First Settlers of
Price, Carbon County, Utah

The following information was taken from the book "Centennial Echos from Carbon County" pages 71 - 78 and "History of Carbon County" by Ronald Watt, obituaries, the indexes of Frances Cunningham and the book "Fifty Years ago this Week At and Around Price 1929" by Ernest Horsley.

Caleb Baldwin Rhoades Caleb Baldwin Rhoades - photo donated by the Rhoades family - taken at the 1897 50th Pioneer Anniversary in Salt Lake City)

summer 1869 - Bishop William Price made an exploratory trip to the valley.

Oct 1877 - Caleb Baldwin Rhoades and Abraham Powell built a cabin and spent the fall and winter trapping in the area. Abraham Powell was killed by a bear in Dec. 1878 on Mt. Nebo so he never returned to the area.

1878 - James Davis Gay a bachelor from Utah County built a log cabin near the area which is now Spring Glen.

21 January 1879 - Frederick Empire Grames, Charles W. Grames and Caleb Baldwin Rhoades enter Castle Valley. They arrived at what is known as Rhoades Meadow about three miles northwest of Price City. A dug out was made on the south side of the bank along the north side of the location for a shelter until a log cabin could be constructed for a better home. About 23 Jan 1879 Frederick E. Grames came futher down the river and settled at what is now known as the J. M. (Tobe) Whitmore farm. On the 30 Aug 1883 he built the first post office and store at Price.

1879 - James Montgomery Whitmore and George Downard

9 March 1879 - Levi Simmons, William Z. Warren and Thomas Caldwell arrived in Castle Valley.

12 March 1879 - Robert Alonzo Powell and William Davis arrived from Salem. According to Ernest Horsley, James Davis Gay also arrived on this day.

1 April 1879 - Lyman Curtis, John Ammon Powell and his wife Sarah Jane Shields Powell, the first white woman to come, enters the valley.

6 June 1879 - Martha Ellen Powell Grames, wife of Frederick Empire Grames, and their families came to Price.

6 June 1879 - Rachel Joanna Davis Powell, wife of Robert Alonzo Powell, and children comes to the valley.

1880 - Allred Green, Jens Peterson & wife, Chris Peterson, Charles Downard, William Downard, Jake Kofford, William J. Warren, Mathew Simmons

28 Sep 1880 - Frank Williams, second child born in Price area, is born to Frank Williams and Unice Elizabeth Koyle Williams. Frank Williams Jr. died 19 Sep 1923.

2 Jan 1881 - Albert James Grames came here and built a cabin to establish a squatters right on a piece of land at the area where Gordon Creek enters the Price River from the west.

Oct. 1881 - Erick and Sophia Nelson made a dugout in the banks of the river to shelter them during the winter...

1881 - Charles William and Maria Lillywhite Grames

Also to enter the valley was Jemima Wimmer Powell the mother of Abraham Powell, Robert Alonzo Powell, John Ammon Powell, Martha Ellen Powell Grames and Malinda Powell Rhoades.

1882 - 1884 - Charles Henry Empey and wife Keziah Janes Jones Stewart , Seren and Emily Barton Olsen, Peter Isaac and Sally Ann Barton Olsen, Samuel and Sarah Cox, William H. Branch, Joseph Birch, Samuel Newman Eldridge, John Henry Mathis, Brigham O. McIntyre, Erasmus Frandsen, Ulrich & Margaret Kuhn Bryner, Albert Bryner, Horsleys, Robbs, Ballingers, Coxes, Meads, Perkins, Babcock, and Andrew J. Simmons

1882 - Editorial by Ernest S. Horsly, secretary of Price Stake, Saturday January 28, 1926. "The early day settlers along the Price River were mostly members of the Latter-day Saints church and came stringing in a few of a time until along in the year 1882 some twenty-five families were scattered up and down the river southeasterly to what is now known as Wellington and northeasterly to what is now known as Spring Glen and Helper."

1882 - Francis Marion Ewell in Spring Glen area. Spring Glen was originally called Ewell.

22 February 1883 - Albert Dalton in Spring Glen and Helper area.

Spring 1883 - Harmon C. Bryner

Born: June 28, 1884 - William M. McIntire

November 4, 1884 - John Hardison & Pauline A. Pace

January 1885 - Edith E. Miles Bryner

1885 - Mrs. Charles Marsh

10 Mar 1889 - Edwin Fullmer


William Price II

The following paragraphs are copied from:

Daughters of Utah Pioneers
Lesson for October 2000
Pioneers of Carbon County

Compiled by Jean S. Greenwood, Lou Jean S. Wiggins, and Mary N. Porter Harris
pages 60

William Price II

William Price II was an early pioneer in Utah, arriving September 24, 1852, in the wagon train commanded by Henry Miller. He spent many years colonizing and exploring the Utah territory and was one of the first to explore the Spanish Fork Canyon. He came across the stream now called the White River which he followed until he found another stream about six miles away which ran through Pleasant Valley. This was later called Fish Creek. He called the convergence of the two streams the Price River. The city of Price in Carbon County is also named after this early explorer.

William Price II was born December 4, 1818, in the village of Lee, Gloucestershire, England, the son of William Price and Mary Ann Price.

In 1869 William, who was then the bishop in Goshen, discovered what was later called the Price River while he was exploring Spanish Fork Canyon. Although he never lived there, the town of Price received its name in his honor.

Please refer to the article for a complete history of William Price II.

See the newspaper article Where did the name come from? for other ideas about how Price got its name.


Click here to read the history of the Albert Grames house
and see photos of the Grames, Clifford and Rhoades homes.


Introduction

Much of the following information was donated by Ernest Cima. a descendant of the Powell family. His contribution of the information is greatly appreciated. I am interested in obtaining histories and photos of each of the settlers to come into the valley in the first five years. If you have one please e-mail Kathy Hamaker. If you know of someone else who entered the Castle Valley between 1869 to 1881 please notify me and your additions will be made. Thank you!

Jemima Wimmer Powell

This information was submitted to the Daughters of Utah Pioneers to be included in their publication "Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude" by Mrs. Evelyn (Leonard) Bjornn.

Name: Jemima Wimmer Powell
Date and place of birth: 14 March 1815 in Hamilton County, Ohio
Date and place of death: 13 Dec 1893 - Price, Emery County, Utah (Carbon county was created in 1894)
Parents: Peter and Elizabeth Shirley Wimmer
Spouse: James Powell
Date and place of marriage: 6 Oct. 1833 - Henry County, Indiana
Children: Elizabeth Powell
Peter Powell
Robert Alonzo Powell
John Ammon Powell
Simeon Comfort
Malinda Powell (wife of Caleb Rhoades)
Martha Ellen Powell (wife of Frederick Grames)
James Powell
Abraham Powell (killed by bear)

Sarah Jane Shields Plumb Powell

This information was submitted to the Daughters of Utah Pioneers to be included in their publication "Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude" by Mrs. Evelyn (Leonard) Bjornn.

Name: Sarah Jane Shields Plumb Powell
Date and place of birth: 29 Sep. 1854 - Pajaro, California
Date and place of death: 4 Jan 1932 - Price, Carbon County, Utah
Parents: John Fenton and Mary Howell Shields
Spouse: Jeremiah Plumb
Date 24 Jan. 1870
Spouse: John Ammon Powell
Date and place of marriage: 6 Jan 1873 - Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah
Children: Mary Elizabeth Plumb, Sarah Jane, Lot, Florence Edith, Martha, Abraham, Joseph, Pearl, Zoe Ellen, Earl, Hazel, Franklin Irving
  Sarah Jane Powell was the first white woman to arrive and settle in Price, Carbon County, Utah. She arrived there in 1879. She was a prominent figure, helping to build and develop the community. She was President of the Relief Society for eight years. She was a midwife and nurse, attending to many of the births in Price and the surrounding areas. She was active in organizing the Daughters of Utah Pioneers in Price, and the Sarah Jane Powell Camp of DUP is named after her. There is a memorial to her in Price. She remains a tower of strength to all her descendants.

The History of Sarah Jane Shields Plumb Powell

Written by Evelyn Leonard Bjornn - a granddaughter

Sarah Jane Shields Plumb Powell

My grandmother Sarah Jane Shields Plumb Powell was born 29 September 1854 at Pajaro, Monterey County, California, the third child of eight born to Mary Howell Shields and John Fenton Shields. Mary Howell was born 21 June 1825 in Springfield, Illinois and John Fenton Shields was born 3 February 1823 in Beaver County, Pennsylvania.

John Fenton Shields and Mary Howell were married 1 July 1847 and came to Utah with the John Brown Company in 1849.

Mary Howell joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Springfield, Illinois. She was disinherited by her family and never saw them again.

Shortly after coming to the Great Salt Lake Valley they were asked to go to Pajaro, Monterey County, California to colonize. Sarah was born there and was eight years old when they were called back to the Salt Lake Valley where they bought a farm in Salem, Utah.

In this thriving little community Sarah Jane spent a very active and useful life, both in church and school.

