1880-1900 West Second South Blocks 63 & 64

 A Slice of Salt Lake City:

City Blocks 63 and 64 of  Salt Lake City, 1880 to 1900

Changing Demographics

Preface

Between Fifth West and Sixth West on Second South Street located between Salt Lake City’s Blocks 63 and 64, generations of men, women, and some children played their lives out. Hundreds of other people called the block their temporary home. They all were for the most part hard working, hard living people, and primarily not members of the dominate faith of Utah. They are also mostly forgotten today. The street, nevertheless, is filled with phantoms of past lives that in Salt Lake City is not normally recorded in local histories but are there still if one takes the time to look. 

Articles in the early Salt Lake City newspapers mentioned reports of deaths, suicides, fights, robberies, and rowdy behaviors among mostly a masculine population  living on Second South.

 While this section of Second South today is designated as Old Greek Town, it was once filled with such a diversity of people found nowhere else in Salt Lake City. Census records from the last half of the Nineteenth Century and first half of the Twentieth Century show that among the many people who called Second South home were English, Welsh, Irish, Chinese, Italians, Syrians, Lebanese, Japanese, Mexicans and it was also was one of the few places in Salt Lake City where African Americans could reside.

 

For the first thirty years of city blocks 63 and 64 history the area consisted mainly of Mormon pioneer settlers, who were primarily emigrants from the British Isle.

 

During the two decades between 1880 and 1900 the Rio Grande District of city blocks 63 and 64 were dramatically transformed from a rural pioneer Mormon west side community to a bustling “Gentile” or non-Mormon commercial and residential area. The term “Gentile” was used by Mormons in the 19^th Century to refer to who were not members of their faith. It has been replaced with the ubiquitous “nonmember” terminology used today. 

 

The railroads brought to Utah the first group of  non-European ethnic laborers, the Chinese, followed by the Irish, and then the Italians. These ethnic groups  flourished in the 1880s and 1890’s near the railroad yards located in the western side of Salt Lake City. The Chinese were an exception, as they dominated a section of downtown called Plum Alley.

 

By the early  Twentieth Century the railroads and mining interests brought to Sixth West and Second South Greeks, Mexicans, Japanese, and African Americans where they provided cheap labor which could be exploited.  

 

Chapter One

The Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Depot

Nothing impacted Salt Lake City’s municipal blocks of 63 and 64, separated by West Second South Street, as did the coming of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway to Utah in 1881. The railway changed the demographics of the mostly rural west side of Salt Lake inhabited previously mostly by Mormon pioneers. The D&RG  rail yards brought hundreds if not thousands of non-Mormon Americans and foreign immigrant workers to Utah Territory to lay tracks and construct the freight and passenger depots. 

 

General William J. Palmer and the D & GR Railway

The Denver & Rio Grande Railway company was the vision of General William J. Palmer, a decorated U.S. Army officer of the Civil War. He “envisioned something which had never before been attempted; a corridor piercing the heart of the Rocky Mountains.” He planned to link Denver, Colorado with the Mexican border, “following its namesake Rio Grande River for much of the way,” to reach the “San Juan mining district, and also to head west to Salt Lake City.” 

 

According to author James Griffin's book, "Rio Grande Railroad," General Palmer became convinced that Colorado was “tailor-made for a railroad; its eastern plains were highly conducive to agricultural development and the Rocky Mountains were rich in precious metals and coal.” Palmer along with business partners from Denver chartered the Denver & Rio Grande Railway on 27 October 1870. 

 

The primary route of the Denver & Rio Grande “would link Denver with El Paso, Texas running along the Front Range in an effort to establish through service into Mexico. A secondary main line would reach the Central Pacific at Salt Lake City/Ogden.”

 

Unfortunately, before Palmer could establish a steady flow of capital, the financial Panic of 1873 delayed the project. While the D&RG never entered bankruptcy, construction was delayed until 1876 when the economy improved. Then much of the construction of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad was hampered by lawsuits and conflicts with the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad in the 1870’s. As a result, for a few years D&RG “management elected not to continue towards Utah instead, opted for a more southerly route to coal mines.”

 

 “The notorious tycoon”, Jay Gould,” was credited for ending the fighting between the railroad companies as he had “effectively gained control of the D&RG.” With this dispute over, General Palmer turned his attention back towards expansion and the 1880's were “a banner decade for the D&RGW as it exploded in size.” 

 

Because of the region's rugged topography, the D&RG owners decided upon “a narrower, 3-foot gauge right-of-way in an effort to reduce costs and avoid clearance issues.”

 

General Palmer left the board of the D&RG to concentrate on a subsidiary of the railway that would connect Salt Lake City with Grand Junction, Colorado. This new line was called the “Denver & Rio Grande Western Railway” and was organized on 21 July 1881 with “rights to build from the Colorado and Utah state line to Salt Lake City via Green River, Soldier Summit, and Provo.” 

 

To achieve these ends, the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railway acquired three small Utah short lines, all which were originally built to serve either “coal, silver, or copper mines situated south and east of Salt Lake City.” 

 

Of these, the Utah & Pleasant Valley proved most important to the D&RG Western as it opened fifty-five miles between Springville and Scofield, Utah by November of 1879. This track was extended further north to Provo. In October of 1880, the D&RGW worked to finish a disconnected segment of track between Provo and Salt Lake City. 

 

The Denver & Rio Grande Western reached Salt Lake in 1881 as a “narrow-gauge line at that time” which “formed a new connecting link in the trans-continental line between the east and west.”

 

Salt Lake City’s Denver & Rio Grande Hub

Four Salt Lake City blocks west of downtown had been put up for public auction in 1879 by Salt Lake Mayor Feramorz Little. The four blocks, 35, 36, 37, and 38 contained forty acres, which the Denver & Rio Grande purchased in 1881 on which to build rail yard for a passenger and freight depot. The new Denver and Rio Grande railway’s hub was built within Block 37 facing today’s Sixth West between Second South and Third South.  

 

At this location, the first passenger depot for the Denver & Rio Grande was built  as well as repair shops, machine shops, boiler shops, and even a tall smokestack. When constructed the smoke stack attracted “unusual attention” and was considered “somewhat of a marvel” as it was constructed “within an eighth of an inch of a direct line of the incline from the base to the top, tapering from a square of twelve to six feet.”

 

The actual 40 acres purchased by the Denver & Rio Grande extended from Fourth South Street to South Temple Street and westward from Sixth to Eight West. The main track line for  the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad ran along Seventh West Street with several narrow-gauge spur lines crisscrossing the area.

 

After 1882 the Denver & Rio Grande train tracks divided the west side of Salt Lake City from downtown and from the more affluent eastern half of the city a divide even more accentuated with the construction of the Interstate 15 in the 1960’s. 

 

Block 37 is where now the UDOT’s Front Runner is located as well as the Bus station, and Amtrak transportation terminals.  Block 37 was hemmed in by what was then Fifth West and Sixth West, and between Second South and Third South, north and south.

 

Land Speculation

The Denver & Rio Grande rail yards dramatically increased the land values of the west side of Salt Lake City which at the time was considered the Fifteenth Ward. The Fifteenth Ward boundaries reached from West Temple as far as to the Jordan River. The land in this area was considered cheap, marshy, and was considered remote from the downtown business district and from the eastside residences of the city. 

 

The prospects of the Denver & Rio Grande rail yards coming to Utah, increased the land values of the west side of Salt Lake City which at the time was considered cheap, marshy, and undesirable as it was considered a distance from the business district and from the residences of the east side of the city.

 

In June 1881 it was reported in Salt Lake City that, “ever since the disclosure, months ago of the coming of the Denver & Rio Grande, real estate has been on the rise.”  The site of the D&RG depot must have been known by October 1881 as several advertisements listed lots for building upon “close to Main, on Second South, and on the road to the Denver & Rio Grande depot.”

 

Another advertisement from 1881 promoted several parcels of land as being close to the Denver & Rio Grande depot. “Another Building Lot 10 x 10 rods [165 feet by 165 feet], close to Main, on Second South Street and on the road to Denver & Rio Grande depot” being sold for $1750. Another lot consisting of 5 [82.5 feet] rods by 10 [165 feet] rods was promoted as being “close to Main, on Second South Street and on the road to Denver & Rio Grande depot.” It was being sold for $900. Still another “half lot,” in the Fifteenth Ward, “near railroad” was being offered for $600. 

 

 During the two decades between 1880 and 1900, the Rio Grande District as it became  known, was a bustling community, nearly a mile from the downtown business district. The Denver & Rio Grande Western brought to Salt Lake City a variety of railroad men and their families Utah to be employed as locomotive engineers, firemen, and brakemen, as well as mechanics, boiler makers, carpenters, and basic unskilled laborers  who were often ethnic minorities. 

 

The Denver and Rio Grande Passenger Depot

The firms of Elias Morris and George Romney “jointly” were awarded the contract to build the Denver & Rio Grande depot in 1882. When the workers were “scraping and grading” the location for the depot, “they turned up a number of bones” of “three human beings.” The skeletons were said to have been fairly well preserved and “the discovery created a little excitement for a time.

 

The bones are doubtless those of Indians, any number of which are found around on these places. Quite a number of Indian bones were unearthed when the grade was being made on the present Utah Central grounds many years ago.” 

 

Towards the end of August 1882, it was reported that the “work on the Denver & Rio Grande depot here is progressing rapidly” and the “new streetcar line from the D.&R.G. depot to the center of town is progressing nicely.” 

 

The construction of the Denver & Rio Grande depot faced more challenges as reported in April 1883, when “a large force of men was put to work at the Denver & Rio Grande passenger depot”, and it was “the determination of the officials of the road to push the structure ahead with all possible haste.”

 

“ It is now determined to locate the depot at a different place, which is not so near the street as at first intended. The change is made for the reason that it will add to the convenience of passengers and the public generally, as well as the company.” 

 

The first building was demolished and a new Passenger Depot was set further within Block 37.

 

Second South’s development from its rural beginnings was noted in local newspapers in 1885. One wrote, “Any person passing the Denver & Rio Grande depot will be made to note the beautification of the surroundings. There is no mistaking the enterprise of the managers of the Denver & Rio Grande spent every dollar it can to enhance the comfort of the traveling public or improve the appearance of their road. At present, the frog-ponds about the depot are being filled with soil, trees planted, walks graded, the park completed, and everything dressed in spring style.”

 

Stray Livestock

Prior to the coming of the railroad much of the west side of Salt Lake consisted of small farms containing livestock such as horses, cows, goats, and pigs which often strayed. Stray livestock from the Sixteenth Ward, located north of South Temple, and the Fifteenth Ward was a particular issue with which the Denver & Rio Grande train yards had to deal.

 

In April 1883 there was the number of loose cows in the vicinity according to news paper accounts. “The police were about the Sixteenth Ward, investigating the matter of cows running loose about the Denver & Rio Grande depot and have been very annoying. On Friday, a cow in the Sixteenth Ward was running on the track with a Denver & Rio Grande gravel train that was running along. A collision resulted and the cow was fatally damaged. Five cows were arrested and marched to the estray pound, where they will be held in durance vile until their owners take them out. This ought to be a warning, especially as the police will keep making arrests as long as cows run loose on the streets.” 

 

The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railway

In 1883, “a short branch” narrow gauge line of the D&RG was built from Salt Lake City to Ogden “which established a transcontinental connection with the Central Pacific and Southern Pacific” railroads. However, “strained finances” led General Palmer to resign from the D&RG company in 1883 and “moved on to lead the railway’s subsidiary D&RGW.”

 

When the D&RG entered receivership in 1884, “as a result of over-exuberant expansion, it elected not to renew its D&RGW lease following its reorganization on July 14, 1886.” The Rio Grande Western Railway became a separate entity then, “after which time Palmer began improvements on his end.” 

 

The original Denver & Rio Grande Railway simply became the Rio Grande Western Railway in 1886 as part of a plan to upgrade the line from narrow gauge to standard gauge. The company then built several branch lines in Utah to reach the lucrative coalfields near Helper and Price Utah.

 

The Denver & Rio Grande’s main line into Salt Lake City connected travelers traveling west from the Denver depot. However, the narrow-gauge railroad line laid to connect the Union Pacific depot in Ogden with Salt Lake City was not replaced by a standard gauge until 1889 which allowed a direct connection to the Pacific Northwest and the eastern states. The work of converting the entire network of the Rio Grande Western to standard gauge was carried out from Ogden, Utah to Grand Junction, Colorado, and was completed on 11 June 1890. The road was then true to its slogan, "Through The Rockies, Not Around Them"

 

The Oregon Short Line connected the Pacific Northwest with Salt Lake and its Salt Lake depot was located in block 65 at the northwest corner of Fourth [Fifth] West and First South. The tracks of the Oregon Short Line ran down Fourth [Fifth] West where they essentially hemmed in blocks 64 and 63 on the east side. 

 

By 1892 most of Utah’s railroad lines had been absorbed into either the Union Pacific or Rio Grande systems, both having built branches and spurs of about “one thousand five hundred miles of railroad.”

 

In 1896, tycoon Jay Gould's empire was handed over to his son, George, “who continued his father's transcontinental ambitions.”  George Gould reunited the Denver & Rio Grande and Rio Grande Western under “common management in 1901.” However, when the financial Panic of 1907 struck, “Gould's financing collapsed and he merged the Rio Grande Western into the Denver & Rio Grande” in 1908.

 

Infrastructure and Civic Improvements

The coming of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad to Utah allowed residents of the western portion of the city in 1882  to asked the city commissioners to extend the water mains “along certain designated streets to Denver & Rio Grande Depot, corner of Third South and Sixth West Streets.”  Prior to this time most people relied on wells on their properties. The request had the support of Henry Wood, superintendent of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway, who stated that the railway would “provide the means required to make up three-Fourths of the entire expense.”

 

As the new Rio Grande Depot was expected to bring business into the city, on 1 August 1882 a new streetcar track was proposed to connect a “number of hotels with the Denver & Rio Grande Depot.” The streetcar tracks were laid from Main Street “at the Clift House hotel then west along Third South to the southwest corner of the Rio Grande depot where it will turn north [Fifth West] running thence one Block farther [Second South] in that direction, and thus connecting the temporary depot of the narrow-gauge road.” 

 

The decision to lay the tracks on Third South rather than Second South was “that were it to come east along Second South Street it would pass but one hotel, namely the White House; whereas by first going south a block then coming east along Third South Street it will pass the Clift, Walker, and White House hotels; and passengers desiring to go to the Laley House and Continental Hotel will be given transfer at Jennings corners.” 

 

Another consideration was that “by going the route determined on, the cars will pass the freight and other departments of the Denver & Rio Grande and will be a much greater convenience to the people living in that direction and to persons who reside over Jordan.” 

 

Before the coming of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad depot, the streets, roads, and alleys surrounding blocks 63 and 64 were ungraded dirt paths. The area was considered marshy, with standing ponds of scum water filled with frogs. Cows and other livestock roamed freely and travel from the area into downtown was considered arduous in the daytime and dangerous at night due to the lack of proper streetlamps. 

 

By the time the Denver & Rio Grande Railway established their freight and passenger depot in block 37 directly to the east of block 63, businesses were built on the east side of Fifth [Sixth] West in order to accommodate the influx of laborers and travelers. 

 

Sidewalks, that existed when the area started to grow with commerce, were mostly wooden planks in front of various establishments. The streets were either dusty, muddy, or frozen depending on the time of the year. 

 

In September 1884, a petition from the Denver & Rio Grande director, William H. Bancroft, and twenty-two other prominent businessmen, asked that Second South Street from Second [Third] West Street to the Denver & Rio Grande be graded. The request was referred to the Salt Lake Committee on Streets and alleys.

 

However, it was not until March 1885 that the Committee of Streets and Alleys considered the request and recommended the offer of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad company to lay the necessary track and transport the gravel surrounding Block 63. The railroad’s only request was that the “city would load and unload and spread the gravel. 

 

In 1891 the City’s Street Committee approved ‘walkways' of non-porous brick to be laid along Second South from Seventh East to Fifth [Sixth] West where the Denver & Rio Grande Western depot was located. The choice of bricks for a sidewalk was based “on grounds of cheapness and durability as recommended by the city engineer.” 

 

In August 1891, James Hegney, and other businessmen  asked that a sidewalk be constructed on the north side of Second South from Fifth [Sixth] West to Seventh [Eighth] West and asked that an “abatement of a nuisance in the shape of a pool of stagnant water on Second south between Fifth and Sixth West,” be approved.

 

In October 1891, the request was approved, however by 1893 sidewalks still only extended from Eighth East to Fifth [Sixth] West along Second South.

 

            In April 1893, the City Council agreed to construct sidewalks of “asphaltum”, a cheaper alternative to bricks. A six-inch gravel foundation on both sides of Second South Street from Fifth [Sixth] West Street to the Jordan river, at a “cost ninety cents per linear front foot” was presented to the council to be paid “by local assessment upon lots.” Still, it took a year until 1894 for a “special tax” to be approved “for the construction of sidewalks on Second South between Fifth [Sixth] West and the Jordan River” to be adopted. 

 

            The area also lacked sufficient street lamp illumination for travel at night which was one of the reasons the area was riffed with crime. The City Council in December 1894 passed an ordinance “to place 160 lights'' in the city, “one at the intersection of each principal street and one at alternate intersections” although the number of lamps on Second South between Sixth [Seventh]west and Fifth [Sixth] West was reduced. “There are but two lights west of Fifth [Sixth] West and very few of West Third South. 

 

The reduction of the amount of lighting infrastructure may have been due to the national economic crisis that began in 1893 which greatly affected the Railroad Industry and those Rio Grande District businesses depended on freight and passenger depots.

 

The Panic of 1893 

            A serious economic depression in the United States, known as the Panic of 1893, impacted businesses in Salt Lake City as was the case in every sector of the national economy. Nearly twenty percent of the nation's workforce was unemployed at the peak of the panic. This resulted in many unemployed men being displaced, in some cases abandoning families, and resorted to joining the legion of "tramps and hobos" who went from town to town looking for work and or a handout. The economic depression caused by the Panic of 1893 did not end until 1897.

 

            The Panic caused nearly a fifth of all bank failures across the nation, many of them in the west. Especially damaged were the nation’s railroad industries. The Northern Pacific Railway, the Union Pacific Railroad and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad all filed for bankruptcy. 

 

Additionally in 1894 a severe wave of railroad worker strikes took place as a response to low wages. The most serious was that of the “Pullman Strike” which shut down much of the nation's transportation system in July.

 

As the Panic of 1893 shut down much of the economy, railroads stopped the purchase of new passenger cars from the Pullman Company. When the company laid off workers and lowered wages, it did not reduce rents, and the workers called for a strike. 

 

The American Railway Union, founded in 1893 by Union organizer Eugene V. Debs, signed up many of the “disgruntled factory workers.” When the Pullman Company refused any negotiations, the American Railroad Union called for a strike and “decided to stop the movement of Pullman cars on railroads.”

 

A massive boycott against all trains that carried a Pullman car affected most rail lines west of Detroit and at its peak involved some 250,000 workers in 27 states. The federal government ended the strike, and arrested Debs, but made Labor Day a federal holiday to placate the labor movement.

 

            In 1894, Rio Grande Western Railroad, on which much of the economy of West Second South depended, stopped its ambitious plan to convert its tracks system from narrow gauge to standard gauge. A significant number of western mountain narrow-gauge railroads, which had been built to serve the mines, also went out of business.

 

 

Chapter Two

Chinese Immigration  to Utah

The Chinese were a group of foreign workers in Utah, although not as prolific as European emigrants due to racial prejudices of the times were. The building of the western portion of the intercontinental railroads had brought Asian laborers by the thousands to the United States. However, in the 1870’s many European Americans had come to view the influx of the Chinese as a “yellow peril” to Anglo-Saxon culture.

 

Working class conflicts in the West often turned violent as the Chinese railroad workers were seen as a threat to white workers by driving down wages. The massacre of Chinese laborers occurred in several western towns, specifically in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

The United State Congress was pressured to pass a series of Chinese exclusion acts in the late Nineteenth Century to “placate worker demands.” These racist legislations were also meant to “assuage prevalent concerns about maintaining white racial purity.”

 

            To curtail the growth of the Chinese population in America, Congress passed the Page Act of 1875 which was the first restrictive federal immigration law in the United States. It “effectively prohibited the entry of Chinese women,” thereby limiting the growth of Chinese families. Only Chinese women, who had immigrated prior to 1875, were able to become wives and mothers of American Chinese children. America’s anti-miscegenation laws prevented marriages between whites, Asians, and People of Color. As in many western communities, most of the Utah Chinese population was made up of single men, and those who wished to marry had to return to China to do so. 

 

The Salt Lake Herald Republican published a blurb dated 8 Jan 1890 about an attempt by a Chinese man to marry outside his ethnicity. “A high-muck-amuck Chinaman made an application to County Clerk Hamer for a license to wed a white woman. He didn’t get the license.” 

 

Seven years after the Page Act, the “Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882” suspended all Chinese immigration to the United States for a period of ten years. The law declared Chinese emigrant’s ineligible for naturalization. The Act read in part “The coming of Chinese laborers to this country endangers the good order of certain localities within the territory thereof.” 

 

Chinese Americans, who were already in the country, challenged the constitutionality of the legislation, but their efforts failed. Chinese Americans, after suing, however, did achieve the right to testify in court cases. An 1882 appellate court’s decision ruled that “non-Christians” had the right to testify in a trial. 

 

            Still, ten years after the Chinese Exclusion Act, the “Geary Act of 1892” extended the ban on Chinese immigration for an additional ten years. It also required Chinese residents to carry certificates of residency. Immigrants who were caught not carrying the certificates were sentenced to “hard labor and deportation.” Bail for an arrestee was only an option if the accused were vouched for by a “credible white witness.”

 

The United States Supreme Court in 1893 upheld the Geary Act in the case of “Fong Yue Ting v. United States. In 1902 the ban on Chinese immigration was made permanent and thus the Chinese population in the United States sharply declined. Chinese immigrants and their American-born families remained ineligible for United States citizenship until 1943 with the passage of the Magnuson Act.

 

In Salt Lake City, anti-Chinese sentiment was evident as stated in a newspaper article from July 1893 “Labor Demonstration Working Men propose to Boycott Employers of Chinese.”

           

James Terry a representative of the cooks and waiter’s union had argued at a mass meeting that “the Chinese are every day usurping the places of white men because they can work for starvation wages, and it is now time that the laboring men rose up against them or they will find themselves driven out of some fields of labor. Any place which will employ a Chinaman should be boycotted with the utmost rigor.”

 

Jim Hegney, the proprietor of the Rio Grande Hotel on Fifth [Sixth] West was singled out as someone who “used to employ Chinamen and will do so again if he gets a chance.”  

 

Terry went on to say that “the workingmen should hunt out every place which employs a Chinaman, and when he finds such a place, refuse it his patronage thereafter. Then the man who runs it will soon feel the lost in his pocketbook and will be glad to let the yellow workers go. When all avenues of labor are closed the Chinese will be forced to leave the country and will thus give us relief.”

 

The Chinese Community on West Second South Street

The first Chinese arrived in Salt Lake City in 1866, according to a chronology found in the 1867 city directory. There were not enough laborers in Utah for jobs needed to build the railroads and thousands of Chinese were brought to Utah to work laying tracks usually under Irish section bosses and workers. However, because so many Chinese were used to build the Central Pacific railroad, there was a sizable Asian community already in Utah, and in other surrounding western States. 

 

Many of the more enterprising Chinese eventually opened laundries and noodle houses behind Commercial Street and State Street in a dingy section of Salt Lake City called Plum Alley, a 23-foot-wide street located in Block 70. 

 

This location was once called “Chinatown.” The Chinese who lived and worked in this area of Salt Lake City were referred to as being part of the “Chinese Colony” and not as a “community.”  This implied that the Asians were not recognized truly as part of Salt Lake City’s society. 

 

There was a sizable Chinese population in Salt Lake City, at one time during the late 19th Century, until the United States’ 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act prohibited the immigration of Chinese men. Seven years earlier, in 1875, the Page Act, had banned Chinese women from immigrating to the United States in order to decrease the population of Asians living in America.

 

Newspaper accounts are filled with stories of Chinese being arrested for gambling, peddling without a license, and operating Opium dens. The Chinese were disparagingly referenced in newspaper accounts as “Mongolian,” “almond eyed,” “Coolies”, “heathens”, “godless” and “Celestials”.  The term Celestials was a Nineteenth Century antiquated term for Chinese people as one of the former names for China was the Celestial Empire. 

 

It is difficult to identify the Chinese living in Utah during the late Nineteenth Century due to the dismissal attitude when referring to them in newspaper accounts. Names were not always accurately spelled and often used disparagingly. Rarely were they even included in city directories except for laundries and eateries.

 

By the 1890s, West Second South had become ethnically diverse as the rest of Salt Lake City had strict laws regarding where nonwhites could live. The ethnic population of Salt Lake City at that time was primarily made up of northern Europeans, such as Danes, Swedes, Norwegians, Germans, Welsh, and Irish. 

 

The few People of Color residing in Salt Lake were confined to seedy rooming houses, living in or above livery stables, or in houses of ill repute usually on Commercial Street, Franklin Avenue, and West Second South.

 

Ah Jack: The Railroad Agent

There was a Chinese man named Ah Jack who died in 1886. He was a prominent railroad agent for the Rio Grande Western. Newspaper accounts mentioned how his body was shipped from Utah to California. He should not be confused with “Ah Ge” also nicknamed “Ah Jack.”

 

“The Dead Chinaman. The body of Ah Jack, the Chinaman who died suddenly Thursday night, was prepared for shipment to Sacramento, yesterday. It will be sent to Sim Kow Kee, 221 ½ J Street, Sacramento, who will attend to the burial of it by the company of which the deceased was a member. The statement that the dead heathen was in the employ of Remington and Johnson was not strictly correct; he was a working for the D. & R.G. and had charge of all the Chinamen on that company’s line from Kyune to the Colorado line but transacted all his supply business with the form named.” 

 

Mr. Remington spoke very highly of the dead celestial, stating that he was respected by all who knew him; was strictly honest in all his dealings, intelligent and industrious, and at one time worth the sum of $30,000; was heavily interested in a timber camp at Truckee, and was otherwise engaged in enterprises which yield him handsome remunerations. A nephew of Ah Jack stated yesterday that the body would be accompanied by four or five of his countrymen.”

 

“Ah Jack’s Cortege Sent off to Joss to the Strains of a Rattling Quickstep. The Opera House band, marking a trail of sweat in the center of Main Street, bursting their cheeks in the rendition of a lively quickstep, and followed by a dozen wagon loads of heathen Chinese formed the attraction of yesterday afternoon. It was the funeral cortege of Ah Jack who lay in the hearse next to the band, and whose soul was supposed to be keeping time in a City  Step on the way to Joss to the lively strains of Olsen’s trumpeters.” 

 

“Seventy-five or a hundred Chinese, one or two with white bands around their heads, and any number with colored ribbons wound their arms, filled the wagons, and one grave looking duffer who came immediately behind Ah Jack, flung myriads of small pieces of paper punctured with some cabalistic signs to the hordes of small boys who trooped after the wagon.”

 

“Arrived at the D.&R.G. depot, Ah Jack’s remains were transferred to an ice box and were soon zipping gaily away in the direction of China while his brother heathens tore madly back at the suds and hot irons [laundries] they had temporarily abandoned.”

 

“The band looked fagged out as it came up the street on its retreat from the depot. The heathens would not allow it breathing space – it had contracted to furnish the music for so much and the money was not earned if there was the slightest cessation of the horns and drums.”

 

W.H. Remington, who was the administrator of the estate of Ah jack, filed an inventory with the county showing that his estate was worth $913. 

 

Ah Ge aka “Ah Jack”: King of the Utah Chinese Colony” 

One of the more important Chinese entrepreneurs living in Utah during the late 19th Century was a man named “Ah Ge'', known better as “Ah Jack- King of the Utah Chinese Colony.” Ah Jack resided on Fifth [Sixth] West [now Sixth West] just across from the Denver & Rio Grande Western Depot, behind and south of Jim Hegney’s Rio Grande Hotel in Block 63. While his primary residence was near the Rio Grande Hotel, most of his dealings were with the Chinese community of Plum Alley in downtown Salt Lake City. 

 

A Salt Lake Times article from 26 August 1891, called “A War in Chinatown”, first mentioned Ah Jack’s involvement in a “ruckus”, regarding a long-standing feud between the Chinese. The Times reported the cause of the quarrel “was the refusal of one of the colonies to subscribe to what was expected of him that aroused the dogs of war.”  A Chinese individual had refused to donate to a famine relief fund for China and was “cut” for his refusal. 

 

The article stated, “Two celestials, who were subsequently stated as Hop Lee and Ah Jack,” were arrested but after spending a night in jail they were released without any charges filed against them.

 

A Salt Lake Tribune article from the same day, gave a more detailed account on why the pair were arrested in the first place. “Hop Lee and Ah jack, “inmates of a Chinese joint on Commercial Street” were arrested on the suspicion of being involved in a “cutting affray in the joint.”  However, because no trace of the man “said to be cut” could be found, the police were “compelled to turn the heathens loose.”

 

Little is known about Ah Jack as the City Directories in the 19th Century did not list racial minorities. What is known about him came from a Salt Lake Herald Republican newspaper article from 1894 entitled, “Chinese Sunday Banquet” where he hosted a feast to celebrate the Chinese New Year’s for officials of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. He was the “disbursing agent for the Chinese laborers employed in the desert sections of the line.” This made him a powerful and influential man in the Chinese community. 

 

The article was printed 12 February 1894, and the only reason the event made the newspaper was that Ah Jack had invited a Herald reporter as one of his guests. The newspaper man described in detail a lavish banquet provided by the Chinese businessman to many of the notables of the Denver & Rio Grande Western railroad. 

 

In the February 1894 Herald's banquet article called “Ah Jack Gives His Salt Lake Friends a Good Dinner”, the reporter described the exotic meal and many of those who attended, “said to have been a dozen”. He also represented an image of Ah Jack’s residence. “The house is a boarded structure, a story and a half high in the rear of the small store buildings on Second South near the Albany Hotel.”

 

Salt Lake Herald-Republican printed on 2 February 1894, “Chinese Sunday Banquet-Ah Jack Gives His Salt Lake Friends Good Dinner -Yesterday was the last day of the Chinese New Year festival season and it was fitly celebrated by Ah Ge better known as Ah Jack the king of the Utah Chinese Colony. Jack is the disbursing agent of the Rio Grande Western for the Chinese laborers employed in the desert sections of the line. He is wealthy having accumulated a large amount of money in the transactions of the Chinese of Salt Lake whose business affairs are entrusted to him. Jack is a shrewd and intelligent Mongolian who has mastered the ‘Melican’ language and business methods. His house is a boarded structure of a story and a half high in the rear of the small store buildings on Second South near the Albany Hotel.”

 

“Jack invited a number of his American friends to come and dine with him yesterday. The popular Mongolian is in the habit of annually banqueting his friends of the paler race and yesterday dozens of the latter accepted Jack’s invitation to see just what kind of victuals Chinese subsist on. Around the table sat Messrs. Holtzheimer, “Shad” Smith, Bourget, and other Rio Grande Western men, Ben X. Smith, and the Herald representative.”

 

“The array of dishes, that the hungry crowd sat down to, was a marvel to the uninitiated. There were four American dishes, turkey, chicken, roast pig, and duck besides an American drink, champagne. There were three kinds of Chinese whiskey anyone of which was enough to make an ordinary man hilarious but when all are mixed the combination would tangle the feet of the most pronounced toper [excessive drinker]. China tea finished the menu of drinks.”

 

“Each guest was provided with black chopsticks a foot in length. With these he ate the food placed before him. The variety of dishes was an endless surprise to the guest present and as one course after another was served, they began to wonder “what next?” There were desiccated shrimps, pickle Amoy cabbage, delicate little tubers, orbiter cucumbers, dried devil fish, awabi clams from Japan and other dishes for which there are no names in English. Besides there were preserved eggs and ginger, pickled cock’s combs, sliced water chestnuts, liver, Chinese mushrooms, yam, ma-tai bird nests, oysters, seaweed, and rice the latter coming last.``

 

“After partaking of the twenty courses in the above bill of fare, the guest drank Ah Jack’s good health and taking an after-dinner cigar and chatting pleasantly for a while, the party dispersed with many compliments for Ah Jack.”

“Jack now has a wife and children in China but will leave next month for China to buy another wife, his present spouse having lost her attractiveness for him.”

 

The newspaper’s piece ended with an anecdotal comment by the reporter, letting the reader know that Ah Jack practiced the “oriental custom” of polygamy which was probably a snide observation against the Mormons so called uncivilized practice of the same. 

 

The last known mention of Ah Jack, the railroad agent, was in a Salt Lake Tribune report dated 5 May 1894. “Ah Jack, the head Celestial of those Chinamen working on the Rio Grande Western railway, left last night for a trip to China.” 

 

Ah Jack returned to the United States but not to Utah. In an April 1899 article, “Ah Jack is located in Seattle Washington where complaints were made over his role as a local Chinese interpreter. At a mass-meeting of Chinese Merchants and citizens they made a formal demand to the Chinese Consul that “ah Jack or Chin Jack” be removed as an immigration interpreter. He was accused of providing false affidavits to secure deportation of Chinese and that he was a menace to his countrymen in the Puget Sound district. 

 

Wah Lee: Laundryman

The 1880 Federal Census listed a 22-year-old man named Wah Lee as a laundryman living on the West Side of East Temple Street which is today State Street. He was born in China and was listed as a single man and the head of a household consisting of his 20 year old brother and two other Chinese men. His brother was  simply enumerated as “Lee.” 

 

The two other men in the household were named “Sing” age 23 and “25-year-old “De Ken” His and his brother’s occupation was given as “Wash Man” in a “Wash House "while the two others were listed as “servants” in the “Wash House”. The brothers were residing and working probably at the Walker Hotel by which they were enumerated. Next to Wah Lee was a household of another Chinese Washman with three Chinese “servants” in his household. The 1891 City Directory for Salt Lake City listed Wah Lee, a Chinese laundryman as operating a laundry at 563 West Second South. Of the twenty-three laundries listed in the city directory all but five were Chinese businesses.

 

The 1892 City Directory for Salt Lake City now listed Wah Lee as doing business at 565 West Second South Street. He was again listed as having a laundry at the same address in 1893 and 1894.

 

In 1892 Wah Lee, while doing business near the Rio Grande Western depot, was arrested for violating the fire ordinance. “His offense consists in maintaining three stovepipes, thus jeopardizing many valuable buildings in the vicinity.”

 

Wah Lee was in court again in September 1894 charged with assaulting a youth named Willie Swinger who with other youths had been throwing rocks at his house. William Swinger was nearly 13-year-old at the time. The Charles Swinger family lived on 125 South Fifth [Sixth] West in block 64.

 

“Wah Lee a native of the flowery kingdom was arrested near the Rio Grande depot yesterday by Sergeant Wire upon the charge of having beaten a young lad named Willie Swinger in an unmerciful manner by kicking him in the ribs and jumping on him when down.”

 

 “The defendant appeared before Justice [Grant H.] Smith at the afternoon session of court and stated that he had been annoyed for some time by Swinger and other boys who persisted in throwing rocks at his shack. He further claimed that he caught the boy in the act yesterday and chased him but never beat him as alleged.”

 

“A number of small boys testified that another boy whose name they did not know but admitted on cross examination that it was Johnnie Thomas who threw the rock.”

 

 “After giving the boys a sound lecture on the results of telling an untruth whether upon oath or not, Justice Smith imposed a fine of $5. Wah promptly paid the fine.”

Nearly a month later Wah Lee’s laundry was robbed by a young man named William Leatham which led to the discovery of Leatham in bed with Lena Carter, and Hugh McKernan at James Hegney’s Albany Hotel.

 

In court William Leatham’s attorney questioned whether a Chinese man could be trusted accusing a white man of a crime

 

The 1901 City Directory for Salt Lake City listed a Wah Lee operating a laundry at 172 East Second South that was once operated by Sam Hop. Whether this was the same man or not is unknown.

 

The 1910 City Directory for Salt Lake City also listed Wah Lee as operating a laundry at 16 Commercial Street. 

 

A death record for a “Wo Lee'' may have been the same individual.  This man died in the county hospital on 2 June 1917. The cause of his death was unknown but said to have been natural. He was listed as about 57 years old, born in China and his occupation was that of a “laundryman”. He was said to have been single and not married. The informant was You Lee lived at 53 Plum Alley.  This man was buried in the city cemetery, probably in a pauper grave.  The city’s death records stated he was buried in the Chinese Plat section of the cemetery but in October 1936 he was disinterred, and his body sent back to China.

 

Hop Lee 

Another Chinese man named Hop Lee, who may or may not have been the same individual who had been arrested in 1891. The 1891 city directory for Salt Lake City listed Hope Lee’s laundry at 62 South West Temple. The 1892 directory listed Hop Lee as operating a laundry at 58 South West Temple.

 

A news report from October 1896 mentioned how an older man named Hop Lee while waiting at the Rio Grande Depot on Fifth [Sixth] a young white man was harassing West. 

 

The reporter who had witnessed the exchange, wrote “Hop Lee sat in the waiting room at the Rio Grande Western depot the other night with a look of serene content on his face. He had not been smoking opium which operation is usually the cause of Mongolian self-satisfaction, nor was he a heavy winner at Plum Alley fan-tan. He was simply smiling at the thought of a trip he was about to take to the sunny tea-laden atmosphere of China, where he would meet his wife and family.”

 

The man who demanded to see Hop Lee’s ticket, asked how much money he had on him until another man, a “burly bystander,” interfered. The man told the bully, harassing Hop Lee, to “Just leave that poor Chinaman alone” that “he probably earned that [his money and ticket] with more sweat than some people ever lost in their entire lives.”

 

Charley Hong and Lee Ong “Cooks”

In the Spring of 1899, two Chinese kitchen employees, who worked for Jim Hegney at the Albany Hotel, found themselves in trouble with the law. Charley Hong and Lee Ong were accused of giving alcohol to a Native American, referred to as “Indian Jim.”  Selling or giving alcohol to Native Americans was at the time illegal. 

 

Charley Hong was described in news accounts as being “slick and clean” and that “being a cook,” he was “an important Chinese.”  Lee Ong, on the other hand, was simply described as being “rough, and like an ordinary coolie in appearance.”

 

The newspaper report of the arrest and trial of the two Asian men and the Native American were filled with many egregious and disparaging racial comments, which was very typical of the time. “Indian Jim” was disparaged by reporters who called him “a very dirty old Indian” and “fat and lazy.”

 

The Chinese workers and Indian Jim appeared before Judge John B. Timmony, [1846-1901] in the city’s police court with a contingency of Native American women and other Chinese spectators to witness the proceedings. 

 

In 1899 the Salt Lake Herald Republican reported: “Timmony's Monday Show-Several squaws and Chinamen presented themselves in court to see what would happen to Charley Hong and Lee Ong, two Chinamen, who were at the Albany Hotel.” They were charged with providing liquor to Indian Jim and entered a plea of not guilty. 

 

The reporter covering court news for the Herald also wrote, “Several squaws and Chinamen presented themselves in court to see what would happen to Charley Hong and Lee Ong, two Chinamen, who work at the Albany Hotel.” The court reporter added “the audience was as varied as the performance for in addition to the regular police court habitués, a dozen or more Celestials from Plum Alley were present to hear the trial of their two friends.”

 

A Salt Lake Tribune correspondent wrote, “With smiles that were very childlike and bland, Lee Ong and Charley Hong walked into the police court, yesterday afternoon, cast contemptuous looks at big, fat, lazy Indian Jim who had alleged they sold him the firewater that caused his arrested, on Sunday, and sat down in a corner.”

 

“The heathens are in the employ of James Hegney of the Albany Hotel and nearly all help was on hand to testify for the fellows with the almond eyes. The case however went over.”

“There was an episode though not down on the bills. Annie [Olivia] Jackson, the nine-year-old daughter of C.M. Jackson, is one of the witnesses for the prosecution and was observed to be crying bitterly. 

 

Chief Hilton’s [Thomas A. Hilton] attention was called to the fact and Annie said she was afraid to tell the court what she saw. Asked why, the child said Mrs. Hegney told her if she went on the stand and testified against the Chinamen, they would undoubtedly do her an injury. She was assured that no harm could come to her if she told the truth.”

The girl said that “she saw one of the Chinese give Jim a bottle when he came to the kitchen door and said he received the bottle.”

 

Eliza Hegney, her daughter, and a waitress swore that the Native American “didn’t get any whiskey. They said that he had come there drunk and asked for something to eat as other Indians had done.” 

 

The Salt Lake Herald Republican coverage of the court hearing only varied in some of the details: “There was a varied entertainment in Judge Timmony’s court yesterday afternoon and the audience was as varied as the performance for in addition to the regular police court habitués, a dozen or more Celestials [Chinese] from Plum Alley were present to hear the trial of their two friends.”

 

“Then the feature of the day’s proceedings was introduced. Lee Ong and Charley Hong were arrested by Officer Pare for having sold firewater to Indian Jim, a very dirty old Indian.”

“Hong and Ong are, respectively, cook and dishwasher at the Albany Hotel near the Rio Grande depot. Hong was slick and clean while Ong was rough and like an ordinary coolie in appearance. Hong being a cook is an important Chinese.”

 

“Little Olivia Jackson, [Annie in the Tribune story] a neighbor’s child, said that she saw one of the Chinese give Jim a bottle when he came to the kitchen door and said he received the bottle.”

 

“But Mrs. Hegney, her daughter, and the waitress swore that Jim didn’t get any whiskey. They said that he had come there drunk and asked for something to eat as other Indians had done. So said Hong, who spoke very good English.”

 

“But Lee Ong, who didn’t understand English quite as well, began to rattle off the whole story just as soon as he was asked what his position was. He insisted that the Indian was drunk before he was asked. In fact, which was his answer to almost every question.”

 

            Judge John B. Timmony ruled, “I guess that Jim acquired his jag before he arrived.”  Jag being an old-fashioned term for a state intoxication usually induced by liquor. Judge Timmony ruled for an acquittal of the Chinese employees and dismissed the case. The court reporter, commenting on the final proceedings, wrote, “Ong, Hong, and the Hegney family walked out with beaming countenances. Poor Jim slunk away probably to get drunk over his defeat.”

 

 

Chapter Three

The Irish Immigration

One of the earliest demographic changes to Block 63 was the influx of Irish laborers, railroaders, and entrepreneurs, either as immigrants or as first-generation Americans. 

 

The Denver & Rio Grande Railway company required extensive labor to build the Railway yards in Block 47 and used cheap labor laying tracks in Utah. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 thus created a demand for inexpensive foreign labor from elsewhere, mostly from Ireland and Southern Europe. 

 

The Irish came to work specifically on the railroads at the Union Pacific rail yards and then the Denver & Rio Grande Western yards.  As the railroad tracks hemmed in much of the Fifteenth Ward and brought in a “foreign element”, the old-time Mormon settlers relocated either further west of the Rio Grande Western depot near the Jordan river or to homes on the eastside. 

 

These Irish workers and their families were truly the first ethnic minority to transform the character of Blocks 63 and 64 in the 1880’s and 1890’s. The 1880’s newspapers are replete with stories of Irish laborers and entrepreneurs who inhabited the two city blocks as they came in droves to work for the railroads and create businesses catering to the needs of those workers. 

 

The Irish railway workers soon replaced the old Mormon polygamist families in the Rio Grande District, and even established a Catholic Church named St. Patrick. Between Mormon as well as Protestant Salt Lakers, these new arrivals were troublesome. Most were Catholics and seen as “ideologically unfit for participation in American democracy.”  The older, more established population of Utah felt the idea of thousands of “inassimilable” foreigners” was problematic to a city long dominated by a Mormon Theocracy. 

 

 Two Irish American entrepreneurs, James Hegney, and John Sullivan came to prominence in blocks 63 and 64 as hotel and saloon owners. They were both active in promoting the anti-Mormon Liberal Party and advocating for the causes of the working class of the Rio Grande District of Salt Lake City. 

 

John Sullivan Hotel Man

A biography of John Sullivan was provided by a descendant Margaret Connelly who grew up next door to her Sullivan grandparents. A family story related how John C. Sullivan, at “his saloon or when he came home to his daughter’s house in Salt Lake City after a night of drinking, he would often in a “drunken boast” proclaim “I’m John L. Sullivan and I can lick any man in the world,” imitating the boast of the great John L. Sullivan the prizefighter. “In the early 1900s, John C. was aging, but his swagger, with his big hands and broad shoulders from decades of swinging a sledgehammer on the frontier easily gave the impression that the man did know how to fight.”

 

His Irish Beginnings

John Sullivan [1835-1920] was an immigrant from famine ravaged Ireland. He arrives in New York by ship in 1850 but as Irish immigrants filled the city, 15-year-old Sullivan made his way

for Chicago.

 

“Arriving there, he goes to the Burlington rail yards seeking work.  Railroad building is occurring all over rural Illinois as pioneer farming communities want to get their crops to markets in the big cities.”  Sullivan was employed on a railroad gang and in Galesburg, Illinois, he became acquainted with Michael Carey, another Irish worker.  In 1858, Mike Carey’s younger sister Catherine arrived in Galesburg from Ireland and in 1862 John Sullivan, age 27, and Catherine (Kate) Carey, age 19, were married. 

 

During the midst of the Civil War, in December 1863, the new Union Pacific Railroad broke ground in Omaha, Nebraska Territory to build the Transcontinental Railway. Sullivan went to work for the Union Pacific railroad, In early 1868, the Transcontinental Railroad was nearly complete when John Sullivan returned home to Galesburg and raised a large family with his wife.

 

 Later John was offered a job as a ‘Section boss’ with the Union Pacific, which meant more money, but the position was in western Wyoming.  The family is found Piedmont, Wyoming in the 1880 census where only 41 households were counted. 

 

Connelly recounted hearing that the folks in Piedmont were mostly “immigrants from Italy, China, or Scotland.  Not so many Irish as there were in Illinois.  The town has one store, two saloons, and two cemeteries.  There is a single schoolhouse, a telegraph office, the train depot, and lots of smelly charcoal kilns for making railroad ties. 

 

“In Piedmont, the Sullivans board several of the Chinese workers on John’s gang.  Boarders help cover the Sullivan’s living expenses and they save most of John’s pay.  There is not much to buy in Piedmont anyway.   John learns about the profit in running a boarding house.”

 

            The Sullivans stay in Piedmont for several years however Kate Sullivan worried her daughters would not find “any suitable husbands” in Piedmont and also the family “miss the Irish community back in Illinois.”

 

In Salt Lake City

In 1886, John Sullivan was offered a job as a ‘Section Boss’ for the Denver & Rio Grande Western (RGW) railroad, recently based in Salt Lake City. John then resigned from the Union Pacific and the family moved to Utah. Salt Lake City in the late 1880s had a large Irish community that followed the railroads west. 

 

John Sullivan met an Irish  man named Peter J. Connolly at  Rio Grande railroad yards that eventually became his son in law, in 1887.

 

John Sullivan noticed that there is a housing shortage for many of his rail yard laborers and in 1889,  he made “a big decision to retire from his railroad job after 40 years of manual labor, and buy a large building located at 263 South 5th St. West with the money saved during the Piedmont years.  John renames the building, Sullivan House.”

 

The Sullivan House Hotel

In October 1889, Sullivan placed the following advertisement in the Salt Lake Tribune, “Mr. John Sullivan an old employee of the Denver and Rio Grande railway, has opened the Sullivan House opposite the Rio Grande depot which for clean beds and square meals cannot be surpassed. In connection with the hotel is the bar where the finest of Wines, Liquor, and Cigars are dispense by the genial proprietor John Sullivan.”

 

The Sullivan House, as was the Rio Grande Hotel, was also used as a location to recruit men to work for the rail yard. A want ad from November 1889 read “Wanted – Fifty Men For D & R G railway: $2.25 to $3 per day. Be at the Sullivan House, opposite D & R.G. depot this Sunday Morning at 8:30.”

 

John Sullivan made improvement to the Sullivan House.  A newspaper article dated 1 January 1890 showed that “John Sullivan of Fifth [Sixth] West between 3rd and 4th South took out a building permit for a two-story frame house for $4500 and also a permit later for $200 in “improvements at 263 South Fifth [Sixth] West.

 

The property must have been under construction for improvements for much of the years as a list of businesses and homes being constructed by the Carroll and Kerns Company in October 1890 listed the expense of “J Sullivan, boarding House at $9,000 and “John Sullivan, hotel $13,000.

 

            The 1890 Salt Lake City Directory listed John Sullivan as the proprietor of the Sullivan House at 263 South Fifth [Sixth] West and Patrick J Sullivan as the saloon keeper Saloon located at 257 South. Patrick Sullivan resided at the same address. There is no known relationship between the two men as Sullivan was an exceptionally common Irish name.

 

Death of George Snow

In November 1890, 63-year-old George Snow was “found lying in a helpless condition at the corner of Third South and Fifth [Sixth] West Streets in front of the Salt Lake Meat Co.’s office, “apparently in a fit. He was immediately taken to the Sullivan House to be cared for where he expired in ten minutes [November 28]. The deceased was a resident of this city since 1851 and was a habitual drunkard for many years.”  

 

“Coroner Harris held an inquest yesterday [November 29] on the body of George B. Snow, who fell dead near the Rio Grande Western depot  on Friday Night, and the jury decided that the death resulted from natural causes. The deceased was 63 years of age and was a miner. He had resided in the Sixth Ward for many years and had relatives there. Alcoholism is supposed to have been the indirect cause of death.” 

 

The death registry for George B Snow said he was from England, died of “old age” and was buried in the pauper section of the Salt Lake Cemetery. The 1880 federal census stated that he was a well digger. He migrated to Utah Territory in 1852 with the James McGraw Mormon wagon train.

 

His Involvement with the Liberal Party

In February 1890, the Liberal Party asked for a show of support against the Mormon People Party by asking residents to light up their houses.

 

“The Glorious Illumination. Who says this is not a Liberal City? Any party who rode about town last night as did not a few citizens and saw the illuminations of Liberal houses and is not convinced that Salt Lake is Gentile by 1000 majority, has dwarfed powers of observations. Why a dealer in illuminating plant claims that in round numbers 25,000 Japanese lanterns were hung last evening to say nothing of other decorations and fireworks.”  The paper printed a list of homes and businesses that were illuminated which included the “Sullivan House near D & R G depot.”

 

The Sullivan House and the Rio Grande Hotel were hot spots for the Liberal Party and were harassed constantly by the Salt Lake Herald for their political views.

 

Also in February 1890  “Eight policemen are constantly parading the streets between the John Sullivan’s House, Hegney’s saloon, Johnson’s saloon, and P.J. Sullivan’s establishment. They are there for the purpose of catching men asleep or loafing around when they run them in to the jug for vagrancy and this prevent the casting of that many probable Liberal votes.”

           

In May 1890 the “Irish American Association” gave a “grand ball in honor of General P. E. Connor’s 70th birthday on St. Patrick day.” Both James Hegney proprietor of the Rio Grande Hotel and John Sullivan of the Sullivan House were  members of the association.

 

In early August 1890 the Liberal Party held a large rally on Fifth [Sixth] West to engage the railroad workers of the Rio Grande Western railway yards.

 

“It was the greatest night around the railroad works they ever had. Such enthusiasm, such a crowd and such excitement made the old timers rub their eyes. And the corrugations of wit and humor, the telling sentences of the speakers, made them shout themselves horse. The music and the fireworks, the decorations and the great interest taken by all made the hearts of the leaders glad.”

 

Both John Sullivan and Jim Hegney were full supporters of the Liberal Party. John Sullivan, of the Sullivan House, a veteran of the fight desired to show his appreciation of the Liberal Party and had arranged for a grand send off. His place was beautifully decorated also.”

 

The hotly contested 1893 elections had the Salt Lake Herald report in October on “More Liberal Crookedness”. The paper claimed, “The registration methods of the Liberals, which are being brought to light, show a condition of things which would put the political healers of the “slums” wards of New York to blush.”

 

            The paper alleged that men had been registered in the Second Precinct on vacant lots and at defunct saloons, “whose doors have not been open for a half a year. Others registered at homes of prostitution, where their terms of residence have been of such very brief duration that it is doubtful if they could find their way back again after dark.”

 

“There are seventy-one men registered on Fifth [Sixth] West street, not one of whom has been in the city for several months and some of whom have been away for over one year.  Here are a few of them.”

 

“Henry Lynds registered at 275 Fifth [Sixth] West could not be found, Mike Shea registered at 227 Fifth [Sixth] West Street could not be found. The number 227 is that of Jim Hegney’s old saloon which has been closed for about six months. Pat Cleary and a half dozen others are registered at the Sullivan House 263 Fifth [Sixth] West street. It was ascertained that these men who were some of the regular Liberal floaters, have not been living in the city for several months  but ere last heard from at a Park City.”

 

The term floater referred to people convicted for vagrancy who were ordered by the courts to “float” out of town or be lodged in jail.

 

The Sullivan House did not find itself in the news as much as Jim Hegney’s Rio Grande Hotel  but in November 1890, there was mention of 63-year-old George Snow being “lying in a helpless condition at the corner of Third [Fourth] West and Fifth South Street in front of the Salt Lake Meat Co.’s office, [actually Fifth west and Third South] apparently in a fit. He was immediately taken to the Sullivan House to be cared for where he expired in ten minutes. The deceased was a resident of this city since 1851 and was a habitual drunkard for many years.”

 

The Nevada House Hotel

John Sullivan’s boarding house easily attracted many tenants and business was so good that in 1891 he bought another hotel at 101 South 4th West called Nevada Place.  He would remove his family to this location. “Each of their adult unmarried children; Mike, Libby, Anne, and Maggie has their own apartment at Nevada Place.” The Nevada House was located on property once owned by Osmyn Deuel in Block 64 but across from the “Utah and Nevada train depot.”

 

The hotel had its share of people arrested in the hotel. On July 15, 1891  a man named Thomas Byrne “stole a quantity of clothing from the Nevada House at the Utah and Nevada Depot, belonging to Ed Dempsey.”

 

In  December 1891 two individuals, William Harrison, and George Johnson, who “uninvited wooed Morpheus  in Sullivan’s boarding house” were arrested by “Officers Heath and Shannon and booked on charges of trespass.”

 

An advertisement from 1891 listed “2 houses one half block from Denver and Rio Grande Depot,  flowing well and nicely furnished.  Apply J. Sullivan at Sullivan House 263 South Fifth [Sixth] West.” Whether he owned the property or was just brokering it is unknown.

 

James Hegney and John Sullivan both being Irish hotel proprietors also engaged in sporting events. In 1891 it was announced that “The Sullivan House Baseball Nine hearing so much of the ability of the Hegney Nine challenged them to play a game of ball on Sunday 2nd May 1891. 

 

The Suicide of Poney Anderson

In July 1893 a 45-year-old man named “Poney” Anderson, “a roustabout at the Sullivan House, near the Rio Grande Western Depot for several years, committed suicide by stabbing himself in the heart.”

 

“ Shortly before 6 o’clock,  Anderson was seen by a waitress, Emma Ellis, a  girl in the kitchen of the hotel, with a bread knife, the long blade ground down until quite narrow. At 6 Ed Norton one of the employees opened the kitchen door to the outside and saw Anderson lying on the ground in the rear of the Sullivan House, his breast covered with blood and in  dying condition.”

 

Anderson was about 45 years of age and resided for a number of years in Salt Lake. Officer Siegius who formerly had the Rio Grande Beat was well acquainted with the decease.  Anderson told the officer he was of Irish decent and lived in the South until after the war serving as a private in the Confederate Army. He was unmarried and had no relatives in this part of the country and never spoke of his family to anyone. “Drink was the cause of the crime.”

 

Hard Times for the Sullivans

The economic Panic of 1893 affected the Sullivans as that John assigned the lease for the Sullivan House over to his wife Catherine, who a few months later assigned the lease to a James Morey for $700.

 

In September 1893 fire broke out among the businesses located on Fifth [Sixth] West. On 5 Sept  1893 it was reported “This morning at 2 the engines at the Rio Grande western began to shriek out an alarm of fire and soon the bells of the city hall were adding their clangor to the alarming sounds. The sky in the west was lighted up with a glare that looked as though some big blaze was on.”

 

“The fire though was confined to three one-story frame shacks near the Sullivan House of Fifth Street. One was occupied as a dwelling by John E Stone, whose goods were unceremoniously piled in the street, another by the grocery store of Ben Smith, and the third was unoccupied. The lost will not reach $1,500, all uninsured.”

 

In 1894 an article was printed regarding the Nevada House without mentioning Sullivan’s name. “Late Friday night, the proprietor of the Nevada House complained at headquarters that W.H. Patton, a horseman, had been boarding and lodging with him since December 23[1893] and was in arrears some $40.”

 

“ Not having enough money with which to liquidate and being out of work, Patton purchases a scalper’s ticket for Missouri, and intended to leave for the east yesterday morning. He was arrested however, on the charge of obtaining board under false pretenses and at the morning session of the court was arraigned.”

 

“The hotel man was adverse to a criminal prosecution and stated it was the money he wanted and not his debtor’s liberty. Patton was given his ticket and discharged.” 

 

“W. H Patton, a young man who claims to be a farmer, has been boarding at the Nevada House on West South temple street for forty days, his bill amounting to $20 yesterday.  He concluded to leave and accordingly packed his grip, purchased a railroad ticket to Craig, Mo., and ‘prepared to depart by the light of the moon.

 

“His landlord was vigilant, however, and with the aid of a bluecoat landed him in the presence of Chief Pratt, who initiated him into the mysteries of criminal jurisprudence, confiscated his ticket, and turned him lose with the admonition to appear in the Police Court this morning at 10 o’clock.”

 

As the Panic of 1893 deepened it caused poverty to rise among the unemployed railroad workers. Im February 1894 it was reported that “A case of sickness and destitution was brought to light yesterday in a family residing near the corner of Second South and Fifth [Sixth]  west. Those familiar with the facts state that the case is one which should appeal to the charitably inclined, and those who desire to assist can learn the particulars at the Sullivan House.”

 

The financial Panic of 1893 must have effected John Sullivan hard as that he was delinquent paying his county taxes.  A lien of $64 was placed on the Sullivan House in March 1894 and in December 1894 he was delinquent again for improvements on Lot Three in Block 63  for $66.

 

In 1895 Edmund Butterworth who owned the property leased to the Sullivans  sued John Sullivan and Catherine Sullivan to “recover $292 for rent due and restitution of premises.”

 

It appears that John Sullivan lost his ownership of the Sullivan House sometime in October 1895. After this time, the building is referred to as the “old Sullivan House.” An article from that time mentioned the formation of the “James Glendenning Marching Club which “was organized in the Fifteenth Ward last night with seventy-five members.  A cordial invitation is extended to all residences of the Second Precinct to join. Headquarters at the old Sullivan House Fifth [Sixth] West Street between Second and Third South.”

 

An article from 22 October 1895 stated that the Republican Party was using the building which probably would not have occurred if Sullivan still retained ownership.

 

“All Second Precinct West Side Republicans report at West Side Headquarters (Old Sullivan House) at 7 pm to George Dean for a ratification of the Republican city ticket. “

 

Again, on 2 Nov 1895 it was announced, “The West Side Republicans boys have their final rally tonight at the Sullivan House at 265 South Fifth [Sixth] West. Hon. George W Moyer and other speakers to be in attendance and there will be good music.”

 

During April 1898 John Sullivan had indeed lost his boarding house on Fifth [Sixth] to the county for back taxes. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map listed the Sullivan House as a two-story wooden frame “boarding and lodging” structure connected to a brick two-story structure at 265 West of which the first floor was a wagon house [livery]. Behind this building was the western alley that encircled the homes built on Denver Street by Edmund Butterworth.

 

Suicide of Jack Howard at the Sullivan House

In January 1900, a man named Jack C Howard , [1864-1900], a gambler and ex railroader, committed suicide at the “old Sullivan House, 263 South Fifth [Sixth]West Street” evidently from “the effects of laudanum self administered”. 

 

“He had not been home however for hours at least and slipped into the boarding house early this morning [Jan 13]  unknown to the proprietor.” The landlady, Mrs. Rachel L Woodward was “called and she declared it was the first time she had seen him. 

 

“Several boarders at the Sullivan house said they had seen Howard in the hotel office and one man concerned about Howard looked in on him and found him unresponsive “in a dingy little room.” 

 

Edwin Harrison was attracted to “a vacant room by the sound of someone breathing hard, and going in, found Howard lying on the floor in a dying condition.” At first thought he was “under the influence of Liquor.” 

