Gunderson Family Mining ~ Taken from Journey of Faith by David R. Gunderson

Andrew Madsen and C. W. Anderson, of Mt. Pleasant, Purchased a Herd of Sheep in Idaho in 1886 - By David R. Gunderson

  In October 1886, Andrew Madsen and his brother-in-law, C. W. Anderson, both of Mt. Pleasant, purchased a large herd of sheep in Idaho. Andrew Madsen and two of his sons, Andrew C. (age 19) and Neil M. (age 13) went to Idaho to receive the new herd at Glens Ferry, near Mountain Home. Andrew Madsen then entrusted the new herd of sheep to his two sons and they trailed them back to Sanpete by way of Kelton, Corrine and over the desert west of the Great Salt Lake.

The sheep were wintered in Skull Valley, then, in the spring of 1887, they trailed them to the Madsen-Anderson ranch at Indianola. The ranch provided sufficient range to support the new sheep herd without interfering with the cattle which were already there and their successful venture in raising sheep had begun.




Map showing the roughly 250 mile trail route used in 1886 &1887 to
trail the sheep between Glens Ferry, Idaho and Indianola, Utah.

From Andrew Madsen's Journal

In this segment, Andrew tells us how land and water was allotted.  

He also share the activities at A Grand Celebration on July 24th 1862.

Andrew Madsen Sr.

May 11, 1862 a committee consisting of Peter Monsen, Joseph Clemens and Amasa Tucker was appointed to see that the public fence was repaired above the field.

On account of the scarcity of water, a meeting was called and it was agreed to build a canal from Fairview down through our field.  It was surveyed by Abraham Day, Companies of ten were organized and foremen appointed to oversee the work.  I was foreman over the first section.  

The water was taken out just below Fairview. The terminus of the canal was in the field south of the county road, leading to Moroni and crossing at a point about one and one fourth miles below the City.

The using of the Sanpitch waters was later discontinued on account of the objection made by the settlers of Moroni.  The upper part of the canal now furnishes the water power for the Fairview Roller Mill, while the lower end of the canal is used in diverting the waters south from Pleasant Creek.

A dispute now arose over the free-for-all, helping ourselves to the wild hay, which grew in the lowlands between Moroni and Ephraim, everyone grabbing for the best and no particular attention was given to its irrigation.

Owing to this trouble President Orson Hyde saw fit to have a division made and allotments given to each settlement.  A committee was appointed consisting of the Bishops of Mt. Pleasant, Spring City, Moroni, Ephraim and Wales, all of whom were interested.  Allotments were given to each.  We at once held a meeting for the purpose of determining how we were to make the division among ourselves of the part which had been allotted us.

Jacob Christensen, Peter Monsen, C. P. Anderson and myself were chosen to survey and stake the land off into lots.  This was a difficult task.  We first obtained the number of lots it would require, then we went over the land and determined its value and the amount of hay it produced and made the division accordingly, ranging from five to eight acres to the lot, and then there was a drawing for the lots.

******************************

GRAND CELEBRATION

July 24th, 1862

A committee on arrangements was chosen consisting of George Farnworth, Levi B. Reynolds, Wm. W. Morrel, Neils H. Burrison, James Chapman, J.K. McClenaham and myself, with John L. Ivie acting Marshal of the day.

The Bowery was covered over with a fresh lot of green limbs brought from the mountains.  A program was arranged and everything being in readiness, the people gathered together in the morning at the time appointed.

Services were opened with singing and prayer.  The first on the Programme was an oration rendered by Elder Duncan McArthur, of which the following is in part.

"Brothers and Sisters, it seems to have fallen my lot to address you today, and although I am sensible of my weakness and inability, I am always willing to do my part when called upon by those in authority over me.

I am glad of having the privilege of meeting with the Saints on this the thirteenth Anniversary day  (?) when the Apostles and Prophets landed in Utah, led by inspiration, leaving their temporary homes in Iowa and by the direction of God, came to these valleys in the mountains.

I compare this congregation with the one assembled in Kirtland, when they started the Temple, which stands as a monument today.  The persecution and driving of the Saints from County to County and from State to State and at last from their beautiful city, Nauvoo, where they had been persecuted and driven by the enemy and their Prophet and leader, Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum were killed. By the hand of God, the Saints were then led to these valleys.  We are now permitted to assemble in peace and safety and enjoy the blessings that God has extended us.  Many of us have been in these valleys thirteen years.  All this time have we not lived in the enjoyment of peace and great fortune?   During this time, it is true, Uncle Sam , through false rumor and false representation  of Judges and others, placed here by the Government, accusing Brigham Young and the Saints of destroying public records, sent an army here for the purpose of destroying us.  But did he do it?  No.  Here  the wisdom of God moved upon them and instead of his efforts to injure us, they did us good.  We furnished the soldiers with supplies, assisted them in building up Camp Floyd.  Much clothing and gold and silver was distributed among us for our services and supplies.  They were a blessing, giving those who wished to leave us a chance and thus ridding thousands other difficulties the Saints have passed through.  No wonder that we have been tried and prepared that in future day we might rejoice in the fullness of all glory.

