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

Elevation, 4,555 Feet

Possibly from a historical point of view, Spanish Fork is the oldest city in the county, as it is spoken of in Mexican records dating back several centuries as being one of the points through which traders passed en route from New Mexico to California.

prospective town is in I860, when Enoch Reese, an early settler, took up four hundred acres, and in the winter of the same year four men settled at a point about a mile and a half above the present towusite, and in the following spring they ploughed the land, planted seed and the few residents there organized a branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with the following list of officers: President, Stephen Markham; bishop, William Pace; counselors, J. W. Berry and Lorin Roundy. Consistent with the progressive nature of these pioneers, on March 15, 1852, J. W. Berry, Stephen Markham and W. W. Willis organized a water company, their operations being conducted upon the most primitive methods, being simply the concentration of the waters into a ditch which they constructed and termed South Ditch.

During this time more families were constantly arriving, until in the fall of 1852 the population had increased to the extent of about seventy-five families, and a petition being presented to, and granted by, the Territorial Legislature for a city charter, the following municipal officers were elected: W. W. Willis, mayor, and Samuel Pollock, secretary.

It was at this time that the famous Walker war commenced. Governor Young, with his clear foresight, anticipating the danger in which the people were from Indian outbreaks, personally visited Spanish Fork, or, as it was called at that time, Palmyra, advising the residents of the imperative necessity which existed for the erection of a fort, not only there, but in all the southern settlements, in pursuance of which policy he sent J. W. Berry and William Holt, with a company of militia to notify the other settlements of the anticipated danger, and advise them to make all possible preparations for defense. Although the settlement of Palmyra was one of the first to be warned, the inhabitants paid but little heed, continuing their peaceful vocations day by day, so that when the Walker war broke out a few weeks later, they were comparatively defenseless, and exposed to the Indian attack. After there danger became so manifest that they could not help seeing the folly of any further delay, they constructed a means of defense, and the discipline of martial law was observed by every settler, every man being enlisted in the militia, which not only was ever to the front to protect its own homes, but distinguished itself by at all times volunteering its services to aid other settlements in need of protection. The officers of the militia, or home guard, as it was called at the time of its formation in 1852, were: Major, Stephen Markham; Captain, W. W. Willis, and Lieutenants, J. W. Berry and Silas Hillman.

In the fall of 1854 the "Old Fort" was built uponthesiteof the present city of SpanishFork. Its dimensions were 100x60 feet, the greater length running north and south, and it was surrounded by walls twenty feet high and two feet thick. The one entrance to this part, on the south side, was composed of two heavy folding gates, sixteen feet high and the same width, and was built of double thicknesses of two inch planks. The following spring a survey, consisting of nine blocks twenty-four rods square. Two main streets, each eight rods wide, and pointing to the four cardinal points, designated the principal part of the town, while there were other streets four rods wide.

January 17, 1855, the legislature granted a charter for the city of Spanish Fork, defining the city limits as being: "All that district of Utah county embraced in the following boundaries, to-wit: Beginning at the southeast corner of Palmyra City; thence north along the east boundary of Palmyra to the south boundary of Springville City; thence east with said boundary to the base of the mountains; thence south along the base of said mountains to the mouth of Maple canyon; thence north to the place of beginning, shall be known and designated as Spanish Fork City."

The first municipal election was held on the first Monday in May, 1855, with the election of the following officers: Mayor, Matthew Caldwell ; aldermen and councilors, John H. Redd, H. B. M. Jolley, Cyrus Snell, Wilson D. Pace, John S. Fulmer, L. H. Redd, Harvey Pace and Joseph B. Hawks; marshal, John W. Snell; city recorder, Amos Styles, and treasurer, Isaac Brockbank. Up to this time considerable rivalry had existed between the two settlements of Palmyra and Spanish Fork, until the residents of the former place acted upon the advice of Governor Young and moved into Spanish Fork, which not only of necessity increased the strength of that city, but was the means of a peaceful restoration to a state of harmony.

Such in brief is the record of the founding of the city of Spanish Fork. It has witnessed its troublous times, having in common with other towns in Utah, experienced suffering and want from the ravages caused by the grasshoppers. It has participated in the Indian troubles, but from its earliest days there has been evinced a firmness of determination which, being properly directed, has enabled them to conquer all obstacles and cause what was once a patch of wilderness to blossom forth into one of the most prosperous towns of Utah.

An open-air performance, upon a stage constructed in the Old Fort, was given in 1857, entitled "Priestcraft in Danger," this being the first dramatic performance presented in Spanish Fork, and one which will forever linger in the minds of those who witnessed it.