Sarah Jane married Jeremiah Plumb in the Salt Lake Endowment House 24 January 1870. They built a home in Salem. A daughter was born to them 6 February 1871. They named the baby Mary Elizabeth. She was a beautiful baby with big brown eyes. Sarah Jane and Jeremiah were a happy family and prospering, but in November Jeremiah became very ill with typhoid fever and died 12 November 1871, leaving Sarah Jane with a nine month old daughter to raise. Sarah Jane was a true pioneer, and with all the strength and energy with which the Lord had endowed her, she helped her father on the farm, doing many chores to earn enough to support her daughter and maintain her home.


Powell Family (sticker reads): Left to R: John A. Powell, Sarah Jane Shields P., Abraham Powell, ---, Florence P. Sarah (Aunt Sadie) Mary Elizabeth, Zoe Ellen. Early 1900's. Photo donated by Jamie Powell and Phil Leonard.

As polygamy was the practice in the church at that time, Sarah Jane married John Ammon Powell as his second wife, 6 January 1872. John's first wife was Matilda Snyder and she died 7 December 1877 at the age of thirty years. She left six children, three girls and three boys. The oldest boy was twelve and the youngest was six months old. Sarah Jane weaned her baby who was a few months older and nursed Matilda's baby until it was old enough to be weaned.

Fifteen children were born to John and Sarah Jane. My mother was Zoe Ellen Powell Leonard, youngest daughter of Sarah Jane Shields Plumb Powell. I am telling incidents I recall most vividly about my grandmother.

As a young child I remember my grandmother's large two story brick home which was on South Carbon Avenue in Price, Utah. It was only a short distance from our home, with an orchard between the two houses. I can remember running through the orchard to my grandmother's home, for there was always something interesting there. The rooms were large and roomy, both upstiars and down. It was considered the mansion of Price in the early 1900's and as I grew older, I admired this home for its beauty and elegance.

My grandmother was an immaculate housekeeper inside and out. She also loved to have her yard graced with beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees. She always made the remark "that cleanliness is next to Godliness".

I remember my grandmother would always see that we went to Sunday School each Sunday morning. She was a very faithful, religious person and a stalwart Latter Day Saint.

We all loved to visit with her. She was kind, gentle but she was a strict disciplinarian. She would pour out her soul unto the Lord, for she knew that if we lived right her prayers would be answered. She would pray for the protecting shield to be about us, to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. I thank my grandmother for the teachings she implanted in my heart and as I grew older I was able to understand more fully the purpose of prayer. I can recall one time when she was praying and I fell asleep. When she was through she picked me up and scolded me, and told me I was to take heed and listen. One of the rare treats we would enjoy at bedtime was the chance to sleep with grandmother in her large feather bed with down pillows and a large fluffy comforter to snuggle down under.

Our grandmother was an ardent reader and if we came into the room while she was reading, we had to tip toe quietly to the chair and remain quiet until she finished. Then she would read to us from the Book of Mormon or other religious books. We enjoyed listening to stories about indians and the pioneers.

After school it was a real treat to hurry over to grandmother's house for her hot biscuits, butter and honey before going home. The aroma of her baking still lingers with me. My grandmother Sarah Jane was a very good cook and homemaker, something she seemed to enjoy doing.

I was about five years old at the time and remember sitting under the quilting frames with my dolls. My grandmother and her daughters would meet at our home every Thursday morning for mending and quilting. This was always a very busy day for everyone but always a very pleasant one.

Our family headed by grandmother always made their own patterns for the quilts and one stands out vividly in my mind which was called a "crazy quilt". It was made from pieces of silk dresses and mens silk ties. The pattern of the quilt would be worked out by putting various colors in their proper order. After this was all done a beautiful quilt top would appear and I would wonder how did they ever know where to place each colored piece of material to gain such grand results.

Now my grandfather, John Ammon Powell, homesteaded a ranch in the mountains near Colton, Utah on the White River. He built a large log cabin with a milk house to the side of it. He was very industrious and worked very hard. He raised cattle and horses. In the spring when it was round up time, our family would go to my grandparents ranch and help with the round up, milking and various other chores that had to be done. Along with taking care of the newborn calves and colts, we loved to ride the horses. But always we were expected to help with the many chores and to do our share while we were at the ranch. I don't suppose I did too much, because I was so young. But my mother, father, sister and brothers worked very hard. Even with all the hard work, we all looked forward to this time of the year.

If any of the grandchildren needed a helping hand after they were married, they were always welcome to live in the upstairs apartment of our grandmother's home until they were financially able to move to a home of their own.

Our grandmother played an important part in all of our lives, as well as her childrens' and grandchildrens'. She had a very strong personality and we loved and respected her all of our lives. The memories I have of her are many and very dear to me.

Sarah Jane Shields Plumb Powell

Grandmother Sarah Jane Powell was a true pioneer in Carbon County, one of the first white women to settle in Price and eastern Utah. She was a prominent figure helping to build and develop the community. Her activities were many and there is a memorial to her in Price. Grandmother survived our grandfather and lived alone until her death. She had been visiting with our family, and I was married at the time, and after she returned to her home she complained of not feeling well. A few days later she passed away, which was the 5th of January 1932 at the age of 77. She is buried in Salem, next to her first husband, Jeremiah Plumb. Grandfather is buried in Salem next to his brother Abraham Powell and his mother, Jemima Wimmer Powell.

This story was copied from the "Leonard Family Genealogy & Histories" vol. 2, 1992. There is an additional story about her written by Enid Davis Russell a granddaughter. You can contact Ernest Cima.for more information or a copy of the book is in the possession of the Price Family History Library.



John Ammon Powell family

Front: Sheridan Ray, Earl Herbert, Grant, Ada Jamima
Second row: Robert Augurtus, Marian, Roseltha Jane Allred, Sarah Jane Shields Plumb, (possible) John Ammon Jr. Powell
Third Row: ?, Sarah Jane, Maud Menerva, Florence Edith, Zoe Ellen, (possible) Mary Elizabeth, Ethel Nora, Dora Amy Powell
Back row: Abraham Powell, Lott Fenton, Clarence Henry, Elmer Warren, William Riley, ? Powell

John Ammon Powell

This information was submitted to the Sons of Utah Pioneers Sesquicentennial Project 1997 for submission in the "Pioneer Men of Faith and Fortitude" by Robert Paul Leonard

Name: John Ammon Powell
Date and place of birth: 27 Nov. 1844 - Pisgay,,Illinois
Date and place of death: 14 Dec. 1920 - Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah
Parents: James & Jamima Wimmer Powell
Spouse: Hannah Matilda Snyder
Date of marriage: 13 Jan 1863
Children: John Ammon Jr., Mariah (Maria), Elmeda Matilda, James, Leah (Lear), and Robert Augustus Powell
Spouse: Sarah Jane Shields Plumb
Date and place of marriage: 6 Jan 1873 - Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah
Children: Mary Elizabeth Plumb, Sarah Jane, Lot, Florence Edith, Martha, Abraham, Joseph, Pearl, Zoe Ellen, Earl, Hazel, Franklin Irving - photo
Spouse: Roseltha Jane Allred
Date of marriage: 10 Jan 1882
Children: William Riley, Maud Menery, Dora Amy, Elmer Warren, Clarence Henry, Ethel Nora, Sheridan Ray, Earl Herbert, Ada Jamima, and Grant Powell - photo
  John Ammon Powell was a farmer, stockraiser, Commercial Wagon Freighter from Price to Uintah County up Nine Mile Canyon after the railroad came to Price. He was a member and founding member of canal company in Price, Utah. Served in the Black Hawk War. John's father died when he was a young boy and he had to learn to work and do for his family and his mother at a young age. John moved to Kamas, Utah and helped settle the Kamas Valley and built a home for his mother as a young man. He helped build a fort in Summit county for protection from the indians. They had to move from Kamas to Lamb's Canyon, driven out by the indians and the Black Hawk war. While at Lambs Canyon John was able to kill several black bears to survive thru the winter for him and his family and other families from Kamas. John then moved to Salam, Utah and built several homes for his family and mother. John, his brother Abraham and Calab Rhoades, John's brother-in-law, hunted grizzly bear on Mt. Nebo south of Salem and Payson where his brother Abraham was killed by a grizzly bear while hunting deer. John then moved with Calab Rhoades, his brother-in-law and Sarah Jane (Johns wife) to Price and were the first white settlers to settle Carbon County and the Price area. John built a cabin dug out along the Price river the first year and later built several brick homes for his wives in Price and several in Salt Lake City. He was a member of the LDS church.

A History of John Ammon Powell

by Tyrone Taylor Powell, a great grandson

The following are excepts of the written history that appears in the Leonard Family Genealogy & Histories vol. III. A complete copy of the story and other stories about John Ammon Powell are available by contacting Ernest Cima. or a copy of the book is in the possession of the Price Family History Library.

John Ammon Powell

John Ammon Powell was born on November 27, 1844, in Hancock County, Illinois, to James Powell and Jemima Wimmer.

Not much has been written or found on John's younger years. When John was 11 years old (in 1856), his father drowned in Ogden, Utah's Weber River. The family traveled on to Ogden after entering the Salt Lake Valley in fall 1852.

After James death on July 22, 1956, John's mother was discontented with living in Ogden and moved to Springville where her parents, Peter and Elizabeth Wimmer, were located. Jemima endured many hardships.