Hail to the land of Columbia, mey the time soon come when righteous principles may again be established and the Lion of the Lord roar from the East to the West".

2nd.  Remarks by J.K. McClenaham:

Touching upon the day of celebration,the landing of the saints in Zion and predicting that the time would come when the bare mention of this great day will carry terror to the hearts of all the enemies of the Saints of God."

3rd.  Toast by Duncan McArthur:

"Mt. Pleasant,  May she become a plant of renown in the midst of the cities of Israel; noble and daring in all her deeds of righteousness."

4th. Toast by A.J. Forsythe.

"Brigham Young, the chosen of the Lord.  When the Lion roar the beasts of the forests tremble."

5th. Toast by James H. Tidwell:

"The City of Mt. Pleasant, May she shine a Star of Brilliant Light."

6th. Toast by George Farnworth:

"May the people of Mt. Pleasant, like the parts of a well-made machine, 'All work together!'"

7th. Toast by James Wilson:

"Governor Alfred Cummings, May he continue to be what he always has been, ' A Friend."

8th.  Toast by George Farnworth:

"May Mt.Pleasant be noted throughout the world for Ingenuity and Industry."

9th.  Toast by Asa S. Hawley:

"The Tree of Liberty.  May its branches spread until they cover the whole earth."

10. Toast by A.J. Forsyth:

"Young Sam, the disinherited boy, who whipped his Uncle, may he ever stand fast in the line of his duty."

 The services then closed with singing and prayer.  The afternoon was taken up in amusements followed with a dance in the evening and was one of the most enjoyable times ever held by the Pioneers.

Excerpts From Andrew Madsen's Journal

In this segment we learn about water disputes, a post office,  the calling for stone cutters and freighters for the building of the Salt Lake Temple, others being called to St. George to raise cotton.

October 31st 1860 our little baby named Hanna Louisa, took sick and died being a little over one year old.

.............

December 4th,the great noted Indian Chief Arropine, died  in Sevier County.

During this year marked improvements were made in the way of schools.  We had better regulations in governing our affairs, more complete organizations were affected in the Church and A. B. Strickland acted as Church Recorder.

..............

Early in the spring of 1861, my brother, Mads and myself erected a house for him upon his city lot, which house was one of the first white dobes ever built in the city.  The house has since been somewhat remodeled and still stands as a landmark of early days.

A post office was established and Wm. Morrison was appointed postmaster.  He was also Assessor and Collector for the city.

David Candland moved down from Salt Lake City on a spring east of the cemetery.  The people objected because of the scarcity of water and later a compromise was made and twenty acres of land in the field was purchased and given to him in exchange.

In June, Bishop Seely applied to President Brigham Young for the privilege of expending a portion of the tithing fund in building a road north through Thistle Valley and Spanish Fork Canyon, which would shorten the distance to Salt Lake City and the freighters and settlers would then not have to go by way of Nephi.

July 16th, a reply was received from President Brigham Young granting Bishop Seely permission to appropriate $4,000.00 of the tithing fund for the building of the proposed road and for the erecting of good substantial bridges over the river.  After receiving this reply a number of men were at once put to work on the road in order that it might soon be completed.

...............

August 10th, my wife gave birth to a girl,which we named Louisa Bodel Madsen and a short time later, myself, wife and baby made a trip with our ox team to Salt Lake City where I was ordained an Elder and we received our endowments in the Endowment House.

At about this time John W. Dawson was appointed Third Governor of Utah, succeeding Alfred Cummings.  He, however, only held the position a short time and left the territory under peculiar circumstances.  Secretary Frank Fuller succeeded him as Acting Governor.

John W. Dawson
(the following comes from wikipedia)

Abraham Lincoln named him governor of Utah Territory in 1861, but he left the territory and his post as governor after only three weeks due to tensions with the Mormon residents. Dawson allegedly made "grossly improper proposals" to the Mormon widow Albina Merrill Williams, who responded by thrashing him with a fire shovel. When he offered her $3,000 for her silence, she rebuked him and he quickly abandoned Salt Lake City on New Year's Eve 1861. 

Taking a mail coach eastward, he arrived at Ephraim Hanks' Pony Express station at Mountain Dell, Utah. There, Hanks assured Dawson he was now safe. However a group of young Mormon vigilantes named Jason Luce, Martin "Matt" Luce, Wilford Luce, Wood Reynolds, Moroni Clawson,  Lot Hungtington, and Isaac Neibaur followed the retreating governor, and during a night of drinking, they plundered the governor's baggage, and attacked him, beating and kicking Dawson about the head, chest, and groin (and allegedly castrating one of his testicles). The thugs later claimed they were acting under direct orders of the Salt Lake Police Chief. Four of the youths were captured but the other three were gunned down trying to escape from police and sheriffs.

