HOME OF SOREN JACOBSEN 2nd and WIFE ANNIE MINA CHRISTENSEN (MIKKELSDATTER)~~~From our archves

 

MADSENS OF MT. PLEASANT

 

Our Blog has been posted for over 10 years and most photos, histories, stories, family group sheets, obituaries, etc.  have now been posted. 

 We have invited followers (of which we have many) to send in their family histories and stories as well.We have just about run out of these. 

 The Madsens of Mt. Pleasant is a book of history edited and published in 1967 by Co-Editors Nell Madsen and Pearle M. Olsen.It is a real treasury of histories, photos and more.  Many current local families are offspring of the original Madsens to Mt. Pleasant.  Their stories are of love, success, sacrifice, and of great interest. However, much has happened since 1967. 

If you and your family have more updated material we encourage you to send it in and we will include it in our postings. (pandk@cut.net)
 The Original Madsens were Lars and Bodel MadsenTheir children were  :Mads Madsen

Niels Peter Madsen

Andrew Madsen

Anna Margrethe Madsen

Jacobena Madsen

Niels Madsen

Lars Christian Madsen 

O 

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.

WALES FAMILIES~~~ "Coal Bed"

Wales, Utah was originally called "Coal Bed". Local Indians attended a meeting in Ephraim Fort,  where Brigham Young was present.  Chief Tabiona stepped up to speak to President Young, showed him two rocks, and said "Heap burn".  President Young recognized that the stones were coal and asked those present if any of them were experienced at coal mining. John Rees stepped forward and told Brigham "I entered the coal pits in Old Wales when I was eight years old and worked there until I came to Utah".  Rees further stated that John Price of Manti was also a coal miner and had the tools to mine with".

 

HOME OF SOREN JACOBSEN AND HIS WIFE ANNIE MINA CHRISTENSEN ~~~Researched and compiled by Tudy Barentsen Standlee

 

Random Photos From the Pyramid

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. 

Lillie Thomas holds the Snow College Presidential Service Citation she was presented at a Football Game at Snow College.

Candy Williams and third-grade students

at Spring City Elementary

             Julie Mayhew , Cliff Wheeler, and Barbara Shaw

                                    ???????????????????                                        

Mt. Pleasant's Own Doughboy

 

"Doughboy"is an informal term for a member of the United States Army or Marine Corps. Today it is especially used to refer to members of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. (A popular mass-produced sculpture of the 1920s, the Spirit of the American Doughboy,   
Courtesy of Wikipedia 



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following comes from History of Mt. Pleasant.

World War

When the United States entered the World War, the people of Mt. Pleasant loyally responded to every call, and made a record of which it may well be proud. One hundred and eighteen boys enlisted from Mt. Pleasant, and a number of Mt. Pleasant's sons enlisted from other communities. As the boys, one by one or in groups, boarded the train, great crowds, although sad at heart, cheered them as they left for the front. Three of the number died in service. Ralph Braby, while in California, was drowned, Jacob Hafen died of disease, and Henry Merville Zabriskie was killed in action, over seas.

The Sanpete County Council of Defense was organized as follows: J. W. Cherry, chairman; Burke McArthur, secretary; Ed. Johnston, treasurer; Committee chairmen, Finance, N. S. Niel­sen; Publicity, ,Burke McArthur; Legal, J. W. Cherry; Sanitation and Medicine, Ed. Johnston; Food supply and conservation, L. R. Anderson; Industrial survey, Orlando Bradley; Labor, Christian Willardsen; Military affairs, J. Morgan Johnson; State protection, H. R. Thomas; Survey of man power, L. P. Brady; Woman's work, Mrs. G. W. Martin.

In June 1918, there were deposited in the Mt. Pleasant Com­mercial and Savings Bank, by Mr. N. S. Nielsen, county chairman of finance, to the credit of W. G. McAdoo, treasurer of the Nation­al American Red Cross, seven thousand five hundred dollars.



The citizens went over the top in the various other drives conducted. Liberty bonds, postal savings, Soldier's Welfare Re­lief, Christmas boxes, tobacco, conservation of food, etc.

Local committees were organized, among them the local Red Cross. The officers of this organization visited the neighboring cities, Fairview, Fountain Green, Moroni, Wales, Chester and Spring City, and in cooperation with them, purchased material and sewed articles called for. There were checked out something over $3.000, which had been obtained by weekly canvasses made by wo­men and girls, and by other volunteer donations other than the National drives. Mt. Pleasant headquarters were established at about 122 West Main, where the women, some representing differ­ent organizations, met and did sewing, etc., required. Many ship­ments of goods were made. The officers at this time were: C. L. Johns, president; Mrs. Grace Madsen and Miss Irene Nielsen, vice presidents; Miss Hilda Madsen, secretary and treasurer.



