Female Relief Society ~ September 3, 1877

Meeting held September 3rd, 1877

Opened with singing and prayer by Sister Peel.
Reports of donations and disbursements were read and also a letter of condolences to the family of President B. Young sent from the Sisters of Mt. Pleasant.

Sister Morrison addresssed the Sisters with a penful (sp) feeling for the loss of our beloved Pres. B. Young.  She said it was hard  trial and a great loss for the Latter Day Saints but the Lord gives and the Lord only takes what he gives and he finished his work upon the earth and was ready to go beyond the veil to dwell with the Gods.  Sister Morrison exhorted the Sisters to live so that we always may remember the good counsel and wise instruction that our beloved Prophet had given when he was amongst us.

Sister Peel also felt the great change and heavy loss of our dear Prophet and the same feeling was spoken of of every Sister that rose to speak.

Some business matter were arranged and a Sewingbee was selected of Mondy 24, September and meeting was closed with singing, "Let Those Who Would Be Saints Indeed" and prayer by Sister Morrison

MFC Morrison, Pres
K. Louise Hasler, Sec

Mt. Pleasant Relief Society Sisters Letter to Mary Ann Young ~ August 1877

Mrs. Mary Ann  Young
    And  others of the family,
Beloved Sisters
     The painfull intelligence has reached us this afternoon of the decease of your beloved husband and father, and our much respected Pres. Brother Brigham.

He has run his race and finished his course and gained for himself an inheritance among the Gods.

Dear Sisters and children, we the sisters of  Mt. Pleasant do most deeply sympathise with you all under this your most trying bereavement.  And pray God our Heavenly Father that you may receive strength equal to the affliction you have been called upon to pass through.

Brother Brigham has closed his career with honor and dignity.  And like a shock of corn fully ripe has laid down to await a glorious resurrection. May we who are here behind try to adhere to counsels and teaching, strive to emulate his example.  And may our whole future be spent in meekness and humility that when our turn comes to pass behind the veil it may be said to us as to him, "Well done good and faithful servants, enter then into the joy of thy Lord".

Your Sisters in the Gospel
 MVC Morrison, Pres
Helena Madsen, couns.
Christiana Peel, couns.
Louisa K Hasler, Secty

Female Relief Society ~ April 1877

Meeting held April 2, 1877

Opened with singing: We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet

Prayer by Sister Peel

Sister Morrison addressed the Sisters, felt glad to have given opportunity to hear a testimony of the glorious gospel which we have and had a good desire to press forward.  She brought ..........to the sisters of the covenants we have made in the waters of baptism and we should remember the calling as Mothers of Zion, and try to be worthy of this name, ad also the Lord has blessed us with a portion of his Priesthood.  We should always try to act to our calling, and purpose, the Lord placed us on this earth for.  It is but a short time we have the privilege to do the work.  Let us try and be faithful in all things.  Then she read a piece in the Women's Exponent which had a great effect on our sisters for the good.

Sister Peel rose and felt glad to bear a testimony, had always a good desire to do the best for everybody from her childhood, she said it was 24 years since she embraced this gospel and the Lord had blessed her in p.... and blessed her now with faith she needed, She felt to serve the Lord as long as He will spare her on this earth.

Sister Madsen also was glad to meet with the sisters and exhorted the sisters to union and faithfulness, said in that lays our strength. When we cling together, and be united in everything we do.  Let us bear with our trials and troubles and when we can do a good deed, let us be on hand and do it unitedly.  Then the Lord will bless us.

Sister Simpson bore her testimony and felt very much built up by that which had already been said and said that her feelings been moved of that good piece that was read of the Women's Exponent and every time she reads in this ....paper, it goes to the heart, and thought it will do so much good to everybody that takes an interest in reading this good instruction.

Many of the sisters bore their testimony as long as the time was ....  And Sister Morrison talked to the sisters in short of the principles of Polygamy to be aware of the necessity of this holy principal was revealed to us , and it was a duty every man and woman to go in to it and not for us women to be a stumbling block in our husband's way, as there is trials and troubles, it is through that, the surest way to eternal salvation.



Meeting was closed with singing:  Let us Pray, Gladly Pray and Benediction by Sister Madsen.

M C Morrison, Pres.

Louise Hasler, Sec.

It was also moved and seconded that Sister Hannah Peel be a member of the F. M Society and belong to the visiting committee.



Sister Hanna Madsen and Sister Christensen  appointed to help the visiting committee in the 3rd ward.



Sister .......and Sister Jensen were also appointed to help the visiting committee in the 1st ward.

Female Relief Society ~ March 1877

Opened with singing:  Oh My Father Thou That Dwellest

Prayer by sister Madsen Peel

Singing: All Praise to Our Redeemer

Sister Morrison addressed the sisters; felt well and pleased to be together with her sisters since she has been away from her home for a short time; she was called to her family unexpectedly because of a death.  She enjoyed her visit as well as circumstances allowed both improved very much her health.  She said to the sisters that in her absence, business was neglected; we would attend to that first and then we would spend the rest of the time in bearing the testimonies.