Dawson later became famous as the first biographer of John Chapman, the legendary Johnny Appleseed. Dawson's 1871 article in the Fort Wayne News Sentinel of October 21 and 23 about Dawson's childhood friend is still considered the main source for biographical information on Chapman.

He died on September 10, 1877 and was interred at Lindenwood Cemetery in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

.............

Early in the Fall David Holdaway and Washington Averett built a thrashing machine (separator) at Springville and brought it to Mt. Pleasant. P.M. Peel bought an interest in the machine and it was run for a few years.

A dispute came up among the settlers over the water, the same being settled later by President Hyde who decreed that one half of the water of Cedar Creek was to go to Mt. Pleasant and the remaining half to Spring City and that Birch Creek water should be divided likewise,one half for Mt. Pleasant and the remaining one half for Fairview.

September 8th, the following letter was received by Bishop Seely from President Brigham Young:

Bishop W.S.Seely

Mt.Pleasant

Dear Brother,

"We are preparing for assuming work on the Temple in this city. All the stone-cutters we can engage this winter will be employed this winter in preparing blocks for the building and in the Spring it is contemplated to vigorously pursue the work. We wish all stone-cutters desiring employment to report themselves and the time they will be ready to work. Teams and wagons suitable for hauling large granite blocks from Little Cottonwood will also be wanted. We propose hauling as many blocks as possible this fall and the coming winter.

Your Brother in the Gospel

(signed) Brigham Young

In response to this letter there were a number of Saints who responded. Some left toworksinglehanded while a few others went with their wagons and ox teams.

Sunday, October 28th, a call was made for people to move south into the St. George country in order that the same might become settled and also for the purpose of raising cotton. Those called from among us were: Joseph Clemens, Moses M. Sanders, Christian Widergreen Anderson, Appe Iverson, N.C. Sandberg, James Lemmen, Andrew Jensen, Peter Iverson, Oke Saulsburg and Amos Moss.

March 18th the church authorities made a call for six wagons and twenty six yoke of oxen to go down to Salt Lake City for the purpose of hauling granite stone for the building of the Temple.

April 16th,this request was complied with and the twenty six yoke of oxen were hitched to the six wagons, which were loaded with provisions. They, with six drivers and one guard on horse back, at once started for Great Salt Lake City, arriving there about one week later. 

Excerpts From Andrew Madsen's Journal

Andrew Madsen Sr. Journal

Andrew Madsen Sr.

About the middle of August, 1958, James R. Ivie, Ben E. Clapp, Joseph R. Clemens, Isaac Allred, Sr., James Allred, Jr., James Allred Sr., Reubin W. Allred and Richard Ivie were chosen at Ephraim as an Exploring Committee to select a suitable location for a new settlement in Northern Sanpete Valley.

This committee traveled northward until they reached the spot where Madison D. Hamilton, five years previous attempted to colonize and settle, but was later driven away by the terrorizing Indians.  The Indians regarded the retreat of Madison D. Hamilton as an indication of weakness on the part of their white foes, and rejoiced that the waters of Hamilton Creek and the grasses of the broad meadows were to remain undisturbed as the famous hunting ground of the Red Men of Central Utah, but such a site could not be overlooked by men in search  of homes and desirous of founding a city where the natural facilities were everywhere present and where the climate is tempered by the altitude and pleasant breeze, never too hot in summer or too cold in the winter.  The cool mountain waters fresh from the snow and the clear bracing atmosphere, made life a continuous round of pleasure.

These brave men determined that this was the ideal spot for the location of a city and returned  and reported their views to the emigrants, who had reached Ephraim to remain over the winter.  A meeting was called and a petition was drafted, signed by sixty men who were desirous of locating further north, at the place selected.  Not knowing just how to proceed or what  to do, James R. Allred and James Ivie were chosen as a committee to go to Salt Lake City and present the petition to President Brigham Young.

The committee arrived in Salt Lake City, September 6th, met Elder Orson Hyde on the street and at once stated their purpose, after which, he kindly escorted them to President Young's office.  After the petition was considered, the President expressed himself as perfectly in favor of the place designated.  President Young, not being desirous  of choosing their leaders or Bishop at this time, drafted the following letter, which was sent back with the committee and submitted to the petitioners.

Great Salt Lake City, Sept. 6, 1858

"To Brother John Reese and the rest of the Brethren whos names are on the list.

I am perfectly willing that you shall go ahead and make a settlement, but we must consider whether it will be safe or not.  You wish to know my mind on the subject.  It is this:  That you must build you a good substantial Fort to live in.  Use every caution that is necessary against the Indians.  Your Fort wall must be 12 feet hig, 4 ft. thick and good stone or dobies laid in lime mortar.

I also wish you to select one of your members as President and one for a Bishop.

You will have to  be very careful of your stock or you will lose them.  You should have a good, substantial corral for them.  In choosing your farming land get it as near together as possible.  It would be better to have only one piece, fenced, then you are compact in case of an attack on you of Indians or white men.

I think this is all I have to say on this subject.