 

“Martin Wilman, a boarder at the hotel went for Dr. William McCoy, whose office was at the West Side Drug store around the corner on Second South to attend the “sick man.” Mc Coy had only recently been released from prison having been convicted of performing an abortion.  

 

After being called to the scene Dr. McCoy said, “the man was dying”  and nothing could be done for him as he had already begun to turn cold. .  He “found the man unconscious and just breathing,  a hypodermic injection of strychnine was given, and the man revived sufficiently to say ‘laudanum’ several times and give his address.” 

 

Howard told Dr. McCoy that he had taken opium drug twelve hours opium and he “fought against all efforts to save him.”

 

Police Officer Fitzmaurice was called also, and he investigated “rumors that a youth named Patrick Marine had seen two men “sandbag” Howard but the “rumors proved groundless.”

 

Howard had written a suicide note blaming a man name Bill Donovan as being responsible for Howard taking his life however, the police could not identify any one by that name.

 

After his death, the following note was take from Howard’s pocket. Howard had written a suicide note blaming a man name Bill Donovan as being responsible for Howard having taken his life.

 

“Bill Donovan, he caused me to take my life. I fed him for three months, treated him nice, and then he went and lied on me shamefully, disgracefully. This is the truth before God and man. My wife was a good, loving little wife, and I never harmed her intentionally and I hope she will pull though all right for I loved her dearly; she is not to blame one bit, I am the one to blame.” 

 

 He had only been married five months when he committed suicide. His wife, just a week before, had given birth to a baby fathered by another man. A neighbor, who volunteered to nurse the mother through her confinement, said Howard “brooded continually about the birth of the child because as he said it was not his own.” Howard however had “treated his wife with affection.”  

 

The police could not identify any one by the name of Bill Donovan. Mrs. Howard was asked “to the identity of Bill Donovan and she said that her husband often complained that he was being followed about by a man of that name but that he refused to tell her who Donovan was.”

 

She mentioned that on one occasion her husband told her that “Donovan had knocked him down, tried to rob him, and then threatened to kill him, if he told of the occurrence. Several times, someone has knocked at the door in the dead of night, and Howard believed it was Donovan after him.”  

 

Mrs. Howard was not told of her husband’s “rash act” due to her weaken condition for several days and when told was too ill to attend his funeral. 

 

The Decline of the Sullivan House

By 1896 John Sullivan, nor either the Sullivan House or the Nevada House, are mentioned in the city directory. He and his wife Kate may have gone to live with some of their married children. Again in 1897 the city directory no longer listed the Sullivan House Hotel and the only John Sullivan listed in the was one who was a miner rooming at 263 South. 

 

Property records showed that in April 1898, John Sullivan lost his boarding house to the county for back taxes. He also is no longer listed in the Salt Lake City directories until 1910 when mentioned John C Sullivan is residing at 839 Pierpont Avenue. The family may have moved to Montana during this period or were simply living with their married daughter’s families.

 

During July 1900, Mrs. Alice Butterworth was able to acquire the hotel by a Quit Claim Deed from the county for only $50.  The 1900 federal census listed 42-year-old Olivia Knox as the “housekeeper of the Sullivan Hotel at 263 South Fifth [Sixth] West. She stated she was married for 18 year without any children and a native of Maryland.

 

There were fourteen individual enumerated at this address besides Mrs. Knox. Of the four females, one was a 36-year-old single woman listed as a servant as was a 17-year-old female. One of the females was a married woman with a small son and the other was a 22 year single woman.

The only family residing at the hotel was that of 22 year old Jasper Shotwell. He was a day laborer and he and his wife had been married six years with a 4 year old son.

 

 However all the rest of the lodgers were single males the oldest being 48 year old and the youngest 24. All of these single men were non native Utahns. Occupations were given as day laborers, a stock tender, a carpenter, a machinist, an attorney at law. a railroad laborer, a boilermaker, and a stable boss. 

 

Leaving Blocks 63 and 64

John Sullivan eventually managed to buy two homes next to each other at 839 and 843 Pierpont Street.  His daughter Catherine Agnes Connolly lived with her husband and children in one home. 

 

The 1900 federal census showed that John Sullivan’s wife Kate Sullivan was in Butte, Montana residing with her married daughter Margaret Mullins.  The location of John Sullivan at the time is not known. 

 

A Pedestrian Accident

  The 1913 city directory listed John C Sullivan as a “watchman” residing at 839 Pierpont Avenue and while living at this address he suffered a broken leg from being struck by a car. 

 

“Watchman Struck By Automobile, Hurled To Street, Badly Hurt. Driver of Car Says Sullivan Seemed Bewildered, Claims Accident Unavoidable. John Sullivan, 74 years of age, watchman for the D. & R.G.  at the crossing on Seventh South and Fourth West [Fifth] West , residing at 839 Pierpont Street, was seriously injured yesterday  [August 17] at 3 p.m. when struck by an automobile driven by H. Newton Thornton in front of the Walker Bank Building.

 

“Mr. Sullivan was returning from work and had just alighted from a Poplar Grove  Streetcar. He was making his way to the sidewalk when hit by the automobile, and according to several eyewitnesses of the accident, was dragged a distance of about twelve feet before the automobile was stopped.”

 

“According to Mr. Thornton, 18 Vernon Avenue, driver of the machine, Mr. Sullivan became bewildered when he saw the approaching automobile, and in an effort to avoid it, dodged back and forth to such an extent that it rendered the collision unavoidable. ‘He was halfway to the sidewalk when I first saw him’, said Mr. Thornton. ‘I was close to the gutter and seeing he was directly in my path, I steered towards the car tracks. As I made the turn, he became bewildered and started in the same direction. It was too late to avoid  hitting him, but I stopped my car immediately, owing to the fact that I had been running on low gear while crossing the intersection.”

 

“Mr. Sullivan is partly deaf, and this is attributed as a cause of the accident, as he was unable to hear the warning said to have been given by the driver.”

 

“He was unable to give any account of the accident himself after he was taken to the emergency hospital in the police ambulance and as soon as his identity was established, he was removed to St. Mark’s hospital. There his right leg and left collar bone were found to be broken and he was severely bruised about the arms and face. There was an ugly scalp wound just over the left temple, which was at first thought to be a fracture.”

 

“Mr. Sullivan has been a resident of Salt Lake for more than thirty years. At the time the Denver & Rio Grande was constructing its local yards, he was foreman of the gang engaged in the work. At a late hour last night, he was reported resting easily. 

 

Another account of the accident reported, “Ages Man Struck By An Automobile. John Sullivan Suffers Broken Leg and Other Injuries; Driver Not Blamed.  John Sullivan, 60 years of age, living at 839 Pierpont Avenue was struck by an automobile yesterday [Aug 17] afternoon near the intersection of Second South and Main Streets. Hs left leg was broken ad he received several painful cuts and bruises. He was taken to the police emergency hospital, where he was attended by Dr. H.B Sprague, and later was removed to St. Marks’s Hospital.”

 

“The driver of the automobile was H.M. Thornton of 18 Vernon Avenue. Mr. Thornton insisted that he was driving slowly at the time of the accident. Sullivan’s statements bear out those of the automobile driver. Sullivan said he was attempting to board a streetcar going north on Main Street and that when he saw that he had selected the wrong car, he turned to find himself in the path of the automobile.” 

 

Death of Wife

Later that year John Sullivan’s wife Kate Sullivan passed away in December 1913. “Heart Trouble Fatal To Mrs. Sullivan. Mrs. Katherine Carey Sullivan, wife of John Sullivan of 839 Pierpont Street, died at 12:30 o’clock this morning [December 28] from heart trouble. Mrs. Sullivan has been suffering from a complication of diseases for about two years and her death was not unexpected. She is survived by her husband and six daughters. They are Mrs. Andrew Cronin, Mrs. Kate Connelly, Miss Anna  and Miss Myrtle Sullivan of this city, Mrs. Edward Norton of Butte, and Mrs. William Mullins of Seattle. Announcement of the funeral services which will be held in St. Mary’s Cathedral, will be made later.” This announcement had an error as there were only five daughters, and  the Myrtle was mistaken for a son Michael by the reporter. 

 

“Catherine Carey Sullivan died Sunday at 12:30 o’clock at the family residence, 839 Pierpont Street after being confined to her home for three months with hip trouble. She s survived by her husband John Sullivan, well known and one of the oldest railroad men in Salt Lake City. Six Children also survived . They are Mrs. Andrew Cronin, wife of the local freight agent of the Denver & Rio Grande; Mrs. Kate Connelly, Miss Anna Sullivan, and Michael Sullivan of this city; Mrs. Edward Norton of Butte, Mont., and Mrs. William Mullins of Seattle.” 

 

Death of John Sullivan

Eventually, the aging John C. Sullivan went to live with his daughter Libbie Cronin at 653 Conway Court where he lived until his death in 1920 caused by bronchial pneumonia.  

 

“John Sullivan, 88, died of bronchitis Monday [January 19] at the home of his daughter Mrs. A.J. Cronin 654 Conway Avenue. He was a native of Ireland and came to this city in 1882. He was in the hotel business here for twenty years. He is survived by one son Michael Sullivan and five daughters, Mrs. A.J. Cronin,  Mrs. Morris Wilkerson, and Mrs. P. J . Connelly of Salt Lake and Mrs. W.J. Mullins of Seattle and Mrs. Ed Norton of Butte. All of the children will attend the funeral, which will be held at the Church of Our Devine Savior Thursday morning at 10 o’clock. Internment in Mount Calvary cemetery.” 

 

“Funeral services for John Sullivan, 85 years of age, who died Monday at the home of his daughter Mrs. A.J. Cronin, will be held Thursday. Mr. Sullivan had been a resident of Salt Lake thirty-two years, coming here with his family from Galesburg, Illinois.  He was a native of Ireland and has been engaged in the hotel business on the west side since his coming to Salt Lake. He was taken ill several days ago on his return for the coast.” 

 

The Cronin Family

One of John Sullivan’s sons-in-law was Andrew “Andy “Joseph Cronin [1871-1939]. He was a first generation American of Irish decent and was a Clerk for the Rio Grande and Western Railway. He and his mother and brothers lived at several residences on Third South in city Block 63 and later in Block 64. 

 

Andy Cronin’s Irish born father, John D. Cronin, immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1848 during the Irish Potato Famine and was the father of 15 children.  After John D Cronin died in 1883, and not wanting to work in the Pennsylvania mines, Andy Cronin and several of his other siblings moved out west to Salt Lake City in search of better jobs.  In the late 1880s and into the 1890s an influx of Irish immigrants came to work in Salt Lake City for the Union Pacific and Rio Grande Western Railways. They soon began to dominate the demographics of Block 63 and 64 by the 1890’s. 

 

Andy Cronin obtained a steady job as a traffic clerk with the Rio Grande Western in 1893 and was living with two brothers and his mother on Third South within walking distance of his work. 

 

In 1898 he married Elizabeth “Libbie” Sullivan, the daughter of John Sullivan, proprietor of the Sullivan House hotel in Block 63 and the Nevada House Hotel in Block 64. They were married at St Patrick’s Catholic Church located at  417 South Fourth [Fifth] West.  

 

Andy Cronin became chief clerk and traffic manager of the freight department at the Rio Grande Western. However, in his later years he suffers from poor health, and died of bronchial pneumonia in 1939.

 

 Andy Cronin’s brother  George W. Cronin [1876-1902] also lived on 300 South for a time and was employed as a “car checker” for the Rio Grande Western for many years before working for the Salt Lake and Ogden Railway Company. In 1896 George Cronin offered a reward for the return of a Bay Mare that was either stolen or had strayed.

George Cronin died of typhoid bronchial pneumonia leaving behind a wife and two children. His funeral was held at the home of his mother Ann Cronin who was now residing at 528 West Third South. 

 

Andy Cronin’s brothers all raise large families in Salt Lake City also “which partly explained the many people with the Cronin surname buried at the Mount Calvary Cemetery  of Salt Lake City.” 

 

James Hegney “Business Man”

For nearly twenty years the northwest corner of Block 63, containing Lots 5 and 6, was identified with an influential Irish American businessman named James Hegney [1843-1907] or “Jim” as he was known to his family and friends. Often in newspaper accounts his surname was spelled “Hegeney.” He was instrumental in the development of Fifth [Sixth] West and Second South between Fifth [Sixth] West and Sixth [Seventh] West as a commercial area. 

 

Part of Jim Hegney’s wealth in Utah certainly came from investing in lands on the western outskirts of Salt Lake City, where in 1881, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad had bought up four city blocks, forty acres, to build a passenger and freight depot and rail yards. As Mormons dominated downtown Salt Lake and the eastern portion of the city, Hegney went to the western outskirts of the city to make his fortune.

 

 At that time, the west side of the city reached from West Temple Street as far as to the Jordan River and was sparsely populated with farmers and shopkeepers. The land was considered cheap as being a distance from downtown. The area of the Denver & Rio Grande enterprise was also known as the Mormon’s Fifteenth Ward which had an ecclesiastical as well as political jurisdiction. The Fifteenth Ward was bounded between South Temple and Third South and extended west of West Temple out towards the Jordan River.

 

The majority of Hegney’s businesses were on what was now the corner of Second South and Sixth West also though he owned property as far west as Seventh West. Hegney was the proprietor of two hotels, the Rio Grande, and the Albany, from at least 1885 until his death in 1907. Both hotels contained saloons known as the “Hegney Saloon.”

 

He also owned the West Side Drug Store on Second South and had built, across the street in Block 64, a commercial building on the southwest corner of West Second South and what was then Fifth West, however now Sixth West. Hegney additionally owned the property at what is now Seventh West and Second South on which the “Kozy Bar” was built. This saloon would in the 1980’s, become the second incarnation of Joe Redburn’s premier gay dance club known as The Sun. 

 

Interestingly,  Jim Hegney owned properties which would later in the 1980’s become two gay clubs, the In-Between and the Sun. The In-Between had many incarnations, as a dance club and music venue, before being demolished in 2020. The Sun Club was structurally damaged in  1999 from a tornado and the building was eventually demolished. It presently contains only a vacant lot.

 

Jim Hegney was heavily involved in local progressive politics and with fraternal organizations. He was a devout Roman Catholic. However, when he married circa 1885, he wed a divorced woman from a family of English Mormon converts.

 

Hegney’s Beginnings

Jim Hegney’s parents, Edward Hegney [1810-1878] and Elizabeth McCord [1824-1898] were both Irish Immigrants, more than likely they were hard scrabble, great potato famine refugees. They made their way to Sandusky, Erie County, Ohio where they married in 1840. Hegney was born 29 Apr 1843. His father applied for naturalization in 1844 but in 1864, duplicate of citizenship papers were issued at Sandusky, Ohio, "First is alleged to have been lost."

 

During the American Civil War, when Jim Hegney was 21 years old, he enlisted in the Union Navy in which he served from 1864 until 1865. A pension record showed that Jim had the rank of “Landsman,” the lowest rank of the United States Navy in the 19th Century. The rank was given to new recruits with little or no experience at sea and they performed menial and unskilled work aboard ship. He served on the USS Princeton, USS North Carolina, and the gunboat Flambeau off the coast of North Carolina, and the schooner Dan Smith in the coastal waters of Georgia and South Carolina. 

 

After the Civil War ended, Hegney returned to Ohio to live with his family. His father suffered “sunstroke while working in Edward Gill's stone quarry” in 1878 and died from a fall. 

 

The 1880 United States census showed that Jim Hegney was living with his mother and his other siblings, 38-year-old William, 33-year-old Charles, 31-year-old Mary and 28-Year-old Frank,  in the town of Oxford, in Erie County, Ohio. In that year he was 34 years old, unmarried, and working as a farm laborer. He and his siblings were listed as single with his oldest brother listed as lame in the hip. They were living next to Edward Gill who owned the quarry where Jim’s father was killed. There are several errors in this record which may suggest that a neighbor gave the information to the enumerator rather than the mother. Jim Hegney’s sister was a married woman with several children living in Huron County, Ohio in 1880. A brother, Joseph  Edward Hegney, is not mentioned in the household either. 

 

An article from a Cincinnati Newspaper in 1881 mentioned James Hegney and five other men falling from a scaffold while erecting a hatchway on  a new carriage factory. He managed to catch himself on the side of the hatchway and did not injure himself. 

 

After Jim Hegney became successful in Utah, he brought his widowed mother Elizabeth  to Salt Lake from Ohio circa 1895 to live with him.  One of Hegney’s married brothers, Joseph Hegney [1849-1921] also came out west and boarded at the Rio Grande Hotel in 1892 for a time. He worked for Jim Hegney at his properties and was even a bartender in the Albany Saloon at one time. 

 

After their mother died 2 Feb 1898, Joe Hegney moved away from Utah to Denver, Colorado and eventually to Pueblo. The Salt Lake city directory listed Jim Hegney’s mother’s death as in 1899 but that was an error. 

 

 

Jim Hegney in Utah

Sometime between 1881 and 1885, Jim Hegney headed west where he is next found in the Green River, Utah, the site of a newly constructed Denver & Rio Grande bridge. Hegney’s motivation for coming to Utah Territory is unknown but it must have been for economic opportunities and perhaps following the Denver & Rio Grande railroad as it pushed into the territory. He would have been around 42 years old when he was in Green River.

 

Hegney was a Catholic at a time when the Utah Territory was controlled by a Mormon  oligarchy. In the 1880’s, mining and railroad work were the main source of employment and wealth for “gentiles” as non-Mormons were called in the 19th Century.

 

Brigham Young who had died in 1877 had discouraged his “Saints” from engaging in mining, fearing the corrupting and temporary life of mining camps. This provided an economic incentive for "gentiles" to exploit Utah's mineral riches.  While there is no indication Hegney worked as a miner,  he would marry a 30-year-old divorced Mormon woman who had been married to a miner.  

 

 He however he was not working on the railroad but was operating a “gambling house”.  How long he had been in Utah is unknown but in March 1885 he was arrested along with other undesirable in an effort to rid the town of what was seen as a bad element.

 

The Salt Lake Tribune mentions his arrest in a blurb from 29 March 1885. “A subscriber from Blake City (Green River, Utah) under the date of March 27th says there was quite a rumpus there the night before caused by the prosecuting attorney and Captain Hawley arresting James Higney and four others for keeping a gambling house. One of the parties, named Irish, tried to make an escape but was induced to stop by two shots from the constable’s pistol. The examination before justice of the Peace lasted until 10 o’clock at night. Several more arrests were expected yesterday.”

 

An article from the Salt Lake Evening Democrat dated 30 March 1885 gave more details  regarding James Hegney being in Utah. “Tom Farrer, the Green River constable, came to the conclusion last week that a moral reformation was needed in that town. On Thursday he swooped down upon James Hegney’s gambling dive, and with the assistance of J. K. Read, county attorney, and J.T. Farrer, justice of the peace, succeeded lodging the major portion of Green River’s fraternity behind the bars of the Emery County jail.” 

 

The article stated Hegney was fined $100 and he must have left Green River after that as by  July 1885, he was mentioned as residing in Salt Lake City.

 

In Salt Lake City

Hegney settled in the outskirts of Salt Lake City where he eventually amassed a small fortune in real estate and perhaps speculating in mining. Hegney probably followed the Denver & Rio Grande route to Salt Lake which would have landed him on Fifth [Sixth]

 

Not long after arriving in Utah Jim Hegney who was a Catholic met and married a divorced Mormon woman with three children from her first marriage. .

 

Elizabeth Grundy [1856-1925]

Elizabeth “Liza” Grundy was born in Farmington, Utah but raised in Utah County. She probably married her first husband Richard “Dick” Tyner, in Springville, Utah in 1876 where her two daughters, Eudora and Mary Frances, were born. Eudora was born in January 1877 and Mary Frances in September 1879.

 

A newspaper account stated that Dick Tyner had located the “Opehonga Mine” in 1877 in Tintic, Utah who afterward sold it to James A Shearer. Between September 1879 and June 1880, the family had moved to Silver City in Juab County. 

 

The 1880 federal census listed Dick Tyner as a blacksmith living with wife  “Liza Ann” and their two daughters in the mining town of Silver, in the Tintic Precinct of Juab County, Utah. Other reports stated that he was a “mine blacksmith” and a prospector. 

 

Eliza Tyner’s older brother, William Gundy, and husband Dick Tyner were enumerated only two households from each other. Gundy was listed as a miner in the 1880 federal census and was affluent enough to have two female servants. His home was large enough to board two lodgers. 

 

The Tyner marriage did not last as Eliza Grundy separated or divorced Dick Tyner in 1882 probably due to his being an alcoholic and perhaps for not providing for his family. Eliza Grundy moved to Salt Lake City with her two daughters. She was pregnant with a daughter who was born in September 1882 in Salt Lake.

 

Dick Tyner remained in the Tintic area and worked as a miner for almost all of his life. In 1893 he made a complaint in court that he had been swindled out of his share of a mine. “Tyner explains his mistake by saying he was weak and much confused in mind by reason of long and continued use of intoxicating liquors, and unable to make proper calculations.”

 

In 1908 Dick Tyner was referred to as a “hermit” and an “old Eureka prospector, who after being for years a charge of the county”, sold his mine claim for $3800.  Evidently he went back to New York state to visit a sister who had him committed to a mental institution and applied to be the guardian of his assets.

 

“The old man who was occasionally demented at Eureka, is now in an insane asylum in New York State. There is no question but what Tyner has been slightly demented for years, but no one considered his affliction in any way serious as he was harmless as a child. The people of Eureka who have known him for years say that he is not a fit subject for an insane asylum.”

 

Jim Hegney’s Blended family

Eliza and Jim Hegney were married probably in 1885 although there is no public record of the marriage. It is even possible that she never obtained a legal divorce from Tyner. With having to raise three daughters alone, she may not have had too many options. After Eliza Tyner married Jim Hegney, he raised her three daughters as his own. 

 

Elizabeth’s daughter Sophie Hegney was born in September 1882 in Salt Lake City and was certainly the daughter of Dick Tyner although her death certificate stated that her father was James Hegney. However, Jim Hegney’s probated will referred to his “three stepchildren.”

 

 

Although she was raised a Mormon, Eliza later converted to Catholicism as all the children were raised as Catholics. When she died in 1925, she had a mass said for her in the Cathedral of the Madeleine and was buried in the Catholic Cemetery in Salt Lake.  

 

Jim and Liza Hegney’s first child was son James Edward Hegney born in 1887, followed by  another son Charles Francis Hegney born in 1889. Two more daughters, Maida, and Gladys were born in 1892 and 1894 which completed the family.

 

The Rio Grande Hotel

The name “Denver & Rio Grande Hotel” was not unique to Salt Lake City. There were several hotels near depots of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in Colorado that were also named “the Denver & Rio Grande Hotel.” It is uncertain whether the company built these establishments for travelers and had proprietors managing them, or whether they were built by entrepreneur businessmen seeking to capitalize on the need for lodging for travelers.

 

 The Salt Lake City “Denver & Rio Grande Hotel,” which was shortened to just “Rio Grande Hotel” was a modest establishment. It was located directly across from the Denver & Rio Grande Western Rail Road’s passenger depot at 221 South Fifth [Sixth] West. Adjacent to the hotel, at 227 South, was  the Rio Grande saloon was listed as early as 1884 in Salt Lake City directory and as the publication had to have been printed in 1883, the saloon, and probably the hotel, were built at least by that year. 

 

The Rio Grande Hotel was first mentioned in an 1884 newspaper advertisement that listed  for sale “a No. 1 pool table, almost new, and some household goods for sale for a few days only at the Denver & Rio Grande Hotel. Apply at the hotel near the Depot.”  

 

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed that the Rio Grande hotel was a large two-story wooden structure with an office, dining area, and kitchen on the first floor and lodgings on the second. The hotel included a series of wooden buildings at that time, with two additional separate one-story buildings containing even more hotel rooms and a hotel office.

 

A separate two-story brick saloon, a few yards to the south of the hotel, was being built that contained sleeping rooms on the second floor. This may have been replacing the previous saloon that existed at 227 South Fifth [Sixth] West.

 

Due to its proximity to the depot, the hotel was a favorite for travelers making their connections in Salt Lake and for the working railroad men.

 

Jim Hegney was not the first proprietor of the lodging house, however. There were others before he assumed management in 1885. The first mention of Jim Hegney in Salt Lake newspapers was in July 1885 when he was granted a license to sell liquor when he was most likely in negotiations to become a proprietor.  His experience operating a “gambling house” in Green River may have the confidence to run a hotel and saloon.

 

 In August 1885, a newspaper mentioned the “opening of the Rio Grande Hotel” which probably meant it was under new management. As that Jim Hegney had just been granted a liquor license, it is likely that he took over managing the hotel. The paper advertized that “There will be a Ball and Supper at the Rio Grande Hotel opposite the depot tonight.”  

 

In October, Jim Hegney was officially mentioned as the “proprietor of the Rio Grande Hotel and Saloon” when he was granted a renewal of his liquor license. The 1885 city directory stated his primary residence for his young family was within the Rio Grande Hotel. Jim Hegney was also, according to the city directory, the owner of a General Store located next to the hotel at 237 South Fifth [Sixth] West.

 

In January 1886, a fire broke out in one of the upper rooms of the Rio Grande Hotel. “The stove pipe came too near to the woodwork and the red-hot pipe caught fire with the ceiling and roof. Luckily, the blaze was discovered in time and was put out with buckets of water. The fire department arrived on the spot too late for the services to be required.”

 

Recovery of Stolen Property

The Rio Grande Hotel and Jim Hegney were mentioned in a Salt Lake Tribune article from April 1886. The paper printed a story of Hegney’s role in the recovery of some stolen goods taken in a robbery of a gun store owned by Thomas Carter.

 

 “Yesterday [3 April 1886] Mr. James Hegeney, proprietor of the Denver & Rio Grande Hotel, called at the gun store of Thomas Carter and told Mr. Rensheimer that he had ‘track of at least some of the property’ stolen from that establishment.”

 

It appeared that a couple of men had been rooming together and when the chambermaid appeared to clean up the room, they told her that they did not want it cleaned, “that it would do very well as it was.” 

 

“Accordingly, this “aroused the suspicion of Mr. Hegney and a search made by that gentleman revealed the presence of the stolen property. The police went to the hotel and obtained possession of forty-five pistols, one dozen pairs of opera glasses, a large lot of meerschaum goods [tobacco pipes] and the wolf skin robe. Everything was recovered except for a valuable pistol.” 

 

It was reported that the two men who had occupied the rooms at the hotel were “seen going South and a number of officers were immediately sent” but “returned without any prisoners.”

 

Later, two brothers, George and Charles Meakins, and a man named Arthur Lewis were arrested for the theft. “George Meakins, who is minus one hand and wears earrings, is a married man and lives at 111 West Temple Street. In addition to the place “where his wife resides, he has a room at a house one block from the Denver & Rio Grande depot and in this room were found a couple of guns, belts of cartridges etc.” 

 

George Meakins was,  however, merely a suspect because “he made a special pet of the dog at the Carter Store, paying “Jack” a great deal of attention every time he came into the store.” 

 

The evidence against the Meakins did not “appear very strong and mainly circumstantial” therefore “a couple of days later the Meakins and Lewis were released and did not have sufficient evidence to hold them.”

 

Jim Hegney as a Businessman

The Rio Grande hotel was so well known that by April 1887 enquiries for railroad employment opportunities were managed at the resort. “Wanted twenty-five or Thirty men to work on the Ogden and Syracuse Railway Wages $1.75 to $2.50 Apply at the Rio Grande Hotel. The proximity of the Rio Grande hotel to the Rio Grande passenger depot and freight yards was lucrative for Hegney. In June 1887 Jim Hegney became the sole owner of the south half of Lot Four, Block 63, Plat A.

 

Jim Hegney became an active member of the West Second South business community and built connections and friendships  with other local businessmen. He was a member of the city Chamber of Commerce to which he donated money. In May 1887, “James Hegney of the Rio Grande Hotel subscribed $25 to the advertising fund. The subscription was unsolicited, and Mr. H. expressed his willingness to subscribe $500 towards the erection of a Chamber of Commerce building in this city.”

 

In July 1887, Jim Hegney’s was an agent of the California Wine Company, and he was granted a retail liquor license. The California Wine Company was a manufacturer of malt liquor according to a license granted in January 1885.

 

One of the primary ways Hegney accomplished strengthening business ties with other businessmen was by becoming a member of the Odd Fellows’ Lodge. While the Catholic Church prohibited practicing Catholics from joining fraternities, Jim Hegney must have seen the benefit of contributing to a "Christian fraternal organization" which  met weekly in order to "create a stronger brotherhood among its members, as well as to do good in the community". Money collected from dues and fundraisers of The Odd Fellows Fraternal Order took care of members when sickness and or death occurred in a time where there were no governmental safety nets. An article dated from August 1887 showed that Jim had donated “fifty cigars” to the International Order of Odd Fellows for a fundraising excursion.

 

Jim Hegney was a trusted saloon keeper, as those working men frequenting the bar would have him hold some of their money “so it wouldn’t all get used up on pay days.” His saloon was largely frequented by laborers , and it generally was ‘the custom’ when one man had money for him to show his liberality by treating those who were not so ‘flush’.” 

 

Jim Hegney was not listed in the Salt Lake City Directory as the proprietor of the Rio Grande Hotel again until 1888. An advertisement from 1888 mentioned the Rio Grande Hotel “opposite D & R G, James Hegney Proprietor -Terms $1.00 & $1.25 per Day Special rates by the Week Single Meals 25 cents Bar and Billiard Room in Connection Street Cars Start from the Door Every Ten Minutes Furnished rooms, Restaurant and Barber Shop South of Hotel.”  As railroad wages were only between $1.75 and $3.00 per day, the rooms were not inexpensive and often would be shared by two or more men in a single bed.

 

According to a Salt Lake Herald newspaper article from August 1888, Jim Hegney also sold ice cream most likely at his drug store . “Bad Boys in Trouble-On Monday night [6 August 1888] Fred Tremayne, Thomas Headen, Harvey Gilbert, Chas. O’Connor, Thomas Croft and two other boys went to Hegeney’s ice cream saloon near the D.&R.G. depot and ordered cream. While the waiter was attending to the wants of some other parties, the boys opened the cash drawer and helped themselves to about $6. They were just rushing out of the place when the attendant came back, and all of the boys, except Croft, were caught. Upon being taken to the police station, the boys admitted that they had committed a number of thefts recently.”

 

Mortgages

At the same time as this transaction, James Hegney and his wife Eliza mortgaged the property back to Cook and Glanfield for $5000. James Hegney and wife Eliza also later took out another mortgage for $1,200 from Cook and Glanfield.

 

 In 1889 Hegney took out a $5000 mortgage from Rev. Abiel Leonard [1848-1903]  for $5000 probably used to pay off Cook and Glanfield’s mortgage. Abiel Leonard was Episcopal Church Bishop who succeeded Bishop Daniel Tuttle in 1885. Bishop Leonard was the missionary Episcopal Bishop for both Nevada and Utah in 1888. In 1891 Bishop Leonard reassigned the $5000 mortgage over to his mother Mrs. Jeanette Leonard. In 1893 Leonard released the mortgage to James Hegney as it had been paid in full. 

 

In January 1890 John Glanfield sold to Isaac Starbuck [1849-1931],  a portion of a parcel in the northeast corner of Lot Four behind James Hegney property for $1600. However, by September Starbuck sold back the parcel to John Glanfield for $2000. 

 

The 1890 city directory listed Starbuck as in “real estate” with the firm of Starbuck and Carrigan. He was also listed as a lawyer in the firm Starbuck and Harney.  Isaac Starbuck was mentioned several times involved in horse “trotting races” and was a deputy sheriff in his later years. 

 

Glanfield finally sold the rest of northeast corner to James Hegney in February 1891 for $3500 “subject to right way over parts of Lot Five”.

 

Hegney acquired the north half of Lot 4, Block 63, and Plat A in February 1891 making him the sole owner of the one and one fourth acre parcel.  “John C.C. Glanfield et.ux  to James Hegney, part of lot 4, block 63 plat A $3500.” The property consisted of 10 rods [165 feet] by 10 rods.  Hegney received a building permit to construct a store on this property at the cost of $450 in December 1891.

 

James Hegney was now virtually the sole owner of Lot Four although in December 1890 he had sold to Benjamin Rowland, John Glanfield, Lewis B. Coates, and John J Corum  the right of way over his property for $1.00. 

 

Lot Four Block 63

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed Philip Hall’s building was about a foot within the 82.5 feet by 330 feet south half of Lot Four, just barely north of Lot Three. It was a two-story adobe structure with a brick façade and a wooden porch over Fifth [Sixth] West. The first floor was divided between a billiards parlor and a store while the second floor was a rooming house. Andrew W. O’Grady operated the Colorado saloon as a “saloon keeper” within this edifice.  He had just received a license to sell liquor in July of 1885. 

 

Forty-Five feet into the northern half of Lot Four was the two-story Rio Grande Hotel but the map did not list an address for it. The main building was wooden framed and located in the northwestern corner of Lot Four. The building contained hotel rooms, an office, dining room, and a kitchen directly behind the hotel was a washhouse and a coal storage house.

 

In 1889 Jim Hegney replaced his old saloon with a new brick one at the cost of $5000. The Salt Lake Herald made a comment in October 1889, “James Hegney’s Arcade building, opposite east from the Rio Grande Western passenger station, is quite a pretentious structure for that part of the city.” 

 

The Herald reported in November, “The new brick structure erected by James Hegney opposite the Rio Grande Western depot has been completed and Mr. Hegney has opened an elegantly furnished saloon there. The Rio Grande hotel is to be removed and a commodious brick erected in its stead in early spring.”  

 

The 1891 City directory still listed James Hegney as the proprietor of the Rio Grande Hotel located at 221 South Fifth [Sixth] West even though an article from May 1891 stated that James Hegney was negotiating for a lot on Third [Fourth] West Street between South Temple and Third South Streets, for the purpose of erecting a $10,000 hotel and business block. This location is on the Union Pacific.”  The deal never materialized but he had his eye on the property just north of the Rio Grande Hotel which had a new hotel built in 1890.

 

In March 1890 Hegney bought from a Mary Tate property containing 7 rods [115.5 feet] by 10 rods [165 feet] for $15,500 located in Lot 1 block 47, plat C Second North and Sixth [Seventh] West. 

Second South Sidewalk Improvements

Jim Hegney along with others attended city council meetings requesting improvements in the mostly neglected west side of Salt Lake. In March 1890 Hegney and others appeared for the city and complained “that certain sidewalks in the neighborhood of the R.G.W. depot were impassable and asked that they be improved.” Their complaints were referred to the committee on streets for study. 

 

In August 1891, “James Hegney and others asked that a sidewalk be constructed on the north side of Second South from Fifth West [Sixth] to Seventh [Eighth] West.

 

James Hegney was also on the “Rio Grande and Union Pacific Boulevard committee” in February 1893. The boulevard committee was made up of the Businessmen’s Association who met at the Knutson Hotel in downtown “to recommend a boulevard as far as possible to connect the differ parks and public grounds.” Hegney was instrumental in securing donations for the project from businessmen from the Rio Grande District. He donated $50 himself, with a total of $75 from others.

 

Hegney was involved with the actual paving of  the dirt road of West Second South. “Second South Paving Tax Levy Ordinance May Be Acted on by Council Tonight. The property map from the paving of Second South Street from First [Second]West to Sixth [Seventh] West has been prepared and the ordinance approving the tax levy will probably be passed tonight [24 June 1901] It is understood that J.E. Dooly, the Symns Utah Grocer company. Mr. Hegney and other leading property owners will pay cash instead of installments of the tax and thereby supply the funds for the immediate commencement of the improvement. The Third South paving will come up at the same time and the two contracts would bring bids from some larger paving concerns.” 

 

The Liberal Political Party

The Liberal Party was formed in 1870 to oppose Mormon domination of local politics via the People's Party. Though vastly outnumbered, the party offered an opposing voice in Salt Lake City and won several local elections. The Liberal Party, when it controlled City Hall, constructed the city's first sewer systems, constructed the expensive joint Salt Lake City and County Building, and established Liberty Park.

 

Jim Hegney was a leading political figure in his Salt Lake City Second Precinct and was instrumental in organizing the “Liberal Party,” known then also as the anti-Mormon Party, in the Fifteenth Ward. The Fifteenth Ward contained most of the “Rio Grande District” and was considered “the banner ward of the Liberal Party.”

 

As a member of the Liberal Party that opposed Mormon domination of local politics, Jim Hegney was also supportive of the progressive labor movement. In October 1885, an article on the Liberal Party mentioned a rally held in front of Jim Hegney’s hotel. 

 

“The out of the way place in front of the Denver & Rio Grande hotel on Fifth [Sixth] West Street, selected for the meeting and the insufficient publicity given the announcement, were among the chief causes which combined to prevent the assembling of more than a small size audience to listen to Messrs. J Allan Evans and L. E. Odinga gives their views regarding the issue between capital and labor, or ‘Why the Workingmen are Poor.” 

 

“A Labor Meeting had a slim attendance in front of the Denver & Rio Grande Hotel opposite the D.& R. G. depot. About fifty people assembled in the evening and “most, if not all of whom attended, outside of the small boys, were either residents of the immediate locality or members of the organization known as the Knights of Labor.”

 

J Allan Evans spoke of the “recent massacre of the Chinese at Rock Springs and other places, and people who employed them should be charged,” and “talked about the present hard times,” and of “the enemies of the working man.”  

 

L. E. Odinga “asserted the gulf between the rich man and the poor man was widening every day.” Odinga claimed that the “millionaire has no more regard for the poor in his employ than he has for the fleas that infest his dogs.” He continued by saying “Poverty is the author of crime, of disease, of misery, and distress of every description” and predicted a “clash between labor and capital is coming.” The pair asked all listeners to join the Knights of Labor movement for better wages and working conditions.”

 

In 1890 James Hegney was elected a delegate to the Liberal Party from the Fifteenth Ward and was a member of the executive committee as well as other local businessmen Harry F. Evans, L.C. Johnson, and J.J. Corum. 

 

The Liberal Party was able to sweep into power in Salt Lake City in 1890 with the help of the Second Precinct and the Fifteenth Ward however their influence waned after a major statewide defeat in 1893.

 

 The Salt Lake Herald reported in August 1890 that the” Liberal Party was meeting at the Rio Grande hotel, which had degenerated into a sort of free beer hurrah.” It was suggesting that free beer was the impetus for local support for the party. 

 

In February 1891 James Hegney and a man named T.A. Davis were sureties for a $1000 bond for William J. Allen “the alleged ballot box stuffer” charged with a felony for tampering with ballot papers at the last school election. Judge O.W. Powers was his attorney and when Allen did not appear at his hearing, the bond was forfeited unless Allen returned from Washington state. 

 

In May 1891, a call for a political meeting was reported on by the Salt Lake Herald, organized by “O.W. Powers, A.L. Williams, James Hegeney, two tribune reporters and thirty-five equally reputable citizens.” 

 

 The meeting “filled the seating capacity of the Federal court room, with nearly a hundred standing in the aisle. The capacity of the Federal Court room is thirty-six benches, seating eight each, or 288, giving a total of 388.”

 

The purpose of the meeting was to seek a political alliance between the Democratic Party and the Liberal Party. Judges Robert N Baskin and O.W. Powers stated, “that in a meeting of Liberal-Democrats no better name could be suggested.” Judge Baskin stated “The Republican Party has been organized by the priesthood patting them on the back. The Object of the Liberal Party at the beginning was to overturn theocracy. One of the great objects was the Americanization of this territory.” 

 

At the July 1891 Liberal Party caucus of the Fifteenth Ward “178 Liberal were present” At the caucus James Hegney was on a “committee of five” to select names to be voted as delegates to the precinct convention. Twenty-eight men were elected including Harry F Evans, John Sullivan, Joseph J Duckworth, and James Hegney, all having businesses on blocks 63 and 64. 

 

In August 1891 there was a report of “five rousing Liberal meetings” held within the city, including one on Fifth [Sixth] West. Liberal Party rallies were held at the Salt Lake Theater and Rio Grande Hotel after the caucus and were said to have been “overwhelmingly successes, the theater being packed as never before and a vast sea of humanity being at the Rio Grande Hotel Meeting.”

 

“Jim Hegney of the Rio Grande Hotel, an old-time worker, decided to give a celebration on the eve of victory. There’s no half measure about Jim and he gave the party a grand send-off. The front of his place was decorated with the American Flag, which in former years had often been torn from its mast by the church fanatics, but which waved peacefully but majestically last night over a vivid scene. Banners and bunting of the American colors, streamers, Japanese Lanterns, and Roman candles were around the building in tasteful order by the hoist while the youthful population made the foundations of the church and Temple shake with cannon and skyrockets.”

 

One newspaper reporter commented, “At the Rio Grande Western Railroad it was the greatest night around the railroad works they ever had. The meeting was made up, as it was intended, of railroad men but there were a good many workingmen and others from the city to assist. Altogether the attendance was one of the largest open-air demonstrations yet held and was a fitting close to the battle.”

 

The rally at the hotel, presided over by Theodore Burmester with the “Liberal Drum Corps” present. “The Ryan Drum Corps was in full uniform and did good service.”

 

 

“The railroad boys will have an opportunity to listen to some good Liberal doctrine at the Rio Grande Hotel tonight. Judge [O.W.] Powers will be there during the course of the evening before he arrives Mr. Burmester who will preside. The railroad boys have a reputation for always making their guests welcome and this occasion will prove no exception.” 

 

“The Liberal meeting in front of the Denver & Rio Grande Hotel last evening was a rousing and enthusiastic affair. Henry Buhring and his usual enterprise and patriotism had prepared a nice stand for the speakers and otherwise made it pleasant for them. James Hegney and Mr. Taylor had been thoughtful in having the Rio Grande Western shops and passenger depot brightly illuminated for the occasion.’ 

 

Henry Buhring was the proprietor of the Denver Beer Hall located on the corner of Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West just north of the Rio Grande Hotel.

 

The Salt Lake Herald Attacks on Jim Hegney

The Salt Lake Herald promoted their newspaper as “independent and neutral,” however the newspaper “consistently reflected the views of the Deseret News, the official organ of the Church.” As the newspaper was founded by “Mormon Elders,” “the paper’s editorials reflected Mormon values of the day.” 

 

One of the founders, editor Edward L Sloan,  wrote, “When the people of Utah, their faith and institutions are aspersed, maligned and unjustly attacked, we shall esteem it our solemn duty to present the truth in reply, when the source is worthy a rejoinder.” Sloan was a devout convert to Mormonism and also had three plural wives. 

 

Editors of secular papers, nevertheless “mocked the Herald as a mere proponent of the LDS Church. The Salt Lake Tribune’s pet name for the Herald, for example, was the “Mormon Herald.”

 

The Liberal Party’s opposition to polygamy and Mormon domination of Utah's politics  made those associated with it,  written about negatively in columns of the Salt Lake Herald.

 

Charles W. Penrose, who spent most of his journalistic life with the Deseret News, was the Herald’s editor from 1892 to 1899, during much of the time the Liberal Party was at its height. In 1904 Penrose became a Mormon Apostle.

 

The Salt Lake Herald was the main critic of the Liberal Party and disparaged it at every opportunity. It wrote concerning one election in which the Liberal Party prevailed, “Only 126 votes were cast and how many were legitimate may well be imagined.” 

 

The Herald regularly attacked the Liberal party and sometimes Jim Hegney’s Rio Grande Saloon. The registration of the Rio Grande District’s itinerant men, without legitimate addresses, was one of the Herald’s main complaints. The Herald adamantly accused Jim Hegney of participating in election fraud in favor of the Liberal Party.

 

“To one unacquainted with Liberal tactics, there is nothing peculiar about it, but to one who has watched the course of the Liberal gang in Salt Lake, the conviction is found upon him that the last sentence should read this way: It is important that you fill out all the blanks on the coupon carefully and especially give is the addresses of all men in your ten who are out of town or will be on election day, so we can get some saloon bums from the dens near the Rio Grande Wester to vote in their stead. However, the polls will be carefully watched on election day and the toughs from Hegeney’s and other resorts will have a warm reception.”

 

When the “hobos in City Creek” were registered to vote in the Fourth Precinct for a Liberal Party candidate, the Herald suggested it was done under the “direction of H. F Taylor, a politician who graduated from Hegney’s Rio Grande saloon,” which was one of the centers of operations for the Liberal Party.

 

James Hegney after being appointed in March 1893 the district leader of the Liberal Party in the Second Precinct, the Liberal Party’s primaries for the Fifteenth Ward were held at Jim Hegney’s Albany Hotel. 

 

The Salt Lake Herald then wrote a series of scathing accounts attacking Jim Hegney as being a “Liberal Party Pet” and of voter fraud.  During the 1893 election cycle the Salt Lake Herald wrote of alleged voter fraud claiming “Liberal Crowd tried their old game of running in illegal voters which was nipped in the bud by the corps of active deputy marshals. Arrest of a Gang of Three. One of the men was John Noonan who gave his address as 221 South Fifth [Sixth] West Street. “No one prosecuted and turned loose.” 

 

The Herald also wrote, “Persons who claim to speak with authority, says that Dan Griffin, who takes charge of the waterworks department tomorrow [August 16] , will dissolve partnership with Jim Hegney in the hobo vote business, and that element is looking forwards to the change with considerable uneasiness.”

 

The Herald anti-Liberal Party tirade continued during the municipal fall campaigning. In October 1893, the Herald accused the liberal Party’s sewer water main improvements on the ‘north bench’, the Avenues, was a means of giving employment to hobos, in order,  the Fourth precinct in particular, and the city in general , might be carried by the Liberals, and incidentally to boom property that had been purchased by real estate sharpers during the boom!”

 

Referring to Liberal party candidates, “They also forgot to mention the fact that much of the money spent did not go to ‘help keep families in the city,’ and they know, better than anyone else, that the cash was spent in a certain saloon and boarding house kept by a Liberal pet in the vicinity of the Rio Grande Depot; and that it was paid to and spent by tramps who never had a habitation in this city- save a bunk at Hegney’s.”

 

“They know also, that married men were laid off the sewers and their places filled by these same hobos. They are also aware that men with families walked the street and begged for work from the city but were refused because they could not make a source of profit to this Liberal pet. They know that the only passport to work on the sewers had to come from Mr. Hegney and that he gave ‘no recommendations’ except to such as he chose .”

 

 Another Salt Lake Herald’s diatribe dated 28 October 1893, reported on Hegney’s financial and political status, by quoting his associates. One stated, “I don’t wonder that Jim Hegney clings to the rotten hulk of the Liberal Party, said a gentleman who claimed to know what he’s talking about. When Hegney came, he was as poor as the proverbial church mouse. During his residence in Salt Lake, he has accumulated about $100,000. Only a few days ago he purchased real estate and buildings valued at $75,000.”

 

Sixteen delegates from the Fifteenth Ward met at the Albany Hotel for the Liberal Party Primaries in October. “Several speeches touting the virtues of the Liberal Party were made at the hotel. A speaker named P.F Ryan condemned the organization of the federal government,” stating “how two black spots on the fame of our country had been born and nurtured –slavery and polygamy- how slavery had been wiped out at the cost of millions of treasure, and hundreds of thousands of lives and the latter relic of barbarism will be plotted out by the quiet votes of the Liberal party.” 

 

Declaring the achievements of the Liberal Party, a man named C. M. Jackson said, “there had been more progress in the past three years because of the Liberal Party than there was in all the forty years before under Mormon rule.”  Another speaker, Frank Hoffman boasted “a Liberal is a manly man who respects the flag of his country.” 

 

A Salt Lake Tribune article called “Liberals of Two Precincts”, dated 3 November 1893, reported that “The Albany Hotel was altogether too small for the comfortable accommodation of the rousing Liberal meeting held there last night. The old reliable Fifteenth Ward turned out in mass and the orators of the event were received with old time enthusiasm.”

 

The Herald however wrote, “Repeaters, Impersonators, Hobos- How They Are Being Cared for by the Liberals. The population of this city is from 700 to 1,000 more today [November 7] than it has been for some time past or will be for some time to come.” The paper claimed the Liberal party was importing nonresidents in an  “attempt to get their votes into the ballot box.” 

 

“Word was received at headquarters from Helper that yesterday’s westbound Rio Grande Western Train was loaded down with an ‘excursion ‘ party of hobos. Mr. Hegney will do a thriving business today.” 

 

Due to the Panic of 1893 the Liberal Party of Utah suffered a “rousing defeat” in the November election of 1893 from which it could not recover. Hegney then became a Democrat. 

 

A Salt Lake Herald Republican’s article, dated 27 December 1893, declared, “On Friday evening there will be a-rousing Democratic rally at the Exposition Building and another at Hegney’s hall adjoining the Albany Hotel.”

 

Jim Hegney had always been supportive of the Democratic Party allowing them to meet at the Albany Hotel. On 30 December 1891, the first meeting of the Young Men’s Democratic Club of Salt Lake City was held at the “Democratic headquarters of the Fifteenth ward 221 South  Fifth [Sixth] Street” which was the address of the Rio Grande Hotel. The club commenced with a membership of 150 “and a prospect which amounts almost to a certainty that in a week it will number 450 and will become a great political power in the city. Quite a number of railroad men belong to its ranks.”

 

 In January 1892, the Young Men’s Democratic Club held a large meeting at the Rio Grande Hotel. When party secretary N.A. Parks spoke, he “made a hit of the evening when he said, ‘Keep your eye on Hegney.’ The registrations and boarding house changes must be watched.”

 

 He was inferring the registration of voters at Hegney’s boarding house who were not legal voting residents. “The Democratic drum corps was out and although the adjoining house was partly filled by Liberals, yet the “doing ups'' process was not a success.”

 

Jim Hegney hosted several political events at the Albany Hotel regarding the “Free Silver,” political populist movement in the 1890s. The Panic of 1893 was one of the catalysts for the movement  for “populist organizations favored an inflationary monetary policy” of free silver “because it would enable debtors to pay their debts off with cheaper, more readily available dollars. 

 

Presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan held that money did not need to be "backed" by gold and “did not think it was necessary for the United States to hold in reserve an amount of gold equal in value to all the paper money in circulation. Bryan wanted the United States to use silver to back the dollar at a value that would inflate the prices farmers received for their crops, easing their debt burden. This position was known as the Free Silver Movement.”

 

“Free silver became increasingly associated with populism, unions, and the fight of ordinary Americans against the bankers, railroad monopolists, and the robber barons of the Gilded Age capitalism era and was referred to as the "People's Money."

 

Outside the mining states of the West, the Republican Party steadfastly opposed free silver, arguing that the best road to national prosperity was "sound money", or gold and banks and landlords and other creditors would suffer from switching to a silver standard rather than a gold standard. However, the most vocal and best-organized supporters were the western states and territories where silver was mined. 

 

A Central Silver Club was organized in 1896 by the “enfranchised women” of Utah who pledged, “ourselves in an earnest, patriotic, non-partisan band, pledged to use all our rights, social  and political, all our privileges and influence to the restoration of both metals at the ratio of 16 to 1, with W. J. Bryan and A Sewell as our standard bearers.” 

 

In 1898 The Salt Lake Herald announced a meeting at “Hegney’s hall.” “Meeting At Hegney’s. Grand Central Club Will Capture the Albany. The grand Central Silver Club promises there will a hot time in the old town Tuesday night [November 1] when there will be rally at the Albany hotel at the corner of Fifth [Sixth] West and Second South, commencing at 8 o’clock.” 

 

“Short silver addresses will be made by Hon. B.T. Lloyd, D.C. Dunbar, Judge Hoge, and A.J. Hall, formerly of Kentucky, Miss Claire Ferguson will recite, and Professor Smith will render a solo on the concholette. The Silver Glee club and the drum corps will be there , and Olsen’s orchestra will furnish music.” The term concholette may have referred to a string instrument like a Ukulele.  

 

“After the meeting there will be a free dance. Mrs. George H Wood and Mrs. James Hegney are the ladies who will attend to the reception of other ladies. The marching club will assemble at the county headquarters on State Street at 7:30, where they will be provided with torches, and headed by the drum corps, will march to the hotel. Everyone is invited.”

 

Eliza Hegney had been mentioned earlier as sending food items to a young man serving overseas in Manila during the Spanish American War. On 13 October 1898 it was mentioned that “a fruit cake made by Mrs. Hegney of the Albany Hotel was part of Thanksgiving food shipment to the Colorado Volunteers in Manila The first box of goodies shipped from Salt Lake to Manila was by Ed Hannigan to his son John who is in the First Colorado volunteers.”

 

Illegal Alcohol Sales

The majority of Jim Hegney’s legal problems dealt with his Saloon selling liquor on Sundays and allowing “games of chance” to go on in his establishments.  By all accounts Hegney was a respected businessman but operating a saloon had its own issues. Utah’s Blue Laws prohibited intoxicating drinks from being served on Sunday, which regulation many saloon keepers skirted and paid fines rather than lose business among the working class that frequented  these establishments.

 

In August 1886, the first mention of Hegney of being charged with selling liquor on Sunday was recorded. However, in December 1886, he and his bartender, a man only identified as Jones, were more seriously charged with selling liquor on a Sunday.

In December 1886, James Hegney and a bartender referred only as “Jones” were arrested and “charged with selling liquor on Sunday”. James Hegney’s name was often spelled “Hegeney” in many of these accounts. The prominence of Jim Hegney as a business man made his arrest news worthy.

Hegney’s attorney A.G Sutherland moved to have the case dismissed at a preliminary hearing in 26 years old Judge George D. Pyper’s courtroom on December 30th, saying there was no evidence that alcohol was sold on a Sunday, because “the case had no positive facts” and “the complaint upon its face was not sufficient to authorize the issuing of a warrant as it was simply sworn to on information and belief.”  Sutherland concluded saying, “There was no law in the world that could touch a man who bona fidely gave away any drink whether intoxicating or otherwise.” The prosecutor argued against dismissal and the hearing continued the next on New Year Eve.

A newspaper reported, “On One Man’s Testimony. Hegeney and Jones are Held to Await the Grand Jury’s Action.  The case against Hegeney and Jones, charged with selling liquor on Sunday, came up before Judge Pyper, yesterday [31 December 1886] at 2 o’clock. When the arguments on the motion to dismiss were concluded, Judge Pyper promptly overruled the motion, and a demurer to the complaint entered fared singularly.

The prosecution had opened the hearing by the introduction of a “young fellow”, 18-year-old William Moore who was employed by the “D. & R. G. Railway Company and boarded at Hegeny’s Hotel.”

 Late Saturday on Christmas night, Moore and his 18 year old friend named George Tate while working in the rail yard decided to go together into Jim Hegney’s saloon in the early hours of Sunday. George Tate lived some distance away at 207 South First East Street [State Street].

As they were crossing the street, 43 years old Thomas Daniels, a night watchman and officer for the Denver & Rio Grande railroad, asked them where they were going as it was late at night.  They told Daniels they were going “across to the saloon” and the night watchman joined them.

When Moore saw his landlord and knowing of his generosity asked Hegney “for a Christmas present” and  Moore was told “to go and get what he wanted at the bar.” Moore took a cigar and Tate  helped himself to glass of soda-water.  Moore swore that he “did not drink any gin, brandy, rum, wine, whiskey or any kind of intoxicating liquor in that day at that place” when called as a witness.

Thomas Daniels however, said that he saw that Jones was “the barkeeper for Hegney when they entered the saloon on Sunday,” and asked for some rum.  In court  he testified “I got drunk on rum” but claimed he “paid for it on Monday morning. Besides the night watchman, Moore and Tate, there were besides Hegney and Jones, only two other young men in the saloon in the early hours of Sunday morning.

            On Monday morning a complaint was filed against Hegney and Jones for violating the Sunday prohibition of serving alcohol and the men were arrested. As that Thomas Daniels was the only one who admitted having been served alcohol either he or someone he told filed the complaint.

 

All the men who were in the saloon that Sunday were called by the assistant county Prosecutor named “Ferguson” as witnesses at the preliminary hearing in Judge Piper’s court.

 

When George Tate was called to testify, he said he was in the saloon as “We went there together”. He mentioned how “Daniels called to Moore and myself, and asked us where we were going. We told him we were going across to the saloon.” When asked by court prosecutor, “What did they go there for?” Tate replied, “We went to get a drink, what most people go there for.” When questioned further he stated, “I took soda water. I do not know what the others drank.” He added that the soda water “was not paid for” as it was a gift from Jim Hegney.

 

After Thomas Daniels admitted to having a hard drink, he said “I know rum is intoxicating, but I have never drank enough to get drunk on,” implying that drinking did not interfere with his duties as a night watch man.

 

The prosecution called an expert witness, Dr. Jeter Clinton, to acknowledge that a violation of the Sunday ordinance had occurred with Daniels ordering hard liquor. Dr. Clinton   stated, “I am a physician and rum is intoxicating.”

 

Another person, 19-year-old David S. Heitsman was called as a witness by the prosecutor. He evidently was not a friendly witness as it was reported when he “took the chair with a grin, his mild blue eyes sparked as he faced the fierce frown of Ferguson.” Heitsman stated, “I went into Hegney’s saloon with a young man. Hegeney let us in. We went in, braced up to the bar, and got a drink of ginger ale. I believe my partner took sarsaparilla; I did not drink anything intoxicating.”

 

Next his friend, a hack driver named Heber Christianson testified that he had gone to the saloon with Heitsman. Christianson claimed he was in Hegney’s saloon “last Sunday.” He said he went in with Heitsman and some others but said he didn’t  know who let us in” and that he only drank “sarsaparilla.”

 

After all the witnesses were dismissed a  “lengthy argument then ensured” between the counsels for the defense and the prosecution and at the conclusion, Judge George D Pyper decided that “there was sufficient cause to believe the defendants guilty as charge and he would hold both to await the action of the grand jury. Bonds were placed at $300. They were furnished and the defendants allowed to depart.”

 

Judge George D. Pyper had been elected as Justice of the Peace by the Mormon “People’s Party” which was inimical to the politics of the Liberal Party. Whether this affected Pypers decision to have Hegney’s case go before the Grand Jury is purely speculative. However it is clear that Judge Pyper was making an example out of Hegney he was a prominent businessman.

 

The Salt Lake Herald wrote of the hearing, “The holding of Hegeney and Jones to await the action of the Grand Jury, under the evidence brought out, had created quite a flurry in the ranks of the liquor dealers who sell or otherwise dispose of the ardent on the Sabbath day.”

 

Hegney’s arrest was voided in February 1887, when the Grand Jury informed the District Attorney of the Third District Court that they ignored the charges against Hegeney and Jones for selling liquor on Sunday and the case was dismissed. Evidently his arrest was without merit.

 

However, Officer Thomas Daniels’s testimony that he drank rum in Hegney’s Saloon must have made him unpopular among the friends of Jim Hegney as that in March 1887 he was threatened and even attacked.

 

According to information found in the Police Court section of the news it was reported, “In The Police Court. Thomas Daniels Again Battered- Some of His Assailants in Custody. There seems to be a regular conspiracy among the ‘Toughs’ who congregate around the D.&R.G. depot to do away with watchman Thomas Daniels. After Peter Newell, the ex-brakeman who battered Daniels on Sunday night [27 March 1887], was released on bail, he made several threats that he would kill the watchman, and an occurrence at a saloon opposite the depot last night [28 March 1887] indicates an attempt to put the threat into execution.”

 “It is well known that quite a number of the parties referred as being anxious to get rid of Daniels  witnessed the first assault upon him and encouraged his assailants. It is asserted that several brakemen on the road are also connected with the gang.”

The assault on Thomas Daniels occurred when he went into Hegney’s saloon as he “was on the lookout for some men” and “went into a saloon to see whether any of them were there.”

Inside the saloon James Hegney called Daniels into the billiard room and when he “went with Hegney” in the other room he was accosted by Robert McIntosh, an ex-brakeman. MacIntosh, known as “Mack,” wanted Daniels to take a drink with him but he refused. McIntosh feeling insulted, “attempted to drag him up to the bar” to make him take a drink and “a scuffle ensued.”  Hegeney immediately left the room, “that he might not be a witness.”

During the scuffle, both men fell on the floor with Daniels telling McIntosh that he would arrest him for his attack. “ The rough and tumble was not stopped by any of the lookers-on and no assistant was rendered Daniels to make the promise of arrest.

While the struggle continued outside into the street, “the crowd in the saloon went outside, and when Daniels freed himself” from McIntosh, he was “assaulted by another of the gang” a man named Thomas Armstrong.”  In the “melee Daniels was badly bruised by being kicked and beaten by both assailants.”