Then the disbursements were read out, and also the income from the last two months.  Sister Morrison encouraged the visiting sisters to keep a strict account of the ...... they have gathered, and also have every name on their list of the sister that have given.  She said that the 11th of May .... by and hand over. ....we used to make up our yearly report and then send to the Women's Exponent, also she would like everything .... up as she thinks it is the last report she makes out among us, then she will be called away in a short time to her family.

It was moved and seconded that Elizabeth Jensen was admitted as a Member of the Female Relief Society and also a Member of the Visiting Sisters; motion was unanimous.

Sisters were appointed to tend to Sister Anna and also to Sister (Nyberg?) in the nighttime.

After all the business was tended to many of the sisters bore their testimony in true and faithful name.  Sister frandsen remarked to the sisters the greatness and mercy of our Heavenly Father who preserved us from the hour we left our native country both on the land and the sea; has been with and  all trouble and temptation  and blessed us all with good things.  Why should we not show our good will to our fellow creature and all the good to them we can, then only by ... duty we have a right to call on our Father in Heaven to bless us when we show by our deeds, that we are His children and try to walk in His paths.

Meeting was closed with singing:  Now Let Us Rejoice In The Day of Salvation.

Prayer by Sister Peterson

M C Morrison, Pres

Louise Hasler Sec.

Female Relief Society February 5th, 1877

Meeting held February 5th 1877
Opened with Singing
"Sweet is Thy Word, My God, My King".
Prayer by Sister Morrison
The minutes from the former meetings were read and accepted.
Sister  Morrison addressed the Sisters . Feeling well to have another opportunity to meet.  Also she felt not able to say much as she was sick for the last few days, but it strengthened and was much pleased to see the meeting so well attended.  She encouraged the Sisters to bear their testimony of the great and glorious work we are  engaged; to be on guard, and to do our duty day by day, ad to do all the good  we can.

Sister Peel felt well to be here together with the Sisters, she hoped that the good attendance of the Sisters will
continue and a good feeling and united spirit will be with them.  She felt well and had always a good desire   to do the Will of the Lord and accept his Commandment, and will always do the same.  She thought it would not hurt any of the Sisters to come to the meeting once in a month.  she would feel so much better and all would be benefited by.

Sister Simpson felt much gratified to bear her testimony to the great and glorious work we are engaged in and bore a faithful testimony to the true gospel.

Sister Peterson bore her testimony; felt thankful to the Lord that He gathers us from different countries and considered how pleased we "Mothers of Israel" can by to .....our Sons and Daughters in security while the nation prepares for war, and father and son have to go to their call.

Sister Lofgreen related a dream she had not long ago which was interesting.  Many of the Sisters bore faithful testimony both in English and Danish.

The meeting was closed with singing: Come all the Saints throughout the Earth.
Prayer by Sister Peel
MFC Morrison,
Louise Hasler, Sect

Female Relief Society ~ January 22, 1877

Meeting held the 22nd January 1877

Opened with singing..
Prayer by Sister Peel
Singing

Sister Morrison opened the meeting and said that this was our business meeting and we would attend to that first.  The collections were read and the expenditures also.

After that Sister Morrison read a letter from the Sisters of Ephraim as  requested by Sister Elise snow to take shares of the book that was called: "The Women's of Mor.....  The latter said that the Sisters throughout the territory will take shares and each share is 25 #.  Manti offered one share and Ephraim also.  So the Sisters counseled together and found best to take one share and have dances until we have raised the.....#.

It was also moved and seconded that Christiana Jorgesen was appointed as one of the visiting Sisters and it was unanimous.

After we were through with the business, several of the Sisters bore their testimony.  Then after singing and prayer the meeting was adjourned until  February.
C.M. Morrison, Pres
Louise Hasler, Secretary

Female Relief Society January 24, 1876

Meeting held January 24, 1876.  Meeting opened with singing, "Oh Saints Have You Seen" , etc. Prayer by Sister Peel.  Sister Morrison was absent and Sister Peel presided.  The minutes of a former meeting were read and accepted.  Sister Peel addressed the sisters ~ said that they should help those who deserve help and not those who were idle and who would not exert themselves.  Sister Simpson and Bertelsen bore their testimonies and felt well.  Sister Simpson said she hoped the Lord would strengthen Sister Morrison.  Sister Petersen gave some good instructions ~ thought if we could not understand the United Order, we shouldn't say anything against it.  A numbe of the sisters bore their testimonies and a good spirit was among them.  Meeting closed with singing, "Do What Is Right".  The prayer was given by Sister Fredricksen.
Augusta Dehlin, Secty