Perhaps you would like to hear the news.  Everything is quiet here in the City.  There are a good many gentiles but they behave themselves pretty well.

May God bless you, is my prayer for all other  good men."

(Signed) Brigham Young.

P.S. This is my counsel to you.

September 14th.  The committee returned from Salt Lake City and notified the petitioners, who at once called a meeting.

The letter received from President Young was presented and read and the contents therein noted, which advice was favorably received.

At this time a committee of three, viz; James R. Ivie, James K. Clemens and Isaac Allred were chosen to go with the surveyors to choose and select a site where th Fort should be built and to lay out city lots and twenty more tracts of farming land.  This was done and 1300 acres of choice farming land was selected and platted, together with a number of city lots, after which the committee returned home about the middle of October.

Upon the return, a meeting was called by the petitioners.  Their report was accepted and later thy drew lots by number for the land aned lots which were pointed out to them by the committee the following Spring.

January 10th, 1859 the petitioners  again called a meeting which was held in the school house for the purpose of organizing and to make preparations for moving to the new quarters.  After a discussion of some length James R. Ivie was chosen their President and Redick Allred was chosen Bishop, after which the meeting adjourned.

Redick Allred not being sure whether or not he would move north with the party in the Spring declined to accept the position as Bishop over the colony.

About the last of February I, Andrew Madson, in the company with my four brothers Mads, Peter, Christian and Neils, and George Frandsen, Rasmus Frandsen, Neils Widergreen Anderson, C.W. Anderson, Sidney Allred, Peter Monsen, Christian Jensen1st, , Alma Allred, Peter Johansen, Mikle Christensen, soren Jacobsen, James Meiling, moved north until we were just west of where the settlement was to be located.  We pitched our camp in a ravine on the west side of the Sanpitch River and began cutting posts, which were to be used for fencing farms as soon as Spring opened up.

Here we were joined by Alma Zabriskie, James Allred and Sidney Allred, who had gone up prior to us with cattle and horses to winter, they being the first to move towards the new settlement.

After remaining at the camp for a short time, Alma Zabriskie, James Allred and Sidney Allred, with five yoke of cattle, their wagons with seed wheat, drove through the deep snow to the present site where Mt. Pleasant now stands.

March 20th we broke up camp and moved our wagons and tents to where the Fort was to be built and pitched our camps on the bank of the creek, which is now Pleasant Creek.  Some of our party remained and myself with the balance returned to Fort Ephraim to see our families and get a supply of provisions.  We returned again to the new quarters on April 10th in company with President Ivie, Isaac Allred and their sons.  Also C.C.A. Christensen, P.M. Peel, Martin Aldrich, together with a great many others, carrying with us our farming tools (such as they were, all homemade) and a supply of seed wheat and grain.

Neils M. Burrison, Phillip Burrison, James Hansen, frederick Fechser and a number of others from Utah Valley arrived there about the same time.

My farming in 1859 was very limited.  The sagebrush on my land was large and dense, the soil being very rich.

I like the other settlers, had to work hard for we had all we could do and no mans to hire help with.

We began plowing on the 16th day of April and settlers continued to arrive from various parts.  It became necessary for President Ivie to call upon the surveyors to plat out more land and at this time there was 1200 acres more platted making a total of 2500 acres claimed.

On April 20th, President Ivie directed a letter to Brigham Young advising him of the organisation they had affected and also of the move from Ephraim and the progress of the colony.  He also made mention of the constantly arriving settlers.

A short time later the following letter was received from President Young in reply to the one sent.

(James R. Ivie,

Pleasant Creek

Sanpete County

Dear Brother:

In reply to your letter oof the 20th inst.  I have to inform you that I have heard no complaint concerning your new settlement and trust there will be no grounds for any reasonable complaint by anyone disposed to do right.  In your location it would seem to be an easy matter to manage your affairs justly for the benefit of all concerned and to take early and efficient steps for building a secure Fort that you may be safe in an Indian Country and conduct all your affairs upon wise principles, living industriously and humble that you may make your settlement pleasant and beneficial to yourself, the Country and territory at large, in all of which you have the best wishes of your Brother in the Gospel."

(signed)  Brigham Young

We continued in planting crops until we had cleared and cultivated about 1000 acres, built a number of irrigation ditches and conveyed the water upon the land.

Later in May, when the planting of crops ceased, we united ourselves together and built and erected two and one half miles of fence along the east side of the big field.

Much trouble was experienced in taking care of our oxen, as they would stray off for miles during the night.

On May 11th Isaac Allred was assaulted and killed by Thomas Ivie, resulting from a quarrel over the differences of a small herd bill.  Mr. Ivie at once left the territory and never returned.

Just as soon as the opportunity afforded, myself and brother, Mads Madsen, built a dugout jointly and about May 12th we went to Fort Ephraim for our families, returning a few days later.

