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

Elevation 4,519 Feet

This charming and picturesque city, appropriately termed the "Garden City" of Utah, is the county seat of Utah county, and is situated on the Provo river, and not far from Utah lake. It is protected on the east by the Wasatch range of mountains, which rise at this point to majestic heights, and is surrounded on the remaining sides by extensive and prosperous farms. From early records we find that in March, 1849, John S. Higbee came to this place with a company of about 150 persons, bringing farming implements, cattle, horses, provisions, etc., and formed the nucleus of a town, and in two months 225 acres of land had been laid out, much of it being already cultivated and planted.

March 18, 1849, the Provo branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was organized, the officers being: President, John S. Higbee, and Ins two counselors, Isaac Higbee and Dimick Huntiugton. But little was done that year in the wayof improvements, except building the fort, which was 300x150 feet, built of logs and surrounded by a stockade

The city plot one mile square was surveyed in 1850 "consisting of 11 blocks each way, each block being 24 rods squa-e, and containing eight lots, each being 6x12 rods.

Perhaps the most historical building is the one originally started as a residence for President ( Jeorcre A. Smith, but which he gave to the city before its completion, to be used as an educational institute. It was completed with this object^ and was used later not only as a school, but as a place of meeting for the municipal officers to transact ther business, and it was this building Johnson surrounded with his troops, to enforce his dictates to the Provokes.

before long owning a threshing machine and flour mills, a small foundry, owned by Shadrach Huldaway and James Simkins, for the manufacture of* milling machinery, who also huilt several looms, a spinning jinny and

The idea of the co-operative plan had been agitating the minds of s.-\ era! of Provo'a leading business men, anil as the outcome of many private conferences, a meeting was held De cember 4, L868, in the basement of the

Stores could also be seen, the first merchant being Andrew J. Stewart, who also made the second survey of the city, and who built the store known as the West Co-op.

The chairman was Mayor A. (). Smoot, who stated that the object of the meeting was to "consult on the propriety of their forming in a co-op-

The organization was formed in embryo, with the following officers: President pro tern., A. 0. Smoot; vice-president pro tein., Myron Tanner; secretary, L John Nuttal); treasurer, Myron Tanner, and directors. Peter Stuhbs, Elijah F. Sheets, A. H. Scott, S. S. Jones and A. F. Macdonald. There was donated at the meeting the sum of §4,850, and at .1 meeting held December 29th, the subscription was increased $12,000 more, the donations of twenty-six of the persons present.

It was unanimously adopted January 5, 18G9, that the organization be known as the "Provo Co-operative Institution," and at a subsequent meeting held February 8, 186'J, at which were President Brigham Young, Joseph A. Young, F. I). Richards, George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith and Henry W. Lawrence, the constitution and by-laws, which had been previously drafted, were read and adopted, and the following officers elected: President, A. 0. Smoot; vice-president, Myron Tanner, secretary, L. John Nuttall, treasurer Isaac Bullock, and directors, Samuel S. Jones, A. F. Macdonald, Elijah F. Sheets and George G. By water.

Provo Woolen Mills

These mills will ever figure as having been the first manufacturing industry of any prominence in the history of Utah. They were originally started under the name of the Timpanogo Manufacturing Company and

In this town is also located the State Insane Asylum erected at a cost of about $500,000. Its site is at the base of the mountains, and it is in this building that the wants of those whom nature deprived of reasoning powers at birth, or whose mental faculties have become unbalanced from some excess of sorrow or kindred cause are provided for, and it is only fitting that these poor unfortunate fellow creatures, unable to appreciate the rational enjoyments of life, should at least be provided with those comforts within their mental grasp, and this institution fully meets the requirements for which such buildings are erected, as besides every attention which combined skill and medical science can bestow, those whose minds are semi-rational can imbibe those glorious scenes which surround this asylum, and of which in this spot nature in her" ^..ck ity, seems to have been unusually lavish.