The following story was dictated by John A. Powell a short time before his death. (The whole story is not included here.)

"I was married January 13, 1863 to Hannah Matilda Snyder. My first two children were born in Kamas."

"I stayed in Lambs Canyon east of Salt Lake City about three years, after which I moved to Salem Utah. I met and married Sarah Jane Shield Plumb, January 6, 1870. My Matilda passed away in 1877, leaving six children, three girls and three boys, the oldest boy twelve and the youngest six months. My wife Sarah Jane cared for the family most faithfully."


One of the homes built by John Ammon Powell. Located near Carbon Avenue & the tracks in Price, UT. Photo donated by Jamie Powell & Phil Leonard.

"In April of 1879 we went to Price, Utah and made a squatters claim on a homestead. In 188- we moved to Price, Utah. I freighted while the Denver Rio Grande Railway was being built. We loaded at Tucker and unloaded at Green River. We carried hay, grain, and camp provisions for the work crew. I covered about 15 miles a day. On January 10, 1882, I married Rosaltha Allred in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City. During 55 years my chief occupation was farming, stock raising. In Price I built five different types of ranch houses. These were simple and plain log houses. "

"Later on I built three brick homes in Price. I also purchased three brick houses in Salt Lake City, Utah. Also, during my life time, five houses in Kamas, Utah; two in Lambs Canyon; two in Salem. It was well with me that I was a builder, for I had three families. My first wife was the mother of six children, my second wife was the mother of fifteen children, and my third wife was the mother of ten children. My wives were united by a bond of sisterly love. My message to my children and grandchildren (which are many) and those to follow - - BE LIFTERS AND BUILDERS AND NOT LEANERS. LET YOUR DEED SPEAK FOR YOU.

This story was copied from the "Leonard Family Genealogy & Histories" vol. III.. There is an additional story about her written by Enid Davis Russell a granddaughter. You can contact Ernest Cima. for more information or a copy of the book is in the possession of the Price Family History Library.

Abraham Powell

This information was submitted to the Sons of Utah Pioneers Sesquicentennial Project 1997 for submission in the "Pioneer Men of Faith and Fortitude" by Robert Paul Leonard

Name: Abraham Powell
Date and place of birth: 15 Jul 1855 - Ogden, Weber, Utah
Date and place of death: 3 Dec. 1878 - Salem, Utah, Utah
Parents: James & Jamima Wimmer Powell

Abraham Powell

From the Deseret News of Dec. 6, 1878
Salem, Utah Dec. 6, 1878
Editors Deseret News

Abraham Powell

A most lamentable accident occurred on the 3rd day of the 12th month. A party of hunters consisting of John A. Powell, Abraham Powell, Caleb B. Rhoades, and Robert Snyder, of this place, started on the 23rd of November, on a deer hunting expedition. They selected their hunting ground at Nebo Creek, east of Mount Nebo. As they were gathering up their game, one of the party, Brother Abraham Powell was attacked by a grizzley bear, which lay secreted in the brush, about 10 feet off, striking him down before any defense could be made, and literally tearing his eyes from their sockets, scalping his whole head from below the region of the eyes, mangling and bruising his whole body in no less than forty-seven different places, in a most fearful manner. Notwithstanding he was used in such a dreadful manner, he rallied and hollored to his brother John Powell, who was nearly three-quarters of a mile off from the scene. The latter sped to his rescue as fast as possible and carried him to camp, when he received all the care and attention that the isolated circumstances would permit; but in spite of all efforts, he expired on the morning of the 4th, in very severe suffering.

The deceased was a young man, aged 23; a most daring and fearless hunter. He was industrious and of exemplary habits, a quiet and peaceable disposition, dutiful and kind to his mother. he was the son of the late James Powell, so well known in the Missouri persecutions, and Mrs. Jemima Powell, an aged lady, who lives to mourn his loss. His comrades, at his request, ordained him to the priesthood of an Elder, and dedicated him to the Lord, after which he expired, uttering his last words, "Take care of mother."

The funeral services will take place tomorrow at the residence of his brother, John A. Powell, in this town.

Repectfully,
Robert H. Davis


Robert Alonzo Powell

This information was received by Ernest Cima.

Name: Robert Alonzo Powell
Date and place of birth: 18 Oct 1839 - Mt. Hope, Adams Co., Illinois
Date and place of death: 15 Feb 1921 - Carbonville, Carbon, Utah
Parents: James & Jemima Wimmer Powell
Spouse: Rachel Joanna Davis
Date & Place of marriage: 17 Aug 1873 in Diamond City, Juab, Utah
Children: John Riley, Robert Wimmer, Martha Ellen, Sarah Elizabeth, Betsey Jamima, Simeon Comfort, James Abraham, George Preston, Joseph Powell, Lucy Malinda, Hyrum, Randsom Peter, David, Jarama Powell

Robert Alonzo Powell

Final Rites for Old Carbon Settler Observed
Robert A. Powell Laid to Rest Last Friday

One of County's Early arrivals - Always a Good Citizen - Done Much to Build Up Country - Large Concourse People Attend Funeral - Leaves Numerous Family.

Funeral services for the late Robert A. Powell, pioneer of Price River Valley, were held at the Carbonville schoolhouse last Friday afternoon. A very large number of his neighbors and immediate friends were present, the house being filled to capacity. Elders Ernest Horsley, W. E. Stoker and Carl Marcusen of Price were the speakers, while the first mentioned dedicated the grave. A choir led by Prof. Don C. Wood gave the musical numbers. The sons of deceased were pall bearers. Robert A. Powell cast his first vote for president Abraham Lincoln. He at the time was in California.

Robert A. Powell, son of James Powell and Jemimia Wimmer Powell, was born October 13, 1839, in Adams county, Ill. He lived in his childhood at Highland, Hancock county and Nauvoo, Ill. His father was made a cripple by mob violence in one of the raids against the Mormons in those days.

In the summer of 1852, in company with his parents, he left Harris Grove, Harrison County, Ill., with a company of emigrants crossing the plans with ox team, arriving at Salt Lake City October 13, 1852. They went to live at Ogden, thence to Point of Mountain, thence to Springville in 1858.

In the summer of 1859 he went to California and while there had the privilege of casting his vote for Abraham Lincoln for president of the United States, walking a distance from his place of work twenty-one miles. This was in the campaign of 1860. From California he went to Nevada, and in 1860 he returned to Salam, Utah. On August 17, 1873 he married Rachel Davis, at Diamond City by whom he had fourteen children, nine boys, five girls. Four boys and one girl preceeded him to the other side. One of them, Joseph, who was drafted into the army in 1917, died at Baydaux, France, in 1919 of influenza after being wounded in action. He was brought home and buried in the family burial ground a short time ago.

In March 1879, Robert A. Powell arrived in Castle Valley on the Price river at the spot now known as Price, and with William Davis, Levi Simmons, William Z. Warren, Caleb B. Rhoades, Lyman Curtis and Fred E. Grames commenced work on what is now known as the Pioneer Ditch company no. 1, which had been surveyed with a water level by Fred E. Grames and Lyman Curtis a few days before. He raised some corn, potatoes and wheat that year and cut the latter with a hand sickle and threshed it out with a flail getting eighteen sacks of grain. The winter of 1879 - 80 was very severe and cold, fifty per cent of the cattle dying and many hardships had to be endured during those early pioneer days.

Betsy Powell McKendrick was born September 18, 1880, being the first girl born in the Price district. Powell followed farming and fruit raising, planting the first orchard in the spring of 1883. He was one of those quiet unassuming individuals, was human, had his faults and failings like many others, but was charitable and kind, was a good husband and father. No one was ever turned away from his door hungry. He was the founder of Carbonville and contributed very materially for the educational advantages now enjoyed, having a very neat little brick schoolhouse built to aid that purpose.

After eighty-one years of earthly life with all its joys and sorrows, ups and downs, he passed peacefully away on the morning of February 15, 1921, as a result of general debility. The funeral service was held Friday, February 18, in the school building which he had been instrumental in having built, which was well filled with relatives and friends. Elder Ernest S. Horsley, under the direction of the Price Ward Bishopric, conducted the ceremony. Many beautiful floral offerings adorned the casket. The remains were laid away in the family burial plot and adjoining the homestead. All of his living children were present at the funeral, also one brother, John A. Powell, and a sister Mrs. Grange.

Rachel Davis Powell

PIONEER RESIDENT OF PRICE PASSES
News Advocate -
Mrs. John Davis Powell, One First Women in Price Dies

Mrs. Rachel Davis Powell, one of the first women to settle in Price, was laid to her final rest Sunday at Carbonville. She died Thursday at the age of 74. Funeral services were held in the Price tabernacle, with interment under direction of the Deseret Mortuary.

Mrs. Powell was born in Utah, October 23, 1833 daughter of George Preston Davis and Sarah Davis. She came to Price, June 6, 1879 and is believed to be one of the first women to make her home in this community permanently. Mrs. Powell gave birth to the first child in Price. Her husband Robert Powell died several years ago.