Social Hall, the first public building erected in this town, was built in 1861, and the first school house (proper) in 1862. The Spanish Fork Co-operative Institution was organized January 16, 1867, and it is not only the oldest one in the county but is the second co-op in Utah. Its officers elected at the time the constitution was adoped were: President, Andrew Ferguson; secretary, Charles Monk; treasurer, David H. Davis, and directors, William Creer and Thomas C. Martele. Its site has been changed several times, the growing business

A It hough Spanish Fori is more of an agricultural than manufacturing towri, yet it possesses grist mills, saw mills, a foundry ami a shoe factory, tin' latter being an adjunct to the

This educational institution, situated on the east bench, three blocks from Main street, was built at a cast of $12,000 and contains eight class rooms, each heing '24x30 feet in dimension two large hallways and six cloak rooms. It is titled with steam-heating apparatus and all modem conveniences, and under the supervision of Principal J. A. Rees and his efficient corps of teachers, children in Spanish Fork have opportunities presented them which, if profited by, will fit them to cope with the world successfully in later years such as are not excelled by any city in the country.

Spanish Fork many a delightful dance and entertainment during the Bummer months, in addition to which they., are Beveral other large buildings, the City Hall being particularly deserving nt mention.

each of which is presided over by its own bishop, as follows: First ward. Henry Gardner; Second ward, George D. Knell; Third ward. Marinus Larsen; fourth ward. A. E. Nielson.

a very s it isl'act ory s'i i ,\ i.i : c . i si I adversities under which the town has b?en brought to its present state, but now that everything is favorable for outsiders to make new homes under peaceful and prosperous conditions. The next census will without any doubt report a considerable increase.

Its officers are William Creer, president; P. S. Bradford, vice-president; John Moore, secretary; John H. Hays, treasurer; J. Jones, gengeral manager, with Peter Nelson, A. E. Neilson and Neil Gardner as directors.

The stock consists of general merchandise, in addition to which there is a harness shop and a boot and shoe factory. This factory turned out over .$11,000 worth of boots and shoes during the year 1896, and as their goods possess quality, durability, finish and workmanship, which are

It was established in the spring of 1870, in a little building 16x30 feet, and by careful application to business it has grown year by ye»r until to-day there is a handsome three-story building 90x65 feet, testifying to the effect that the best advertisements known. This year will probably see them tested to their fullest capacity to meet the demands which will be made upon them. There is also a meat market, where choice grades of meat are sold both wholesale and retail.

Young Men'S Consolidated Oo-Oper Ativk Institution

This institution was established March 24, lhKt, under the name of the Young Men's Cooperative Mercantile Institution, bat when ten years later, on November 27, 1898, it consolidated with the Spanish Fork Mercantile Company, the style of firm name was changed to that of the Young Men's Consolidated Co-Operative Institution.

known anil respected citizens, as their tinmen testify, and are oh follows: W. W. Chisholm, president; .John Hockhill. vice-president; .1. .1. Banks, secretary and treasurer; Hubbard Tattle, superintendent, with the following list of directors: Henry Gardner, Thomas 15. Zones, Joseph E. Creer, Alma Andrus and M. Larsi-n.

Since the organization of 11ns institution there has been plainly manifest a desire upon the part of those interested in its management to carry a line of goods pleasing to the public.

Its extensive business is conducted in a building 45x65 feet, and in it is carried a large and varied stock of groceries, crockery, hardware, dry goods, clothing, hats, caps, boots and shoes, and general merchandise.

and to dispose of them at figures as low as is consistent with business principles, and which will yet prove a paying investment to both the institution and its stockholders, a line of policy which seems to have given satisfaction to all concerned.

William Creer

William Creer, a representative citizen of Spanish Fork City, was born in Preston, Lancashire, England, February 13, 1836. He was the oldest son of Edward and Ann Creer, who emigrated to America in December, 1847. After a voyage of over six weeks, they finally landed at St. Louis, where they remained until May, 1854. During their sojourn there they were engaged in the coal business.

distance with ox team. When in Salt Lake City he worked for Daft & Hague during the summer of 1855 and moved to Spanish Fork the following spring. Two years afterward he married Sarah Jane Miller, his present wife. They have now seven sons and one daughter living.

In the year 1865 he was commissioned Major by Governor Durkee, and in June, 1866, in company with sixteen men, had a battle with thirtysix Indians on what is known as Diamond Creek. In this engagement six Indians were killed and thirty-eight head of stolen cattle and seven horses were recovered, but not without a hard-fought battle and the loss of two men, Albert Dimmick and John Edmundson.

