Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Ripley's Believe it or Not!!! Noted Simpson Family (from our archives)

 

Ripley's Believe It or Not! is a franchise, founded by Robert Ripley, which deals in bizarre events and items so strange and unusual that readers might question the claims. The Believe It or Not panel proved popular and was later adapted into a wide variety of formats, including radiotelevision, comic books, a chain of museums and a book series.

 






You can find more articles about Joseph Simpson and "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" 
in Utah Digital Newspapers, Mt. Pleasant Pyramid.





Tuesday, April 29, 2025

MT. PLEASANT RELIEF SOCIETY MEETING HELD MARCH 9, 1874 AT SOCIAL HALL

 



Old Social Hall was built before any churches in Mt. Pleasant.  It stood just south of where the red church stands today; at about 85 South State street.



Meeting held in Social Hall March 9th, 1874. 
Opened by singing and prayer by Sister Peel.  Minutes of a former meeting were read to accept.

Sister Morrison wished to hear the sisters speak freely and appreciated the opportunity.  Said the Lord will help them that help themselves.  Sister Jensen gave her report in Danish.  Sister C. Jensen and Sister E. Seely bore their testimony  - - - felt glad they were connected with this work.  Several of the Danish sisters spoke in their own tongue  - - -                                                        all felt well.

Sister Christena Christensen thanked the Society in behalf of her father for the garments. He received his on his 77th year of age and is sick. 

Sister Morrison made a few remarks concerning the wants of the people.  She wants the teachers to have the spirit of their calling, so that they may really know and understand the needs assistance; for as a people we are getting numerous.  We must keep up with the times.  Sister Peel made a few edifying remarks.  Sister S. Peterson bore her testimony - - - felt glad she had a standing in the church.  She said God is merciful unto her and her children....said that He helps them that help themselves.

Sister Peel felt well....said it is good for us to meet together in the name of our Father.  Said no one has any need to suffer . . . wants that the visiting teachers should see into the wants of the people, poor and aged.  Sister Fetcher bore her testimony....felt glad to meet with the sisters.  She has been deprived from the meetings through her daughters's sickness.

It was moved and carried that Sisters Ann and Sena Johansen were admitted as members of the Relief Society. 

The meeting was closed by singing and prayer by Sister Simpson.
MF Morrison, President
Elizabeth Wallis, Secretary




Monday, April 28, 2025

FOUR MISSES

`
Left to Right: Alice Peel, Florence Nielsen, Lois Peel and Margaret Peel.
Florence is a cousin to Alice, Lois, and Margaret; all sisters.



 Alice married Neil Hafen, Florence married Soren Nielsen, Lois Married Eldon Smith, and Margaret married Lon Childs.

Sunday, April 27, 2025

LEONARD BECK JORDAN (Len) 1899-1983

 




JORDAN, Leonard Beck (Len), (1899 - 1983)

Senate Years of Service: 1962-1973 
Party: Republican 


Courtesy U.S. Senate Historical Office
JORDAN, Leonard Beck (Len), a Senator from Idaho; born in Mount Pleasant, Sanpete County, Utah, May 15, 1899; educated in the public schools of Enterprise, Oreg.; enlisted in the United States Army during the First World War; graduated from University of Oregon in 1923; farmer, rancher, businessman, and economic adviser; director of Circle C Ranch and of the Jordan Motor Co.; resident of Grangeville, Idaho, 1941-1951; member, State legislature 1947-1949; Governor of Idaho 1951-1955; chairman, International Joint Commission 1955-1957; member, International Development Advisory Board 1958-1959; appointed on August 6, 1962, as a Republican to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Henry C. Dworshak; elected November 6, 1962, for remainder of term, ending January 3, 1967; reelected in 1966 and served from August 6, 1962, to January 2, 1973; was not a candidate for reelection in 1972; was a resident of Boise, Idaho, until his death there June 30, 1983; interment in Cloverdale Cemetery.


