A Brief Autobiography of Showman Doyle Longsdorf ~ Husband of Hilda Madsen Longsdorf , the Author of Mt. Pleasant History

MEMORIES of Showman Doyle Longsdorf (1857 – 1935)



Showman Doyle Longsdorf

I, Showman Doyle Longsdorff, was born in Churchtown,. Pa. April 12, 1857. My parents were Augustus Emanuel Longsdorff, born July 7, 1834, died, January 21, 1898, aged 64 years; and Catherine Elizabeth Wonderly' (Wundelich) born February 18,1829, died August 13, 1907, aged 68 years. Of my father’s family I have very little record. My grandfather, Michael Longsdorff and my grandmother, Mary Hannon Longsdorff, lived in Churah­town Pa. My grandfather at one time owned a great many acres of rich farm and timber land in the eastern part of Cumberland County, Pennsyl­vania, and at one time he was sheriff of the county. I have heard my mother tell that at that time there was a law that everything, even a baby’s cradle, could be sold for debt.

My parents had ten children.
They were:



Showman Doyle Longsdorff Born April 12, 1857
Died January 9, 1935


Ella Louise Longsdorff Born December 4, 1858
Died January 29, 1931


Michael Herbert Longsdorff Born August 30,
Died 1860
Emma Jane Longsdorff Born July 19,
Died1863


Flora May Longsdorff Born November 17,
Died 1865


Berties Lerene Longsdorff Born Apri1 28, 1868
Died
George Wonderly Longsdorff Born December 3, 1870
Died March 22, 1873


Elizabeth Bell Longsdorff Born July 3, 1873
Died


William Landen Longsdorff Born July 13, 1876
Died


Alice Longsdorff Born March 12, 1879
Died April 8, 1879




As I was the first child, they undoubtedly thought me a wonder and I was named in honor of the family's minister ------ Showman , and an uncle, Doyle.

 In  May 1887.
Louise and I came to Utah early in the fall of 1887.. The first place we lived was 555 South West Temple in part of Heber C. Clyde’s place and we had a hard time getting along. I would ask for a position and they ask if I was a member of the church, and as I was not, there did not seem to be an opening for me. Finally, I presented to Mr. Cartright, at D. & R. G. a letter of introduction from his brother in Arkansas City. When I was given this letter, I thought I would not use it, but I needed work and was given a job trucking and unloading freight. I had not been used to such heavy work and it



  We moved to Seventh South, and from there to South Temple. Here we made acquaintance of one of Brigham Young’s daughters--

We moved to 200 East, Second South, and Louise, although ill, with the help of Tina Lund, of Mt. Pleasant, Utah, ran a boarding house.    
There was a watchmaker who boarded with us who did a great deal to help us. Brigham Young’s daughter was there also. A Mr. Empy who was con­nected with Clark Eldredge Co. proved a mighty good friend to me too. I had gotten acquainted with him some years before. He was taking subscriptions at that time for the Salt Lake Temple which was twelve feet high, when I came to Utah. The rock, for this foundation, had been hauled by ox team. I told him I had no job and not much money but I wanted to give $1.00, enough to say I helped build the Mormon Temple.

There was a time while I was delivering for Hines Commission Co. that I thought I knew just about everyone in Salt Lake City. 

George Haverstic, a cousin of mine and Carl Mauck were working for Hines at the time I was. I often heard them talking about Sanpete County buying calves etc. Mauck had been in the county and had been told that it was the best in the state. He and Haverstic started out with a team. They were only gone half a day when they gave up the trip and returned to Salt Lake. Mauck still wanted to go. He then talked to me and I told him if he wanted to go I would go with him, but if he stopped I would go on. He then went to Cache Co. and bought a team and we had a buggy fixed to order, suitable for buying calves, eggs, etc., and we started out, by way of Thistle. 