Female Relief Society December 12, 1875

Meeting December 12th 1875

Meeting opened with singing "Happy Is the Man Who Hears", etc.  Prayer by Sister Peel.  Singing "Glorious Things Are Sung of Zion", etc.  Minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted and the reports read.  Sister Morrison said she was glad to have an opportunity to meet with the sisters again.  Said she hoped the sisters would all try to take an interest in the way in whice they were engaged.  If we would set an example of truth and righteousness before our families, they wyould remember it. Precept was good but example is better.  She spoke of home industry; the shawls which have been woven and the artificial flowers.  Sister Peel bore her testimony.  She also spoke on home manufacture.  Said if we are self sustaining people, it is time to begin.  Sister Simpson bore her testimony ~ thought it was a duty for the sisters to meet together.  The sisters had been organized and that they are an organization in the kingdom of God. ~ Said she was very much interested in home industries that the sisters were engaged in, although she had done nothing to assist it.  Sister Morrison thought Sister Simpson had done as much or more than any one else and proposed a vote of thanks for her patience and perseverance in the good work.  The hymn "Sing to the Great Jehova's Praise" was sung.  Sister Jensen gave some good instruction ~ said she hoped the sisters would take an interest in their daughters and instruct them in something useful and instructive, and not use so much foolishness in dressing.  Sister Peterson bore her testimony and said she knew the Spirit of the Lord was in our midst.  The sisters of the visiting committee gave in their reports.  Prayer by Sister Christensen.

MFMC Morrison. Pres
Hilda Dehlin, Sec.

Ferdinand Ericksen Family

This was taken in front of the Ferdinand Ericksen home in Mt. Pleasant in November 1909.

Back row: Auer W. Proctor, Azel Peel, Amasa Ericksen, Louis Ericksen, John Lofgren, John B. Selby, Annie Tatham, Evan Ericksen, Henry Ericksen, Raymond Ericksen, Tina Ericksen, Tillie Borg, Harry G. Ericksen, Elma Noland, Stirling Ericksen, Ferdinand Ericksen, John Pritchett with son Frank, Soren M. Nielsen.


Seated on chairs: Beatrice Ericksen Proctor, Maggie Peel w. baby Margaret, Ethel C. Ericksen w. baby Lo Ella, Libbie W. Ericksen w. Beth, Christie E. Selby w. Willard, Ina Marie Ericksen, Mina M. Ericksen, Margaret Farquhar Cruickshank Morrison, Camilla Ericksen Noland, Caroline (Carrie) Lofgren Ericksen w. Aileen, Mina Ericksen Pritchett, Vivian Pritchett, Flossie Ericksen.


Front row: Rita Ericksen, Rhoda Ericksen, Loren Ericksen, Robin C. Selby, Shirley Ericksen, Leland Selby, Harlan F. Ericksen, John B. Selby, Eva Ericksen, Mildred Ericksen, Jessie Pritchett, Gladys Ericksen.


Grandma Morrison was there, as she remained very close to Ferdinand and Henry Ericksen (who were not related, but who had married her daughters.)

Submitted by Caren Wilcox, granddaughter of Ferdinand and Caroline (Carrie) Ericksen

Female Relief Society November 1, 1875

Meeting held November 1, 1875:  Meeting opened with singing and prayer - "Arise, Oh Glorious Zion". Prayer by Sister Peel.  Singing:  "The Happy Day Has Rolled On".  The minutes of a former meeting were read and accepted and the reports read.  Sister Morrison addressed the sisters.  Said it would strengthen her very much if the sisters would come forward and take an itnerest in the work and uses some energy.  She exhorted them to remember their secret prayers, that God might hear them from the evils that otherwise would come upon them in spite of themselves.  The teachers gave their reports.  The people felt well generally, and were willing to help the Society in their work although they did not have much to give.

Sister Morrison thought it was the United Order which caused so much feelings among the people, but the United Order was of God and not of man and we would have to come to it.  Considered it was just as necessary to go into the United Order as it was to go into the waters of baptism.  I spoke in behalf of Sister Porter who is in need of help and hoped that the sisters would exert their influence that she might be made comfortable.

Sister Peel bore her testimony and gave some good instruction.  Several of the sisters bore their testimonies.  Meeting closed with singing " see all Creation You to Praise the Eternal God" and prayer by Sister Morrison.