Surviving her are the following children: Robert, Nevada; Comfort, Salt Lake City; Pete, Salt Lake; George, Price; James, Idaho; Mrs. Jack Tipton, Price, Mrs. G. W. Culp, Price: Mrs. Guy Hall, California and Mrs. Ed. Lauretsen, Price; three brothers, Ben Davis, Benjamin, Utah; W. P. Davis, Springville and John Davis, Salem, Two sisters, Mrs. Charles Merrit, Pleasant Grove and Mrs. William Evans, Nevada; 25 grandchildren and 14 great grand children.

William Riley Powell

Sun Advocate - 23 Oct 1958

William Riley Powell, 75, died Tuesday afternoon in Nine Mile Canyon of a heart attack while hunting deer with his sons.

He was born May 21, 1883, in Price, the son of John Amon and Roseltha Jane Allred Powell. He married Jennie Luke in Price August 1, 1907. There were later divorced.

He is survived by three sons and three daughters: 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The following brothers and sisters also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Price Third-Sixth ward chapel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and burial will be in the Wellington city cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home until 11 a.m. the day of the funeral services and at the chapel for viewing until the time of the services.

Maria Lilliywhite Grames

Source of information: Biography of Albert James Grames

Compiled by Mae Grames Brown

...Albert went to Price landing on January 1, 1881 with John J. and Enoch Rhodes. He purchased a squaters rights in the mouth of Gordon Creek from James Gordon for $30.

...Alberts parents were very anxious to come to Castle Valley where there wasn't any Indian trouble...

...Albert's parents homesteaded 160 acres in Gordon Creek not far from Albert's place. Albert had a log cabin on his place and he gave it up to his parents, living in a dugout himself until he could get a house built for himself.

Source: Eastern Utah Advocate; 31 Jul 1902; page 3

Mrs. Grames Passes away.

Mrs. Maria Grames, mother of Alfred and Albert Grames, died at her home in Price about 9 O'clock last night of consumption, from which she had been a sufferer for a number of years. Deceased was 79 years old coming to this country from England with her husband in 1861. Her husband proceeded her to the great beyond about a year ago. Four children survive her, three of which reside in Price and the other in Salt Lake City. Funeral service will be held at town hall this afternoon, conducted by Bishop Horsley.

If you are related to this family or would like more please e-mail Teressa Lenkey.


Alfred Grames

News Advocate, 6 Apr 1922; Price Utah, Page 1

Alf Grames Dies

Alf Grames, old timer of Price a well known figure about the city, was stricken with a brain hemorrage of the brain at the county infirmary yesterday and died this afternoon. He had been living alone in Price until a few months ago when he was taken to the infirmary to be cared for. He is survived by sister Emily, and two brothers, Albert and Walter Grames, all of Price

If you are related to this family or would like more please e-mail Teressa Lenkey.

Charles W. Grames

Services Conducted for Charles Grames
The Sun Advocate
8 Aug 1935 pg 9

Funeral services for Charles Grames, 80, who died at his home Thursday of causes incident to age, were conducted Saturday....born 16 May 1855, son of James (Charles William Grames) and Mary Lillie White (Lilliewhite) Grames came to U.S. at the age of 6. Resident of Utah for 70 years. He is survived by brother Arthur J. Grames.


Fifty Years ago this Week At and Around Price 1929 by Ernest Horsley - page 6

"On September 29th, 1928 last, this writer had a talk with Charles W. Grames, who told me he came with Caleb B. Rhodes."


Frederick Emper (or Empire) Grames

Eastern Utah Telegraph
19 Aug 1897

The remains of Fred E. Grames was interred in the Price cemetery on Saturday last. A large concource of friends and neighbors payed their last repects to the departed pioneer.

Martha Ellen Powell Grames Martha Ellen (Powell) Grames - wife of: Frederick Emper Grames
13 Jan 1845 Harris Grove, Iowa
7 March 1925 Price, Utah
Parents: James & Jamima (Wimmer) Powell

Utah State Historical Society Cemetery Database

birth: 8/19/1850
Death:8/12/1897
Burial:8/18/1897
Place of Birth:Findon, Sussex, England
Place of Death: Nine Mile, Carbon, Utah
Cause of Death: Died Of Strangled Hernia.
Grave Location:Grames-Powell Cemetery
Source: Sexton Records / Grant
Comments: Son Of Charles William & Maria Lillywhite Martha Grames.
Relatives: Charles William Grames. (Father)

Fifty Years ago this Week At and Around Price 1929 by Ernest Horsley

"Left Salem - first week of January 1879 and arrive in Rhodes Meadows 21 Jan 1879. A few days later went further down river and settled at what is now (1929) the J. M. (Tobe) Whitmore farm.

Fred Grames Ditch (Pioneer no. 2) pg 2

"..Fred E. Grames had built a frame structure that stood close by the Whitmore farm gates until later, and started in the mercantile business from a stock of goods purchased from a commissary moving from the grading camp, consisting of bacon, tea, coffee, tobacco, sugar and a few miners articles, such as, overalls and a few stogie shoes, and spools of threed..."

Albert James Grames

This information was copied from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Ancestral File.

Name: Albert James Grames
Date and place of birth: 24 Sep 1862 - Ephraim, Sanpete, Utah
Date and place of death: 11 Apr. 1947 - Price, Carbon, Utah
Parents: Charles William & Maria Lillywhite Grames
Spouse: Cecilia Downard
Date & place of marriage: 4 Oct 1883 - Price, Carbon, Utah
Children: James Albert, Orson Francis, Catherine Amelia, Sarah Jane & Alice Cecelia Grames
Spouse: Lilly Susan Bass
Date and place of marriage: 24 Apr. 1895 - Price, Carbon, Utah

There is some discrepancies about the name of Albert James Grames or is it Albert Joseph Grames? The following is a list of different records and how his name is listed.
On Price LDS church records FHL film #26379 it appears: Albert J.
On Ephraim LDS church blessing records FHL film 2035 it appears: Albert
On Price marriage license to Lilly Susan Bass it appears: Albert J.
On cemetery records it appears: Albert James Grames
His obituary says: Albert Joseph Grames
On Cecilia Downard Grames obit it appears: Albert Grames
On the obituary for Lillie Susan Bass Grames it appears: Albert Joseph Grames

If anyone has any other information please contact Kathy Hamaker.

Albert James Grames

Albert James Grames was born September 24, 1862 at Fort Ephraim, Sanpete, Utah. His parents Charles William and Maria Lillywhite Grames came to the Sevier Valley by ox team in 1860 in Captain Horn's Company. When their son Albert was 3 years old they moved to Richfield, Utah. They were driven out by the Ute Indians whose chief was Black Hawk. They then settled in Spring City, Sanpete, Utah. Their home was made of logs. Bricks made of clay that resembled sun dried adobe, only baked in a kiln, were used for a fireplace. A saucer of tallow or oil with a wick was used as light. Wood was the only fuel available. Food consisted of flour, potatoes, sorghum, boiled wheat and wild game. Stinging nettle was used as greens, sago lily bulbs, dried ground cherries and milkweeds were also used. Wild game consisted of deer, sage hens, blue grouse, wild duck, native trout, and suckers. Their clothes consisted of home woven material. Socks and stockings were home knit. Granddad went bare footed until he was thirteen years old. He never attended school but was taught reading, writing and arithmetic in the L.D.S. Sunday school. Entertainment consisted of horseback riding, buggy riding and sitting around the fireplace in the evening.

Granddad killed a deer on a near by hill on Christmas Eve to provide meat for a Christmas dinner. When game or cattle was killed it was divided equally among the families. Their farm tools were plow, harrow, scythe, harrow leveler and hand rake most of which were home made. Nails were made from scrap iron and old horse shoes heated and drawn out by the black smith at so much per hour.

Several times the drums sounded warnings of a raid by the Ute Indians and all the people ran for cover. He saw Mr. Johnson and Mr. Meeks killed at Spring City, Sanpete, Utah by the Indians with bows and arrows. The Indian squaws did all the work while the warriors stole from and fought the pioneers. They lived in teepees and never stayed in one place long. Granddad learned some Ute language and could name most of the animals and birds in their tongue.

He married Cecilia Downard at the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah in 1883. They moved to Price, Carbon, Utah and made their home there. After Ceclia's death he married Lily S. Bass at Price, Carbon, Utah on the April 24, 1895.

Price was just being settled, granddads brother Fredrick Grames open the first store in Price, and was appointed the first postmaster August 30, 1883. Fredrick made the first surveying instrument and did the first surveying in Price. The telegraph was established in a tent about one mile north of Price in the Spring of 1883. They kept moving it ahead of the men working for the railroad. When the railroad was completed to Green River all the people were invited to ride on the first round trip. The cattlemen tried to discourage settlers by saying the land was to poor for farming. Granddad purchased a squatters claim from James Gordon for $30.00 at the mouth of Gordon Creek. Shortly after outlaw Joe Walker and partner held up and robbed the pay car at Castle Gate, Carbon, Utah of from $4,000 to $5,000.

The first car he saw was owned by a Mr. Maxwell and looked similar to a carriage. He was the chief gunner for the fourth and twenty-fourth of July celebrations. He had eleven children and his posterity grew. He left a heritage for all who comes after him, a name and honest reputation to uphold. He died April 1947 at Price, Carbon, Utah.