Eventually the police were called and “when they arrived a few minutes later, all of the crowd but McIntosh had left. He was arrested and lodged in jail on a charge of assault and battery.”

The next day three of McIntosh’s friends, Peter Newell, T.J. Martin, and Thomas Armstrong appeared at the city jail as witnesses in McIntosh’s his behalf. However, they were all “recognized as members of the gang which nearly used Daniels up.” Newell was arrested for threatening the watchman’s life and Armstrong was held for assault and battery.

“All of the charges will be examined before Judge Pyper, when it is probable that interesting developments will be made implicating still others in the attack on the watchman.”

Robert McIntosh was sentenced by Judge Pyper to a “term in the city jail  for battery of Thomas Daniels.” In April, a newspaper account mentioned that while white washing the ceiling of the jail, the ladder he was using broke and he tumbled 16 feet to the floor, “but while badly bruised no bones were broken.

As for Thomas Daniel continued to live in the 15^th Ward area and work as a night watch man until his death in 1913 at the age of 70. He died as the result of a locomotive engine crushing him in an accident while at work.

Two years later a brief mention in the Salt Lake Herald Republican from April 1889 mentioned that Jim Hegney was back in police court where he paid a $10 fine “for battery on F.F. Raymond.”  Raymond was the notorious proprietor of the Colorado Saloon which was located just south of Hegney’s saloon on Fifth [Sixth] West.

In July 1892 “James Hegney” was arrested again during a Sunday raid of Saloons opened on Sunday. “James Hegney pleaded guilty to a violation of the Sunday ordinance and was fined $15.” The arrest did not prevent him from a renewal of his liquor license in December. 

 

In 1902 Salt Lake City had a crackdown on drug stores selling liquor, prompted by the Liquor Dealers’ Protective Association. In  November, 21 warrants were served on various druggists and drug stores including the West Side Drug store owned by Jim Hegney.

 

“Possibly none of the druggists fared worse than James Hegney, who found himself bringing suit against himself, owing to the fact that he runs both a saloon and a drug store, and belongs to two trade organizations. He owns the West Side drug store and the Albany saloon near the Rio Grande depot.”

 

“ When the officer serving the warrant entered Mr. Hegney is said to have looked puzzled and is reported to be undecided whether to affiliate with the Liquor Dealers’ Protective or the Druggist’s Association. He is said to be still trying to discover which business pays the better. He will appear today to fight a suit which is in part brought by himself.”

 

Selling liquor on Sunday was problematic for all Saloons, especially those catering to travelers.  Hegney was in trouble again in August 1903, when the acting Chief of Police Joseph E. Burbridge sent “communications to the council committee on Police and Prison, recommending that the liquor license of the Albany Hotel and bar be revoked. James Hegney’s bartender, George Westfield had been fined $50 for “violation of the liquor ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcohol on Sunday”. Hegney appeared before the committee to show why his license should not be revoked and was able to retain his license.

 

“George Westfield, the bartender at the Albany saloon, was gaily handing out drinks to six or seven perishing natives Sunday afternoon [August 2] when the hand of the law fell heavily upon him. He was caught with the goods, so he pleaded guilty. In imposing a $50  fine, Judge Diehl announced that he had decided to raise the price of Sunday liquor selling and congratulated Westfield on avoiding the rush and getting in while the bargain sale was still on.”

 

Illegal Gambling

Gambling that went on within his Saloons, also was a headache for Jim Hegney. It may have been at this time that Jim Hegney obtained the complete management of the newly constructed Albany Hotel and Saloon, that he was charged with allowing illegal gambling to take place in his saloon according to court records from 1892.  He was charged with “conducting a game of chance”. He probably had allowed card games to be played in his saloon but whether he was ever convicted or paid a fine is not known.

 

On 25 January 1893, Jim Hegney was called to be appear in city police court, but he did not attend. Instead, he had was attorney plead not guilty for him. The newspaper account of the case stated that Hegney had been “indicted almost a year ago on the charge of conducting gambling houses.”

 

            A month later, 20 February 1893, Hegney appeared in Judge Charles Zane’s court to answer a charge of “conducting a game of chance.” No details of whether he found guilty or not was in the article. If guilty he would have paid a fine. It was doubtful he served any jail time having the means to pay a fine.

 

The charge, of conducting a “gambling house,” didn’t seem to hurt Hegney’s reputation any, as in that same year he was a member of a committee called “the Business Men’s Association”. The purpose of the association was to raise funds for a copper smelting plant in north Salt Lake. As the proprietor of the Rio Grande Hotel, he was said to have raised $75 from other Second South Street business owners for the cause.

 

In November 1893 a “renewal of retail liquor license for three months” was granted to “James Hegney Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West”.

 

According to 1893  City Directory James Hegney was the proprietor of the Rio Grande Hotel at 221 South Fifth [Sixth] West and a saloon at 578 West Second South. He was residing at 223 South Fifth [Sixth]West. His brother Patrick was boarding at 221 south as a laborer.

 

Illegal Barbering

One of the businesses operating in Hegney’s hotel was a barber shop which was essential in a mostly transient area of men.  However, Salt Lake City had an ordinance prohibiting barbers from working on Sunday which caused Jim Hegney trouble, first in 1888 and later in 1892, for allowing a barbershop to operate on Sunday on his premises.

 

He was arrested and charged with violation of the ordinance in 1888 which prompted a letter from a Salt Lake visitor to the Salt Lake Herald. 

 

“There seems to exist a very bad feeling between the union and non-union tonsorial [a fancy word that describes the work of those who give shaves and haircuts] artists of this city. However, the former resorted to a very paltry trick in having Mr. James Hegney arrested this afternoon [28 August 1888] for a violation of rules and more especially for not raising his prices 40 per cent in advance of the old prices. The closing of barber shops on Sunday is a very great detriment to our citizens and more so to the traveling public and railroad men. There is not a city in the union where there is such a restriction of closing barber shops before 12 o’clock on Sunday, and it is quite a surprise to our many tourists to find they are deprived of those necessaries . I hope to see on my next visit a change and that the City Council will revoke the present ordinance for the benefit of its many visitors. Very respectfully Visitor.”

 

Four years later in April 1892, the question of allowing barber shops to be open on Sunday was discussed in the Salt Lake City council. Jim Hegney and others asked the  council to rescind the ordinance prohibiting barbers working on Sunday. A newspaper noted that “no reconsideration” was given and the request “was laid on the table indefinitely.” The barber union argued that  “The barbers are determined to make a most earnest fight against being forced to work on Sunday and feel encouraged over the action of the council.” 

 

The following July 1892 police raids for “violation of the Sunday ordinance” against Barbershops included James Hegney’s place of business. He pleaded guilty and was fined $15.

 

Interestingly, a test case of one of Salt Lake City’s peculiar “blue laws,” that prohibited business activities on Sunday, involved an 18-year-old barber named Henry Wadsworth Sopher. 

 

On Sunday 16 June 1901 J.H. Bothwell, a member of the local Barbers Union, “entered the shop of Henry Sopher which was run in connection with the Albany Hotel and secured a haircut and a shave.” He paid 25 cents for the shave and then the “next day he had the proprietor arrested for violating the law.” Bothwell was upset that Sopher, a nonunion barber, was barbering on Sunday when others were not allowed to practice their profession on that day.

 

In the city court, Sopher was fined “$15 and court costs”, however “he appealed the case to the district court which sustained the lower one”. Sopher’s attorney R.B. Shepard argued that the law was unconstitutional as those other businesses were allowed to remain open on Sunday and contended that shaving on Sunday is often a necessity and should not be interfered with. 

 

The case made it all the way to the Utah Supreme Court which ruled on the validity of the law. “The opinion upholding the law was written by District Judge Hart who sat upon the Supreme Court bench at the time the case was argued. His deductions and findings were concurred in, by Chief Justice Baskin.”

 

 On 5 February 1903, the Salt Lake Herald Republican reported, “No Sunday Shaving-The Supreme Court yesterday declared valid the law making it unlawful for barber shops to be open Sunday for the purpose of transacting business. The case which was a test one was brought in the city court almost two years ago by J.H. Bothwell, a member of the local Barbers Union.” 

 

The Albany Hotel and Saloon

The Albany Hotel, built on the northwest corner of Lot Five, Block 63, Plat A, was at the intersection of Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West. It began construction in 1890. The Albany Hotel, as described on the 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance map, was built just three feet north of Hegney’s old hostelry at 521 South Fifth [Sixth] West. It was the largest business complex on Second South according to the 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map on City Block 63 which included the addresses of 599 West, 597 West, and 595 West, along with several business addresses along Fifth [Sixth] adjacent and across from the Denver & Rio Grande Depot. After the death of James Hegney, the three addresses were designated as 579 West, 577 West, and 575 West by 1908. 

 

It was announced in November 1889 that the Rio Grande Hotel was to be “removed and a commodious brick erected in its stead early in the spring.”  However, it wasn’t until August 1890 that the “Carroll and Kern” architectural firm “closed a contract with Mr. Brown of Ogden for erecting the Daly, Burk and Kullak building” on Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West. The building was to be a two-story building, 165 feet by 50 feet. “The contract price is $18,000. It will contain a large lodging house and nine stores.”  

 

During the initial construction, in September 1890, an eight-inch wide, two-story brick wall “recently built as the south wall of the Kullak and Daly building, corner of Second south and Fifth [Sixth] West streets, fell over Friday night onto the Hegney’s Rio Grande Hotel.” Only three feet had separated the two structures, so it came crashing down on the Rio Grande.

 

“It smashed in the roof and descended on the bed of one of the hired girls like a Kansas cyclone. Fortunately, she tumbled over onto the floor where the full weight of the timbers came onto the bed and escaped uninjured except for her wits. Mr. Hegney says that had the other girls been in bed they would have been killed. Mr. Hegney thinks the building Inspector ought to look over many of the buildings now going up, as they bear watching.”

 

The loss to the Rio Grande amounted to about $3,200, with Kullak, Burke, and Daly “footing the bills.” The accident must have caused the builders to reconsider the design as the 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance map showed that Albany was a wooden structure, with only the south wall that had fallen built with brick.

 

The Salt Lake Herald carried an article dated 6 February 1891 about the newly constructed complex on the northwest corner of Block 63. “The building erected by John J. Daly, William Burke, and L.F. Kullak on the corner of Second South and Fifth East [actually West], and known as the Albany, is the center of a trading quarter, being the scene of nine stores, in which a person can buy anything from a sheet of paper to a barrel of whiskey and a coffin. There is a drug, furniture, grocery, clothing, jewelry, and stationary store and two wholesale liquor stores in the one building. Quite an emporium.”

 

The Albany Hotel was named most likely, after the premier Albany Hotel located in Denver which had an excellent national reputation for accommodations for travelers. 

 

An advertisement for the Albany Hotel located at 597 West Second South was placed in the City Directory under the category of “Lodging House.”  It read “Open day and Night; Everything New and Neat. Albany Hotel-Opposite Rio Grande Western Depot. Rates $1.00 to $1.25 per day. Special rates by the week; Meals 25 cents. Cor. Fifth [Sixth] West and Second South Streets Salt Lake City. Henry Bridgeford, Manager.” 

 

The Albany Hotel would have been under construction during 1890 as that the hotel was operational by April 1891. The Salt Lake Herald Republican featured a newspaper story dated 11 April 1891, called “A Pretty Crook,” regarding a woman who had stayed at the hotel.” 

           

“The woman and her male accomplice were said to have been registered at the Albany Hotel as “A.W. Murray and wife in the western part of the city.” Her alleged “husband” evidently had stolen money from the Rio Grande lumber yard, located at 336 West Second South.”

           

“the newspaper account continued stating, “The woman who gives her name as Hannah Moore waited at the hotel for some time and then started out with a lot of valises. She went out towards Fishers Brewery and about dusk, Murray called for her with a buggy. They then started for the Rio Grande Western depot and were met at that place by Officer Tommy Daniels who was waiting for them."

 

            "Daniels seized the horse by the bits when Murray hit him a welt over the head with the whip, jumped out the buggy and disappeared. The woman was taken to the police station and in the valises was found a lot of chisels, skeleton keys, and other burglar’s tool. Murray was evidently a professional crook, and every effort was being made to capture him.”

 

The 1892 city directory listed Henry Bridgeford as managing the restaurant of the Albany hotel where he was residing at the corner of Fifth [Sixth] West and Second South.  The 1893 city directory however listed Bridgeford as a ‘laborer’ boarding at 595 West Second South 

 

The 1892 and 1893 City Directories listed Jesse P Osborne as the manager of the Albany Hotel at 597 West Second South. . A newspaper account from May 1892 mentioned that “Matt Murphy, a railroad man who roomed at the Albany Hotel, was “arrested last night for stealing a horse and buggy belonging to William White of the Z.C.M.I. It was a drunken freak, and in consequence a bold one. The outfit was hitched to a post in front of Wonderland while White and his family was visiting and without hesitation Murphy cut the rope with a knife, jumped into the buggy, and drove to the Albany House where he left it.”

 

Another article from September 1892 mentioned a burglary at the hotel. “The Albany Hotel at the corner of Fifth [Sixth] West and Second South Street was broken into by burglars at an early hour this morning. The different apartments were thoroughly ransacked by the thieves who pried open the combination money till and secured $40 in cash after which they took their departure unobserved.”  

 

“A gentleman who resides in that part of the city said that citizens in that district were completely at the mercy of crooks. He thought something should be done to give them protection at once.” 

 

In October 1892, a notice of “John F Craig vs. W.S. Patrick” was placed in regard to the “dissolution of partnership and accounting of the business connected with the management and lease of the Albany hotel and asking for a receiver.” According to 1893 City Directory John F Craig was the proprietor of the Albany Hotel. However probably in that year Jim Hegney acquired the larger more accommodating hostelry adjacent to his Rio Grande Hotel.

 

In August 1893, it seemed that someone had deliberately attempted to burn the Albany Hotel down. Small fires were set in the kitchen and an upstairs storeroom but were quickly discovered in time to be put out without much damage. An article said there was only about $10 worth of damage and that the building and furnishings were well insured.

 

Articles in both the Salt Lake Herald and the Salt Lake Tribune featured reports regarding the fire set at the hotel. However, The Tribune contained more details about the fire in an August 19 article: “A Base Attempt. “A firebug made a dastardly attempt last night at 10:30 o’clock to destroy the Albany Hotel building on Fifth [Sixth] West] between Second and Third South. It was first in the restaurant on the ground floor then in a storeroom in the second story. Both blazes were extinguished with buckets of water by the people about the house."

 

"Before the fire was discovered, a man was seen to rush hurried down by the rear stairway from the second story, and a roomer, who followed him, discovered the blaze in a rear room of the restaurant."

 

"The loss will not exceed $10. Burke & Daley owned building that was valued at $13,000. The lodging house furniture owned by Henry Lyne was insured for $1000 and the restaurant owned by Mrs. Van Gilder for $325."

 

Jim Hegney purchased the northwest corner of Lot Five in block 63 consisting of 10 rods [165 feet] along Fifth [Sixth] South and 12 rods [198 feet] along Second South and in September 1893 he took out a mortgage from the “Salt Lake Real Estate NS Investment Company” for $27,000 to buy the Albany Hotel.

 

A September 1893 an article reported that “James Hegney is evidently not afraid to put money into real estate in this city. A deed was put on record at the County Recorder’s office yesterday from the Salt Lake Real Estate and Investment Company and John J Daly to James Hegney for $27,000.”  

 

The 1894 City Directory listed James Hegney now as the proprietor of the Albany Hotel at 595 West. The directory stated that John F Craig had moved to Walla, Walla Washington. The Rio Grande Hotel was not listed in the directory at all in the directory as a hotel. 

 

The Murder of Hegney’s Friend John Egan

In 1897 newspaper articles interviewed Jim Hegney regarding the murder of John Egan as they were well acquainted. “John Egan, a well-known former proprietor of the White House bar, was found dead in the alley at the rear of the Senate Saloon at 262 South Main  about 4 o’clock yesterday morning [July 11]. That he was murdered, the officers who spent yesterday at work on the case asserted positiveness, and they believe with equal certainty that the tragedy was enacted in a little wine room at the back of the Saloon. 

 

 “There was probably no one in Utah who knew John Egan any better than did James Hegney, who keeps the Albany Hotel, near the Rio Grande Western depot. Egan made Hegney’s place his headquarters while in town, and had a room there up to the time, he was killed. Mr. Hegney spoke yesterday [July 11] in glowing terms of his friend’s good qualities and shuttered as he thought of his awful death.”

 

“Why, it was only Friday night [July 9], he said, that he came to me, his face beaming with smiles, and told me that Mr. Bancroft had secured a place for him on the Short Line at Pocatello. He didn’t say what kind of a job it was but seemed to be tickled at the prospect of getting work.”

 

“He had been at the house this last time about a month and was at Pleasant Valley Junction before that. Saturday morning between 9 and 10 o’clock he came downstairs from his room, walked into the bar, and took a drink from the bartender. At this time, he stated that he was expecting money from Nephi. I think that he and old man Flood had some young cattle there which they sold. Egan’s mentioned his money matters  to me several times and seemed to want to remind me that his intentions were all right so far as paying me was concerned. Whether he received this money or not, I don’t know, for after getting his breakfast, he went out and I never saw him again.”

 

“He had a very valuable watch and chain which were presented to him some time again, but I don’t think he wore them. He had a cheaper watch and chain which he usually wore. If he was wearing this watch last night and did not have it this morning, then he was robbed, for I don’t think he would have pawned it. His effects are in a valise in his room and have not been touched yet.” 

 

“He had domestic troubles, continued Mr. Hegney, I do not know exactly when he was married. His wife was a niece of James Hammill, an ex-roadmaster of the Rio Grande Western. They have two boys, 6 and 8 years of age. They have had considerable trouble of one kind or another . About two years ago, his wife ran away with a fellow named Ed Tracey, better known as ‘Blackie.’ He was a tinhorn gambler, but Mrs. Egan seemed to be infatuated with him. They went to Texas, but after they were there some time Egan found out their whereabouts and went after her. She returned with him, when she suddenly left him again and they have been separated ever since. Egan hated ‘Blackie’ intensely. He told me recently that he saw him in Mercur about a month ago. There is one strange thing about this matter. His wife probably knew he was going to get some money and wanted a division of it.” 

 

The West Side Drugstore

Jim Hegney built a business complex on the northeast portion of his property on Lot 5 fronting Second South containing four addresses. All were wooden one-story businesses except the 559 West address which was an attached wooden two-story building. The complex was about 90 feet long, fronting Second South and 26 feet deep and built probably in 1894. A notice of the “dissolution of partnership” between James Hegney and S. H. Willard “in the business known as the West Side Drug Co.” was published in January 1895. 

 

The Westside Drug store attracted to individuals, Dr. William McCoy who had a practice upstairs and operated a drug store on the main floor with a clerk named Frank Collins. In late February and March, a scandal involving Dr. McCoy had Jim Hegney placing in July 1896, a wanted advertisement.

 

 “Druggist at West Side Drug Store 557 West Second So. Must be a single man.” It was placed in local papers by Jim Hegney after the scandal at his drug store involving Dr. William McCoy and a young girl who died from the effects of an abortion. 

 

Lawsuit Hegney vs. the State Insurance Board

At the end of the 19thCentury Jim Hegney was next found suing the State Insurance Board because five different insurance company denied him property insurance; even after he had paid one, but the policy was later rescinded. He complained that his property, being on the west side of town, was being discriminated against.

 

The Salt Lake Herald reported on 17 April 1898 in a feature titled “May Sue the Board James Hegney was denied property insurance,” that one of the reasons Hegney was denied insurance was probably due to the high crime rate that occurred in the Rio Grande Depot proximity. Certainly, the demographics of the area were changing, and the city provided little police oversight.

 

Mining Interests

As well as his many real estate holdings, Jim Hegney must have had some mining interests also,  according to an 1898 article, “Prospecting the Hercules. Arrangement with the Ajax having been made whereby the owners of the Hercules will be allowed to further prospect the later ground through the former’s workings. Mr. Hegney , who was in the city yesterday [February22] , will begin preparations  at once for the commencing of the work.

 

 

The Twentieth Century Begins

At the turn of the Century, Jim Hegney was enumerated on 7 June 1900 in District 25 of the Second Precinct of Salt Lake City. His residence was given as 595 West Second South in Salt Lake City. He stated he was born in April 1845 in Ohio to Irish parents. His wife Eliza [nee’ Grundy] was born November 1856 in Utah to English parents. His occupation was given as Hotel Keeper. In his household were listed 5 daughters and two sons.

 

The other residents of the Albany Hotel were also enumerated in the 1900 United States Census. Jim Hegney employed two Swedish women in their mid-twenties, as “hotel servants,” a fifty-year-old Scotsman as his hotel clerk, a thirty-nine-year-old Irish American as a bartender, and two Chinese men in their forties as hotel cooks.

 

Forty men roomed at the hotel; all but five were single men, ranging in age from twenty-three years to sixty-three old. Thirteen of the men were in their twenties, eight were in their thirties, ten were over forty years old, seven were in their fifties, and two were over sixty years old. 

 

Valentine Clays Miner

Hegney was mentioned in 1901 in an article about the disappearance of a man named Valentine Clays, “who left the city about three weeks ago [December 1] and who has not been heard from since.”

 

 “James Hegney, an old school chum of Mr. Clays said yesterday [December 20] that he saw him on the morning when he is supposed to have left for Alta. It was between 9 and 10 o’clock and Mr. Hegney says Clays had stated to him that he would go that day as far as Brown’s ranch at the mouth of Cottonwood, where he keeps his horses pastured, and would ride to Alta the next morning.”

 

“Since that time Mr. Hegney has not heard from Clays but supposed he was at the mine, and still believes that he is there. He further states that if Clays has not reached the mine that George Ristine who’s working there, would have come to the city long before this time as he was about to come when Clays left not wishing to remain at the mine alone.” 

 

“He also said that he heard a great many slides had occurred in the neighborhood of the mine. He believes Clays and Ristine are not even attempting to go to Alta for their mail on this account.”  Clays returned to the city on Christmas eve and confirmed what Hegney had speculated.

 

A Rise of Crime in the Rio Grande Neighborhood

Police reports showed that by 1892 that the area of Fifth [Sixth] West was noted for robberies and assaults, perhaps due to the number of Saloons on the street.

 

In September 1892 Dave Hirschler a liquor merchant must have been operating the Saloon in the Albany Hotel as an article stated “Hirschler’s till at the Albany saloon was relieved of $40 yesterday morning [September 21]

 

 In October 1892 at the Rio Grande Hotel, “Young Sullivan a character who has been under police surveillance for some months was placed in the city jail last night [October 20] on a charge of fighting. He made a brutal attack on John Draw, an aged laborer, near the Rio Grande Hotel and was arrested by Officer Milner. Sullivan is a would-be pugilist and though, but 17 years of age is the leading spirit in a gang who have bothered the police near the Rio Grande dept for more than a year. Draw was arrested also for fighting and getting drunk.”

 

“A man giving the name of William Jones was arrested last evening [13 November 1893] on the charge of malicious mischief. It is alleged that he willfully ran his umbrella through a window in Jim Hegney’s saloon doing damage to the extent of $7. He will have a hearing before Justice Gee today.” In July 1894, the fight between Neil Love and a traveling salesman who stabbed Love made headlines in newspapers. 

 

Shortly after Christmas 1895 “G. T. Boyd, who threw a rock through the window of Hegney’s saloon was sentenced to ten days or $10.” “The usual number of holiday scraps occurred yesterday [December 25] and the usual number of holiday drunks were arrested. G.T. Boyd was in the toils for engaging in a few fistic rounds with a drunken reveler and for mischievous behavior in a general way.”

 

1898 Early this morning [June 2] three masked men entered Hegney’s saloon, near the Rio Grande Western depot, and held up the bartender. Two of the men entered the saloon while one of them remained outside to guard. The two who entered pointed guns at the bartender and made him hold up his hands. One of them went behind the bar and rifled the cash register and drawers, secured about $140 in cash. 

 

They then backed out of the saloon and disappeared into the darkness. The police were immediately notified, and the officers were soon on the scene, but no trace of the men could be-found. The hold-up was a daring one and showed that the men knew their business.” 

 

Another comment about the robbery stated, “The vicinity is a favorable one for such a deed, as the railroad yards are just at hand.”

 

A day later the Salt Lake Tribune receipt a letter alleged from Butch Cassidy stating that he and his gang had committed the robbery. 

 

Cyrus Lyman “Lineman”

In July 1900 there was this report of a man was found knocked unconscious in front of the Albany Hotel. “Was Knocked Unconscious Brass Knuckle Blow Given a Man in Front of the Albany Hotel- An unknown man was knocked unconscious in a fracas in front of the Albany Hotel on Fifth  [Sixth] West and Second South.”

 

In September 1900, “a telegraph lineman, lodging at the Albany Hotel, was  beaten and robbed of $25 on rowdy Commercial Street about a mile and a half from where he lived.  He was found unconscious by his friends who took him back to his room at the Albany Hotel. The police didn’t believe he was beaten so severely simply for a robbery.”  

 

 “UNCONSCIOUS ON STREET MAN FOUND WITH HEAD CUT IN SEVERAL PLACES-Unhappy Experience of Cyrus Lyman Lineman on Commercial Street- Last Night [September 24]Lying unconscious with an ugly welt over his right eye, Cyrus Lyman a telegraph lineman was picked up on Commercial Street by friends last night. He was conveyed to his room at the Albany Hotel regaining consciousness enroute.”

 

“Dr. Fisher was called in and upon examining the injured man, he found him suffering with several small cuts about the head besides the bruise over his eye. Lyman who had been drinking could not give clear or a connected account of how he came by his wounds.”

 

“Office Fitzmaurice was summoned, and the lineman informed him that he had been knocked down and robbed of all his money, $25.75 in cash. He could give no description of his assailants nor any of the details connected with the assault. It was evident that he had been severely beaten but the police consider it doubtful that such an assault would be made for the purpose of robbery.”

 

Lack of Patrol Men

In a 22 January 1903 Salt Lake Tribune article called “Burglary on West”, the paper reported on a break-in at Hegney’s hotel and drug store. Hegney was quoted in the account of complaining of the lack patrolmen after midnight on the west side of Salt Lake City.

 

“James Hegney, owner of the Albany Hotel and the West Side Drug Store, had a visitation from thieves early yesterday morning. The rear of the hotel and one of the drug store windows were entered by the looters who secured about $140 worth of good.'"

 

"Nothing was known of the matter until Mr. Hegney made the discovery late last night that about $40 worth of articles from the store were missing. Then he made a search and learned that the window glass in the side of the building had been cut away. No disturbance was made by the burglars in their operations."

 

"Mr. Hegney says that from the rear of the hotel he missed three bundles of goods. In one of them being a very valuable gun that he prized highly. Many carpenter tools from the same place were stolen. All the articles aggregating about $100 which together with the stuff taken from the drug store brings his loss up to about $140."

 

"Mr. Hegney speaks very bitterly of the lack of police protection in the neighborhood of the Rio Grande Western depot. 'It’s an outrage,' he said, 'that we can’t have an officer out here at night, just as other portions of the city have. It was always dangerous for residents in this part of the city. Robberies occur very frequently in this quarter and holdups are even more frequent. I think it was about time we were given a little more protection from thieves.”

 

Another robbery occurred in 1904. “Daring Robber Foiled. Attempted to Enter Room of Drunken Man and Steal $60 From him. An attempt was made to rob the Albany rooming house on Fifth [Sixth] West and Second South streets yesterday morning [11 February 1904] about 4 o’clock. The bartender in the Albany saloon came out through the rear of the building just as the man was raising the window.’

 

 The burglar jumped off the ladder and ran through the block in the rear of the boarding house. The police were notified. They could not find the would-be burglar. The window through which he attempted to make his entrance led to a room occupied by a drunken man. The officers tried to awaken, but could not, so the door had to be pried open. The man was finally aroused from his drunken slumbers but knew nothing of what happened. His room was searched and $60 found under his pillow. The police believe the burglar knew the man was in a drunken  condition and thought he could easily get the money.”

 

A few days later on 14 February 1904 an article mentioned another theft at the hotel “Porter Robs Jap- Charles Harris, a porter employed until yesterday [Feb 13] morning in the Albany hotel, on west Second South Street, is believed to be in alliance with the Russians.” This comment referred to the Japanese and Russian War.

 

“  James Hegney, proprietor of the hotel, reported to the police this morning that Harris absconded with a $20 gold coin, the property of a Japanese dishwasher, also employed at the hotel. The subject of the Mikado reported to Mr. Hegney that he had given Harris the coin to have it changed. Harris , he said changed the coin from the pocket of the Japanese to his own and kept the change.”

 

O.J. Long’s Suicide

O J Long a foreman employed by the Western Union Telegraph who had been staying at the Albany Hotel committed suicide in May 1904 after losing $400 money by gambling which he had embezzled from his company.

 

When asked about his knowledge O J Long, James Hegney said he “remembered a significant conversation which he held with Long two weeks ago. Mr. Hegney asked Long concerning a lineman who they had both known years before. Long replied; ‘Oh, he embezzled some money from the company and then went down to Texas and drowned himself in a river. That is just what I would do if I were in his place.

 

A Midnight Robbery

Shortly after opening at Midnight on a Monday after the Sunday closing, the Albany Saloon was robbed in July 1904. “Masked Robbers Hold Up Saloon. Waited for Place to Open and Then Entered the Albany and Stole $23. Three masked men with formidable guns entered the Albany saloon at 12:15 yesterday and succeed in holding up the place to the tune of $23 And a gold watch worth $40.”

 

“O.B. Cooper, the bartender, had just opened up and was counting the money in the till. Jim Welsh was standing at the end of the bar when three men entered. He tried to make a break for the door leading to the hotel, which is over the saloon, when the smallest of the three robbers got the drop on him. He was then pulled into the center of the room and searched. Only $9 belonging to the proprietor, James Hegney, was taken. The rest belonged to Mr. Cooper, as well as the gold watch and chain. The other man lost some small change.”

 

“The robbers did not attempt to be rough although at one time both the victims feared they would suffer violence. The men differed in height, the tallest being about six feet. All were masked.”

 

“ During the time these were inside, it seems that a fourth man was watching the outside, as one of the night watchmen for the Rio Grande railroad declared that about the time, he saw a man standing outside the saloon. Sometime previous he had seen four men sitting together in the vicinity of the depot.”

 

“From the fact that the guns carried were small, it would seem that the men were novices at the game. ‘But you bet they didn’t look very small as the time,’ says Jim Welsh. They tried to get a ring from Mr. Cooper’s finger but could not get it off.”

 

“As soon as the hold-ups had gone the bartender woke the proprietor who fired his gun to attract the attention of the night watchman for the railroad. Soon after the patrol wagon came down from the police station, and Sergeant Eddington made an investigation, but no trace of the robbers could be found.”

 

A less detailed account of the robber wrote, “Saloon Hold Up. Masked Men Enter the Albany , Securing Money, and a Gold Watch. The Albany Saloon near the Rio Grande Depot was held up last midnight [18 July 1904] by three masked men, who made their escape after securing $23 and a gold watch valued at $40.”

 

“The bartender O.B. Cooper had just opened the doors and was counting the cash when the three bandits entered, leveling guns at the bartender and got a bead on the only other man in the house, Jim Welsh. They were both stood up in the corner and searched, while the third member of the gang scraped the till. The proprietor, James Hegney lost only the $9 cash on hand. The watch and remainder of the money belonged to Cooper, except some small change which Welsh had.”

 

“The robbers were not rough, probably because they encountered no resistance. It is supposed that a fourth member stood outside and watched.”

 

“After the men disappeared Cooper called the proprietor and the police patrol rushed to the scene nut without effect.” 

 

A later article from a few days later stated that the police arrested a man named Orson Fitzgerald on suspicion of being connected with the robbery but a few days later he turned out to be “a very harmless sheepherder, who suffered through unfortunate associations.”

 

Suicide of Harry J. Joshlyn

“ An unknown man attempted to commit suicide early Tuesday morning [29 November 1904] and at noon was hovering between life and death.”

 

“The man who looks like a laborer, walked into James’ Hegney’s saloon at 597 West Second South Tuesday morning, about 8:30 o’clock and without saying a word to anyone, seated himself in a  chair in the barroom. He had no sooner seated himself than he fell to the floor unconscious. Efforts were made by the bartender to arouse him, and when these failed the police were called.”

 

“Sgt Roberts and Patrolman Lincoln went to the saloon in the wagon and found the man lying on the floor in a stupor. He was loaded into the wagon and taken to the city jail, where Dr. C.F Wilcox and C.M Benedict did all in their power to save him.”

 

“The man had taken a large quantity of opium, and Dr. Wilcox said that the chances were against his recovery.”

 

“He has the appearance of a Finn. Is about five feet  ten inches tall and weighs about 180 pounds. He is smooth shaven and was wearing a black coat, army trousers, with overalls drawn over them, and a white army shirt.” 

 

“There was nothing in his pockets by which he could be identified except two requisitions, or bills for goods, both bearing the words ‘Josh-Keyting & Anderson 130 North First West.” 

 

The man was eventually identified as a deserter from the United States Army named Harry J. Joshlyn,  “who  had “recently enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Duchesne” where “he remained in the service only a few days as that he had trouble with an officer and if he was caught having deserted, he would get a term of ten years in the penitentiary.” 

 

“ Fearing that he would be captured, and court martial for insubordination to an officer, Harry J. Joslyn, committed suicide yesterday in James Hegney’s saloon, 597 West Second South Street, by taking a large dose of morphine. The seriousness of his crime is not known nor what regiment he belonged , although it is understood he was a member of one of the companied of the Twenty-ninth infantry stationed at Fort Douglas.”

 

“While he has been in Salt Lake he has lived in concealment. Several time since he came to the American House [49-51 East Second South]  about three weeks ago he has left the city for a day or so. Day before yesterday [November 29] while talking to W.F. Beecher, the proprietor of the American house, he said he had been located and unless he could get out of town he would be caught and imprisoned for ten years. He intimated to Beecher that he intended to leave town yesterday and that he would kill himself rather than be captured.”

 

At the morgue Sergeant Gelden of the Twenty-ninth infantry from Fort Douglas could not identify him.”

 

“Last night it was learned that Joshlyn was a deserter from Fort Duchesne, but no definite information could be obtained. Beecher knew very little about him as he refused to register when he first came there, but afterwards gave his name and said he was born and reared in Grand Meadows, Minnesota.

 

Joshlyn was at the Rio Grande Western passenger station about 5 o’clock yesterday morning and a half hour later he walked into Hegney’s saloon a block away. He asked for a drink of whiskey, complaining he was sick. The whiskey was refused him, and he staggered to a chair in the rear of the place. A moment later he fell onto the floor in a stupor and the bartender was unable to arouse him.”

 

Sergeant [John J.] Roberts and Officer [Frank G.] Lincoln were called, and Joshlyn was taken to the emergency hospital at the city jail. Drs. C. F. Wilcox and C.M. Benedict were  summoned to attend him, but they were unable to revive him in the least, and after lingering in a stupor until 2 o’clock in the afternoon he died.”

 

“It was fully an hour after he had taken the drug before medical assistance was given him and he was in a precarious condition.” 

 

“Nothing was found on his person that would disclose his identity and it was not until late last night that Beecher identified him as the man who roomed there and gave his name as Joshlyn. He wore a pair of soldier’s trousers under his overalls and he also had a suit if government underclothes on. The  only thing that was found on him was a miner’s candle stick and a piece of paper which was a receipt for a load of lumber that had been delivered to Keyting & Anderson last April at 130 North First West Street.”

 

“The authorities will probably turn his body over to the government officials.”

 

W. B. Randall’s January 1905 Robbery

The next year later in January 1905, two masked men held up the Albany saloon only absconding with $4 of $5 from the cash register. George Blundell, who was the bartender said that he and three other men in the saloon were lined up against the wall and searched “but they had very little money.”  The robbers were said to have been “slender and well dressed.”  

 

The Albany bartender George Blundell quit that job and became a travel agent in 1906 and the 1907 City Directory stated that Blundell had moved off to Boise, Idaho.

 

The County Attorney Christensen on January 25 issued a warrant for the arrest of W.B. Randall, “charging him with perpetrating a holdup in the Albany saloon at an early hour in the morning Jan. 10. It is said that one of the men robbed will identify Randall as the man who committed the robbery.” 

 

“Alleged Robber Under Arrest. What the Police department considered a good capture was made by Sergt. Dick Eddington and Patrolman Jim Williams Tuesday night [Jan 24], when W. B. Randall was taken into custody.”

 

“Randall had been under suspicion for several days, and the police concluded Tuesday night that they had evidence enough in hand to justify his arrest.”

 

“No charge has been preferred against Randall on the Police Court docket, but it is said that he has been positively identified as one of the men who entered James Hegney’s saloon about a week ago and after forcing eight or nine patrons of the place against the wall robbed the men and the till of the saloon.”

 

“A complaint will probably be filed against Randall Wednesday afternoon charging him with robbery.”

 

Randall was a ‘booster, employed at the Green Light gambling house on Commercial Street” when arrested. He was eventually released in March 1905 and the case dismissed because there was not enough evidence to convict him. 

 

An Italian Vendetta

In March 1906 “An old vendetta broke out again last week in Salt Lake City when Michael Angelmo, an Italian, was stabbed probably fatally with a dirk knife in the hands of George D Giovanni, another Italian, who lived in the rear of Angelmo’s house at 568 South Fifth [Sixth] West.”

 

 “Angelmo and Giovanni met yesterday [March 20] in Hegney’s saloon, according to statements made by several Italians.” Where Giovanni accused Angelmo’s wife of stealing wood from him, “the men then went into the street where they continued their wordy battle. Words soon led to blows and in the trouble that Followed Giovanni is alleged to have drawn a stiletto and stabbed Angelo in the abdomen. The stabbing took place in front of James’s Hegney’s saloon.”

 

Stabbing of George Salmon  by James Gillespie

Another stabbing occurred in November 1906 at the Albany saloon without as much news coverage as the Italians had in March. A young man named George Salmon was stabbed in a saloon brawl in Salt Lake City by James Gillespie. Both were railroad workers and were intoxicated at the time of the stabbing which “resulted from an argument over some trivial matter.” 

 

“In a row at Hegney’s saloon near the Rio Grande depot, shortly after 11 o’clock today [November 12] James Gillespie, a young man about 22 years of age drew a knife and stabbed his opponent, George Salmon, a few inches below the heart. The wound inflicted bled profusely and gave the bystanders the impression that the man was fatally injured. He was taken to St. Mark’s hospital, where the wounds were dressed and found not to be so dangerous as at first feared. Shortly after being cared for, Salmon was permitted to leave the hospital.”

 

“During the excitement cause by the stabbing,” Gillespie made his escape. “Officer [George] Harris was soon upon the scene and was told that the man wanted had gone south from the saloon. Harris went to the only rooming house he could find locally but could get no answer to his rings for admittance. He finally entered the house uninvited and began a search. In a back room lying upon a bed and apparently fast asleep Gillespie was found and it required vicious shakes on the part of the officer to awake the man. He feigned innocence of wrongdoing  as he feigned to be asleep, but Harris knew that he had the right party, and it was not long before Gillespie was occupying a cell in the city jail.” 

 

“In the event of Salmon’s recovery, which seems quite probable, a charge of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to do bodily harm will be preferred against his assailant, but in case the wounded man dies, the charge will be murder.”

 

“A spirit of carelessness was manifested on the part of the officers at police headquarters. They didn’t not know the name of the wounded man, were conflicting in statements as to what hospital he had been taken to and knew absolutely nothing of the cause of the trouble, and this too, an hour and a half after the stabbing took place.” 

 

“On the motion o Assistant County Attorney Job Lyon, the charge of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to do bodily harm against G. Gillespie was reduced to assault and battery before Judge Diehl this morning [November 15].”

 

Gillespie entered a plea of guilty to the charge and was sentenced to pay a fine of $50 or spend a like number of days in the city jail. In the original complaint Gillespie was charged with having made an assault with a pocketknife on George Salmon in the Hegney Saloon on the morning of November 13. The knife entered the left breast of Salmon just above the heart. The wound proved to be not serious, and it is understood that Salon refused to prosecute.” 

 

Patrick Hegney

A man named Patrick Hegney [1856-1915] also resided at the Rio Grande Hotel at the same time as Joe Hegney. He was listed as a laborer. Patrick Hegney does not appear to be a brother of Jim or Joe, but he also lived in Salt Lake at least by 1890 and at the Rio Grande from 1892 to 1893 according to city directories. "Hegney, Patrick, laborer, boards 221 South 5th West." 

 

Pat Hegney testified in court that he was born in Ireland and most likely he was a cousin to Jim Hegney.  In December 1890 Patrick Hegney appeared in the Salt Lake Police Court on a charge of drunkenness and was sentenced to ten days at hard labor.

 

Patrick Hegney was in the newspapers again in February 1892 when the Salt Lake Tribune was sued by an election official named Arthur Brown after publishing Patrick Hegney’s complaint had that Brown had prevented him “a legal voter, from voting.” 

 

Pat Hegney reported that Brown  had  made “Unlawful and Improper Means, menaces, and threats to drive”  him “out and away from Salt Luke city for the improper and illegal purpose of preventing” Hegney “from prosecuting the plaintiff for improperly and illegally depriving him of his vote at said election, and to save himself from liability there from.”  After the Tribune published Hegney’s accusations, Brown sued the Tribune for libel. 

 

Arthur Brown sued the Tribune for $25,000 claiming the paper libelous. “This action is the result of at the publication of an article in yesterday [February 17]  Tribune which Mr. Brown alleges to be ‘false malicious, scandalous and defamatory.’  

 

“Patrick Hegney a laboring man called at the Tribune office last evening and related a somewhat peculiar but no doubt truthful tale. He has been a resident of this city during the past fifteen months and has worked as a stonemason’s helper for Cheiton & Mahoney and on buildings erected by Kelsey & Gillespie. For the past few months and up to Monday last he was employed by the city, and on February 8 he resided in the Fourth precinct.”

 

“On that day he attempted to vote a Liberal ticket at the polls of that precinct, but it was rejected by Arthur Brown. Last night, so he says while walking on Main Street, he was approached by that individual, who informed him that if he wished to avoid trouble, he had better get out of town forthwith, to which Hegney replied that  so long as he was able to pay his way no man could order him out of town. The interview was of the horse-and-horse kind, but it shows that election suits are not relished by the bulldozing autocrat.”

 

Arthur Brown charged that “his reputation and standing in Salt Lake City and other places has been injured to the extent of $25,000, and he demands judgment against the defendant in that sum and court costs. 

 

The lawsuit continued into November 1894 when it finally went to trial, and Pat Hegney was called to testify. “The celebrated case of Arthur Brown vs. The Tribune, which a Salt Lake Attorney bases a $30,000 damage claim on an article in which he was referred to as a bull-dozing autocrat, was resumed before Judge Merritt, yesterday [November 19]  morning. That the public is taking a lively interest in the case was indicated by the attendance , which filled the courtroom.”

 

“Patrick Hegney was called it had been charged that he was a fictitious personage but he presented the appearance of a very able-bodied myth as he took the stand.”

 

“On cross examination the witness outlined his travels from Ireland where he was born.”  When asked where he lived in 1892, he answered “I boarded with sirs Mrs. Brunker on H street, a tent not in a house.” When he was asked “can you read and write” he replied very little besides my own name.” 

 

Arthur Brown won a judgment of $3500 against the Tribune that was appealed, and Pat Hegney is no longer found in Salt Lake City directories. He more than likely became a miner.

 

The 1910 federal census enumerated “Pat Hagen, 55, single, miner, born in Ireland” as residing at Mardis in Elko County, Nevada  boarding with Howard McKinsey. He stated he emigrated in 1882.  He is probably the “Patrick Hagney” who died in Park City, Utah on 8 February 1915, age about 59. This Patrick Hegney was a miner and prospector and died from "chronic alcoholism".

 

Jim Hegney's Death

The last few years of his life Jim Hegney was able to enjoy some leisure time. The St. Louis World Fair had opened in April 1904 to celebrate the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase. An article in the Intermountain Catholic from June 1904 wrote, “James and his sons James Jr. and Charles, left last week for an extended visit to St. Louis”, while his stepdaughter “Mrs. Thomas Lamplough left during the week to visit relatives and friends in Omaha and Denver.

 

In July it was reported that “Mrs. James Hegney with the children and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lamplugh expected to visit St. Louis in September. 

 

The Hegneys were members of the St. Patrick parish, and in 1906 it was reported that “The ladies of the Altar society of St. Patrick’s church gave an ice cream and strawberry festival at the residence of Mr. and Mrs., James Hegney last Tuesday [June 19] 

 

The Albany Hotel was Jim Hegney’s last residence when he died in 1907. Towards the end of his life, he witnessed the change of his “lodgers” from being a “respectable” cliental to a rougher and more indigent one. He must have also been dismayed at seeing the property values of the area declined as the demographics changed with the influx of “foreigners” primarily from Southern Europe and the Near Middle East. 

 

In February 1907, Jim Hegney passed away from a type of kidney disease while residing in the Albany Hotel. His death was noted in both the Salt Lake Telegram and the Salt Lake Herald newspapers. 

 

Salt Lake Telegram reported on 28 Feb 1907, “James E. Hegney, owner of the Albany hotel and an old resident of this city, died yesterday afternoon at the age of 63 years. For a number of years, he had conducted the Albany hotel at the corner of Fifth [Sixth] West and Second South streets which has been the stopping place for nearly all the railroad men who had to layover in this city. The deceased leaves a widow, five daughters and two sons. The funeral will be held from St. Mary's cathedral at 9:30 o'clock Friday morning. He died of Bright Disease. The genial host enjoyed a wide acquaintance, and his business adventures in Salt Lake the past 25 years proved successful and he left a neat fortune to his family."

 

The Salt Lake Herald on the same day wrote: “James Hegney Passes Away- Kept Albany Hotel and was known everywhere as the Railroad Man’s Friend. ACCUMULATED A FORTUNE- WIDOW AND FIVE CHILDREN SURVIVE HIM- In the death of James Hegney of Salt Lake, proprietor of the Albany Hotel, Railroad men of the intermountain country have lost a friend of a quarter of a century. Not an engineer, fireman, conductor or brakie, freight and passenger alike, running on the long roads that stretch from Salt Lake, but knew and loved “Jim” Hegney. The Albany was the railroad’s man’s hangout when in town, and the old man behind the counter knew them."

 

"The hotel man died at the age of 65 at his home at 575 West Second South. He died wealthy, the greater portion of his wealth being in real estate."

 

"A widow, five daughters, three of whom are married, and two sons survive him. The younger two daughter are Maida and Gladys. The two sons are James and Charles, and the three married daughters are Mrs. Thomas Lamplugh, Mrs. Frank Conrad, and Mrs. Thomas Charlton.”

 

The funeral will be held from St. Mary’s Cathedral Friday morning. Father Curran will celebrate a high requiem mass. Father Kelly and old friends of the deceased will preach the funeral sermon. Interment will be in Mount Calvary.”

 

The Intermountain Catholic printed an obituary 2 March 1907 “The death of James Hegney, which occurred Wednesday [Feb 27], brought sorrow deep and sincere to the hearts of all who knew him and his estimable family. His illness lasted about a month and the immediate cause of death was a severe case of la grippe. He was a native of Sandusky, Ohio, and was in his sixty-third year. For nearly twenty-five years, Mr. Hegney resided in Salt Lake, and was considered one of Salt Lake’s most prominent and successful businessmen. For several years past he was proprietor of the Albany Hotel and Fifth West and Second South. The deceased was a man of most sterling worth and honest character. Always a careful businessman, shrewd, cautious in all business dealings, he was a most generous and kindly friend to those in need. Many kindly deeds have been done by ‘Jim’ Hegney, but so quietly and humbly that only those nearest to him ever knew the depth of his kindness of heart.

 

A widow and five daughters, three of who are married, and two sons survived him. The two younger daughters are Maida and Gladys , the two sons James and Charles and the three married daughters, Mrs. Thomas Lamplugh, Mrs. Frank Conrad, and Mrs. Thomas Charlton. 

 

The funeral will be held from St. Mary’s cathedral Friday morning at 9:3o o’clock. High requiem mass will be celebrated. Father Kiely, an old friend of the deceased will preach the sermon. Interment will be in Mount Calvary.

 

To the sorrowing wife and children is extended the earnest sympathy of all. May God comfort them in the loss of the good husband and father. May his soul rest in peace!” 

 

Hegney was given a Catholic Mass and then buried in the Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery located at 275 North U Street (1252 East) in Salt Lake City. 

 

“The will of the late James Hegney was filed in the district court today [25 March 1907] for probate. The estate consists or real and personal property valued at $50,000. The will and codicil provide that the property be held in trust by Mrs. Hegney and Bishop Laurence Scanlan. It is to be used by the widow and children until the youngest is 21 years old, when it is to be equally divided.”

 

“Another codicil bequeaths $1000 each to his three stepchildren and allows his brother the use of property in Erie County, Ohio for life.”

 

 

After the death of James Hegney, his widow Eliza and children moved out of the hotel and his estate leased the building to a series of Greek “proprietors.” The once “prestigious” Albany Hotel eventually became a seedy ‘rooming house’ for mostly single “foreign” men who immigrated to Salt Lake City during the first decades of the Twentieth Century.

 

In April 1908 Eliza Hegney and her unmarried children moved into a 10-room house located 32 South 400 East. She remained there until 1919 when she sold the house.

 

Eliza Hegney traveled extensively with her youngest daughters to Southern California and even Hawaii. While gone to stay in Venice, California, In December 1916 Eliza Hegney’s home on 400 East was robbed of over “$100 worth of jewelry” and cut glass “including  one vase, a fruit bowl, two tea sets, a spoon tray, a celery dish and two olive dishes.

 

In September 1919 when the Albany Hotel caught on fire, she was visiting Pueblo, Colorado as she had put her house up for sale and its contents. In October 1919 she sold the “beautiful furniture of her 10 room home consisting of all high-grade furniture and finest quality of extra heavy large carpets, Birdseye, oak, walnut and mahogany furniture, Large mirrors, inlaid linoleum, tools, bric-n-brac and 1 fine Ruud hot water heater.”

 

The 1920 Federal census showed Eliza Hegney staying at a hotel on Olive Street in Los Angeles, California. There is no mention of her after this census and she may have been staying with her five daughters who were all married by 1920.

 

Eliza Hegney died 11 April 1925 at her daughter Frances Charlton’s residence at 2786 Highland Drive in the Sugar House area. There was no obituary printed for her, just a funeral announcement.

 

“ Funeral services for Mrs. Eliza Hegney, well known resident of this city, who died at the family residence Saturday, will be held tomorrow morning at the Cathedral of the Madeline. The funeral cortege will leave the residence No. 2786 Highland drive at 9 o’clock a.m. and will proceed to the church, where mass will commence at 9:30 a.m. Friends wishing to see the body may do so this afternoon and evening (Monday) at the residence, and tomorrow morning prior to the departure for the church. Interment will be in the family plot in Calvary cemetery under direction of O’Donnell & Co.”

 

Jim Hegney’s Children and Descendants

James Hegney only had the two sons, James Edward Hegney, and Charles Francis Hegney. He had three stepdaughters Mrs. Eudora Lamplugh, Mrs. Mary Charlton and Mrs. Sophia Conrad according to his will. However, Sophia Conrad’s death certificate stated her father was James Hegney so he may have adopted her. Hegney’s two daughters were Mrs. Maida Quinlin, and Mrs. Gladys Peterson.

 

Eudora “Dora” Tyner Lamplough

Jim Hegney’s stepdaughter Eudora M. Tyner [1877–1951] married while living at the Albany Hotel in 1897.

 

“Mr. Thomas L Lamplough and Miss Dora Hegney were married last evening [20 September 1897]. The wedding occurred at the Albany hotel and a large number of the friends of the bride and groom were present. Judge Norrell read the marriage service and Mr. A.G  [Andrew J.] Cronin acted as best man while Miss Francis Hegney, sister of the bride was the bride’s maid. The bride is a daughter of Mr. James Hegney, proprietor of the Albany. After the wedding, a reception was held, and a delicious supper served. Mr. And Mrs. Lamplough expect to make their home in this city.” 

 

The couple had four children however only one, a daughter survived to maturity. In 1901 the Intermountain Catholic printed a death announcement for Dora Lamplough’s first born. “The news of the death of the lovely little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. L Lamplugh brought sorrow to the hearts of all who knew the winsome, beautiful child. She died at Los Angeles last Tuesday [July 28] where she was taken to benefit her heath.”

 

“Several weeks ago, the child contracted diphtheria and never regained her former strength. All that medical skill could do was unavailing and Little Lucille went to the angel land, leaving desolate her loving parents and grandparents Mr. And Mrs. James Hegney. There is no sorrow for the dear pretty Lucille, who has chosen the better part, but to the sorrowing parents all love and sympathy is extended . Words are powerless to comfort them. May God in His infinitely tender way, help them to bear their grief. Their child is safe forever, transplanted in spotless innocence to God’s Own Garden. The memory of her lovely little face and winsome baby ways will ever linger in the hearts of all who knew her.”

 

Thomas and Dora Lamplough’s children were Lucille Lamplough [1898-1903] Thomas Lamplough [1908-1908] Ramona Lamplough 1909-1910] and Margaret Mary Field [1913-1968]

 

Dora Lamplough [1878-1951] is buried in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in salt Lake City.

 

Frances Tyner Charlton

The 1899 city directory listed Jim Hegney’s 20-year-old stepdaughter  Frances Hegney as “acting secretary for the Hercules Mining Company’ while residing at 595 West Second South. Her sister 17-year-old sister Sophia Hegney was simply listed as boarding at the Albany hotel. 

 

Frances Hegney married the August after her sister Sophia.  “Mary Frances Tyner” married Thomas Charlton of Centerville, Utah in August 1901 over the objections of her stepfather.

 

“Miss Frances Tyner Hegney and Thomas W. Charlton were married in the city and county building yesterday [August 19] by Elder Emery. The groom is a brakeman employed on the Rio Grande Western and the bride is a daughter of James Hegney, proprietor of the Albany hotel. The father of the bride is said to have been bitterly opposed to the wedding , but after the ceremony , it is aid , he became reconciled.”

 

Thomas W. Charlton was for 26 years a passenger conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad and was a member of the Railway Conductors  and a Spanish-American War Veteran. He was a 32^nd degree Mason and “past potentate of El Kalah temple, Ancient Arabic order, Nobles of the Mystic shine.”

 

Thomas W Charlton [1869-1929] and Frances Hegney Charlton had three children Earl M. Charlton [1903-1957], Lucretia Elizabeth Charlton Gough [1907-1982] and Frances “Frankie” Charlton  Cleverley [1916-2012].

 

Mary Frances Hegney Charlton [1879-1962] is buried in the Masonic plots of Mount Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake City next to her husband. 

 

Sophia Tyner Hegney Conrad

In May 1901 Sophia Hegney married Winfield Franklin Conrad. “Sophia Hegney and W. F. Conrad, a young Salt Lake Couple, left last evening  [May 15] for Buffalo, with the intention of stopping off at Provo and undergoing the process of matrimony. The bride is the daughter of James Hegney, proprietor of the Albany hotel, while the groom has been employed as bartender at the hotel bar. It was rumored that the young couple had eloped, but Mr. Hegney said last night that he had known of their intentions to leave for several days past and get married at the home of friends in Provo.”

 

The couple were married May 16 by a Justice of the Peace in Provo.  Winfield Conrad [1878-1957] was a native of Pennsylvania who at the age of 19 enlisted in Company A of the 5th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment in the Spanish  American War in 1898. He was in Utah by 1900 working as a bartender when he testified at a murder trial. Various accounts stated he was a bartender at the Headquarters Saloon, the Casino Saloon, and the Reilley Brothers  saloon. The 1901 city directory listed Conrad as a bartender for James Hegney and boarding at the Albany Hotel.

 

Winfield and Sophia Conrad were the parents of James Franklin Conrad and

 

Sophia Hegney and Winfield Franklin Conrad had two sons, James Franklin [1902-1989] and Charles H Conrad [1909-1910] who died of Bronchitis called the “croup” as an infant. The surviving son “Jim” Conrad became a professional baseball player for the Coal League before later becoming the owner of the Kozy Korner Tavern, located on the property that his grandfather had owned at 700 West and Second South.

 

Sophia Conrad [1882-1942] is buried in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Salt Lake City

 

James Edward Hegney

The eldest son, James E. Hegney died on 2 May 1910 of acute Peritonitis at the age of 23 while he was a student at the University of Utah. He was buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Salt Lake.

 

“James E. Hegney Dead- Well Known Salt Lake Dies from Peritonitis- Funeral Wednesday. After an illness of scarcely more than 26 hours, James Edward Hegney, 23, years old, son of the late Colonel J.E. Hegney, died at 10 o’clock yesterday morning  at the home of his mother, Mrs. Eliza Hegney, 32 South Fourth street. The cause of death was peritonitis, developing from a long siege of stomach trouble, which though serious, had never forced him to spend more than  day  or two in a sick bed. The stomach complaint had weakened  his heart, and death came unexpectedly yesterday morning.

 

James Edward Hegney was born in Salt Lake and had been educated in the public schools of this city. Up to the time of his death he had been in charge of his mother’s business affairs. He is survived by five sisters and a brother all living in Salt Lake. The funeral will be held at 10 o’clock Wednesday morning from St. Mary’s Catholic cathedral. Interment will be Calvary cemetery.”

 

Charles Francis Hegney

James Hegney’s surviving son, Charles Francis Hegney, was married, but separated, having  never divorced as they were a Catholics family. He and his wife  never had children.

 

Charles Hegney and Katie Fellows were married 16 March 1913 in Farmington, Utah. However, an article from 4 May 1913 stated that his young wife tried to commit suicide. “Mrs. Charles Hegney wife of Charles Hegney, son of the late James Hegney, at one time proprietor of the Albany Hotel, attempted suicide in room 423 of the Shelton hotel shortly before 2 o’clock this morning by drinking a quantity of denatured alcohol. Apparently despondent, Mrs. Hegney  drank the poison in the presence of her husband.”  She was treated by the police doctor and recovered.

 

Charles Hegney was in the news again in 1915 for being an car accident. He hit a tree at Third East and Broadway [Third South]. In the car with him was his brother-in-law W. Frank Conrad and a man named Alonzo Hutchinson. Hegney swerved to avoid hitting a car that was making a left in front of him. He and his passengers were all injured when they were hurled from the car.

 

Hegney had “a fracture of the instep of the right foot,  a broken rib, and lacerations about the face and hands. Conrad relieved deep gashes about the chest and a laceration along the forehead extending into the scalp. It is thought that Hutchinson’s left leg is fractured near the knee. Two of his ribs were fractured.”

 

After his brother died Charles Hegney became the manager of his mother’s businesses. He placed an ad, in 1923, listing the old Albany Hotel that was now being used as a warehouse. “Brick warehouses on D & R G Tracks close in’ paved street. Charles Hegney.” Again in 1924 he listed “Storerooms- 575 and 706 W 2^nd South  Apply Charles Hegney.

 

Charles Hegney continued to manage the family’s property on Second South after his mother died in 1925.  In 1926 he filed a suit against a Greek man named Odis Pappaspirides  to recover $459, he “alleged owing for rent.”

 

During Prohibition in 1929, Charles Hegney  was arrested and charged with the “possession and transportation of liquor” after federal agents found a half gallon of liquor in his automobile. Charges were dismissed initially when government witnesses failed to appear in court. However, the charges were refiled as he plead guilty in December 1929 for transporting liquor.  Hegney was sentenced to 90 days in jail and his automobile was also ordered confiscated.

 

In February 1930, his wife Katie Hegney was reported to have gone to Logan to visit “her husband who is serving a term in the local jail having been convicted of a liquor charge in the federal court. Cache county jail is housing two federal prisoners  at the present time. Both are for liquor violations.”

Charles must have been released by April 1930 when he and his wife were enumerated in the 1930 census as living at a home at 152 Hampton Avenue. He gave his occupation as manager of real estate.

 

Four years later in 1934  “Twenty-three cases of bonded whiskey and 35 gallons of moonshine were confiscated  in a raid at 152 Hampton Avenue. Charles Hegney 45, who resides at the address was arrested on a charge of possession of liquor and his wife Kate Hegney , 40, booked on a drunken charge.”

 

The 1940 Census enumerated Charles as living without Katie and not listing an occupation. His WWII draft registration from 1942 listed him as living at 169 East Second South which is the address of the Stratford Hotel. He stated that he worked for self managing real estate and he gave his sister Gladys Peterson and not Kate Hegney as a contact person who would always know where he was.

