DIARY WRITTEN WHILE PIONEERING - BY JOHN MEYRICK 'My name is John Meyrick, I was born Tuesday, May 17th, 3 p.m. 1831 at Talgath (sic) Broctonshire (sic) Wales. [Internet research: http://archives.powys.gov.uk/images/bre_map.html gives spelling as Talgarth, Breconshire or Brecknockshire.] 'My father's name was James Meyrick born at Darnell Cottage, Warchestersire (sic) [should be Worcestershire] England on January 15, 1798, and died at Mt. Pleasant, Sanpete County, Utah. My mother's name was Elizabeth Mumford, [Ibush note: Copy of James' & Elizabeth's marriage license shows her maiden name as 'Bumford' and her father as 'Edward Bumford' md. Third of August 1817, per Parish register, Bettws Cedewain, Montgomeryshire, Wales. Copy in my poss. and James' history at www.boydhouse.com/alice/Green/green10jamesmeyrick.htm] 'born January 16, 1799 Wales, died Mt. Pleasant, Sanpete County, Utah. My grandfather was Thomas Meyrick and my grandmother was Lord Foley's daughter. When she died she left a great sum of money in the bank in England for her three children when they became of age. But it is still there. The children did not get it because their mother had married out of the ranks and we cannot get it because we cannot find the place and date of her death except in England. 'My father and mother had 9 children [Ibush Note:Family Group Sheets list: John I, b. 1829; John II (himself) b. 1831; Mary Ann; Thomas; George; No names or info on other 4. He names himself & other 3 as being baptized into LDS Church 1849, later in this history.] 'Father was a hard working man and had not the means to send me to school although I learned to read and write by going to Sunday School at the church of England. I had to work when very small frightening birds off from the grain. I had to be at the field two miles from home by daylight for if the birds beat me there they raised "Ned" and I got it from the Master. His name was James Porter a kind man and I liked him very much. ['The name of the farm was called the Nunnery Farm two miles from Worcester, Worchestershire, England.' per Hattie Merrick's history] 'At this time my father was called away and was gone 2 years. [Hattie M's history: 'My father's work called him away to another place called Boarson (Borson)] After that we moved many times as father's work did not last long in one place. He drained land and made pools and coach roads for the Lords of the land. At Kembery (sic) [Hattie M: 'Trembury,' but I,Ione Bush, think it's 'Tenbury' parish, because that is where Darnal Cottage is.] we stayed long enough for me to get 3 months of schooling, ['six months' per Hattie M.] which helped me very much. I had lost the sight of one eye caused from a cold. This handicapped me some. From there we went to Ludlow to drain land for Lord Clive at Oakley Park. My brother and I got a good job there also, but our boss was very harsh. We watched for a chance for something better and it soon came. Father got the job of hireing (sic) the men to drain land for Lord Dereton ['Lord Darton' per Hattie M.] Here we had very good work. 'Then the Mormon Elders came along preaching glad tidings of joy to all men. ['So father and mother were baptized in August, 1849, and my sister Mary Ann, me, and brothers Thomas and George were baptized on the 13th of September, 1849' per Hattie M.] We heard and received it and were baptized Sept. 13, 1849, me, father, mother, Mary Ann, Thomas, George, and I were baptized in the river Thame ['River Teme, Ludlow, Shropshire, England' per Hattie M.] at Ludlow by Elder Edward Jones. I was also ordained a deacon. Then father asked me if I wanted to go to the Valleys. I did very much so he borrowed 8 pounds and gave to Elder Wm. Finch to bring me to the Mts. They did not have enough money for all the family to come, but father thought if I'd go first and board with Elder Finch, we could all get thru alright (sic). 'So on February 23, 1853 we started on the International. There were 319 people on board. David Brown was captain; Alfred Horse, sailing master ['House, 1st mate' per Hattie M.]; James Campbell, 1st mate; John Marson, 3rd mate; the cook, I forget his name, he was an Irishman. The Carpenters name Westline answered the first of the ship's company to embrace our holy creed. Then came a scramble - crew, called sailors or shipriggers - amounting to about eighteen, Swedes, Dutch and Norwegians. We baptized them all but two days on sea. I have forgotten the names of the rest, but we baptized them all except the cook and some went on to the valleys. We were 8 weeks except 2 days on sea and only one death. We landed in New Orleans in May with not a penny in my pocket. I had had my over coat stolen and the one who took it knew to whom it belonged because my hymn book was in the pocket. I sold my stove pipe hat and got a little money and started up the river. ['for Keokuk, ten miles from Nauvoo. We stayed there three weeks waiting for a pilot.' per Hattie M.] We stopped 10 miles from NaVan three weeks where I worked a little and the money I got I gave to Elder Finch. I became very lonely for the first time in my life so I went into the woods and wrote a letter home. When I got back to camp I saw oxen yoked up for the first time. 'Finch got 2 oxen and an old wagon and we started for Council Bluffs but broke down. Some of the Saints said we would never make it with that outfit, but Elder Finch said he had to get back to Salt Lake so we fixed it and went ahead. 'We saw Nauvoo, the place the saints were driven from, at a distance. We got to Indian Creek that night. It was raining hard so we slept under the wagon. I shall never forget that night, we were wet through. When morning came we went on making bridges and wading creeks to Council Bluffs. Here they coaxed for us to stay, but to no purpose. Means were short so Finch got a job for me driving a team for Davison to the Valley. So I joined Brother Cyrus Wheelocks Co. [Ibush note: Verified on Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868: 'Cyrus H. Wheelock Company; Departure: 1-3 June 1853; Arrival in Salt Lake Valley: 6-16 October 1853; Co. Info: About 400 individuals and 52 wagons were in the company when it began its journey from the outfitting post at Keokuk, Iowa. This company included a California company. They crossed the Missouri River on July 11. John Meyrick is listed as 'Male, Age 22. Birthdate Unknown.'] 