May the 15th, a number of families arrived from Pleasant Grove amongst who were W.S. Seely, John Carter, Moroni Seeley, Jesse W. Seeley, Justus Wellington Seeley, Orange Seely, John Tidwell, George Farnsworth, Harvey Tidwell, Jefferson Tidwell, Nelson Tidwell, John Meyrick, George Meyrick and others.  They were received with welcome.  Allotments of land were given them upon arrival and they began to till the soil.

On May 30th, President Ivie called a meeting for the purpose of discussing the building of the Fort and as to what methods to pursue.  In conclusion four men were appointed to supervise the construction of the wall.  Jahu Cox was allotted the north side, Thomas Woolsey the west side, Wm. S. Seely the south side and John Tidwell the east side.  Workmen were organized in companies of ten and the work commenced immediately with rapid progress.

This list herein contains a complete record of every person who contributed labor towards the erection of this great stone wall.

During the month of June we were kept very busy utilizing every spare moment in attending to our crops and the building of the large Fort Wall, which was four feet wide at the bottom, two feet wide at the top and twelve feet high, enclosing one of the large blocks in the center of the colony of about five and one half acres.  This wall was constructed, leaving port holes for every family therein, and the space between was utilized for the erection of one house for each port hole.

July 9th, Apostle George A. Smith and Amasa Lyman visited the Colony, giving much good advice and instructions unto the people, stating that they had come for the purpose of perfecting an organization and to organize them into an ecclesiastical Ward.  Wm. Stewart Seeley was chosen, sustained and ordained as Bishop, Harvey Tidwell his first councilor and  Peter Y. Jensen, his second councilor.

The office of President was vacated and Brother Ivie felt much pleased from being released of the responsibility placed upon him in the establishing of the Colony with which he had worked so faithfully.

The name Mt. Pleasant was adopted for the Colony, giving credit to its pleasant location, the beautiful fields and surroundings.

Work continued on the Fort Wall until July the 18th, when the same was completed.

A few days prior to July 24th, thepeople assembled together and arranged for a program and grand celebration, it being the anniversary in honor of the Pioneers arrival in Salt Lake Valley, July 24, 1847.

A bowery was erected in the southwest corner of the fort.  Much time was spent in arranging for the program and luncheon.

Pitch pine wood was brought from the mountains to be burned in order to furnish light for the dance and amusements in the evening.

On the morning of July 24th, salutes were fired at daybreak, drums were beat and at 9 a.m. the people gathered together at the bowery.

The services were commenced with singing by the choir.  The invocation was rendered by Bishop Wm. S. Seely,  the remaining program consisted of singing, speech making,  music, recitations etc., which kept up until about 1 p.m. when luncheon and picnic was served in abundance.  At 3 p.m. everything was cleared away for amusements and dancing, which continued until 2 a.m. July 25th. A good many of the people danced in their bare feet and on the bare ground.  The celebration was characterized all the way through by the good feelings which prevailed among the Saints.

About August 1st, we began harvesting our hay crops which consisted of the natural grasses, which grew in abundance in the lowlands between Mt. Pleasant and Ephraim, som of it being hauled as far as ten and twelve miles.  We were not equipped with modern machinery and our only means of cutting the grass was with homemade cythes and swathes, raking with wooden rakes and pitchforks, which were made from the native wood.

Much time was consumed haying on account of this simple method and the use of ox teams and the hauling of the hay at so great a distance.

As soon as the hay crops were put up, harvesting of grain began, which was handled in about the same manner as haying.  The grain was cradled, raked up into bundles and bound by hand, then hauled to the yards and thrashed by being trtramped with oxen or flailed by men.

The system of separating the grain from the chaff was accomplished by waiting for a light wind or breeze, at which time the farmers would toss it into the air, the grain falling on a canvas, while the chaff was blown off.  This was continued over and over several times until the wheat would be thoroughly seperated.  The crops were good and much grain was raised.  However, some of it matured very late; some was frozen, owing to the fact that some of the settlers arrived late in the Spring and did not get their seed planted early enough in the season.

More to come.

ANDREW MADSEN SR. JOURNAL PART III

The following is an account written by Andrew Madsen concerning  Chief Justice of Utah, Judge W.W. Drummond's resignation and his allegations to Washington of Governor Brigham Young and the Mormons destroying the records of the Supreme Court, Legislative Records, etc.  Also accusing the Mormons of detaining people from leaving the valley.   Drummond asked for the United States troops to be sent to Utah. Andrew records the events that brought about the (Big Move), when many saints were urged to move south before the U.S. Army invaded the area.

Andrew Madsen Sr.

David R. Gunderson  reproduced the original journal printed for private distribution several years ago and is currently working on a new edition to be published sometime in the future.

March, 1857, my brother Mads, the only one of the family who remained in Denmark completing some work and collecting the last payment due on the sale of our farm, started to emigrate to Utah in company with many others and landed here early in the fall.  His journey was not such as that of my father and mother as he came through during the summer months suffering no cold.  He was in company with Capt. Cowley.  He arrived at Philadelphia May 1st, 1857 and traveled by rail to Iowa City, arriving there June 9th, where they were fitted out with ox teams, arriving in Salt Lake City, Sept. 13th, 1857, with a wagon and yoke of oxen, bringing with him Owen Lillingquist and family.



