Showing posts with label Tidwell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tidwell. Show all posts
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
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.
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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.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Andrew Madsen Sr. Journal
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| 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.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Christian Brothersen and His Family ~ Pioneers of the Month ~ May 2011
The Life Sketch of Christian Brotherson and His Family
The life sketch of Christen Brothersen (Brodersen) is presented in two parts. The first part focuses on the family’s early life in
Part 1: Focuses on Life in
Christian Brothersen was born, 14 June 1811 at Idrstrup,
A sorrowful event occurred in this family when Bone was an infant of only a few weeks of age. The mother, Anne Mortensen Brothersen. passed away on 26 May 1851. Mainly out of symphony for her sister’s children; Elsie Mortensen went into the Brothersen home, married Christian and cared for the children. It seems that Christian was a wealthy man. When missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints visited his home and brought the message of the restored gospel, the father embraced it with all his heart, as did Elsie. Quick preparations were made and this family planned on going to
| Map showing the location of | |
The following year, 1857, this family joined a company of emigrants and sailed to
There were 330 people, 3 wagons, and 68 handcarts with which to make the journey. The journey was hazardous and eventful. The leader also walked and tried to keep up the spirits of his people. On13 September 1857, the company arrived in Utah Salt Lake Valley
Brothersens on the Passenger List of the Westmoreland (1857)
(Family Members are Indicated by Arrows)
Christian Brothersen settled his family at
Christian went to Mount Pleasant
After moving to
Martin moved to Indianola to plant and cultivate crops. They also had cattle and sheep. Those were the days that tried their soul, Hans, Martin, and Christian Brotherson and other members of the family stood guard against Indians led by Chief Black Hawk from April 1865 until a treaty of peace was signed in
A close up map of the location of Idestrup, Denmark
Part 2: Focuses on their Life in
BIOGRAPHY OF CHRISTIAN BROTHERSEN (BRODERSEN)
by Ila Brotherson Tidwell
My great grandfather, Christian Brotherson, was one of the noble pioneers who entered the Salt Lake Valley
Christian Brotherson was not only a pioneer, he also helped to conquer this western land and make it a frontier civilization. In doing this, he gave us a land of freedom in which to live. He gave us the opportunity to live under the protection of the Stars and Stripes of
He was born 14 June 1811. One record says Idestrup the other says Veggerlose,
Grandfather married Ann Mortensen in
This presents a sad beginning in the life of Christian Brotherson. He did not loose the desire to care for his babies even though his heart was broken at the loss of his sweetheart in the beautiful years of their youth. Those who know grandfather, lived with him, those who lived near him and those who remember him now, tell us he was a devoted and kind father from the very beginning. He was now forty years old and had always had responsibilities on his shoulders. It hadn't been too easy living in a family of twelve children. Each one must take his share of the load. Great grandfather, being old when he was married, had accumulated much. He was prepared to stand on his own two feet. We have a tithing receipt given him in Denmark Denmark
She said we should have it put in a museum so people could see it. It was among the first tithing receipts given in Denmark
Maybe it was the feeling of loyalty and responsibility for the children of her sister; we hope it was love for both the children and their father that prompted Elsie to become a mother to Christian’s three small children. They were married on March 19, 1852 in
These children were very fortunate in having a second mother come into their home to help care for them. But as the story unfolds, Great Grandfather Christian had more dark clouds on the horizon as well as sunshine.
During the time, or shortly after he married Elsie, while they were still on their honeymoon, missionaries from
Their first, a baby boy, was born 14 May 1853. They named him Martin after his Maternal Grandfather. On January 8, 1856, a little girl came to bless their home. They named her Ann. (Her home was where the Pioneer Relic Hall now stands in Mt. Pleasant , Utah
After the Restored Gospel had come into their lives, their ideals and ambitions were to come to America America
This was a big sacrifice in those days, as well as a blessing. They had to part with friends and relatives, home and it's comforts, worldly possessions, all for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the desire to worship God in a new world. Their ideals as parents were high education, culture, patriotism, and freedom was the pattern of their lives, the desire for their children.