He was with the team and I was on my bicycle. It had been raining and the roads were holy terrors. We arrived at Mt. Pleasant in September 1897. I remember it was rainy and I waited under a shade tree by R. Whitt­aker’s until Mauck arrived with the team. I did not think then that later I would marry and live across the street. There was no snow that year until February and then we got a foot or more in one night.

We rented a house from Clinis Ericksen on West highway towards Spring City, 5th west --north, near James Monson’s.. Amasa Aldrich was the postmaster.

 Joseph Monsen was a city marshal and lived near us. One day I borrowed a whee1 barrow from him, when I returned it 1 put it, as I had been taught, where I got it. Joe said that was new to him as usually they would have to go for things loaned out.

Mauck would visit neighboring towns with the team and I on my bicycle would go towards Richfield, sometimes to Richfield in a day. I often made the trip to Mayfield and Gunnison for lunch and back home again at night.

The roads were rough and dusty. We stored eggs in the basement of Madsen's
Store building on Main and State Street and did a good business. We had been here about one and one-half years when Mauck decided that he would return to Salt Lake, as the business had not been what he had expected, so we divided up. 

 (A strange thing happened; we had brought a pint of whiskey with us, and we still had it. Carl asked what to do with it and I said, "Take it back. I don't want any of it. So back to Salt Lake, it went.)

I then, in about 1899, formed a partnership with Neil M. Madsen. About 1900 he moved to Scofield. Sometime after this A, C. Madsen and I became part­ners in the implement business, known as Madsen & Longsdorff, and did a good business until the depression started in 1931.

My own business was known as S. D.  

In 1909 when the Pioneer Monument was dedicated, my sister Bird and her husband Dr. Levi Cook of Nevada, Missouri, visited me. 

 About this time I joined the Provo. Elks Lodge, 849, my number being 209, I have been a paid member ever since.  
I had one of the first automobiles in Mt. Pleasant. I think it was the third, Dr. A Lundberg having the first, F. C. Jensen purchased a Cadillac, and I a Case, which I named "Betsy".   Many people had their first automobile ride in it, and enjoyed them, although the roads were rough, rutty, and rocky. I still have it. In 1927, I purchased a Buick and called it "Lindy" in honor of Lindberg's flight overseas. 

Hilda Madsen and I were married on October 7, 1919.
 
I had received my father's violin and I had much enjoyment playing it, both in Salt Lake City and Mt. Pleasant. I later purchased a better one and Dr. E. G. Mills. Irwin Stansfield and I often played at private dances, as well as Missionary parties at Mountainville, and with. 

A cracker Jack baseball team was organized, with some professional players imported. They played for several years. I acted as manager and we had a great deal of sport out of it.



Mt. Pleasant Baseball Team 1903
Back Row L to R: Carlos Gundrson, J.W. Boyden, Showman Longsdorf,
L.P. Nelson, ........ Hall (import), Jens Gunderson,
Front Row, L to R; ...........Thomas, Andrew Peterson, ..........Hopkins,
William Hansen, J.W. Cherry.

In 1924 I was elected a member of the North Sanpete School District. At that time Louis A. Peterson was Supt. of North Sanpete Schools. He moved to Logan not so long after and A. E. Jones was made Supt. Members of the board at that time were John R. Graham, Fairview, President, C. A. Larsen, Spring City; Daniel Rasmussen, Moroni, and Fred Smith, Fountain Green, with John S. Blain, Spring City as clerk and Louis L. Nielsen, Ft. Green as tytreasurer. I was very anxious to get certainly needed improvements taken care of and with the splendid cooperation of the board members, Supt. Petersen, Supt. Jones, the faculty, and citizens, I feel that great work was accomplished. At the
Hamilton School a lot of half-dead trees were removed and ones planted, grounds were beautified, and shrubs were planted.