The population of Provo is about f>,500 and situated as it is, on the lines of two important railroads, it only needs capital and enterprise to develop some of those unborn industries for which there is an ever increasing demand, to treble that number within the next few years, and that outside wealth will eventually assist in the financial and commercial progress of Provo is a certainty, as even now we occasionally hear of new arrivals, a case in point will suffice; not long ago two eastern gentlemen, capitalists, visited this city, and succumbed to' its charms' sufficiently to take up their abode at Fourth and J streets, and they say they have "come to stay." We refer to Messrs. Joseph and W.

Provo is ;iii educational town, having institutions for learning second to none in the State. Its public schools are all that could he desired, being large, commodious, and 1 mil t fn>m plans which duly provided for all those sanitary arrangements so conducive to good health, and which are often found wanting. For those desiring to pursue a course in the more advanced branches of education, the Brigham Young Academy and the Proctor Academy, both of which possess a force of competent instructors, give the ambitious student opportunities to acquire a thorough knowledge of those studies in which he (or she) may be deficient.

The tabernacle is one of the most imposing structures in the whole of Utah, and thb with edifices erected by other denominations gives to every one the ,v ' je and freedom of worshipping according to their own particular form of religious belief. Provo has been divided into four waids, each having its own bishop; as follows: few of its earlier settlers, prominent among whom arc Peter Stubbs Charles Vincent, Sidney Bailey and Thomas Gammon, and many are th< interesting epis ides tiny can relate of Provo in its earlier days.

and water system, and its streets are well laid out. There are many attentive buildings, among which may lie included the Court House and City Hall, occupying a promineni site, and the Chamber of Commerce, of which Mr. S. S. Jones is the President. These with the ( )pera House, banks, churches, and many large mercantile houses, give to the city an aspect of afHuence calculated to make the stranger exclaim, that "hard times" certainly do not exist in Provo.

Provo Bench forming a connecting link between Pleasant Grove and Provo, has a population of about 550. The drive between these two cities reveals a most glorious picture. The slope from its summit is one continuous succession of farms and habitations extending to the shore of the lake, and looking down upon these evidences of thrift and prosperity, the result of man's handiwork, the subjection of nature to his requirements, the fruits of years of toil, one can but think that in Utah county, verily the desire is father to the deed.

Proctor Academy, Provo

ing is situated in the very center of the city, and consists of a two story brick structure, containing four large school rooms, with class rooms, hall and library.

Its scholars come from all parts of the state, and as the institution has all grades, from the primary up, families can send pupils of all ages to the same school, the tuition rate being made low for that purpose. The High

Pupils from a distance will find the classes are so arranged that they meet the requirements of their individual attainments, and those desiring to pursue Academic or High School branches will find both the practical and culture studies in the course.

Proctor Academy is justly appreciated by the people of Provo and Utah county, and is regarded by them as being a solid and successful institution, and the careful and thorough instruction given therein lias earned for itself a widespread reputation, which enables it to draw its patronage from all classes in tin* community.

The growth of the academy lias been SO great since its foundation, that the annual enrollment has reached over two hundred, and to this is greatly due to the efforts of Professor I. Huse, who has, by his indefatigable exertions and proficiency, so increased its advantages that now the Academy may be regarded as a fixture in Provo, backed as it is by generous friends, and it will help to support Provo in its claim to being the "eductional" town of Utah.

A. A. Noon, Provo

He was born in Middlesex county, England, June 28th 1837. In 1851 Mr. Noon left London for New Orleans en route to California at the period when the great excitement, was at its height. From the west he crossed the Pacific to Australia prospecting in the mines at Ballarat, Bendigo and until lie went to India. I [e was in < 'aleutta during the time of the mass acre at Delhi. In tin- year 18.07 lie returned to England and from there took passage to South AtViea, and helped establish with his brother Ailolphus H. the sugar enterprise of

Port Xatal, and rented the [8ping( i estate, consisting of one thousand acres, from which they shipped immense quantities of sugar. He was appointed quarter-masterofa volunteer company organized as a means of protection against the Kaffirs. Mr. Noon came to America in 1804, and in Ne braska married the eldest daughter of Henry and Martha Smith, who also came to this country from Africa. He was one of the contractors in Echo Canyon during the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, and in 1870 with A. H. Noon participated in locating and laying out the present town site of Eureka.