 

Charles Hegney’s wife Katie Fellows Hegney died in 1947  at the age of 55. At the time of her death, she resided at 270 West Second South. She died according to her death certificate of “suffocation due to aspiration of vomitus.” While her obituary said she died of natural causes.  . She was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.  Charles was the informant on his wife’s death certificate and said he lived in the Stratford Hotel.

 

He still had property interest in the old Albany Hotel building as that in April 1949, he paid $1675 for a building permit to install a new ceiling in the establishment.

 

The 1950 census showed that Hegney was still residing at the Stratford Hotel.  However, in January, she checked himself into a room at the Congress Hotel on Second South and State Street.  There tragically Charles Hegney committed suicide in 1951 by shooting himself in the head with a shotgun. He was buried in the Mount Calvary Cemetery.

 

Maida “Mary” Quinlin

Maida Hegney, also called “Mary,” was married three times but only had children by her first husband Thomas Russell Sprunt. She had two children by him named James Hegney Sprunt and Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Sprunt.

 

Maida and Thomas Russell Sprunt were divorced by 1930, then she married twice more. Her second husband was Arthur Pachkofsky, a soldier in the U.S. Army at Fort Douglas. He died a year after they were married from a truck rollover accident in Cedar City.

 

In September 1940, Mary married for the third time, James J Quinlin. She died, however, a few months later, while visiting Los Angeles. She died of pneumonia at the age of 48. Her two children then inherited their mother’s shares of the estate left by James Hegney.

 

Gladys Peterson

The youngest daughter of James Hegney, Gladys Hegney [1894-1961] was married three times. She  married Kenneth Medcraft [1889-1940] a newspaper man and insurance man from San Francisco in November 1913 in Catholic Bishop Laurence Scanlan’s  residence in St. Mary’s Cathedral. They were divorced or annulled by August 1914. The 1916 city directory listed her as “Gladys Hegney” residing with her mother and brother Charles.

 

Gladys made the news in 1916 while she, her sister Maida, and her mother were visiting Venice, California to go deep sea fishing. Evidently, she caught the largest albacore tuna up to that time breaking a record.

 

Later newspapers reported that she had accepted a marriage proposal from Chester Doyle a prominent attorney and Japanese Interpreter  who lived in Hawaii. She sent the proposal by wireless while she was aboard a ocean liner. However, she actually married another man in May 1916.

 

“After accepting a proposal of marriage from Chester Doyle, a wealthy Honolulu attorney,  Gladys was married secretly 17 May 1916 in Los Angeles to Harry E Scott of Calgary, Canada.”

 

“ Miss Hegney met Scott several months ago in March when they were guests of the Venice Hotel in Cal. Her mother mildly disapproving of the marriage returned to Salt Lake.  Meanwhile Gladys received a proposal of marriage from Doyle in Honolulu  and accepted.”  Mrs. Hegney said her “daughter had accepted the wireless proposal only in the spirit in which she believed it was sent.” Although Gladys believed Doyle wasn’t serious, a marriage date was set for June in Honolulu.

 

Gladys and Harry E Scott made their home in Calgary, but it has not been determined what became of this marriage. An article in a Millard County newspaper from October 1926 featured “Entertains For Sisters- Mrs. T.R Sprunt entertained at a well-appointed luncheon Friday afternoon  in honor of her sisters Mrs. Gladys Scott and Mrs. Charlton, both of Salt Lake.”

 

February 1930 stated “Mrs. Gladys Scott is guest of her sister Mrs. T. R Sprunt.”  as “Gladys Scott” married in 1931 Oscar Peterson [1889-1964] who was employed by the Utah State Road Commission as a bridge builder.

 

Gladys he also had no children. She died in April 1961 age of 66 at the Holy Cross Hospital and was buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery. She died of the same condition that her brother James had died from.

 

Heirs

The only surviving grandchildren of James Hegney, who became his heirs, were James Franklin Conrad, Mary “Betty” Elizabeth Sprunt, and James Hegney Sprunt. Betty Sprunt married James Shulsen who operated a bar called the Three Aces at the location of her grandfather’s old saloon for nearly 30 years.

 

 

 

 

Chapter Four

The Italian Immigration 

The Italian Immigrants who came in the late nineteenth century resided mainly on the west side of the Denver & Rio Grande Depot in blocks 63, 64, and 46 of Salt Lake City where a cluster of shops and businesses existed that catered to the small Italian community. 

 

Utah did not attract Italians in large numbers, however. The first noticeable number of foreign-born Italians in Utah appeared in 1870 and totaled only seventy-four in the territory. The development and expansion of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in the 1880s was a catalyst to the state’s coal mining industry which brought a wave of Italian immigrants to Utah for its labor opportunities in mining and railroading. 

           

Anglo Americans were suspicious of Italians  as they were stereotyped as either labor union organizers, revolutionists, or anarchists. In Salt Lake City’s press coverage from this period, it  also “left readers with a more intensified, stereotyped image of the Italian immigrant as a bloodthirsty, nonwhite, stiletto-in-hand villain.”

 

An article from May 1883 revealed that “foreign laborers”, other than the Chinese, were being employed by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway company. “On Sunday afternoon a row occurred at the Denver & Rio Grande depot among some Italian workmen there, which resulted very disastrously for one. As near as can be learned they had all been drinking, and naturally enough a dispute which arose ended in a very serious quarrel, in which two set upon one, and beat and abused him brutally.” 

 

“Not only did they cut him with their knives, but beat him with a brick, jumped upon his stomach and his back, and one of the dastardly assailants seized his ear between his teeth and bit it clean off. When he complained to the police, he was a sorry plight, and on Monday his head and face were swollen, and his face scratched badly. The accused were both locked up. One afterward left $50 for his appearance, the other was locked up to wait for the hearing.”

 

The ethnic slur “dago” was used to reference anyone from southern Europe speaking Spanish, Portuguese, or Italian. In September 1889 newspapers wrote “Rumors of a desperate fight came from Price canyon where a gang of men were at work broadening the Rio Grande gauge. The row occurred between Dagoes and Italians, one of the formers drawing a gin and shooting two Italians one of whom died almost instantly. An attempt was made to capture the murderer, but the Dagoes rallied around and prevented the onslaught. The wounded man was brought to the city last night and deputies started the scene.” 

 

The Italian Colony of City Block 46

While the majority of Italian immigrants to Salt Lake City, at first, were single men, many Italians later brought their wives and family from Italy and settled in “the Italian Colony” on Fifth [Sixth] just south of Third South within Block 46. 

 

The lack of a mining town atmosphere differentiated Salt Lake City from other Italian localities, as Italian immigrants living in the city were employed mostly by the Union Pacific and the Denver & Rio Grande Western railroads.

 

By 1900 of the 170 Italians who resided in Salt Lake County, 102 of them lived in Salt Lake City mainly on the west side in Rio Grande District which was the center of the Italian settlement. The Denver & Rio Grande District of Salt Lake City provided cheap residential and boarding houses.

 

“During this period, a Little Italy neighborhood popped up on the west side of Salt Lake City, near the Rio Grande Station.” Italian entrepreneurs owned saloons, tailor shops, barber shops, shoe making shops and grocery stores sold Italian foods. It was written that while numerous Italian immigrants “had been apprenticed in various trades in the old country, once an economic base had been achieved, they left the mines or railroads and embarked upon their craft. This was particularly evident in Salt Lake City and Ogden where shoe shops and tailor shops, as well as grocery stores and taverns, sprang up in Italian residential areas.”

 

In Salt Lake, the Italian immigrants kept “aspects of the Old World with which they were most familiar. Language, customs, basic religious beliefs, family life, and food were important. Numerous reports reveal how customs such as boccie (played on courts in Helper, Bingham, and Salt Lake); the art of winemaking and sausage-making; and nightly promenades by husband, wife, and family, as well as frequent visits to homes of friends and relatives characterized early Italian life. The Italian community also had midwives and folk cures.” 

 

Italians and Anarchy

As with immigrants before them, the Italians were often disparaged for being “foreign” and for taking work opportunities from native born Americans. In reference to non-foreign miners who wanted work, an editorial in the Deseret Evening News decried having to associate immigrants, stating ‘”If English speaking men come forward in sufficient numbers, they will not be required to labor in company with foreigners of the class that has become obnoxious and objectionable.”

 

The Italians were especially scorned when they were seen as the main organizers of unions and striking against Utah’s mining industry. The Deseret News wrote, “The fact is indisputable that among the strikers are many red-handed anarchists who respect no law and feel it a sort of religious duty to exterminate and destroy all opponents So long as this class has a respected voice in the strikers’ councils, the presence of the militia will be necessary to prevent a reign of terror.”

 

Utah’s “foreigners” were especially distrusted after the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901 by an Anarchist of Polish descent.

 

 “No Anarchists Here- What Happened to Man Who Tried to Preach Anarchy. Not a man could be found in Salt Lake yesterday who would admit that he holds anarchist views, although it is an open secret that members of the order are or have been, identified with Salt Lake City’s population.”

 

“President Charles Bonetti of the Italian Society says that so far as he knows, there are no anarchists among the Italian population of the town. If there are any, they have escaped his observation.”

 

“The last attempt made to preach anarchism in Salt Lake was about one and a half years ago, when a stranger from Chicago secured a room over the Council Saloon on the pretext of talking socialism, and would up his address with an anarchist discourse, in the midst of which he was halted by the protest of Mr. Bonetti. On this occasion there was almost a riot, but the speaker was forced to quit at the point of a revolver.”

 

“Several socialists who have been known to express anarchistic views were seen last night, but they all declared that they had no sympathy with the reds and denounced the attempt to assassinate the president.”  

 

The fear of the Italians’ radical political views may have actually been the catalyst for the pervasive Greek migration to West Second South in the early Twentieth Century brought in by mining and railroad industrialists.

 

The Italians in Salt Lake City however continued to observe their heritage, “took part in celebrations and parades that promoted good will between the Italian and non-Italian communities.”

 

The Benites Saloon

One of the first mentions of Italian businessmen in Salt Lake was in newspaper accounts of the Benites Saloon. In January 1885 Louis Benites, a 50-year-old Mexican of Spanish parentage sold his “infamous bar” to Italians John [Giovanni] Pistoni and James Arigona. The saloon, referred to as an “inferno" on Second South Street near Commercial Street, was the scene of constant police raids due to fighting and various forms of vice. 

 

Louis Benites gave up ownership of the saloon “succeeded by two Italians” who eventually had their place shut down by Salt Lake authorities as a nuisance for the constant fights between drunken Camp Douglas soldiers within the place and other bawdy behavior allowed in the place.

 

In March 1885, the place was raided again, and Louis Benites stated that while the saloon still carried his name, he had no affiliation with it. “The notorious place on second south Street called Benites’ is run by Italians. Mr. Benites states that he has had nothing to do with the saloon for over two months and like it known.” 

 

“Mad” Mother Martell

            “Mother Martell” was one of the most a “colorful character” who lived in the Rio Grande Western Depot area. She was identified as being an Italian when in fact she was Irish but married to an Italian within the Rio Grande Italian community.

 

She was written about extensively in various newspapers in the 1890’s and early 1900s regarding her high jinks while inebriated. Reporters were familiar with her and found her antics “good copy” and often did not bother to accurately portray her for the sake of an amusing story. She is another colorful phantom from a period of Salt Lake City’s raucous history that has long been forgotten. 

 

            “Mother Martell,” as she was referred to, was notorious in her neighborhood on Fifth West [Sixth] between Third South and Fourth [Fifth] South. The area in the 1890’s was then considered Salt Lake City’s “Italian Colony.” Although her “consort” Gennaro “James” Martello was an Italian immigrant fruit peddler, she evidently has a disdain for the Italians and they for her.

Background Information

            “Mother Martell” was also identified in various newspaper accounts over the years between 1897 and 1900 as “Maggie Martell, Maggie Martello, Mrs. Paulo Martel, Mrs. Martelli, and Marguerite Angelica Martelline”. In the 1900 federal census, however, she was enumerated as Margrett Martello living with her sister “Annie McGurck”. In the next household in the rear of the residence was James Martello, an Italian who was said to have been a husband to both sisters.

           

Maggie and her sister Annie were born in Ireland and her sister’s death certificate stated that she was born in Dublin, Ireland, the daughter of Michael McGordon. The informant on her death certificate was her husband “James Martell,” so how accurate the information was is unknown. Her birth year that was given, was 1875, which was not accurate by other accounts.

           

“James Martell '' was a Neapolitan Italian, whose actual name was Gennaro Martello. In a marriage record to his third wife, Martello stated that his birth date was 8 December 1856, and he was the son of “Comello Martelli'' and “A. Paccarsoca.” He immigrated to New York City in 1890 at the age of 34 traveling in steerage on the ship Neustria. Martello gave his occupation as “agriculture worker.” 

            Why Gennaro Martello went west to Salt Lake City is unknown but by 1893 an unclaimed letter for “M Gimaro Martello” was listed in a city newspaper. Two years later on 20 December 1895 a marriage record is recorded in Salt Lake City between “James Martello”, age 40 and  “Annie McGuirk”,  age 29. This is peculiar as Annie McGuirk was Maggie McGordon’s sister. 

           

This raises many questions about the “marital” relationship between Gennaro Martello and the two sisters Maggie and Annie McGordon.  An incident in 1897 listed Maggie as Mrs. M. Martello and “Genuaro Martello” as her husband. Another incident as well, named Maggie as the spouse of “Jennaro Martello” and “Mrs. McGuirk” as her sister wife of a Michael McGuirk [1868-1913] a Park City miner. These individuals were Catholics and not Mormons, so “plural marriage” would not have been involved in these living arrangements. 

 

            The 1900 Federal census, taken on June 6 and 7, showed “Margrett Martello” as living at a house she rented at 371 South Fifth [Sixth] West in the Second Precinct and Second Ward of Salt Lake City. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map listed this one-story wooden house as a “shanty at the address of 371 South. Behind this home at 571 ½ South was a series of four small one story wooden shanties.

           

Maggie Martell was enumerated as the head of household 100, directly across from the Rio Grande Western rail yards. She gave her age as 42 years old, born in June 1857 in Ireland as were her parents. She said she was a “widow” and mother of six children, none of them living. If indeed she had six children by a previous marriage, who had died, that may explain her alcoholism.

           

Residing in Margrett Martello’s household was her sister “Annie McGurck” aged 31 years, born in March 1869, also in Ireland. She stated that she had been married for four years [1896] but had no children. Neither Margrett nor Annie listed the year they immigrated to America. Margrett Martello also did not list an occupation, although Annie McGurck stated she was a “peddler.”

           

Enumerated next to these women in a separate household was “James Martello.” He was listed as residing in the rear of 371 South Fifth [Sixth] West, in the shanties separated by Maggie Martell’s home by nine feet. His age was given as 50 years old born January 1850 in Italy. He was actually 44 years old, so the enumerator probably was just guessing. His occupation was given as a “day laborer” and was listed as “married” for 17 years [1883]. He said he had immigrated to America in 1883. If he was married in 1883, at the age of 27, that marriage would have been in Italy.

           

Also included in James Martello’s household were five Italian boarders; Frank Gert age 48 and his 12-year-old son Toni Gert, both who had immigrated in 1900, Joseph Paglingo age 45, a single man who immigrated in 1895, Joseph Paglinsso age 32,  single, immigrated in 1898, and a 21-year-old single man named Joseph Aiella who migrated in 1897. They were all listed as “day laborers.”

 

Harassed and Abused Fruit Peddlers

            In June 1897 “Mrs. M Martello, a fruit vendor” filed a complaint against a couple of youths “for disturbing the peace”. “Old Martello and his wife have been in trouble a good deal recently by mischievous boys annoying them in various ways.” 

           

Warrants for the arrest of two youths named Bill Smith and James Cook were issued from Justice Sommer’ Police Court and they were arrested. “The youths were let go with a severe reprimand from Judge Sommer.”

           

However, a few days later Bill Smith’s brother Robert “Bob” Smith who lived “near Fifth [Sixth] West and Third South streets” was also arrested on a complaint of Mrs. Martello, for having beat and abused her husband” and having thrown him into “the water ditch.”                 

 

It was reported on 9 June 1897 by the Salt Lake Herald that Robert Smith had a hearing before Justice Sommer on the charge of assault and battery “alleged to have been committed on Genuaro Martello.”  

           

The Salt Lake Tribune reported an account of the incident. “Bob Smith was yesterday fined $30 by Justice Sommer for assaulting an Italian named Martello. The complaining witness speaks English very imperfectly. He testified that a crowd of boys, of which Smith is one, have made his life a burden for some time by their persecutions.                         

 

He stated that Smith knocked him down and pushed him into a ditch in the vicinity of 361 South Fifth [Sixth] West Street on Sunday last. Smith took an appeal from the sentence of the court.”

 

The Near Lynching of Maggie Martello

            The City Directory for 1898 listed “Jennaro Martello” as a peddler, residing at 371 South Fifth [Sixth] West in Salt Lake City. In June 1898, the Salt Lake Herald reported that “Mrs. Martell” was arrested on charges of being drunk and disturbing the peace.” This was the first account of the many incidents of Maggie Martello being in trouble with the law due to her erratic behavior while inebriated.

 

            The Martello family evidently was very notorious in the Italian section of town between Third and Fourth [Fifth] South across from the Rio Grande Western rail yard. People residing in the neighborhood said, “that quarrels between Martello and his wife are frequent and noisy, and that they make both day and night hideous with their curses and yells.”

 

            The only other dwelling on the block facing Fifth West was a wooden “shanty” that housed several Italian men.  The 1900 federal census listed eight Italian “day laborers” living in that residence. 

 

            On the Fourth of July 1898, the couple had such a row  that “Jennaro Martello” was arrested and charged with trying to murder his wife by hanging her from a trolley pole while they were both inebriated. The assault on Maggie Martello was so sensational that it was reported as headlines in all the local papers.

            The Salt Lake Tribune led off  the sensational report writing in bold letters “Rope Around Her Neck- Mrs. Martello Feared She Would be Hanged. Her Husband was Enraged. Neighbors Interfered and a Rapid Transit Pole was Cheated of Its Chance to Become a Gallows- Scene Resulted from a Domestic Quarrel Over a Glass of Beer- The Husband Spent the Fourth [Fifth] Away from Home but Returned in the evening- Story of the Affair.”

 

            The Salt Lake Herald featured the headline “Assaulted His Wife. How Joe Montello ended an All-Night Spree- Dragged his Spouse With a Rope and Held Rescuers at Bay With a Gun.”

 

            The two newspapers had definitely different takes on the event with the Tribune reporter treating the occurrence with jocularity while the Herald took a more sinister view of the incident which wrote, “Had Joe Martello pursued to the limit his satanic inclinations early yesterday morning, and he would have murdered his spouse.”  

 

            The Tribune wrote that “Jennaro Martello, an Italian peddler residing at No. 371 South Fifth [Sixth] West Street, is alleged to have celebrated the glorious Fourth [Fifth] yesterday, by attempting to hang his wife to a Rapid Transit trolley pole. Neighbors interfered, however, and the impromptu lynching was indefinitely postponed.’

 

            “Neighbors of the “Italian quarter of Fifth [Sixth] West Street, just below Third South” stated that the Martellos had participated in a spree, drinking “bad whiskey”, and had caroused all Sunday night. The trouble leading up to the incident began at 5 in the morning when Jennaro Martello encountered his wife  Maggie “returning from a saloon where she had been to purchase a glass of beer.” He ordered her to get into the house and “be quick about it.”

 

            Maggie Martello objected to his demand and “trouble ensured.” The Tribune reported that “During the melee Martello was struck on the head with a rock hurled at him by his angry wife.” However, the Herald wrote “Just what angered Martello is not known, but at 5 o’clock yesterday morning the yard crew at the Rio Grande Western depot was attracted by the shrieks of a woman.”

 

            Martello, who was intoxicated, was “so enraged” that he procured a rope and threw it about the woman’s neck and began dragging her toward a trolley pole with the frenzied declaration that he would hang her. She screamed lustily.”

 

            Across the street, a Rio Grande Western engineer and fireman, were attracted by Maggie Martello’s cries for help. “The railroaders saw Martello dragging his wife with a rope around her body, towards a telephone pole. When they attempted to “interfere,” Martello “kept the rescuers at bay with a gun. The men gazed into the “muzzle of a six-shooter in the hands of the enraged husband” who “declared that no one would prevent him from hanging his better half. The railroad men “decided that discretion was the better part of valor and returned to their engine.”

 

            The shrieks and cries of Maggie Martello alerted her neighbors who did interfere and notified the police.  “It was during the early hours of the forenoon that word reached the Police department to the effect that war had been declared in the Martello family, and that serious trouble was imminent.” Officer O.P. Pratt “was at once dispatched to the scene of the uprising.”

 

            Martello “was drunk when he conceived the idea of ridding himself of marital woes,” and had a rope around his wife’s neck and was dragging her to streetcar pole “the proposed scene of execution.”  However, with the law being notified, Martello “becoming alarmed” desisted in his attempts to hang his drunken wife and when Officer Pratt arrived at the scene, “Jennaro Martello had disappeared”. “Martello had decamped, and the neighbors said that Mrs. Martello’s sister had gone with him.”

 

            “Being balked in the attempt to wreck summary vengeance on his better-half, Martello jumped into his vegetable wagon, and with his wife’s sister, Mrs. Michael McGurk by his side, cut a hot pace towards the west side of the Jordan, where the officers searched for him in vain.”

 

            Officer Pratt then visited the Martello household and observed that Maggie Martello “was still very drunk. She exhibited on her face and neck her husband’s brutal treatment.” Later Martello and “Mrs. McGurk” returned home, in the evening after sobering up.  When reporters wanted to talk with Maggie Martello it was reported “Mrs. Martello could not be seen, her sister being the authority for the statement that she was sick in bed.”

 

            However, reporters wrote that Annie McGurk, “who seemed but little alarmed about her brother-in-law's conduct, stated that it was only a light family fight, and that Martello was a very good man who worked hard from early in the morning until late at night trying to earn a living.” Gennaro Martello declared in a statement “that the trouble was one the result of a little family jar.” 

 

            Officer O.P. Pratt returned to the residence and arrested Gennaro Martell, “the Italian” on a warrant charging him with battery. He was “lodged in the city jail” however he was able to “put up $25 bail and was released.”

 

            The Tribune reporter interviewed a neighbor of the Martellos who was irritated by the quarrelsome antics of the couple. The neighbor, who had lived near the Martellos for three years, was quoted saying, “we let him hanga de woman; den we hanga de man.”

 

            On 6 July 1898 Martello, who was “restrained from hanging his spouse to a streetcar pole in Salt Lake City” appeared before Judge John B. Timmony on the charge of battery. Maggie Martello, however, “made an earnest plea on his behalf, and stated her dependence upon her husband for a livelihood” and refused to testify against him. Whereupon Judge Timmony decided to dismiss the case and Maggie Martello’s complaint against her husband for battery was discharged.

 

Maggie Martello Goes to Jail

            The 1899 city directory for Salt Lake City listed “Gennaro Martello, laborer” as residing at 373 South Fifth [Sixth] West. In June 1899 the Salt Lake Herald-Republican published an article again featuring Maggie Martello. The byline read “ FOUGHT THE POLICE  Drunken Woman’s Desperate Struggle With Officers KICKED BIT AND CURSED HOWLING SPECTACLE THAT SHOCKED THE PUBLIC-Mrs. Martell Rode In the Patrol Wagon With An Officer Sitting On Her and Her Feet Sticking Up In the Air- Kicked the Driver-A Lively Time.”

           

The reporter who detailed the event misidentified her as “Mrs. Paulo Martell” and wrote “who is Irish notwithstanding her name.” He wrote about Maggie Martello’s arrest for being “wildly drunk” saying she “caused more excitement for the police department yesterday afternoon than it has known for many more serious offenses.”

           

“The lady is not unknown to the police for Chief [Thomas A.] Hilton said that she had been up once or twice before and that many complaints concerning her wild actions, when in her cups, have been received at the station.”

           

During the early part of May 1899, a report was made to the police department that Maggie Martello “was running about the neighborhood with a knife trying to carve up the Italians” who lived near her. But before a police officer arrived on the scene, “she had become quiet.”

           

On May 28, “there came to the police station a report that Mrs.  Martell was again on a rampage and was chasing the inhabitants of the Italian colony about the streets.” Police Officer Charles A. Sperry and a patrol wagon was sent “to see about the difficulty. The lady was calm enough when he arrived.”

           

“Come outside,” Sperry cunningly said to Maggie Martello. “There’s a man who wants to speak to you out here.” 

           

“With such and other sweet words he persuaded her to get into the wagon for she thought that she was to be taken for a drive.” Just as the driver was about to start back to the jail, Martello cried out “for her hat. 

           

“As it was given to her, she seemed to realize that she was bound for the police station. Throwing her hat out in the mud, she tried to jump. Officer Sperry was too quick. He grabbed the enraged woman and threw her down into the bottom of the wagon. She struggled and fought as if mad.”

           

Maggie Martello fought her arrest “from her home on South Fifth [Sixth] West street all the way to the police station. She fought with her fists, her feet, and her mouth for she kicked,  bit, and scratched.”

           

The police wagon driver “whipped up the horses and they dashed up Fifth [Sixth] West and then up Second South.” Office Sperry ``knelt upon the lady and held her arms so that she could not scratch him. “Oh, you murtherin [expletive]----,” she cried out.” Then she tried to bite, but he put her coat in her mouth and held it there.``

           

Onward the wagon dashed down the street, “but Mrs. Martell did not succumb.” She still had the use of her feet, and she kicked the driver in the back “nearly knocking him from his seat.”

           

“Above the clash and clatter of the horses hoofs her wild oaths rang out and startled persons on the sidewalk. As she tried again and again to kick, her feet flew up in the air exhibiting several inches of loud white and black hose. But Mrs. Martell did not care for that; modesty was to her an unknown quantity at that time. Liberty was what she wanted.”

           

“The small boys on the street howled in derision. People stopped to look, and women blushed to see one of their sex in such a predicament. But Mrs. Martell did not care. She swore and kicked and scratched until she reached the station.”

           

Maggie Martello continued her fury, and it took Officer Charles A. Sperry and another man to put her in jail. “The other female denizens of that place ran and screamed, for Mrs. Martell had become a wild tigress, anxious to fight anything or anybody. When left alone, she vented her energy upon a tub in the room where they put female drunks.”

           

After calming down that evening, “from her prison cell last night shrouded in gloom there came a plaintive melody as from a heartbroken mother. Soft and low the notes were wafted through the iron bars into the grim street below and all who heard bowed reverently as they tarried on their way to listen.” 

           

She sang: “She’s the only girl I love.  She’s got a face like a horse and buggy. She’s the only girl I love. Oh, fireman save my child!”

           

The song Maggie Martello was singing was a ditty called “No More Booze”  and the lyrics were “There was a little man, and he had a little can, And he used to rush the growler, He went to the saloon, on a Sunday afternoon, And you ought to hear the bartender holler:  No more booze, no more booze, No more booze on Sunday, No more booze, no more booze, Got to get your can filled Monday. She's the only girl I love. With a face like a horse and buggy, Leaning up against the lake, O fireman save my child! The chambermaid came to my door, "Get up, you lazy sinner! We need those sheets for tablecloths, And it’s almost time for dinner."

           

By the time Maggie Martello appeared in Judge John B. Timmony’s police court for a hearing, she had sobered up. “Saintly Mrs. Martell, whose conflict with the dazzling wine, led to such painful circumstances last Saturday, sobbingly pleaded guilty to the charge.”

           

Judge Timmony said to her, “Mrs. Martell, you made life a burden to almost everybody in your neighborhood. Your conduct has been very bad. You even tried to eat officer Sperry. You’ll get fifteen days for that alone.” 

           

After the sentence was passed, “in silence she followed the jailer from the courtroom, casting backward upon those familiar surroundings one glance, perhaps the last for fifteen days.”

           

After Maggie Martell was released from jail, at the end of July 1899, she found herself once again appearing before Judge Timmony. “The impresarios, otherwise called policemen, were able to gather in but one offender during the twenty-four hours ending at noon yesterday, Mrs. Martelli, a lady of Irish extraction, who married an Italian.  Mrs. Martelli had endeavored to drown her sorrows in the foaming can and succeeded only too well. It took Sergt. Brown and the patrol wagon to properly land her.”

           

Judge John B. Timmony must have been disgusted when he looked at the “assembled multitude” of miscreants and saw Maggie Martello was in court again. “Mrs. Martinelli?’ There was no answer.  ‘Let the bail be forfeited.’ 

 

Raising Hell With Her Sister Annie McGuirk

            Maggie Martello went on another bender in November 1899 which involved the police being called out to her home when her sister, Annie McGuirk, hurried to the police station to say that Maggie was trying to burn down their residence.

           

The Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News, which reported on the uproar at the Martello’s residence, wrote in totally different styles. The Deseret News reported the incident in an almost comical banter while the Tribune tried to remain more objective.

           

The Tribune wrote that Annie McGuirk tearfully appeared before the desk sergeant at police headquarters and with a “faltering voice” lamented, “My sister is raising h--- [hell]. She is trying to burn up the house, break the furniture, and she won’t let me and the old man in to get a cup of tea and ---- [expletives]and ---- [expletives]. ” She implored the sergeant, “Send an officer down.”

           

The Deseret News writing of the incident stated, “Mrs. Martell indulged in a real good time at the family mansion near the Rio Grande Western depot Monday night, so much so that a lady arrived post haste at police headquarters and demurely imparted the information that ‘My sister is raising Cain’ only she did not say Cain.”

           

“Officer [Philip H.] Fitzmaurice was dispatched to the Martell domicile near the Rio Grande depot, and he found that the sister had not misrepresented the matters.” 

           

The account in the Deseret News reported “Officer Fitz Maurice went post haste to the scene and found the messenger of peace had been very conservative in her estimate of her sister’s capabilities.” 

           

“Seraphic Mother Martell defied the ‘blankety-blank’ limbs of the law to enter the domains. When Fitzmaurice finally stormed the citadel and beat down the portcullis, he found that Mother Martell had wrecked the furniture and proceeded to light a pile of newspapers in the center of the reception salon.”

           

The Tribune referred to Maggie Martello as “The human hurricane” when reporting that she was arrested, brought to the city jail, and locked up on the charge of disturbing the peace and drunkenness.

            The Deseret News reported, “The lady with the extensive vocabulary then took a ride behind a pair of spanking horses with a kind policeman on the step, to keep her from falling out, and a bodyguard of honor, composed of all the tousle-headed ragamuffins in town, whooping through the mud in the rear.”

           

“When the charges of disturbing the peace and drunkenness were read, Mrs. Martell winked her discolored optics and nodded her head. Drunkenness $10; disturbing the peace $30 or 30 days was her portion.”

Jail Time in December 1899

            Maggie Martello evidently went to jail instead of having the fine paid and spent much of the month of December incarcerated. Two Salt Lake Tribune articles were written about her while she was in the city jail. One dated December 12, had the byline “Mother Martell was Sassy.”

           

Two women missionaries from Pennsylvania had received permission to speak to prisoners in the Salt lake City jail and had an encounter with Maggie Martello. “Old Mother Martell is another inmate of the city Bastille who is apparently beyond the reach of Christianity or anything outside of a Mauser rifle.”

           

“As the good women, who approached her cell yesterday, caught sight of her, she and other women inmates were playing cards.”

           

 “Won’t you kindly pass those cards to me?” she was asked. “How many do you want to fill?” she replied. I want them all. You should not be found with such things in your possession. Give them to me.”

           

“But they aren’t mine to give, " said the prisoner. They belong to the jail, an’ sure I’ve no more right to give the cards to you than I have the right to rip up the beds. No”

           

“And Mrs. Martell was firm. Prayers and tears fell like water upon a duck’s back, as the good ladies emerged from the jail. Mother Martell appeared at the window and smiled derisively.”

           

“Prayer is lost on such as them remarked old Martin Peterson, as he carried in the coal.”

           

A more serious account was published December 15 regarding a smallpox outbreak in Salt Lake City. A man who was diagnosed with the disease was quarantined in the Chief of Police’s office to keep the contagion down until other accommodations could be found. Maggie Martello was sent to disinfect the police chief’s office.

           

“More Cleansing Done- Mrs. Martell, who is serving a term in the city jail, was permitted to scrub the woodwork in the office of the Chief of Police yesterday. Corrosive sublimate was one of the disinfectants used, and by the time she had gone over all the chairs and other woodwork, Mrs. Martell’s alleged gold rings had all taken on a silver hue and her alleged diamond had melted like sugar in hot water. Jailer Kimball spent most of the afternoon in an endeavor to bring the gold that had faded but will have to continue his labors today.”

                        The Deseret News reported on December 18, that Maggie Martello was a ‘trustee’ or an inmate who performed a number of duties, without pay like mopping  floors, doing the laundry, and taking out trash.

           

“Mother Martell, a trustee at the city jail, almost created a panic among the officers this morning by rushing into the office and screaming, “Come quick, Oh come, two men are fighting out there; he can’t manage him, Oh!!”

           

“Detective [George Augustus] Sheets [1864-1932] Sheets and Officer [Charles A.] Sperry proceeded with due haste to the rear of the old station. There stretched upon his back lay James Brown, a railroad employee. Above him towered the form of Officer [Frank G.] Lincoln, in the attitude of the victor. Brown was drunk. The officers propped him up against the jailhouse, but it was no use. James couldn’t stand and he was dragged into the rooms set aside for inebriates.”

           

Maggie Martello was released from jail on December 19, after serving 30 days locked up, and she proceeded to get drunk again. The Salt Lake Tribune’s account of her re-arrest stated, “Again in Limbo Mother Martell goes on a ‘tear’ and breaks into jail again.”

           

On December 24, the Salt Lake Herald Republican reported, “Mother Martell Again. Mother Martell went on a rampage last night, following an old precedent, and tried to beat her sister into jelly. She was full of bad whiskey and was brought from her home on the west side by Officer Fitzmaurice and locked up for disturbing the peace.”

           

The Salt Lake Tribune wrote rather sardonically, “Mother Martell was released from the city jail Tuesday after serving a long sentence for drunkenness and disturbing the peace. She got along so swimmingly, that officer Fitzmaurice finally had to interfere with her fun and re-incarcerate her in the old city jail.”

           

Evidently on December 23, Maggie Martello went out “to celebrate her release and Christmas at one and the same time” and upon coming home assaulted her sister Annie McGuirk. The sister again went to the police headquarters and complained that her life was in danger from her abusive sister. The Tribune wrote, “Mrs. Martell, it seems, has a mania for beating her sister.”

           

“Officer [Philip H.] Fitzmaurice proceeded at once to the Martell domicile near the Rio Grande depot. The old woman was making night hideous when the officer arrived, and as he entered the door, a whirlwind of epithets were cast at him.” “With some difficulty, the officer subdued her and was taken back to the bleak drunk house, where she shrieked until completely exhausted.”

           

Maggie Martello spent Christmas 1899 in the drunk tank before appearing on December 26, in police court.  The charges against her were for disturbing the peace and being drunk. “Not guilty, " she said.”

                        Officer Fitzmaurice related the circumstances of her arrest, and how she “was screaming, and creating an unearthly din.” “To these statements Mrs. Martell enters a most emphatic denial and swore that the arresting officer pulled her ear.” 

           

“He pulled the ring out of my ear, so he did,” she said, “and how he can say what he did is more than I can tell; don’t you believe ‘im judge, he is a liar.” “Maggie’s oratory was given full swing for a time, and she said Fitzmaurice was a liar.”

           

The judge, however, failed to see “eye-to-eye with her.” “I’ll take the officer’s word for it and on the charges, you will be sent up for fifty days.”

           

“Maggie afterward confided to Jailer Kimball that as soon as she got loose, she would use Fitzmaurice for mince pie.”

           

On December 27, a reporter for the Salt Lake Tribune tried to write an article on Maggie Martello’s background that was full of misinformation. He wrote, “Among the rarest specimens of bric-a-brac was Maggie Martell. In sunny Italy she was known as Marguerite Angelica Martelline, but when she reached New York, she was told that the railroads were liable to make her pay excess charges on her name, so she abbreviated it to Maggie Martell. Down in her neighborhood the boys now refer to her as “Just Mag.”

           

None of this was accurate as that Maggie Martello was born in Ireland and her name was never Marguerite Angelica Martelline.” She never lived in Italy but had married or was in a common law marriage with an Italian named Gennaro Martello.

           

The rest of the feature on her was more accurate; “Maggie is not unknown to the police. When she starts out and raises trouble, they do not need a map of the Rio Grande Western district and a searchlight to find her. There are cases on record when she has located the police.”

           

“Maggie did this on Sunday. Officer Fitzmaurice said she was not only drunk but has jabbed a big hole into the peace and quiet of the section known as the Sixth Ward, besides threatening to murder several people.”

           

While Maggie Martello was serving her sentence in the city jail, on 10 January 1900, she was reported as “dangerously ill.”

 

Maggie Martello and Frank Ruga

            Maggie Martello must have recovered from her illness as she is found in the news again in May 1900 quarreling with a young Italian man named Frank Ruga [1879-1978] .  Ruga was an immigrant who came to America as a child in 1888 with his father. In 1900 he was working as a section hand for the railroad. The 1899 City Directory for Salt Lake City listed him as residing at the rear of 654 West Fourth [Fifth] South near the Rio Grande Western rail yard. Neither he nor the Martellos are listed in the 1900 City Directory, but they are found in the 1900 Federal Census taken in June.

           

In May 1900, “Mrs. Maggie Martell otherwise known as Mother Martell”, “who has loomed up on the police horizon as an offender on various occasions,” went before Judge John B. Timmony and swore out a complaint against Frank Ruga charging him with assault and battery.

           

Maggie Martello claimed that Ruga “gave her a cowardly and severe beating” with the handle of a broom. “In proof of her statement she exhibited a number of bruises.” She also swore that the assault was entirely unprovoked that she was merely passing along near her home on Fifth [Sixth] West, when Ruga “suddenly pounced upon her and gave her a beating.”  

           

Frank Ruga was arrested however he complained that “Mother Martell” was the assaulter not he. Ruga claimed that when he passed Maggie Martello in a vacant lot on “Third South and Fifth [Sixth] West, she yelled at him, calling him a “---- [expletive] , ---- [expletive] dago, etc. etc.”

           

“Ruga told her he did not want any trouble, but Maggie was determined she would and seizing a broomstick made a rush for him. Ruga gabbed possession of the stick and whacked Mrs. Martell on the head with it, which put a sudden end to the trouble for that night.”

           

When Frank Ruga appeared in Police Court, the case of assault and battery brought “by the noted Mrs. Maggie Martell” was dismissed by Judge Timmony as the accuser failed to show up.

           

In late July Maggie Martello was arrested again and “returned to her quarters at the city jail under escort of Officer Fitzmaurice”. Maggie had been “engaged in her old-time version of disturbing the neighborhood and drinking much bad whiskey.” 

           

She appeared in Police Court for raising “a racket” at James Hegney’s Albany Hotel”. In court Maggie Martello admitted that she had been drunk and she was given the alternative of paying $25 or serving twenty-five days in the city jail. She chose the time penalty.

           

After July 1900, no more information regarding the fate of Maggie Martello was found in Salt Lake City Newspapers. 

           

In 1900 she was 42 years old. She must have reconciled with her sister Annie as they were living together according to the federal census. She and Gennaro Martello must have been estranged however, as Maggie Martello had listed herself as a widow although he stated he was married.

           

It is unknown when Maggie Martello died as a death record for her cannot be located. She probably was buried in a pauper’s grave in the city’s Catholic Cemetery.

 

James Martello and Annie McGuirk

            While Maggie Martello does not show up in newspaper accounts after 1900, Gennaro Martello and Annie McGuirk are in several articles. Martello began going by the name “James or Jim” and his surname was sometimes spelled as “Martelli.”

            The 1901 City Directory for Salt Lake City showed that “James Martelli” had moved from 371 South and was residing at 359 South Fifth [Sixth] West. He was listed as a “laborer. He was not listed in the 1902 and 1903 directories, but he was found in a December 1904 Deseret News article.

 

            “Jim Martello Discharged- Jim Martello, Italian, who has been confined at the county jail for several weeks past; awaiting trial on the charge of assault with a deadly weapon, has been discharged, as there was insufficient evidence forthcoming to take the case to trial in the Second District. Martello was charged with having threatened the life of a woman with whom he was keeping company at Mariotts settlement.”

 

            In June 1906 Annie McGuirk was referred to as the wife of James Martello in a series of newspaper articles detailing an accident where they were involved in a collision with a train on Second South Street. They were referred to as an “Aged Couple” although he was only 49 years old, and she was about 37 years old.

 

            The Intermountain Republican newspaper reported “Wagon Smashed, Couple Escapes. Mr. and Mrs. James Martello have Miraculous Escape From Death. Engine Runs Them Down- Both are thrown under demolished Vehicle and Locomotive Stops a Few Feet Away.”

 

            Between 1901 and 1906 James Martello had bought a small vegetable farm near 2100 South and Redwood Road, an area then known as the Brighton addition. He was living with Annie McGuirk when they were coming into the city with a wagon load of produce “which they were going to sell.”

 

            “Mr. and Mrs. Martello were on their way to the city with a load of provisions,” at 9 in the morning when the accident involving a Rio Grande train occurred on Second South and today’s Seventh West.

 

            “They were driving into town along Second South in a small wagon loaded with products from their farm on Twelfth South [now 2100 South]. Upon reaching Sixth West [now Seventh West] on Second South the strangers were stopped by a flagman at the crossing. Several engines were switching back and forth over the street. In attempting to cross the rails after a train had passed the wagon was struck by a train.

 

            The couple was stopped on Second South at the railroad crossing by a flag man to let a switch engine pass. Martello must have thought it was clear and proceeded across the tracks when his wagon was struck by a Pullman Coach leaving the Rio Grande Station.

 

            “Bearing rapidly down upon them as they were seated in their market wagon early Thursday morning, a Pullman coach, forming part of a Rio Grande train at the passenger depot, crashed into a vehicle occupied by James Martello, an aged farmer living near Brighton, and his wife, throwing them underneath, injuring both, wounding the horses, and destroying the wagon.”

 

            “The responsibility for the accident is not fixed at this time. It is asserted by witnesses that Mr. Martello had stopped his wagon by the direction of the flagman and that as some as the cars had passed, he again started his team across the tracks. Whether the flagman advised him that the tracks were clear has not been learned, but it was very soon after the wagon started that it was struck by the engine.”

 

            The Martello’s wagon was demolished and “the horses were badly injured.” “Their produce was scattered over an acre or more of ground and their stock completely ruined.”

 

            Martello and “his wife” were thrown out of the smashed wagon and were within feet of being run over by the stopped train. “Just in time to prevent the engine from passing over their bodies, the engineer brought it to a stop, only a few feet from the man and his wife.”

 

            “Many people witnessed the accident and at once went to the assistance of the unfortunate.” “Bystanders went to the assistance of the injured man and woman” and extricated them from the wreckage. They were lifted from the tracks and made as comfortable as possible until the arrival of an ambulance in which they were taken to St. Mark’s Hospital.

 

            At St. Mark’s hospital, “Mrs. Martello was found severely injured suffering great pain. Her right arm was broken in two places below the elbow. Numerous bruises are on her body. The physicians at the hospital thought at first, she had sustained internal injuries. It was found that the woman had sustained a compound fracture of the right arm and serious bruises. It will probably be two months, however, before Mrs. Martello can leave the hospital, as she suffered a fracture of both an arm and a leg and was more seriously injured than was at first reported.” Mr. Martello was only slightly bruised. “Aside from the shock the man was hurt but little.”

 

            In September 1906 “James M. Martello and Ann Martello, his wife”, filed a lawsuit against the Rio Grande Western railway company in the Third District Court “to collect damages for personal injuries alleged to have been sustained at the hands of the defendants’ company.”

 

            Martello sued for $1500 saying that he was thrown out of his produce wagon, “receiving severe bruises on the legs and ankles”. “Mrs. Martello sues for $5000 and alleges that she was riding with her husband at the time the wagon was struck by the train and was thrown out and sustained a fractured right arm in two places and her collar bone broken.”

 

            The “actions of James Martello and Ann Martello for $1,500 and $5,000, respectively, for personal injuries received on the Rio Grande Western suit was dismissed by Third District Court  Judge T.D Lewis in May 1908.

 

The Last Information on the Martellos

            James and Annie Martello are listed in the 1910 federal census under the last name of “Odell”. He gave his age as 55 years, a native of Italy and residing in the Brighton Precinct. He stated he immigrated to America in 1885 but his naturalization status was still listed as “Alien”. James Martello gave his occupation as a general farmer and that he owned his farm free from a mortgage.

           

His wife, Annie “Odell’s, age was listed as 45 years [1865] but her birthplace was given as Italy also. Her year of immigration was given the same as James and she too was listed as an “alien.” In the census, they said they had been married for ten years and that she had no children. It also stated that their marriage was their first.

           

James Martello is not listed again in the City Directory until 1912 when he was listed as “James Martellie”, a farmer, residing at West Twelve South Brighton which was near 2100 South and Redwood Road today.

           

The 1920 federal census was a bit more accurate. James and Annie Martello were still enumerated in Brighton at “Buena Vista Station Scattered on Alkali Flats” where James Martello still was a farmer. He gave his age as 63 years old [1857] and immigrated in 1890. His farm had a mortgage on it compared to the 1910 census.

           

His wife Annie Martello age was given as “unknown” which was unusual, but she was said to have been born in Ireland and immigrated in 1896. This conflicts with the marriage record of 1895 that was recorded in Salt Lake City. 

           

In 1910 James Martello said he could read and write however the 1920 census he was listed as unable to do so. Both James and Annie Martello still were listed as resident aliens.

           

Annie Martello was the only one  of her sister and husband, who had a death certificate filed with the state of Utah. She died in June 1922 at the age of 47 according to her death certificate, but she was probably at least five years older, maybe even ten.

           

Her death certificate gave her name as “Anna Martell” born 1875 in Dublin, Ireland. Her father’s name was given as Michael McGordon. She died on the Brighton farm, one and ½ miles west of Redwood Road on 21st South of “natural causes”. 

           

Her husband, James Martello, was the informant and he said she lived in the city for 27 years [1895].  She was buried in the Catholic cemetery of Mount Calvary in Salt Lake City but no marker was placed on her grave.

           

A year later, in September 1923, under the name “Genaro Martelli” the widower James Martello married again, in Salt Lake City, at the age of 68 [1855]. He married a 60-year-old Scottish widow named Rebecca Noble Dewey .  

           

James and Rebecca Martello were married for only four years when his wife died in September 1927 at the age of 66 years [1861].  Her death record said she died at Twenty-first South and Twenty-first West which would have been the Brighton farm. She was buried in her family’s plot in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

           

The last record for James Martello was found in the 1928 City Directory for Salt Lake City under the name “James Marthello, still residing in the Brighton area as a farmer.  He is not found in the 1930 federal census of Utah and probably died sometime between 1928 and 1930. He may have been buried also in Salt Lake City’s Catholic Cemetery, but no record has been found for where he was interred.

 

 

Charles Bonetti [1849-1917]

Charles Bonetti, born in Palermo, Italy,  was “a well-known First South Street businessman”, and became a self-appointed leader of the small Italian Community. He was often employed by the Salt Lake Courts as an interpreter for witnesses “unable to speak any language but Italian.”

 

Bonetti had married an English woman by 1875 in New York and later made his way to Utah between 1880 and 1890.  He was principally known as a barber with a shop at 56 West First South Street but he was also the proprietor of the “Council Saloon” at 8 East First South.

 

Charles Bonetti became preeminent in the Italian community as  one of the founders of the “Societa Italiana Christoforo Columbo di Mutuo Soccorso e Beneficenza” in May 1897.  The English translation is roughly “Italian Society Christopher Columbus of mutual aid and charity.”

 

 Bonetti was its president and there were 42 signatures to the article of Incorporation. The society was founded to “aid its members and their families in case of sickness, accident or death by funds raised by assessments and contributions.” 

 

In 1899 Bonetti was accused of interfering in a criminal case involving a feud among some Italian women in the Rio Grande district.

 

“Bonetti denies Charge. He says He Didn’t Try to Bribe Mrs. Rosa. Charles Bonetti, president of the Italian Association, is emphatic in his denial that he attempted to bribe Mrs. Filmena Rosa in connection with the recent trouble among the Italians near the Rio Grande Western depot. As is usual in all such cases he says that Italians who speak imperfect English come to him for advice and he advised them to settle matter out of court if they could.” 

 

Bonetti’s influence within the Italian community waned in 1901 after it was reported that he made some disparaging remarks about his fellow countrymen. 

 

“Hot Italian Feud Rages in Salt Lake- Leader Bonetti Denounced by His Countrymen. Held A Mass Meeting- Hissed Republican Candidate For Consul”

 

“Charles Bonetti, the most prominent Italian in the state, the man who voted all the votable Italians of Utah for [President William] McKinley, and who is endorsed by the state committee for a diplomatic appointment is in sore trouble.”

 

 Last night 117 Italians met in a little room on the west side and denounced Mr. Bonetti as a traitor to his countrymen and a dishonest man. The Excitement at this meeting was most intense and although all the speeches were made in the Italian language, the hisses, groans and shuffling of feet every time the name of Bonetti was mentioned expressed the sentiment of those present.”

 

“The cause of this excitement among the Italians of the city is simple. Some time since a house was searched by the police on the west side of the city. The filth of the place was horrible, and thirty-eight Italians were crowded in one small house.” 

 

Bonetti took the occasion to denounce the Italians found in this condition as unfit to be admitted into American citizenship. The following day he apologized as he said his life was in danger from some of those, he styled low-grade Italians. The apology does not seem to have satisfied his offended countrymen and the meeting last night is the result up to date.”

 

“Bonetti’s reign was over. Antonio Jachetto, who acted as chairman of the meeting was the leader of the insurgents,” said “Mr. Bonetti should be ashamed of himself for speaking of the Italians the way he has for he knows it is untrue and we want the American people to know that he is not an honest man.”

 

“Bonetti Again Denounced. Italians Hotly Reject His Overtures for Peace. There was another warm meeting of the Italians last night and once again Charles Bonetti was denounced in unmeasured terms for his criticism of some of his countrymen several days ago. Letters were read from Bonetti, in which he had apologized for P. Vincelli and L. Mastrianna for his utterances and asked them not to pay any attention to what they had read in the papers, as he was truly sorry.”

 

“But these had no effect and a series of red-hot resolutions followed, being adopted unanimously. They were to the effect that while the Italians had bitterly denounced Bonetti, he deserved all that had been said about him, both publicly and privately, that he was anything save a representative of the Italian race in this state, that he posed falsely when he set himself up as the idol of the Italians, and that they simply laughed at his pretentions. The resolution closed by assuring Bonetti that he would never get a Consulship as his ‘bad talk’ about the Italians had killed him politically, and that he had better conclude to remain here, even if the Italians had no desire to further associate with him.”

 

“In the past we have patronized Mr. Bonetti’s saloon and barber shop; we thought he was an honest man. But now that he has acted this way, we will patronize him no longer. He lost our trade by the way he has acted.” 

 

“Mr. Bonetti has professed to be in fear of bodily harm ever since this controversy started and yet he shows no disposition to back down from the position he took when he issued his apology.”

“You can say for me, " he said last night when seen after the meeting, “that I never said I was a leader of the Italian people in this city or state, but I am now and have been considered leader by the Italians in the city, county, and state.”

 

“Most of those Italians present at the meeting come from Calibria in Italy and are of the lower class. They have often come to me for help, as they could neither read nor write; I have given them assistance whenever they came for it. I will wager $1,000 that there were not twenty-five American citizens among the 117 in the meeting. As for my being an honest man, I shall let my record speak for me.”

 

“Mr. Bonetti then gave a sketch of his life from the time he was born in Palermo down to the present. He was very much excited. When the boycott was mentioned, he said: “Let them boycott me if they wish, hah! I don’t live among dagoes. There was not a decent man in the whole 117 of them. They don’t belong to my class. I have helped them, and this is the way they treat me in return.” 

 

A boycott of Charles Bonetti’s businesses however eventually led to him filing for bankruptcy in 1905 and away from Utah, having moved to Pendleton, Oregon. He died in Portland, Oregon at the age of 67 in 1917. 

 

Raffaello and Catarina Mauro

154 South and 156 Fourth [Fifth] West

The 1897 city directory listed an Italian immigrant named “Raffaello” Mauro [1860-1931]  at this address, employed as a Carpenter. Raffaello “Ralph” Mauro must have left his former residence at 156 South  Fourth West where he had lived three years, when Silas Rall moved into that residence. The 1898 directed listed him as “Raffale Mauro” still residing at this address along with his 16-year-old son John Mauro.

 

Mauro stated that he immigrated in 1887, followed by his wife Catarina and son John in 1889. He was living in Salt Lake City in 1888 and specifically in Block 64 in the 1890’s.

 

Raffaello Mauro [1860-1931], an Italian immigrant laborer, was in Salt Lake City by 1891 when his name was on a list of unclaimed letters left in the post office. From 1894 through 1896, Raffaello Mauro was listed at this address as car repairer for the Rio Grande Western Railway. He moved from this address in 1897 to the small brick home at 154 South. 

 

The 1900 federal census showed that Mauro had moved away to Scofield in Carbon County where he worked as Railroad car repairer. 

 

Catarina Mauro and Filomena Rose’s Feud

The family may have moved away from Salt Lake after June 1899 due to his wife  Catarina “Catherine” Mauro having legal troubles. In an article “Women and Revolvers Cause Excitement  Near Rio Grande Depot “Mrs. Mauro and Mrs. Mary Cannella were placed in jail after Mrs. Filomena Rose charged that Canella fired a Gun at her while Canella claimed the gun with off accidently.”

 

 “The Women Belong to the Italian Colony and Have Not been friends. Mrs. Mauro was in the house at the time of the shooting. When Cannella was asked what she and the other woman were doing with the guns, she said they had the weapons to protect themselves. In default of a $750 bail the women went to jail.” Charles Bonetti was brought into court to be an interpreter as none of the women spoke English.

 

“Charles Bonetti who was formerly a barber at 56 West First South but is now running the Council Saloon. He is said to be a leader among the Italian residents who look to him for counsel in nearly every matter pertaining to the colony and was an interpreter.” 

 

“At the close of Mrs. Mauro’s trial, Mrs. Rosa was put on the stand and said that Bonetti sent for her to come to his saloon, being escorted into a private room. There she claims Bonetti in the presence of an attorney offered her $35 of the privilege of going to any store in town an getting the best clothes she could find, and he would  pay for them if she would say on the witness stand that Mrs. Mauro did not have a pistol and that Mrs. Cannello did not shoot at her.”

 

In the case of the state vs. Ms. Catherina Mauro before Judge John B. Timmony, she was accused of “brandishing a pistol and threatening to shoot Mrs. Mary Rosa of 564 West Fourth [Fifth] South street during a fracas.” 

 

“Mrs. Rosa’s story was that Mrs. Canello shot point blank at her with a revolver while she was passing Cannello home. Mrs. Mauro was also there and pointed a pistol at Mrs. Rosa telling her if she didn’t get away from the house she would shoot. When Canello fired, Mrs. Rosa threw a rock and ran.” 

 

It was reported that earlier Mrs. Mauro “had gone around the neighborhood in search of a pistol procuring one at Tony Appelos.”

 

John Joseph of 356 West Third South was an eyewitness as were Ernest Love and Lawrence Milk “two little boys” who “saw from a distance and bore out Mrs. Rosa’s story. Ernest Love was 11-year-old nephew of Albert Neil Love. the nephew The two pistols were found at the Mauro’ residence.

 

Canello and Mauro claimed, “great provocation” when “Mrs. Rosa in passing the house threw some rocks at the parties and in other ways made herself obnoxious and that it was necessary to make her desist.” 

 

Judge Timmony ruled in favor of Catherine Mauro that “there may have been provocation and in the face of evidence, conflicting as it was, he did not feel disposed to impose any fine or punishment but would discharge the defendant.” However, “Mrs. Cannello remained in the sheriff custody.” 

 

Catarina Mauro died 13 May 1901 in Salt Lake City of septicemia  at the age 41. “Ralph Mauro” then remarried in 1902 to Maggie McNellis. He later moved from Salt Lake City in 1928 to San Francisco but had returned to Utah a month before he died at his daughter’s home in the city.

 

Family of Raffael Marine [1833-1909]

            Raffael Marine was listed in the 1891 city directory as a laborer residing at 310 South Seventh [Eight] West. Others mentioned at the same address was Lewis Marine a grocer, Michael Marine, laborer, and Pascoe Marine also a laborer.

 

The following year the city directory five men named Marine or Marino living in Block 64. Eugene and Lewis Marine were listed as laborers rooming at 509 West First South and Lewis Marine and Raphael Maine  residing at 596 West Second South, Another individual named James Marino listed as a laborer also resided at 596 west. Eugene Henry Marine [1872-1939 was the son of Raffael Marine. He was born in Rome so mostly this is where the Marine family emigrated from in Italy.

 

The 1893 city directory only listed Eugene Marine as a laborer boarding at 509 West  along with Lewis Marine who was a “grocer” at 596 West. A third person named Lottie Marine was listed as the widow of Anton Marine. She resided nor boarded at 509 West.

 

However, the 1900 federal census showed an Italian emigrant, Raphael [Raffael] Marine, [1833-1909], his 53-year-old wife Lucia, and  their two sons Patrick Marine age 22 and Michael Marine aged 19 years old living at this Address. Raphael Marine was also known as Ralph and the 1900 census listed him as 60 years old when he would have been closer to 67. They were all Italian immigrants as were railroad laborers. Raphael and Lucia immigrated in 1888 however their sons did not emigrate until 1891.

 

Another son Eugenio “Eugene” Henry Marine [1872-1939] was a shoemaker by trade and had married in 1900.  He had a shoe store at 402 West Second South.

 

The two sons Pat and Mike were prone to epileptic seizures and in 1899, “a relative of Patrick Marine, an unfortunate youth who resides on the West Side, complained to Police Court Clerk Diehl yesterday morning [6 November] that the youngsters of the Fifteenth Ward were constantly teasing young Marine until that youth would become enraged and fall in a fit. He asked if there was no way to stop such proceedings and said that if there was not the Marines would have to leave the city.’

 

Patrick Marine appeared in court 10 November 1899 charged with assault and battery.  “Patrick Marine who us a regular butt for mischievous boys’ pranks, pleaded not guilty before Judge John B. Timmony in the police court this afternoon to the charge of assault and battery upon the person of one Eddie Folsom.”

 

“The aggrieved youngster gave his testimony amid sobs. He said he was not doing anything to Marine, when the young man chased him, knocked him down and proceeded to beat him with a club. Witness said he didn’t see the club in question but a Mr. Kelly, who saw the affair, said so. Arthur Early, a 14-yesr old boy, corroborated the testimony of the previous witness.”

 

“In defense Pat Marine said the boys called him a ‘Frankfort steamer, a Hot Tamale’ and another name which would not look well in print. The court fixed the penalty at $15 or fifteen days in jail. 

 

The Salt Lake Tribune reporting on the incident wrote, “Patrick Marine was the first on the linoleum and the charge against him was assault and battery. Patrick did not appear to be more than average in intelligence. Edward Folsom, a lad of 12, alleged that Marine had struck him with a club. Folsom’s story was moistened with tears, and so copious were they that Office Randolph looked carefully around for a bucket in which to corral the humidity. Young Folsom said that the defendant had given no cause for the assault and battery, and in this he was corroborated by Arthur Eardley.”

 

“In his own behalf , Marine said he had assaulted the lad. His reasons were: First; He had been called “Old Wienerwurst.” Second: The lads had referred to him as a “hot tamale”. Third- the gang of which Folsom was alleged to be the leader, had suggested , and there was a tone of sarcasm running through it, that he would not look good to them if he were converted to a chicken sandwich. Fourth [Fifth]-There had been doubts expressed as whether he would even make a good meat pie. Fifth- It had been resolved by the kids assembled that he was merely a hamburger steak, one served by an injection of formaldehyde. Then he got angry, and trouble began. The trouble will be over fifteen days from the date.” 

 

In 1902 Raphael Marine committed his two adult sons to the Provo Insane asylum .They were still residing at this address in 1903, when their son Michael Marine, who had been committed to the Provo Insane Asylum as an epileptic, accuse the institution of abusing him. 

