American Fork, Utah - Utah County: a Graphic Account of Its Foundings, Its Wonderful Growth

Fork North

It lies in the Utah Valley, in the midst of a rich grain and fruit bearing district, between the Wasatch Mountains on the east, and the beautiful ing could desire. Its industries are chiefly of an agricultural nature, great quantities of fruit and farm produce being raised here every season, and that they prove a source of profitable revenue to the citizens is testified to by the many homes lying in and around this town, all hearing unmistakable. e\ idences of prosperity and comfort.

The city has an excellent water supply, a boon greatly appreciated, not only by private residents, but more particularly by those whose occupation in life renders water one of its most necessary adjuncts, by which we refer to irrigation.

American Fork was first settled in the foil of lK.r)0, and the following year, on May 25th, it was organized as a Latter-day Saints' ward, the bishop being L. E. Harrington. It was incorporated June 4, 1853, and has an era of twenty-two square miles. This city has unexceptionable advantages, cool, limpid streams from the adjacent mountains thread their way in and around the town furnishing an abundant supply of water for irrigating purposes, a boon greatly appreciated by those engaged in farming and kindred vocations.

Its population in 1894 was 2,347, which has considerably increased since that time, and its handsome business houses, in which are carried immense stocks, with its other commercial institutions all seem to speak of a thriving and prosperous community.

seemed to be destined to figure as an important mining town, a lar_"- force of men being employed in bringing the mines to a state of restoration preparatory to active work. From those mines already in a state of development, some very profitable showings were obtained, and among those which promised well for the future were the North Star, Flora, Osborn, Treasure, Nemo, Milkmaid, Pittsburg and many others, and when the times become more propisious these mines will even yet undoubtedly play an important part in the advancement of American Fork. The municipal government of this city is in efficient hands, the present mayor being Bishop W. D. Robinson, a gentleman of an enterprising nature and one who has always been alive to the interests and welfare of American Fork, and under whose administration the city has seen many improvements. He is also the bishop of the ward, and owner of the American Fork City Flour Mill.

All these gentlemen lived in the city during its earliest days. Like most Utah towns American Fork has its Co-Operative Mercantile Institute, of which James Clark is the well known and efficient superintendent.

The Grant Hotel

Possibly there is no other hostelry in Utah county which is so eminently adapted to the wants of the traveling public as the Grant Hotel, American Fork.

and everything is done which will contribute to the comfort of the guests. The sample-rooms for commercial men are commodious and well-lishted.

Entertainment is provided at reasonable rates, the cuisine is excellent, and Mr. P. Adamson, the genial proprietor, spares no pains to make his patrons feel thoroughly at home while under his roof.

American Fork City Hill

thoroughly well versed in his business, a fact which evidently is well appreciated as his trade is of large proportions, and is constantly increasing and expanding.

Residence Of W. D. Robinson, American Fork

the best results. The machinery is of the latest type being furnished by A. M. Wolf,- Chamsberg, Pennsylvania, and is operated by water power. It is provided with the Wolf Bolting ma- chine and the S. Haws cleaning appliances, these heing complete in every detail. The mill has a capacity of fifty barrels per day. The celebrated

William D. Robinson

Foremost among the citizens of American Fork is Bishop William D. Robinson. This gentleman was born in Kennett Square, Chester Co., Penn., August 19, 1837, his parents being William and Elizabeth Robinson.

His childhood was comparatively uneventful, being passed in attending school, during which time his parents removed to the state of Deleware, returning later to their old home.

the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints preached and in the course of time became convinced of its truth and joined the church.

Having a desire to join the colony of Mormons in Utah he left his home March 29, 1857, traveling by rail to Iowa City, thence to Salt Lake City by earning his board as driver of an ox team.

As the son of a miller, he showed early in life a disposition to learn that business, and at fifteen years of age he entered a mill and devoted four years to acquiring a thorough knowledge of the trade.

At the expiration of that period he went to Delaware, where he worked as a journeyman for some time. During his residence in Delaware he heard

Upon his arrival in the west, he worked for President Brigham Young and Feramorz Little in the mill at the mouth of Parley's canyon, until his removal in 1858 to Springville.