This story was donated by Ron Grames. If you are related to this family please contact him.


Fifty Years ago this Week At and Around Price 1929 by Ernest Horsley- page 2

"Albert J. Grames the mail carrier and chief clerk at a salary of twelve dollars per month...Aug. 30, 1883. January 2, 1881 Albert J. Grames arrived..."


SERVICES MONDAY FOR EARLY PRICE PIONEER

Sun Advocate - 17 Apr 1947

Albert

Funeral services for Albert Joseph Grames, 84, who died on April 11 at his home in Price of causes incident to age, were conducted Monday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m. in the Price LDS tabernacle with A. Fullmer Allred, bishop of the new Forth ward, officiating.

Mr. Grames was born September 24, 1862 at Ephraim. He arrived in Price on January 2, 1881 and his residence is the longest recorded here, 66 years. He had been a farmer and worker in the LDS church. He also worked for the city for several years and was custodian of the old city hall.

His wife, Mrs. Lilly Grames, died on December 19, 1946.

Surviving are six daughters, Mrs. Kate Christensen, Mrs. Mae Brown, Mrs. Ethel Brotherson, Mrs. Mable Garlick and Mrs. Florence Safford, all of Price, and Mrs. Ruth Perkins, Spring Canyon; three sons, Orson and Elgin Grames, Price, and Marion Grames, Price, and Marion Grames, Cedar City; 45 grand-children and 33 great-grandchildren.

Burial was in the Price City cemetery under the direction of Mitchell funeral home.

If you are related to this family or would like to know more please e-mail Connie Cartwright.

Cecilia Downard Grames

Eastern Utah Telegraph - 23 Oct 1891 pg 4
It is our sad duty to have to announce the death of Mrs. Cecilia Grames, the wife of Albert Grames, of Gordon Creek, and daughter of Mr. George Downard, an old settler on Price River. She leaves three small children and bereaved husband has the sympathy of the whole community. Deceased had been sick for four weeks, since the birth of her baby but was supposed to improving until her complaint took a fatal turn last night.

Lillie Susan Bass Grames

LAST RITES HERE FOR OLD TIME PRICE RESIDENT

Sun Advocate - 2 Jan 1947

Funeral services for Mrs. Lillie Susan Grames, 69, who died at Price on December 19, were conducted in the Price First ward LDS chapel on December 21 at 3:30 p.m.

She was born at Joplin, Missouri on March 2, 1877, a daughter of Joseph Church and Ester Tucker Bass. She came to Price with her parents when she was 15 years of age and had resided here since.

Surviving are her husband, Albert Joseph Grames, Price; five daughters, Mrs. Mae Brown, Mrs. Ellen Brotherson, Mrs. Mabel Garlick and Mrs. Florence Safford, all of Price. Mrs. Ruth Perkins, Spring Canyon; two sons, Marion Grames, Cedar City, and Elgen Grames, Price; two step-children, Orson Grames and Mrs. Kate Christensen, both of Price; a sister, Mrs. Harriet Stevens, Provo; a brother, Harvey Bass, Sandy; 45 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

Burial was in the Price City cemetery under the direction of the Mitchell funeral home.

If you are related to this family or would like to know more please e-mail Connie Cartwright.

Charles Henry Empey

The News Advocate - 1 Jul 1926

Early Settler of Price River Valley Passes Away Here

Son of First Utah Pioneers Succumbs to Heart Disease
After Illness of 4 years; Funeral Held

Charles Henry Empey

Charles Henry Empey, one of the original settlers of the Price River valley, died Friday night from heart trouble at the age of 67 years. Funeral services were conducted at 4:30 Sunday afternoon at the L.D.S. tabernacle in charge of Bishop W. E. Stoker. The opening prayer was offered by Henry G. Mathis and President A. W. Horsley pronounced the benediction, while Ernest S. Horsley was the other speaker. Musical selections were furnished by the tabernacle choir and a male quartet. Oliver J. Harmon dedicated the grave at Price City cemetery, where the burial rites were performed.

The deceased was born in Salt Lake City on August 22, 1858, the son of William and Mary Porter Empey, early Utah pioneers. William Empey was one of the first pioneers of Utah, coming across the plains in the wagon train with Brigham Young and arriving in Salt Lake valley on July 24, 1847. When Charles was about four years of age, the family moved to St. George, where they resided for many years.

Charles Henry Empey married Keziah Janes Jones Stewart of Paragonah on April, 1881, and the following year crossed the Wasatch mountains and made his home among the first settlers along the Price River. He was instrumental in developing and building up this section of the state in the early days, his principal occupation being farming. Keziah Jane Empey died on May 12, 1905. About four years ago, Mr. Empey suffered a severe attack of influenza, resulting in heart trouble with which he has been afflicted intermittently since that time. He had not been active at any time during the last four years. He suffered another serious attack about two months ago, which gradually became worse until death came late Friday night at the old family home.

Five children were born to Charles Henry Empey and wife, three of whom now live and reside in this city. Mary and Charles Empey died several years ago. The other children are Claude J. Empey, assistant cashier of the Carbon County bank; Carl Empey, and Mrs. A. W. McKinnon, all of Price.

The deceased was a brother of the late Nelson Empey, for many years a bishop in Salt Lake City. Other brothers and sisters, whose names and addresses are unknown, are scattered throughout Utah and Idaho. A step-son, Edward Stewart of Mountain Home, and a step-daughter, Mrs. Lars Frandsen of Los Angeles, also survive. Mrs. Maggie Valentine of Salt Lake, another step-daughter, is dead.


Kesiah Jane Jones Empey

Eastern Utah Advocate - May 18, 1905Mrs. Charles H. Empey Passes Away after Very Brief Illness

Kesiah Jane Jones Empey, wife of Charles H., Empey, and daughter of the late Bishop William E. and Mary Jones of Paragoonah, Utah, passed away at an early hour last Friday morning, at her home in Price, of pneumonia and Bright's disease, after an illness of fourteen days. Deceased was in her fiftieth year, having been born at Paragoonah, Utah, July 16, 1855.

Her girlhood days were mostly spent at Paragoonah, about five miles north of Parowan, where she endured many hardships incident to the settling of that place. She was married to Uban Van Stewart, by whom she had three children - Margaret, Edward and Susan K. Her second marriage was to Charles H. Empey, brother of the late Bishop Empey of Salt Lake City, in February, 1881, moving to Price in October, 1882, being one of the first settlers of this place.

Mrs. Empey could tell many interesting stories of the early settlement of Price. She has always been an active worker in the ward, being second and first couselor to the president of the relief society ever since its organization November 1, 1885. She bore six children to Mr. Empey, one of whom preceded her to the great beyond. She was a most faithful wife and better neighbor never lived. She was true to her religion to the end and lived in the hope of a glorious resurrection.

The funeral services were held from Town Hall last Sunday afternoon and was among the largest ever held at Price. The speakers were John H. Pace, Arthur W. Horsley, Henry G. Mathis, Albert Bryner and Bishop Horsley, all of whom testfied to the excellent character and splendid life of the departed. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. The remains were laid away at Price cemetery.


Seren Olsen

From Eastern Utah Advocate
page 1 October 1897

"Genial" (sp) Seren comes of the hardy stock who settled Sanpete county, dug the ditches in its then barren soil and by patient industry and toil brought it to "blossom as the rose" and became famous as one of the richest counties in the state. He was born at Manti, September 24, 1860, where he received a common school education. In early youth Mr. Olsen was a farmer boy and subsequently learned the carpentering trade, serving an apprenticeship of seven years, which latter calling he followed for some time. On coming to Price he engaged as clerk with the Price Trading Company, and the seven years passed in this capacity with both our leading mercantile establishments give him an . . . the management of town affairs. He is not a stranger to public life, having been a member of the town board in 1894, Mr. Olsen is an extensive property owner having a large ranch near the city on which he this year raised 1,200 bushels of grain. His residence in the northern part of town is one of the prettiest in the neighborhood. He has ever been a consistent democrat.

Mr. Olsen was also one of the pioneers and upbuilders of the Dixie country.


The News-Advocate
page 1, July 22, 1927

Club Pays Tribute to Utah Pioneers

Memory of the pioneer was observed with a fitting program by the Rotarians at their Tuesday meeting. Under the chairmanship of Frank D. Bryner, the days of the earliest settlers in the state were vividly portrayed.

Seren Olsen, one of the first residents of Price, told in a graphic and humorous manner the story of his life. While a native of Sanpete county, Mr. Olsen has lived in many different places in Utah, coming to Price in 1883. Mr. Olsen described the progress of living conditions in Carbon County from the time of cave and tent dwelling to the present stage of comfort.

Mr. Olsen particularly described the erection of the first log meeting house in Price, which he said was used or every sort of public function from religious services to dancing. Regarding thedancing, in those days, he stated that it was a common sight to observe a swain paying his admission with products of the land. "The men frequently wore .45 calibre guns on their hips at dances," added Mr. Olsen, "but I never saw anyone shot. . . with a 45."

A. B. Mendenhall related a number of historic but little known incidents of the western migration of the Mormon batallion and the early days of Utah valley.