 

In 1904 Eugene Marine reported to the police how his mother had been abused by boys in the neighborhood. “Aged Woman Struck By Young Hoodlums- Mrs. Marine, the aged mother of E.H. Marine, the well know West Second South business man, has been subjected to several outages at the hands of young rowdies.”

 

“On three occasions, Mrs. Marine who is very old and can hardly walk, has been hit in the face by wet snowballs thrown by a gang of young hoodlums who are said to make their headquarters in the vicinity of Seventh [Eighth] West and Second South streets. Mr. Marine has complained to the police  but says he can get no satisfaction  from them. There is a great deal of indignation expressed by the residents of the west end over the actions of the crowd of rowdies.”

 

Patrick Marine died in 1904 “In this city March 20, 1904, Patrick Marine, a native of Rome aged 24 years. Funeral will be held from St. Patrick’s church tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock . Internment in Calvary cemetery. Friends invited to attend.”

 

“Patrick Marine, the young Italian whose alleged maltreatment at the State mental hospital attracted much attention last year died yesterday at the Holy Cross hospital from a complication of diseases. He was a brother of E. H. Marine and was for several years a student at the Franklin School. Prof. Hallock, the principal, says of him ‘Patrick Marine entered this school in 1892 and graduated in 1896. He did most excellent work until his ailment began to cloud his bright mind and was one of the most promising scholars. He entered the high school but discontinued upon the advice of his physician.’ The young man was 24 years old.” 

 

“Bright High School Boy Succumbs to a Complication of Troubles. A young Italian named Patrick Marine of this city died yesterday at 10:30 at the Holy Cross Hospital. His death was super induced by an operation for an abscess in the head brought on with other ailments from a severe attack of typhoid fever some 13 years ago. 

 

The deceased was one of the bright boys of the Franklin School, having graduated from that institution with honors. He had entered high school where his physical condition impaired his intellect and his parents had him placed un he hospital in the hope of his recovery. He was 24 years of age.”

 

Patrick Marine’s younger brother Michael Marine died in 1907 at the age of 23. He “met with an accident about 9:05 Monday night [March 29] at the Third South Street crossing of the Rio Grande Western railroad, from the effects of which he died  at St. mark’s hospital at 13:30 Tuesday morning, He was run over by a string of freight cars, his right arm being severed at the shoulder and both legs just below the knees. Marine suffered intense agony until death relieved him of suffering.” 

 

“Local agent C. R. Aley, who in the absence of the division superintendent is acting in his stead, was notified of the accident, and appeared on the scene. He said that the suffering man should be cared for by the county and refused to have anything to do with the case. He refused to summon medical assistance for the sufferer who lay groaning and pleading on a stretcher on the floor.” 

 

For nearly an hour Marine lay in this condition when someone prevailed upon the agent to summon Dr. Warren Benjamin the company physician  and to notify the authorities

 

“General agent of the Rio Grande refused to take charge of the injured man and would not have him sent to the hospital. Mr. Alley said that it was a county case, and the railroad company did not have to render any assistance. This occasioned another delay as it was not known where to take the man, County Physician Calderwood was at last found and ordered the man taken to the hospital. 

 

Several times during the last twelve years Marine has become suddenly insane and has only just recently returned from the state mental hospital at Provo. His mind has been affected all his life and it was his habit to roam around the railroad yards.’

 

 He lived with his aged mother and father at their home 253 South Fifth West. His father is very sick at present, and the news of the young man’s accident was withheld from him  last night fearing the shock would kill him.” 

 

“Michael Marine came to this country many years ago with his parents and other members of the family. About six years ago he was taken in charge by officers and examined for his sanity. He was declared insane and committed to the State Mental hospital in Provo. After being in that institution for about a year  he was discharged as cured. Later he was recommitted to the mental hospital, and after spending several months there was again discharged. Since his second discharge he has lived with his parents near the Rio Grande depot.” 

 

Raffael Marine and his wife had move from 253 South Fifth [Sixth] West by 1906 to 832 Cannon Avenue. Evidently their grown son Michael remained at 253 South as that was where he was residing when he died. Luci Marine made out a will in 1906 in which she named her husband “Raffaele Marini”.

 

In 1908 an article commented how Raffaele and his wife were abused by children attending Franklin Elementary. “Italian Says He Is Persecuted By Pupils Of Franklin School”

“Since the opening of school this fall there has been a battle raging between children of the Franklin School and an aged Italian named Marine, who owns a little home adjoining the school on the west. Several stories come from the battle field as who is at fault, if anybody, and what the exact fault is, if any. Marine declares the boys throw rocks at him and annoys him in many other ways. F.M. Poulson, principal of the Franklin school, says that the boys do not annoy, but the trouble is with Marine, who cares little for the children.”

 

Friday afternoon, E. H. Maurine, a son of the old man in question, reported to Superintendent Christensen that the boys at the school had again been throwing rocks. Marine reported that a large rock struck his father on the head, inflicting serious injury. He also reported that four or five windows had been broken. A strong protest was also made by Marine because the school board had filled in the grounds rising the school property several feet above that of Marine’s.”

 

“Superintendant Christensen immediately called Mr. Poulson and ordered an investigation of the affair. Mr. Poulson reported that he was unable to find any injury on the old man or any windows broken.”

 

“Mr. Marine declares that since the opening of school the boys , morning, recess, noon hour ad in the evening after school spent the greater part of their time in annoying his father. He alleges that his father is a object of their continual abuse, and no act is too low for the boys to commit against the old man. He says that it is the one joy of the boys in the neighborhood to find some new way in which to displease his father and are at all time heaping their slander and abuse on him.”

 

“From the board of education and the school principal comes another story. Superintendant Christensen said last evening that the complaints of Marine were made only because he wanted to dispose of his property to the school board, and he hoped this would be a means to force them to buy the ground. He says he is sure the old man is not being hurt by the boys and is of the opinion that Marine and his wife are always the first to start the battle.”

 

“Mr. Poulson said last evening he had ordered the children of the school not to annoy the old couple. He also said he had told Marine and his wife it would be best if they remain in their house during the time the children were at play, for a short while until they cease to think of annoying them. Marine refuses to stay in the house and the war continues between him and the children continues.”

 

 The juvenile court has received several complaints regarding the children at the school , but as yet nothing has been down. Guardello Brown said last evening he had ordered a man to investigate the trouble. He has not, however, received any report about the matter.”

 

In 1909 Eugene H Marine was in police court after a quarrel with Syrian immigrants. The Syrians claimed that Marine interrupted  “their people while merrymaking,” and fired a bullet which struck” one of the Syrians. The Syrians claimed that Marine, “a shoe merchant at 759 West Second South” was the aggressor.

 

Marine retorted d that that the man who was shot was shot by one of the Syrians who was assaulting Marine. “ E.H. Marine has been a business man of Salt Lake for eighteen years and has become a citizen. He alleges that he was assaulted  by a mob of Syrians who broke down his fence, smashed his widows, frightened his wife, and pummeled him into submission” Marine showed the court his “bruised ribs and scarred arms.”

 

The Salt Lake Herald article showed it’s distain of the Mediterranean immigrants with the headline “Clans of the Garlic Breath Air Feud In the Police Court”. The reporter   disparaging added “The police court is a jumble of garlic and strange tobacco, Syrian dialect and lawyers. Rows of heavy mustaches decorate the benches and fierce whispered oaths mingle with gestures.”

 

Raffael Marine died in 1909 at the Holy Cross Hospital and was buried in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery. His wife Lucia “Lucy” Marine  was listed in the 1910 Census as living at 802 Cannon Street as a 60-year-old widow who owned her own home. She died in 1915 and the informant was her son E. H. Henry who lived at 557 Second South.

 

 

 

Chapter Five

Churches  for the Rio Grande District

The Fifteenth Ward House

The Mormon Pioneers created the Fifteenth Ward shortly arriving at the Salt Lake Valley. The ward was bounded both north and south between South Temple and Third South. The Ward boundaries stretched from Third West to the Jordan River and encompassed all of Blocks 63 and 64 as well as the site of the Denver & Rio Grande Rail Yards. Blocks 81, 64 and 63 were for several decades the western edge of the Fifteenth Ward at today’s Sixth West however as the population increased the boundaries were set to the Jordan River.

The Fifteenth Ward’s Meeting House was built in Lot Six of Block 65 on the northeast corner. It was a large brick building and the Sanborn Fire Insurance showed that it was 26 feet tall up to the eaves. 

The Fifteenth Ward’s  boundaries were for decades a “civic” political geographical location as well as an ecclesiastical one for Great Salt Lake City.

 

Saint Patrick Catholic Parish

The Irish who came to Salt Lake’s west side to became railway workers soon replaced the old Mormon polygamist families in the Rio Grande District. As the Catholic population increased with the arrival of Italians the need of a more convenient location for worship was apparent to Roman Catholic Bishop Lawrence Scanlan.

 

To meet the needs of Irish Catholics Bishop Scanlan purchased land in the northwest corner of City Block 44 in 1889.  Three years later a brick cottage and a framed building on the property at 417 South Fourth [Fifth] was converted for worship and the Parish Church was named St. Patrick.

 

Saint Patrick Parish opened for services on 16 October 1892. The parish’s first pastor was Father Dennis Kiley who served the needs of the Irish and Italian Catholics immigrants living on the west side of Salt Lake City. Fr. Kiley had come to Utah from San Francisco with Bishop Scanlan as his assistant in 1877.

In 1907 the land was sold to San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake Railroad. Property for the new church was acquired on 400 south in 1914, and a cornerstone was laid, but construction never took place due to the death of Fr. William K. Ryan, then pastor, and Bishop Scanlan in 1915. 

  Bishop Joseph S. Glass selected the current site on 400 south and 1040 west for the new Saint Patrick Church, the building of which was put into the hands of Fr. Michael F. (later Msgr.) Sheehan, pastor from 1916 through 1926. The church, with its mission-style architecture, was completed in November 1916, but was not dedicated due to the onset of World War I. 

To some Mormon and Protestant Salt Lakers, these new Catholic arrivals were troublesome as they were seen as “ideologically unfit for participation in American democracy.”  The older, more established population of Utah felt the idea of thousands of “inassimilable” foreigners” was problematic to a city long dominated by a Mormon Theocracy. 

The Westminster Presbyterian Church & Its Pastors

130-132 South Fourth [Fifth] West

Directly south of 124 South Fourth [Fifth] West was the Westminster Presbyterian Church. The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map did not give the church an address, but the building was described as the front of one-story section of the church being brick while the large space in the rear was made of adobe. There was a wooden spire at the front entrance of the Church.   

 

In 1882 Morrill L Davis sold his property bought from William and Sarah Thacker to the Presbytery of Utah for $1,450 on which to build a church. The property description was from the southeast corner of Lot Eight,  west 10 rods [165 feet] and thence north 6 rods [99 feet] back to the beginning. An article from 1890 stated “the church has a fine brick chapel which cost $3500” which was dedicated in 1889.” 

 

In the early 1880s, a Mrs. Camp, a wealthy woman of  Bement, Illinois, “donated the sum of $12,000 for mission and educational work in Utah.”

 

An announcement in the Deseret News from 1883 stated “Presbyterian School. It is reported that the Presbyterians have purchased a piece of land in the Fifteenth Ward, south of Henry Moore’s place and soon to commence the erection of a building to be devoted to school purposes.”

 

From Mrs. Camp’s donation “Camp Chapel,” a two-room adobe building, was built on Fourth [Fifth] West Street between 1st and 2nd South Streets in Salt Lake City in 1884. A missionary group called the “Christian Endeavor Society in Utah” was also organized that year and worked from the Camp Chapel. 

 

Rev. Henry A. Newell [1839-1910]

In 1884 a Presbyterian clergyman named Henry A Newell came to Utah and transformed the Camp Chapel mission into the Westminster Presbyterian Church.

 

Henry Newell was born in Indiana in 1839 and in June 1864 he had married and a month later had joined the 24th Michigan Infantry and fought in the Civil War. The 1870 federal census listed him and his wife as living in Rock Island, Illinois where he was a Presbyterian Minister. 

 

The 1880 federal census now listed Henry A. Newell as a 41-year-old “clergyman” living in Rochester, Minnesota. He now with a five-year-old daughter.  A few years later he was a minister in Fargo, North Dakota on the Minnesota state boarder. In June 1884, an article announced “Rev. H. A Newell of Fargo, will enter the mission field of Utah under the auspices of the Congregational Church.”  

 

Rev. Newell arrived in Salt Lake City in July 1884 and began regular pastoral work began preaching at the “Camp Chapel” mission located at Fourth [Fifth] West between First and Second in September. He was working under the auspices of the Plymouth Congregational Church until they disbanded a short time later. 

 

Camp Chapel featured several announcements of church services held for people of the Rio Grande District.  “Strangers in the city particularly invited. Seats all. Everybody welcome.” Rev. Newell  became well received as he “was a most interesting preacher and efficient worker.”

 

Rev. Newell started a “Sabbath school” at the Camp Chapel for children of the west side of Salt Lake. On Christmas Eve 1884, a reporter wrote about his efforts; “another company of children were inside happy last evening [December 24] at Camp Chapel, the Presbyterian Mission on Fourth [Fifth] West between First and Second South streets.”

 

 The pastor in charge, Rev. H.A Newell, aided by his wife and misses Sadie Reed and Emma Groce, teachers in the day school, prepared a pleasant entertainment for the children in the way of music, decorations,  etc.”

 

“Among the exercises were a beautiful poem, read by Miss Reed, in regard to the coming of Santa Claus. A beautiful tree was filled with presents for all the Sunday School scholars who had been regular in attendance. After the distribution of the presents, a huge Santa Claus, seven feet high, entered the room, burdened with an immense basket filled with beautiful boxes containing candy, raisins, nuts, and popcorn, which he gave to every child in the room. The exercises were most enjoyable throughout and appreciated by a crowded house.”

 

Camp Chapel. This is  mission work, located in the western part of the city and called Camp Chapel in view of the liberality of Mrs. Camp of Bement, Illinois. The Sabbath school connected with Camp Chapel has an average of at least sixty, and is rapidly increasing, the attendance December.” 

 

In January 1885, the Camp Chapel mission was reorganized into a Presbyterian Church as the “new organization takes the name of “Westminster Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake with four elders elected ordained and installed.  Under Rev. Newell’s leadership, the Church was organized with 32 members. 

 

In 1886, through the efforts of  Rev. Newell, a brick church was built in front of the adobe mission.  The “neat brick structure was dedicated in November 1886, and shortly thereafter, Rev. Newell accepted a position in Salem, Oregon. He later left Oregon for Los Angeles, California, serving several Presbyterian Churches there. He died 2 June 1910 after retiring as pastor of the Hollywood Presbyterian Church. 

 

“Dr. Newell was 71 years old and had been of the Presbyterian church forty-five years. His life was spent in Christian work. Intellectually he was one of the strong men of the church to which he so loyally gave his service.” 

 

Rev. William R Campbell

After Rev. Henry A Newell moved on, the following January 1887, Rev. William R Campbell who came to Utah in 1886, was selected as the pastor. His time in Salt Lake City was brief however several of his sermons were mentioned in local papers including one called, “I Have sinned, and I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.”  

 

Rev. Campbell left after a year and relocated to Cache Valley at Mendon, where he was the  editor of the Young People’s Friend.  A Presbyterian chapel school had been erected in Mendon, Utah in 1883. 

 

 Rev. William R. Campbell as a Presbyterian pastor was vehemently against Mormon polygamy. In the period from 1887 to 1890, “because of their plural wives, a number of the men were sent to jail under the Edmunds-Tucker Act.”

 

After statehood polygamist B.H. [Brigham Henry] Roberts in 1898, was elected as a Democrat to the 56th Congress. However, petitions and protests, many from Utah’s Protestant clergy and the National Anti-Polygamy League of New York soon flooded the U.S. Congressmen.” 

 

“The House of Representatives appointed a special committee to investigate, and after lengthy testimonies and political battles, the committee reported their recommendations to the House, which in January 1900 denied Roberts a seat, based on his practice of polygamist marriages, and declared the seat vacant.”

 

Among the chief opponents of Roberts was Rev. William Campbell who left Mendon and went back to New York and Washington D.C. to campaign in Eastern Presbyterian Churches against the seating of B. H. Roberts in the House of Representatives.

 

Rev. Campbell took an active part in the fight against seating Roberts and polygamy.  At a large gathering of Presbyterians in New York City, Rev. Campbell introduced Eugene Young, a grandson of Brigham Young and Mrs. Fanny Stenhouse  who condemned polygamy and opposed the seating  of B.H. Roberts  “a three or four ply polygamist, still living in polygamy” in Congress.  

 

“If dragging polygamy into the house of Representatives, Mr. Roberts is representing a defiant sentiment of the whole Mormon people, then the people must not rest until congress has cast him out as a warning to all covenant-breakers and all polygamists.” 

 

Even after B.H. Roberts was denied his seat because of his practice of polygamy in 1900, Rev. Campbell still continued his crusade against polygamy, that he stated was still being solemnized in Utah despite the 1890 Manifesto that the Mormon Church claimed ended the practice. 

 

Rev. Campbell testified before a House Committee about Utah Mormons appointed to postmaster positions who were practicing plural marriage. However, by 1902, Campbell abandoned his opposition against polygamy and accepted a position with an insurance firm in New York City. 

 

Rev. Franklin L Arnold [1825-1905]

In September 1888, Rev. Campbell was  succeed by sixty-three-year-old  Rev. Franklin L Arnold [1825-1905].  Rev. Arnold was a graduate of Oberlin college in Ohio and was said to also have spoken as well as write German.  He had “labored 13 years in Evanston, Wyoming,” before excepting the pastorate in Salt Lake City. 

 

In 1889, a petition was presented to the Utah Presbytery seeking the organization of a Presbyterian church to be named Westminster with its formal organization occurring on September 19 of that year. 

 

The Westminster Church prospered under Rev. Arnolds leadership as that he was “an interesting preacher and one of the most efficient pastors that ever came into the city, always in search of the needy and the sick, with cordial greetings for the strangers and thereby makes the church noted for its home-like atmosphere,” and was known “as an active working church along all Christian and benevolent lines.

 

The Church also had a “flourishing Sabbath School” of over 150 neighborhood children and “a good Young People’s Society. 

 

The Fourth [Fifth] West Westminster Presbyterian Church, was mentioned in 1890 as having 35 members and owned “a valuable property of six by 10 rods It also had a “good school-building and an efficient school of two grades with an enrollment of about 100.”

 

The church was mentioned in as being located at Fourth [Fifth] West between First and Second South and mentioned the groups meeting there. “Rev. Franklin L Arnold Pastor, Camp Mission School, Christian Endeavor Society, Bethany Band Children’s Missionary Society. Ladies Aid Society.” 

 

 In 1891 the Women’s Christian Temperance Union began holding meetings Westminster Church which  was “now lighted by electricity a great improvement of the kerosene lamp system. The following year Rev. Arnold  proposed to the Salt Lake School Board to lease their two school rooms in the Westminster church, thoroughly equipped for eighty students, at a rental of $40  per month. The proposal was approved. 

 

In 1894 girls of the “Westminster School” at the Presbyterian Church “of Fourth [Fifth] West” held a church benefit “for the benefit of a young colored girl in the South who is receiving her education through the efforts of the class.”  

 

In 1897 the city directory finally listed an address of the Westminster Church at 130 South Fourth [Fifth] West. The following year, Rev. Arnold retired with the church having grown to  125 members. When Rev. Arnold died in 1905, he was buried in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, the only one of the seven men who served as pastorate of the church. Between 1898 and 1908 there came  a succession of four young pastors between the ages of 24 and 31 year. 

 

Rev. George Edward Bailey [1867-1926]

Rev .George Bailey was born  in England and graduated from Firth University in 1889.He and his wife emigrated to the United States in 1897 and settled in Broken Bow Nebraska. 

 

 “A unanimous call has been extended to Rev. George Bailey of Broken Bow, Nebraska, by the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City. If the call is accepted, as it is understood  it will be, the Westminster people are to be congratulated upon their success.

 

In Kearney  Presbytery, where Mr. Bailey was ordained six years ago, no man holds more unbounded confidence and respect.

 

The Broken Bow church will, it is hoped , soon find a man to take up the work laid down by the retiring pastor. The new field will be occupied by the pastor about October 1.”

 

The Rev. George Baily who was from Broken Bow, Nebraska, served as pastor until 1902 when he “resigned his pastorate in order to accept the position of president of Sheldon Jackson College which later became Westminster College. George Bailey was the second president but lived in Washington D.C. to fundraise for the new college. In 1905 he resigned from Westminster College to “become pastor of one of the leading Presbyterian Churches of Washington D.C.  

 

Rev. George Bailey left Washington D.C and moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, then to Cleveland Ohio by 1920 where he was rector of St. Philips. The Apostle Episcopal church. he and his wife were killed in car and train accident in 1926 at the “White House grade crossing, known as the worst death trap in the state.” 

 

The persons killed Saturday [June 5] were the Rev. George E. Bailey, Mrs. Bailey, Leslie Sheard ad Mrs. Gertrude Sheard his sister. The Reverend Bailey was driving the car in which the victims were riding.

 

Witnesses differ as to whether a watchman was flashing danger signals at the crossing at the time of the accident. Rev. George and his wife Matilda were buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Cleveland Ohio, 

 

“”Rev. George Edward Bailey formerly pastor of the Central Presbyterian church in eerie, and his wife, were instantly killed late Saturday, [June 5] night when the automobile in which they were riding was struck by a Pennsylvania train about four miles out of Cleveland, Ohio. The pastor and his wife were returning from an outing of young people of St. Phillips Episcopal church of Cleveland  of which he had been pastor for several year.” 

 

Rev. John Theophilus Richelsen [1878-1958]

Twenty-Four-year-old Rev. John Theophilus Richelsen of Soda Springs, Idaho, “a young man and a recent graduate of Princeton Divinity School,” was hired but left in 1904.  The summer before leaving he gave several public sermons promoting “Socialism” as a means to cure the ills of capitalism. His addressed were well received and published in their entirety in local papers.  While not promoting the Socialist Party he clearly believed that Socialism was a  Christian value. 

 

His popularity was attested by the number who turned out for his farewell. “Westminster Church was crowded to overflowing last night [21 August 1904] with an appreciative audience, the occasion being the farewell services of the Rev. John Richelsen who leaves this evening for his new pastorate in West Virginia. 

 

Rev. McLain W. Davis [1873-1967]

Thirty-one-year-old Rev. McLain W Davis was pastor from 1904 until 1906 when he left for Green River, Utah. 

Rev. Charles Curtis McIntire

Twenty-Eight-year-old Charles Curtis McIntire then became pastor. He left Salt Lake by 1913 and moved Illinois and later by 1920 to Venita, Oklahoma. He and his wife divorced, and he moved to Chicago, Illinois. 

 

The demise of the church building was announced in an article, “Old Church Edifice Sold For Warehouse. Church of Westminster Presbyterian To Be Devoted to Commercial Use,

 

The old Westminster Presbyterian church on Fourth [Fifth] West Street in which the congregation is soon to see the last of devout Sunday Services, and to be given over , in its old age, to he uses of busy commerce. The old building was sold Saturday [4 October 1908] to the Redman Van and Storage company, which will take possession of it November 1, and next Friday [October 30] the pastor, Charles Curtis McIntyre, will preach his farewell sermon in the old church, and thereafter, till the new church is completed  the congregation will worship in Odd Fellow’s Hall.

 

The church has been in use many years and its congregation has outgrown it, and recently decided to erect a new building, which called for the requirements of the purchasing company, who will use it for a warehouse, after making the necessary alterations, the trade was affected, and the transaction completed on the payment of the price agreed upon, $9000.

 

Mr. McIntyre and many members of the congregation are making preparations this week for the farewell services Friday evening, which will mark the close of the usefulness of the building as a place of worship.” 

 

An article from January 1909 related how the church property had been sold to the Redman Van and Storage Company and had left its location in City Block 64 where it had been for a quarter of a century. Unstated however that the move probably was prompted by the city’s proposal to build a red-light district in the center of  block 64 in order to remove brothels and prostitutes from the commercial districts of downtown. 

 

 “The Westminster Presbyterian church just completed one of the most eventful and prosperous years in its history. The past six-year numerous attempts have been made to dispose of the old location on Fourth [Fifth] West between First and Second South Streets but none were successful until last October when the property was sold to a local van and storage company.”

 

“The location for the new church on the corner of Fifth South and First Street has been cleared of all financial encumbrances and the ground will be broken for a new building early next spring  at cost of $22,000 and will be ,modernly equipped  Auditorium rooms for various auxiliary organizations and a gymnasium in the basement for the Boy’s Club. Over $500 was raised in the past year. Temporary services held in the Order of Odd Fellows Hall 65 Market Street. The new church building on Fifth South, and Second West was dedicated in September 1910, and the church continued its work there until 1946.

 

The old Westminster Church building on Fourth [Fifth] West was eventually torn down when a new edifice was built on the corner of First West and Fifth South in 1909. Today 130 South Fourth [Fifth] Street is called Fifth West Street and the Gateway 505 Apartments are situated here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Six

The Saloons and Other Businesses of Block 63 and 64

William T Sampson’s Salt Lake Meat Company

275-279 South Fifth [Sixth] West 

In 1890 Edmund Butterworth leased the southwest corner of Lot Two consisting of approximately six rods by six rods nearly 1000 square feet to August Roland for $18,300 with a monthly rent of $50. August Roland [1858-1929] was a business partner with William Thomas Sampson [1848-1937] until 1892. An article on businesses being constructed in October 1890 listed “Roland and Sampson Cold Storage for $25,000”. 

 

For nearly 10 years the southwest corner of Block 63 at the corner of Third South and Fifth [Sixth] West contained the Salt Lake Meat Market and slaughterhouse. An advertisement for the Salt Lake Meat Company  was placed in the 1890 City Directory which stated.

 

“A. Roland,  W.T. Sampson, Salt Lake Meat Co, Wholesale Dealers In Dressed Beef, Pork, Mutton and Veal, Hams, Bacon and Lard. Fine Sausage a Specialty- Cor. Third South and Fifth [Sixth] West Salt Lake City  Telephone 451 P.P. Box 756” .

 

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map listed a whole complex of buildings for the Salt Lake Meat Company with the addresses of 273 South, 271 South, 267 South  and 265 South. All these addresses were located in the same building contained a “frame front.” The building was shown as two stories and provided boarding and lodging on the second floor. The northern half of the first floor  contained two large rooms, one which was a wagon house, and the other contained hides and the company’s office. Next to the office was a stairwell to the second floor.

 

The south portion of the building stored meats and refrigerators as well as another small office. Behind this building were outside stairs to the second floor and an open courtyard. A long 2 story brick row of workspaces was listed as 265 ½ West and was mentioned as a “sausage facility” on the first floor and “lard rendering” on the second. That building contained lard kettles and a smoke house with a Boiler.   

 

The duplex at 566 West 300 South was only 13 feet from this building and the smell had to have been very noxious. 

                                                                                    

August Roland [1858-1929]

August Roland was a German native who immigrated to the United States in 1871. In 1881 he had a deal to furnish the Denver & Rio Grande and Colorado Midland Railroads with beef during the completion of their contracts for construction of railway lines which kept him busy until 1889. 

 

When Roland came to Salt Lake City, he secured as a partner William T Sampson, and they started the wholesale meat business located in Block 63 under the firm name of “Roland and Sampson’s Salt Lake Meat Company”. 

 

This enterprise lasted two years.  “Notice of Dissolution. The co partnership composed of August Roland and William T. Sampson heretofore existing and doing business at Salt Lake City, Utah , under the name and style of the Salt Lake Meat Company, is this day dissolved by mutual consent. William T Sampson having purchased the interest of August Roland in said business and will continue business at the old stand and will collect all bills and pay all debts. Al Roland, W.T. Sampson Salt Lake City, May 23, 1892.”

 

August Roland deeded to William T Sampson a half interest in his lease in Lot Two and William Sampson and his wife Jane took out a mortgage of $10,000 to pay  as James Bacon trustee for Roland to secure four notes at $2500 each. 

 

In the meantime, August Roland who held about 32,000 head of sheep in the Utah Range near Grand Junction, lost a fortune when the tariff on wool was removed during President Cleveland’s administration. He sustained a loss of $2 per head of sheep. 

 

Roland returned to Salt Lake City and started the Murray Meat and Livestock Company. It was said “It is doubtful if there is a man in the intermountain country with more practical knowledge in the meat and livestock business than Mr. Roland.” 

 

By 1893 Roland was boarding at 261 South Main Street in Salt Lake and never had dealings with Block 63 afterwards.  He married in the late 1890’s and raised a family in Murray Utah.

 

William Thomas Sampson [1849-1937]

Roland’s partner William Thomas Sampson immigrated to the United States in 1867 from England and settled first in Colorado. In 1875 Sampson declared his intentions of becoming a United States citizen while living in the community of Silver Plume, Clear Creek County, Colorado a “small mining camp of a few hundred inhabitants”,  where he worked in a butcher shop.  He was residing in Silver Plume when the 1880 federal census was taken. 

 

The business district of Silver Plume burned down in November 1884 and “before any organized effort could be made the flames were beyond control and in an incredibly short time, forty of the principal buildings comprising the entire business portion of the town were in ruins. W.T. Sampson was among the businessmen whose places were destroyed.” 

 

Sometime after the fire the Sampson family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. William Sampson was not listed in the 1888 Salt Lake City directory but in 1890 he was listed as residing at 504 West First South within the boundaries of the Fifteenth Ward. He was listed as a partner in the Salt Lake Meat  company which was located then at 317 South First East [State Street]. 

 

 By 1891 the Salt Lake Meat Company had relocated to the “northeast corner” of Fifth [Sixth] West and Third South in Block 63. This was land leased from Edmund Butterworth. This location near the Rio Grande Depot was convenient for the delivery of livestock to the slaughterhouse. In 1891 a newspaper reported that “the Salt Lake meat company received twenty-one cars of cattle over the Rio Grande Western, twelve for Ephraim and nine from Mill Fork.”

 

When cattle came by way of the Union Pacific railway to the slaughter yards, cattle was often herded through the streets. The business section of Salt Lake newspapers reported that in 1894 the Union Pacific Stock Yards “received twenty-two head of beef steers from the north  for the Salt Lake Meat company.  One of these steers however caused a rampage in the streets of Salt Lake City. 

 

“A three-year-old cow, fresh from the range, caused a reign of terror on State, South Temple and First Streets. She broke away for a bunch of beef cattle the property of the Salt Lake Meat Company. Several people narrowly escaped injury. Two little children near Second South were knocked down. In the street near the ZCMI shoe factory, she attack a man demolishing his bicycle.

 

“Chief Pratt and a number of his officers captured the cow. The ropes were slipped over her head with considerable difficulty and not until the animal had made several attempts to gore the horse ridden by Special Officer Talbot. The owners converted the wild beast into beef during the afternoon.” 

 

Andrew H Blomdell [1819-1900]

Andrew H Blomdell brought a suit against  William T Sampson  for $5000 in 1897 for this 1894 incident. He claimed that Sampson owned a “wild and ferocious cow which, being driven through the streets,” and it had “entered the premises of the plaintiff and attacked and gored him, inflicting such injuries as to permanently disable him.”     

 

Sampson testified that his company was “engaged in the butcher business in Salt Lake and on that date in question received a carload of cattle shipped to them over the Union Pacific Road, and that in driving them through the street one heifer ran away from the herd and may have entered the premises of the plaintiff but had no certain knowledge.”

 

The owners of the cow, denied “having any personal knowledge  of the disposition of the animal, having never seen it before, but from inquires made afterwards it was learned the animal was neither wild nor vicious and that in fact was a very Gentlemanly cow.”  The jury however returned a verdict of $200 for Blomdell. 

 

In 1892, William T Sampson bought out his partner August Roland “by mutual consent” and Sampson became the sole proprietor of the  Salt Lake Meat Company.  Andrew J Cronin  and others nearby neighbors on Third South, in December 1893, complained to city hall that the Salt Lake Meat “had converted their place of business into a bone-boiling establishment and that an unbearable stench permeates the atmosphere in the vicinity. Hence the petitioners asked that the same be abated referred to Sanitary Committee.”  The outcome of the petition was not recorded however the Salt Lake Meat Company continued its operations at this location for the rest of the decade.  The smell of the rendering of cattle in this area must have been insufferable.

 

Two cattle rustlers, who stole five cows and nineteen steers from G.M. Pace in Summitt County, drove them into the city in August 1896 and tried to sell them to the Salt Lake Meat Company  but “before the alleged thieves received the money for the same, the cattle were identified” and the rustlers were arrested. 

 

Death of Son Thomas Sampson

 William Sampson had moved his wife and two sons to a home located at 231 West Second South where he resided at least until 1895. The 1896 city directory stated his family resided then at 275 South Fifth [Sixth] West next to his company meat packing business at 579 West.

 

The Sampson family actually was residing on Fifth West [Sixth] West by 1895 when his 22-year-old son, Thomas William Sampson, died of blood poisoning and his funeral was held at his parent’s home.  

 

Thomas Sampson was mentioned in several newspaper articles as being at several dances held by the Grand Army of the Republic committee and in 1893, he had even won first prize as the “Best gentleman waltzer” at an “Odd Fellows sponsored excursion at Garfield Beach” where “some 2,000 people” had attended. 

 

In January 1895, Five months before he died, Thomas Sampson was fined $5 for “driving too fast over some railroad tracks” in a buggy, presumably. 

 

Thomas Sampson’s funeral service, “held over the remains” was at the residence of his parents, at the “corner of Fifth [Sixth] West and Third South.”  The pastor for St. Mark’s Episcopal Church conducted the funeral.

 

“The floral tributes were most profuse, while those who followed the remains to the grave, filled the seats of over sixty conveyances that stretched over three Blocks. Decease was most popular, and a large circle of friends and acquaintances united in sympathy with the bereaved parents and relatives.”

 

Later an advertisement was placed in the Salt Lake Tribune thanking people for cards of sympathy. “We desire to extend our heartfelt thanks of kindness during the sickness and death of our son Thomas W. Sampson and sincerely trust that they will not have to soon pass through an affliction as we have. Mr. and Mrs. Wm T Sampson.” 

 

Trouble With Albert Malquist

 The next account of William Sampson was from June 1896 involving an eleven-year-old boy stealing his “horse and buggy”  which was worth $135. 

 

Albert F Malquist was the son of John Malquist who owned a blacksmith shop on the corner of Commercial Street and Plum Alley in the business district of Salt Lake. The Malquist family lived however at 253 South Fourth [Fifth] West, a Block east of William Sampson. 

 

The Malquist lad was constantly in trouble and in 1897,  a warrant for his arrest was issued on a complaint from his  own father the “complainant.” Albert Malquist, now 12 years old, was  “charged with truancy and general incorrigibility.” 

 

Albert Malquist had been arrested several times during this period and had put up “quite a fight” against officers.” In police court, he complained that his reason from staying away from home so much was that his father “ill-treats him.”  

 

Utah had no juvenile court system and youthful offenders were housed in the city jail along with adults and each time Malquist was arrested for truancy he was taken to the jail to await his court appearances. At one court hearing it was reported that young Malquist was “addicted to the use of tobacco and kept the company of bad companions.” 

 

Eventually the boy was sentenced by the court to be committed to the State’s Industrial School in Ogden which must have frightened him as that Malquist pleaded not to be sent,  that he was sorry for his behavior and would reform. As that he seemed penitent to the judge, the reform school sentence was suspended on the promise of his good behavior. However, Malquist failed to reform his behavior and he was sent to the state reform school in Ogden until he was 21years old.

 

Charles Sampson and Elizabeth Rowland Affair

William T Sampson’s only surviving son, nineteen-year-old Charles Edward  Sampson was arrested on a charge of fornication in August 1896 with Maggie Rowland, on a complaint of the girl’s mother, Elizabeth Rowland the wife of Benjamin Rowland. The Rowland Family had lived near the corner of  Second South and Fourth [Fifth] for over thirty years and were among the Mormon pioneer families of Block 63. Maggie Rowland’s sister Maude was pregnant when she married Albert Near Love.

 

Mrs. Elizabeth Rowland charged that Charles Sampson “committed fornication with her daughter Maggie Rowland on September 1, 1895” and he was the father of  Maggie Rowland’s baby boy born in June 1896. Sampson was arrested but released on a bond of $250. 

 

Various newspapers carried accounts of the arrest due to the fact that Charles Sampson had wanted to marry Maggie Rowland but being underage, his father refused to give his consent.

 

Newspapers reported, “There was quite a disturbance in the Sampson and Rowland families when the charge was made against the defendant at some time ago. Young Sampson was anxious and willing to make atonement by marrying Miss Rowland, but Charles’ father would not consent, and was very bitter against the Rowlands. Charles was underage and without the old man’s consent could not obtain a marriage license and the consequence was he was sent to jail to await trial on the charge made against him.”

 

“Are Anxious To Marry- Had to Arrest the Bridegroom- Sampson’s Papa Objects- So the parents of the Intended Bride, who is also a Mother, Swore out a Warrant for the Young Man’s Arrest and will Bring the Affair to a Focus- The persistent refusal of a stern papa to allow his nineteen–year-old son to follow the dictates of his own heart, and marry a girl who he had wronged, resulted yesterday in the arrest of Charles Sampson, on the charge of criminal intimacy with the girl.”

 

“The case is in many respects a peculiar one. The girl in the case, Miss Maggie Rowland, is only 18 years old and of a very respectable family, and she and young Sampson have been sweethearts for something over two years.”  In most papers “respectable” was a coded word for a Mormon family.

 

“It appears that they anticipated their conjugal felicity to some extent, however, about two months ago, Miss Rowland gave birth to a bouncing baby boy, which Sampson admits is entitled to call him papa.”

 

“Shortly after the birth of the child, Sampson desiring to do all in his power to right the wrong which he had committed, accompanied Miss Rowland to the County Clerk’s office and endeavored to secure a marriage license. Being only 19 years of age, though, the clerk declined to issue the license without the written consent of the prospective bridegroom’s father, and as the last-named individual, who is the proprietor of the Salt Lake Meat Market, emphatically refused to give his consent to the issue, the matter was declared off.”

 

“An attaché of the County Attorney’s office, who was cognizant of young Sampson’s desire to marry Miss Rowland, then interviewed the father  with the view of having the matter amicably adjusted, but Sampson was inexorable, and refused, as before, to consent to the marriage. This of course left Miss Rowland’s family no other alternative except the one taken yesterday, when a complaint was sworn to.”

 

“It is stated that the elder Sampson has endeavored to settle the matter by an offer of money, but that Miss Rowland’s family has refused to entertain the proposition.”

 

“When take before Justice Wenger, Sampson gave bonds in the sum of $250 for his appearance and the preliminary hearing was set for next Thursday.”  

 

At one point the young couple was thwarted from even going to Idaho where parental consent was not necessary. Why William Sampson objected to the marriage so adamantly is unknown and not detailed in the accounts. It may have been a religious matter as that the Rowlands were Mormons and the Sampson’s were Episcopalians or simply William Sampson disapprove of his son marrying into a family under financial strains. 

 

In a preliminary court hearing, Elizabeth Rowland “among other things,” testified of Charles Sampson’s proposal to marry the girl. Other people were called to offer testimony “but as young Sampson admitted he alone was responsible for the girl’s condition there was very little for the prosecution to gain by the testimony of others.”  Maggie Rowland “appeared in court with her offspring in her arms, a pretty child, bearing a strong resemblance to the defendant.” 

 

The county prosecutor stated that the bond of $250 seemed too low and the Judge agreed raising it to $500, perhaps to punish William Sampson, more than his son. “The $500 bail was furnished by the obdurate father who prefers to fight the matter in the courts rather than have his son amend his evil deed.”

 

In October 1896 Charles Sampson was to be tried on “the Fornication Charge,” but the case was “dismissed on motion of the county attorney at the request of the complaining witness, Maggie Rowland,” who evidently did not want the father of her baby sent to prison. “It now appears  an understanding has been arrived at as the case was dismissed at the earnest solicitation of Miss Rowland and her mother.”

 

Margaret “Maggie” Rowland [1877-1915] never married and lived with her mother at 44 North Fifth [Sixth] West where she died of pneumonia. The baby boy was raised by the Rowland Family and was named William T. Sampson perhaps to either prompt his grandfather change his mind or to perhaps to spite him. 

 

Leaving Block 63 and the Salt Lake Meat Company

William Sampson decided to move his family away from Block 63. He  had a builder’s permit issued to construct a brick cottage at 922 East Second South for $1800 in December 1896. The Sampson family moved from Fifth [Sixth] West in 1897, perhaps due to  the notoriety his son’s case brought to the neighborhood or simply because  of the decline in the neighborhood.  

 

In 1897 Sampson also transferred the lease of the parcel of Lot Two out of his name to the Salt Lake Meat Company. In July 1898, Edmund Butterworth sold to William Sampson the property in Lot Two on which the Salt Lake Meat Company was located. Afterwards the  “Wholesale Butchers” business’ address was given  as  275 South Fifth [ Sixth] West in the Salt Lake City directory, Sampson’ former residence. 

 

In the same year 1897, the Salt Lake Tribune reported on the “consolidation of two of the big dressed-beef firms in the city. W.T. Samson, who for several years has owned and operated the Salt Lake Meat Company, and Stephens and Company , the wholesale people on State Street are parties of the combination . The consolidation will work as a corporation under the name the Salt Lake Meat Company and shares of the company will be distributed among the owners in the individual concerns according to their respecting holdings.”

 

“The “Salt Lake Meat company” incorporated with a capital of $25,000 with 500 shares  at $5 each. William T Sampson was President of the company which he announced, it would “conduct a general butchering and commission business.”

 

In 1898 William Sampson was listed as a director of the Atlas Meat Company and he may have sold his interest in the Salt Lake Meat Company as  that a man named Cornelius Hunt was president of the concern in 1899. In 1899 the Salt Lake Meat Company took out a mortgage for $4000 from the National Bank.  By 1900 the Salt Lake Meat Company had moved its office location to 26 West First South away from Block 63 although Butterworth had renewed the lease agreement with the Salt Lake Meat Company.  

 

The Sampsons Move to Denver

The 1900 City Directory for Salt Lake City does not include either William T Sampson or his son Charles E Sampson. The family had moved by this time to Denver, Colorado. The residence at 922 East Second South had been sold to a Turner Family. In September 1900, an assignment of his lease was recorded between William T Sampson and William H. Bintz of the W.H. Bintz restaurant supply company.  

 

The Sampson family moved  to in Denver, Colorado, probably in 1899 where William T Sampson opened a grocery store at 3486 West Thirty-Second Street  and resided at 3022 Meade Street in 1900. His son Charles E Sampson was also living with his father and worked as a clerk in his store. 

 

 The 1900 federal census listed Sampson and his family at the Meade Street address. Here he was enumerated as a 50-year-old grocer and a native of England who immigrated in 1868. His wife Jane Ralph Sampson was also of English descent, stating that the couple had been married for 28 years [1872], however oddly she stated that she the mother of only one son, Charles who was now 21, although she actually was the mother of two sons. Living with the family was an adopted daughter named Mary Ralph who was actually Jane Sampson’s niece.  Their son Charles E Sampson eventually married in 1910 but died eight years later. 

 

Denver City directories showed that William Sampson moved to 3035 Lowell Street where he is listed as a “grocer” up until 1937. As that he was not listed in the 1938 directory it can be safely assumed that he died in 1937 in Denver, Colorado. He outlived his wife and two sons, and his only grandchild was that of the child of Maggie Rowland.  

 

Hannah Sharp Friel’s  Denver House

241 South Fifth [Sixth] West

In January 1883 Edmund Butterworth leased to a man named Abijah Riley a parcel at this address for $20 a month. The following year Riley  transferred the lease to a polygamist named Edward Friel [1822-1905] for $1,650. The description of the parcel stated it was from the northwest corner of Lot Three, east 6 rods [99 feet]  south 4 rods [66 feet] back to the beginning. This property at 241 South Fifth [Sixth] West consisted of two one story wooden houses.

 

Edward Friel later transferred the lease to his estranged wife Hannah Sharp Friel [1823-1913] who was divorcing him. Hannah Friel had been a schoolteacher at the Brigham Young Academy teaching spelling to “primary” students in 1881. She filed for divorced from her polygamist husband in April 1884. At the time of the suit for divorce both Edward and Hannah Friel were residents of Springville, Utah  and he had deserted her for one of his other wives. Hannah Friel accused him of “neglecting to provide for her,” having “intemperate habits” with alcohol and having treated her with “habitual cruelty as well as that “he is a bigamist or polygamist”.   

 

The Third District Court granted the divorce and ordered Edward Friel to pay Hannah Friel’s attorney fee of $100, another $100 to her plus $30 a month and restrained him from selling his property pending “the action.”  The divorce was finalized in July and in August, Edward Friel transferred his interest in the property at 241 West  to Hannah Friel.

 

James Keenan & The Denver House

Hannah Friel then rented out two framed structures “immediately opposite the Denver & Rio Grande passenger depot” to James Keenan who operated a café, a store, and lodgings in them which he called the Denver House.  Keenan was referred to in various accounts as “James J Keenan” and “James F Keenan”. 

 

An advertisement from March 1885 mentioned the Denver House, stating, “Emigrants Attention! For supplies of all kinds in eatables and groceries, and Choice Cigars and Tobacco- First Class Meals 25 cents.”  

 

Later in early May there was a major row between Hannah Friel,  Mattie Keenan, wife of James Keenan, and a man named Edwin Huff. The newspapers did not record what the fight was about, but Hannah Friel  had charged Mattie Keenan with battery and Edward Huff also charged Friel with battery. The legal definition of battery is “an intentional unpermitted act causing harmful or offensive contact with the "person" of another.”

 

However, the dispute was settled when ““The battery case of Mattie Keenan and disturbance of the peace case of Mrs. Friel were both withdrawn yesterday on payment of costs each.” 

 

In July 1885 James Keenan, “proprietor of the Denver House”, was arrested and charged with having accepted stolen property consisting of thirty boxes of cigars which had been stolen from Louis Garff’s saloon in Lehi, Utah.  When the officers went to Keenan’s place to recover the goods, he refused to give them up and was arrested. 

 

This altercation between Friel, who was the landlady, and the wife of James Keenan,  the proprietor of the Denver House, may have precipitated Keenan moving into Philip Hall’s two-story brick building next door.  Perhaps his arrest in July also had something to do with his departure from 241 South, or it may have been simply that Mrs. Friel was going to occupy the space herself: operating her own business. 

 

The 1885 September Fire

In early September 1885 a fire destroyed the Denver House and damaged adjacent buildings. “Shortly after four o’clock this morning, a summer kitchen in the rear of some buildings on Fifth West Street, opposite the D. & R.G. W. passenger station, was discovered to be on fire. The alarm was given and the depot watchman, after firing three shots from his revolver to arouse the neighborhood, telephones the alarm to the City Hall. The flames quickly communicated to the two main buildings, which were built of wood and the roof of a two-story structure alongside.” 

 

“The firemen had a stream from the hydrant on the burning buildings in about twenty minutes from the time of the first alarm and extinguished the flames which had caught on the S.G. Read’s newsstand. The two lumber buildings, the property of Mrs. Friel, were burned to the ground, and the roof of the brick building, belonging to Philip Hall, destroyed, and the place otherwise damaged.”

 

“Mr. Hall’s building has been occupied as the Colorado Saloon and hotel, Mrs. Friel’s houses had been occupied by Mr. Keenan, for a boarding and lodging house, and he was moving his stock into the Hall building while Mrs. Friel was placing a stock in her own houses, with the intention of starting in business. The boarders who were lodging in the premises were aroused but saved very little property.”

 

“The losses, so far as can be ascertained are: S. [Samuel] G. Read, building and stock, damaged to the extent of $100; no insurance, Mrs. Friel, building and goods $2,500; insurance with Darke and Co. $1000. Mr. [Philip] Hall building $3,000 insurance with T.R. Jones $1,700.”

 

“The stock in the Hall building was almost entirely destroyed and amounted to about $1500 making a total loss of about $6600 with $3200 insurance. No definite cause of the fire is given, though it was probably the result of accident or carelessness, rather than the work of incendiary,”

 

Another account of the losses due to the fire stated that Hannah Friel’s losses to her property was about “$3500 however she only had $2000 worth of insurance.” 

 

Mrs. Hannah Friel Moves from Block 63

Mrs. Hannah Friel must have gave up her lease and she later remarried a man named Daniel E Merritt in 1887. However, her death certificate showed she had also remarried a man named William Strong after her second husband, as that she was listed as “Hanna Strong,” and  her marital status was given as “widow”. 

 

The 1900 federal census of Kaysville listed 76-year-old Hannah as married to 63-year-old William Strong who gave his occupation as “painter”. She stated she was the mother of four children with two still living. In the census it was stated the couple was married 34 years [1866] which is obviously not true. 

 

 William Strong died in 1908 of “old Age” and Hannah died 1913 in Kaysville, Davis County, Utah where she resided. She died of Stomach cancer and was buried in the Kaysville cemetery without a grave marker. 

 

James Keenan’s Lawsuits

As for James Keenan, in October 1886 he filed a lawsuit against the Denver & Rio Grande Railway for $535.75, “board money”, allegedly due him through an understanding with William H. Bancroft, who was General Superintendent for the Railway.  Bancroft had been superintendent of the Utah Division of the Rio Grande headquartered in Salt Lake City while Col. D.C. Dodge was general manager of the entire system.

 

In the “Suit of James F Keenan, a hotel keeper near the depot;” Keenan alleged that in July 1884,  “the time of the Denver & Rio Grande trouble, he boarded seventy-two laborers on the road, on Mr. Bancroft verbal order that the gentleman told him he was Superintendent of the D & R G  Western that he could not pay the men for a few days, but if he [Keenan] would board them it would be all right.”  These men were most likely boarded in the Denver House.

 

“On this he [Keenan] says he boarded the men until the bill reached the above proportions none of it was ever paid and he instituted a suit to recover with interest and costs.  Keenan and his pretty daughter swore to these facts. There was another witness, but he was so drunk Keenan’s attorney asked till this morning to sober him up.”

 

At the trial “Bancroft testified and “denied positively that he ever told Keenan he was superintendent of the Denver & Rio Grande Western” and that company was not “in existence till August  1885.” In 1884, Bancroft said he was simply acting for the Colorado company. The  jury returned a verdict  against Keenan with “no cause of action.”  

 

After James Keenan had left the Denver House, in March 1887, a Thomas Collins was arrested and charged with battery upon James Keenan. The “offense took place in the rear of the Post Office during the sitting of the district Court.”  No more information was given to as why Collins attacked Keenan and by 1889 Keenan evidently had moved to Ogden. That is last known reference to him. 

 

The Sullivan Saloon

257 South Fifth [Sixth] West

Patrick J Sullivan [1851-1898] was a ‘saloon keeper’” at 257 South Fifth [Sixth] West in 1890 with his residence being the same  an advertisement from that year listed “Cheap -One box Mattress 1 good cook stove, 5 lunch counter chars Call at 257 South 5^th West.”

 

In January 1888. Patrick Sullivan was fined $25 for disturbing the peace.

 

A news report from 1891 stated “a man with a badly scratched hand showed up at police headquarters late last night stating a man had bit him in Sullivan’s saloon of Fifth [Sixth] west street, where upon he reciprocated the delicate attention by ripping the sawdust out of him.” A tribune reporter went to investigate and “made the rounds of the Fifth street saloons but the neighborhood was as quiet as a Quaker Meeting and had been so everyone said.”

 

 

This 257 South location was  gone according to the 1898 Sanborn Map as there is not a building or address for this spot. 

Andrew O’Grady’s Colorado Saloon

237 South Fifth [Sixth] West

After the fire of September 1885, Andrew W. O’Grady, saloonkeeper of the Colorado Saloon, continued to be open for business. The proprietor, about two weeks after the fire, “was charged with battery on a road construction laborer named David O’Hare, “at present one of the delegations sent to the city gravel beds.”

Assault on David O Hare

David O’Hare appears to have created trouble in the saloon and was thrown out by O’Grady who afterwards struck O’Hare with a cane.

 

“Andrew O’Grady, proprietor of a saloon opposite the D. & R.G.W. depot was tried this morning for battery committed on David O’Hare on Saturday last. O’Hare made himself too offensive in the saloon, and the proprietor ejected him and afterwards went out and struck him with a cane.” O’Grady was fined $10, and O’Hare was according to the papers “now serving a sentence in the city jail.”  The following month of October, David O’Hare was arrested again for drunkenness and vagrancy and was back in jail. 

 

Vice Among Some Indigent Youths.

In the same September 1885 Deseret News Police Court account of the charge of battery brought against Andrew O’Grady, there was report of some vice among some indigent youths. “Six youthful tramps were brought in this morning, charged with vagrancy and trespass by sleeping in a barn without permission. Their names were John Fleming, Mike Mooney, John Lee, Albert Monroe, Frank Jackson, and Joseph Crank.”

 

“Fleming claimed to have come from Montana and Jackson said he was on his way to his home in Iowa. The others were from California. All plead guilty to the charge of vagrancy, except Jackson, who admitted the trespass.”

 

 “The depths of depravity and vice into which Mooney, Lee, and Crank had fallen was, according to their own stories, shocking; the youngest of them being 14 years old and the eldest 19. Each culprit was fined $20 with the alternative of 20 days’ labor, except Jackson, whose case was continued until this afternoon.”

 

The Salt Lake Herald wrote of the youths, “It is safe to say to say that this gang is the hardest that has ever disgraced the walls of the city jail for many a year, and some of them have fallen so low as to be almost beyond the pale of humanity , and approach to beasts. Young Crank is perhaps one of the hardest of the who evinced a knowledge of vice and its surroundings such as to make even a Tribune Reporter blush.”

 

Coincidently the next time the drunkard David O’Hare was mentioned for being inebriated in “Police Items” account was in 1887. Following his court appearance, “youthful offenders Richard Bubbles Arthur Curtis, William Paddock, John Ledford, and Daniel Henry” were all charged with a sexual assault on a youth named Daniel Pryor while they were being held in the city jail. Newspapers followed the accounts of the sexual assault and William Paddock, who was the son of a prominent anti-polygamy crusader, was especially singled out for notoriety and eventually sent to the Mental Hospital in Provo. 

 

Assault on Billy West

Andrew O’Grady was granted a renewal of his liquor license in October 1885 but later was also back in court on a charge of battery “on the person of William West” However “Billy West, the only witness for the prosecution, flatly asserted that O’Grady had not struck him and further that he never had any trouble with the defendant. He explained the bruises on his face by saying that he had come into possession of them by fallen down. O’Grady was released and West charged with being drunk and fined $5.” 

 

After that October incident O’Grady seems to have disappeared from the record probably moving on, as that by December 1885 the “Colorado Saloon directly opposite the Denver & Rio Grande depot” was “re-opened” under the management of Peter Tomney “the rotund caterer to the public appetite.” His partner was James Hillstead.

 

Peter Tomney and James Hillstead’s Colorado Saloon

237 South Fifth [Sixth] West

 The Colorado saloon under Tomney’s management was promoted as being “stocked with a complete line of the choices wines, liquors, and cigars. The celebrated Fischer beer will always be found on draught. Fine bottle goods a specialty and everything included in the newly refitted place.”

 

Peter Tomney had his own trouble with the law when he was arrested in July 1886 for selling liquor on Sunday. He paid a $300 bond to be released. His troubles were mentioned in a newspaper account the of some antics at the Colorado Saloon that ended up in police court appeared at the end of July 1886. 

 

Girls in Male Attire & Singing and Dancing

“In the Police Court yesterday a bright and rather good-looking Danish girl was arraigned on the charges of disturbing the peace. It appears that she and another girl named Belle Edmunds, had donned male attire, and started out with a couple of male friends  to get a glass of beer in a saloon. Not being satisfied with this, they joined a crowd of revelers in the back room of Tomney & Hillsteads’ and helped make Rome howl. When they emerged from the beer hall, they cut up a few antics in the alley way behind the Wasatch Block and were finally run in by the police.” 

 

“On the way to jail they indulged in a few hysterics and sobbed and cried bitterly. The mother of one of them and the employer of the other were sent for and soon arrived with proper clothing for them. The Edmund girls failed to appear for trial and the amount of her bail $25 was forfeited. It is understood that she has gone to Butte. Sentence in the case  of the other girl was postponed until today at 2. The defendant is very penitent, and it is more than probable that the lesson learned will be a valuable one.”

 

The actions of the girls led to Peter Tomney and his partner James Hillstead to being arrested at the first of August, “P. Tomney of the firm Tomney and Hillstead , saloon keepers, in whose establishment the disgraceful proceedings referred to Friday evening are said to have occurred, was arrested Saturday, and charged with “keeping a disorderly saloon” by allowing music, singing, dancing and other revels to go on in the Colorado Saloon.”

 

At the court hearing it was said that ‘the evidence showed the place to be a very low dive, and the defendant was fined $25. An appeal was taken.” Tomney appealed the police court decision in October. The case went before a  Grand Jury in November which heard evidence against Tomney. 

 

The Salt Lake police,  and “Mrs. Fanny Wright” testified to “some disgraceful scenes such as can-can dancing and high kicks by females to banjo playing accompaniment, being enacted in Tomney’s on July 29th last.”

 

“Tomney put a number of soldiers and citizens on the stand himself,” who testified that “there was little noise or music at his place on the night in question, and that he had stopped it at once. The jury took the other view of it and speedily found him guilty.” A trial was set for December.

 

The Herald Republican newspaper wrote, “The city won a victory in the suit against P. Tomney for keeping a disorderly house. The city not being in the habit of winning victories in the District Court, owing in the complexion there, this case is worth noting.”

 

In December 1886, “this afternoon Peter Tomney, who appealed a conviction in Justice Pyper’s court on a charge of permitting music, dancing etc., in his saloon, and who was again convicted in the Third District Court was called for a sentence this afternoon. Judge [Charles] Zane imposed a fine of $25 and costs amounting in all to about $85. The original penalty in police court was $25.” 

 

Tomney eventually left Fifth West by 1888, after selling the saloon to James K Johnston and Frank F. Raymond and when he was referred to as the “the Main Street saloonkeeper”  who “plead guilty to the charge of selling liquor again on Sunday and fined $40.”

 

James K Johnston and Frank F Raymond’s Western Saloon

237-241 South Fifth [Sixth] West

In 1889 Johnston and Raymond were granted a liquor license and in March 1890, Edmund Butterworth sold a lease to Johnston and Raymond for the saloon they renamed “The Western.”.  

 

 The 1890 City Directory for Salt Lake City listed James K Johnston and Frank F Raymond’s Saloon at 241 South Fifth [Sixth] West. The bar was known as the “Western Saloon” officially but mostly referred to as the “Raymond and Johnson Saloon.” The Salt Lake Herald Republican called the Western Saloon “one of the hellholes that are suffered to exist near the Rio Grande Western depot.” Raymond and Johnston were also proprietors of “the resort known as the Alhambra on West Temple near the Natatorium.”

 

James K Johnston

James K Johnston [1840-1891]  was a native of McDuff, Scotland. His surname was often misspelled as “Johnson.”  He and his wife Eliza Jane Kendall Johnston [1855-1909] lived in St. Louis, Missouri before coming to Salt Lake City. They were married in 1874 in St. Louis, Missouri. The 1877 city directory for St. Louis Missouri listed him as operating a restaurant on Seventh Street.

 

He was listed in the 1880 federal census as “Keeps restaurant” and his 25-year-old wife  was “keeping House”. The couple must have been operating a boarding house on Seventh Street as well as the census listed nine men and one woman as boarders in his household. The men were single, all but one, and were mostly in their twenties and thirties. Their occupations were listed as being “baggage men,” a teamster, an engineer, a brakeman, a steamboat cook and restaurant cooks.  The one woman in the household was Eliza J Johnston’s mother. 

 

Sometime between 1881 and 1886 James K Johnston and wife relocated to Salt Lake City where he was the proprietor of the Windsor Hotel by 1887. He advertised, his establishment as  “Windsor Hotel On the European Plan No 144 and 146 West First South Street Salt Lake City. Large Rooms Newly Furnished and first class. Rates $1.00 and $1.50 per day.” 

 

The 1888 city directory of Salt Lake continued to list James K Johnston as the proprietor of the Winsor Hotel at 144 and 146 West First South Street which he operated until 1890.

 

In May 1890 “The old Windsor Hotel is being demolished preparatory to the erection on its site of a four-story business block to cost $80,000 or $40,000. The building was demolished by June.”

 

The 1890 city directory now listed Johnson’s residence as 36 South West Temple which was the address of his  saloon, the Alhambra. He was in partnership with Frank Raymond, and they operated another saloon called the Western on Fifth [Sixth] West across from the Rio Grande Depot.