Mt. Pleasant History (1939) pp 199-200 by Hilda Madsen Longsdorf

~~~

The original location of the Dough Boy was right in the center of the intersection of State Street and Main Street.

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 Honoring all soldiers in all wars .

"To Honor Those Who Left Our Midst To Fight For Freedom" 

In 2008 the "old armory" now recreation center  was given the artist touch with Soldiers from all wars painted on the south exterior wall. 

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=823365018368490611#editor/target=post;postID=3738460868035955231;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=32;src=postname


http://mtpleasantpioneer.blogspot.com/search/label/Dough%20Boy

Coalbed History ~~~ Wales History "To Know Wale Is To Love Her" (compiled by Mathel Anderson) 1983

 

Class of 1959

 

Carolyn Allred Jackson

This is a picture of last times reunion not this one...

Ok I will name the ones I can

Front left to right...Jack Bowers,DeAnna Brotherson,Carolyn Allred,Joan Draper,Therald Bushman

Middle...Susan Madden,Roberta Nielsen,Paula Carlston,DeAnn Christensen,Millie Lassen,Sharlene Hughes,Jerry Asgard,Bart Nelson

Back...Richard Spencer,Marlene Porter,Lee Carleton,Karen Winterbottom,Ron Christensen,Kerry Allred,Peggy Peterson,don’t know Reed Thomas,don’t know

MEMORIES OF SANPETE Ruby F. Thomas

   I was born in “our new house” in Mount Pleasant, Utah. Papa had built it himself, mostly, of cream-colored brick. And there was a porch all across the front, with a porch swing, And room for rocking chair and other chairs beside, To sit on a warm summer day. 

Grandma Sanderson came from Fairview, for a visit and held me on her lap, As she rocked on the porch when I was just a baby way back in nineteen hundred and fourteen. Mama and Papa and my sister Crystal stood nearby. And we had a picture taken. 

Papa was born in Mt. Pleasant and Mama in Fairview, So, of course, the Mt. Pleasant boys thought Fairview girls were prettier, and vice versa. 

Papa was part owner of a confectionary called Crystal ice Cream, And that’s where my sister got her name. They name me Ruby because it seemed to go well with Crystal. She was blond and I was sort of dark, always the heart wants to return home Until the circle is completed. For this we all yearn. But some of me will remain until I’ve tasted more beneficence, More appreciation, and can discern. When sorrow has sculptured all the hollows of my heart. When history of all my own I’ve prepared and know, I shall answer then, (Across the silent deep.) But reluctantly I’ll go.  

And our 4th of July dresses were generally blue for Crystal And red for me. After we moved to the City, we usually went back to Sanpetefor the 4th of July and to visit Grandma Sanderson in Fairview And Grandma Fechser in Mt. Pleasant. There was the patriotic meeting in the church house, and the parade down the street, with the band playing, And Crystal and I each had our own little flags to wave. There was the Rodeo, and an afternoon dance for children, And a night dance for grownups and even Grandma went to watch. And babies were put on benches to sleep. And when we walked down Main Street, in our new dresses, Those who sat and watched speculated as to who we were and we felt important. When we drove up to Grandma’s house, She was always sitting by the window watching for us. And Mama said, “Now run inside And give Grandma a big kiss.” 

I sat on her lap and marveled at the big wrinkles In her face and hands. I told her a nursery rhyme once about Little Joan who said when nobody’s with me I’m always alone, And Grandma laughed so hard the tears rolled down her cheeks. She went out in the back yard and caught a chicken and chopped off its head, and we watched it flopping around, and making clucking noises without any head. Grandma talked a lot about dying, And once when someone was fixing the wall of her house, she said, “Now don’t you boys fix that too good, Or I won’t want to die.”

Home of Soren Jacobsen 2nd and his wife Annie Mina Christensen (Mikkelsdatter) ~~~ Researched and Compiled by Tudy Barentsen Standlee

Home of Soren Jacobsen 2nd and wife Annie Mina Christensen (Mikkelsdatter) Researched and Compiled by Tudy Barentsen Standlee

Early Baseball In Mt. Pleasant

Baseball was introduced to Mt. Pleasant in 1875 when two teams were organized.  During the 1880's they were called the Cracker Jack teams.  The Red Stockings and the Resolutes vied with each other regularly in the public square.  In March 1890, the City purchased 20 acres of land on the south end of State Street for a city park.  A small grandstand was built, complete with chicken wire netting across the front of it.

The later games of baseball were even more popular when teams from nearby towns played local winners.  John K. Madsen and his family enjoyed the holiday entertainment in the early 1900's when games shared honors with pony racing.  When a circus came to town it was often quartered at the City Park.  (Nickles From a Sheep's Back p 71 by Pearle Madsen Olsen)

http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/easternutah/id/50782/show/50827/rec/11

1903 Photo of Mt. Pleasant Baseball Team ~ Picture Restored by David R. Gunderson

Mt. Pleasant Elementary Orchestra - Denise Willey, Director