A feature of the program was the auction sale of new and used straw hats. V. L. Billings and Dr. H. B. Goetzman were the involuntary contributors, and the hats were purchased "as is" by J. Rex Miller and John H. Redd. It may be added that the hats were not in wearable condition when they left the room.

Piano selections were rendered by Miss Fay Goetzman.


A history of Seren Olsen can be found on the Olsen Family Web Site.


Peter Isaac Olsen

An obituary of Peter Isaac Olsen can be found on the Olsen Family Web Site.

An obituary of Sally Ann Barton Olsen can be found on the Olsen Family Web Site.


Samuel & Sarah Cox

A history of Samuel & Sarah Cox can be found on the Olsen Family Web Site.


John Hardison Pace

News Advocate - 2 Nov 1922 pg 1

Word was passed around this evening that John H. Pace one of the pioneers of the county had passed away. He has been seriously ill several days, having been stricken while visiting relatives in the Dixie country, following a trip to the state fair. He lived when a boy at New Harmony but moved to San Juan county in early life and to this county in 1884. He has been first counselor to President A. W. Horsley of Carbon stake for nine years and has always taken an active part in church work. He leaves several grown children, his wife having preceded him in death several months ago. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

Pauline A. Bryner Pace

Beloved Pioneer Woman Goes to Her Final Reward
The Sun, Price, Utah page 1
March 4, 1921

Obituary for Mrs. Pauline Pace

A Native of Utah, A Pioneer from Birth. An Old Timer in Carbon County, A Faithful and Efficient Citizens and Worker. She Departs Mourned by the Community.

Pauline A. Bryner Pace passed away last Saturday afternoon. Truly a good woman, and one of Utah's early daughters. She was born at Lehi in Utah county on December 2, 1857, being her death just a little past sixty-three years of age. Her parents were Ulrich and Mary Mathis Bryner.

When she was only four years old her family went to southern Utah, living at St. George about five years, thence to New Harmony, where her girlhood days were spent. She was married on December 25, 1876 to John H. pace, and in February of the next year, just after the completion of the St. George temple, the ceremony was given religious solemnization.

Three years after her marriage, her husband was among those called to effect settlement and build up San Juan county. With Silas Smith's company they built roads, passed through contentions with the Indians and finally settled at the place now known as Bluff, on the San Juan river, the date of this location being April 6, 1880. Privations in plenty with Indian troubles added, covered a period of four years, when being released, the Paces came and joined the pioneers at Price, arriving here November 4, 1884. They lived the first winter in a dugout and cabin along the river bed.

She was a first counselor to President Sarah G. Cox at the organization of a ward Relief Society in 1885, a few years later being president of the ward organization, continuing in this capacity until about ten years ago at which time she became the society's stake president. From this position her failing health forced her to obtain release last fall. Through all these years she became endeared to a wide circle of loving friends by her many acts of kindness and her faculty for solacing those in sorrow. She was retired with a vote of sincere thanks and best wishes by the quarterly conference.

Mrs. Pace was the mother of eleven children three of whom preceeded her to the other side. Those surviving are John Albert, Harvey A., Mrs. Edith A. Prince, Leroy H., Francis M., Rhoda, Earl and Irene. Brothers are Bishop Albert Bryner and John U. of Price, Enoch C., James L. and Jacob Alma of Helper. Sisters are Mrs. Rose E. Anderson, Mrs. Lilly Frandsen and Mrs. Josephine Fausett of Price; Mrs. George H. Wood of Cedar City, Mrs. Anna McMullin and Edith Shepeck of South Jordan, and Mrs. Frankie Redd of Raymond, Alberta, Canada.

She passed away surrounded by all the members of her immediate family circle after a lingering illness of about a year. Her life has been an inspiration to all her associates and she is greatly mourned by a large circle of friends and neighbors. She was one of those quiet congenial personages, unassuming, and had a good word for everyone.

Funeral services were held in the Price Tabernacle Tuesday afternoon, under the direction of Bishop George A. Wootton. Those who spoke on the occasion all lauded the noble life works of the departed sister, her faithfulness to her church and her kindly and affectionate nature as a wife and mother, a friends to the poor, a help to the sick and needy. The speakers were Mrs. Isabell B. Bryner, Mrs. Zina Johnson, Oliver J. Harmon, Ernest S. Horsley, Henry G. Mathis and President Arthur W. Horsley.

The ward choir under the direction of George M. Mathis rendered the musican numbers. Floral offerings in great profusion adorned the casket. Elder Orson H. Guymon offered the opening prayer and the benediction was by Elder William E. Stoker. A large cortefe followed the remains to the grave, to be laid away to await the morning of the ressurrection.

Family representative is Lori Brockbank. If you are related or would like additional information please contact her.

Harmon Casper Bryner

Funeral Rites Held For Early Price Settler
News Advocate
20 Nov 1930 pg 1

Funeral services were held Sunday from the LDS tabernacle for Harmon C. Bryner, one of the earliest settlers of Price, who died at Salt Lake City November 18. Interment was in the Price Cemetery. Mr. Bryner's real name was Casper Herman Bryner but he was better known otherwise.

He was born in St. George, Utah in February, 1864 the son of Casper H. and Madeline Gubler Bryner. He came to Price in the spring of 1883 and five years later married Edith Mills Bryner, who died in 1919. He is survived by a daughter, Ada L. Huffman of Salt Lake.

Bishop George Jorgenson conducted the funeral services. Speakers were Ernest S. Horsley, Henry G. Mathis and John A. Mathis, while the grave was dedicate by George Mathis. Opening prayer was offered by A. W. Shiner and the benediction by Elton Taylor.

Edith E. Miles Bryner

A Faithful is called to Rest
News Advocate
January 1, 1920 pg 1

(The obituary is very hard to read so some words have been omitted.)

Edith E. Miles Bryner, wife of C. Herman Bryner of Price, passed away at the home of her daughter ada Bryner Huffman at Boise, Idaho December 28, 1919.

She was born December 27, 1863, at Walworth, London, England and was the daughter of ... and Jane ... Wyatt Miles. She became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1878 going to St. George, Utah, with her family to make her home. She was married to Casper Herman Bryner January 1, 1885, and a few weeks later came to Price with her husband, making an additional pioneer to this, the barren waste, living in a little ... shanty up the river about two miles from the city. She was one of those quiet unassuming dispositioned persons and endured the many hardships and privations incidental to pioneers. On March 30, 188?, her infant son ... Herman, Jr, died and was buried in Price. She was a faithful ... in the church especially in the Relief Society. ....to Price for .... funeral services were held in the LDS tabernacle December 31, 1919 under the direction of Bishop Albert Bryner. Beautiful floral offerings covered the casket. The speakers were ... Arthur .. Horsley, Henry .... The musical numbers were furnished by the ward choir, ..... sang "May Father ... The opening prayer was.....

Joseph Birch

Fifty Years ago this Week At and Around Price 1929 by Ernest Horsley - page 2-3

....Then the next three years (1881-83) brought many settlers to the vicinity of Price, including . . . Birches.

"Joseph Birch established the Railroad Eating Place and served meals to the workers and passengers as opportunity afforded.

Samuel Newman Eldridge

Name: Samuel Newman Eldridge
Date and place of birth: 2 Feb 1879 - Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah
Date and place of death: 18 Nov 1929 - Elmore, Elmore, Idaho
Parents: George Washington & Amanda Jane Presley Eldridge
Spouse: Veretta Jane Fullmer
Date and place of marriage 25 Dec 1899 - Spring Glen, Carbon, Utah
Children: Benjamin L., Mary A., Olive Vera, Samuel Newman, Clarence Cecil, Albert E, Helbert D., Veretta Jane, Vernessa M., Melba Glee, Luella Pearl, Thelma L.

William H. Branch

Fifty Years ago this Week At and Around Price 1929 by Ernest Horsley - page 2-3

"William H. Branch was elected county selectman for Emery - 1887

John H. Mathis

Fifty Years ago this Week At and Around Price 1929 by Ernest Horsley page 6

First person buried in Price (buried 6 June 1886)

Name: John Henry Mathis
Date and place of birth: 23 Apr 1857 - Lehi, Utah, Utah
Date and place of death: 5 Jun 1866 - Price, Emery, Utah
Parents: John & Anna Barbara Bryner Mathis
Spouse: Emma Amelia Nixon
Date and place of marriage 26 Apr 1882 - St. George, Washington, Utah

Brigham O. McIntyre

Eastern Utah Advocate - 15 Feb 1906 pg 3

As The Advocate goes to press this (Thursday) afternoon the dead body of Brigham O. McIntyre was found just out of town on the Helper road, about opposite the old Millard place.

Near the dead man his horse was standing, and as he had been seen about 1 o'clock on the business streets of Price, the supposition is that he had started for his ranch.

Heart failure coming on he fell from the animal. He had been subject to such spells before. The position of the body showed a weak heart. J.T. Barton, working on the section, was first to discover the body.

It is unlikely that an inquest will be held. The funeral will likely be next Sunday. Deceased was about 52 years of age and had resided here about twenty-three years.

He came from the Dixie country and is survived by a wife and several children.