For many \rears he was much interested in the great iron deposits of Utah county and eventually organized a corporation to develop these inexhaustible fields, this being effected September 2, 1884. The properties of the Utah Valley Iron Mining and Manufacturing Company are under his management. He is a writer of no mean ability, and was a partner "with his son" Henry Noon in the American a paper published in Provo City, devoted to mining and manufacturing interests until his son Henry1 death January I, 1887. An interesting article from the pen of Mr. Noon appears in this work under "mining notes." Mr. A. A. Noon also was Justice of the Peace of Provo City for two years 1890 and 1892.

Sahull 5Phphln Joniss

One of Pro vo's prominent merchants and founders of Utah county, commerce, is Samuel S. Jones. Ho was bom at the A.ngel Inn, Brentford, ( Jounty of (is the English of it), Middlesex, England, February 6, L837.

His pa rents, Samuel anil Sar a li Bradshaw Jones, were the proprietors of the A.ngel Inn, and it was here Samuel s p e n t his childhood days. -Fust after this period he worked for a time for his uncle, and later for Ins half brother. His first real business experience was with the firm of Bardsley & Son, tea merchants, Lodenham Court Road, London, who also kept a post and money order office.

He remained in the employ of this firm four years, when two important events transpired: First he wanted to marry, and second, to emigrate to Utah. His marriage was postponed, the Saints having been counseled not to marry until they reached Utah, so on May 26, 1856, he embarked with his fiancee Lydia Elizabeth Hooker, on the "Hoosier,"allso his mother and brother Albert, for Huston, Ma-.- Kroin this city lie traveled l.y the railroad to Iowa City, where three weeks we were consumed in making preparations for the journey in the memorable hand cart o unpany.

was married at the house of Thomas Kerry. The earlier part of his life in I tah seems to have been one of extreme hardship for the young couple, but after several years of patient toil and endurance, he be" an to he rewarded, and we find him entering into the employ ofBirch&Stubbs, remaining with them until he engaged in business for himself. He took an active part in the establishment of the Provo Cooperative Mercantile institution, and later became its superintendent, and controlled its affairs until L872, when he went upon a mission to England. In 1873 he returned to Utah with a large number of converts, and reached Provo July 25th.

The position of superintendent of the Co-op. Institution being again offered to him, he accepted it, and once more assumed the management of its affairs, resigning in September, 1878. In 1883 he erected a handsome store on J street, just north of the First National bank, and opposite ami alderman in the City Council, and the postoffice. His principal pur- is to-day the President of the Cham suits at present, are the timber ber of Commerce. He is the owner,

S. S. Jones' Residence, Pkovo

He was adjutant in the Provo Militia, and assisted in raising supplies and forwarding troops to San Pete and Sevier during the Indian campaign known as the Blackhawk war of 1866-7-8.

and his son, Samuel J., is the manager of the Provo Opera House. He is prominently connected in many ways with the interests of the city in which he has lived over forty years, and has the reputation of being not only a representative business man. but a warm-hearted supporter of everything which will conduce to the welfare and prosperity of the city.

by Dr. Walter R. Pike, whose office is on the corner of Third and J. Sts. This gentleman has had a wide experience and was formerly the county years, where he has estahlished an extensive practice, his skill being widely known, and he has an excellent standin" in business and social circles.

Provo Holler Mills

1892, and is a fine brick structure fifty by sixtv feet, three stories and basement, and cost thirty-two thousand dollars. The mill is operated by steam and water power and has a capacity of one hundred barrels per day. It is thoroughly equipped with standard machinery made by Barnard & Leas of Moline, 111., has seven stands of rolls fitted with "Plan Sifter" which is perfectly adapted to the working of the wheat grown in Utah.