When the instructions were given to the saints to return to Salt Lake, he left his home in Springville, and came north, working during the winter for Ira N. Hinkley. In the spring

\\Y next hear of him in Springville where be has charge of a mill for Jacob limit/. Provo was his next place of residence where he lived several years, returning eventually to Salt Lake City in 1868.

In 1888 Mr. Robinson fulfilled a mission, laboring in and near the home of his boyhood days in Pennsylvania, after an absence of thirty years. He lias been a member of the High Council four years, and Home Missionary In Utah Stake \\,v live years, and Bishop of American Pork, an office he still retains. Three times he officiated

He was married May J'i. 18o8, and bad eight children, viz: William A.. Margaret A., George I)., Charles E., Emmett J., Ellatheria, Amanda and John H.

At the present day he is the proprietor of the American Fork City mill, and doing a good business, to which we refer elsewhere, and is greatly esteemed in the town in which be has lived for twenty years.

Thomas Steele & Co

One of the best known pharmacies in Utah county is that of Thomas Steele & Company American Fork. A heavy and carefully assorted stock is constantly carried, comprising a full and first class line of pure and fresh medicines, drugs and chemicals (if

This business was established in 1887 by Thomas Steele Sr., (now deceased), and carried on by Thomas Steele Jr., until 1891, when the firm name was changed to Thomas Steele & Co. The same year a new and commodious brick building was erected on Harrington Street where the business is at present conducted.

every description. Fancy and toilet articles, soaps, sponges, brushes, combs, perfumeries, physicians' and surgeons' requisites. A fine line of stationery, also cigars and tobaccos. A special feature worthy of mention is a magnificent marble soda fountain. A full line of guns, pistols, ammunition, fishing tackle, bicycles, etc.

compounding of physicians' prescriptions, their trade is large and they are highly regarded in trade circles for their promptness and strict integrity. Mr. Steele has been three times elected city treasurer of American Fork, an indication of the high esteem he is held in by the community in which he lives.

There is no branch of mercantile industry of more importance than that of the blacksmith and wheelwright, and in this connection we do not know of any one who is better qualified in his trade than Mr. K. Robinson. He

Fine carriage painting and all kinds of repairing are neatly executed with dispatch and in a manner guaranteed to give entire satisfaction. Those in need of his services will find his premises at the corner of State and Water streets, and the first order placed with him will be only a prelude to others.

This business was established in L884, by W. W. Jackson (now deceased). In L888 the firm's name was changed to W. \V. Jackson & Son, and enjoyed a successful career until land, being released and returning borne in L890. In April. L892, he was a | >] mill led to the office of city jus tice, in \u\ emlmr of the same year

September 12, 1895, when the building and stock was completely destroyed by fire, after which the block was rebuilt in a substantial manner, and business resumed by another son, Mr. J. J. Jackson, a young man of enterprising character and high business qualifications. In 1887-8-9 he fulfilled a successful mission in New Zeapresent is treasurer and director of the American Fork Opera House. He is highly esteemed as an enterprising business man and progressive citizen. The stock carried is gents' furnishings, hats and caps, boots and shoes, groceries, crockervware, hay and ^rain, etc. Mr. Jackson is also agent for the famous Diamond coal.

The prosperous business of the Chip- change being effected in the manageman Mercantile Company was originally established in 1874 by Messrs.

In June L892 the house was incorporated under tin- present name, receiving their certificate of incorporation, signed by lOlijah Sells, July .r>th of that year. Since the day its doors were opened it has enjoyed an extensive patronage, which each succeeding year has increased, and to-day it is the leading house of its kind in American Fork.'

The premises occupied arc large and commodious, and in them is carried an immense stock, consisting of groceries, hardware, dry goods, clothing, furnishing goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, millinery, furniture, carpets, curtains, crockery, china, glassware, in fact, everything necessary to the thorough equipment of an emporium, is kept constantly on hand.