They were patriotic and loyal to the Church they loved so much. Great Grandfather was a well to do man in Denmark America , he hired a man by the name of Hyrum Arnoldsen to help him and his family to America
They sailed on the Westmoreland, from Liverpool , 25 April 1857. The leader of their company was Matrthias Cowley. There were some 544 souls who come to America
They landed in Philadelphia Great Salt Lake Valley
They joined the 7th Handcart Company under the leadership of Christian Christiansen. (Interesting to me was this notation. He was the first Elder ordained in Scandinavia . This was done by Erastis Snow in 1851.)
There was much to be done in preparation for the journey to Zion
There were 330 souls in this company, three wagons, and 68 handcarts. Rightly, it was named the "Christian Christiansen Handcart Company". In one these handcarts were all their possessions. Christian had a family of five children, his wife, himself and a hired man. He had a baby of two who had to ride or be carried and a little boy almost five. I have heard him (Martin) tell many times how he walked all the way, or most of the way, barefoot. His feet were so callused that he could step on prickly pares and not even flinch. He told how happy he was when his mother would pull the handcart and his daddy would carry him a little way. He also told of how his father would hold him at night until he went to sleep. He also told how he liked to see the campfire at night, hear them sing, climb on his daddy's lap and go to sleep.
They built fires only once in a while because the Indians were beginning to attack the Saints. In fact the first attack they had by Indians was in 1857.
The weary travelers moved slowly every day, stopping only long enough to eat and sleep. Behind them was the Johnson Army. They preferred to keep out of their way. But one afternoon some supply wagons that were ahead of the army caught up with the handcart company. They moved slowly pulling the handcarts and so many walking. The army had a lame oxen. They told the pioneers they could have half if they would dress it by the next evening. During the night a heavy rainstorm made the roads so muddy the army wagons mired deep in the mud and moved very slowly. The Saints pulled their light carts out of the ruts and moved on, soon leaving the army wagons far behind. The Saints had all the oxen. That night they camped near a large stream of water. The Indians helped the women and children across the stream. The Saints didn't ever see Johnson's Army again.
They had many hardships but I feel my Great Grandfather was really blessed. He and all his family reached their destination.
Here is one experience Grandpa told that happened while coming across the plains. A little girl that was the same age as baby Ann died. They had nothing to bury her in, so they wrapped her little body in a blanket, put her head in a brass kettle to keep the dirt from her face and placed her in a lonely grave. These were the heart-rending experiences that tested their faith. Sometimes they felt they couldn't carry on.
One of the abilities that God gave us when he created us was the ability to see ahead, the vision to do today what will be best for us tomorrow. Great Grandfather's faith was really tested.
Besides the hardships they endured crossing the plains, he could see every day he was loosing his wife's love. For reasons we do not know, she became the object of another man's desire to covet a lovely woman. Great Grandfather was very kind and understanding with her. He loved her very much. He needed her to help rear their children. His oldest girl was only nine years old. He had a baby only two and three other children. They all needed a mother's love and tender care. Christian told her this, "If you are dissatisfied, I will not prevent your leaving." He must have been a good man with an understanding heart. The man who took his wife was none other than the man whom Great Grandfather had hired to help him while crossing the plains. He had paid his way and in return Mr. Arnoldsen took his wife. We can't find if Great Grandfather took his wife with him into the settlement at Ephraim or if when they reached the
They reached the valley on Sunday, 13 September 1857. They lacked two days of being three months crossing the plains. When they had finished their journey over, in fear of Johnson's Army, most of the company was sent by the church leaders to Ephraim. The tired souls struggled on to Fort Ephraim
I have read from history that trail of the Saints, who went to Ephraim, could be followed by blood on the snow. The first winter they almost starved. Grandfather Martin tells of the winter of 1858 when they only had a little mound of wheat, in a corner to last until the next harvest. His father would raise his hands, close his eyes and pray to the Father in Heaven to bless this little bit of food that it would last them. Martin, only a boy, testified that it seemed to not diminish very fast and it lasted so that these faithful pioneers could subsist until the weeds began to grow in the spring and they could dig roots to eat.
My heart aches for Great Grandfather Christian with the sadness that he must carry in his heart alone. He had five children under ten years of age whom he must love, instruct, feed and care for. He must be a mother and father to them. What his faith and courage must have been. We owe him so much.