In the spring of 1857, I, in company with Mr. Swensen assisted him in taking a load of flour to Green River with my oxen.  Arriving there I hitched to my father's wagon which had been left there the previous winter by my mother and brother.  I also brought with me some of my mother's clothing which she had left.  The trip was not the most pleasant one, but by so doing I came in possession of the wagon.



I returned to Brigham City and became the owner of a lot and after my brother Mads arrived, we worked together and in the Fall he married Miss Ellen Hansen, who had crossed the Pains with the same company.  We built a dug out which we lived in during the winter.



That winter Lorenzo Snow made arrangements to build himself a home and we presented him with a keg of nails which had been hauled by us from St. Louis, Monday March 30th.  Judge W.W. Drummond tendered his resignation as Chief Justice of Utah and in framing said resignation to be sent to the Executive at Washington, D.C., he included and wrote some of the most abominable falsehoods against the Governor, Brigham Young, and the Mormons, charging them with destroying the records of the Supreme Court, the Legislative Records, etc.  and detaining people from leaving the valley and many other falsehoods to send troops to Utah.



On July 24th, while the Saints were celebrating the 10th anniversary of the arrival of the Pioneers to Utah at Big Cottonwood Canyon, Abraham O. Smoot and Judson Stoddard arrived from Independence, Mo. without the mail, the postmaster there having refused to forward the same.  They reported that General Harney with two thousand infantry and a proportionate number of artillery and cavalry were ordered to Utah.  After receiving this information, the Utah Militia was ordered to be kept in readiness for an expedition to the mountains to prevent the approaching army, if necessary, until some agreements and understandings as to conditions had been affected.  This was in compliance with the request of Governor B. Young.



Tuesday, September 15th, Governor Brigham Young declared the territory of Utah under Martial Law and forbade the troops to enter Salt Lake Valley.  Large numbers of armed militia were ordered to Echo Canyon and other points to intercept the soldiers and prevent access to the valley.



Tuesday, September 29th, General Daniel H. Wells, left Great Salt Lake City for Echo Canyon, where he established headquarters.  About 1250 men from several military districts were ordered to Echo Canyon, where they engaged in digging trenches across the canyon, throwing up breastwork, loosening rocks on the heights, etc., preparing to resist the progress of the army.  About the same time, myself and about one hundred militia men under the command of Captain James Bywater marched to Soda Springs  and we pitched camp near Fort Hall.  Remaining there a short time, we returned to Brigham City and on October 10th, the officers of the Utah Expedition held a council of war at Hame Fork and decided that the army should march to Great Salty Lake Valley by way of Soda Springs.  The following day the march was commenced, but after several days of slow and exhaustive travelling, the expedition was forced to return.  October 12th, the militia was called out from Ogden and northern settlements and myself and about five hundred responded.  We went under command of Colonel West towards Soda Springs.  The object was to meet the Utah Army, but we were called back by an express sent by them.



About the first of November we were called out again under the command of Captain Bywater's Company to Echo Canyon, and at this time the United States Soldiers were cammped at Hame Fork and Black Fork, two miles from Fort Bridger and 115 miles from Salt Lake City.  During the first part of December, when deep snow fell, we were released and went home for the winter.



On Monday, December 21st, 1857, the Utah Legislature unanimously concurred in the message, policy and actions of Governor Brigham Young in stopping the Army.



On Monday, April 5th, 1858, Governor Alfred Cummings and Colonel Thos. L. Kane, with a servant left the Army at Fort Scott for Salt Lake City, arriving there on the 12th.  The new Governor was kindly received by President Brigham Young and other leading citizens and treated everywhere with respectful attention.



On Monday, April 19th, Governor Cummings and Colonel Kane examined the Utah Library where James W. Cummings showed them the Records and Seals of the United District Court, alleged to have been destroyed by the Mormons and many other investigations were made.  This accusation was one of the reasons why the Army was ordered to Utah.  A few days later the Governor sent a truthful report to the Government at Washington in relation to the affairs and denouncing the statements made by Judge Drummond.



Sunday, March 21st, 1858 the citizens of Salt Lake City and the settlements north of it, agreed to abandon their homes and go south.  All the information derived from eastern papers being to the effect that the approaching Army was sent to destroy them.  I, at that time, was living at Brigham City and myself, brothers and sisters, together with a great many others or practically all, began making preparations to move south as soon as Spring opened up and the weather would permit.  (This is known in Utah History as the "Big Move")

I was detailed to make boxes for flour, others to repair wagons and various other things in way of preparation.  Provisions were secured giving all of us a year's supply, which was furnished gratis.  About the middle of April many began to move south and my brother, Neils drove my team, accompanying my other brothers, mother and sisters, while I remained as a guard, being Capt. of ten, to see that our homes and property was burned and destroyed should they be disturbed by the soldiers.