'Brother Rogers and wife went with us to the river. It was raining toads and frogs. They were all over the road. We crossed allright and the Rogers went back. 'Davison was a cross old Chap. I had a mind to leave him several times. 'The Indians bothered a great deal. Once they stopped us and prepared to fight, but we passed it off by giving them sugar and flour and treating them kindly. 'There were many buffalo. I killed one at Chimney rock. It was good meat. The oxen's necks were sore from the bad yoke. One of the sisters was washing one's neck when an Indian chief saw her. He offered us six horses for her. 'At noon one day we got word the Indians were driving the cattle down the river. I started to cross after them on one of Captain Wheelock's horses, not knowing how to swim him, I came nie drowning. John Taylor from Manchester, England came to help me. I got safely ashore "Thank God." But Jack was drowned. There was such a wind, hail and rain we could not find his body. It was found six weeks later by immigrants two miles down the river. 'This made all of our camp feel very badly. I was on guard with him a few nights before and heard him say he believed he would never die a natural death. 'There were a great many wolves all the way from Independence rock on. We had meetings every Sunday while crossing. 'We ferried over Sweet Water and Green River. Louis Robinson kept the boat. ['Met Jim Ferguson and Captain Wheelock's wife, Mary Ann Broomhead, a fine woman to look at.' per Hattie M.] We reached Salt Lake October 6, 1853, being 7 months and 13 days since I left home. I was now 22 years old. ['In Salt Lake City at meeting Jedediah Grant preached on the destruction of the wicked. Saw John Smith, the Patriarch. Knew him at sight. I had seen him in a dream. . .' per Hattie M.] 'I went and slept in a haystack with no supper. It rained and was bad weather for several days. I would dry myself in the daytime. I was ashamed to ask for food and I had no job. Now I prayed for work so I would get bread. Wm. Vernory (sic) ['Verney' per Hattie M.] came at last and offered me work. I accepted gladly and was thankful to him. He took me home and gave me a good dinner of bread, milk, and squash. I had never tasted squash before and it tasted very good. I was ashamed when I came to look at the bowl I had emptied, but I never told them I had gone without eating for so long. 'I went to work for $12 a month, but when the first month was over he gave me a pigeon tail coat for pay. 'Then Richard Merderth (sic) ['Meredith' per Hattie M.] took me to his house. I worked most of that winter on the city mud wall for $1 a day. ['Worked most of the winter. Went to Tooele to build wall like the other.' per Hattie M.] I gave my money to Mr. Merderth (sic) to help keep his family. 'In 1854 Elder Finch came and wished me to go to Battle Creek, ['Utah County' per Hattie M.] now Pleasant Grove, Utah to dig wells. I dug three 60 feet deep and one 40 feet. I was now making pretty good. McCarte (sic) [Bro. MacArthur' per Hattie M.] gave me a cow for pay. 'In the meantime we were training as soldiers and guarding the place by night. The Indians were very bad. I saw Chief Walker here. 'In 1855 I went to Provo to Conference and heard Parley P. Pratt preach on marriage. 'Brother McCarthe ['Father MacArthur' per Hattie M.] brought me a Desert (sic) News telling of the arrival of the Milton Anderson Company. [Ibush note: It may have been the Milo Andrus Co. since no company is listed as Milton Anderson Co. on website: www.familysearch.org] 'In this were the names of those who had just arrived in Salt Lake. My father and mother were there, also brother George, and nephew James Pemlow (sic) and Susannah Wishaw. I road (sic) a wild horse to the City to see them. ['Their names are James Meyrick, Elizabeth Mumford Meyrick, George Meyrick, James Wishaw, Pemlow Wishaw, and Susannah Wishaw.' per Hattie M.] 'Father was sick and had been most of the way. Pemlow had mountain fever. ['Pemlow has been very sick with the mountain fever. Most of the hair has come out of her head.' per Hattie M.] 'It was hard times then for both man and beast, the grasshoppers having destroyed most of the grain. I had 17 bushels of wheat, a house and lot in Battle Creek. ['gave it to my folks also and started for San Bernadino, California, in 1856, with Tom Robens and family. James MacArthur and family, Philip June, and 50 head of cattle.' per Hattie M.] They lived in Battle Creek until 1859 then moved to Mt. Pleasant. 'Just at this time a group of people came thru on their way to California. I got a job driving 50 head of their cattle. I walked all the way herding both night and day, but we got there alright. 'I found California to be a good country for most everything. At Los Angeles I saw a Spanish bull fight but I didn't care for that kind of sport. On New Year's Day I went to the St. Gaberal (sic) ['St. Gabriel' per Hattie M.] races. I bet $7 against a mare and won then sold the mare for $20. I went and heard Sparks and Benson spout about the Mormons. They tried to excite the people against them, but they did not. ['This was about the time of the Mountain Meadow Massacre.' per Hattie M.] I stayed until I was called home. I bought a horse, saddle, and pistol and came back with some of the people I went with. ['but poor Philip June. He stayed. We got back all right, and very glad I was to find my folks all well. 1858.' per Hattie H.] 'Arriving home I was glad to find my folks well, but poor Samuel Merderth (sic) ['Meredith' per Hattie M.] was dead. He had told his mother to give me his dog. She did and I kept him until he died which was several years. 'The United States soldiers were after us now and we were ready for them, not to fight, but to teach the gospel to them if they would hear it. They had lots of gold and silver, clothing, horses, oxen, mules and wagons. This was fulfilling the words of the prophets that they should come to beautify the place of the Lord.' ['George Meyrick and I bought a white ox from one of the teamsters that was given out. This is the first they ever owned. I went to work.' per Hattie M.] 