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

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

This settlement, whose inhabitants derive their living from the fruits of the earth, is about three miles south of Payson, and is presided over by the bishop of the second ward of Payson, Jonathan Page, Jr.

Some of Spring Lake's early residents are living there yet, among them being William Spainhower, James butler and William Barnett. It has a population of nearly two hundred.

John Henry Spainhower

1 1 is education lasted about one month, during which time he Learned bul Little more than the alphabet, as his father died when he was lml twelve years old, and in order 1o help support his mother and younger lirother and sisters, he hired out for ten cents per diiy, working with the negro slaxes. Time rolled on and at early manhood we find him working on the same farm lor 25 cents per day.

He not only learned fanning, but also grist and Lumber milling and the trade of a carpenter which was also Ids father's occupation) and thai of a wheelwright and shoemaker. When he was about twenty-four years of age in conjunction with his brother he bought 100 acres of land near his home, paying for it with their united labors.

On December 20, 1849, he married a Miss Margaret Ann Midkitf and has since raised a family of nine children, all of whom are now married and have families except the two eldest. The names of his children are Lucinda K., Jacob I., William H., Sarah T., Chanie E., John W., Emma F., Flora J. and Joseph A. He now has forty-five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Soon after his marriage he disposed of his interest in the farm to his brother with the understanding that he assume the care of his mother, and went to Virginia, farming there for six years, after which he returned to his native locality and bought 100 acres of land adjoining his brother's farmland entered into the business of making and repairing wagons, in addition to farming. Soon after this the civil war commenced, but being advocate of peace rather than of war, he did not enlist his services until it became absolutely necessary, when on December 12, 1864, he was forced to leave his family and shoulder arms, joining the Twentyfirst Regiment, Company 1, with General Lee in command. He figured in two battles and was taken prisoner in the last charge at Richmond and held for three months at Point Lookout, on the Chesapeake bay, until he took the oath of allegiance to the United States. After his release he returned to his home in North Carolina, where he engaged in his former labors.

Having become converted to the truths of Mormonism, he came to Utah, believing he could serve the Lord better here than elsewhere, coming by steamship and rail to Ogden; thence by team to Payson, leaving his home July 9, 1869, and arriving in Payson on the 6th of the tollowiug month. He remained in Payson about six weeks, removing thence to Spring Lake, which has since been his permanent home. There were four houses in the settlement at that time, and among the residents were B. F. Johnson and Asbury Park with their families.

his desire to lead a quiet, unobtrusive life, which is doubtless t he reason he has not figured in public affairs, confining himself as much as Was possible to providing a good home tor himself and family and showing in his ipiiet way that he is still a firm believer in the faith he accepted sci r 1 1 : 1 1 1 \ \ ears mi'".

He assisted in I lie building of 11c temples in Utah; has held the offices of Teacher and Elder and was later ordained a High 1'riest, which priesthood he still retains. H« now has a good home, working hard each day to maintain it, although he is somewhat advanced in years, makes it his proud boast, like the Village Blacksmith of old, that "He looks the whole world in the face, nor owes not any man."