We remained there for some time and during this time a band of husky Indians, about two hundred in all, came and camped upon the creek with us.  They were friendly and apparently sympathized with the people and it appeared that they had been out with the soldiers and understood there was trouble.  Many of them were clad with soldier blankets and flannel shirts.  I traded with a squaw some wheat I had scraped up from the mill for a buckskin and new red flannel shirt.  There was a tailor among us and he made the buckskin I had into a pair of trousers and this, with the red flannel shirt I had, was the first suit I ever obtained in Utah.



Thursday, May 13th, Governor Cummings left Salt Lake City for Camp Scott for the purpose of removing his wife to the City.  When he returned June 8th he found the city almost deserted by its inhabitants.



Friday, June 11th, the Peace Commission met with President Brigham Young and others in the Council House at Salt Lake City and the difficulties between the United States and Utah were peaceably adjusted, after which we were released, those having homes, principally returning to Salt Lake City.l  I took my gun and blanket and walked from Brigham City to Fort Ephraim, a distance of about two hundred miles, where I found our family.



Just a few days before I passed up Salt Creek Canyon on my way, Jens Jorgensen and wife, Jens Terkelsen and Christian and Kjerulf were murdered by Indians, while they were traveling through unarmed on their way to Sanpete Valley.



A few weeks after arriving at Ephraim, a Company of about ten went into the canyons for timber.  While we were getting out timber, a shot was fired and we all started for our wagons and one of our party came down the hill, having received a wound from the shot, which was fired by an Indian in ambush the underbrush being so dense we decided to retreat to the Fort.  However, the wounded man recovered.  That Fall we went to work supplying ourselves with hay, building houses and preparing for the winter; and on December 26th, 1858 I was married to Miss Johanna E. Wedergreen Anderson.



To us were born the following children:   (copied from Neils Madsen book)



Hannah L.             (died when 10 months old)

Louisa B.              (died  at 25 years old)

Andreas                (died at 15 days old)

Annie                    (died at 43 years old)

Emma                  (died after a few hours)

Andrew C.            (died at 67 years old)

Lauritz L.              (died at 2 years old)

Anthon W.            (died at 52 years old)

Neil M.                 (died at 54 years old)

Hilda E.                (died at 69 ?)

To be continued.........

Dave Gunderson Restoration of Two Historic Photos

We have such wonderful, thoughtful friends looking out for us.

Dave Gunderson took the two photos from our earlier post: http://mtpleasantpioneer.blogspot.com/2011/10/hazel-anderson-working-at-mt-pleasant.html

submitted by

Judy Malkiewicz about

the Progress Store and did his magic. 

 Before 

Hamilton Poets ~ Betty Gunderson Woodbury and David R. Gunderson Collection

Poetry by the Children of Mt. Pleasant – Printed circa 1908 by the Mt. Pleasant Pyramid. The original copy is from the archives of Betty G. Woodbury & restoration work has been done by David Gunderson. As you read these delightful verses, you will get a glimpse of an era gone by and you might find a verse written by one of your ancestors.

Hamilton Poets ~ Betty Gunderson Woodbury and David R. Gunderson Collection

Poetry by the Children of Mt. Pleasant – Printed circa 1908 by the Mt. Pleasant Pyramid. The original copy is from the archives of Betty G. Woodbury & restoration work has been done by David Gunderson. As you read these delightful verses, you will get a glimpse of an era gone by and you might find a verse written by one of your ancestors.

Hamilton Poets ~ Betty Gunderson Woodbury and David R. Gunderson Collection

Help us identify the students please!

JOE THE PARROT ~ by David R. Gunderson

Memories of Andrew Madsen’s Parrot, Joe ~ by David R. Gunderson

Early Photo of Hilda's House on State Street
I first met Joe in the late fall of 1942 when our family spent December at Aunt Hilda’s house in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. Originally, this home had been built by Andrew Madsen, Aunt Hilda’s father and my great-grandfather, and it was one of the first houses built outside the fort in the early 1860’s.

              Aunt Hilda

Joe lived in the south-west corner of Aunt Hilda’s kitchen and could speak in both English and Danish. Sometimes he used words in English that, as a five year old, I was not allowed to say. I don’t know about his Danish vocabulary, but I’ll bet it was just as colorful as his English vocabulary. I did notice that, unlike me, Joe’s mouth was never washed out with soap when he used any of his more colorful words. I also noticed that Dad and Uncle Bruce didn’t get the soap treatment either. I decided that maybe Aunt Hilda and Mom had just given up on all three of them A Picture of an Amazon Parrot

We believe that Joe was an Amazon or perhaps a Military Macaw parrot and that he had been obtained by Andrew Madsen in the 1910 time frame, after his first parrot had flown off. The story goes that one day in the early fall, the first parrot was placed on the front porch to get some sun. When he saw a flock of birds migrating south, he simply flew up and joined them. His wings had been clipped and family members feared for his safety. They carefully searched for him for several days but no sign of him was ever found in Sanpete.