Eastern Utah Advocate - 22 Feb 1906 pg 1

The funeral services over the remains of Brigham O. McIntyre, whose death last Thursday was chronicles in last week's Advocate, were held from Town Hall on Sunday afternoon, the same being conducted by First Counselor Albert Bryner, owing to the illness of Bishop Ernest S. Horsley of Price ward.

The speakers were N.L. Marsing and Levi N. Harmon, who paid fitting tribute to the memory of the deceased. The attendance was the largest seen here for a long time, the hall being crowded to its full capacity, while the floral offerings were many.

The remains were laid away at Price cemetery, a large concourse of people going to the grave.

William M. McIntire

Sun Advocate - 2 Oct 1958

Funeral services for William M. McIntire, 74, Salt Lake City, state capitol guard and former Price city chief of police, were conducted Monday at 10:00 a.m. in Salt Lake City and graveside services were conducted Monday at 4:00 p.m. at the Price city cemetery.

Mr. McIntire died last Thursday at 6:10 p.m. after a coronary occlusion while at work at the state capitol. He had been a member of the capitol police force since 1950. He worked 22 years in the Price city police department and was chief from 1941 to 1947.

He was born June 28, 1884, at Price, the son of Brigham Oscar and Barbara Mathis McIntire. He married Zelma Harmon June 17, 1909, at Price. The marriage was solomnized in the Salt lake City temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in 1957.

Surviving are his widow; five sons and six daughters. Also suriving are two brothers and a sister, 25 grandchildren and four great grandchilren.

Erasmus Frandsen

The Sun - 10 Jun 1927

Erasmus Frandsen, one of the early settlers of Price, passed away at a Salt Lake City hospital last Sunday after a short illness. He was born at Mt. Pleasant, January 10, 1867, and was a son of the late Bishop George Frandsen and Karen Neilsen Frandsen. Being one of the early pioneers of this country, he took an active part in the building of roads, bridges and canals and redeeming the wastes that were then desert. The greater part of his life he devoted to stock and sheep raising and to farming. On January 2, 1900, he was married to Lilly Agnes Bryner. Six children were born to them, four girls and two boys, Mona, the oldest boy died in infancy, Waldo is in the Swiss and German mission at this time, the four daughters, Mildred, Gertrude, Lena and Alien, were here for the funeral, together with their mother and many relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at the Price tabernacle last Wednesday under the direction of Bishop W. E. Stoker. The speakers were Ernest S. Horsley and Bishop Stoker. The opening prayer was offered by Elder Henry Pace, and the benediction by President Henry G. Mathis. Prof. E. M. Williams conducted the musical numbers. Many beautiful floral offerings adorned the casket and a large cortage followed the remains to the cemetery.

Mrs. Charles Marsh

The Sun - 26 Jan 1923
PIONEERS' REST BROKEN

March of Progress Disturbs the Burial Place of Mrs. Marsh

More than thirty years reposing of the remains of one of the pioneer women of Price was disturbed when on last Monday the crew taking gravel from a hilltop of the northwest edge of the city exhumed the coffin. The grave was that of Mrs. Charles Marsh, and was located at that point because of the desire of the lady to be buried on the old family homested. She was first laid away at a point closer to the town, being later removed to the site where now found when changes in ownership of part of the old home ground were made. The remains were cared for, being taken to the J.E. Flynn mortuary parlors to be later interred in the city cemetery. Ernest S. Horsley furnished the story of Mrs. Marsh for The Sun's readers. He writes that:

Mrs. Charles Marsh-one of the settlers of Price in 1885- came here with her husband from Lower Crossing on the Price river, where they had a small ranch and joined with their son, Clarence Marsh, on his homestead in the northwest corner of the city. The Winters Hospital and Cottage Hotel are located on part of the entry. A short distance west of the hospital, about where the stone cutter is now located, was the Marsh residence. In September or October of 1887 Mrs. Marsh died and was buried just north of the house. By special request of her husband the services were held at the home under the direction of Erastus W. McIntire, then bishop's counselor. Two years later - in the summer of 1889 - some changes were being made in the homestead and it was deemed necessary to remove the remains to the top of the hill which lies west of the old reservoir site, and which was a part of the entry. The old lady had expressed a wish during her sickness to be buried on the home land. The exhuming was done by Erastus W. McIntire, Ernest S. Horsley, Samuel Cox and another person whose identity has been forgotten. On account of neglect and there being no monument to mark the grave it soon became obliterated and almost forgotten until the gang now graveling some of the thoroughfares in Price came across the remains in their excavations. The skelton was gathered up by some of the workmen, together with E. S. Horsley and Albert J. Grames, and taken over to the Flynn undertaking parlor, later to be disposed of by the county or city authorities.

Mrs. Marsh is known to have two sons, Robert and Clarence. The latter was agent and telegrapher for the Denver and Rio Grande Western narrow gauge railway in 1884-5 here in Price. Her years were close to three score and ten at the time of her demise. She was a devout christian and became endeared to many of the settlers here, among them being Mrs. Isabell Birch Bryner, Mrs. Josephine Bryner Fausett, Mrs. P. I. and Mrs. Seren Olsen, the Horsleys, and others. It is hoped now that her final resting place will not be disturbed until the trumpet shall sound and when the dead shall come forth out of the dust of the earth to receive their reward.

The News Advocate - 25 Jan 1923

An old grave was opened by the scrapers at the gravel pit west of Price last Friday by the men who are working on the county road gang and for sometime quite a mystery surrounded the remains found in the grave. It was finally learned that E. S. Horsley had easily solved the mystery by remembering that he had dedicated the grave back in 1898, (date differs from previous article) at which time the body, that of Mrs. Charles Marsh, was removed to the hill from a spot near the homestead residence of the Marsh family. The woman died two years previously and her funeral was conducted by Bishop Erastus McIntire, Mr. Horsley stated, and when the body was removed he dedicated the new grave. The Marshs came to Price and homesteded just west of the townsite, the son, Clarence, being station agent at Price. Mr. Horsley thinks the father is buried in Salt Lake but he has not heard of the whereabouts of the son for many years. The remains were taken in charge by Undertaker J. E. Flynn and reinterred in City cemetery. Considerable interest was roused among the Odd Fellows by the finding of the lodge emblem on the casket handles. Mr. Horsley does not think this point has any significance, however, since in those days one in need of a casket could not be too particular as to patern r trappings.

Ulrich Bryner

The Eastern Utah Advocate - 16 Feb 1905
ONE MORE PASSES ON

Pioneer Ulrich Bryner Dies From Paralysis - Interment at St. George

Came to Utah From Switzerland in an Early Day and Settled in Castle Valley in 1884
Another of the Utah pioneers has passed away in the person of Ulrich Bryner of Price, his death occurring at St. George in Washington county on Wednesday evening of last week, after three days of intense suffering. Deceased had made Price his home since 1884, but had gone to St. George some three years ago to do temple work. He was in his seventy eighth year. The Monday morning previous to his death he suffered a severe stroke of paralysis. His right side was completely paralyzed and death relieved him of his sufferings. He was unable to utter a word. The best medical skill available was quickly at his side, but nothing could be done.

Ulrich Bryner was born in Switzerland in April 1827, coming to Utah in 1856 and settling in Lehi, later moving to Ogden and from there to (Dixie) St. George in 1861, afterwards making Castle Valley his home. Blindness came upon him in 1858 through an accident in a butcher shop. He joined the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1854 and had ever since been a consistent member of the church. During his life time deceased had built four homes and reared twenty children, fourteen of whom survive him.

Casper Bryner, a brother, and one sister, Mrs. Barbara Mathis survive him and reside at St. George, but most of the other relatives reside in and around Price. The funeral services were held at St. George last Sunday, and the remains were laid to rest there by the side of his mother and father. Memorial services were held at Price Town Hall last Sunday at the same hour of the funeral in Dixie, The speakers were Bishop Horsley, H. G. Mathis and John H. Pace.

Of the deceased the last issue of the Dixie Advocate says: "Elder Bryner's faithfulness and devotion to temple work aroused the admiration of all who knew him. Though he has been blind for many years, he has performed vicarious work for thousands of his departed kindred."

Eastern Utah Advocate - 23 Feb 1905

TWENTY-ONE CHILDREN, MANY GRAND CHILDREN

Under date of February 15th, the St. George correspondent of the Deseret News writes of the death and funeral of Ulrich Bryner, a citizen of Price, as follows: "At 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon the funeral of Ulrich Bryner was held in the stake tabernacle. Elder Bryner was born in Ilnon, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, April 29, 1827, and died in St. George, February 3, 1905. In 1850 he married Maria Mathis, and soon afterward was rendered totally blind by an accident which happened to him while working in a butcher's shop. Later he received a wonderful vision in which he saw, among many other things, the elder who afterwards baptized him in 1845. Although blind, his minute description of the servent of the Lord led to the conversion of other members of the family.

"Emigrating to Zion, he landed with his wife and one child in Salt Lake City, December 25, 1856, after much suffering en route. He located in Lehi and later moved to Ogden, but in 1861 he was called to the Dixie mission. After two years in St. George, he moved to Harmony. In 1868 he married Margaret Kuhn, and built homes for his families in Harmony and Toquerville. In 1884 he moved from this county to Price, where the family still reside. His descendants are twenty one children, eighty-six grand children and six great grand children.