At N. S. H. S. several trees were removed and a lot of new ones were planted as well as shrubs, roses, and more lawn. The old boot jack fence was removed. The grounds before this had been used to a large extent as a pasture. But the greatest job was making a football field on the campus, where it was said "it could not be done," as the plot on the east side of the N. S. H. School building was a rocky hill, but with splendid cooperation, it was moved. Men were set to work digging out the rocks. One party was paid $100.00 for breaking them up. There was a great deal of dynamite used and the blasts were numerous and loud. Blasting out the rocks, which seemed to multiply and grow overnight, volunteer citizens, free of charge, supervised by Wm. L. Madsen, hauled the hundreds of loads of rocks to the crusher and back again for the foundation of walks, etc. I spent most of my time there for about two years, and donated my first year’s wages of $ 300.00 and more towards the work, just how much I cannot say.

Showman and Hilda Dressed for a Play

 
Hilda and Showman never had children. 

Then came the break in my health and the first failing in my eyesight. I have often thought of our neighbor, Dick Whittaker when his eyesight failed him, I did not realize at that time what it meant not to be able to see. I had health. I enjoyed work and I enjoyed life.
I have had many severe sick spells, met the depression, lost in the banks that have closed, and had savings companies that have failed, but nothing to me compares with the loss of my eye-sight, which failed me in 1931.
Dictated November
20, 21, 22, 1934


Showman Doyle Longsdorff
Died January 9, 1935
in Mt. Pleasant, Utah.








Showman’s Case. He named her “Betsy”. This photo was taken in front

of the Longsdorf-Madsen family home on 3rd North and State Street










































North Sanpete High School













Obituary of S. D. Longsdorf









Death Certificate of Showman Doyle Longsdorf





SYNOPSIS OF THE FUNERAL SERVICES OF BROTHEIR
SHOWMAN DOYLE LONGSDORF


Held in North Ward L. D. S. Chapel--Mt. Pleasant, Utah--Sat. 12 of January 1935


Opening Song – “Cast Thy Bread Upon The Water”
Choir with. duet by Miss Eva Beck and Fred Webb.


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Opening Prayer -- J. Fred Staker


Our Father who art in Heaven, we thy children have assembled ourselves here to pay our last respect to out Dear Brother Langsdorf. We are indeed thankful for having had such a capable man in our midst. We realize, Father, that he has been a faithful servant, and we shall miss him. We pray our Lord, that at this time we may have the strength to carry on the work that has been begun. Bless those who shall miss him most that they may have strength. We do pray for the Madsen family who have been called upon to mourn so often during the last few months.. Blessed by the Name of the Lord, will thou bestow thy blessings this day upon those who are caused to mourn, that they may be strengthened. We likewise pray for those who will sing for us and take other parts at these services. Bless all those who are caused to mourn--Even so, Amen.


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Song by Quartet--"Come Unto Me" – Ina L. Jones;.Mr. George Squires,
Mrs. Alta Jensen, and Bishop A. L. Peterson.


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Remarks by Bishop John R. Graham


My dear Brothers, Sisters, and Friends:


In the parting of Showman Longsdorf, I feel, for one, that I have indeed lost a true friend. This man was an honest friend to me. When things were not going good, when sorrow, troubles and trials overtook me, this man visited my home week after week and asked if there was anything they could do for us. These are the kind of friends we need. I have had an acquaintance with this man for 35 years when he was active in public affairs, and I want to tell of this business man. He was honest and came up to the standard.
Later on I was associated. with Showman Longsdorf on the Board of Education of North Sanpete High School District for eight years. He with the other members of the board worked for the welfare of the boys and girls. He was always wondering what he could do for the advancement of the district. Not only for this district, but for boys and girls everywhere. I want to say too; in regard to the tax-payers of this district he had their interest at heart. I have enjoyed the association of this man and I know most of the 77 years of his life have been crowded with thought and labors of many usefu1 things You know that he has been active in many capacities--he has been a community man.
He and his good wife have always been for the advancement of this community. We know that without him there will be a gap in our hearts. He has lived to a good old age, yet the time of parting seems sad, so my dear Brothers and. Sisters we must look to the future. We have that hope beyond, when some time we again shall enjoy the association of this man.
We pray our Father to bless the widow, Sister Langsdorf, that she may be able to carryon as before, and also bless all the Madsen family.
In the Name of Jesus Amen