 

Johnston died on 7 January 1891 of apoplexy,  at the age 50 years. His funeral was held in his Alhambra saloon, and he was buried in the Salt Lake Cemetery. At the time is business partner Frank Raymond was on trial for murder.

 

James K. Johnston’s widow Eliza J Johnson inherited his share of the business and was the appointed the “administratrix” of her husband’s estate as that they were childless.  She sold her interests in the two saloons, The Western and the Alhambra, in October 1891.

 

“In the matter of the deceased, the undersign administratrix of the estate of the deceased will sell at public action to the highest bidder for cash gold coin of the United States on Thursday, the 15^th of October 1891 at 10’Olock a.m. at No. 36 South West Temple street , Salt Lake City, known as the Alhambra saloon the following personal property to wit: One adobe building, bar fixtures, stock in trade, pool table, furniture, stoves, bedsteads, piano, tables, chairs, lace curtains, carpets, etc. etc..”

 

“And on Friday the 16^th day of October 1891 at 10 o’clock a.m. at 239 and 245 South Fifth West Street, Salt Lake City, the undersigned will sell the following personal property to wit: Four frame buildings, bar and restaurant fixtures, etc., etc.” 

 

The 1891 city Directory listed her as the widow of James K. Johnston and residing at 250 South West Temple however the widow returned back east to Missouri after the death of her husband. 

Frank F. Raymond

Frank Raymond was about 33 years old when he became a partner with James K. Johnston in two saloon enterprises. Raymond’s history was given in court testimony when tried for murder. He stated, “I was born in Richmond Virginia, and I lived there until I was fifteen-year-old, [1869] when I went to New York. I lived there until 1878 going to school part of the time. In 1878 I went to Denver & Leadville. Then I went to Old Mexico with a surveying party. In 1885 I returned to Denver & then went to Wyoming where I worked for the Swan Cattle company.”

 

“After that I came to Salt Lake and engaged in canvassing for the Utah Gazetteer. Then I went to Montana and returned in 1888 and worked for the Western Weekly. After that paper suspended, I went into the saloon business with Mr. Johnson.”

 

The Western Saloon which took the place of the Colorado continued to have a rowdy reputation. In February 1890 it was reported,  “There was little row in Raymond’s Fifth [Sixth] West saloon at ten O’clock last night. Raymond and a man named Burton were playing pool when they got into an altercation which ended in Raymond striking at Burton with his cue and after a few passes and a knock down by Burton, Raymond pulled his gun which was knocked to the floor and secured by a  third party.”

 

“Raymond then jumped behind the bar and got another gun, but this was also taken from him and after a general racket in which beer mugs flew like meteors, Raymond was arrested and taken to the City Hall. He was released on leaving $30.”

 

The Shooting of Richard J “Mickey” O’Brien

Raymond was charged with murder of Richard J. “Mickey” O’Brien on 19 December 1890 by  shooting him within the saloon, “the scene of a bloody tragedy.”

 

Mickey O’Brien, also known as Michael, was employed by the Rio Grande Western yards as a night switchman, and “those who knew him say that he was not of a quarrelsome disposition.” He was the brother-in-law of Mike Hogan, “one of the oldest conductors on the Utah and Northern railroad, running between Ogden and Pocatello.”

 

On the other hand, “Frank Raymond, the man who fired the fatal shot, is well known as to the police as a tough character and a desperate man. Members of the old force as well as the new testify to this. “Why,” said a member of the police force last evening, “this man Raymond has given us more trouble than all the saloon keepers of the city combined. He seems to imagine that he is above the law- that when ordinances and statutes are framed, they are not meant for him.”

 

“Residing as he does, in the out of the way locality, he has always tried to impress everyone with the idea that he was monarch of all he surveyed and his right to rule should not be questioned. He is a tough of the worse stripe.”

 

The events leading up to the shooting were as follows as presented by the prosecution against Frank Raymond. “On Friday evening last [December 19] Richard J O’Brien, commonly called Mickey, was in Raymond and Johnson’s saloon , known as the Western saloon and that he was engaged in playing pool with other men. A man by the name of Morrissey invited O’Brien to the bar to drink. Shortly afterward he walked to the end of the bar and reached behind it for his lantern which he had placed there  on his entering the saloon.” 

 

“He was engaged as night switchman at the depot and his lantern was necessary for his work. O’Brien and Raymond, one of the proprietors engaged in an earnest conversation as evident by O’Brien shaking his fore finger at Raymond” and there was no provocation “to justify him [Raymond] doing as he did, firing three shots from a revolver into O’Brien’s body the last two of which took deadly effect.” 

 

Several newspapers carried reports of the shooting interviewing several eyewitnesses all who gave various accounts depending on where they were and with whom they were associated. The saloon was only about eighteen feet wide and at night there were between 25 and 30 men in the establishment.

 

It appeared that “about 7 o’clock O’Brien was in Johnson & Raymond’s saloon, better known as the Western Saloon, where he got into a quarrel with Frank Raymond, one of the proprietors, when Raymond drew a revolver, and fired three shots in “rapid succession” at O’Brien, “one striking him over the heart and the other in the abdomen, while the third landed in the wall at the end of the counter.”

 

Morgan W. Rowland, a son of Benjamin Rowland and the bartender, “who was present at the time the affray occurred,” gave the following version of events leading up to the shooting. “Two men were playing pool in the saloon, and after they finished, called three or four of their friends up to the bar, one of the men saying, ‘If you have any friends, call them up,’ and O’Brien was called up.”

 

“They were pretty full and one of the men said, ‘Let’s go home’ and began to drag the other man out, when his friend threatened to slap him if he was not left alone.” 

 

“O’Brien was pretty full and attempted to interfere when Raymond said, ‘Mickey they are quarreling among themselves, let them alone.’  Raymond and O’Brien then passed words and Raymond said he was capable of running his own business when O’Brien said, “You s___ [son] of a b____ [bitch] I’d slap you, but you are not worth it.’”

 

“Raymond again repeated that he was capable of running his house and appeared to be as pleasant as he could. O’Brien stepped to the end of the counter to get his lantern which he always kept there, and the three men were standing close together. O’Brien then struck at Raymond, but I do not know whether he was shot or not. I was back of the bar and when I saw there was going to be trouble, I jumped over the bar and rushed out the door as several others did who were there. There were some beer glasses thrown and I heard a couple of shots fired, but that is all I know about it. The two had always been friends before this as far as I ever heard.”

 

Another employee of the Western Saloon was C. B. Rimmell, who testified, “I was working at Raymond’s saloon. O’Brien was there and interfered with two men who had been playing pool. Raymond told O’Brien not to interfere and O’Brien threatened to slap him.”

 

“After some words O’Brien walked down to the end of the bar and slapped the defendant,[Frank Raymond] who stepped back. O’Brien followed him up and knocked him down and then threw a beer glass at him.”

 

“Immediately after the glass was thrown, a shot was fired, followed by the others. O’Brien went on in behind the bar and grabbed Raymond by the throat and dragged him out.” 

 

“Frank Kelly went up and tried to separate them, and with the assistance of myself and Mr. Johnson succeeded.”

 

“O’Brien said he had been shot. I telephoned for a doctor. The shooting occurred at 5 minutes to 7. O’Brien was pretty full, and Raymond didn’t want him to go to work on that account.”

 

One of the men who had been playing pool was James Murphy. He affirmed, “I am a laborer. Two acquaintances were playing pool and I kept the game, after that I went into the dining room and there heard the shooting. I went back in the saloon, and I saw O’Brien at end of the bar about five feet from Raymond.”

 

Another witness was August “Gus” Nielson confirmed that the altercation began with O’Brien interfering with some men playing pool. It was noted that Neilsen spoke “English poorly and with difficulty expressed himself. He stated “I am working at the Knutsford Hotel. I was at the Western. Two drunken men who had been playing pool got into a wrangle about going home, and O’Brien interfered. Raymond told him to leave the men alone and O’Brien called him a son of a bitch. Then they had some words and O’Brien went in the back of the bar and struck Raymond. Then he struck him again and I heard glass breaking. This was followed by the shots. Raymond threw the gun out from behind the counter and then O’Brien got him by the throat and dragged him out from the bar, Kelly and some others interfered and parted the men. 

 

Frank Kelly, who was boarding at the Western Hotel at the time, stated, “I was in the Western Saloon. There were two men in there who had been playing pool. Both of them were full and one wanted to go home. They were wrangling between themselves when O’Brien interfered and called one of them a liar.” 

 

“ Raymond told O’Brien to let them alone as they were friends. O’Brien walked up to the bar and reaching over to Raymond snapped his fingers at him and said he could lick him or anybody that ever worked for him. Raymond said, “You shouldn’t talk to me like that I have been more of a brother to you than a friend.”

 

“O’Brien then walked down to the end of the bar, picked up his lantern and struck Raymond with his left hand. He then picked up a beer glass and threw it at Raymond who went down. O’Brien knocked Raymond down, before he commenced throwing beer glasses at him.”

 

“ Then three shots were fired, and I went behind the bar and saw O’Brien dragging Raymond by the collar. I took him off and got him over to the pool table when he said, “I am shot.’”

 

Kelly added “I commenced working for Raymond a short time after the shooting but quit three weeks ago [February 1891] and am now working at the Warm Springs.”

 

William Halstead, an employee of the Union Pacific Railway Company, reported that he had only been in the Western Saloon “about 15 minutes” when the killing occurred. He said he was not intoxicated but admitted he “had been drinking pretty freely on the day of the shooting.”

 

Halstead testified that “he “heard Raymond speak to O’Brien, draw a revolver from under his clothes and fired at O’Brien while at the bar.” O’Brien then “exclaimed, ‘Frank has shot me, and I do not know why he did it.”

 

Halstead stated, that “being a cripple, I rushed from the bar room as quickly as possible. As I went through the door, I heard the crash of glass, on returning I saw no fragments” He said he saw “Mickey was on the floor groaning. He was calling for someone to relieve him from his suffering by cutting him open. Upon examination, I found a gunshot wound in O’Brien’s right breast. There was another wound in the abdomen.”

 

Another man, named Dominick McGowan, claimed he was “in the act of going into Raymond’s saloon when the shooting took place.” He said, “Quite a crowd rushed out and in a few minutes. I entered and saw O’Brien standing by the pool table. He was about to fall, and I assisted him to the floor.”

 

Alfred Bennett testified that he was in “Raymond’s saloon” the evening of the shooting. “I saw O’Brien there and took a cigar from him. I then went out for a friend, and when I reached Hegney’s, I heard the shots. I then returned and met Raymond at the door. I entered and saw O’Brien. He said Raymond had shot him without provocation.”

 

News of the shooting quickly spread,  and “a large crowd soon gathered, and a voice was to shout. “Why don’t we lynch him?”

 

James Hegney, proprietor of the Rio Grande Hotel and Saloon stated,  “I keep a hotel near the Rio Grande depot. I went into the Raymond Saloon soon after the shooting and saw O’Brien leaning against the pool table. He was in such pain he wanted someone to kill him. He said that Raymond had shot him but didn’t know why.”

 

Hegney added, “I did not try to incite the crowd to lynch Raymond, but I did say that he was a cold-blooded murderer and that he ought to be strung up for it. I was only one of more than a hundred who said the same thing. Raymond drew a gun on me once and I have not been passionately fond of him since.”

 

After being shot the “wounded man staggered a little and a friend standing near, seated him in a chair.  Doctors George J Field, Allen Fowler, and Samuel H. Pinkerton were summoned as were the police. 

 

Police Officer John W Jenkins testified, “I was on duty near Raymond’s saloon  and heard two shots fired.” He and Officer Robert T. Thornton upon entering the saloon saw O’Brien in a chair who said to Officer Jenkins, “I don’t see what Raymond wanted to kill me for, I did nothing to him.” Office Thornton went through the restaurant, found Raymond, and arrested him.

 

“One of the policemen entered the crowd and quietly took Raymond outside and boarding a streetcar, was soon out of the reach of the maddening crowd. There was considerable excitement for some time, but the idea of a lynching party was talked of, but the idea was soon abandoned.”

 

Dr. Samuel Pinkerton  who attended O’Brien saw that “both wounds were fatal.” O’Brien was taken to St. Mary’s hospital and “at last accounts [19 December] was still living but the physicians were momentarily expecting that death would claim its victim.” A priest named Father Fitzgerald was called to administer the last sacrament to him. 

 

O’Brien lingered through the night and in the morning, he was visited by Commissioner J.W. Greenman. He stated, “I went to the hospital the morning after the shooting and saw O’Brien who was apparently dying. He said he was feeling very badly and suffering fearfully although his mind was clear. He said, “I’m a goner I haven’t much time here.”

 

“I then asked if he was willing and able to make a statement. He was. I administered the oath and Fred McGurrin took down his statement.”

 

O’Brien claimed, “I don’t know exactly how it started. Anyhow, Raymond fire the gun between the bar and the wall; he turned her loose. I don’t know why he did it. We had always been friends and I bought my booze from him.”

 

“There were twenty-five or thirty persons present. I was in great pain after being shot. I did not make any movement toward him or strike him before he fired. After the first shot I struck him with my open hand. I didn’t have the lantern in my hand when I struck him.”

 

“I have known Raymond for eight years. He was a train man at Evanston and afterward worked for my brother at Cheyenne. I never had any trouble with him, but he had a racket with a tailor in Ogden. They only abused each other though.”

 

Mickey O’Brien died on 20 December 1890 and an inquest was held. “Expert evidence has shown the deceased came to his death by gunshot wounds fired by Raymond and we ask that the defendant [Raymond] be held without bail to await the action of the grand jury. 

 

Salt Lake Deputy Sheriff Joseph W. Burt testified that he visited the saloon where the shooting had occurred. He said the room was eighteen feet wide and he found a bullet in the east wall four feet and three inches above the floor.”

           

While Frank Raymond was being held in jail his business partner, James K Johnston [1840-1891] died on 7 January 1891 of apoplexy, at the age 50 years. He left a widow Eliza who inherited his share of the business.  

 

Bail was set at $20,000 for Frank Raymond and he was indicted by a Grand Jury in February and was tried in March. Raymond’s attorneys argued that Raymond shot O’Brien in self-defense. 

           

At the trial, Raymond testified on his behalf. He claimed, “I am thirty-seven years of age [1854]. I became acquainted with Richard O’Brien at my place of Fifth West Street some six or seven months ago. He had been hanging around my place for some weeks and was looking for a job on the Rio Grande Western. He was about to be arrested for vagrancy one day, when I told the officer he was working for me. I put him to work in our kitchen for a day or two and then he got work.”

           

“I never worked with him on the Union Pacific, nor did I ever work for his brother or for Fritz Riepen. I never knew O’Brien in Ogden.”

 

“On the day of the shooting I had been cashing pay checks of the railroad men, and I had about $3,000 on hand for that purpose. I kept it in a money drawer back of the bar. I had my pistol with me because I considered it necessary on account of the amount of money I had there.”

 

“O’Brien came into the saloon a little after 6 o’clock in the evening. We were good friends. When he was sober, he was a gentleman, but when drunk he was a brute. I was behind the bar making up the checks when he came in and took a drink or two. After three or four more drinks, he went out, but returned in a few minutes.”

 

“At the time two men, Morrisey and Dobbins, who had been playing pool, were wrangling about one of them going home. O’Brien interfered with them, and I reached over the bar and said to him, ‘Mickey, leave those men alone; they are all right.”

           

“He replied, ‘What have you got to say about it, you little son of a bitch.’ I said, “that is no way to talk to me Mickey. I want you to leave these men alone.” With that he snapped his finger and said, ‘I will do you up in a holy minute.” I again remonstrated with him, and he commenced muttering and walked down to the end of the bar where his lantern was. He picked up the lantern and said, “God damn you Raymond, you are a son of a bitch. You ain’t worth slapping.”

 

“He set his lantern on the bar and lighted a match but blew it out, reaching down for a schooner [a tall beer glass], and said, ‘You son of a bitch. I will do you anyhow.’ He struck me on the elbow with his lantern and then let fly the schooner which just grazed my head as I fell. I said, “keep away Mickey,” and at the same time I endeavored to fire over his head.”

 

“He kept right on advancing and picked up another schooner which he threw at me but missed me, then I shot twice. He grabbed me by the throat, I being down on the floor, reached for the revolver, which I threw out on the floor.”

 

“He dragged me out of the bar when Frank Kelley and my partner [Johnston] took him off. He sat down in a chair and said, ‘My God I am done up.’ Five minutes later I was arrested.”

 

“The crowd began to congregate about the place immediately after the shooting. I shot him because I was afraid of him. I thought my life was in danger I fired on O’Brien not because I was angry, but because I was afraid. O’ Brien was not so drunk but what he could handle himself.”

           

The jury found Frank Raymond not guilty, and he was acquitted but as that his partner Johnston had died, Johnston’s wife wanted to sell the saloon. 

 

In October 1891 a notice was published “at 239 and 245 South Fifth West Street will sell to the following personal property to-wit: Four frame buildings, bar and restaurant fixtures, glassware, pool table, mirrors, stoves, dishes, tables, etc. Eliza J Johnston administratrix of the estate of James Johnson deceased.” 

 

By November, the firm of “Raymond and Johnson” were out of business. A liquor  licensing committee “recommended that $100 be allowed the firm of Raymond and Johnson as a rebate on liquor license on account of the business having abandoned. Adopted.”

 

While Frank Raymond stated in Court that he never worked for Fritz Riepen, he evidently knew him well enough to be bondsmen with him in December 1891 for “kid” Lawrence who had been arrested for safe cracking.

 

The 1891 city directory listed Frank Raymond as residing at 250 South West Temple but is not included in the 1892 city directory. He also drops out of Salt Lake newspapers.

 

Henry Buhring and the Denver Beer Hall

579 West Second South

Prior to the Albany Hotel, Henry Buhring’s Denver Beer Hall Saloon and Restaurant existed on the corner of Fifth West and Second South at the address of 579 West. After the Albany Hotel was built the addresses were changed from the 570’s to the 590’s but eventually after the turn of the Twentieth Century reverted back to the 570’s. 

            Henry Buhring [1845-1898] a German native, was in Utah as early as 1873 when he was notified that he had letters in the post office at Salt Lake. The 1874 Salt Lake City directory listed him as a “butcher” by trade but by 1875, he was the proprietor of the Denver Beer Hall on Main Street, where he advertised, serving “this celebrated Beer pure from the brewery with lunch unsurpassed in the city at the new Denver Beer Hall, one door north of McKimmin’s stables.” 

 

 A newspaper account however from October 1875 reported that a fire on Main Street in Salt Lake City destroyed Buhring’s Denver Beer Hall, and the McKimmin’s livery stables, along with seven other businesses. McKimmins fortunately managed to “remove his horses and carriages before the stable burned and was consumed.” 

 

A month later, Henry Buhring announced that he had formed a partnership with  a man named John Griffin,  who bought out Charley Yeoman’s saloon. They called their place The Phoenix, “a delightful place where the cup that cheers but not inebriates makes merry the honest heart.” They advertised that they “will keep on fresh tap Wagner’s best beer, the best brand of liquors, and cigars, and lunches unsurpassed in the city. Four doors north of Walker House.” The Walker House Hotel was on Main Street between Third South and Second South. 

 

Evidently the partnership with Griffin did not last, as that in 1876 Buhring was partners with a William Chapman in bar, he called the “Denver Hall”. He advertised “here refreshments, wines of the best quality, and foaming beer that would make the lips of even Gambrinus smack with a smile of happiness are served with promptness and politeness.” Gambrinus was a legendary hero celebrated as an “icon of beer, brewing, joviality, and joie de vivre.” In European culture Gambrinus was a man who had an enormous capacity for drinking beer.

 

Buhring’s Gardens

By 1877, Buhring left downtown and leased the Eddins Brewery “on State Road three miles south of the city”, about Seventeen South today on State Street.  The new place was called Buhring’s Gardens, “filled up in good style” and advertised as “just the place for an afternoon drive.” 

 

This establishment was more than a saloon but was also a restaurant with grounds large enough to host a “shooting club” and games of “ten pin”. It was promoted as a family place that served “Lunch, ice cream summer drinks, all kinds of beer or alcohol.”  

 

 “Just the place for an afternoon enjoyment for families’ social Party.  Every Thursday Olsen’s Band and James Currie prompter in Attendance.”  

           

Buhring’s Gardens held Fourth of July celebrations with “fireworks, dancing, and  all kinds of amusements”  as well as July 24th activities.  “Pioneer Day Monday July 25 everybody is invited to spend the day at Buhring’s two and a half miles south of the city where all can indulge in Rifle Shooting, Pigeons and Glass Ball shooting, Croquet, Ten Pins, and other games. Plenty of shade. Everything pleasant so that you can sit in ease and chat over old times and thank fortune that somebody pioneered the way to Utah and congratulate yourselves that it wasn’t you.”

 

Although the Buhring’s Gardens was promoted as a recreational resort, the saloon aspect attracted its share of trouble. In 1879. “Two individuals accompanied by a couple of women went into the Buhring’s saloon and called for some beer. One the women apparently not liking the beverage threw the contents of her glass upon the carpet.”

 

“Buhring remonstrated when she broke into violent abuse of him and to make it more binding tapped him on the nose. Afterwards she went into the part of the building used by the family and finding Mrs. Buhring there attacked her with tooth and nail.”

 

“In all these misdeeds, she was aided and abetted by her male companions and as a consequence all three of the offenders tried to explain their conduct to Justice Pyper’s satisfaction.” The abusive woman who was named Jenny Wilson was fined $99 for her assault upon Mrs. Buhring. 

 

Another episode occurred in 1882 when 30-year-old Enoch Ables with some African Americans sought to drink in the saloon. Enoch Ables was the son of Elijah Ables who was one of the first African Americans to be brought into Utah in 1847 as a slave.

 

“On Sunday afternoon five “cullud” gentlemen drove down the State Road stopping at Buhring’s place asked for liquor. This Buhring refused to give them, the individuals already pretty well mixed.”

 

“One of the fellows, Enoch Ables, was particularly boisterous and was induced to leave the saloon at the point of a club. Ables went to the wagon, secured a pistol, and returning, administered Buhring several well directed blows on the head with it and also struck an assistant named Clark, on the head. Ables was arrested and fined.” 

 

After this incident, also in 1882 Henry Buhring sold the Buhring’s Gardens. “At Buhring’s old place on State Road, we say old place for Henry retired from proprietorship and possession, was given to Messrs. Pitt and Caswell members of the Salt Lake Shooting Club. He had moved his family to a home at 315 South Fourth [Fifth] West to be near where he was having constructed a saloon and restaurant on Second South to cater to the passengers and workers of the new Denver & Rio Grande Depot and rail yards.”

 

The Denver Beer Hall

In July 1883 Henry Buhring made an application to do business as a retail liquor dealer near the Denver & Rio Grande depot. An article from 31 July 1883 stated, “Henry Buhring is erecting a beer hall near the D.&R.G. depot.” 

 

He placed an advertisement for the new “Denver Beer Hall and Restaurant” stating “Henry Buhring wishes to announce to the  public that in connection with the Denver Beer Hall opposite the D.&R.G. Depot, he will open a restaurant on Monday September 3rd where meals will be served at all hours. The tables will present everything in season and the business will be conducted after the manner of first-class chop houses.”

 

The actual location of Buhring’s Saloon was never reported in newspaper accounts or in the City directories. It was always mentioned as on the corner of Second South in the Denver & Rio Grande district. It was north of James Hegney’s Rio Grande Hotel which was located in Lot Four on Fifth [Sixth] West. The building contained a restaurant, saloon, and barber shop. Buhring had leased a section of Lot Five in Block 53 from the heirs of Theophilus Williams who was one of the original owners.

 

The 1884 the City directory listed Buhring as residing at 315 South Fourth [Fifth] east and his occupation was given as “Saloon Keeper.” 

 

The Spring of 1885 was not a pleasant time for Henry Buhring as the rowdy nature of the Denver & Rio Grande district began to emerge. On March 21, a “enterprising burglar went a burglarizing and broke into Henry Buhring’s saloon on the Denver & Rio Grande corner of Second South and got away with over $50 worth of liquor and cigars.”

 

John Riley & Edward Wilson’s Cutting Affray

Less than a week after the burglary, John Riley, and Edward Wilson, both section hands working for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, were involved in a “cutting affray” shortly after leaving Buhring’s saloon. 

 

John Riley and Edward Wilson had been on a “mutual tear during a great part of the day”, when “they issued from Buhring’s saloon at the depot and sent off together in a northerly direction.” 

 

John Riley earlier in January had been swindled by a man named W.H. Jones, a telegraph operator, who also worked for the railroad. They met while working in Colorado.

 

“United in the determination they would go to California together. They came as far as Grand Junction where Jones, the much shrewder of the two inveigles his comrade into a bagnio [brothel], and after rendering him stupid with liquor, he helped himself to all Riley’s money, something like $220.”

           

In the course of time Riley sobered up discovered his loss  and came to Salt Lake where he reported his loss to Captain Hawley, “the detective of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad. 

 

In Wells, Nevada, Jones was arrested with $150 on his person. He claimed he was simply keeping the money for Riley. 

 

 W.H. Jones wrote his version of the events to save his reputation, saying, “Riley is a man who is fond of liquor and when he has money, gets on a spree and on New Year’s Eve he drank heavily. On Jan 2nd Riley went with a party of men and waited at the Rio Grande hotel [in Grand Junction]. I looked for him in the saloons and he was at a place called ‘Cheyenne Emma.’ I saw Riley incapable of taking care of himself. I took what money he had on his person and his watch, then went to bed.” 

 

“He came to me the next day and said he had been robbed and could not go to California. I told him I had his money. Mr. Mickel was present when I handed the money back to him. I left sufficient money to pay his expenses to Salt Lake where we would meet him. I had $150.” 

 

“He did not come after waiting a night and a day. I had at different times kept money for him as much as $175. Have not seen or heard from Riley since nor do I know where he is.”

 

As that the “crime” was committed in Colorado and “Riley had no disposition to prosecute as long as he recovered his money,” Jones was released. “Riley was put in possession of the remnant of his funds, a sadder and wiser man.”

 

In March 1885, Police Officer William Calder said he saw the Wilson and Riley “standing on the bridge and thinking from their manner that something was wrong.” He started over to the Denver Beer Hall “to see if there was anything the matter there. He no sooner entered, then Riley came in and sat down.”

 

“As he did so, Ollie [Oliver] Bess, who was working at the depot, rushed in, and said, ‘arrest that man. He has stabbed a man up the road!” 

 

It was later afterward learned that Riley had met a boy, just after he stabbed Wilson, and said to him “Go up the road there you will find a man stabbed. The knife which inflicted the wound is a large jack knife with a heavy blade.”

 

Riley who was apparently drunk “but not too drunk to start for the back door,” to try to escape. He was nabbed and handcuffed by Officer Calder, “just as his victim Wilson entered the front door, the blood streaming from his neck. 

 

Officer Calder said he heard Wilson say to Riley, “in a husky voice, ‘What made you do it John?” but Riley “made no reply.” Officer Calder “attempted to discern what had happened and asked Riley, ‘what the trouble had been’ and he replied indifferently, ‘Oh nothing.” 

 

In the meantime, “an express man” hurried the injured Wilson to “Godbe Pitts & Company drug store” and with “the assistance of two bystanders, lifted Wilson from his wagon whose face hands and clothes were besmeared with blood and from a gash in whose neck a crimson stream was constantly flowing.” 

 

Wilson was taken to a doctor’s room but he was attended by two nurses, “Mrs. Doctor Pratt and Mrs. Doctor Williams under the quick and deft fingers the blood stains were removed, and the horrible gaping wound more than an inch wide was sewed up, under the influence of alcohol, no expression of pain once escaped his lips.” He asked several times if Riley had been arrested, and “when answered in the affirmative he said he wanted him let go, he didn’t know what he had been stabbed for and when asked if he would drink some brandy he said “No brandy was what had caused his trouble”  

 

When Dr. J. M. Benedict arrived at his office, “he said the cut was not a dangerous one but if it penetrated a quarter of an inch further, he would have bled  to death.  

 

After he was recovered “as to be let loose late in the evening,” Wilson was reported about town “drunk as a lord.”  

           

Later in the police court when John Riley was being held for attempted murder, Edward Wilson was called to testify against him. However, Wilson refused to be a cooperative witness. “He stated that he knew nothing about how he got cut” as he was “crazy drunk, didn’t know who cut him or where he was when he was cut and didn’t know whether he cut himself or not.” He “exhibited a gash on his neck about three inches ling which was dangerous close to the jugular.” 

 

Another witness, named Richard Bynon, however, testified that Riley and Wilson “were pretty full of liquor and Riley was standing on the walk and Wilson was approaching him. Riley said, ‘Don’t come near me.’ Wilson said ‘Come along’ or something to that effect than Riley drew a knife and opened it raised it and brought it down on Wilson. He afterwards saw Wilson covered with blood.”

 

John Riley “was bound over with a $800 bond and Edward Wilson in the sum of $100 to assure their appearance in court. As neither could post bail they languished in jail until a May court hearing.” Eventually John Riley was released as that Wilson would not testify against him. 

 

In July 1885, John Riley was arrested after confessing that he stole forty boxes of cigars and sold to James Keenan, proprietor of the Denver House, near the Rio Grande Depot. “The cigars were worth wholesale $56, and the price paid by Kennan was $19, $6 in cash, a pair of boots and some meal tickets.” The police went to Keenan “who refused to give them up or permit them to be seen and soundly abused the officers for their visit. A warrant was issued for Keenan on the charge of receiving stolen goods.”

 

The Denver  Beer Hall Fire 

Within weeks of the John Riley and Edward Wilson dust up, in April 1885 “Shortly before 3 o’clock this morning the saloon belonging to Mr. H. Buhring at the northeast corner of Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West streets opposite the Denver & Rio Grande depot was discovered to be on fire and the alarm given. “Mr. Buhring who sleeps two Blocks away was promptly on the ground.”  

 

“The clang of fire bells at 3 in the morning” had the fire brigade at the scene  “as soon as the horses could convey them but there was a considerable delay in getting water on the building as enough hose was not brought down.”  When the “hose carts were promptly out, water was playing on the fire in a very short time taking in consideration that over a thousand feet of hose had to be used  in making the connection.” 

 

 “A stiff breeze fanned the flames” and the “light frame” structure was soon one mass of blazes and embers. It was fortunate that the wind blew the flames towards the street as otherwise adjoining buildings would have been consumed.”

 

The fire started “on the east side of the structure and is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary. Some of the men who burst open the doors freely assert that coal oil or some other inflammable fluid had been poured on the floors so that when the fire got from the one room into another the whole room would be inflames almost instantly.” 

 

The bartender, “who was also on the spot, stated that there hadn’t been a fire in the house since last Saturday [April 25] .”  Another individual said “the fire first appeared at the rear of the main building between it and the icehouse. So that the supposition that it was the work of an incendiary was freely indulged in.” 

 

Buhring told reporters that his view of the matter was “that some party or parties with whom he has had been having some difficulty” may “have taken this method of revenging themselves.” 

 

It was reported that total loss to the property amounted to about $4,000 but “could reach $6000” as that “there was $1000 stock of liquors besides the furniture and fixtures.” A barbershop adjoining the saloon also burned as well as an icehouse “containing about forty tons of ice, all destroyed.”

 

 A billiard table and two chairs were the only articles saved from the fire. Henry Buhring only had $3000 insurance on the place. But vowed to rebuild. “Buhring says that a substantial brick building shall take the place of that destroyed as soon as possible.”

 

The Tragic Death of George Hill

In October 1885, Henry Buhring, who lived at 315 South Fourth [Fifth] west, witnessed the accidental death of a young railroad brakeman named George Hill, age 21 years old. He was a married man with a small six-week-old child. Hill met his death at the terminus of the Utah and Nevada Railroad on Fourth [Fifth] West.  While doing some switching at the terminus, Hill “stood on the track awaiting the approach of loaded ore cars. His foot slipped and he fell beneath the wheels. 

 

The accident as noticed by Henry Buhring “who immediately called attention to the railroad men to stop the train but not before a couple of wheels passed over the right side of his body.”   Buhring was with the man as he died from his injuries. 

 

Buhring’s Mining Companies

Henry Buhring never rebuilt the Denver Beer Hall and by 1887 gave up the saloon business altogether and began to invest in mining companies in Utah and Montana. In February 1887 “Henry Buhring carried a couple of small bottles containing rich and valuable specimens of gold.”   

 

“Genial Henry” reported that a “company was being formed for working and operating some gold fields” in Montana. He was a stockholder of the Missoula Placer Mining Company  and owned 12,500 shares valued at $5 each. The City directory of Salt Lake City in 1888 listed Buhring’s occupation as “Miner.” 

 

In 1890 Buhring was vice president and one of the incorporators of the Alamo Mining Company in Carr Fork at Bingham. “Henry Buhring, under whose management, the property is being worked.” In July 1891 he  was reported as being “very enthusiastic over prospects of the Alamo in Carr Fork Bingham. He says they are down 84 feet. One assay made showed $8 gold and 13 silver and 48 lead and silver.”  By November, it was reported that Alamo Mine had “ two shifts” and the tunnel was now  “215 feet and a contract to run 200 feet further.” The mine was producing “considerable low-grade ore which assay at $8 to $20 per ton.”  Nine hundred feet of tram way was laid to the mouth of the mine where a blacksmith shop was also in operation. 

 

As a non-Mormon, by 1890 Henry Buhring was an active member of the Liberal party. In 1892 Henry Buhring campaigned for the position of “Sanitary Inspector one of the best paying jobs in the city government worth around $10,000 a year”  

 

The 1893 City directory listed Buhring as a “mining operator” still residing at 315 South Fourth [Fifth] West.

 

The Death of Henry Buhring

In a death announcement published 27 Oct 1898, it stated Henry Buhring “an old timer in Salt Lake, passed away yesterday after an illness of only one day. He was in his earlier career, engaged in the liquor business but for a number of years devoted his attention to mining with varying successes. Heart failure was the cause if his death. He was not an old man having only just completed his fifty-third birthday” The Buhring family still resided at 315 South Fourth [Fifth] [Fifth west] when he died. Henry Buhring  was buried in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake City. 

           

When Henry Buhring gave up his lease in Lot Five the Albany Hotel was built on the location of the Denver Beer Hall. The address of 579 West was changed to 599 West Second South with the additional addresses of 597 West and 595 West Second South.

 

The Albany Saloon

599 West Second South

            The Albany Saloon was located within the Albany Hotel which was built on the location of the old Denver Beer Hall. The address was changed from 579 West to 599 West but over time the address was changed back to 579 West.  The Saloon was also known as Hegney’s Saloon as he became the owner of the Albany.

 

The Saloon could be entered through swinging doors from Second South at 599 West or from stairs from the upper floor of the Hotel. The popular saloon had it share of violent incidents.

 

The Brutal Beating of Charles Crommelin

As with any transportation hub, that has frequent travelers coming and going, the old Rio Grande Train Depot on Sixth West brought people from all across the country. Many of these travelers stayed at the James Hegney’s Albany Hotel that was conveniently located across the street, especially if their stay required overnight accommodations. The hotel also contained a café and saloon for the hungry and thirsty.

 

In the summer of 1894, James Hegney’s brother Joe Hegney was bartending in the Albany Hotel’s Saloon when Salt Lake newspapers carried accounts of a beaten and stabbing that occurred in the bar between a “traveling man” named Charles R Crommelin and a local coal hauling teamster by the name of Albert “Neil” Love and Love’s friends.

 

The strange encounter between the  40-year-old sales man traveling from Omaha, Nebraska, and  the 22-year-old teamster, who would have been strangers to each other, occurred shortly after midnight on June 30^th. That the event occurred in June of 1894, may have contributed to a heightened tension between local men and outsiders due to so many men out of work. 

 

The economic depression, caused by the Panic of 1893, brought an influx of many displaced and unemployed men coming to Salt Lake City to join General Carter’s failed  “Industrial Army” movement.

 

The assault on Crommelin by Neil Love and other local men seemed to have been for no apparent reason except for a quarrel over something either Love or Crommelin had said to one another. However, the brutality of the beating given in Jim Hegney’s saloon raises suspicions  that there was more to the incident than what was printed in the newspapers of the time. Nevertheless,  it is only conjecture that this attack may have been anything but a bashing of an “intoxicated man”; as that any suggestion otherwise  would have been not fit to print in papers of the time.

 

The Herald newspaper reported, “It seems that at 12:10 Charles Cromelion, formerly of Omaha, was in the place and was considerably under the influence.” Crommelin claimed that he was just sitting at a table in the saloon, “discussing the daily paper”, when Love and his friends entered and “engaged him in a quarrel.” Accounts from witnesses stated that Crommelin was quite drunk at the time.

 

At some point Love and the other men began to brutally beat Crommelin.  “The facts appear to be that Love said something which displeased Cromelin and in the heat of a drunken passion, Love punched Crommelin in the face and closed his eyes up.” 

 

At some point during the fight, Crommelin stabbed Love in the abdomen, having “ thrust the large blade of his pocket-knife clear to the hilt in Love’s stomach.”  After making the initial “lunge with the knife, Crommelin tried to stab Love again, but bartender Joe Hegney came between the men and prevented Cromelion from doing further harm. For his efforts, the bartender was slashed on the arm “while wrestling the deadly weapon from Cromelin.”

 

A police wagon was called and Crommelin was arrested for the stabbing of Love and taken to the police station where he was charged with assault with a deadly weapon. However, it was clearly evident that Crommelin had suffered a brutal beating. He “looked as though he had been worsted in a prize fight.

 

The assault on the middle-aged man was so severe by Love and the others, it was called “murderous” as that Crommelin’s body “was black and blue and his face yet in a shocking condition.” One reporter wrote of Crommelin’s condition stating, “His face presents a terrible aspect being greatly bruised and discolored.”

 

At the police station Crommelin was still quite drunk but managed to answer the questions “propounded by the desk sergeant.” He said he was a ‘traveling man’ by occupation and he had represented the Keeley Cure Company in Omaha where he had worked for three years.  The Keeley Cure Company was a nationally recognized program to remedy alcohol addiction.

 

Describing the assault to the police, Crommelin claimed, “he was simply sitting in the room when Love and some others assaulted him and asserts that he only used the knife in self defense. His face is badly bruised showing he had been roughly handled.”

 

On the night of the stabbing, a physician was called to attend the wounded Neil Love at the Saloon. His condition was thought at first to be fatal especially if  as the doctor stated, “internal hemorrhage sets in.” Love, who lived nearby the saloon, was taken to his residence at 537 West on Second South.

 

The local newspapers initially were sympathetic towards Love, who was a local young married Mormon with a  pregnant wife and an infant daughter, compared to Crommelin, who was seen as an outsider and a single, middle-aged man.

 

Love was born in Utah territory although his parents were Scottish Mormon emigrants, however.

 

Even though Crommelin’s condition required medical attention, he languished in the city jail over the weekend until Monday July 2^nd. 

 

Eventually news came to light that Neil Love would survive his wound. On Monday July 2, the Salt Lake Herald reported, “Contrary to expectations the condition of Neil Love, the man who received such a frightful wound in the bowel at the hands of Charles Cromelin on Saturday morning, was considerably improved yesterday and the attending physicians are now of the opinion that he will fully recover although the recovery will be slow on the account of the nature of the cut.”

 

While Love was recovering, Charles Crommelin’s arraignment in Police court was held on July 2. Charles Zane was his  defense attorney and soon a new account of the Saloon brawl emerged. The Salt Lake Tribune reported the news that Zane claimed that Crommelin was the victim not Love.

 

The defense attorney stated in court that “the prisoner’s part in the tragic affair had been grossly exaggerated,” and that he was acting in self defense as proven by his “shocking appearance.” Zane additionally claimed that Crommelin “had made the attack with the knife only after Love and others had subjected him to a most terrible thrashing.”

 

The Herald Court Reporter commented on Crommelin’s appearance, “The fellow’s face and body bore out the statement, ” and added  “Cromelin’s face presents a terrible spectacle being swollen, bruised, and disfigured.”

 

Crommelin’s physical appearance in court showed that it was evident that he had been viciously beaten. A pair of attending physicians on behalf of Crommelin even argued that he should be admitted to St. Mark’s Hospital, “at once.”

 

Dennis C. Eichnor, the prosecuting attorney, exonerated Crommelin, who was at first accused by the police as being the aggressor in the Saloon fray, after a witness to the viciousness attack was found.  An eye witness corroborated what Attorney Zane had told the court. The witness indicated that the Crommelin was only defending himself when “he stabbed at his assailants.”  Due to this witness Crommelin was released on his own recognizance so he could be taken to the hospital to be seen for his injuries.

 

At the end of the week. Crommelin was back in court on Friday July 6th.  It was noted by reporters that Crommelin still “was not in prime condition for a beauty contest. His face yet badly discolored and his ribs sore and his joints.”

 

At the July 6^th hearing, Prosecuting Attorney Eichnor told the Police Court Justice that the Neil Love, the “prosecuting witness was still not in a condition to appear in court. ” On that information a continuance was ordered by the judge  for July 11th. 

 

Crommelin was released still on his own recognizance, “in the absence of the complaining witness, ” and “retraced his way to the hospital where he will remain until summoned for examination.”

 

On Wednesday 11 July 1894, the case against Charles Crommelin was finally dismissed as that Neil Love, “who is now able to locomote”, failed to appear in court when Crommelin was arraigned. At the request of the prosecution, the case against Crommelin was dismissed.

 

The question is what could have provoked a bunch of young men to attack this inebriated man so viciously? It can only be surmised.

 

Charles R Crommelin 1854-1907

Clues to the identity of who the man assaulted and arrested can be found in Salt Lake news stories, which said he was a “traveling man” from Omaha, Nebraska, that he worked for the Keeley Cure Company, and that he was born in Alabama. These clues helped identify Charles R. Crommelin as a member of an extremely wealthy and politically connected family from Montgomery Alabama. Both the 1860 and 1870 U.S. censuses indicated that Crommelin was born in 1854 which would have made him child during the Civil War.

 

Charles Crommelin’s father was a New York lawyer who had moved to Alabama in the 1820’s and amassed a fortune having owned a large cotton plantation. The 1855 Alabama Census, taken when Charles Crommelin was 1 year old, stated that his father, held 38 African Americans enslaved on his plantation. Crommelin’s father died when Charles was only 2 years old. He was the youngest of all his siblings and was probably excessively indulged by a widowed mother .

 

In the antebellum 1860 Census, Crommelin’s widow mother had $150,000 in real estate and $120,000 in personal property, which were the slaves. After the war, the 1870 Census showed his family still held their land which was worth $175,000 but their personal property had decreased to  $40,000. In today’s economy however that amount of wealth would have made this family be considered millionaires.

 

The 1870 Census also showed that 16-year-old Charles’ mother had died by then, and he was living with four older sisters and a 26 year old brother John G Crommelin, who would later become mayor of Montgomery Alabama from 1891 to 1895.  Many of his older siblings at home were  single, even though their ages ranged from 30 to 18 years old. They also had seven African Americans servants included in the household to attend to their needs.

 

Crommelin’s father’s will had stated that his estate was to be divided equally among his children when they reached  the age of 21 years. That would have been 1875 for Charles Crommelin. At this point he seemed to have disappear from census records. 

 

The 1880 Census showed that Charles Crommelin siblings were still  living together in the same household in Alabama, and all were still single, except for a widowed sister. Charles Crommelin is nowhere to be found, probably intentionally. He would have been 26 years old.

 

The next record found regarding the elusive Crommelin is actually in Salt Lake City,  ten years after the 1880 Census was taken.  He must have been traveling across country, as he had visited Salt Lake City, at least once before his troubles with the law in Utah in 1894. The Salt Lake Herald on 1 October 1890 had posted notices for people who had messages left for them at the Western Union Office and one was for Charles R. Crommelin. So, it appears that he was no stranger to Utah.

 

The Keeley Cure Company  by which Crommelin told the police he was employed,  was a type of  program that dealt with “Alcohol and Opium” addiction.  The company was a franchised out with operations widely dispersed throughout the upper Mid-West. In 1892 a branch was even established in Salt Lake City. The Keeley Cure Company was so lucrative making millions of dollars that others tried to imitate it. The most successful at it was the “Castle Cure Company” based out of Omaha Nebraska.

 

A thorough search of the Polk directory for Omaha showed two listings for Charles Crommelin. In both cases his surname is spelled slightly differently. In 1893 his names was listed as Charles “Cromelin” and in 1894 as Charles R “Crommelin”.   In some Salt Lake papers, he is even listed as “Cromelion.”  “Crommelin” was probably the more accurate spelling of his name,  as he was from the extremely wealthy  Crommelin family of  Montgomery Alabama.

 

Only two men in Omaha, Nebraska had similar surnames. They were Charles R. Crommelin and a John Francis Cromelin, a prominent attorney at law. However, it appears that they were only distantly related. John F Cromelin was from a Washington D.C. family and Charles was from a wealthy Montgomery, Alabama family.

 

Both men, Charles R., and John F., are listed in the Omaha Polk Directory in 1893 and 1894 but not at the same address. John evidently came to Omaha in 1892 at the age of 30 to argue a case before the Nebraska Supreme Court. He remained in Omaha until in 1896 when he moved back to Washington DC where he died that year of the “grip” which was an old fashion word for influenza. He was an unmarried  man as was Charles.

 

The Castle Cure Company

Charles Crommelin is not listed in the Omaha Polk directory until 1893 and then not after 1894. His first residence was at 809 South 19th Street in Omaha and his occupation was simply given as “real estate”. The following year he was residing at 402 North 16th Street which was also the address of the Castle Cure Company where he is listed as an assistant Manager. It appears that he was working for Keeley Cure’s rival and not for the Keeley Cure Company as he had informed the Salt Lake City police.

 

The Castle Cure Company had a dubious reputation according to Omaha police as it purposed to be a cure for “Liquor, Morphine, and Tobacco habits.” Advertisements for the company were widespread in newspapers in Nebraska and Kansas.

 

            In articles found in the Omaha Daily Bee and the Nebraska State Journal for 18 February 1893, they showed that the company was shady at best. “For a long time, the police have known that the reputation of the Castle Cure concern at 16th and Chicago Streets was not the best.”

 

The articles maintained that whenever the police showed up to investigate complaints they found , “the man in charge was always drunk.”  The police further claimed,  “as a general thing everyone connected with the institution spent most of his time drinking whiskey which appeared to be as free as water to all that went there.” The general manager was even said to have made the company’s headquarters “the resort of lewd women and a number of men who drank up the whiskey intended for patients.”

 

The fact that Crommelin was associated with this company and that he was said to have been inebriated at the Salt Lake Saloon suggests that he may have been an alcoholic.

 

Nothing further is known about Charles R. Crommelin after this incidence, except for  a probate  notice from 1898, which sought the heirs of his sister Jennie Crommelin. The notice mentioned Charles R Crommelin as being a “resident of Indiana but exact location unknown.”

 

The man in charge of the probate was his brother  John G. Crommelin who had been the Mayor of Montgomery Alabama during the time Charles was in the Salt Lake jail.  In 1905 another attempt to reach him regarding a probate matter listed him as a resident of West Baden Springs, in Orange County, Indiana. The town was a health resort due to its mineral springs.

 

Crommelin led a life estranged from his Southern family and probably chose to remain absent and to live a dissipated and inebriated life. He is not located in the 1900 federal Census either, however there is a plot in the Oakwood Cemetery in Montgomery, Alabama for him that has no inscription written on the slab. Cemetery records stated he died in 1907 although his birth year is wrong. He would have been 53 years old at the time of his death.

 

Albert “Neil” Love 1871-1941

            Neil Love was born in 1871 in Salt Lake City to Scottish Mormon Converts. He was raised in Salt Lake’s Sixth Ward which was between Third South and Sixth South and from West Temple to the Jordan River. 

 

At the time of the stabbing, Love was working as a teamster and had a young 20-year-old wife Emma Maude Love the daughter of Benjamin Rowland, who the newspaper said was “in a delicate condition” as that she was six months pregnant. The couple had married 15 Dec 1892.

 

The Herald, being the most sympathetic towards Love of all the newspaper accounts, stated, “He has a wife and several children, and what makes the case even more pathetic is the daily anticipated arrival of a little stranger.” Actually Neil Love had just the one daughter who was born in June 1893,  less than 6 months after his marriage to Maude Rowland.

 

Neil Love’s wounds were thought at first to be fatal, which garnered him considerable compassion by reporters. The Herald journalist wrote “The indications now are that the charge of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, booked against Charles Crommelin, will be changed to the more serious one of murder. Neil Love the victim of Crommelin’s murderous attack is very low and the attending physicians are of the opinion that the wound in his bowels will prove fatal. It was a clean cut two and a half inches deep on the left side directly in the vitals.”

 

After this incident and he recovered, Love is not found in newspaper accounts any further. Perhaps this event changed his behavior as he worked in the railroad yards as car repairman and also as a watchman for the Salt Lake Water Works for the rest of his life.

 

Neil Love lived out the remainder of his life on the west side of Salt Lake City where he died in 1941 at the age of 69 from a stroke. He was the father of 12 children, eleven who were born after his near fatal encounter with Charles Crommelin in the Albany Hotel on the corner of Sixth West and Second South.

 

The Butch Cassidy Incident

At 1 in the morning on Thursday, 2 June 1898, a robbery took place at the Hegney’s Saloon located in the Albany Hotel. Afterwards the Salt Lake Tribune received a letter from a man claiming to be Butch Cassidy, the  notorious Utah outlaw, who said he was responsible for the crime.

 

A month and half later, on July 14, 1898, the Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch Gang  robbed the Southern Pacific passenger train of nearly $26,000 in cash and jewelry near Humboldt, Nevada.

 

If indeed Butch Cassidy and some of his gang held up the Saloon in the Albany Hotel, it would have just been a meager amount, however the $150 would have been worth it while planning another heist.

 

Over time, Butch Cassidy’s band of robbers “held up trains and banks and stole mine payrolls in the Rocky Mountain West, making off with a total of $200,000 (the equivalent of $2.5 million today) between 1889 and the early 1900s.

 

An Account of the Robbery

Albany Saloon Bartender John Williams was working the night shift alone  when three mask robbers entered and held him up. Williams “heard the front door open and looked up to be confronted with the business end of six shooters.” A “burly chap, his face covered to the eyes with a black handkerchief’” yelled “Hold up your hands, damn you and be quick about it. ” Williams obeyed as that a “revolver which always lays handy and beneath the counter was six feet away.”

 

A second masked man, also with a revolver, “leaped lightly over the gate which shuts off the cigar stand and the bar at the front” while the burley chap “kept his gun aimed at Williams head.” A third masked man stood at the Saloon’s Second South street entrance and was “keeping a lookout up and down the street.”

 

The second robber then “went through the bartender’s clothes taking there from his watch and $50 in cash”. Keeping Williams covered with their guns, the till was opened and “all the cash something over $50” was taken.

 

After trying all the other drawers and finding them locked, the leader of the  band of robbers said to Williams, “Now you stand right where you are and don’t breathe above a whisper for five minutes,” as they attempted to leave the saloon.

 

However, “just then, there came sounds of footsteps from upstairs where there are rooms.” The robbers delayed their escape, “whispering a warning to Williams”, and waited for the unsuspecting victim. When he entered the saloon, the astonished man was “greeted with a curse” and a “Come in here and shut that door damn quick.” Dan Harrigan, who lived in the Albany Hotel, was the astonished man. 

 

The second robber then “coolly went through his pocket,  obtaining about $40 in cash, every cent he possessed.” Harrigan was then told to line up alongside Williams and “with a parting injunction not to move for five minutes or they would rue it, they quietly slipped out the door.’’ The men then ran down 5th West [today Sixth West] Street toward 3rd South, which “indicated that they had gone.” 

 

After the robbers had absconded with their loot,  Williams quickly “ran around the bar to the telephone and called up the police station.” Two police officers were on the scene in ten minutes and after they examined the premises, the officers “thoroughly aroused the neighborhood, at an early hour” but no clue to where the robbers had gone was discovered. .  The thieves got away with at least $140 in cash and Williams’ silver watch.

 

Williams was so rattled and unnerved by the holdup “that he was not able to give a very accurate description, beyond saying that they wore dark suit and slouch hats and that the two who came into the saloon were of medium height but quite heavy and smooth shaven.”

 

The Letter to the Salt Lake Tribune

Within days of the robbery at the Albany Saloon, the Salt Lake Tribune received a letter supposedly from “Butch Cassidy” who wrote to correct some misinformation concerning rumors of his death in Emory County, Utah.  At the end of May, 1898, a posse had killed an outlaw that some identified as Butch Cassidy although that claim was disputed by others.

 

            The Salt Lake Tribune carried the following news article from the “Emory County Pioneer” dated 30 May 1898 with the headline “It was Cassidy.”  “Was it Cassidy or was it not Cassidy? That is the question. Since the burial of two outlaws at Price last week the one who claimed to be Cassidy has been variously declared to be Tom Gillis, Parker, Bob Culp, Red Bob, John Herring, Tom McCarty, and perhaps others. The question naturally arised, Who is Butch Cassidy and what is his rightful name? He seems to be as mysterious as the bogie man from childhood terror. Emory County Pioneer.”

 

The Tribune, later on 5 June 1898, printed what they called the “Mixed-up Epistle” signed by “Butch Casity”. The Tribune remarked that the letter “purports to have been written at Robbers “Rust” [Roost] but bear Salt Lake postmark.” The Tribune also added that the writer of the letter took “credit for the “Hegney’s saloon robbery a few evenings ago”.

 

The Tribune article stated, “This ‘Butch’ says in his communication, which is an almost unintelligible conglomeration of bad grammar and misspelled words, that the report of his death is a gross and unpardonable exaggeration.”

 

The 5 June 1898 Letter to the Salt Lake Tribune:

"LETTER OF BUTCH CASITY SAYS HE IS ALIVE AND MAKES OTHER REMARKS-Mixed- up Epistle Purported to Come from Robbers’ Roost but Marked in Salt Lake: The Tribune is in receipt of a letter from an individual who signs himself “Butch Casity” This “Butch” says in his communication, which is an almost unintelligible conglomeration of bad grammar and misspelled words, that the report of his death is a gross and unpardonable exaggeration.”

 

“The letter purports to have been written at Robbers “Rust” but bear Salt Lake postmark. “Butch” also takes the credit of Hegney’s saloon robbery a few evenings ago.”

 

“He further says “the man he gave Walker away will regret the day he gave Walker away.” Further on Butch says “they have run us to the wall without a cause or provocation. You make us “robers” [robbers] by calling us “robers.” “Joe Bush,” the writer continues, “is a dandy I don’t think. Adam Pawal thought he was wise when he went to Green River and when he got his hair parted with a bullet and all you detectives please be ware of cowboys and robers feans [fiends] ho [who] would kill you and rob you.” Complaint is also made that Curtis was sent over the road for eating a ded [dead]crow.”

 

It was never definitely proven whether the letter was written by the outlaw Butch Cassidy or not, however it is known that he liked publicity and the notoriety that came with it.

 

Daniel H. Harrigan [1856-1910]

Daniel Harrigan, the unfortunate victim who lost all his money, was about 38 years old at the time of the robbery.  He was also a close friend of the Hegney family and was a well-known figure about the Rio Grande District as that he was a railroad man for much of his life.  “Those who know him speak in the highest terms of him.” When not working on the railroad, he mostly stayed at the Hegney’s Albany Hotel. 

 

His main residence when not in Salt Lake seemed to have been in Mt. Pleasant, in San Pete County, Utah. A newspaper reporting on his accident in 1910 stated that Harrigan was “a native of Maryland having come west about a quarter of a century ago. 

           

 Daniel Harrigan was born in Baltimore Maryland the son of Peter and Julia Harrigan Irish Emigrants. His father was arrested for assaulting his mother in 1864, and he died before 1872 when his mother was granted letters if administration over his estate. She was the proprietor of a grocery store in the 1880 federal census and Daniel was enumerated in her household as a 24-year-old laborer. 

           

He came out west in 1885 and in 1892, while living in Gem, Idaho, a mining town founded in 1886. Harrigan wrote a letter published in newspapers about the conditions there. He stated “that times there are very dull owing to the shutting-down of the mines, that many poor people must suffer in consequence, and no one knows when work will be resumed. Quite a number of numbers have left for either Montana, Wood River, or Utah, and many others must likewise.”

 

Harrigan was said to have been a bridge builder by trade, but for many years had worked as a section foreman for the Rio Grande Western which had him working  at work camp sites throughout Utah and even Nevada.

 

He must have moved to Utah permanently after during the Panic of 1893 as in 1896 he was mentioned as residing in Richfield, Utah as a foreman of a stock yard crew, working for the Rio Grande Western. 

 

Harrigan was a member of Mt Pleasant Masons, having joined the Damascus lodge No. 10 of Freemasonry when it was organized by Alexander G. Sutherland, who was a lawyer and judge was a friend of Harrigan’s who was at his side when he died. 

 

Harrigan probably lived much of his time in the town of Mt. Pleasant in San Pete County, after the Rio Grande Western Railway came to that town in 1890. By 1900, Mt. Pleasant had grown to nearly 3,000 persons, the largest city in Sanpete County to that time, and the city had earned one of its nicknames, "Hub City." 

 

When Harrigan would come to Salt Lake he “made his home” with the Hegney’s, staying at the Albany Hotel. He also became a long-time friend of W. Frank Conrad, Jim Hegney’s son- in-law who owned the Kozy Saloon located on Hegney’s property at the corner of Sixth [Seventh] West and Second South in Block 47. 

 

In 1907 the Spanish Fork Press mentioned Harrigan while criticizing the hiring practices of the Rio Grande Western. “Carl Crotegut has been dismissed from the Rio Grande Western as a section foreman at Payson to make room for a man named Dan Harrigan. Carl has put in about twenty years in the track department of the R.G.W. and we believed he is well qualified to look after a piece of track, but it seems to be a very unfortunate thing for Carl that he is not Irish.” 

 

On Wednesday 17 April 1910, Dan Harrigan arrived in Salt Lake City from  Caliente, Nevada where he had been working as a section foreman. According to Frank Conrad, proprietor of the Kozy saloon, and “an old friend of Harrigan.” Harrigan “had a small amount of money in his possession when he arrived here and after purchasing new suit of clothes, he gave $5 and his watch to Mr. Conrad to keep for him while he was in the city.”

 

 “After paying a few bills and purchasing a suit of clothes,” with the rest of the money, “only a few dollars, he “preceded to buy liquor and he began drinking heavily.”  

 

Men who knew him said that Harrigan was “a hardworking man and not an habitual drinker. Occasionally he would go on a short spree and would then go back to his work and remain there for months at a time.”

 

Harrigan according to witnesses on Thursday night [April 18] “was in the Kosy bar at Sixth [Seventh] West and Second South. When some of his friends saw that he was getting quite drunk they tried to get him to go to a room, but he refused.”

 

Frank Conrad said “Harrigan had his fill of drink,” and “finally, he agreed to go to a shack near the saloon, where plumbers and carpenters working on a new saloon building next door had left their tools and a five-gallon can of gasoline.  

 

The shack was in the rear of the temporary quarters of the Kozy bar. While Harrigan was getting into the blankets it is supposed that he tipped over the can of gasoline oil. In doing so he upset the “five-gallon can of gasoline and the fluid ran over his left side.”

 

“The man was in such a condition from liquor that he did not realize his danger and remained there all-night breathing in deadly fumes.”

 

The effect of breathing the gasoline fumes into his lungs and the liquor which he had already drunk would have killed him in a short time if he had not been found the next day.

 

Harrigan was discovered in the “store house” early Friday morning April 19, at 7 o’clock by the bartender, who “immediately notified” Frank Conrad. Harrigan’s face was blue and his “tongue protruding. Believing him already dead Conrad telephoned for the police. 

 

When patrolman Colton and Desk Sergeant Spears arrived at the saloon with Sergeant Riley M Beckstead in a patrol wagon, “they found Harrigan outside the tool house, where he had been carried by the saloon men in an effort to revive him in the fresh air.” Harrigan “was unconscious and his face was almost black. The man’s left breast, arm, and neck were blistered from the “fiery stuff and his lungs are also badly burned from breathing the fumes.”

 

“The man’s clothing was saturated with gasoline and the left side of his body was burned from the oil in a number of places, where the skin had peeled off.”

 

Officer Beckstead finding Harrigan still breathing he called for Police Surgeon Frank B Steele to meet the patrol wagon at the emergency hospital located at the police headquarters. 