Bibliography

Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives; Jordan, Grace E. The Unintentional Senator. Boise: Syms-York Co., 1972.

Leonard Beck Jordan

Contributed By

This information was taken from The History of Luke S. Johnson Ancestors & Descendants compiled by Virginia Johnson Tims.

A Senator from Idaho; born in Mount Pleasant, Sanpete County, Utah, 15 May 1899; educated in the public schools of Enterprise, Oregon; enlisted in the United States Army during World War 1; Graduated from the University of Oregon in Business Administration. 1923; farmer, rancher, businessman, and economic adviser; director of Circle C Ranch and of the Jordan Motor Co. Resident of Grangeville, Idaho, 1941-1951; member of state legislature in 1947; Governor of Idaho, 1951-1955; chairman of the International Development Advisory Board, 1958-1959; appointed as a Republican to the United States Senate, 6 August 1962, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Henry C. Dworshak, elected 6 November 1962, for the remainder of the term, ending 3 January 1967; reelected 8 November 1966, for the term ending 3 January 1973.

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

Len Jordan and Grace Edington Jordan
~~~~~~~~~~~





Leonard James Jordan
The grandfather of Leonard Beck Jordan




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mary Irene Beck ~~~ Mother of Len Beck Jordan

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

Friday, April 25, 2025

OUR BLOG IS DOING WELL

  ~~~ 1 million 9 hundred one thousand and 5 hundred eleven views ~~~Our first blog post was in 2008.

But we need to hear from you !!!

A BIG THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE SHARED YOUR MEMORIES, PICTURES, AND HISTORIES.

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Our purpose has always been to preserve the histories; our inheritance for future generations.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

GERALD WORTH HANSEN

 


Gerald Worth Hansen

February 2, 1932 — April 13, 2025

Mt. Pleasant

Gerald W. “Jerry” Hansen, 93 of Mt. Pleasant, UT, passed away April 13, 2025. Born February 2, 1932 to Louis N. & Ida Jorgensen Hansen in Mt. Pleasant, UT. Married Earlene Beck November 6, 1959 in Mt. Pleasant, UT.


Gerald joined the National Guard after graduating High School. He fought in the Korean War with the Army and reenlisted with the National Guard for another three years.


Gerald and Earlene owned and operated the American Cleaners in Mt. Pleasant until they moved to Orem, UT. He worked for Signetics Orem and then retired and moved back to Mt. Pleasant, UT.


Jerry loved to paint beautiful watercolor paintings, kept busy in his shop, and he loved spending time in the outdoors with family and friends.


Jerry is survived by his children Earl (Kay) Hansen, Gerri Lee Adams, Kathie (Scott) Bailey; sister-in-law Dorothy Hansen, 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents; wife Earlene Hansen; daughter, Tammie Hansen; son-in-law Kevin Adams; siblings, Boyd, Ferris, Monte, Renee, Burt, Allen and Kent.


The family would like to give special thanks to all the family and friends who help Dad out through the years, meals on wheel, Good Life Assisted Living and Gunnison Hospice for their great care.


Funeral services will be held Monday April 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing starting one hour prior starting at 10:00 a.m. at Rasmussen Mortuary (96 N 100 W, Mt. Pleasant) Interment in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery with Military Honors. 

To Watch Funeral Services , Click Here.  

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

MARY MARIE MERRIAM URSENBACH

 



Mary Marie Ursenbach

May 4, 1931 — April 15, 2025

Mount Pleasant

With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved Mary Marie Merriam Ursenbach on April 15, 2025, in the comfort of her home in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. A devoted wife, nurturing mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, loving sister, and loyal friend—Mary’s legacy is one of compassion, strength, and a life joyfully and generously lived.

Born on May 4, 1931, in Manti, Utah, Mary was the daughter of Edgar and Vonda Merriam. She married the love of her life, Earl Jay Ursenbach, on August 15, 1953, in Orem, Utah. Together, they built not only a home, but a life of purpose, service, and community.