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Remarks By Bishop Byron Carter (Helper, Utah)


My Dear Brothers and Sisters:


When I left home this morning to come to your town, I came with no thought of being called upon to speak. Sister Hilda asked me to say a word here to day, so, you understand my condition. I have not prepared a talk. I want to say this, that I appreciate this honor which has been given me. I appreciate Showman and my having known him, and I might say as Robert Ingersol said after delivering a talk for his brother – “Here lies a man” --I take it that you all understand what Mr. Ingersol meant.
This man has lived a life that entitled him to something more than mere mortal life. It involves something more than just existing. It would be difficult to go through every good this. this man has done. I have tried to set for myself a guide that when I die, I go with the love and respect that this man has. It means something to us to have men such as this man in our community. This is what I have thought I would like, if I could, to be as perfect in this life as Mr. Langsdorf. I would like to learn to like the things our Father likes, as he did. I would like to develop the things he appreciates. I would like to lay stress on life. I believe if you follow that rule you will develop something that will be in itself a great thing. I sometimes think I am too tolerant. I believe that in the shaping of my life, I should learn that I can't tolerate all things.
I have noticed in Showman many things which I appreciate, the same as others have done. He had this .fine quality--He loved honesty, and there is no praise in my soul high enough for this man. He hated hypocrisy. He particularly seemed to hate men who were hypocrites in religion. He could not tolerate the men that pretended to be something that they were not. I wonder sometimes what our Father does think of hypocrisy in church; people who come to church and upon leaving break the rules of religion.
Mr. Longsdorf had a place in his heart for friendship, the more friends the better he felt. I do not think he ever lost a friend. That is a fine thing for anyone to develop. Is that extreme? No, that is the careful man May it be said of us, as of him, -- "Here lies a man"--May God bless us now at this time – Amen.
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Vacal Solo.-"Sing Me To Sleep" Clarice Olson, with
Violin obbligato by Elson Jones, and
Piano accompaniment by Aaron Jones

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Remarks by Superintendent A. E. Jones (?)

My Dear Brothers and Sisters, and friends:


I don't know who chose the songs today, but it was some one who knew Mr. Longsdorf, because they chose such beautiful appropriate songs. Everyone knows Brother Longsdorf did cast bread upon the waters, speak­ing of North Sanpete High Schoo1 in particular. Mr. Graham has stated to us that Mr. Longsdorf was elected to the schoo1 board in 1924 and held this office for eight years. So you people can see what we thought of him. When Mr. Longsdorf was elected ­he knew what a task was before him. He knew that his hours would be full. The first thing he did was to check upon all of the buildings. He checked up, fixed, and made everything comfortable for the students and teachers.
From the very day be was elected the school people knew something had happened At the tine Mr. Longsdorf was elected we were working for a foot ball campus. Mr. Longsdorf came and checked upon the situation and through out his whole office he devoted his time and energy in improv­ing our surroundings.
We were ready to quit, and many said, "It can't be done," Mr. Langsdorf saw the condition, and said" It can be done," and he did it. How did he do it? He reached down in his own pocket, and worked too.
We started work on the campus on the west side, removing earth and boulders by the ton. When we reached the east side we approached a task that seemed impossible. A wall of rock and earth about 5 ft. high faced us, but with his determination to do and with his financial aid we leveled the "well. We had fences to be taken down, and trees to be re­moved. If anything was needed in the line of implements, such as picks, bars, or anything, he went over to his store and got what was needed.
That is not all, after everything was done on the campus, he reached down in his own pocket and gave us $100.00 to break up all the rock on the campus, and then have it hauled away. Citizens cooperated with labor and helped haul the rocks away, but he used his own money.
I feel that he would have gone long before, had he not had his ambition to help the school work, and the hope to see his work completed. He did things that the rest of us thought hopeless.
Our school doesn't think of Mr. Longsdorf as Mr. Longsdorf but as "The Grand Old Man" who made possible for us the campus which now bears his name "Longsdorf Field." How many of us can build a monument to our name such as he did?
We are proud of our Longsdorf Field and we know that great satisfaction came to him .for the wonderful work he did in giving it to us. His work was varied and complete in every respect. He built walks, copings and tried to make things so that we would have a nicer place to live.
We must not forget the work of his splendid wife and helpmate. At early dawn you could see this couple at work on the unsightly corners of our campus digging and planting so as to make North Sanpete a more beautiful place. They worked together planting trees, shrubs, and flowers, and lawn, all the time planning for every improvement possible.
His work for North Sanpete was unselfish as is clearly shown when we see that the time he was in office he spent almost all he was given for his services as a school board member, on our campus to improve it and make it more beautiful.
I feel honored that Mrs. Longsdorf would give me a few minutes time at the funeral services of this grand Old Man, and I hope that the many good qualities that he possessed my act as a beacon light to as in our future lives.
I ask it in Jesus Name Amen.