Bran, Shorts and other mill stuffs. The Graham Flour turned out by this mill is of a superior quality and is extensively used in Salt Lake City. Ogden and all through southern and eastern Utah.

Mr. William LetHer, the head miller, thoroughly understands the business, having had a life-long experience, and takes great pride in the popularity the mill enjoys and justly deserves the reputation he has achieved as one of the foremost millers of the state.

Pkovo Kollek Mills A. O. Smoot Lumber Co

One of the oldest established and most reliable wholesale and retail lumber houses in Utah county is the A. O. Smoot Co., whose yards and planing mills are located at the foot of J. Street, Provo.

In 1894 the business passed into the hands of the Hon. A. 0. Smoot, Sen. (now deceased), since which time it has been under the direction of the executors of the estate of the deceased, and the immediate management of A. O, Smoot, Jr.

both steam and water power. Here twent} five skilled hands are employed who turn out largely sash, doors, blinds, hard-wood interior linisli for banks, Btores, churches etc., also mouldings, inside casings, fine flooring, ceiling, exterior wood trimmings, and lumber of all kinds. They also deal in shingles, lath, pickets, posts etc., and their trade extends throughout the southern and eastern parts of the state. Orders tor earload lots are

The superior charactei of the stock, and thegreal care exercised in inspecting and shipping, as per -ample on representation, has caused a steady development of its trade, as is evi denced by the fact that the business of L896 has exceeded any of that of the past six years. Its trade is being greatly enlarged each succeeding year and it is one of the most prosperous Imsiiiess houses in southern Utah.

E. J. Ward & Sons

The enterprise displayed by the above firm in the lumber business has been, and is, of such a progressive nature that it has assumed large proportions in this city, and the firm of E. J. Ward & Sons b one of the acknowledged leaders in this line.

is operated in a two-story frame building 40x(>0 feet in dimensions, and is thoroughly equipped with all the machinery and appliances necessary to the manufacture of the highest grade of door and window screens, sash, door, blinds, mouldings and frames.

Ornamental cornice, porch and stair work, planing, sawing, turning and scroll work are also turned out in a highly creditable and expeditious manner.

The large yard, 200x400 feet in area, is kept stocked with a carefully selected assortment of well seasoned lumber, also lath, shingles, posts, etc.

A complete planing mill, containing the latest and most improved inachinused by this company. A full line of glass, paints, oils and builders' hardware is also carried by this house, which caters to both the wholesale and retail trade. Only skilled workmen are employed, and the strictest

The Excelsior Roller Flour Mills

The Excelsior Roller Flour Mills of Provo is among the world-renowned producers of fine flour who have their headquarters nearly in the center of Utah County.

reputation than Mr. J. W. Hoover & Sons, the proprietors. This business was established 19 years ago, and has enjoyed a successful career, it beinor the only mill west of the Missouri River equipped with the latest patent Wizard System of machinery, manufactured by the Davidson-Martin Manufacturing Company of Port Huron, Mich. The mill is a threestory frame building sixty-one feet here, viz: Sea Foam and Baker's Straight, are synonymous with the highest excellence in their special line, and are in great demand. Millstutts.

born at Bridgeport, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and is 62 years old, having come to Utah in L 854, seven years after the arrival of the pioneers, and experienced many of the hardships incident to the settlement of a new country. Remaining in Sail Laki City one year, he moved to Spring ville, Utah county, where he engaged in the milling business, remaining until

Henry Stagg

Mr. Stagg, is a practical machinist and consulting engineer, and was born in Wales, serving his apprenticeship as a machinist to the firm of Messrs. Hrogden & Sons, who were engaged in business in the county of Glamorganshire.

Xortli American Asphalt Company at Thistle as master mechanic for nearly two years, when he was appointed inspector for the Provo City Water Works, and in I 892 he was the deputy Territorial Scale Inspector, performing the duties of that office more than three years.