 

“A piece of chewing tobacco was all they could find in the man’s clothing and as he was fairly well dressed the police at first thought he had met foul play. Sergeant Beckstead went the Kozy bar to investigate the case and learned that there was absolutely no foundation for such a theory.”

 

Harrigan “was hurried to the emergency hospital and the police surgeon Dr. Steele was summoned, who “administered strychnine in large doses and applied the electric battery. After he had been worked on for some time, Harrigan showed slight signs of recovery.”

 

Dr. Steele stated that “the man’s lungs had become seriously affect for the gasoline and that if he recovered from the poisoning, he would undoubtedly have pneumonia” There was “little hope is held out for his recovery,” as his lungs were “ clogged up, making breathing almost impossible.”

 

Harrigan had only been at the emergency hospital a short time when Judge Alexander Sutherland, a “fellow mason” came to visit him. 

 

“That the two men had been close friends was evidenced when Judge Sutherland entered the room and gazed upon the dying man. His voice husky with emotion, Judge Sutherland went to the cot where Harrigan lay and taking the man affectionately by the hand said: “Dan, Dan, old boy, speak to me. Don’t you know me , brother? You must get well; you will get well. What’s the trouble Dan?”

 

“The silver haired brother Mason could say no more, for tears blinded his eyes and his voice choked with sobs. He left the room to advise other lodge men that a “brother was dying”. Several masons including Judge C. H. Diehl called at the emergency hospital immediately after the news had been telephoned to the Masonic Temple and they had Harrigan removed to St. Mark’s hospital, about noon, where he is being carefully watched by physicians.

 

They hurried to the emergency hospital to see what they could do for him and “communicated with friends at  Mt. Pleasant.”  Arrangements were also made to “place the unfortunate man in a private ward at St. Mark’s hospital.”

 

Little was known of “this gaseous formation in medical circles and efforts to revive Harrigan by the application of antidotes, such as used in common asphyxiation, failed. Without regaining consciousness, Dan H. Harrigan died the morning of May 1 morning at St Mark’s hospital.

 

Harrigan’s  death certificate stated he died from pneumonia complicated by “Delirium Tremors and burns.” The informant on his death certificate was listed as the Damascus Lodge #10 of Mount Pleasant, Utah. They provided little information about the man except he was about 50 years old so evidently, he had no family in Utah to fill in the details.   A newspaper article  however stated he was survived by “two brothers and a sister in Baltimore Maryland.” His body was buried in Mount Pleasant, Utah by the Masons. 

 

John Williams the Bartender

Little is known of John Williams. However, the 1898 Polk Directory of Salt Lake City listed him still as a bartender and boarding at the Albany Hotel. The 1897 directory listed him as a laborer but also as boarding at Albany Hotel.

 

The experience of being robbed must not have frightened him that much, as the 1899 directory showed that he was still a bartender and living at the hotel. Nevertheless by 1900 he was listed as a laborer again boarding at “595 West Second South” which was the address of the Albany Hotel. He was however not a resident of the hotel when the 1900 Census was taken and his whereabouts was unknown.

Another Robbery 1900

In 1900, John Williams was mentioned again as bartender when newspapers reported again of the “Albany Saloon Robbed,” and ““Albany Saloon Held up This Morning.”

 

“About 3 o’clock this morning [February 28] a couple of men walked into the Albany Saloon on Fifth [Sixth] West and Second South, their faces covered with masks and their hands full of pyrotechnical implements and blandly requested those in the saloon to raise their hands aloft.

 

The request was complied with and one of the men covered Bartender J. Williams with his revolver while the other removed from the till $31.60 in cash. The men were after the cash only. They even ignored the bartenders and the liquor.

 

Informing the ‘gentlemen’ in the saloon that they had better be quiet. The bold hold-ups went north on Fifth West. Bartender Williams at once telephoned to police headquarters and Officer Roberts quickly responded. The bartender says both the men were young and of medium size and were well dressed. The same saloon was held up about a year ago and $100 taken.”

 

“The Albany bar, on the corner of Fifth West and Second South, was held up by two masked men at 2:45 this morning and $31 in cash taken from the till. Nothing else was disturbed, however, J. Williams the bartender, and two other men were playing cards in the room at the time.”

 

“The holdups came in at a side door, and one covered the crowd while the other went through the money drawer. The police were telephoned, and Officer Barlow went down with Patrolman Cannon and the wagon.”

 

“A fairly good description of the men were given the officers, but a search in the neighboring Rio Grande yards failed to reveal any clue of them.”

 

 ”This is the second time in one year that the bar has been held up, the robbers getting away with over $100 last time. Mr. Hegney, the proprietor, said last night that he thought it was about time the city was furnishing police protection to that thug infested district.”

 

Samuel George  Read and The London News Depot & Bookstore

A business called the London News Depot and Bookstore was owned by Samuel George Read [1807-1893] who was referred to as  “the well-known news dealer.”

 

The bookstore abutted on the north side of the Liday Restaurant and was south of the Keenan’s Denver House. The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance map showed it was a one-story wooden structure consisting of three shops that fronted Fifth [Sixth] West, with two small rooms in behind it. The 1898 map showed the structure was slightly enlarged in the back and the property line in the rear reached a “Private Drive” that encircled the Denver Court subdivision. 

 

Samuel Read was born in England and as a young man, was said to have participated in the in the East India Service’s Bengal Army.  A daughter also said he was a lieutenant in the British Army and fought the Crimea War [1853-1856] and knew Florence Nightingale. He was married to a woman named Elizabeth Quilley by 1836 however and had six children born between 1839 and 1848. 

 

After their conversion to the Mormon Church, Samuel Read and his family immigrated to the United States in May 1856. They boarded the ship the Horizon which carried most of the people who made up the Martin handcart Company formed in July 1856 in Iowa City, Iowa. 

 

The Martin Handcart Company

Read’s family joined the ill-fated Martin Handcart Company, however when the handcart company arrived at an area called “Keg Creek, a few miles east of Council Bluffs, Iowa, the Read family discovered that their young eight-year-old son Walter was missing from the group. 

 

Samuel Read and his wife decided that he and their eldest son Samuel Milford Read would go back over the trail to find the missing boy. His wife and two daughters would nevertheless continue on with the handcart company.

 

The parents “divided the family money to cover expenses of their individual needs” and with the separation of the family, 51-year-old Elizabeth Read “positioned herself at the shafts in front of the handcart” with at the rear her two daughters, ages 16 and 11 years and “together they pushed and pulled their handcart westward across the plains.”

 

It took Samuel Read and his son three months to eventually locate the kidnapped child. the boy had been lured away from the handcart company by two men who had “promised Walter a pony, lots of money and some land if he would go with them.” After he was abandoned by his kidnappers, Walter Read during his three-month stay in Iowa away from his family, had been taken care of by several families until rescued. 

 

As it was now too late in the season for the Samuel Read and his sons  to rejoin his wife and daughters, they remained in Iowa as they “needed to regain their health as well as replenish their savings.”

 

While Samuel Read stayed behind in Iowa with his two sons, his wife and daughters were caught in a Wyoming snowstorm in late October.  The Martin Handcart  company was reduced to a daily flour ration of eight ounces per adult and four ounces per child. 

 

On the last day of October, the Martin Handcart Company met men from Salt Lake City with rescue wagons which brought the survivors into Salt Lake City the last day of November.

 

Return to Iowa

While his wife and family was leaving in Utah, Samuel Read did not leave Iowa approximately for two years afterwards. Elizabeth Read later returned to Iowa with one of her daughters, “to determine for herself the condition of her husband and sons.” 

 

 

The two years separation must have ended their marriage as that in 1859 Samuel Read “parted company with his wife and family and arrived alone in the Salt Lake Valley.” Elizabeth Read remained behind in Iowa with her daughter and sons, Samuel M and Walter P. Read, however all the children were living within separate households away from their mother. 

 

In 1861, the Read family who were left behind in Iowa joined with the Captain Ansil Perse Harmon Company for a safe trip to the Salt Lake valley, where Elizabeth Read married a man named John Rodwell and moved to Nephi, Utah.

 

Samuel Read in Utah

Samuel Read adopted the name middle name `George' after he arrived in the Salt Lake valley to distinguish himself from his son, Samuel Milford Read.  He brought with him to Utah British newspapers and other reading material and boarded with a widow named Laura Gibbs whom he married in 1860.

 

Samuel G. Read, in 1863 was a bookkeeper for the Deseret News until he established business for himself under the name of the “London News Dealer” located by the old Salt Lake Theater on State Street.

 

His second wife, Laura Gibbs, left him in 1870 and moved to Ogden, Utah and Samuel G Read was married for the third time in 1871 to a Mrs. Martha Munroe Bates Moore [1815-1902]

 

The 1880 federal census showed that Samuel G. Read was enumerated on First South Street in the Thirteenth Ward living with his third wife Martha Read. He was listed as a “news dealer.”

 

 Samuel Read’s daughter wrote of her father, “His clothes were always the best. He smoothly waxed and neatly clipped his Vandyke beard. Samuel's black eyes were always dancing at a joke or a happy story.”

 

The News Stand on Fifth [Sixth] West

In December 1882, Edmund Butterworth leased a portion of  his Lot Three in City Block 63 for $10 a month to Samuel G Read who opened a newspaper and magazine shop across from the Denver & Rio Grande Freight and Passenger depot. The following year Read applied for a license to run a small news store. The merchant fees were waived by the city “on account of age, poverty, and feebleness.”  At the time he was 76 years old. 

 

The September 1885 fire that destroyed the Denver House, north Samuel Read’s news stand, “only slightly scorched” his business which “only “$100 in damages.  

 

In January 1886, Samuel Read lost his balance while waiting for a streetcar at the Palace Hotel, at the corner of Third South and Main Street. He fell over a short railing and was severely injured. Read was taken to his “home near the Denver & Rio Grande depot” where Dr. J. M. Bennett examined him.  Dr. Bennett had been hired in 1885 by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad to be a “division surgeon” for the district. 

 

Read had two severe gashed on his head and broken a thigh born which left him “badly crippled.  He sued the owners of the Palace Hotel and the city for damages and received $750 from the owner of the Palace Hotel and $500 from the city for his broken leg.

 

His 3^rd wife Martha Read began to take in boarders by 1890 when George Mudett, who was a miner, was boarding at this address.

 

Death of Samuel G. Read

Samuel G. Read  died December 1893 at the age of 86  at his residence at 249 South Fifth [Sixth] West where he was still operating his “bookstore business”. 

 

            A news article stated “Samuel G. Read, an old and highly esteemed resident of Salt Lake, died yesterday morning from an attack of the grip [influenza].  Mr. Read was a native of London and was born in 1807. When a young man he entered the service of the east Indian Company and served with distinction being made a lieutenant in the Bengal marines.”

 

“ He came to the United States in 1856 and after residing in Iowa three years came to Salt Lake and opened the London News Depot near the theater. He was one of the most remarkable swordsmen in America, and up to a few years ago frequently displayed his ability with the broadsword.”

 

“ The deceased possessed many traits of character which endeared him to a wide circle of acquaintances and the news of the veteran’s demise will be learned with regret.”

 

“ He leaves a wife, three daughters, and two sons, one of them  [Walter P Read] being Superintendent of the City Railway company. Funeral services will be held from the Fifteenth Ward meeting house tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.”

 

Another article contained the following information, “The funeral services over the remains of Samuel George Read were held in the Fifteenth ward assembly hall at 11:30 yesterday. Bishop Elias Morris presiding. In the congregation were many of these gray-haired veterans who, like the man for whom they had assembled to pay their last respects, had passed through the may trials and privations suffered by these who emigrated to Utah at the time of the hand cart companies.”

           

“Appropriate remarks were made by elders William Thorn, George Goddard, George Reynolds, William Spicer, Robert T. Burton, John Y. Smith, and William Binder, all of whom  had been well acquainted with the deceased and gave expression to many words of tribute to his character, integrity, honesty and faithfulness.”

 

“Consolatory expressions were also uttered for the comfort and encouragement of the relatives and friends of the departed, and the fact of his having lived to a good old age and enduring faithful to the end was properly mentioned as a source of pleasure in the knowledge that Mr. Read had now earned that “crown of glory” laid up for the faithful.”

 

The Read family buried both Samuel G. Read and his first wife Elizabeth Georgina Rodwell in the Salt Lake City Cemetery in the same family plot. “There are four head stones in a row. From north to south are Elizabeth Georgina Quilley Read Rodwell, John Rodwell, Martha Monroe Bates Read, and Samuel George Read. It was their daughter Alicia's desire to have her mother and father together. Out of respect for their current spouses, these people are buried there too.”

           

Ironically, the Salt Lake Herald Republican printed news from the probate court that the estates of “Samuel Liday” who murdered his son and committed suicide and “Samuel George Read’s” hearings were set for petitions for letters of administration in December 27. 

 

Mrs. Martha Read

Martha Read as a widow in 1894 paid a sale tax of $10 on improvements made on Lots 2 and 3. The 1894 city directory stated that the widow continued to reside at this address where she also operated a grocery store and rented out rooms until her death in 1902.

 

 In 1896 a renter named Richard Burdett lived at the address. He gave his occupation as a “Boot and Shoe” maker. He was lodging with 80-year-old Mrs. Martha Read who was operating a Grocery Store and rented out rooms. 

 

The 1900 federal census enumerated Martha Read as an 84-year Englishwoman operating a grocery. Her 20-year-old grandson George Read, whose occupation was “elevator boy”, lived with her. The divorced daughter of Mormon pioneer resident of Block 64 George W Boyd, Elizabeth “Libby” Glenn and her son Earl Glenn also boarded at this address. No occupation was given for her.

 

Ann Johnson Liday’s Boarding House & Railroad Men’s Café

253 South Fifth [Sixth] west

The 1889 and 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance maps listed this address as containing a one-story wooden structure of three rooms with a restaurant in the front facing Fifth [Sixth] West. Behind it was an adobe filled room and kitchen behind it.  It had been 15 feet north of the dwelling at 257 South. This place was called the Liday Boarding House and Railroad Men’s Café owned by Mrs. Ann Liday.

 

Ann Johnson Liday [1857-1925] was a native of Minnesota and a businesswoman who had married Samuel Liday by whom she had two sons, John A Liday [1876-1966] and Ralph Liday [1886-1891].

 

 In 1879 her husband Samuel Liday had joined the United States infantry and served until 1884 when he was discharged at Fort Laramie, Wyoming at the expiration of his term of enlistment. He must have found work on the railroad as that his son Ralph was born in Wyoming.  

 

The Liday family had moved to Utah by 1890 when a help wanted advertisement sought a “Good Cook; Woman Preferred, at Mrs. Liday.”   In August 1890, a civil suit against Mrs. Anna Liday came up for trial when Emma Lake sued her for $9 that “Miss Lake” claimed Liday owed her for wages. 

 

A newspaper article contained information on the dispute. “Mrs. Liday keeps a boarding house near the Rio Grande Western Depot and Miss Lake claimed that she owed her $9 for services rendered. Mrs. Liday was in a bad humor throughout the trial and when Commissioner Greenman gave judgment against her, turned to her husband, and said, ‘Come on; this court is fixed!” “That remark will cost you just $25 said the court, “You are in contempt.” 

 

“Mrs. Liday retired to the Marshal’s office for a short time. When she returned to the court room, she was very penitent and apologized. Thereupon the commissioner remitted the fine and sent the woman away rejoicing.”

 

Murder and Suicide

A tragedy occurred on 6 June 1891 when Samuel Liday, the now estranged husband of Anna Liday, committed “Murder Most Foul.” He killed his child and then himself after he had wounded a lodger named John Kirby. One newspaper even called it “A Deed Unequaled in the Criminal Annals of Salt Lake City. ” 

 

“ YET ANOTHER MURDER A Salt Lake Man Kills His Child and Himself After Dangerously Wounding a Man When He, in a Fit of Insane Jealousy, Considered to be too Intimate with His Legal Spouse.”

 

“Some months ago, Mrs. Samuel Liday, whose husband was a railroad man, opened a small eating house known as the Railroad Men’s restaurant near the Rio Grande Western and by thrift and industry succeeded in building up a good business. Her husband who seems to have been somewhat dissolute, did nothing to support his wife, and in fact soon became a burden to her. 

 

“He soon lost his position and finally became so abusive that his wife told him plainly that unless he reformed, she would live with him no longer, and in February last he went away.”

 

“Nothing was heard of him until last Sunday night [May 31]  when he appeared at the back door of the restaurant and asked to see his wife. She did not greet him very cordially but allowed him to stay at the place and sleep with their five-year-old boy.” 

 

“After his return to the city last Sunday Liday showed no desire to retain the affection and confidence of his wife, going so far as to deed to her an interest in some building lots he owned. It was something more than this that the wife wanted, however, and when it became evident that he did not intend to lead a respectable life and give up his evil associations, she repelled his efforts for a reconciliation and gave him to understand she expected to obtain a divorce from him.”

 

“On Monday [June 1] [Samuel] Liday got drunk and going down to the restaurant created something of a disturbance but when threatened with arrest he quieted down. Things ran in this way for several days, Liday continuing to drink, but creating no further disturbance.” 

 

“A few days ago, however he stated to Otto Johnson, Mrs. Liday’s brother, that John Kirby, the night yard master at the Rio Grande Western Depot, who boarded at the Restaurant, was the cause of all the trouble.” 

 

“Seeing that her husband had no intention of mending his evil ways, Mrs. Liday told him on Friday night [June 5] that he must leave the next morning.”

 

“Mrs. Liday got up at 5’olck yesterday morning [June 6] and was soon engaged in getting breakfast for her patrons. Her husband arose between 6 and 7 o’clock and dressed himself and walked into the dining room where several boarders, among them Mr. Kirby, were seated for breakfast.”

 

“At the hour mentioned, breakfast was in progress at the Railroad Men's restaurant down on the margin of the Rio Grande Western depot. Among others seated at the table was Jack Kirby, night yardmaster of the Rio Grande, a domestic, and Mrs. Sam Liday, the latter proprietor of the restaurant. A moment later Sam Liday himself entered.”

 

“The cook was filling Liday's orders while he sat silently eyeing the yardmaster, who now and then addressed a remark to the woman.”

 

“Suddenly Liday rose to his feet and leveling a Colt 44 at Kirby, began to empty its chambers. Kirby fell from his chair with a groan, while the woman tore away from the blood-curdling scene.” 

 

“Mrs. Liday was in the kitchen with the hired girl, and just going into her little boy’s bedroom when the report of a pistol shot in the dining room startled her and she heard Mr. Kirby cry out: “I am shot.” 

 

“Liday advanced in the direction of the kitchen, while the panic-stricken women fled towards the sidewalk.” 

 

“The frightened woman rushed out the back door and the act doubtless saved her life for the next instant her husband, with a smoking pistol in his hand, appeared at the threshold.”

 

“He paused for a moment and walked into the room where his boy was lying in bed. Walking deliberately into the bedchamber between the kitchen and diner, his eyes fell on the form of his 5-year-old boy. The heartless sire bent over him a moment, and then, placing the revolver over the breast of his boy, dispatched a second bullet, that pierced the body and buried itself in the folds of the bed clothing.”

 

“Having committed this foul and inhuman deed, the murderer then turned the pistol upon himself and fired. Liday turned the weapon on his own bosom and as the crack of a third shot was heard, his own form reeled and sank, limp and dead upon the bed alongside the motionless form of his dead boy.”

 

“The ball entered near the center of the breast on a line with the nipple and ranging to the left came out at the right side and entered his arm, shattering the bone.” 

 

“The lull which followed told that the storm was over, and a rush was made for the bedroom and the sight which met the gaze of those who entered was one which they will never forget. The innocent child and the fiendish father were both stretched upon the bed cold in death.”

 

“Mrs. Liday was completely overcome by the horror of the affair and all efforts to sooth her were unavailing.”

 

“Officers Schilling and [Benedict] Siegfus were on the scene almost instantly and finding that there was no one upon whom the law had any claim directed their attention to Mr. Kirby who had fallen to the floor and was evidently sinking fast. Dr. Pinkerton was summoned, and a hasty examination showed the bullet had entered the side and penetrated out of the lungs.”

 

 “The surgeon expressed but little hope of pulling Kirby through, and it looked as if every struggle for breath would snap the subtle thread and relieve him of his agony.”

 

“After the injured man had been made comfortable as possible, he was taken to St. Mary’s hospital and received further attention at the hands of the Physicians. At first it was thought that the wound was necessary fatal, but inquiry at the hospital last evening elicited the information that his condition was somewhat improved and there was a possibility of his recovery.”

 

“The bodies of Liday and his son were removed shortly after the tragedy to Evan’s Undertaking establishment where they were viewed by a large crowd. Liday's wounds were in the breast, as stated , and even in death a sinister scowl seemed to rest upon his features. In striking contrast to this was the face of the child, who looked as though he was asleep.”

 

“The cause of the dreadful tragedy is obscured in dense mystery. It is all attributed to Liday's flaming jealousy whether it lacked foundation or not.”

 

“Liday was a man about 40 years of age, of medium size, and was slightly bald. He was a good mechanic and at one time had a good position at the Rio Grande Western.”

 

 “Kirby is about the same age and is spoken of as a sober and industrious man. From the facts stated above it is reasonably clear that jealousy was the cause of the tragedy and that Liday suspected a liaison between his wife and Kirby. From all that could be learned however this suspicion was groundless. Mr. Johnson, the woman’s brother, has lived with her since she came here, and he asserts positively that there was no real cause for such suspicion.”

 

“Mrs. Liday expressed herself freely to the representative of the press, who called upon her yesterday, and when asked for a statement of the matter she said, “I was married to Mr. Liday in Wisconsin seven years ago and over a year ago he came to Salt Lake. I followed him three months later an opened the restaurant and worked hard to support myself and child.”

 

“He became very abusive after a while and when my brother Otto Johnson came out here, he insisted that I should get a divorce. I agreed to do so on his promise to stay with me and protect me.”

 

“My husband went away in February last and did not known my intentions at the time I formed it. He came back on Sunday evening last [May 31]  and going to the back door, told the hired boy that he wished to see me.”

 

“I entered the room in a few minutes and found him with our little Ralph in his arms.” 

 

“At the thought of her child, who is cold in death, the mother broke down, and it was sometime before she could compose herself sufficiently to complete her statement. “I could not go to the man. She continued. I had no love for him. I did offer to make a bed for him with the boy, however and he slept with him.”

 

“He came home drunk on Monday and although he was noisy, I never thought of his shooting anybody. Last Night [June 5] I told him he must arrange to leave the place in the morning. I got up early this morning [June 6] and between 6 and 7 o’clock. John Kirby came in the dining room for breakfast. I knew Mr. Kirby before he came to Utah. He always conducted himself as a gentleman, but there was never anything more than a friendly acquaintance between us. 

 

“While he was at breakfast, I went to the other room. Ralph had just waked up when I heard the report of a pistol followed by the cry, “I am shot” from Mr. Kirby. I rushed through the back door, never dreaming that my husband would kill our child, but he went to the bedroom while the boy was putting his arms around his neck, shot him to death. Oh, isn’t it awful, My dear little baby boy who loved him so much and never did anybody in this world any harm.”’

 

“Again, the unfortunate woman was overcome with grief and the reporter left her. Of course, the only investigation that will be made in the case will be the coroner’s inquest which Mr. Harris states will be held tomorrow.”

 

After the Tragedy

The 1892 city directory showed that Anna Liday had moved away to 21 East Third South,  but the 1893 directory showed she had returned to 253 South Fifth West. 

 

Anna Liday’s surviving son was an athlete who took up bicycle racing. On 18 May 1893 Anna Liday’s 16-year-old son John A Liday “began a trip by bicycle from Salt Lake City to Chicago, Illinois”, “doing trick riding stops along the way to defray expenses. He also sold pictures of the LDS Tabernacle and created much interest on the trip.” He returned from Chicago  back to Chicago on  20 July 1893 four days shy  of his 17^th birthday. 

 

The 1899 city directory listed Anna C Liday as operating a café called “Liday and Perkins” at 562 West Second South along with Adelia Perkins. She is listed as residing there while Adelia Perkins was residing at 530 West Second South. 

 

Abuse by Fred Jewett

In 1899 Fred Jewett [1866-1900] of 342 West Third South was arrested for committing an assault and battery upon Mrs. Anna Liday of 375 West First South. Fred Jewett “Proceeded to sue for the affection of his lady faire, Mrs. Liday not being enamored  registered a very rigorous protest when Jewett drew her down upon his lap and proposed to caress her whether she would or not. So, releasing herself from his embrace, she seized upon a hickory cudgel lying near and applied it to the shoulders of the astonished suitor with such rapidity and well directed forced  that he lost his temper and love all at once, jump and slapped the lady on the face.”

.

 “Mrs. Liday testified that Jewell came to her house one evening to make love to her, and when she gave him the marble heart, he struck her in the face. A Mr. Gunter appeared for the prosecution Jewett said, “he was drunk when he committed the offense and in fact had been on a prolong spree.”

 

Fred Jewett was found guilty and was fined $25 . Rather than pay the fine, he “thought that an imprisonment in jail would be just as good as the Keeley cure and called for commitment saying that if he got tired, he would pay the balance and get out.” The Keeley Institute was a rehabilitation program for alcoholism and drug addiction. 

 

The 1899 and 1900 Salt Lake Directories only listed one person by the name of Fred Jewett and newspaper accounts stated that he was a barber who had tried several times to commit suicide by taking morphine until succeeding in October 1900. He was separated from a wife and family who were listed as living in Colorado in the 1900 federal census. 

 

Anna Liday and William Driscoll

Mrs. Anna Liday and William Driscoll age 40 in 1904 took out a marriage license although it’s doubtful they ever married as in many other references to her she was still referred to as “Mrs. Anna Liday”. 

 

Manager of Furnished Rooms at 110 South Fourth [Fifth] West

She was the manager of several boarding houses in block 64 and Block 63 over the years. In 1904 she advertised furnished rooms at 110 South Fourth [Fifth] West and a newspaper account from 1910 mentioned her also as a lady lord. This location was most likely the old Nevada House.

 

“Mrs. Gertrude Farrell, who lives with her husband at the rooming house run by Mrs. Anna Liday on the corner of Fourth [Fifth] West and First south street was placed under arrest last night [20 Jan] charged with stabbing Rosa Coffman, colored, who lived in the same rooming house. The colored woman was slashed about the throat. Her condition is not serious. It is claimed that the affair is a culmination of a quarrel between two women. Mrs. Farrell denies knowledge of the affray.” 

 

The Plumas House

In the 1910’s Anna Liday managed the Plumas House located on Second South back in block 63.  Salt Lake City’s Mayor Bransford had an interest in the Plumas House and the lodging was named in honor of Plumas County California where Bransford was at one time sheriff.

 

An 1910 article the Salt Lake Herald published regarding the Plumas House at 529 West Second South,  of which Anna Liday was the manager, implied the hotel to be a “House of Ill-Fame.”  The article may have been written to smear Mayor Bransford who was running for reelection as that both the mayor and Anna Liday both sued the Salt Lake Herald in 1911.  

 

Anna Liday accused the newspaper of “maliciously, wantonly, and falsely injuring her good name, fame, and credit in the community through the publication of a certain false and defamatory article under the heading of ‘Night in Plumas Rooming House Spent by Reporter’ on August 13 last.”

 

“Further Mrs. Liday alleges that the article accused her of consorting with and being influential with crooks and disreputable persons, all to her damage in the sum of $20,000, which she asks in her complaint.”

 

The Herald article “intended to convey the impression that Mrs. Liday maintained at the Plumas a disorderly house, or house of ill-fame, that the character of the plaintiff was bad  and unchaste, and that she was guilty of protecting  and harboring crooks and fugitives from justice, and further that the plaintiff was accessory to the fact of the murder at a rooming house at 110 South Fourth [Fifth] street where plaintiff was former landlady.

 

The paper was referring to the murder of a young 26 year old, recently married Italian man named Leonard Piro, who was shot while he and his wife boarded at Liday’s rooming house on Fourth [Fifth] West on 29 July 29, 1910.  Piro however was murdered while at work as bartender at the James Tedesco Saloon on Fourth [Fifth] West and Second South. He was shot and killed by Joe Ciambrone who was in love with Piro’s wife. 

 

After the article was published, Mrs. Liday claimed her customers and tenants left the Plumas Rooming House and she was compelled, within two weeks of the article to close the place and “seek her livelihood elsewhere.”

 

Her suit was amended to just $5000 in damages against the newspaper but was dismissed in May 1912 by Judge C. W Morse . “The dismissal was on motion of the plaintiff. Attorney James D. Pardoe who filed the suit for Mrs. Liday withdrew as attorney several days ago.”

 

Mrs. Liday Moved to Idaho

Anna Liday was listed in a Salt Lake newspaper as being delinquent in paying for some stocks she owned in 1920. However, her son John Liday had moved to Pocatello Idaho with his family where he was employed as a “locomotive engineer.”

 

By 1925 Anna Liday was listed as working as a maid in the Pocatello General Hospital. She never remarried and died of cancer at the age of 68 in March 1925 while residing with her son. She was buried in Pocatello, Idaho’s Mountain View Cemetery although her marker listed her as “Anna Johnson” not Liday.

 

Dr. William McCoy & the West Side Drug Store

Dr. William B McCoy,[1863-1905] had an office on the second floor of the West Side Drug Store and in October 1896 he was tried and convicted on a charge of performing a botched abortion on a young unmarried woman named Eveline Bonnett who later died from the procedure.

 

Dr. McCoy was a 33-year-old married man who came to Utah in 1891 from California. His residence was at 528 West Second South on the north side of the street in Block 64. He had just passed his medical examination in 1894 but was convicted of performing an abortion, solely on the testimony of a young man named Francis J Collins “a drug store clerk at Hegney’s Drug Store”.

 

Frank Collins

Francis “Frank” Collins was born in San Francisco, California about 1875. He had his own checkered past. In 1891, at either 16 or 17 years old, he eloped to San Rafael, California although he was “not of legal age and told a little fib in order to get the license.”

 

In January 1895, Collins was sued by his wife on grounds of “infidelity and cruelty.”  She demanded $50 a month in alimony and “swore that her husband was the sole proprietor of a drug store at 215 Mason Street [San Francisco] from which he derived an income of not less than $150 a month. Young Collins denied that he owned the drug store but insisted that it was the property of his father by who he was employed as a clerk.”

 

At a court hearing, “young Collins in order to evade responsibility for his wife’s support made an affidavit that he is not 21 years of age. [1874]. Counsel for his wife however showed that Collins had registered to vote in Alameda County in the last election in 1894 and had “declared himself over 21 years of age.” When confronted with the evidence by his wife’s attorney, Collins “turned red” but still “insisted that he was underage which amounted to a confession that in making his affidavit of registration, he committed perjury.”

 

In the divorce court, Collins was ordered to pay his wife $25 a month in alimony but having failed to do so, he found himself back in court in April 1895. “F. J. Collins, a young man who was recently divorced from his wife was ordered a month ago to pay. He has not paid anything. In Department 3 of the Superior Court yesterday, he testified that he is working for his father and that he is clothed, fed, and boarded as his compensation but received no salary.”

 

The Superior Court ruled that “This young man has the ability to earn money sufficient to pay alimony and must either do it or go to jail.”

 

Collins most likely left California for Salt Lake City to avoid paying alimony. A month after he came to Utah, he was joined by “Lottie Stanfield”, who also came from San Francisco and they lived to together as man and wife.

 

 Lottie Stanfield died in August 1895 and “was buried under the name Lottie Collins although they were never legally wed.” Interestingly, Collins, in court later, refused to answer how Stanfield died “on the grounds it might incriminate himself.” She was buried in a pauper grave.

 

After arriving in Salt Lake City Frank Collins soon found employment at Jim Hegney’s West Side Drug Store and claimed while he worked there, he was “well acquainted with Dr. McCoy who usually was in the store several times every day.”

 

Eveline Bonnett

Eveline Bonnett [1876-1896] was “a beautiful and charming maiden of Provo City” and the daughter of an Italian farmer named James Bonnett who had immigrated to America in 1855. Eveline Bonnett was the eighth child of eleven Bonnett children.

 

She grew up in Provo and was looking forward to marriage with Frank Carter when she became pregnant and a victim of a botched abortion. “Not yet reached twenty,” Eveline Bonnett took the train to Salt Lake City in February 1896, accompanied by two men, “her lover”,  Frank J Carter, and a saloon keeper  named Sims M. Duggins. The Bonnett family were under the impression Eveline went to “make arrangements” for her wedding to Frank Carter.

 

On February 17 when she departed for Salt Lake, she was said to have been “in the bloom of health, and to all outward appearances happy and content in the knowledge of a true and devoted love, soon to be joined in holy wedlock to that love.”

 

Frank J Carter [1871-1946]

Frank J Carter, who was “supposed to have been the cause of Eveline Bonnet’s condition,” worked as a bartender at the Diamond Saloon in Provo for Sims Duggins. They were partners of sorts as that in June 1895, Carter had purchased Duggins Saloon according to a Provo Newspaper.

 

“Mr. Frank Carter, popular bartender for S.M. Duggins heretofore proprietor of the Diamond Saloon, has now purchased Mr. Duggins’ business . Frank is well liked by all the boys and will for a surety corral their trade and increase the business of the saloon.”

 

However, the real reason for the transaction between Carter and Duggins was that Duggins had been recently convicted of adultery and sentenced to nine months in the state penitentiary in Sugar House.

 

Sims Duggins [1861-1927]

Sims Duggins was described as “the big burly saloonkeeper of Provo” and had numerous arrests for fornication and allowing “faro card” gambling to go on at his Diamond Saloon.

 

An article from the Wasatch Wave newspaper  claimed that “it was during the prohibition days of Provo that Sim Duggins amassed the greatest portion of his wealth running a drug store. When Provo threw off her prohibition robe,  then Duggins threw off his mask under which he had been accumulating the needful drug store and went into the saloon business in its true light. People will have liquor, prohibition, or no prohibition.”

 

In a sensational “Cohabitation and Adultery” case that did not involve polygamy, Duggins was arrested in 1890 for having a sexual relationship with “Miss Oldfield of American Fork.”.   

 

Duggins was indicted in February 1891 by a Provo Grand Jury on the charge of adultery as that he was a married man at the time of his arrest. “The offense is alleged to have been committed two months since at the White House, Salt Lake City with Miss Jane D. Oldfield of American Fork.”

 

“S.M. Duggins, proprietor of the Diamond Saloon of Provo, was arrested on a charge of unlawful cohabitation by Deputy Monihan at the White House [hotel] in Salt Lake City and was taken before Commissioner Hills at Provo, yesterday.”

 

“The defendant waived preliminary examination and bonds were fixed at $1000.The woman with whom the crime is alleged to have been committed is Miss Oldfield of American Fork, where Mr. Duggins has been noticed to pay periodical visits for some time past. She is now at the Roberts House.”

 

About the same time, Duggins was also convicted on a gambling charge. “The Court said he had been informed that the defendant had been in court before on a similar charge. It is a terrible crime, one of the wickedest acts and most demoralizing to society, that enticing young men into gambling houses. The sentence of the court was that he would pay a fine of  $200 and be imprisoned in the county  jail for one month and pay the costs of the prosecution.”

 

In 1994 Duggins was arrested with a prostitute named Rose Brown in Salt Lake City. Duggins, using the aliases of J.C.  and “Jack”, was arrested after being found in “a house of ill-fame on State Street “kept by one Madam Angell.” When the police discovered the Duggins and Brown they “were occupying a room where both were partly undressed, and the general circumstances were of a compromising nature.” In 1896 Rose Brown was arrested again for prostitution and allowed to leave town in lieu of being jailed.

 

In June 1895 Frank Carter purchased Duggins’ Saloon as that Duggins’ appeal of his conviction of adultery had failed before Utah’s highest court.  The Utah Supreme Court had “handed down its decision in the appeal of S.M. Duggins of this city, convicted of adultery. Sim must spend nine months in the penitentiary.”

 

However, on the strength  of a “large petition, signed by many prominent citizens, including the mayor and prosecuting attorney, and other officials, he was pardoned.” A newspaper article stated “Utah Offender Pardon. The President has pardoned S.M. Duggins, sentenced in Utah to nine months imprisonment for adultery.”

 

Why he was pardoned was not explained but he was released immediately.  “A pardon for S.M. Duggins reached Salt Lake yesterday and he was at once liberated from the penitentiary. The first train brought Mr. Duggins to Provo, and he is now busy looking up his business affairs.”  A Provo newspaper suggested that his pardon “was part of a well laid scheme of politicians, which scheme was successful, and secured the services of Duggins in certain for the help of the Democratic ticket.”

 

Bonnett and Duggins

It was speculated that Sims Duggins went with Frank Carter and Eveline Bonnett to Salt Lake City, not only because he was their friend, but actually he may have been the one to have impregnated Bonnett. Carter and Duggins may have taken Eveline Bonnett to Salt Lake  to arrange for an abortion as that Carter would not marry her if she was carrying Duggin’s child.

 

In January 1896, Eveline Bonnett was seen at the Diamond Saloon late at night by a witness who testified later that he saw the pair together dressed only in their underwear. William O’Neil, referred to as “a colored man who keeps a restaurant next to Duggins saloon,” reported that Duggins came into his place “about 1 a.m. and ordered two suppers, directing him to bring the refreshments to Duggins door and  leave them.” This he did this “but afterwards looked through the window and saw Duggins and Miss Bonnett both partially undressed.”

 

“William O’Neil, colored, proprietor of a Provo Restaurant,” stated at a grand jury that “he saw Duggins and Eveline Bonnett in the Duggins saloon in Provo. O’Neil received an order of two suppers, which he fixed and took them to the saloon. He rapped on the door and Duggins appeared and took the waiter. O’Neil looked through the door and saw some girl washing at a sink behind the bar, and she dodged back when she saw him.”

 

 O’Neil being curious went to a window and looked in and saw Eveline Bonnett behind the bar washing. Duggins walked up and stood beside her.”

 

When asked “How were they dressed?  O’Neil replied, “She was either in her night gown or chemise, while Duggins was in his underclothes.”

 

A clerk of the White House hotel also testified that he saw Carter, Duggins, and Bonnett together on several occasions registered at the hotel. On 6 February 1896, Duggins and Carter had registered at the hotel, and a week later on February 13, Duggins, Carter and Bonnett came and stayed overnight, with “the men occupied one room and Miss Bonnett another, the door between them being locked.”

 

Seeking an Abortion in Provo

Evidence suggests however, that Bonnett, Carter and Duggins went to Salt Lake City I February to seek a physician willing to do an abortion after an attempt to find one in Provo failed.

 

Two days before leaving for Salt Lake City, Frank Carter went to the office of his family’s physician, Dr. Simmons of Provo , “to see him on behalf of a third party.” Dr. Simmons stated that Carter came to him and asked him to commit an abortion on a young lady at Springville, and he declined.

 

Dr. Simmons had been the Carter family physician for years and had known Frank Carter since the time he was a very small child. He had treated the young man for heart trouble and as recently as a year ago, Carter had been “carried into his office having fallen in the street in a helpless condition on account  of the weakness of that organ.”

 

Carter confided to Dr. Simmons that  “there was a young lady in Springville who was in a delicate way” and Carter wanted Dr. Simmons to “perform an operation on her.” Dr. Simmons “understood that it was to be an abortion.” 

 

 Carter did not offer the doctor money but said that whatever the expense would be that the “pay would be all right.” However, Dr. Simmons refused to do the procedure.

 

The office visit by Carter lasted “but a few moments” with the doctor’s wife listening in an adjoining room.  “Like most women, she was curious and peered through a partially open door and listened to the conversation.”

 

Mrs. Mary Massie’s home

Upon arriving in Salt Lake, on February 17, Carter and Duggins placed Bonnett in a “dingy looking little room, in one side of a double house, the residence of Mrs. Mary Massie.” Mrs. Massie, when interviewed after the death of Bonnett,  “gave no satisfactory explanation of why the girl was brought to her house and spoke as if only she was slightly acquainted with her,” which she probably was.

 

Mrs. Massie [1861-1919] was the widow of Abraham Massie and lived at 276 South First West with her young 14-year-old daughter, Maude. Mrs. Massie testified later that Bonnett told her that her name was “Mrs. Condon” and that her “husband was a miner in Mercur.”

 

Maude Massie stated that upon returning from school on February 18, she found “Duggins, Carter and Miss Bonnett there waiting for her mother. The men left soon after Mrs. Massie arrived and Bonnett remained.” She said she did not see Carter and Duggins after the first visit. 

 

The men evidently had had left her there while they went to inquire where they might find a physician willing to do the procedure. Carter and Duggins met with a physician named Dr. Harry Seymour Hicks [1863-1896] who  had consumption and may have been too ill to perform the operation himself and therefore recommended Dr. William McCoy with whom he was acquainted. Dr. Hicks introduced Dr. McCoy to Sim Duggins and Frank Carter at the Onyx Bank saloon where the men arranged to have McCoy “perform the abortion for $50.”

 

Arrangements were made for Eveline Bonnett to go to the West Side Drug Store to meet with Dr. McCoy. He said that when she came to his office, she “said her name was Mrs. Condon, her husband being a miner at work in Mercur.” This was the same pseudonym she used with Mrs. Massie.

 

Bonnett came to Dr. McCoy’s office according to witnesses on three consecutive days in late February. McCoy said she “complained of great pain” and he believed that she may have already tried a botched abortion, either self induced or with the help of another doctor named McCurtain. 

 

On the third visit, Dr. McCoy said, “he used a spectrum to make an investigation, but the instrument was so painful that she made several outcries and was unable to receive treatment.” Frank Collins, the “drug clerk at Hegney’s drug store,” claimed he heard noises from the office upstairs as if “persons struggling and rolling on the floor and also heard the screams of the woman.”

 

A Mrs. Betty Smith, “a buxom-looking woman”, who lived in the same building where the West Side Drug Store was located, said she saw a young girl going into McCoy’s office for several days in February “whom she identified from a photograph as Eveline Bonnett.” She stated that she also “heard the girl scream while she was in the doctor’s office.”

 

When Mrs. Smith went to investigate, she said Dr. McCoy acted agitated and accused her of snooping and said to her, “You have been watching my patient”. She denied she had been probing and said she came into his office only because she heard the girl scream.  Mrs. Smith claimed then that Dr. McCoy had told her that the patient screamed as that he had been “pulling teeth for her.”

 

Collins claimed that when Dr. McCoy came down from his office he was “in a very excited state, his hair was disheveled, he had a scratch on his face, and his collar and necktie disarranged. He looked like he had been having a scrap.”  He also stated that when Bonnett left, “she looked pale and appeared to be suffering great pain.”

 

Both Collins and Smith may have had ulterior motives in recalling what they had seen while testifying in court. It was brought out by the defense attorney that Mrs. Smith had approached Dr. McCoy after learning of his arrest and the death of Bonnett. It was alleged that she told Dr. McCoy “that if he would pay her expenses, she would leave town.” Dr. McCoy told the woman that “he had no money, emptying his pockets showing her but five cents,” and “also told her if she attempted to leave town, he would bring her back.”

 

Bonnett made her way back to Mrs. Mary Massie’s residence where she suffered in great pain for several days. The girl was placed on the floor where she writhed in agony. The widow testified that before the young woman died “her temperature very high and I fear blood poisoning.”

 

Mrs. Massie fearing Bonnett was dying sent her daughter to “fetch Dr. McCoy to attend her.” Frank Carter also fearing the worse for Eveline Bonnett on Saturday February 29th called her brother James Bonnett to come up from Provo to be with Eveline which he did.  He was met by Carter who said that “Eveline was very ill. Just before reaching the place, he said she’s in a pretty hard place and I want you to look over it.”

 

James Bonnett said that within a half an hour after arriving at the “hovel”, he met with Dr. McCoy and a Dr. Frank Noyes who had been called in from Provo. Dr. Frank Noyes said he was summoned to Salt Lake by “Mr. Carter” on February 29 but said he “did not know her before he saw her at Mrs. Massie’s, when then he recognized her as a Provo girl.”

 

On the evening of his arrival in Salt Lake, Dr. Noyes said he first met with Dr. McCoy at the White House Hotel and “had a consultation regarding Bonnett.” Afterwards seeing the girl at Mrs. Massie “found her as Dr. McCoy had described.” Dr. McCoy had told Dr. Noyes when the girl had first called on him, she stated that she was a married woman. Dr. McCoy claimed that she found her suffering from “an attempt at abortion made by herself. 

 

At Mrs. Massie’s home, Dr. Noyes “found Miss Bonnett dying, plainly with peritonitis, which means inflammation of the bowls. This might be cause by forty different things,” the doctor  concluded, “including abortion.”

 

Frank Carter also called Eveline Bonnett’s brother David Bonnett to come to Salt Lake to attend to his dying sister. Carter had told David Bonnett that his sister and he had come up to Salt Lake to “arrange for getting married” and David Bonnett remarked later, “I had such confidence in that boy that I believed him.”

 

Upon arriving at Mrs. Massie’s place, David Bonnet was told by Dr. McCoy that he suggested that “other physicians could be called in”, but Dr. Noyes advised him that it was useless as “that his sister was dying.” Dr. Noyes did what he could to alleviate Eveline Bonnet’s suffering “but was satisfied she could not recover.”

 

David Bonnett claimed that his sister said to him while dying, “I have done wrong Dave. Ask father to forgive me.”  He also stated that his sister “was very weak, and it was difficult for hold her attention.” Then she said to him, “I believe I am going to die. If I do promise to take me to your place.”

 

While Dr. Noyes administered an injection of morphine, David Bonnett and Frank Carter left “to find her another place” for Eveline as “she didn’t even have a pauper’s bed.” She had been placed on the floor as there was not a bed or cot for her to lay on in the Massie home.

 

The two men were in the West Side drug store,  when Dr. McCoy returned and announced that the girl “was dead” and he “had tied her jaws.”  David  Bonnett inquired “where he could get an undertaker” and Dr. McCoy answered rather callously “ that he did not supply undertakers.”

 

Eveline Bonnett died on 1 March 1896. Her  hands “were clasped in death, her face shrunken, and the body gave every evidence that death had been horrible and painful agony.”

 

When death occurred, Dr. McCoy made out the death certificate, specifying the cause of death as “peritonitis induced by EntriMetrites which latter in plain English means “inflammation of the womb and intestines.” Dr. Noyes however he refused to sign the death certificate as he “not having been connected with the case early enough to know positively without an autopsy what induced the peritonitis.” Dr. Noyes testified that Dr. McCoy was the primary physician in attendance, and that he only “consulted on the case as to treatment. ”

 

Evidently Dr. McCoy was so concerned about the ramification of the girl’s death, that he went to see Dr. Hicks. Frank Collins claimed he saw the pair come back to the drug store “arm in arm” and learning of Bonnett’s death,  the drug store clerk counseled McCoy saying, “You had better be fixing up a defense for yourselves.”

 

The Inquest

Utah County held an inquest to ascertain the facts relating to Eveline Bonnett’s death. Investigators went to Salt Lake City to interviewed those who had knowledge and were associated with her death.

 

Mrs. Massie was questioned as then was Dr. McCoy. When questioned, Dr. McCoy said he had attended Eveline Bonnett and that she  died at Mrs. Massie’s from peritonitis.

 

“The doctor also said that the girl called Mrs. Massie ‘Auntie’ and he inferred that they were relatives.” He said he “never had patients at Mrs. Massie’s before” and that a “little girl called him to attend the patient.” Frank Carter may have told the doctor that Mrs. Massie and Eveline Bonnett were related however Mrs. Massie claimed she hardly knew the girl and had taken her in for the money.  R. McCoy also told the investigators that he consulted with Dr. Noyes of Provo the day before Bonnett died and said he also consulted with Dr. Hicks about the case.”

 

Asked to why no autopsy was performed Dr. McCoy told investigators that Bonnett’s  “was a very complicated case and that no autopsy was performed” as that the undertaker had “suggested the family wouldn’t permit one.” 

 

He was then asked, “Was there any evidence that would lead you to believe than an abortion had been attempted.” Dr. McCoy hesitatingly replied, “From what the girl told me, I inferred that she had attempted one upon herself, “ but then stated, “There was no evidence of the violent use of instruments nor arsenic poisoning.”

 

It was reported that “Dr. McCoy spoke with great hesitancy” and evidently was reluctant to go into details about Eveline’s death as “he did not wish to say anything that might reflect upon the dead girl or her relatives.”  Although he told the inquest investigators  that “he would probably be more explicit if he were on the witness stand.”

 

News of the Death of Eveline Bonnett

Eveline Bonnett’s body was shipped back to Provo and her funeral was held a few days after her death which to many appeared “suspicious due to rumors in Utah County.” The family had its own suspicions on how the girl died “from the first which, in their great grief, they hardly dared whisper even to each other.”

 

Returning to Provo, the investigators determined, “enough was learned at Salt Lake to warrant the uncovering of the body” and Bonnett’s body was exhumed. A “postmortem” autopsy then “disclosed ample evidence of a criminal operation” and that Bonnett “had died as the result of an unsuccessful attempt at abortion.”

 

Dr. Samuel H Allen a “member of the state board of medical examiner” of Utah County had examined Eveline Bonnett’s body held at the Berg Mortuary. When later asked, “Were there conditions of which you speak evidence of an abortion?” He answered “I would say that an abortion had been committed. The cause of death was pelvic peritonitis or septicemia.” He stated the pelvis peritonitis was “due to poisoning after the decomposing of the after birth” and agreed that she died from blood poisoning.

 

Dr. Allen also made a reference to a puncture found in a private part of the deceased body and he said while “it might possibly be self inflicted, though such a proceeding would be very painful.”

 

“The womb had been lacerated with instruments and part of the placenta was left to fester and decay and to cause the poor victim of fiendish lust to die a most agonizing,  most tortuous death.”

 

Dr. W. Fred Taylor who had assisted Dr. Allen with the autopsy stated there were “unquestionable evidence of approaching motherhood and of an abortion having been committed.” He stated, “There were just two ways in which the wound previously referred to could have been inflicted, in the ordinary way and by the undertaker while embalming.”

 

Criminal Charges Filed

Upon learning the results of the autopsy, Eveline Bonnett’s father, James Bonnett, swore out a complaint charging Sims M. Duggins, Frank Carter, Dr. McCoy, Dr. Noyes, and Mrs. Massie as contributing to the death his daughter.

 

The girl’s father was said to have been “heartbroken and when making the complaint could not control his feelings but wept like a child.”  A newspaper account wrote that “the Bonnetts are Italian, and the three brothers of the deceased girl were eager for vengeance. They openly stated the Bonnett family would be extinct before the responsible ones should escape the fate they deserve.”

 

The complaint read:   “On or about February 27, unlawfully did and upon the person of one Eveline Bonnett, feloniously and of their malice aforethought, force, threat, and strike a certain instrument which they, the said Duggins, Carter, McCoy, Noyes and Massie then and there held in their right hand, into the person and body of said Eveline Bonnett, who was then and there enceinte [pregnant], with the criminal thereby to cause and produce, without legal justification, upon the said Eveline Bonnett certain mortal bruises, wounds and lacerations and creating in the said E. Bonnett a mortal sickness and feebleness of until on or about the 1st day of March 1896, when the E. Bonnett did there and then die, and so the said Duggins, Carter, McCoy, Noyes and Massie did in manner and form aforesaid feloniously, unlawfully and of their deliberate premeditated malice and aforethought  kill and murder the said E. Bonnett.”

 

A Salt Lake Deputy Sheriff,  named Thomas Fowler, testified in court that when he went to see Frank Carter after Eveline Carter had died, Fowler suggested that Carter be “prepared for bonds as a complaint had been filed against him.”

 

Fowler claimed that on that occasion, Carter said to him regarding Bonnett’s pregnancy, “The fact is, I would have married the girl, but I knew I was no more to blame than some others” which suggested why Eveline Bonnett wanted an abortion and that Sims Duggins may have been the actual father.

 

Arrests and Court Proceedings

Dr. McCoy and Mrs. Massie were arrested in Salt Lake while Carter, Duggins, and Dr. Noyes were arrested in Provo and brought to Salt Lake to be held in jail until a preliminary hearing. They were all charged with first degree murder.

 

“Of the Provo parties, for whose arrest warrants were issued, Frank Carter is the man who is alleged to have been responsible for the Bonnett girl’s condition, and Dr. Noyes is the physician who was in consultation with Dr. McCoy in the case  a day or two before the girl died. The part of S.M. Duggins plays in the matter is not yet apparent. He is a saloonkeeper at Provo and does not bear the best kind of a reputation. In fact, he has served a term on the penitentiary.”

 

“It is suspected that the criminal operation, if one was procured, was attempted at Provo before the girl came to Salt Lake. The complaints against all five are the same and charged them with attempting to procure an abortion upon the girl by means of instruments, thereby causing her death.”

 

On 11 March 1896, the preliminary hearing in “The case of William McCoy, S.M. Duggins, Frank Carter and Mrs. Mary Massie, charged with the murder of Eveline Bonnett” came before Justice Harvey’s court. “The Little courtroom was filled with curious people leaving barely room for those interested in the case.”

 

 At the preliminary hearing Dr. Noyes, whose “reputation was so high that no blemish had ever attached it”, was discharged from the complaint. Also at the preliminary hearing, charges against Mrs. Massie of her involvement with the death of Eveline Bonnett were also “discharged.”

 

  The attorney for Dr. McCoy, Frank Carter, and Sim Duggins asked for the charges against them be dismissed also, as that “in the first place that it had not been proved that a crime has been committed as was alleged.”

 

“It was not disputed that an abortion had been performed but the counsel for the accused said that it was not proven who did it and it was not shown that it was not done in order to save the life of Eveline Bonnett in which case it was no crime.”

 

The court overruled the motion of dismissal and fixed bail for Duggins and Carter at $5000 each and $3000 for Dr. McCoy. The three men managed to secure bonds to be released from prison. Jim Hegney, owner of the Westside Drug Store, was a surety for half of Dr. McCoy’s bond.

 

Out Rage in Utah County

When news of Eveline’s death reached Utah County, the Provo Journal newspaper wrote that she had been “found dying in squalor and filth, writhing in agony upon the hard floor of a wretched hovel in the slums of Salt Lake, without as much as a cot to rest her weary bones.” Reports like these enflamed public indignation especially against Sims Duggins.

 

When Sim Duggins returned to Provo from his court appearance in Salt Lake he was greeted by angry citizens as “the case has been upon the tongue of all both day and night. No other matter has been talked of so much in so short a time in Provo for years.”

“The feeling of disdain here seems to be centered and cluster most around about Duggins, probably because of his past career, and the many stories that have been circulating about him for years.”

 

On 16 March 1896, it was reported that upon “reaching Provo on the morning train today with his wife from Salt Lake City, S.M. Duggins found himself face to face with a whole city full of indignant people and with newspapers filled with “deep feeling of indignation against him and his place of business.”

 

The Mormon Relief Society women of the First, Third and Fourth Provo Wards met to deal with the “moral outrage” which had been reported in the newspapers. The Salt Lake Tribune wrote, “the ladies of Provo are taking an indignant interest in the crusade for purity in that city that has been stirred by the death of Miss Bonnett.”

 

The women of the Fourth Ward sent  a petition “signed by many”  to the Provo City council and demanded the city close Duggin’s saloon due to the notoriety of the death of Eveline Bonnett. They also asked, “the council to refuse a license to the Diamond Saloon.” 

 

The petition read, “Whereas the late proprietors S.M. Duggins, et al, of the Diamond Saloon are held to answer for the murder of one of the girls of this city and that it is generally believed that the said proprietor brought this girl to her degradation and ruin at said Diamond Saloon and whereas we believe that an institution such as the above bodes evil and destruction to the home, ruination to our sons and daughters, demoralizes society and spreads desolation over the entire land;”

 

“Resolved that we, the wives mothers, sisters and daughters of the citizens of the Fourth ward in mass meeting assembled do hereby petition your honorable body, not only to refuse to grant further license to any saloon for the sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage in Provo City.”

 

“And further be it resolved that we women of the Fourth Ward pledge ourselves to reuse to sustain by our votes men, who knowingly, grant licenses to immoral and disreputable places.”

 

The women behind the petition demanded that the building owned by Duggins “not be used as a saloon by anybody” for the reason that the interior was so cut up into “secret compartments that the officers of the law cannot get into them and put a stop to any immoral or illegal practices that may be carried on or attempted in them.” 

 

Sims Duggins upon learning of the petition and fearing a boycott of his other properties, “at once ordered his place of business closed and communicated that he had done so to Provo’s mayor and city council.” Duggins “realized he could do nothing in his particular line of business in Provo or vicinity with the feeling of the public against him.” He feared a boycott of his other properties that “belonged to his wife,” claiming those businesses were all she had “to depend upon to support herself and family.

 

The license for the Diamond Saloon had expired on February 24 and an application for a license renewal had been filed by Frank Carter. However, because of the notoriety that the Bonnett case had elicited, the name of W.A. Wilson was substituted for Carter’s.

 

The Diamond Saloon after it was closed was immediately relicensed as the  “Occidental Saloon” with the title to the property being in Mrs. Duggins’ name.

 

The Trial of Dr. William McCoy

By April 1896,  charges against those in James Bonnett’s initial complaint were dropped except for Dr. William McCoy, Sim Duggins, and Frank Carter. However, Dr. Harry Seymour Hicks was indicted in April for his participation in Bonnett’s death, but in May 1896 he had passed away from his battle with consumption, on the day he was to marry his fiancé.

 

The three men left who were indicted in the death of Eveline Bonnett had asked to be tried separately. Dr. William McCoy was the first to be tried for contributing to the death of Eveline Bonnett. As that a charge of murder could not be proven against Dr. McCoy he was tried for “malpractice” which contributed to the death of Bonnett by assisting in an abortion.  He went to trial in October 1896.

 

At the trail, the prosecution “sprung two surprises on the defense by placing Drug Store Clerk, F. J. Collins, who it was supposed had left the state for good, on the stand and in making Sim Duggins, who was indicted with McCoy, their witnesses.”

 

The prosecution in a surprise move dismissed all charges against Sims Duggins “as that the state wanted him as a witness” against Dr. McCoy. “Sim Duggins turned state’s evidence and the case against him, in which he was implicated with Dr. McCoy, Frank Carter, and Dr. Hicks were dismissed.”

 

It was commented in newspapers that Duggins made a “very poor witness” for the prosecution as he said that his only involvement in the case was his coming to Salt Lake with Frank Carter and Eveline Bonnett. A Provo newspaper paper even commented on “the release of Sim Duggins in the famous Bonnett abortion case, on the plea of State’s evidence,” stating  it had “ a queer look to it”.  The paper claimed that Duggins “certainly said nothing that would warrant his release, as payment of his testimony.”

 

Mrs. Massey and Dr. Noyes were also called to testify by the prosecution against the Dr. McCoy “as those charges against them had been dismissed.”

 

James Hegney, as owner of the West Side Drug Store. was called to testify for the defense. He said, “he was present in the Westside Drug Store when Mrs. Smith demanded money from McCoy.” Hegney said “she wanted money to go to St. Louis or she would testify” for the prosecution. 

 

Jim Hegney admitted that he, at one time, was the surety on Dr. McCoy bond and had put up $1500. Hegney said he withdrew from the bond “not because he thought McCoy guilty but that his wife objected to his being a surety in as large an amount.”

 

When coming downstairs after leaving the courtroom, Hegney claimed he heard Francis J Collins, the former clerk in the West Side Drug Store, who was waiting to be sworn in to testify say, referring to Dr. McCoy, “I know damn well he is innocent.” 

 

Nevertheless, the most damaging testimony against Dr. McCoy came from Collins. He had left Utah after the arrest of Dr. McCoy but was brought from Denver, Colorado at the state’s expense to relate what he knew of Dr. McCoy’s relation to Eveline Bonnett.

 

Collins testified that he heard Dr. McCoy say that Duggins and Carter had come to Salt Lake to arranged for an abortion for Bonnett and offered Dr. McCoy $50 for the procedure. Collins further claimed that he “went down to the West Side drug store on the Sunday [1 March] Harry Hynds shot Dinwoodey.” Collins was referring to sensational killing of Walter Dinwoodey by Harry Hynds for having an affair with Hynds’ wife. At the time it was reported to be the “sole topic of discussion on the streets.”

 

Collins stated he heard Dr. McCoy, referring to his own predicament saying, “I might get into trouble myself before tonight.” Collins said that when he asked Dr. McCoy how Eveline Bonnett was faring, Dr. McCoy said, “I’m afraid the damn bitch is going to die.”