Some years later, a group of LDS missionaries returning to Sanpete from Mexico, reported that they had seen a parrot, perched in a tree that looked like the Madsen’s lost bird. When they approached it to try to coax it down, it flew away swearing at them in both English and Danish. We can’t say, for sure if this bird was Andrew Madsen’s lost parrot, but the number of feral parrots in Northern Mexico at that time, with the lost bird’s coloring and the language skills, must have been extremely small.

Joe seems to have joined the family at about the time of my mother’s birth and a year or two after Aunt Hilda had resigned her management position in the Scofield Division of the Eastern Utah Telephone Company to take over the management of the Madsen home in Mt. Pleasant.

 Joe with Russel, Royal, Leoan, & Chesley Madsen

Joe was quite attached to Aunt Hilda and he loved my mother, Leoan. He and Mom had a lifelong friendship and they had seen each other nearly every day as Mom was growing up.

 When Mom was eighteen or nineteen years old, she entered the University of Utah and had to be away from home for some extended periods of time. Joe missed her during these periods and must have felt that she had been ignoring him. He took personal offence to this, and when she came home on breaks, Joe would totally ignore her for a day or so. We think this was just to teach her a lesson, and let her know how it felt to be ignored. But this never lasted long, and he would soon forgive her and welcome her back into his inner circle of friends.

Joe was always busy cracking seeds, preening his feathers, honing his beak, scolding, surveying his domain, or doing other things that are important to parrots. But, when you entered “his” kitchen, Joe would always stop all of his activities and say, “Hello Joe, Hello Joe” (always said twice) and then he would wait for you to say “Hello Joe” back before he resumed his busy schedule.

By the time I met him, Joe was about 32 years of age, late in his midlife years, and he had become a bit “crotchety”. Aunt Hilda warned us that Joe had been known to bite and cautioned us that we should keep away from him.

Joe always wanted to have things done “his way”, and when Aunt Hilda did something he didn’t like, I remember of seeing him charge at her feet, with his wings flapping, and scolding her at the top of his lungs. This made believers of us children, so after that, we enjoyed Joe from a safe distance. Joe seemed to have liked this arrangement, because I don’t recall that any one of us was ever bitten or even scolded by Joe.

Joe had a perch, a cage, some toys and a cover for night. He also had a cup for food and one for water. Each morning, Aunt Hilda would give him fresh water, fill his food cup with sunflower and other seeds and give him fruits and greens. I loved to see him play with his toys, pick up a seed, shell it, and pop it into his mouth. He wasn’t very tidy with the seed shells, scattering them all around his perch.

Aunt Hilda raised sunflowers in her garden for Jo; the ones with the huge heads and equally huge seeds. She had quite a few of these dried sunflower “heads” stored in her back porch, and I remember that she recruited me to help her pick them or scrape the large seeds out of the “heads” for Joe. I loved her cat "Tom" helping to do something for him.

Hilda, "Joe the Parrot" and "Tom the Cat"

Aunt Hilda suffered from rheumatism which worsened as she grew older. When she was away for treatment or visiting nieces and nephews, she always left Joe with her cousin, Emma Anderson. The Andersons liked Joe and he seemed to have liked them as well. In 1944 or 1945, after Aunt Hilda had cared for Joe for some 35 years, she found that she could no longer carry on and Joe went to live with the Andersons permanently.

In 1948, Aunt Emma, called to offer to let us have one of her newly born purebred wirehaired terrier puppies. (Aunt Emma was very selective about the people she would trust with one of her puppies, and it was a great honor to be given an opportunity to have one of them.) When we entered Aunt Emma’s kitchen to get my new pup, mother walked over towards Joe’s perch to say hello. Joe wasn’t ready for such familiarity with someone he didn’t recognize and he turned toward Mom, flapping his wings and squawking at the top of his lungs. This was not an angry attack but enough to let Mom know that he felt that she was intruding on his private space. Mom backed off a bit but continued to talk quietly to Joe.


When he had settled down, he seemed to begin to study her, like you would when you meet someone you think you should know. He then brightened up and called her name in his shrill parrot’s voice, first, softly as a question, then with increasing volume as he recognized her, and finally brightly as a welcome to a dear friend that he hadn’t seen in far to long a time.

“Leoan??? … Leoan??? …. Leoan!!!”

Joe then seemed delighted that Mom had come to visit him; he wanted her to pick him up, and let him stand on her shoulder so that he could preen her hair and “cuddle” her.  Mom let him stand on her hand and wrist and let him climb up to her shoulder once but didn’t trust him to stay there. Both Mom and Joe seemed to enjoy this renewal of their long friendship.


I believe this visit to Aunt Emma’s to get my new puppy was the last time we ever saw Joe. He died a year or two later at the young age (for parrots) of about 42 years, far short of the 60+ years he might have lived in the wild.



In all, Joe shared his life with four generations of our family. We all loved him, and enjoyed his quirky ways. I believe that, in his way, Joe loved us too.