'In 1859 I and my brother George went to Sanpete County. First to Moroni thru to Hamelton (sic) ['Hampton' per Hattie M.] now called Mt. Pleasant, where we worked on the wall 23 days, we thought Sanpete was a grand place. George took up some land and we had to join teams to plow the ground was so hard. ['George Coates and I had to join teams to plow the ground it was so hard. 'One day one of George's oxen was found dead. Soon after the black one was missing. We found it dead, but we tugged along with one team and got in some wheat, and made a ditch to water it. This ditch runs through the lot I own at 1st West and 4th North Mt. P. We worked canyon roads until we each got a lot inside the walls. We took up four lots in the city site. ['Father Ivie is the President. Tom Ivie is a mad patient. He hurt Father Andrew on the head with a large stick and broke his skull. He died in the night. Neilson Tidwell and myself took Tom into custody, then we guarded him all night. W. S. Seely took him to Ephraim and delivered him up to the Justice of the Peace. Sad time of mourning.' per Hattie M.] 'We raised a good crop of wheat and moved father and mother and all to Sanpete. ['In 1860 we moved our parents from Pleasant Grove to San Pete.' per Hattie M.] We built a house, but we didn't know much about building, the chimney fell down twice in a single day, but we put it up until it would stand. This house still stands in Mt. Pleasant only there was an addition of two more rooms some years later. I gave up my land to the authorities four times. 'I was now called to go back to meet the companies of emergants (sic). In 1861 I went back to the Missouri River to meet John Murdock's company. On this trip I was gone 7 months and only lost 4 nights without food. I saved a boy from drowning in the Platt river. His name was Christensen ['Christian' per Hattie M.] and his mother wanted to give him to me because I saved his life. 'When I met them some of the younger ones were walking. One girl especially attracted my attention because she was so pretty. I let her ride with me every time I could. This was our courtship. We were married as soon as we reached the valleys, on her 18th birthday October 28, 1861 by Bishop Harrington ['Cretington' per Hattie M.] at the house of her father at American Fork. 'My wife Jamima Hutchensen (sic) [usually spelled 'Hutchison' by family members] was born October 28, 1843 at Mt. Pleasant, Fifshire Scotland. Her father was David Hutchensen, her mother Janette Corkston (sic) [usually spelled 'Crookston'] both born in Scotland. They were hardworking people. Jamima worked in the linen mills when she was very small. Here she got her first two fingers on her right hand cut off at the second joint. Her parents were among the first to receive the Gospel so she was born in the faith. She was baptized by her father when she was 8 years old. She was twelve years younger than myself, but we were happy. 'In November 1861 we were notified we could get our endowments if we cared to. We were very happy for the privilege so on Nov. 24 we went to Salt Lake and were sealed together for time and all eternity, by one who had the power, W. W. Woodruff. Brigham Young was present. 'In 1862 I went to Carson to help the saints as the Indians were very bad burning houses and killing people. I was caught and held 4 days by them. Our first child Jeanette was born in Aug. of this year. We had 15 children, 7 girls and 8 boys. During this time we had to work very hard. My wife was strong. She worked when her baby was only a few days old doing her washings and other hard work. 'The Indians were bad all of this time. In 1871 I had 2 mares and colts stolen by them. In this same year my dear father died. He had always been on hand to protect the Saints and he did a great deal of watching by night and guarding stock by day and doing whatever he could to benefit the community at large. He was 73 years old. He left all of his property in Pleasant Grove to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ['He signed off his property to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the year 1857 at Pleasant Grove, Utah County.' per Hattie M.] 'I worked in the order part of the time doing street work and herding cattle. 'I was the first man from Mt. Pleasant to work on the Manti Temple. I commenced work Jan 8, 1878. Warren Snow was boss. Wm. Hinkley was there. I and my son J.D. hauled the first rock with my team. ['James D. Meyrick and George Meyrick hauled the first rocks for the building of the Manti Temple, I believe, with my team.' per Hattie M.] We hauled lumber for the temple in June 1881. I donated money many times. 'In 1884 I was ordained a Seventy of the 66 Quorum. 'In November 1887 I was called by Bishop Seeley and the temple committee to take lead and preside over the boarding house in Manti. The temple was dedicated May 22, 1888. I, my wife and daughter Jeanette and granchild attended. Brother Snow opened meeting by singing, prayer by F. Richards. Brother Snow then asked us all to stand on our feet and give an angelic shout to God and the lamb so they could hear us in the Eternal worlds. So we shouted three times "Hosanna Hosannah to God and the Lamb forever and ever amen and amen and amen." And it seemed to me the spirits came and joined us in rejoycing (sic). 'On May 25th three days later I took five of my children thru the temple, Elizabeth Jane, Mary, Christina, Hyrum and Joseph the youngest I had by the hand all the way. In one of the rooms it seemed all of my dead friends were around me. The joy I felt I cannot tell, with my little boy often looking up at me. I would like to know what he felt at that time.' Added Note by Jamima Johannsen Jensen: 'John Meyrick died April 22, 1899, at Mt. Pleasant, Utah. His wife Jamima Hutchensen Meyrick lived a widow 23 years. I remember her to be a very good woman. She always paid her tithing and prayed night and morning. She was an ideal grandmother. I lived with her a lot in the summer. She never complained of anything. Every morning she would go to the door or window and say, 'Another beautiful day, we must be thankful for it.' She died Sept. 21, 1922, at Mt. Pleasant, Utah. 