Mary is lovingly remembered by her children: Kathy (Alan) Rowe, Robyn (Bob) Norman, and Christian Ursenbach; her grandchildren: Nackole Norman, Tex Norman, Kortny (Edwyn) York, and Tyson Rowe; and great-grandchildren: Caden (Jake) Snow, Javon Norman, Jocile Norman, Keiston Norman, and Paxton Norman. She is also survived by her dear sisters Vonda Rae Poulsen, Diana Clark, and JoLynn Lund, along with her honorary sisters Suzanne Winters and Sandy Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband; her parents; siblings Drew Merriam, Anna May Thomas, Connie Hansen, Louise Kump, Wayne Merriam and Burdell Merriam; and her beloved grandson, Wade Rowe.

Mary lived a life marked by dedication and tireless service. Side by side with her husband, she helped operate their family-owned funeral home and provided essential ambulance service for the North Sanpete area—offering comfort and care in the most difficult moments of others' lives.

Her boundless energy extended far beyond her professional roles. Mary was the heart and soul of every community she touched. A proud member of several senior groups in Mt. Pleasant, Moroni, and Fairview, she also joyfully participated in the Red Hat Society, the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Her home was always open—especially for a game of cards, where laughter echoed and friendships deepened.

Mary had an abiding love for nature and adventure. She found joy in the mountains, in long walks, hikes, shopping trips, and travel. And in true Mary fashion, she never passed up a good plate of French fries—her simple, guilty pleasure that always brought a smile to her face.

Animals found a champion in her as well; Mary was known for rescuing and caring for both cats and dogs with the same tenderness she showed all living things.

Her spirit of service knew no bounds. She was one of the most beloved and impactful 4-H leaders in the community, shaping the lives of generations with her wisdom and encouragement. Whether offering rides to appointments, lending a helping hand around the house, or simply being present with a listening ear, Mary’s kindness was as constant as it was selfless.

Mary’s legacy is one of service, joy, and deep, enduring love. She leaves behind a tapestry of memories that will continue to inspire and comfort all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday April 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Rasmussen Mortuary (96 N 100 W) Mount Pleasant, UT. Viewing on Tuesday from 9:45-11:00 a.m. at Rasmussen Mortuary prior to funeral. Interment in the Mount Pleasant City Cemetery.

A special thanks to IHC Hospice, Dr. Eileen Jackson and her son Chris for his loving care, during Mary’s declining years. Contributions can be made to the Mt. Pleasant City Library in Mary's name.

To Watch Funeral Services Live, Click Here. The Live Zoom Link will Activate at 10:45 a.m. MST prior to services.



Tuesday, April 22, 2025

VICKI MOSS LARSEN ~~~ CLASS OF 65 FRIEND

 


Vicki Moss Larsen 


Vicki





October 5, 1947 — April 13, 2025

Moroni

Vicki Lynn Moss Larsen, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully April 13, 2025. Vicki was the baby of three children. Born on October 5, 1947, to Roy (Fat) Moss and Ileen Nielson Moss.

She spent her whole life living in Moroni, in fact, she lived in four homes not more than four blocks apart. She married Milton Larsen on August 27, 1965. They were just a few months short of 60 years of marriage at the time of her passing.

Vicki was very proud of their four children: Michelle, Keith, Ryan, and Skyler, and their eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Mont Moss, sister, Myrna Moss Coates, and her two sons, Keith and Ryan.

We are honored to remember her incredible life and to be a part of it.

A viewing for family and friends will take place at the Rasmussen Mortuary, 96 North 100 West, Mt. Pleasant, Utah, Friday, April 18, 10 – 11 a.m. with a funeral service to follow. Burial will be at the Moroni City Cemetery.

To Watch Recorded Funeral Service Click Here.

To Watch Recorded Graveside Service Click Here.