In August, 1895, he leased the Sun Foundry and Machine Shops, his present place of business, where he has the patent and facilities to manueepted the position of master mechanic in the Pyle Manganese steel works, in his native town, until he emigrated to America in 1885. After his arrival in Utah he worked in the Provo Foundry and Machine shops four years, the three last being in the capacity of foreman. He was with the

Foundry, Provo

Heating plants are placed in buildings and pipe work of every .description, including plumbing in all its 1 (ranches is attended to by this firm, all work being guaranteed.

They are makers of harvesting machinery, mining cars, and every form of iron and brass castings are turned out at short notice. Inventors who desire models made of their inventions, can find no better house to fill their orders than the above, their work being executed with skill, and accuracy. Bicycle repairing is also a specialty.

iety are made and repaired, this house being so thoroughly conversant with every detail of their business that they can fill orders for the roughest forms of iron and steel work to the most delicate and intricate pieces of mechanism, and by their promptness and skill have placed themselves at the head of their profession.

O. H. Berg

Tlif undertaking business in the hands of Mr. Berg, is one which is raised far above the level of what we are in the habit of seeing, for he conand caskets of all sizes in rosewood, walnut, oak and burl mahogany, plush and cloth covered, as well as metallic linings, and goods of all description pertaining to the business can lie furnished on short notice, as a full line is kept constantly on hand, caskets, coffins, shrouds, mourning goods, floral emblems and designs are supplied to order promptly ; also hearses and carriages.

D.H. Berg

ducts it in a most exemplary and dignified manner. This business was established many years ago, and is located on J street, one block from the depot. His office and show room is 20x25 feet in dimensions, connected with which is the manufacturing department 20x40 feet. Attention of the dealers throughout the count}' and state is called to the fact that he manufactures and keeps'in stock coffins

Mr. Berg is a practical and expert einbalmer, and undertakes sole charge of all the funeral arrangements from the hour of death until burial. He receives from and transfers remains to the railroads, and obtains all the necessary permits and certificates. His charges are very reasonable, and every detail of his work is executed in the most decent manner.

Hon. Abraham Owi-N Smoot

would be almost equivalent to ignorin- the very foundation of its commercial interests. Born February 17. 1 815 in Owen county, Kentucky, and educated in Paris, I [enry county, Tenn., lie engaged in fanning pursuits until twenty-one years of age, when he was baptized into the Mormon ( 'liureli. Attn- his convertion he engaged in church work for about a year finally going to Kirtland, Ohio. From that town he returned to Kentucky where he organized and led a company of Saints to Far West. At this place during the trouble with the state militia he was taken prisoner, and before his release he married Martha I. McMeans, November 11. 1838.

Leaving Missouri in February 1 839, at the time of the expulsion of the Mormons from that state, he went with them to Quincy, Illinois, subsequently removing to Nauvoo. In 1847 he led a company of one hundred and twenty wagons across the plains, this being the second pioneer train to enter Utah.

He went upon a mission to England in 1851, his labors being attended with much success, as he returned with a large number of converts. By the act of the City Council he was appointed Mayor of Salt Lake City in 1850. vice J. M. Grant, deceased, and was the second Mayor of that city.

f"r ten 3 ears. I rpon bis removal to Provo in February I B68 be was elect ed to the Mayoralty of that city, almost upon bis arrival, and officiated in services being performed, as in Salt Lake City gratuitously. He was President of the Zion Co-Operative Mercantile [institution, the First Nat ional Hank, A. < ). Smoot Lumber Co. and the Provo Holler Mills, and for27 years was President of Utah Stake.

W hether engaged in religious, civil or business matter.-,, he displayed wonderful executive ability and keen, conservative judgment He figured conspicuously in advancing the commercial interests of Provo and I 'tab county, and the value of his services was never estimated at its true worth until his brilliant career was ended, and the loss of his influence made manifest. His name is a household word in Utah county, its citizens one and all realizing that his name and Provo are practically synonymous terms. He was unquestionably a typical pioneer, an enterprising citizen and warm-hearted friend. Throughout his life he showed great power of endurance, undergoing privations and suffering with that fortitude and grim spirit of determination so characteristic of the man.