'ADDED IN THE HISTORY BY HATTIE MERRICK: 'What I Saw' by John Meyrick: 'On the evening of the 14th of October 1887 about 5 o'clock, as I was coming from feeding the pigs, a dreadful bright star in the house. I stood and looked at it some time. Then I went toward it, but before I got close to it, it passed away to the East. My son, George and daughter Christina were in the room at the same time the star was shining. I asked them if they had seem a light in the room. They said no.' (This also included in life sketch sent me by Dee Sparks, another grt grnd dau.) 'John Meyrick lost his reason and was sent to the State Insane Asylum at Provo, Utah, October 1892 (age 72). A cancerous growth developed on his lower lip which finally caused his death, April 21, 1899. His body was brought to Mt. Pleasant for interment where he was laid to rest beside his children who had gone before, on the afternoon of April 24, 1899. 'The funeral services were held in the L.D.S. meeting house, the speakers being Elder Cliff, Bishop Lund, and Bishop Candland of Chester. 'He is where the wicked cease from troubling; and the weary are laid to rest. May he rest in peace.' ---Hattie Henry Merrick 'JOHN MEYRICK - A Young Convert of Courage - 1831 -- 1899' by Dee Sparks, (copy in possession of Ione Merrick Bush) She basically summarized his life by using his diary, but in third person: 'he. . .' Ione preferred to use his diary in his own words as in above with additional info by Hattie Merrick she got from him. But Dee added the story of the bright light he saw as Hattie Merrick also recorded. Dee's sketch included the following that she indicates was also in his journal that I don't have. I felt it is important to add to show his great faith and belief in the truthfulness of the Gospel: 'MORMONISM -- It contains More Truth, More Light, More Intelligence, More Wisdom, More Knowledge, More Unity, More Power, More Energy, More Courage, More Love, More Liberty, More Virtue, More Happiness, More Godliness, More revelation, More Scripture, More Common Sense than all the world because it comprehends all truth that ever was, is or ever will be.' Dee Sparks ends his story with this paragraph: 'John Meyrick died eventually from an injury received when a rock fell on him while he was digging a well. Next to the entry of his death in the Mt. Pleasant War Records is recorded (insane). It may also be that he spent his last years at the State Mental Hospital in Provo. He died April 22, 1899 and was buried in Mt. Pleasant, Utah.' WRITINGS FROM LEDGER BOOK OF JOHN MEYRICK OF MT. PLEASANT, UTAH: (Copied 28 Aug 2004 by Ione Merrick Bush from Xerox copies of John's ledger book that I received from JoEll Meyrick Swensen in July 1978) [I used same spelling & punctuation he used. Some I indicate with (sic). Some not.] 'Pg. 3 'Jennett (sic) Myrick, (sic) married April the First 1880 to W. S. Seely, son of W. S. Seely, sener (sic). Married by Bishop W. S. Seely at Mount Pleasant City Sanpet (sic) County, Utah. 'W. S. Seely Juner (sic) was born in . . .[can't read] night at 8 oclock (sic) January the 14st (sic) 1881. 'Blessed the same night by John Meyrick, W S Seely and Bishop Seely, Mountpleasent (sic) city Sanpet (sic) Co. Uath (sic). '[Handwriting change - written by someone else.] 'Jammia (sic) Seely born Nov. 18 1889 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'Justin Lehi Seely born June 9 1884 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co. Utah. 'John Thomas born Oct 13 1886 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'Gabrila (sic) Seely born Dec 6 1888 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'Ercell Seely born July 24 1893 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'George Ernest Seely born July 21 1896 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co. Utah 'Jemie [or Jennie] Constance Seely Born Dec 2 19...[01 ?-- can't read] 'Elizbeth (sic) Constance Seely Born Dec 2 1901 [Twins?] 'Pg. 4 -- (John's writing) 'Deaths. John and Jemmia Meyrick children and father and mother and brother: 'Daughter Anna Meyrick died December 22, 1886 at Mt Pleasant Sanpet (sic) Co Utah 'Daughter Jimmia (sic) Meyrick died June 1, 1870 Mt Pleasant Sanpet (sic) Co Utah 'Son Cyrus Amon (sic) [should be Ammon] Meyrick died March 4, 1882 [or 1880?] 'Father James Meyrick died May 11, 1871 at Mt Pleasant Sanpet (sic) Co Utah. 'Mother Elizbeth (sic) Meyrick died January 10, 1883 at Mt Pleasant Sanpet (sic) Co Utah. 'Brother George Meyrick Died November 20, 1886 at Mt Pleasant Sanpet (sic) Co Utah. 'Daughter Eliza Meyrick died May 15 1887 'Son Brigham Meyrick died Sep 3, 1887 Blessed by John Meyrick and W S Seely Sep 3, 1887 [change of handwriting - rest of this page 'Christena Meyrick died Januery (sic) 1892 'Donel (sic) Meyrick Died 16 1892 febry (sic) 'Father John Merrick (sic) died April 22 1899 'Son Doneld (sic) Merrick (sic) died Febery (sic) 16, 1892 'Daughter Christena Merrick (sic) died Januery (sic) 22 1892 'Son John Thomas Meyrick (sic) died June 9 1909. [another change of handwriting - this page - maybe Jenette M Seeley] 'Pg. 17 'Deaths of W.S. Seeley Family 'Daughter Ercelle Seeley died December 12, 1893 at Mt Pleasant Utah. Daughter of W.S. and Jennette Seely. 'Father William S. Seeley died at Mt Pleasant Utah Oct 7, 1923 'Son Justice Lehi Seely died at Mt Pleasant Utah March 17, 1902 'Son George Ernest Seely died at Mt Pleasant Utah 'Daughter In Law Ada Lee Seeley died at Mt. Pleasant May [April written above May.] 30 1926 'Pg. 18 [John Meyrick's handwriting - this page] 'Married John Meyrick vs Jemmia Hutchisen 'When married October 28 in 186...[1, I believe.] 'By Bishop Erentington (sic) Amercanfork (sic) Utah County Utah. 'And sealed to gether according to the order of Celestial Law of Marriage for Time and Ertenety (sic) by W. W. Woodruff In November 24 in 1861 at Salt Lake City Salt County Utah. 'Brigham Young and others presant (sic). /s/ John Meyrick 'John Meyrick was Baptized on the 13 of September 1849 By Edward Jones, Ludlow Shropshire england (sic) 'Jammia (sic) Hutchison Meyrick was Baptized By Her Father David Hutchison when 8 years old. Scotland. [Change of handwriting at bottom of page] 'June (sic) 'Elizbeth (sic) Jane Meyrick was blessed by father. Daniel Page. Mt Pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 'Brigham Meyrick was blessed by his father ... W. W. Seely Junor (sic) Mount Pleasant Sanpet (sic) Co. Utah. [John's handwriting again - this page] 'Pg 19 'When Blessed and By Whom 'Mary Meyrick Blessed April 3. 