There is a large force of competent clerks and assistants, who are trained to accord courteous treatment to all. The superintendent of the company is Mr. Stephen Chipman, a gentleman well known in the business and social of the stock, a yjance at which is sufficient to indicate his Bound judgment ami Bhrewd lnisines> ability, and to these qualities much of the firm's success is undoubtedly due.

The company has an enviable reputation, not only for the excellence of their goods, but for the reasonable prices charged, and everything being as represented a discerning public has learned that its confidence will not be misplaced.

A banking institution is also a feature of this house. The executive staff of this bank is in itself a guarantee of strict business methods, honorable dealing and future prosperity. A general banking business is transacted, deposits received, drafts issued, collections made, and loans effected upon desirable security.

State Treasuber Chipman

State Treasurer James Chipman was born in Carroll county, Missouri, in 1849. He was a member of the band of pioneers who braved the wilds of the western frontier and arrived in Salt Lake City in 1847. One year later he removed to Mill Creek, where he remained two years. His first business was that of farming and stock-raising and keeping a trading post on the Eighth Ward Square in Salt Lake City. In 18(il he freighted with oxen and mules between Montana and California. In 1872 he delivered 5,000 cords of wood to the Millar company and a part of the wood still remains at the old smelter, where it was placed by the hands of Mr. Chipman nearly a quarter of a century ago. From this year dates his business career. He, in company with C. M. Redfield and Worthy Nash, engaged in a general merchandise business at a mining camp in Utah county. When the camp went down he purchased the entire stock and removed it to American Fork, and thus established the business known as the Chipman Mercantile company. He owns mines in most of the mining camps of Utah In 1892 he established the Bank of American Fork, of which he is president. He is also president of the following enterprises: The Chipman Mercantile company, the New York Mining company, the Consolidated company, and the American Fork Canyon Wagon Road company- He was the projector and one of the incorporators of the Utah Sugar company and to his great financial ability is mainly due the success which has come to these enterprises.

Mr. Chipman has held many positions of honor and trust. He was a member of the school board of American Fork in 1970, was elected to the city council in 1873, in 1875 and again in 1891. In 1893 he was elected to the mayoralty of the city; was appointed postmaster in 1H89 and held the position until 1894. When the division was made on national party lines Mr. Chipman was the only Bepublican to be found in American Fork and it is to his indomitable will and courageous effort that the effectual organization of the party in American Fork is due. His election to the important office of state treasurer bv the party he has so faithfully supported came with good grace, and no mistake was made when they placed the mantle of honor upon his shoulders.

Star Roller Mills

The importance of the roller mill industry cannot be over-estimated, and that this is realized in American Fork the existence of the Star Roller Mills is abundant proof. The plant consists of a three-story brick structure 45x32 feet in dimensions, the interior of which ii constructed with a view to meet all the requirements of the business.

The capacity of the mills is fifty barrels per day, and the whole plant is under the direct supervision of Mr. G. G. Robinson, a gentleman who has had years of experience in milling. Since the mill was erected it has enjoyed an extensive patronage, and one which the excellent quality of its products merits.

The equipment of the mill is unsurpassed, and among its many features for the more perfect manufacture of its products may be mentioned two Richmond scourers, one Richmond separator, and one Eureka separator, all of which are fitted with cyclone dust collectors. There are three stands of Richmond bran duster and bolt, and a Richmond flour packer. These many appliances, together with a Barnard & Lee flour packer insure

Its specialties are known by the following brands: Bakers' Patent and Whole Wheat, and in addition to these choice grades of wheaten flour, the output from the mills of other forms of cereals is very large, and American Fork is certainly to be congratulated upon the high standard of enterprise displayed by the owners of these mills, who by the purity of their goods and the careful attention paid to the business in general have made these mills one of the most important commercial adjuncts to the city, the value of which will never be sufficiently realized as long as its wheels continue to revolve.

A31Erican Fork Co-Oper Ativk Institution

--- American Fork Co-Operative Institution is among the most prominent and substantial firms of this city, its doors have been open for business many years, and by their liberality and energy a reputation has been built up that is known throughout the state. This firm does both a wholesale and retail business and carries a large and and keeping them, he holds an enviable position in business circles and is ever ready to do any thing possible to advance the growth and prosperity of the city.