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Remarks of Henry P. Olson


My Dear Brothers and. Sisters:


People have come here from all over in honor of Mr. Longsdorf and his wonderful work in our community. Many people know him for his great work. He came here with the energy of meeting disappointment. He worked in this line unti1 he made good.
When I first knew Brother Longsdorf, he lived down in a home of Clinis Ericksen, five blocks west of State Street. You all know that before his illness he did business with almost every man in Mt. Pleasant, not only in Mt. Pleasant, but towns around. He did not hear anyone say anything, but that their business with him was satisfactory. His one aim was to be honest. He was known for his honesty and his ambition.
I have met people in the last year who have informed me of traits of character of Mr. Longsdorf that very few people possess. I would like you to know about some things.
He had power even above that of the ordinary man. I was told by three different persons who knew of Showman's help in time of distress, and brought help to those who were unfortunate. He took baskets of things to people and left it on their door-step so they would not know who brought it, and the neighbors would see him leave without being seen by the unfortunates. He also would give things to people through other people or in an indirect way. I feel my brothers and sisters, he did the right thing at the right time. I have been acquainted with him in business, I have called upon him for donation, and Showman Longsdorf, until the depression, was one of the best donators.
His wife has written some memories of his life as related by him. I have read them and you should read them. Today, while transacting some business with a man, I gave this copy to his wife to read, and when she returned it, she too had tears in her eyes, and she told me of many kind deeds Showman and his partner, Mr. Mauck, had done for her father, when many years ago, she had been very ill.
May God bless us this day, in behalf of the family. I desire to thank all who have contributed and comforted during the sickness and distress.
We desire to, thank all who have come here this day, and those who have taken part on the program.
In Jesus Name--Amen.


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Choir sang--"God Be With You Till We Meet Again."

 

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The Grave dedication by Pres. Daniel Rasmussen.


Our Father Who art in Heaven, we are gathered beside the open grave into which has been deposited the mortal remains of our friend and brother S. D. Longsdorf. On the authority of the Holy Priesthood which I bear, I dedicate this spot of ground as the final resting place for the earthly part of him whose spirit has returned to Thee.
I pray that this spot of earth may be sanctified as the final resting place for these remains and that they may rennin here in peace undisturbed by the elements or ruthless bands until that day when the trumpet shall sound and the dead both small and great shall be called forth by the power to receive the reward of their deeds done in the body.
This I do in the Name of Jesus Christ—Amen.

Pall Bearers were: Carl Rabback, James Smith, William Reta, Ray Hardy, George Ruff, and Lawrence Johnson of Provo, member of the B. P. O. E. 849 Provo of which Mr. Longsdorf was a member, his number being 209.