1889 By Elders Christon (sic) Lun (sic), Mads (sic) Andersen, P. M Peel and Hans Polson, Mountpleasant Sanpet (sic) county Utah 'Cyrus Amon (sic) [should be Ammon] Meyrick blessed March 31 1879 by James M Worker [or Workes] and John Meyrick Mountpleasant Sanpet (sic) County. Utah. 'Eliza Meyrick blessed by James M. Worker [or Workes] January 20 1887 Mountpleasant Sanpet Co. Utah 'Hyrum Meyrick Blessed June 2, 1881 By Edward Clift Mountpleasant Sanpet Co. Utah. 'Jimmia (sic) Meyrick Blessed by Edward Clift and John Meyrick June 1, 1870 Mtpleasant Sanpet County Utah. 'Elizbeth (sic) Jane Meyrick Blessed August 2, 1877 Daniel Page MtPleasant Sanpet Co Utah 'Christena Meyrick Blessed By William Presnish (sic) and John Meyrick Moroni [?] Sanpet Co Utah 'Joseph Meyrick Blessed March 1, 1883 By Bishop Peter Madsen Mtpleasant Sanpet Co. Utah 'W.S. Seely Junior Blessed January 14, 1881 By Bishop W. S. Seely and John Meyrick Mt Pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 'Eliza Meyrick Blest (sic) by James M. Workes [?] and John Meyrick Januery (sic) 20, 1887 Mount Pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 'Pg 20 'When Blessed 'John Meyrick and W. S. Seely Blessed Brigham Meyrick September 3. 1887 Mount Pleasant. Arona (sic) Harday, Richard Jenkins [?] 'David Hutchison and John Meyrick Blessed Donel [should be Donald] Meyrick the 12 of July 1891 Mt. Pleasant Sanpet Co. Utah 'pg 21 'When Baptized and Whom 1 Jennett (sic) Meyrick Baptized June 3, 1873 by John Tidwell Senor (sic) Confirmed by William Ranrants (sic) Mt. Pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 2 Jemes (sic) Daived (sic) Meyrick Baptized July 2, 1876 By C C Reow (sic) Confirmed By Elder Peterson and Elder Jensen Mtpleasant Sanpet Co Utah 3 John Thomas Meyrick Baptized July 16 1877 By C C Reow (sic) Confirmed By Mads (sic) Anderson (sic) and Neils Jonhansen (sic) Mt pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 4 Anna Meyrick Baptized by C C Reow (sic) [July ? - hard to read] the 16 Confirmed Jacob Christen and Ebe Jensen 1877 Mount pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 5 George Fredrick Louis Meyrick Baptized September 19 By Christon (sic) Madsen [?? I Bush] Confirmed By William Ranruals (sic) Same Day 1880 Mt pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 6 Elizbeth (sic) Jane Meyrick Baptized July 7 1883 By Christian Lun (sic) Confirmed By Edward Clift Mtpleasant Sanpet Co Utah 7 Mary Meyrick Baptized July 6, 1884 by Christian Anderson Mtpleasant Sanpete Utah 8 Christena Meyrick Baptized April the 29, 1888 by Jacob ... [can't read] Confirmed by Thomas ... [can't read] Same day. Mt. Pleasant Sanpet Co Utah' 'pg 28 'John Meyrick was born on the 17 of May 1831 Talgath (sic) Brecktonshire (sic) Wales and was Baptized on the 13 of Sepember (sic) 1849 by Edward Jones, Ludlow Shropshire England. Ordained a deacon. 'Emergreated (sic) to America Febery (sic) 23st (sic) 1853 [hard to read]. Saled (sic) on bord (sic) the Internaett (sic) Laned (sic) New Orlines (sic) in May1853. 'Daived (sic) Brown Capten (sic) of the ship. Crossed the plains in C. H. We... [can't read. Should be Wheelock] Company. Arived (sic) in Salt Lake City October the 6st (sic) 1853 Moved to Plesant (sic) Grove. 1852 [ ? hard to read] My father and mother, brother George and Pemlow Wisham , Sushannah (sic) Wisham, James Wisham came in to the valley 1855 in Milton Anderson Company. Myself and brother George went to Sanpet (sic) to find a place to sell so we could get some land. Found a good place nowr called Mountpleasent (sic) City 1859. 'In 1860 we moved our parents from Pleasantgrove to Sanpet (sic). '1861 went back to the Missouri river a night gard (sic) in John Murdock Company. Gon (sic) 3 [??can't read] mounths only lost and missed 4 nights in the time. Saved a boy from being drowned in the Plat (sic) by the name of Christian. His mother said she give him to me becase (sic) I had saved is (sic) life. On this trip I got my wife but was not married untill (sic) we came home. Then we was married at her father and mother (sic) in Ameri [can]fork by Bishop Cretington (sic) October the 28 1861.' 'pg 32 'Family Record of Birth 'Eliza Meyrick born Wenday (sic) Ten minets (sic) past 12 oclock (sic) 'Eliza Meyrick born Januery (sic) 27, 1885 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 'Joseph Meyrick Born Wenday (sic) night Ten minets (sic) 12 oclock (sic) Januery (sic) the 10, 1883 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpet co Utah 'Brigham Meyrick born September 2, 1887 at Mt. Pleasant, Sanpet Co. Utah.' Pg 35 'John and Jammia (sic) Merrick's (sic) Family. [Don't believe this is John's handwriting] 'John Merrick (sic) was born on the 17 of May 1831 Sunday afternoon 3 o'clock. Talgat (sic) Brechonshire (sic) Wales 'Jammia (sic) Hutchison was born October the 28th [I believe. Can't read] 1843 at Mountpleasant (sic) Fiefshire (sic) Scotland 1 Jennetta (sic) Merrick (sic) was born Aug. 4 on Monday morning at 1 o'clock 1862 at Mt. Plesant ... 2 James David Merrick (sic) was born Nov 10th Tuesday at half ... 2 o'clock 1864 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co. Utah 3 John Thomas Merrick (sic) was born Sep 11th at 3 o'clock 1866 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 4 Annie (sic) Merrick (sic) was born Sep 30th at sunrise 1868 at Mt Pleasant, Utah 5 Jammia (sic) Merrick (sic) born June 1st 1870 at Mount Pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 6 George Fredrick Louis Merrick (sic) was born Oct 31th (sic) Tuesday at 20 min to 6 o'clock in the evening 1871 at Mt Pleasant Utah. Married Hattie Henry June 8 1897 7 Elizbeth (sic) Jane Merrick (sic) was born Feb 14 Sunday 10 min. to one in the morning 1873 at Mount Pleasant Utah 8 Mary Merrick (sic) was born Dec 14th 1875 at Mt Pleasant Utah 9 Christena Merrick (sic) was born Aug 13 Monday morning at 5 o'clock 1877 at Mt. Pleasant Utah. 10 Cyrus Ammon Merrick (sic) born March ... [can't read. Should be 21st] Friday morning at 2 o'clock 1879 at Mt. Pleasant Utah. 11 Hyrum Merrick (sic) was born April 24 ... [can't read] day night 10 o'clock 1881 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 12 Joseph Merrick (sic) was born Jan 10 ... [can't read] day night 10 min past 12 o'clock 1883 at Mt Pleasant Utah 13 Eliza R. Merrick (sic) was born Jan 27 1885 at Mt. Pleasant Utah. 15 (sic) Donald Merrick (sic) was born May 11th Tuesday morning 25 min past 1 o'clock 1885 at Mt Pleasant Utah 14 (sic) Brigham Merrick (sic) was born Sep 2, 1887 at Mt Pleasant Utah.' [Don't believe this is John's handwriting, either] 'Pg 39 'Jammia (sic) Seely was married to W. E. Bemus Nov 13, 1897 at Moroni Utah Baby born Sept 27 1898 died same day.' 