He departed this life March (i. I 395, at his home in Provo. m iurned by his relatives ami friends, respected and beloved by the entire community, who felt that although it has been ordained that bis presence shall lie no 1 »nger with them, yet the memory of his life and the fruit of his labors shall dwell

Shadrach Holdaway

A pioneer in every sense of the word, and one who has contributed his quota to the advancement of Provo is Sadrach Holdaway. He was born October 15, I 8:2:2, in Hawkins county, Tennessee, being the son of Timothy and Mary E. Trent Holdaway.

His parents were farmers in moderate circumstances and during his childhood were continually changing their place of residence, which taken in conjunction with the very poor facilities prevalent at that time for obtaining an education, limited our subject's attainments in that direction to the most elementary branches. Before he was twenty-two years of age he had resided in many states, removing when nine years old to Indiana, thence to Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, St. Clair county, Illinois and Nauvoo, Illinois. In the latter place he remained until 1846, when he removed with the general exodus of Mormons from Nauvoo in February of that year. At Council Bluff's lie enlisted

He inarched with that regiment from Council Bluffs to Fort Leaven worth, Kansas, thence to Santa Fe. New Mexico, to Tucson, Arizona. During the latter pari of the march an encounter with wild cattle was experienced in which several men were injured, but no loss of life was sustained. From Tucson the march was continued to Los Angeles, California, where he was honorably discharged July 16, 1847, after one }rear's service, during which he traveled fifteen hundred miles through an almost lines plored country of prairies and desert, where the scarcity of rations and water occasioned intense suffering and agonj at one time bein^ limited to a dailv allowance of but two ounces of Hour. To such a verge of starvation were they reduced that pieces of rawhide were eaten with a relish worthy of a more luxurious and wholesome diet.

Mr. Holdaway stayed in California some time, and at the time the discovery of gold in that state caused such excitement throughout the civilized world, he went with others to the "diggings" where he worked at placer mining, performing the tedious process of panning gold by hand, remaining there until his failing health compelled him to desist from his labors. From California he came east and arrived in Salt Lake City. October 24, 1848.

December 124 of the same year he married Miss Lucinda Haws, the daughter of Gilbreth and Hannah Whitecomb, and unto them were given fourteen children, whom they named respectively: George B. Timothy.

Remaining iri Salt Lake during the winter, be left with Lorenzo Young and wife, I>r Bernhisel who was the fir-T representative from I "tali and ten others, on May \-V.>. for St. Louis Mo., to purchase machinery for tli' manufacture of woolen goods l|.- built his first residence on the - Bide of the river, outside the city, but the troubles which occurred with the Indians during the winter of L852 3 necessitated hi.- removal into the town, where he located and built hb present place on the corner of Seventh and E stre< i -

In connection with the factory in which be - r< cted the carding machine, he built a carpenter and blacksmith shop, in which be turned out the first threshing machine in Utah, the iron for which was procured from 2 cms, etc., at Camp Floyd after the difficulties with the troops had ben peacefully terminated.

He was married a aecond time, to Mr-. Eliza Pickup. November, 1852, and who died March ~1, 1855, leaving him two cildren, viz, Eliza E. and Mil ion.

Since Mr. Holdaway permanently located in Provo he has been extensively engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, being the first to enter

Being about one of the- first -e-ttlers in the Garden City, he feels proud to think that to him i.> due some of the- success which lias attended itcareer, and that he has contributed share towards its advancement.

This is but a brief resume of a life which has been full of interesting incidents, possessing it- share of hardships, toil and privation, but throughout it all Mr. Holdaway has displayed one of those enduring, em disposition, which conquers all opposition, and at all times he has b.-.-n f..und at hi- post ready t.. assume bis share of the labors, and contribute in every way to the general welfare of the city.

He is now nearly 7.~> years of age, and is an honored and n sp ct< member of the community in which he has resided for nearly half a century.