In the spring of 1859 he came among the first settlers to what they called Hamilton Settlement. He helped to build the stone fort. His name appears on the Pioneer Monument America Mt. Pleasant
They lived here until the children all married. Then Christian moved to the north part of town. This was in his declining years. They say even then Great Grandfather's home was the play ground for all the neighborhood children. He always had lump sugar, raisins, or candy to give to them. Sometimes when he didn't have these, he would give them an egg and let them take it to the store and get what they would like. Many people of Mt. Pleasant
After his wife, Elsie, had gone with the hired man, they settled in Ft. Green Moroni
One time, when Martin, my grandfather, was only seven, he was going from Mt. Pleasant Riverside Park
Arnoldsen stopped the wagon and told Martin to get out. He said he was going to stop and water and rest the horses. So the little fellow climbed down from the wagon. The man hurriedly whipped the horses to a run and drove away. The child was astounded when he realized he was left alone and it was getting dark. He was all alone, the Indians were real ferocious. He might get lost or even perish in the darkness of the night. He sadly thought, "What shall I do, go home to Dad or go on to see Mother?" He quickly made up his mind and began to run after the wagon. He thought, "If I can just stay far enough behind so he doesn't see me but I can see the dust of the wagon, I wont' be afraid."
After separating from his step-father, he fairly flew. He began to tire after he had followed a trail out through the fields and over the hill for a long way. It was a shorter way. He said, "I prayed in my heart as I ran faster and faster that the Lord would help me get to my mother first. I did get to Mother before he did and told her what he had done." Grandfather tells of how his mother took him in her arms and cried like her heart would break. "You must go back and live always with your father. He is a good man and will always be good to you." When Arnoldsen arrived, he was surprised to see the boy and also angry. He made Martin go to bed without any super. Great Grandmother sent him home the next day with a friend as I remember. I do remember what his father said to him when he returned, "My little Mart, I felt I should never have let you go after you had gone."
On another occasion when Martin was helping Arnoldsen haul hay, he was pitching the hay on the wagon and I felt impressed to move. He looked up just in time to dodge a pitch fork. The man had aimed it at his head.
Martin tells this story about his boyhood also. "I went for a walk up in the hills. I was sitting on a big rock, I felt the presence of someone, I knew not whom. I knew I was being watched, likely by Indians. What should I do? Suddenly, I began singing loudly, so I could be heard by anyone nearby. The fear left me; I was not molested or harmed, for which I was thankful."
Great Grandfather Christian probably loved or had a great deal of respect for Elsie. He always knew how she was and when she needed help. Grandfather said, "My father often took her flour, meat, fruit and other foods and clothing for her and her children." She had a real hard life and many times didn't know which way to turn. Her husband lived in polygamy. He had four wives. It was hard for him to care for all in those days.
Great Grandmother was a beautiful woman. She had light brown hair with beautiful dark blue eyes. She was slender and average height; had a pleasing disposition but was quiet. Sometime in her life she hurt her shoulder. Some say it was from her helping pull the handcart across the plains. We don't know. But we do know her one shoulder drooped and hurt all her life.
She was sealed to Arnoldsen in the old endowment house in Salt Lake City
She didn't want Arnoldsen. Christian[1] evidently wanted his first wife because he went and had her sealed to him 19 September 1889. His children were married at this time and so they made the choice of who they would be sealed to. My Grandfather, Martin Brotherson said, "I want my father." He was sealed to his father and his mother's sister, Ann, Christian's first wife. Christian died on 9 August 1893. He was buried in Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery
A picture of the Hans Brotherson family circa 1901
Soon after the Death of Hans Brotherson
Background: Hans Brotherson .(In Picture Frame)
Background: Hans Brotherson .(In Picture Frame)
Back Row (Left to right)t: Parley [Parley Pratt], Tina [Clementine], Francis [Francis], Boone [Bohney], Lora [Lorenza Christine], Hans [Hans}, Chris [Christian],
Middle Row (Left to right): Orsen [Orson Hyde], Rakkie, [Fredrickka], Rhea [Maria], Maggie [Annie Margaret], Grandma Frederikka [Frederickka Andrea], Nels [Nels Douglas]
Front Row: Floyd [Ferdnand Floyd] on the left,
Friday, September 10, 2010
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