'Pg 41 [John's handwriting, I believe] 1) John Meyrick born the 17 of May 1831 Tuesday afternoon 3 o'clock at Talgat (sic) Brechonshire North Wales 2) Jamima Meyrick born the 28 of October 1843 at Mountpleasant Fiefshire (sic) Scotland' [Not John's handwriting] 'Pg 45 '... [can't read - probably Niels] Johansen was married to Mary Meyrick Apr 19 1899 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah Pres. C. N. Lund officiating. 'Niels Johansen Born Dec 22 1878 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'Mary Meyrick Johansen born Dec 14 1875 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co. Utah 'Daughter Carmen Olena Johansen born Apr 6 1900 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 'Daughter Ruby Indy Johansen born Nov 8 1901 at Mt Pleasant Utah Sanpete Co 'Daughter Crystal Beatrice Johansen born Apr 13 1904 at Mt Pleasant Utah Sanpete Co. 'Daughter Elinora Blanch Johansen born Oct 8 1905 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 'Daughter Jamima Irene Johansen born June 4 1907 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 'Daughter Rhoda Christena Johansen born Mar 28 1909 at Mt Pleasant Utah (Sanpete Co.) 'Daughter Mary June Johansen born June 5 1916 at Moroni Utah Sanpete Co.' [Not John's handwriting] 'Pg 47 'Deaths John and Jammia (sic) Meyrick's Childrean (sic) 'Daughter Anna Meyrick died December 22st (sic) 1886 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 'Daughter Jammia (sic) Meyrick died June 1st 1870 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 'Son Cyrus [hard to read] Amon (sic) [should be Cyrus Ammon] died March 4th 1880. At Mt. Pleasnt (sic) Sanpete Co Utah. 'Daughter ...[can't read - should be Eliza] Meyrick died January 10, [above Jan 10 is written May 15] 1887. at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 'Son Brigham Meyrick died September 3rd 1887 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 'Daughter Christena Meyrick died January 22nd 1892 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'Son Donald Meyrick died Febuary (sic) 16 1892. At Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'Son John Thomas Meyrick died June 9 1909 [change of handwriting] 'Father John Meyrick died Apr 21st 1899 'Mother Jamima Hutchinsen Meyrick died Sept 21, 1922 Mt Pleasant Utah' [Not John's handwriting] 'Pg 53 'Hyrum Meyrick married Dora Matilda King Mar 3d 1908 at Manti Utah Dau. Crystal Madora Meyrick born Dec 31 1908 at Mt Pleasant Utah. Son Verl Hyrum Meyrick born Nov 18 1910 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. Son John Frank Meyrick born Feb 26 1913 at Mt Pleasnt Utah. Son Ronald Dean Meyrick born Apr 24 1914 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co. Utah Daughter Neva Luciel Meyrick born at April 3 1918 Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah Son John Frank died at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah Son Ronald Dean died at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Ut. Daughter Paula JoEll Meyrick born at Mt. Plesant. Sanpete Co. Utah June 22 1933 [change of handriting] 'Hyrum Meyrick died November 29, 1951 at Springville, Utah County, Utah. Buried at Mount Pleasant. Snpt. Ut.' 'pg 54 'Chrystal Madora Meyrick married James Shirley Poulson Jan 2 [hard to read] 1926 at Manti Court House 'James Shirley Poulson was born at Mt. Plesant, Utah 1903 [??] 'Dau Frances Shirline Poulson was born May 28, 1929 at Mt Pleasant Utah 'Son James Douglas Poulson was born June 14, 1936 at Springville, Utah.' 'Pg 55 'Joseph Meyrick married Zella Beatrice Allred Oct. 19 1910 at Manti, Sanpete Co., Utah 'Dau Marjorie Beatrice Meyrick born July 27 1911 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. Jos. [hard to read] Vernon Meyrick born Feb [??] 21st 1915 at Mt. Pleasnt (sic) Sanpete County Utah. 'Dau. Beth Meyrick born Aug 23rd 1916 Farnum Idaho 'Dau. Loa May Meyrick born Dec 22nd 1917 at Farnum Idaho Zella Meyrick died Jan 23rd 1930 at Rexberg(sic) Idaho Joseph Meyrick died Dec 22nd 1956 at Burley Idaho.' 'Pg 57 'Elizbet (sic) Jane Meyrick married to Frank C. Christensen Sep 4 1901 at Manti Utah 'Dau. Jamima Christena Christensen born Apr 4 1903 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'Dau. Anna Lara Christensen born Oct 27, 1904 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co. Utah 'Father Frank C. Christensen born May 1, 1875 at Mt Pleasant Utah died Nov 5 at ... [Salt] Lake City Ut, 1935' [This pg very faint writing & very hard to read] 'Pg 61 'Religion '... [James ?] David Meyrick -- Presbyterian '... [?] Nov ...[?] 1864. [James David's birthdate, I think. I Bush] Mt. Pleasant, Utah '... [?] March [I think] ... 1941 -- Mt. Pleasant, Utah [His death date, I think. I Bush] '... [Annie] Jensen Meyrick -- Presbyterian [wife ? of J D] '... March 19, 1871 at Mt. Pleasant, Utah. [her birthdate?] '... May 7, 1948 at Mt. Pleasant, Utah [her death date?] 'daughter ... ... Meyrick Apr. 30 1894 [who?] 'daughter ... ... ... [who? ] Mar 21, 1897 'Dau. ...nnie Adele Meyrick Aug 27 1898 [who?] 'Dau. Lola Jean Meyrick July 14 1902 'son James David Meyrick Jr. June 17 1909 Died in Salt Lake City, Utah June 1956 'Marriages 'Drusella married Charles A. Poulson '...enita married ...ancis Michael ...a...eties Dec. 5, 1921 Presbyterian marriage service by Reverend Boand (sic) 'Jean Married ... W. Gibbs Presbyterian marriage service by Reverend Boand (sic) 'James Jr. married Bernadean Hardy.' ----End of John Meyrick's Ledger [Some parts were difficult to read from the Xerox copies I made. /s/Ione Merrick Bush]