In 1868 Mr. Creer was elected alderman of Spanish Fork City and served six years in that capacity and was subsequently elected mayor in 1983, serving as such two terms. He served as member of the Territorial Legislature during the sessions of 1884, 1886, 1888 and 1890, being on the committee that framed the first free school law for the Territory. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1887 and also a member of the State Constitutional Convention of 1895. He was admitted to the bar of

He was one of the first organizers of the Spanish Fork Co-operative Institution and has served as a member of the board of directors for fourteen years. He has also been its president since May, 1891.

Mr. Creer has also led out and taken an active part in many other enterprises, such as opening canyon roads, constructing canals and water ditches to irrigate the parched lands, supplanting the desert with beautiful farms, which has made Utah the attraction of all her sister states.

Boyack House

The house throughout is a model of neatness, cleanliness and order, and it is patronized by all travelers who appreciate a comfortable home. With all its conveniences the rate of the Boyack House is only $1.50 per day on the American plan.

Bank Of Spanish Fork

organized iimlcr the Stale banking laws in 1892, opening its doors fur Imsiness April 1st of Mint year, anil during its rareer it has won confidence anil support, reflecting great credit upon the executive ability and business judgment displayed in its management. Its paid-up

Spanish Fork. He has been engaged in business in that town for years, lining deservedly earned for himself a business reputation which entitles him to assume the i-esponsibilit ii B "t his pi-. -sent position, one which he tills with equal satisfaction to his superiors and those who do business with the house with which be is connected.

It is officered by the following named gentlemen, all widely known for their ability, prudence and just methods, viz: J. Jones, president; Ben Argyle, vice-president, and George D. Snell, Jr., cashier. Mr. Jones, the president, is well known for the scrupulous manner in which he protects the interests of the deposi-

The bank has a frontage of twety-five feet by fifty feet deep, its interior fu.mishings being of solid mahogany with an elegant marble base, which produce an effect not only artistic but pleasing to the eye. Although a comparatively recent institution, each year adds to its stability, and it is one which patrons entrust their money with a sense of security, feeling assured that their confidence is not misplaced.

Gem Roller Mills

There is perhaps nothing so essential to human existence as cereal foods, and that Spanish Fork should possess its own mills is not only not surprising, but may be taken as a token of the business intelligence of its citizens.

upon which is erected a three-story building with basement, which is well equipped with the latest machinery and appliances necessary to produce the very highest grades of flour. The wheat is cleansed and weighed automatically, and every possible care is exercised by its competent manager, Mr. George M. D. Robinson with the assistance of five skilled hands, to place upon the market a grade of flour which will compare favorably with any other produced in the State. The special brands are, Harvest Queen, Pearl, Bakers' A 1 and the Graceful. The mill has double rolls, with facilities for the tion of a very fine grade of Graham flour, corn meal, etc., and as their prices will always bear favorable comparison, and the quality and fineness of their products are all they claim for production of over one hundred barrels per day, and its elevator and storage rooms have a capacity for storing 20,000 hushels of grain. The other leading specialties are the producthem, there is an active demand for them from all sections of the country.

Spanish Fork Marble Works

An enterprise which has doubtless played an important part towards the development of the town of Spanish Fork is that known as the Spanish Fork Marble Works, owned and operated by W. Charles Harrison.

It founded in the year 1885, and by reason of the exceptionally high class of work performed the trade now extends all over the southern country and is still upon the increase. The lettering and sculpturing is personally attended to by Mr. Harrison, which fact is doubtless the cause of his success, as he is an expert in his line, to which the headstones in the surrounding cemeteries are silent witnesses, but who nevertheless bear positive evidence to his ability. Cutting and polishing is also a feature of the business, and is done at the works, and orders for stone work of every description may be ilaced with Mr. H irrison with the knowledge an assurance thai +hey wi'.l receive prompt a< i' 'on, combined -ith ski'l, which two qualit ilways omma ' esteem md patronage.

Among the manufacturing interests of Spanish Fork perhaps then' is none which is entitled 1o a more prominent place than t lie Spanish Fork Foundry, having been established July, 1KH4, and each succeeding year since that time from which are every year turned out immense quantities of machinery and supplies incidental to that trade, the business extending as far south as Arizona. Every facility necessary to thoroughly perform the work in u perfeotl] Satisfactory manner is possessed by the foundry, one of the best being a large derrick for has more firmly proven not only the necessity for such an enterprise, but the wisdom and business judgment of the one who founded it. The moulding room is 30x40 feet, and the machine room is 20x30 feet, making altogether a superficial area of 1,800 square feet in which the numerous wants of its patrons are supplied.

the more perfect and safe handling of heavy machinery, and therefore those who place their orders with this firm are able to do so with the knowledge that their work will be executed by skillful hands and as promptly as is consistent with good results - two points which commend themselves to every intelligent business man.