Early Schools of Mt. Pleasant

EARLY SCHOOLS

From-Andrew Madsen's Journal

"The first school in Mount Pleasant opened January 13, 1860, with A. B. Strickland as the teacher. Strickland was later assisted by Mrs. Oscar Winters, they taught for two and a half months, in a humbly constructed log building within the fort. "
"During the summer months, Mr. A. J. Forsythe conducted a summer school. Later, Charlotte Hyde taught the smaller child¬ren. A year or so later, outside the fort, Mr. William Morrison began teaching, and advantages to the children were given as fast as the financial condition of the people would permit. "
"About 1862, David Candland took up the educational work, and for a time there were three teachers, Candland, Morrison, and H. P. Miller, each occupying a school building in different parts of the settlement. The community continued to grow, and the school constantly during the sixties, continued to improve and became more up-to-date. Among others who did good work at about that time were William -Ball, Samuel Whiting, and C. H. Wheelock. Mrs. Margaret Morrison opened a private school, teaching sewing and fancy work. This had its good effects and did considerable good. In the early seventies, Joseph Page, John T. Henniger, Christina Bertelson, John Carter, and John J. Schultz also became active in the educational line. Some taught for many years with much credit to themselves and benefit to the children. "
"In 1875, Mr. Duncan McMillan arrived in Mount Pleasant, and after making benches, etc., began a school and Sunday School in the Liberal Hall. The enrollment, although small at first, steadi¬ly increased. "
"At about this time, the Utah Legislature made a small ap-propriation for the maintenance of public schools, this with a tuition fee, financed them. There were not many books. Slates were used to write on. Eli A. Day, a graduate of the Class of 76, of the University of Deseret, began teaching school in Mount Pleasant that year, and continued until 1883. During this time, there were a number of young people from Mount Pleasant who attended the University of Deseret and who later became promi¬nent in the schools, among these were Hilda Dehlin, H. P. Jensen, Samuel H. Allen, Amasa Aldrich, Ada Dehlin, William Tidwell, and Hans Madsen. They were a great help, and new vigor was assumed in the educational work, more schoolhouses were built, and better results obtained. "
"Later, the Brigham Young University at Provo was erected, and many of the young people were sent there for higher learning, some, after returning home, also became teachers, among them were Abram Johnson, Ferdinand Ericksen, Soren X. Christensen, Joseph Madsen, George Christensen, C. W. Sorensen and Olaf C. Anderson. George Christensen, who was also principal, taught the Latter-day Saint Seminary during 1891, 92, 93. During part time, Miss Augusta Dehlin was assistant teacher. This school was first held in the Social Hall, which was soon found to be too small, it was then held up stairs in the co-op or Madsen's store building, northeast corner of intersection of Main and State Street. This school met with great success and many pupils from other towns attended it. "
"In 1891, C. W. Sorensen became principal of the District Schools, the free school system was adopted, improvements con-tinued and the children advanced much faster. There had been many drawbacks on account of many of the parents being too poor to purchase the books and supplies needed to meet the needs of the children. "
"More attention was given to education and a great many continued to seek higher learning. Some attended the University of Utah and others the Brigham Young University at Provo. "
"In 1895, there was a new set of teachers consisting of Caro¬line Lovegren, Lydia Hastier, Mary Johansen, John Lovegren, Mary Larsen, Andrew L. Larsen, C. N. Lund Jr., Daniel Rasmus¬sen, and perhaps a few others. "
"By this time there had been built a number of modern school buildings throughout the city, but the people clamored for a Central School building, and a new modern twelve room building, at a cost of fully $20,000.00, was erected on the southwest corner, intersection of Main and First East. D. C. Jensen became princi¬pal, he having served for three years previous. Mr. Jensen was assisted by the following well trained teachers: Lydia Hastier, Mary Johansen, Caroline Lovegren, John Lovegren, C. N. Lund Jr., Olaf C. Anderson, Jennie Jorgensen, R. W. Livingston, and C. J. Jensen. "

"In 1898, George Christensen became principal, and in 1899, he was succeeded by C. J. Jensen, who served successfully for two years. In 1902, Daniel Rasmussen became principal, serving for two years. "
"Joseph Hughes was chosen principal in 1904, serving until 1907, when he was succeeded by P. M. Nielsen, who served for several years, also giving entire satisfaction. Twenty-four large and beautiful pictures were purchased for interior decoration at the school. The pictures made the halls most attractive. They were intended to create in the pupils a desire for fine art, that the homes might also be decorated with the proper kind of pictures.
"The trustees of the school at this time were F. C. Jensen, C.N. Lund, and Abner Crane. "
"The following, copied from an exchange, has all transpired within my recollection, and that of many who will see this item. "
"'As nations live it has been no great time since thoughtful statesman declared that all the country lying west of the Mississippi was a hopeless desert, designed to hold the scenery together. Then the Mormons went to Utah and for the first time in the history of the Anglo Saxon race, turned water upon the land for the purpose of crop production. In a little while the wilderness was wiped away, and the productive domain of the nation was pushed westward to the Pacific Ocean. The desert places bloomed in beauty; men saw with amazement an Empire in the building, and where before there had been no sound in the land, save the while beasts and the wild birds crying in the desolate night, there were heard the voices of men and women praising God, and the happy laughter of children on their way to school.' "