"Notwithstanding his affliction, he was frugal and industrious and was surrounded with plenty. His last three years were devoted entirely to temple work, in which he spent about fifteen hundred dollars and did the work for over eight thousand of his dead ancestors. He was loved and respected by all who knew him.

Margaret Kuhn Bryner

Eastern Utah Advocate - 22 Feb 1906 pg 3

MRS. MARGARET K. BRYNER GOES TO FINAL REWARD

Mrs. Margaret K. Bryner, wife of the late Ulrich Bryner, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Josephine Fausett of Price, last Monday morning at 6 o'clock, after an illness extending over several months. Deceased was in her sixty-sixth year and a native of Switzerland. She was one of the first settlers of Castle Valley, coming here with her husband from the St. George section when what is now Price town was a barren waste. Deceased was the mother of fourteen children, five girls and five boys surviving her.

The funeral was held from Town Hall yesterday forenoon. The speakers were Elders Levi Pace, Henry G. Mathis and Levi N. Harmon, all of whom paid tribute to the Christian character and splendid life of the departed. At the conclusion of the services at the hall, the remains were borne to Price cemetery, followed by numerous relatives and friends of the family.

Albert Bryner

Carbon County News - 29 Oct 1914 pg 16

If the progessives and democrats had searched a dozen counties, they could not have found a better man than Bishop Albert Bryner, the nominee for the two year term as county commissioner. Born in Washington County, this state in 1863, he is a real son of Utah. Mr. Bryner was married in the town of St. George, where he was born, in the year 1881, to Miss Maria Pace and to this union have been born eleven children, only three of whom are living. Albert Bryner came to Carbon County in 1884 and has ever since that time been active in the upbuilding of the religious and business life of the town. He has for the past thirteen years been actively engaged in the management of the Price Co-operative Mercantile Institution and has assisted materially in making that concern the flattering success we find it today. He has served one term as county assesor, two terms as county treasurer, one term on the council, one term as city treasurer and was for four years probation officer of Carbon County. For thirteen years he was first counselor to Bishop E. S. Horsley and has held the bishopric of Price ward for the past five years, proving a zealous and faithful shepherd to his flock. No man is Carbon County can say aught against the character, honesty or ability of this successful man and he has accumulated anough of this worlds needs to stamp him as a man fit to administer the business of Carbon County. There is little doubt of his election next Tuesday.

News Advocate - 25 Dec 1930 pg 1

FUNERAL SERVICES HELD FOR EARLY SETTLER OF PRICE

Albert Bryner, One Time Bishop, Laid to Final Rest

Funeral services were held from the LDS tabernacle Sunday for Albert Bryner, Price pioneer, who died Friday at St. George. A large number of people who knew and respected Mr. Bryner gathered in the tabernacle to pay last respects.

During the thirty seven years he was a resident of Price Mr. Bryner held many positions of public trust including county commissioner, county tresurer, deputy county clerk, school trustee and a member of the town board. He was very prominently identified with church affairs, having been bishop of the Price ward for 12 years, bishop's councilor for eleven years and president of the Y.M.M.I.A. for many years he was president of the Price Cooperative Mercantile Institute. He came to Price in 1883 and remained here until 1920 when ill health forced him to move to St. George. He was an active worker in the L.D.S. temple there.

Funeral services were conducted by Bishop George Jorgenson, and O.J. Harmon offered the opening prayer. Speakers were Ernest S. Horsley, John A. Mathis, A. W. Horsley, H. G. Mathis, B. W. Dalton and Bishop Jorgenson. Benediction was offered by Orson H. Guymon. William Downard dedicated the grave.

Musical numbers were as follows: "Oh, My Father," "Nay Speak No Ill," and "Rock of Ages," by the choir and "The Teacher's Work is Done" and "The Beautiful Land," by a quartette.

Mr. Bryner was born in St. George February 5, 1863 the son of Ulrich and Mary Mathis Bryner. He was married to Mariah J. Pace before moving to Price and eleven children were born to them, eight of whom have died. His first wife died in 1917.

Surviving him are his widow, Margaret A. Pace; one son, Rulon A. Bryner of Price and two daughters, Ruby and Maria of St. George.

George Downard

Eastern Utah Advocate - 19 Jun 1902 pg 7

George Downard Dead

George Downard, an old and highly respected citizen of Price, died at his home in this city last Thursday of paralysis. Mr. Downard was one of the early settlers of Price, having come to this city in 1879, and was one of the pioneers. Deceased leaves four sons and two daughters, George F. and William of this place, and Joe Downard of Spring City, who were at the bedside of their father when he died. Funeral services were held in Town Hall Saturday morning and the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery above town. Mr. Downard was 81 years of age.


Additional histories of the first settlers of Carbon County, Utah will be added when they are acquired. If you have a history of the first settlers that you would like to donate to this webpage please contact Kathy Hamaker. Thank you.

Sophia Nelson

ANOTHER PIONEER OF PRICE PASSES BEYOND
News Advocate 28 Sep. 1922

Mrs. Sophia Nelson, wife of the late Erick Nelson, passed away at the resident of Mr. and Mrs. E.S. Horsley Monday morning at 3 o'clock of general debility. She was born December 9, 1845, at Stockholm, Sweden. She came to Utah July 16, 1879, and was married to Erick Nelson at Salt Lake City, August 28, 1879. They came to Price in October, 1881, making their home down close to where the Andrew Oman farm is located, making a dug-out in the banks of the river to shelter them during the winter, passing through the hardships incidental to pioneer life.

The funeral services were held at the above residence by her request, Elder Oliver J. Harmon, conducting. The speakers were Mrs. Mary Pace, President of the ward Relief Society, Mrs. Isabell B. Bryner, president of the Stake Relief Society and Elder Ernest S. Horsley, who gave a little of her history and labors in the Price Ward Relief Society, George M. Mathis, Lillis Bryner, Mrs. C. H. Madsen and Samuel P. Horsley furnished the musical numbers. Elder Seven Olsen offered the opening prayer and Elder Oliver J. Harmon offered the benediction, and the grave was dedicated by Ernest S. Horsley. Many floral offerings were evidence of the esteem in which she was held. Interment was in the Price cemetery.

Edwin Fullmer

The Fullmers were one of the early settlers of Spring Glen, arriving on March 10, 1889. The head of the family, Edwin Fullmer, served as the second bishop of the Spring Glen Ward. He was born on March 30, 1860 at Provo, Utah. When he was a young boy the family moved to Hobble Creek, just east of Springville. It was there that he married Ada Maria Mendenhall on January 11, 1884. He had met his wife while working at logging. He had been heading down Spanish Fork Canyon to find work at a logging camp. He had had previous logging experience working around Coalville, getting timbers for the construction of the D & RGW Railway. Then he and his brother had worked at the copper belt mine at Marysvale, where they were harrassed because of their religion. At that time he headed for Spanish Fork Canyon and met his future bride.

The newlyweds moved to Tucker, now a ghost town, and had three children which were delivered at the home of Ada's mother in Spanish Fork. Edwin continued to work for the railroad but was unhappy with the necessity of spending so much time away from home and with the frequent accidents that occurred on the railway. Hearing of their concerns, Ada's uncle, James Davis Gay, invited them to come to Spring Glen and sold them some of his property.

The Fullmers arrived in Spring Glen on March 10, 1889 and remained there twelve years. During that time they had six more children. They took up farming on the west side of the river near the homestead of Ada's uncle, James Gay. The town of Spring Glen was located on the east side of the river, and crossing at flood time was always a challenge. However, they were regular in church attendance and in November 1889 Edwin was set apart as first counselor to Bishop Heber J. Stowell at the organization of the Spring Glen Ward. On May 8, 1893 he was ordained bishop.

On their land west of the river the family probably cultivated grain and raised livestock. On other land east of town there were fruit trees, shrubs, bees and berries. Edwin and six other members of the family contracted malaria, which they believed was caused by the damp rising from the trees and the river. To avoid further infection, they moved to a spot on the eastern side of town on a hill by the Spring Glen canal, now Sacamanos. There they built a log cabin which is still standing today. (CR-18-495) This cabin was added on to on two occasions. A shed-roofed portion to the east was used by Edwin Fullmer as his office.

The family left Spring Glen in 1901 and moved to several different places. First they went to Castle Gate where Edwin worked in the power house. A year later they went to Scofield where he worked in the mine with his brother Alonzo. Most of the family was still ill with malaria and the Fullmers' next child was stillborn. For awhile they returned to Spanish Fork, Utah and then moved to Raymond, Alberta, Canada in the fall of 1903. Their last two children were born in Canada, and the younger members of the family were raised there. In 1924, after his family was grown, he and Ada moved to Legrande, Oregon where he died on Fabruary 28, 1940. Ada also died there ten years later.

In spite of their relatively short tenure in Spring Glen (twelve years) the Fullmers are well-remembered as among the earliest settlers and leading citizens. The preservation of at least one of their cabins is a tangible reminder of their contribution.


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