 





 

Also see:  https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=823365018368490611#editor/target=post;postID=3978426052600115609;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=2;src=postname

Thursday, July 30, 2026

SOMEBODY'S BIRTHDAY

 


SANPITCH SWIFT HEADED FOR SALT LAKE CITY 



 When someone asks me if I was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant, I have to tell them NO!

But I wish I had been born in wonderful Mt. Pleasant.  It was the Doctor's orders.

My mother had to take the Sanpitch Swift to Salt Lake City to have me because she had RH-negative blood.  

I was born at the old Saint Mark's Hospital at 7:07, weighing in at 7 lbs. 7ounces, and on the 7th month of 1947. 

Some Rigby Baby in 1947
My Birthday Party 1952
I'm not sure my memory of all is very good, but here we'll try:
Back Row l to r: Unknown, Tammy Frandsen (hiding behind), Darlene Frandsen, Dennis Cloward, Doyce Coates, unknown, Kathleen Burnside, Me,  Virginia Allred, Gary Larsen
Second Row  l to r: Dorothy Frandsen, unknown, unknown, Tommy Larsen, Donny Larsen
Front and Center:  unknown
Possible unknowns:  Ted Burnside, Scott Frandsen, Gary Brown, Wally Frandsen



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following photos are where I grew up.
My parents were able to purchase this home from Charley Rambo early in their married life.
My father was able to fix it.  He studied
carpentry at Utah State Agricultural College.

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

OLD PHOTOS FROM ALICE HAFEN COLLECTION

Margorie Nielsen

 
Dancing on a cistern cover.
Virginia ?? in front. 

Family Reunion
No names given.

Back: Grandma Ericksen, Gladys Ericksen  Seely, 
Middle: Kent Seely
Front: Barbara Peel and Grandma Ericksen??

Alice Peel, Florence Nielsen, Lois Peel, Margaret Peel

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

LEE R. CHRISTENSEN COLLECTION OF HAMILTON NORTH SANPETE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

 





North Sanpete Junior High 1936-37






FACULTY - 1936-37


Front Row L to R: Verl Johanson (Principal), unk, Merlin Christensen


Second Row L to R: Marsden Allred, unk, unk, Pauline Peterson, Reese Anderson, Max Blaine.





Hamilton Elementary 1941





HAMILTON GRADE SCHOOL BAND 1933-34: Marsden Allred, teacher

Front Row L to R: Gordon Brunger, Edwin Seeley, Unk, Unk, Croft Larsen, Perry Peel, Unk Frank Neilson, Unk, Unk.

Second Row L to R: Robert Fowles, Don Johansen, Kenneth Jones, Keith Anderson, Buddy Christensen, Phil Squires, Boyd Seely, Unk, Wayne Peterson, Marsden Allred.

Third Row L to R: Unk, Micky Nelson, Unk, Beth Lund, Unk, Unk, Unk, Rex Christensen, Shrol Erickson, Wayne Burnside.






HAMILTON ELEMENTARY FIFTH GRADE Year ???






Saturday, July 25, 2026

PETER AZEL PEEL FAMILY

 









Peter Azel Peel was born September 12, 1881 west of Mt. Pleasant, Utah in the bottoms--- as it was called.  He was the son of Christian Fredrick Peel and Mary Miranda Seely.  He attended elementary school that was also located in the bottoms.


Azel had three brothers and two sisters. They were Justus Wellington, Theressa, Orange Frederick, John Henry Lemuel and Jennie Eunice.  When Justus Wellington and Theressa were small children, they became ill with diptheria, and within a week's time of each other, both lost their lives.  They had nothing to give them to check the disease at the time.

In 1894, when Azel was twelve, his father died of rheumatic heart condition.  This was very hard on the family.  Being the oldest son, he took over many responsibilities for a boy of his age.  His mother and all worked very hard to sustain a living on one farm.  Later they  moved to Mary Miranda's mother's home on 5th West and Main Street.

  P.A. Peel is the second from the left on the back row.  
Missionaries to Southern States Mission

Peter Azel attended Snow College for a short time, and then he was called on a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints --- to the Southern States.  He left for the mission on November 5, 1902.  After serving an honorable mission, he returned home in March of 1905.

Peel Homestead 


On March 18, 1908, he married Mary Margaret Ericksen in the Manti Temple.  They moved down to the farm and were very happy down there, but Mary Margaret's grandmother Morrison was very ill and she was needed to help take care of her.  So they moved to town before their first daughter, Margaret, was born, February 15, 1909.  They had three other girls.  Alice, Lois and Barbara.



In 1916 they bought 10 acres west of Mt. Pleasant, and they moved down there.  There was only a one-room frame building on the lot.  It was used for their bedroom, kitchen and living room  Mary Margaret's father was wanting to build a bigger barn; the one he had was too small, so he gave it to Azel if he could move it.  He moved it by team to their ten acres, putting it nest to the one room.  He built a platform that served between both barn and kitchen.  Azel put planks on half of the barn for a floor, and Mary Margaret covered it with home-made carpet, and that made their bedroom.  The barn was 30 ft by 20 ft.  It was very cold sleeping in the winter, but they all managed to get along.


In the spring and summer of 1923 Peter Azel and a neighbor , Charlie Peterson, Alice and Lois made twenty thousand adobes.  Then Azel dug a basement and made a foundation.  That fall he moved the barn onto the foundation.  He sold ten thousand of the adobes and made enough money for a mason to line the house with the remaining ten thousand adobes.  By winter they were in their new home, and what a happy day it was.


Pete Azel trained oxen to pull a wagon, and he would drive them in the 24th of July parade.  He tanned many different kinds of hides; he used the leather to repair harnesses, braid whip, and make many useful articles.


He purchased his first sheep dog directly from Scotland. He named Scottie.  He proved to be as useful as an extra farmhand.


Azel was also a butcher for Ericksen Meat and Grocery for many years; he also did butchering for many townspeople.  He raised bees; he kept about 20 hives.  He extracted the honey and sold it to help out with their meager living.


He was an assessor for Mt. Pleasant for many years.  He was ward clerk for four different bishops in the Mt. Pleasant North Ward.  He was bookkeeper for Farmer's Equity, the building where he worked was just west of the old D&RG Depot.  He kept beautiful books, he was a very good penman.




Peter Azel loved his fellow men.  He was never too busy to stop his work and help someone who needed something done.  H was always happy; he always looked on the bright side of life.  His nieces and nephews said he was a peacemaker.  He made the remark one time that he had heaven here on earth.  He loved to hunt and fish whenever he had any spare time. 




On February 14, 1954, at age 73, he died of a heart condition.  How we all loved him and revere his name.  (by Alice Hafen, a daughter)





Peel, Missionary book 1Missionary Log Book  
If this book is lost, holder will please mail to Elder P.A. Peel, Mt Pleasant, Sanpete Co., Utah   For it is of value..




Friday, July 24, 2026

UTAH'S TWENTY FOIURTH OF JULY

 

 



The parade has been called the "Days of 47" only since 1947. It was originally "Pioneer Days," until 1931 when it became "Covered Wagon Days." But whatever the name, this parade celebrates Utah's unique history.
After traveling thousands of miles across the plains in wagons or pulling handcarts, the last thing the pioneers wanted was a parade. And they didn't celebrate the first anniversary of their arrival; they were too busy fighting crickets and trying to fend off starvation.

But on July 24th, 1849, Salt Lake residents were awakened by a blast of cannon fire and a brass band marking past their homes. It was the first parade marking the arrival of the pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley.
The early residents continued to celebrate the date, and by 1897 -- the 50th anniversary -- the pioneer processional, as it was called, had become a good-sized parade.
LDS Church wards and stakes, businesses and community groups have always sponsored floats in the parade. The military has always been well represented, and of course, it always includes horses, bands, children and queens.
From the beginning, the pioneers who arrived in the valley before 1869 were honored with dinner each July 24th. The last living pioneer died in 1967. Her name was Hilda Ericson and she was 108 yeas old.
In 1931 they began calling the celebration covered wagon days. In 1943 the Sons and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers took over the celebration and adopted the name, Days of 47.

The Royalty of 1943 did not ride in the parade because of gas rationing, but 50 years later -- in 1993 -- they finally got to take that ride.
Since its earliest days, patriotism and the military have been prominent, and every year, the Mormon Battalion is honored. But it was 1991 when Utahns welcomed home a victorious US military from the Gulf War; they received applause and a standing ovation.

Again in 1997, Utahns were brought to their feet. It was the sesquicentennial. Those who participated in a 93 day re-enactment of the pioneer trek across the plains made their final march through the streets of Salt Lake City. That sentiment of honoring pioneers is at the heart of every Days of 47 Parade.
The Sons and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers keep the memory alive. It is a procession of symbols, handcarts, beehives, sego lilies and crickets, which speak to themes of faith and sacrifice, solidarity and thrift, trial and deliverance.
It is our history preserved, teaching generation after generation about the values of the past, and perhaps give us the strength to endure our own challenges.




Are we there yet?


Thursday, July 23, 2026

PYRAMID PHOTOS

 

When the Mt. Pleasant Pyramid Office was moved
to Springville these photos were given to us to
share at the Relic Home.  Some do not have names or descriptions.  Let us know if you can add any details