 

After Eveline Bonnett died that night, Collins stated that Dr. McCoy and Dr. Hicks came back into the drug store “arm in arm” and after learning that Bonnett had died, Collins said to the men, “You had better be fixing up a defense for yourselves.” Dr. McCoy supposedly replied, “That’s what we are doing.”

 

Collins told the jury that he once “went to see McCoy after he was in jail,” bringing him “cigars” and newspapers as that Dr. McCoy had  “held him in close personal regard.” On one such visitations, Collins claimed that Dr. McCoy told him “to tell Dr. Hicks to deny the fact that Hicks introduced him to Duggins and Carter at the Onyx Bank Saloon.”

 

When Police Detective Edward A Franks  testified for the defense, he stated that Collin had told him that he ought to be able to make some money out of the Bonnett case and that Eveline Bonnett had told her brother James that it was a Dr. McCurtin who had operated with instruments on her.

 

Finally, Dr. McCoy testified on his own behalf. He said, “I was first introduced to Mr. Carter at Mrs. Massie’s house, but I did not know that Bonnett was not a married woman at the time. The last words I head Miss Bonnett say where I have done wrong and want to be forgiven. Her brother heard this statement.”

 

Dr McCoy declared that Frank Collins had lied when he testified that McCoy swore saying “Damn Bitch”. He asserted, “I never used such language in reference to Miss Bonnett nor any other person at any time or place. Mr. Collins falsified in all these matters.”

 

When asked, “Did you ever perform an abortion upon the person of Eveline Bonnett,”,  Dr. Mc Coy replied, “No sir.” He reiterated that Bonnett died “of peritonitis, inflammation of the bowels and womb.”

 

When  asked if there were any evidence of an abortion, the doctor answered Bonnett may have “attempted one on herself” but there were “no evidence of the violent use of instruments nor arsenic poisoning.”

 

Verdict and Imprisonment

Dr. McCoy was found guilty by the impaneled Jurists, which convicted him “of the crime of procuring an abortion.”  At the sentencing, the “wife of the defendant was in court and occupied a seat beside him” while the arguments were big made regarding an appeal. “McCoy was very cool in his bearing and seemed resigned to his fate.”

 

Dr. William McCoy was sentenced by the court  “to be imprisoned for a period of eight years in the state’s prison.” The Salt Lake Herald wrote of his conviction “the case of the Bonnett girl was a very sad one. She seems to have been the victim of about as bad a lot of men as ever went unhung, and it is a matter of great regret that some who were connected with it were allowed to go Scot free. Again, we say the conviction of McCoy is a matter of congratulations.”

 

The Provo’s Daily Enquirer wrote also,  “The verdict of guilty in the Dr. McCoy case, wherein he was found guilty of committing abortion on a Provo girl, will have a good effect, we hope, on the community at large. There has been too much malpractice in the past in Utah, and an example made of a doctor or two will clear the quack butchers out of the State.”

 

As for Frank Carter, he was never tried for his part in the Bonnett tragedy. Salt Lake County attorney Van Cott secured a court order 25 January 1897 in which murder charges against Dr. William McCoy and Frank Carter were dropped, “as that Dr. McCoy was already serving a sentence in the state penitentiary”.

 

“Dr. McCoy, who performed the operation is now serving an eight-years’ sentence in the State prison and Miss Bonnett’s wrongs have been at least have been avenged to that extent. Having elected to try McCoy for performing the criminal action, and secured a conviction, the prosecution could not now try him for murder, and in the case of Carter, Mr. Van Cott did not believe that the evidence would warrant him in placing that individual on trial.”

 

“As the matter now stands, McCoy, who was the tool of the gang that brought about Miss Bonnett’s destruction, is the only one who will suffer imprisonment for his villainy.”

 

Dr. McCoy Paroled

Dr. William McCoy, convicted primarily on the testimony of Francis J Collins, was paroled in May 1899 when affidavits were presented to the court showing that Collins, before the trial, had stated his belief that “McCoy had had nothing to do with the case” and may have perjured himself.”

 

“ Also petitions that had been signed by ‘several hundred residents of Piute county were Dr. McCoy lived prior’ were presented to the Board of Pardons “calling for his release.”

 

In December 1899 Dr. McCoy received a full pardon after having served more than two years in prison. He went back to work at the West Side Drug Store where a Robert Heath was now the drug store clerk.

 

The 1900 federal census listed William McCoy as a 37-year-old physician, married and living at 315 West Second South. He and his wife Lizzie had married in 1887 and had one child, who was not living as of 1900. Three other couples roomed at this same address.

 

By 1901 Dr. McCoy and his wife had moved to a house at 113 South  Fifth [Sixth] West located in block 64. A newspaper account stated that while at this home, “Mrs. McCoy was awakened shortly after 1 o’clock by unseemly noise, horrified by the sight of a dark form engaged in trying to reach the doctor’s trousers which reposed on a chair near the window.”

 

“The burglar had torn a screen off the window but fled after Dr. McCoy was wakened by his wife. The would-be thief escaped and left only “enormous footprints” as evidence of the attempted burglary.”

 

The following year it was reported that Dr. William B McCoy had an exciting struggle and received a severe knife wound during an encounter with three young holdups on Second South, Salt Lake about 9:30 Sunday night. Nothing more of the encounter was printed.

 

The Death of Dr. McCoy

Dr. William McCoy died in Marysvale, Piute County at the age of 42 on 5 June 1905, only 11 days after having left Salt Lake City. His death certificate stated he died of “acute alcoholism.”

 

An obituary in the Salt Lake Tribune read, “Sudden Death of Salt Laker Occurs at Marysvale. Dr. William B McCoy who lived at 113 South Fifth West died very suddenly yesterday morning at Marysvale, Utah. Only meager details of his unexpected death are obtainable. He had been in very poor heath for some time and about ten days ago he went to Marysvale with the view of re-establishing his practice, having lived there a number of years ago.”

 

“Early yesterday morning his wife received a telegram announcing that he was dying, which was followed by another in a few hours that he was dead. His body will reach the city this evening in charge of Undertaker [Eber W] Hall and so far, as now known, the funeral will take place at the undertaker’s parlor at 2 o’clock Thursday.”

 

“Dr. McCoy had been a resident of this city for some years and had a great many friends. He was a son of Mr. Henson McCoy who died in Oregon some two or three years ago. The doctor was born in Oregon and raised in California. He leaves a wife but no children. He was 42 years of age.”

 

William B McCoy was buried in an unmarked grave in Section “4-4-4-West” of the Salt Lake City Cemetery according to Sexton Records.

 

Harry F. Evans’ West End Grocery Store

A wooden one-story building listed as a store was according to the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map was the location of Harry F Evans’ Grocery Store.

 

Harry Frederick Evans [1843-1914], a native of Wales, was listed at 105 South Fifth [Sixth]  in 1892 with a “general Merchandize store at 111 South Fifth West. He lived on the northwest portion of Block 64 in Lot Five. 

 

Evans immigrated to the United States and settled in Scranton Pennsylvania. There Evans enlisted in the United States Army and Navy during the Civil War. An article about his navy experience during the civil war,  printed in 1909, stated, “Evans’ service at sea during the civil war was long and creditable. He fought on such vessels as the Susquehanna, Cumbria, Quincey, and the Old North Carolina. He is one of the few who have too their credit both land and sea service.” 

 

“A civil war veteran, who saw service on the famous naval organization of the great civil war known as the Flying Squadron, is in receipt from the Flying Squadron of Naval Veterans, of a certificate of membership in that noted organization. Besides baring the picture of Admiral [David] Farragut, under who Mr. Evans saw service, the certificate sets forth his service  on the Cambria, Susquehanna, and North Carolina war vessels.

 

After leaving Scranton, Pennsylvania, “he traveled with the course of empire westward,”  eventually coming to Utah Territory.  He was married in 1870 to a Welsh woman named Elizabeth [1855-1829] also with the same surname of Evans. A daughter was born in Utah in 1876. The 1900 census stated they were the parents of six children however only one was living in 1900, Martha Evans, [1876-1953]. His obituary stated that he was father of two sons and five daughters, however one of these daughters would have been his adopted niece Edyth Mary Evans.

 

In Salt Lake City Evans “was one of the most prosperous businessmen in Salt Lake; a man of ability, and famous for his patriotism, as the honor conferred on him by the I O O F [Odd Fellows] of his adopted  home proves.” In 1893 Harry F Evans served as Grand Master of the Odd Fellows.

 

This home was later renumbered as 571 West First South. By 1898 the property had been developed by two sets of duplexes built eleven feet south of his store with the addresses of  113 South, 115 South, 117 South, and 119 South fronting Fifth West.

 

In 1882 Harry F. Evans leased from James Moyle a parcel of land on the west side of the north half of Lot five. He paid $60 annually for the property on which he built the West Side Grocery store at 111 South and his residence at 571 West First South.

 

In 1883 Harry F. Evans dissolved a partnership with T.P. Lewis.  “Notice is Hereby Given That the firm hereto existing under the name of Evans & Lewis, Merchants “West End” Store, corner of First South and Fifth West is this date dissolved by mutual consent. All unsettled accounts of said firm will be adjusted by H. F. Evans, who will continue the business at the old stand.” 

 

The 1883 city directory listed Harry Evans as having a general merchandise at 111 South Fifth West residing at 105 South Fifth West.  Harry F. Evans bought the northwest corner of Lot Five from James Henry Moyles in 1885. The property consisted of 6 rods [99 feet along First South and 10 rods [165 feet] along Fifth west. 

 

 The 1888 directory still listed H.F Evan’s West End Store at 111 South Fifth Street and H.F. Evans as a storekeeper at 105 South Fifth West. The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed only two addresses for this property, that of 111 South Fifth West which was the address of the West Side Grocery and 105 South Fifth West which was the Evans’ residence. The 1890 city directory continued to list “Henry F Evans  grocer” as residing at 105 South Fifth West. By 1893 the residence of Evans however was renumbered as 571 West First South.

 

In 1885 “a petition was submitted from H.F. Evans and ninety-five others, directing attention to the present condition of First South Street at the point of intersection with Fifth [Sixth] West, and also to the streets leading south and west from that point. They asserted that the place was positively dangerous after dark, to persons unacquainted with the locality, and dangerous to teams. Other places in the same locality were in like condition.

 

The petitioners asked that culverts be placed at the crossing of Fifth West Street to conduct the water and that the necessary improvements be made on the streets named by graveling, etc.” The petition was adopted in August 1885 when “the committee on streets and  alleys reported they had considered the petition of H.F. Evans asking for much needed repairs on First South near Fifth West. They found the street in a bad condition and recommended that the Supervisor of streets be instructed to repair without delay.”

 

            Evans seemed to have trouble with horses at this location. In 1888, he offered a “$10 Reward for a horse black and white right hind foot, branded on left thigh with a half circle and under H. Strayed from the West End Store, Fifteenth Ward. Above reward will be paid to who returns the same to H.F Evans, West End Store Fifteenth War.”

 

            Again in 1890 Harry F Evans listed an advertisement for a lost horse. “Strayed from premises, 15-year-old black horse about 15 hands high, branded JE on left shoulder: small white spot-on forehead. H. F. Evans West End Store 111 South Fifth West.”

 

Evans was a promoter of the Liberal Party. In July 1890 he had published “Attention! The delegates from the Fifteenth Ward to the Liberal Convention are requested to meet at the Rio Grande Hotel at 9:30 a.m. today [July 21] for the purpose of organizing; filling vacancies etc. Please Be Prompt. H.F Taylor, James Hegney, H.F Evans. “

 

 The 1891 city directory listed H F Evans grocer at this address. This location was also known as “The Evans Mercantile Company and Grocers” at this address. In 1900 four new substations for the Salt Lake Post office were opened and one was at this address. “Station No. 4 will be at 111 South Fifth West Street, with Harry F. Evans in charge.”

 

Employed as Deputy County Clerk

Harry F Evans gave up operating his Grocery store and in 1901 was appointed a Deputy Clerk for Salt Lake County. He helped with counting all the votes in county elections as well as serving as a court clerk during various trials.

 

Evans was the Deputy County Clerk who was handed the verdict for the sensational Greek Kothiasftis murder trial, who then read it out loud to the jurors. The verdict of not guilty was the cause of a feud in neighboring Greek Town on Second South .

 

Harry F Evans must have enjoyed traveling. In 1894 Evans went back to Wales for six months to “visit among the friends of his childhood. In 1909 He spent two weeks in the northwest. “Harry F Evans deputy county clerk is home from a trip through the “northwest which included a visit to the Alaska-Yukon Pacific exposition.” 

 

While he was away “S.H. Melet was arrested this afternoon [12 Aug 1909] by Patrolmen [Joseph] Bush and [H.A.] Heath on suspicion of having been implicated on the robbery of Harry F Evans’ residence at 571 West First Street, in which over $500 of jewelry was stolen. Melet claims to be a tinner, and recently was employed by Mr. Evans to repair some locks at his residence.”

 

Perhaps the increasing crime of the Rio Grande area had Harry F. Evans move away from 571 West First South in 1910 but more than likely it was because the city was building a “red light district” in the heart of Block 64 which would have adjoined his property. 

 

The 1910 federal census and the city directory listed his new residence at 1150 East First South where he died in 1914. 

 

Death of Harry Evans

One obituary stated that Evans was a former clerk in Judge T. D. Lewis’ court, that he was a Mason. It was the Masons of Argenta lodge No 3 who provided the service for his funeral. He was also a member of the St Mark’s Episcopal Church.

 

An obituary stated, “Harry F Evans, veteran of the civil war and deputy county clerk of Salt Lake County since 1901, died this morning [28 November 1914] at his home 1150 East First South Street, as the result of a paralytic stroke suffered Wednesday morning. He was apparently in perfect health until last Monday, when he was affected with a cold that caused him to remain away from the office on Tuesday.”

 

“Mr. Evans had been prominent in public life in Utah since he came here in 1868. He was a member of the city council under the first Liberal administration and was appointed deputy county clerk by John James during his clerkship. He was a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow lodges, and at the time of his death a past grand master of the latter order. He was secretary of the Intermountain Cambrian Association and was active in the McKenna post of the G.A. R. [Grand Army of the Republic]”

 

“He was born May12, 1843 in Monmouthshire, South Wales. He came to America in 1859, setting in Scranton, Pa. In 1861 he enlisted in the union army and served a year. He attained the rank of major in his regiment and then resigned his commission to take one of lieutenant in the navy. He was released from the navy in 1865.”

 

 “In 1868 he came west, living for about two years in both Utah and California. In 1870 he married Elizabeth Evans of Salt Lake. They had five daughters and two sons. Two of whom Mrs. William Pischell and Mrs. T.L. [Thomas L] Williamson are still living. He is also survived by his wife.”  Edyth Mary Evans who married Thomas L Williamson was actually his niece that he brought over from Wales in 1895 and raised as his own daughter. 

 

“Prior to his appointment as deputy county clerk, Mr. Evans conducted a grocery store at the corner of Fifth west and First South Streets.”  He was buried in Mount Olivet cemetery.

 

 

Cloyd L and Edith Martin Sanford’s Store

596 West Second South also known as  576 West Second South

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a small wooden structure at this address listed as a store. The 1899 City directory for Salt Lake City listed this address as the residence of Cloyd L Sanford [1860-1945] and his wife Edith Martin Sanford [1871-1944], shopkeepers. 

 

The Sanford’s Store

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance map showed that this site contained a one-story wooden building used as a store and attached to the building at 576 West. Some 37 feet behind the Supply Store was a wooden building with the address of 598 ½ West that the Sanborn map listed as “not used” mostly like a storage barn or shed. The 1899 City directory for Salt Lake City listed this address as 598 West Second South but also known as  580 West Second South as the Sanford’s Supply Company, a grocer, and meats store.

 

The Robert Mallahan Incident

In November 1899, “Robert Mallahan, a Rio Grande Western machinist, made things lively at the store of the Sanford Supply company corner of Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West about 10 o’clock last night. He flashed a gun in the course of his jubilations and caused a great deal of excitement. Mallahan was drunk.”

 

Robert Mallahan had been part of a confidence scheme with a man named “H Smith” who had registered at the Grand Pacific hotel on 380 West South Temple and “left two grips in custody of the clerk.” “Twenty minutes later the clerk went off duty and the night room dispenser took his place.”

 

“With the advent of the new man, Robert Mallahan put in his appearance and asked for his grips; the clerk felt rather dubious regarding giving him the items but as the man described the contents, he was allowed to take them.”

 

“Of course, ten minutes later the ‘rightful owner’ of the grips came along and nearly tore the place down in his endeavor s to get the value of his missing property. In the meantime, Mallahan had gone out into a vacant lot and hidden the valises, first having abstracted a gun from one of them. Then he encountered some small boys and asked to be directed to the Albany Hotel. To reward them for their information, Mallahan entered the store of C L Sanford near the Rio Grande Western Depot.”

 

“A small shepherd dog, tied to a short rope in the Sanford supply store on Fifth West and Second South, came near precipitating a shooting affair last night shortly after 10 o’clock.”

 

“R.R. Mallahan, an ex-brakeman, on the Rio Grande, walked into the store, considerably under the influence of liquor, it is said, and proceeded about in a leisurely manner.”

 

“He approached the proprietor of the store, C.L. Sanford,” and asked the delivery boy Hyrum W. Houston to change him a quarter. “There was a dog tied to the rear of the room and while Mr. Sanford was getting the change, Mallahan staggered around and fell over the dog. The latter let out a howl to raise the neighborhood and the drunken man swore he was bitten and cursed furiously. He insisted on killing the dog, but Mr. Sanford ordered him out of the store arguing that he should not use such language in the presence of his lady customers” and his wife Mrs. Sanford.

 

“No sooner had the man reached the door said Sanford, than he whipped out a large gun and threatened to blow the whole top of my head off.” “Mallahan did not carry out the threat but contented himself it is said with flourishing the gun.” 

 

“Mallahan was taken kindly but firmly out on the sidewalk, whereupon he pulled a gun and poked it in Houston’s face.” 

 

“Mallahan got halfway out the door and suddenly whirled upon the proprietor and Hyrum Houston, the delivery boy who were doing the ejecting, and brandished a six-shooter. Without carrying out his threats to make a pepper box of the two gentlemen, he disappeared, but was later arrested by Officer Fitzmaurice at the Hegney Saloon across the street from the store. He had put his gun away. Mallahan will probably be charged with exhibiting a deadly weapon.”

 

As for his accomplice, Smith, he had been “working like a beaver to get the man who “stole” his grip out of jail ever since the police have reason to believe that a clever graft was put on the hotel.”

 

At the trial, “a half a dozen small boys who saw the trouble was put on the stand,” to testify. Robert Mallahan was convicted “for exhibiting a deadly weapon and shaking it in the face of C L Sanford of the Sanford Supply company”, and he was sentenced by the police court of a fine of $590 or fifty days in jail. Mallahan was so angry that he said, “he would clean out the whole outfit,” when released.

 

The Sanford’s Residence

In March 1899 C L Sanford,  located “at the “corner of Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West” place an advertisement stating “Lost, Strayed or Stolen. Small, Black, dehorned milch cow, branded ‘T’ on left ribs. Liberal reward for return.” 

 

Perhaps the Sanfords decided that Second South was becoming too rough of a neighborhood and by June 1900 they were living in Tooele Utah. His occupation still given as a merchant.  In Tooele he was listed also as a manager of a mining company and may have made enough money to retire on as no further occupation was given for him although they moved around and went on various vacation. 

 

The couple lived in Tooele until at least the next two decades before leaving Utah all together and moving to Southern California. In 1920 the couple lived in Brawley, Imperial County, California before they were enumerated in the 1930 census as living in Chula Vista, in San Diego County.

 

By 1935 they had moved to Orange County and lived on Euclid Street which was then considered Anaheim but now a part of Garden Grove. They are living there in the 1940’s. When they died, they were buried in what was then known as the pioneer Westminster Cemetery  but now the Magnolia Memorial Park.  Coincidently, in 1971 I did a report of the Magnolia Cemetery for a history class project at Cypress College, California.

 

By 1911 this former address of the Sanford Store was also shown to be “576 West Second South”.

 

Joseph J Duckworth’s Blacksmith and Machine Shop complex

542 West Second South AKA 149 South Within Block 64 Union

 On the north Fourth [Fifth] of Lot Three in the center of Block 64 was the Blacksmith and Machine Shop complex of Joseph J. Duckworth [1851-1909]. An easement listed as a private drive in the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map gave access to the property from Second South between 544 West and 534 West. In the northwest corner of Lot Three was a one and a half story wooden dwelling that was numbered 542 ½ West. In 1898 it was located north of the four brick homes on west Boyd Avenue

 

 The Blacksmith and Foundry was a one story large wooden structure nearly 70 feet in length containing a “shoeing shop”, a coal bin and three other structures. The building addresses were referred to as 149 ½, 1/3, ¼, 1/5, and 1/6.  The horseshoeing shop was 149 1/5 while a carpenter shop was labeled 149 1/6.

 

Joseph Duckworth was an Englishman who immigrated to the United States in and marred a Scottish immigrant named Annie Beaton in 1875. They settled in Trenton, Cache County, Utah where he is listed as a farmer in the 1880 federal census. They eventually became the parents of eight sons and one daughter. Three of their sons and their only daughter died in childhood.

 

In 1890 Joseph J Duckworth sold “two new ten tons Rick Drays”, carts for delivering beer barrels or heavy loads from his “Union Blacksmith and Machine Shop.  The city directory listed his address as 542 West between First and Second South. 

 

In 1891. “The Union Foundry made its first cast yesterday [March 8] at 542 West Second South Street. It was a success.”  An advertisement from April 1891 stated Union Foundry Architectural Iron Work-Machinery castings 542 West Second South Street Salt Lake City, Half block East D.&R.G Passenger Depot.” 

Death of Sons

The Duckworth family’s residence was also at 542 West South Street in 1890 when J.J. Duckworth’s son was killed. He was ran over by an electric streetcar of the Salt Lake City Railway Company. The accident occurred on Second South only a little more than a week after the death of the Duckworth’s infant son. 

 

“Walter Duckworth age 8 son of J. J. Duckworth, the well know blacksmith, was run over, and killed on Second South between Fourth [Fifth] and Fifth Street by Electric Car No. 8. The boy and others were playing on the street opposite the Duckworth Residence. As it chanced, they were in front of a team belonging to the Mountain Ice Company which was backed towards the south side walk and was in charge of W.K Miller the driver. Car No 8 was at that moment approaching from the west when about one rod from where the boys were.”

 

Miller testified he had started his team, turning horses west when the streetcar was traveling about 7 miles an hour. He told the boys to get out of the way and the trolley “rang its bell repeatedly,” but the confused boy ran in front of the streetcar.   The grief-stricken father sued the streetcar company for $10,000. 

 

By 1893 Joseph Duckworth had moved his residence away from Second South to 1034 West Third South however he is still listed as the owner of the “Union Iron Works” at 542 West.

The Union Foundry was a one and half story building, although its furnace’s core oven was constructed of bricks.

 

Duckworth was active in the Liberal Party as were many of the men of the Rio Grande District area. He was nominated for a candidate on the Liberal Ticket in 1893 and in 1894 he was involved with the Industrial Army. The Industrial Army was a collection of unemployed men who had banded together to demand Congress address the impact of the Panic of 1893 on the working man. He was a drum major for the Regimental Drum Corps. 

 

The economic depression caused by the Panic of 1893 affected Duckworth in 1895 when he was sued by R. D. Amos to whom he owed $28.35. Amos owned a meat market located on Fifth [Sixth] West. Also, in that year a news account stated that Duckworth, “formerly of this city but who last fall removed to Idaho where he suffered an accident by breaking his leg, has recover and returned to Zion and will accept a position as general foreman of the Star Foundry and Machine Company.” He became the general foreman of the Star Foundry and Machine Co at 135 South Third West.

 

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed that the location of the Union Foundry owned by John J Halpin had by that year not been in in operation and the old Duckworth shop and residence had been demolished.

 

The family moved back to the residence at 1038 West Third South and lived there until 1898 when later the family moved to Idaho again. The 1900 federal census listed Duckworth as living back in Pocatello, Idaho employed as a blacksmith foreman. The census stated that he and his wife were the parents of nine children. Sometime after the census the family relocated back to Salt Lake City where he died in 1909.

 

Death of Duckworth

Duckworth’s obituary stated he was a “master blacksmith of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad at Salt Lake” and had not “enjoyed good heath since meeting with an accident in the railroad shops in 1908. Mr. Duckworth was listed among the advanced railroad mechanical foremen who have made a good record for themselves in this country. He spent eight years in England and twenty-nine years at the trade in this country six years of which time he was in business in Salt Lake for himself.”  

 

Fred Robert’s Junk Store

526 ½ West and 530 ½ West Second South

In the interior of Lot Two  was a one-story wooden building listed as 526 ½ West accessed only by a private alley easement just to the east of 526 West. This dwelling was in the middle section of Lot Two and  near it was a two-story storage barn at 530 ½ West listed as “junk yard containing a two-story barn.” 

 

By 1891 Fred Roberts [1864-1902] was residing in the rear of at this address as a “junk dealer” where he operated a “junk store” at this location buying scrap metal of all types. Roberts was a well-known junk dealer and “for some years past had operated a foundry and junk shop at 242 State Street under the title of William Penders and Sons.”

 

Roberts was born in Yorkshire, England and emigrated to the United States with his family when he was ten years old. They settled into Haverhill, Massachusetts where his father, an Irishman named Alexander Roberts, was also a “junk dealer” He married in 1884 and moved to Salt Lake City at least by 1890 if not earlier. 

 

In 1888 a Fred Roberts appeared in the police court charged with “drunkenness and resisting the officers” and fined $20. As those other residents of the Rio Grande District, Robert Harman, and William Bess, were both also listed in the police court report, this Fred Roberts was probably the same as the junk dealer. He was arrested again in 1890 for drunkenness and fined $5. 

 

The 1891 city directory listed him as a junk dealer residing in the rear of 524 West Second South. He advertised in 1893 that “I will pay you $12.25 per ton for good wrought scrap-Iron F. Roberts”. He resided at this address at least through 1901. 

 

A newspaper article from 1899 mentioned Fred Roberts as part of a story on junk dealers receiving stolen scrap metal although the story did not accuse him as being one of them, just one of his employees. “The dealers in junk of this city who are in the habit of buying stolen goods at a low figure, and thus aiding the thieves, may look for trouble if their practice is carried any longer. The crusade against junkmen was begun by the arrest of E. Jacobson an employee of Fred Roberts, whose junk shop is located at 524 West Second South Street. Fred Roberts came into the police station for Jacobson and signed a bond of $300 as a guarantee for his appearance. The police have been on the lookout for some time to catch junk dealers at such business and they intend to make it hot for them.” 

           

The 1900 City Directory for Salt Lake City had a listing for Fred Roberts under the heading of as “Junk, rear West Second South, residence same, telephone 853.”  The 1900 federal census however did not enumerate Fred Roberts at this address. A widow named Effie Studebaker and her three young children were listed at this address. 

           

In 1900 Roberts, ‘a junk man was assessed $2 for expectorating on the sidewalk contrary to the ordinance in such case made and provided.”  

           

Marital difficulties became apparent when on 1 July 1901, Mrs. Margaret Roberts “alleged that her husband, pushed her about the rooms in a forcible manner and attempted to compel her to remain there, thereby hurting her and bruising her.”

 

            She may have accused him of having an affair with a young married woman who worked for his foundry as a bookkeeper named Mrs. Minnie Rosina Schnell Cooper [1874-1948] “a handsome woman.” Roberts had become “infatuated” with Mrs. Cooper.

 

Minnie Cooper

Minnie Schnell Cooper was the daughter of German emigrants who married Charles E. Cooper [1861-1924] on 20 Sept 1893 in Salt Lake City. “Some 350 invitations have been issued for the wedding of Miss Minnie R Schnell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.W. A. Schnell to Charles E Cooper. The ceremony will take place at St. Paul’s church.” 

 

Mrs. Cooper had separated from her husband Charles E. Cooper by 1900 and was living with her five-year-old daughter while her husband left Utah to work at a store in Pueblo, Colorado. Minnie Cooper had filed for divorce on grounds of desertion but later changed her mind fearing that she might lose custody of her five-year-old daughter.

           

In September 1901 at Liberty Park, Mrs. Margaret Roberts encountered her husband Fred Roberts and Minnie Cooper together. He was “chatting on one of the settees with her in Liberty Park” when “Mrs. Roberts happened to visit the park” and found her husband and Mrs. Cooper together. “A scene followed in which Mrs. Cooper was put to flight by the irate wife.” 

 

“An irate woman followed her husband to the park and there found him in company with an attractive maiden, and how the wife slapped the girl until her nose bled and treated the erring man likewise, the enamored couple seeking the safety in flight to the intense amusement of many who saw the incident.”

 

Files for Divorce

“The sequel to the sensational episode which occurred on Sunday evening last when an enraged wife smashed the nose of a young woman who was being entertained by her husband, appeared in the Third District Court yesterday [September 17] in the shape of a suit for divorce. 

 

 “It was two days [September 17] after this, she filed for divorce naming Mrs. Cooper as co-respondent” from Fred Roberts and had an “injunction forbidding him to encumber or dispose of any of his property pending settlement of alimony.”

 

“For chief cause of action Mrs. Roberts alleges that on August 1, her husband committed adultery with Minnie Cooper at Liberty Park and has repeated the offense with the young woman at various times and places since then. Mrs. Roberts avers that she has not lived with her husband since she learned of his conduct with Miss Cooper.”

 

“Another cause of action in the complaint is that on July 1 of this year the defendant subjected plaintiff to extreme cruelty by choking, kicking, and beating her, dragging her over the floor, and threatening to kill her at their home rear of 524 West Second South Street.”

 

“The couple were married at Warrington, England on September 24, 1884, and there are no children the issue of the marriage.”

 

“Mrs. Roberts prays for a decree of separation, temporarily alimony at the rate of $100 monthly and an equal division of the property by the final decree and $500 for attorney fees.”

 

Margaret Roberts stated that her husband’s assets included “several acres of land in Mexico, mortgages to the amount of $3,000, Robert’s junk business worth $4000, and accounts due and other assets of the value of $10,000.”

 

She claimed that she “helped her husband to accumulate this property and in addition it is alleged that he owes her $2,500 on a promissory note.”

           

Divorce Suit Withdrawn

However, by September 25th Margaret Roberts withdrew her divorce suit. A newspaper account stated, “Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are the couple who engaged in the exciting fracas at Liberty Park, a week ago last Sunday [September 15] when the wife put her husband to flight and slapped the face of his young woman companion. On the following Tuesday she instituted a suit for divorce on the grounds that Roberts had committed adultery in the park with one Minnie Cooper.”

 

Mrs. Roberts alleged further that “her husband had subjected her to extreme cruelty, and she prayed for an equal division of his property which she claimed is worth several thousands of dollars.”

 

Fred and Margaret Roberts “instead of fighting the controversy out in a judicial way, agreed to a settlement of their differences out of court.”

 

            Mrs. Roberts did not retract any of her allegations against her husband but “consented to forget the past and live with him again because of the fear that both would be financial losers by going through the process of a legal separation.”

 

            Fred Roberts left Salt Lake City shortly afterwards for nearly six months, and upon returning in March 1902 found that his business on Second South had been stripped of its contents by a former employee, Reinhart Jacobson, to whom he had leased out the property.

 

Reinhart Jacobson

Reinhart Jacobson had rented a barn “from Fred Roberts at 524 West Second South Street” when Roberts left Salt Lake and had “purchased the horse, wagon, harness and tools that were in the building.” While Roberts was gone Jacobson illegally  “appropriated several padlocks and some timber that were attached to the premises” and when Roberts returned and found the items missing, he charged Jacobson with  petit larceny. 

 

Roberts returned to “Find Business Gone, Barns stripped, and Horses Starving-The old story of Mother Hubbard and her cupboard was repeated with several modifications by Frederick Roberts, a dealer in second-hand goods at 524 South Second West Street. Mr. Roberts was gone some time and when he returned his business was gone, barns were bare, and his poor horses were nearly starved.”

 

As a result of this discovery, he had R. [Reinhardt] Jacobson, a former trusted employee arrested on a charge of having stolen a quantity of shelving, of having even taken the pad locks from the doors, and of having nearly starved Roberts’ two horses. Jacobson was taken into custody at Mill Creek yesterday and is now in the county jail.”

           

“Six months ago, when Roberts was suddenly called east, he made arrangements with Jacobson to run the business. Roberts alleges that according to agreement Jacobson was to take the dwelling and two barns at the rear of 524 South Second West Street for which he was to pay a rental of $20 per month. The two horses belonging to Roberts were sold to Jacobson for $300 but the employer took a mortgage on them for the same amount of money. This was done because Roberts wanted the animals on his return and Jacobson had no money. Jacobson was to run the business until the employer returned.”

           

“It was Wednesday last [12 March] when Roberts suddenly returned to the city. Naturally the first thing for Roberts to do was to go to his place of business. Instead of finding it in the flourishing state in which he left it, the place was completely shut down.”

           

“Investigation in the neighborhood led to the information that the place had been idle, and Jacobson not seen for some months. This set the employer to make a more careful examination which elicited the fact that Jacobson rented the dwelling a few weeks after Roberts left the city and taking the horses with him was never seen about the premises.”

           

“Roberts had no difficulty getting into the barns, for the padlocks were missing. Inside he found a couple of bleak and empty barns. Everything of value from harness down to board shelving was missing.”

           

“Roberts next move was to consult an attorney, on whose advice he sworn out a warrant against Jacobson. The warrant was placed in the hands of Deputy Sheriff Busby, who located the man at Mill Creek, together with another of the missing items. Principal among these were Roberts two horses, which were mere shadows of their former selves. The animals were so weak that they could stand on their own, only with an effort.”

           

“Roberts claims to have evidence that Jacobson violated his agreement by renting the house for $10 a month and that he drew rent four times. Despite this he only once paid Roberts and was on account when Roberts went east.” 

           

Rinehart Jacobson was charged with petit larceny but in June Judge Diehl ruled that “the lessee of the property could not commit larceny” and he ordered the prosecution to institute a civil action, or he would discharge the defendant. 

 

Divorce Papers

Fred Roberts was also served again with divorce papers in June 1902, as that his wife Margaret “commenced a divorce suit against her husband, on the grounds of cruelty.” 

 

The divorce proceedings stemmed from an incident on April 30, 1902, when Mrs. Roberts said, “her husband threatened to kill her and cursed her in a vile manner.” Additionally, she claimed that “he is in the habit of leaving her alone at nights.”

 

Evidently Fred Roberts was still seeing Minnie Cooper.  In August, the divorce was granted. Mrs. Roberts had named Mrs. Cooper as “co-respondent” but withdrew the charge and secured the divorce decree “on the grounds of desertion alone”. After the divorce was final Margaret Roberts left Salt Lake City to live with her parents in Garrison, Utah.

 

Kidnapping

Minnie Cooper was living in Salt Lake with her parents, when her husband Charlie Cooper made a secret trip to Salt Lake in May 1902 to “kidnapped her daughter.” On May 28 Charles E, Cooper appeared in the city and abducted his child. He took the seven-year-old girl by train back to Pueblo, Colorado. Minnie Cooper went to Pueblo and “instituted habeas Corpus proceedings for the custody of the child,” while Charlie Cooper filed for divorce naming Fred Roberts as co-respondent.

 

A verdict was rendered for Mr. Cooper declaring Minnie guilty only of indiscretion. However, the child was placed in a third party’s custody until resolution could be finalized on who would be the custodian parent. In the meanwhile, Charles Cooper left Pueblo to take a position in a shop in Laramie, Wyoming.

 

In October 1902 Minnie Cooper was back in Pueblo, Colorado for the court’s determination of custody. She wrote to Fred Roberts asking for money to help pay her room and board while staying in Pueblo. While Minnie claimed she “had not reciprocated the advances made by Roberts, she had written in her “thoroughly endearing letter” such as “Well Fred I would give anything if I could but see you and talk to you, as I have so much to say.”

 

Seeing her letter as a sign of encouragement, Fred Roberts left Salt Lake City for Colorado to ask the “object of his passion” to marry him. A close friend of Minnie Cooper however stated that she “never did care anything for Roberts but that he dogged her steps everywhere she went insisting upon marrying her.”

 

Attempted Murder and Suicide

Fred Roberts arrived in Pueblo on October 25 and while there, using the name Arthur Edwards, rented a buggy. On October 29 Minnie Cooper consented to go riding with Roberts “who was urging her to marry him at once.”  She declined, saying she was about to get free from “matrimonial bondage” and she “did not propose to get into it again.”

           

Drawing a revolver, Roberts threatened to kill her if she did not consent. The woman “grabbed the weapon from Robert’s hand and threw it from the buggy and when Roberts got out to recover it, she drove rapidly away and returned home by herself.”

           

The next day [October 30] when Minnie Cooper was walking on Ninth Street and Santa Fe, Fred Roberts confronted her and asked her to marry him again. “They met on the street the next day” and “people who were passing heard “some hot words” between them. Roberts said that “his wife had divorced him, his business in Salt Lake was gone and cared only for her.” She “refused to promise” and “he suddenly drew a revolver from his pocket, declaring that if she would not live with him, she should die with him.”

           

He held her tightly and “quickly pulled his gun, placing the muzzle against the woman’s cheek quickly fired.” Roberts shot Cooper through the face however at that instant she turned her head and the bullet lodge in her jaw and not her brain. “Mrs. Cooper was not fatally hurt.”

           

Immediately Roberts then put a bullet through his own head “from the right side, near the ear, which produced almost instant death. Roberts fell to the sidewalk dead.:   

 

Although painfully injured, Mrs. Cooper started for her home and was staggering along the sidewalk when people went to her assistance. 

 

On 31 October 1902 the Salt Lake Herald published the headline, “Fred Roberts’ Love Scorned by Mrs. Cooper of This City, He attempts Double Murder at Pueblo. His sweetheart But Slightly Wounded- Tragic ending of a Series of Sensational Domestic Episodes Occurring Here Recently.” 

           

As Minnie Cooper was recovering, she claimed her relations with Roberts had  “never been anything but proper and that the money that she had asked for was due her for salary as bookkeeper in his foundry.” She said, “he was a good friend to her, and she was aware of his infatuation but could not marry him.”

           

Roberts Funeral

Fred Roberts’ father came to Colorado from Massachusetts “to make arrangements for the funeral.” Newspapers reported,  “It is probable that internment will be made in Pueblo. The father says that the dead man’s mother told him not to bring the body home as their boy had disgraced them. Mr. Roberts says he will go to Salt Lake to settle up his son’s business.” 

 

Fred Roberts was buried in plot 26 15 4 in the Roselawn Cemetery also known as Riverview, in Pueblo Colorado under the name “Frederick Robertson” on 5 November 1902. 

           

Salt Lake newspapers summarized the attempted murder and suicide by Fred Roberts, Junk dealer of Second South writing, “The affair was of more than two years standing and before this tragic ending resulted in the disruption of two homes, several divorce proceedings and a sensational kidnapping all which are fresh in the minds of the people of this city.” 

 

 

Samuel H Willard’s Golden Gate Drug Store

531 West Second South

Samuel “Sam” H. Willard was the owner of the Golden Gate Drug store and he sold “Toilet articles, Perfumes, Cigars, etc. Sample room in the rear.” He resided at this address at this address in 1899.  However prior becoming a proprietor of the drug store he was more noted as being an locomotive engineer for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Company.

 

No information has been found regarding the vital statistics for Sam Willard, although he was well known and a popular figure. He is also not found in any census records to determine his age or where he was born. He was said to have been working for the railways since 1860 which suggests he was born in the first half of the Nineteenth Century. 

 

There is a “C S Willard working as a miner enumerated in the 1860 census age 24 and a native of Massachusetts. This man was living a mining camp called Gold Hill in Carson County, Utah Territory which became the State of Nevada. However, there is no way to prove a relationship between these records with Samuel Willard.

 

The first record of Samuel Willard being in Salt Lake City is in the 1884 city directory employed as an engineer living at 59 So Fifth [Sixth] West. For him to have been employed as an engineer he had to have been working for the railroad for several years.

 

Sam Willard was a locomotive engineer for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad when in 1886 he was injured in a train accident where he was scalded from the steam engine and lost his left leg. He was the engineer on the first run of an Engine known as “Number 50” which was notorious for accidents and even called a “hoodoo” and “man-killer”. 

 

An article printed in the Salt Lake Herald on 4 March 1900 about a recent train wreck involving “Engine No. 50” which killed several passengers, mentioned some of its past accidents.

 

“The 50 had been in trouble almost from the first day she ever turned a wheel, and her trouble ran the gamut of the possibilities in the locomotive disaster line.”

 

“On her first trip she left the rail through some pretext or other, with a heavy train of ore and on a down grade and after some days the wreckers found her in the bottom of the canyon, the underdogs in a pile of debris that once constituted a train of cars.”

 

“They found Sam Willard, the engineer, with his left leg cooked to the knee where it had been pressed against the boiler head by the coal pile. Sam was alive and recovered, but Bill Redding, his fireman had been killed right away. Sam had his leg amputated and about a year later again appeared for work.”

 

“It is a strange coincidence that Sam lost his left leg on the “50’s maiden trip, and lost his right leg on the same engine on the last trip she ever made on the South Park. Sam’s last mishap was in a collision where he was about to jump before they struck, but he was caught in the gangway and his remaining leg was sacrificed.”

 

“Strange too, but Sam recovered from this, had sticks fitted to both his stumps and ran locomotives on the Denver & Rio Grande and the Rio Grande Western until like many another, he went in the great strike of 1894. Sam is now proprietor of a drug store in Salt Lake.”

 

In 1887 he was almost removed from voters rolls of the Liberty Party challenged by the People’s Party on the grounds of his being a non-residence  but swore he lived in Salt Lake and was able to be registered to vote.  

 

Sam Willard was celebrated in a poem printed in the Ogden Daily Standard on 25 June 1889 regarding how he delivered news from Salt Lake City to Ogden in a record time. 

 

“SAM WILLARD’S RIDE”

Up from the south at dead of night,

Bringing the editor sad affright

The startled phone with a shudder bore.

Like a herald in haste to the editor’s door

A message brief from Salt Lake town.

“the train has stopped, the wires are down,

And The STANDARD forty miles away!”

And there lay the specials far away,

Prepared to appear on the coming day.

Which the good lieutenant knew full well?

Must reach The STANDARD tho’ the heavens fell.

And then a special train was hired.

And not a thought of the cost inquired.

Sam Willard opened the throttle wide.

And shouted,” now for a lightning ride.

To Ogden, forty miles away!”

There’s a good steel railroad heading down.

From Ogden to Salt Lake Town:

And quickly along the good iron steel

Madly plunged with a rocket’s speed.

Sparks rose and fell but all was gay.

With Ogden thirty miles away.

Sprung from those iron hoofs thundering north.

The dust like smoke from the cannon’s mouth:

Sam held her open, and she plunged along.

singing a loud but plaintive song:

She spat a stream of sparks for her mouth.

That reached for miles away to the south,

With Ogden twenty miles away.

Under her spurning wheels the road

Like a foaming mountain torrent flowed:

And the mile posts sped away behind

Like a hedge along the roadside twined:

But look there’s a light in the distance far.

To which she speeds as a guiding star:

‘Tis Ogden ten miles away.

And thus, the news to The STANDARD came:

And so, the trip we give the fame:

Placing thus Sam Willard’s ride

Along with Sheridan’s side by side:

Showing The STANDARD is ever ahead.

While other papers are dying or dead.

And we know our readers all will say.

When we get left ‘tis a chilly day

Even if forty miles away.

 

The Standard mentioned Sam Willard again when it announced that the narrow-gauge track between Ogden and Salt Lake City had been replaced with a standard gauge which allowed all trains that had used Ogden as a hub to continue directly to Salt Lake.

 

On 19 October 1889, the Ogden Semi-Weekly Standard wrote: “All our readers know Sam Willard, engineer of D & R.G. No. 20, who Bennett, the rustling excursion manager, immortalized in soul-stirring verse at the time this paper ran its special trains carrying excursion issue and illustrated edition to Salt Lake City. Thirty-seven miles in Forty minutes is no snail’s pace for a narrow-gauge road, a freight engine, and a wooden-legged engineer. But nothing slower would do for The Standard, and Sam Willard got her there.”

 

“It is now becomes our pleasant duty to record that merit in this case has been justly rewarded. From narrow to standard-gauge is quite a step of itself, and such is the transition which the little road has undergone since the event above narrated.”

 

“But our particular congratulations go out this morning to Sam Willard, ex-manager of No. 20, now master of No. 111, the first of the great Baldwin broad gauge machines to press the rails of the Little Giant. He conducted the monster out of her stall in the round-house last Saturday, put 98 pounds of steam into her lungs; loaded her bunkers with coal, and tested her temper and played with her moods up and down the road until, like the obedient child she is, she yielded to the slightest pressure of his hand. 

 

“She pulled her first train over the new road on Sunday and neither slacked her stopped nor complained of her burden. Yesterday morning she was in attendance at the wreck near Farmington and towered up like a giant among pygmies. She is a sturdy thing, and she bears a gallant driver. Success, and much of it to them both.”

 

 The City directories from 1890 to 1893 showed that Willard lived at 536 West Third South  while working as an Engineer for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, However because of the Panic of ’93 and the railroad worker strike of 1894 he opened a drug store within  the West Side Drug Store that was owned by Jim Hegney. The 1894 city directory said he resided at 540 West on Third South.

 

In 1894 The Salt Lake Tribune carried an article about Sam Willard in a section on Railway Notes. “Old Sam Willard, better known as “peg leg,” that old timer who has been on the locomotive for thirty-five years [1859] and has been on the right side for twenty-five [1869] has resigned and opened up the drug store business on his own account. Sam walks on two artificial limbs, the result of two separate accidents, and there is no man in railway service in the West who has a larger circle of acquaintances than he.”

 

Willard went into business with Jim Hegney running the West Side Drug Store, but the business failed and dissolved his partnership to move to San Francisco.  In January 1895 Jim Hegney posted the following notice “Dissolution of partnership of James Hegney and S.H. Willard, in business known as the West Side Drug Co.”

 

Willard received a liquor License after paying in Bond for  a location at 1466 ½ Seventh Street in San Francisco. The San Francisco city directory for 1897 listed him as living at 3154 16^th Street where he would have been in 1896. The notation “liquors” was by his name where an occupation would have been given.

 

Willard moved back to Utah when it was reported in 1897,  “Old Sam Willard, formerly a locomotive engineer on the Rio Grande Western, is back in Salt Lake from San Francisco where he has been an inhabitant for three years. Sam walks on two artificial limbs, having lost his legs in railroad wrecks, but his navigation is true enough to escape ordinary notice.” 

 

The 1898 city directory listed Samuel Willard employed as an engineer, residing at 662 West Second South but by 1899 had opened a drug store again he called the Golden Gate Drug Store at 531 West Second South Street in Block 63. 

 

Willard and the Golden Gate Drug Store were mentioned in an article regarding the death of a railroad brakeman name James W. Shields who was found dead in a Caboose in the Rio Grande Western train yard in 1899. A Coroner’s jury brought in a verdict that Shields had died of natural causes but others who knew him, suspecting marital problems, suggested otherwise. “Despite the ruling of the coroner’s jury, many persons are incline to the belief that Shields took his own life. He was in the Golden Gate drug store on West Second South a good part of Friday evening [[October 20].

 

“The proprietor, Samuel Willard, says that Shield acted very strangely. He gave Mr. Willard a small sum of money to be handed to a fellow railroader, saying it was a debt he wanted settled. After leaving the money with Willard, Shield came in and sent out several times, asking each time if the money had been paid over. About 8 o’clock he came in and found Mr. Willard in the act of handing the money to the man designated. Shields then went out, pausing a moment at the door, and looking back as if he would say something, but apparently changed his mind ad remained silent. That was the last time Mr. Willard saw him.”

 

The 1900 city directory listed the Golden Gate Drug Company at 531  West Second South with  S. H.  Willard as proprietor. In April 1900 Samuel Willard was mentioned in an article regarding his financial difficulties with the Wagener Brewing company. 

 

 “S.H. Willard’s Solvency. The Old Railroader’s Embarrassment Is Only Temporary. With reference to the fact stated in Sunday’s Herald of S.H. Willard’s drug and saloon business at 533 West Second South Street having been attached by the Wagener Brewing company to secure a debt of $323.67 on an open account.

 

“Mr. Willard wished it known that he has assets of $1,800 in collectible amounts and $1.400 in stock of goods, while his liabilities do not exceed $800. Mr. Willard further represents that the brewing company wished on Friday to take a chattel mortgage on his business, preferring in consideration of this security, to assume all other liabilities against him, but without notice the attachment suit was instituted. However, the widely and popularly known crippled old-time railroader has not yet given up hope that he will soon be in good financial circumstances again.”

 

However, Samuel Willard’s business did fail, and the 1901 city directory does not list the Golden Gate Drug Store nor Sam Willard. The last mention of the Golden Gate Drug Store was in 1904 when it was mentioned that letters for the business was left at the post office.

 

Samuel Willard was listed in 1903 as boarding at 660 Cannon, a street that ran  from Seventh West to Tenth West between Second and Third South. No occupation was given for him. Three years later however the city directory stated he was employed by the American Smelting and Refining Company located in Murray probably as an engineer as the 1907 stated he was  engineer for the America Smelting  & Refining  Company.  He was rooming at 132 South West Temple. The 1908 city directory continued listing Willard as an engineer employed by the American Smelting  & Refining  Company but now, he was residing in Murray.

 

By 1910 Samuel Willard had moved back to Salt Lake City rooming at 233 West First South. The directory only listed him being an engineer. The 1911 directory does not list an occupation for him but only that he was rooming at  62 ½ South Richard Street.

 

The last known record of Samuel Willard was in 1912  when he had moved to Garfield and worked as an engineer  for the Garfield  Smelting Company. Samuel Willard has not been located in census records or in any Utah vital records. There’s no notice of a death record and he seems to have disappeared from history after 1912, forgotten.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Seven

The Forgotten People of Block 63 and 64

 

Gilbert and Robert Amos

267 South Fifth [Sixth] West 

The 1894 city directory listed the Amos Meat Market at 267 South Fifth [Sixth] West although Amos resided at 264 South Seventh [Eight] West. Robert Amos [1865-1941] was the brother of Gilbert D Amos [1850-1901] and was a Scottish immigrant who came to Utah in 1890. His obituary stated that he was a “former butcher” and “lived in Salt Lake City for 40 years before moving to Los Angeles California where he died although he was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. 

 

Not much is known about Robert Amos as compared to his more noted brother. Gilbert D Amos. In 1893 Robert was admitted to the Caledonian Club, a Scottish fraternal organization of businessmen. His family residence was 542 West South Street.

 

The 1895 city directory did not list his business  at this address and by 1896 he had moved to Ninth North and Twelfth West a portion of his brother’s subdivision development where he operated a dairy. 

 

His brother Gilbert D Amos came to Utah ten years before Robert did and  opened the “People’s Meat Market opposite Mayor Jennings’s residence”. It was reported “through his enterprise and good treatment of his patrons has succeeded in working up a new business in the stand where so many have failed. Call and see him if you want the choices fresh meat at lowest prices.”  Gilbert was mentioned in 1887 in an advertisement which claimed, “A revelation among butchers. Beef, mutton, and pork for cash only. Porterhouse and tenderloin steaks 12 ½ cent per pound; prime roast 12 ½ cents per pound, round steak 9 cents per pound, chick steak 8 cents per pound, boiling beef 6 cents  per pound, loin, and legs of mutton 8 cents per pound, chops 8 cents per pound, breast, and necks of mutton 5 cents per pound, pork chops 8 cents per pound pork roast and sausage 8 cents per pound. OM all the above a special reduction for cash only with delivery.”

 

Gilbert Amos became successful and acquired  62 acres “bounded on the west and northwest by the Jordan River  stands on a high ridge high and dry near Ninth North Street”. The area was near today’s Rose Park Golf Course. 

           

However, he died a pauper “forgotten by friends and family”  and was a “county charge. “Death of G.D Amos  Succumbed to Bright’s Disease at the County Infirmary. Gilbert D Amos, the once wealthy butcher, who for several days past has been in a dying condition at the poorhouse, passed to the great beyond yesterday morning. Death resulted from Bright’s Disease.”

 

“ Mr. Amos who in health was very portly and it was his boast that he was the only man in the country who could take his collar off over his head without unfastening it, but at the time of his death he was almost a skeleton.”

 

“ Amos was a resident of this city for twenty years or more and leaves a wife, two sons and a brother in this city. The deceased was about 60 years of age. As yet no arrangements for the funeral have been made.”

 

“Opened a meat market on the corner now occupied by Drueho and Franken’s drug store put all the money he made into real-estate. His first large investments were in north Salt Lake,  and it was Amos who secured the copper plant for this city by putting up $100,000 bonus for that ill-fated enterprise . He mortgaged some of his property for that purpose.

 

“Afterwards he built Amos terrace, and some other large investments were marked up to his credit. He was reputed to be worth no less than $250,000 part of it being left him by rich relatives in Scotland.” 

 

Some years ago, the capitalist took to drink, and his fortune diminished rapidly. Last year he was in St. Mark’s hospital for several months suffering with rheumatism and a complication of other troubles. His money had given out before this, and he was removed from the hospital finally to the infirmary where his life is ebbing away as swiftly as did his fortune.”

 

“ The doctors stated last night that he could hardly live forty-eight hours. Amos has two sons in this city with whom he has not lived for years.” 

 

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map listed this address as part of the Salt Lake Meat Company building and no one was enumerated as residing in the building in the 1900 federal census. 

 

 

Martha Bagley

Of the Rio Grande Hotel

In March 1886,  Jim Hegney was mentioned in the Salt Lake Herald newspaper regarding a legal dispute over the custody of a child living with one of his employees. The piece was called, “Novel and Peculiar Story of a Mother’s Regard for Her Offspring, and a Stranger’s Love for it.” 

 

The article contained information regarding a woman named Laura Olmstead “the wife of F.S. Olmstead” from Shoshone, Idaho, who arrived “in Salt Lake City to reclaim a twenty-month-old infant named Myrtle Maud “Gertie” Young.” Mrs. Olmstead claimed that the baby was “stolen” from her by “Martha Jones, sometimes called Martha Bagley.”  Martha Jones-Bagley was employed by James Hegney and lived at the Rio Grande Hotel.

 

Laura Olmstead was the child’ birth mother, while Martha Jones-Bagley believed that she had adoption papers to show that Olmstead “had relinquished the infant to her and only wanted her back because their two husbands were quarreling.”  Martha Jones-Bagley claimed that the child was given to her by Laura Olmstead and had “cared for it almost since its birth.”

 

James Hegney retained a lawyer to “represent Mrs. Bagley’s interest” and appeared in Judge Charles Zane’s court on behalf of her. A reporter covering the court procedures stated,  “The child itself, a bright looking little girl, was held by its adopted mother during the proceedings and did not appear to recognize its real mother.”

 

It was discovered at the hearing that the “adoption papers were left in Idaho”, which Mrs. Bagley claimed showed her rights to the child. The hearing then “was held up for a couple of days until they could be procured, and Hegney signed a $500 bond that Mrs. Bagley would produce the child to the court”

 

When the adoption papers finally arrived, they were revealed to be invalid, drawn up in a way as to be not binding and legal, by the attorneys Martha Jone-Bagney had hired in Idaho. “Mrs. Bagley says the Shoshone lawyers who made out the papers of adoption and who assured her that no one could ever disturb her in the possession of the child are Dingley and Brown.”

 

Mrs. Bagley’s attorney, Major Woods, stated in court, that “he had examined the adoption papers held by Mrs. Bagley, and he found them worthless; the law required that when a child is adopted all parties must go before a probate Judge and certify to the facts. This had not been done and he was reluctantly compelled to withdraw from the case.” 

 

“The real mother, handsome, cool, and collected, sat near her husband, apparently confident as to the outcome of the case. Nor was she mistaken.” 

 

A reporter evidently moved by the court’s proceedings wrote, “One of the most touching sights ever witnessed in the courtroom and certainly one of the most trying which Judge Zane has yet been called upon to give judgment was that of the Bagley- Olmstead habeas corpus case which came up yesterday morning. Mrs. Bagley with the child she had so long cherished under the belief that it was legally hers by adoption, sat with an anxious countenance holding the little girl on her lap.”

 

The court then “awarded the child to Laura Olmstead” and Martha Jones-Bagley could “not contest the case in court as she had no papers that the child was legally relinquished.”

 

“The judge had but one duty to perform, that of ordering the child to be given to its mother. Mrs. Bagley went out of the courtroom with the child in her arms and could hardly bring herself to relinquish it. She finally gave it up, however, and it was taken to the Walker House,” the hotel where the Olmsteads were staying.

 

“Mrs. Bagley was greatly affected at having to give up the baby on which she had bestowed a mother’s care during the twenty months of its existence and had come to regard it as her own.” 

 

“An hour later Mrs. Bagley sat, apparently utterly despairing, wringing her hands and bitterly weeping in the attorney’s office; her case is one deserving of the utmost sympathy.”

 

As for the little girl, “The child appears contended with its mother and will be taken back to Idaho today. It was the cynosure [center of attention] of many eyes as it was brought down to the dining room of the hotel yesterday when the clerk said, “It didn’t appear to be ailing much, for it ate a most hearty meal.”

 

The Bess Family

The 1880 federal census enumerated Mrs. Laura Bess [1810-1888] as her living with a 14-year-old granddaughter in household 257 in the Fifteenth Ward next to her son William H Bess who was married. The 1884 directory listed Mrs. Laura Bess’ address as 545 West Second South while her son James L Bess lived at 328 West Third South and her son Oliver C Bess was a farmer at 791 South Sixth [Seventh] West.  Mrs. Bess died “At her residence in the Fifteenth Ward, Salt Lake City, February 27th, 1888, of paralysis.”

 

Jim Bess

James “Jim” L Bess [1832-1912 ] owned the east half of Lot Five and a portion of Lot Six.  In 1887 James L Bess sold to Elizabeth Robinson and Lewis S Hills his interests in the east half of Lots Five and fifty feet by 165 feet of Lot Six for $410 and moved away. 

           

 The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a Wooden one-story building Complex built on the old Bess site that contained four stores and a dwelling. Attached behind the four stores was a vacant adobe building that was once James L. Bess residence. The addresses for this complex were 547 West, 545 West, 543 West 541 West and 539 West Second South. 545 West through 541 West hand a brick façade.

 

Billy Bess

William “Billy” Henry Bess [1842-1907] was a colorful character mentioned often in newspaper accounts. In an 1897 newspaper article, Billy Bess reported that he crossed the plains in 1848, “in a year too late to be classed as a pioneer“ and “says that on that trip he saw more buffalo than sheep.” At the age of 20, in 1862, he enlisted as a private in the First Utah Cavalry as part of the Indian Wars under Captain Lott Smith during “the Indian troubles and says he can talk Indian better than English. Billy gave evidence of this by holding an animated conversation with a lot of noble red men from Grantsville, much to the surprise of the aborigines as well as the spectators.”

 

The 1870 federal census listed Billy Bess as living within the household of his 60-year-old mother. By 1874 he had married, and the city directory listed him as farmer in the Fifteenth Ward 15^th Ward residing on the south side of Second South between Fourth [Fifth] West and Fifth [Sixth] West.

 

 The 1880 census listed his household as number 256 in the Fifteenth Ward, living on Second South, married with two children. He was working as a laborer. In 1887 Billy Best was sued for divorce for not supporting his wife and his three children and for  being “habitual drunkard and at times very abusive.” 

 

Both Billy Bess and his brother Jim Bess had issues with alcohol. Both Bess brothers were arrested several times for being drunk and Billy Bess was mentioned in several incidents in Saloons located on Fifth [Sixth] West.

 

In 1888 a newspaper referred to Billy Bess as “a well-known character” when reporting  on his being arrested by police charged with larceny. “Bess is accused of having stolen clothing belonging to Martin Lannan, which was sold at a secondhand store. He claims that it is a case of mistaken identity.” Bess was “able to prove an alibi and was discharged.” 

           

 In 1903 Billy Bess was beaten by an Italian saloon keeper on Fourth [Fifth] West for not paying for his drinks. “Sylvester Te Deskio [Tedesco], an Italian saloonkeeper, became enraged yesterday at William Bess, a patron of his establishment, who ordered drinks that he was unable to pay for, and administered a severe drubbing to him. Bess was so badly beaten that he had to have the services of a physician to dress his injuries. He then complained to the police of the treatment he had received at the hands of Te Deskio, and Patrolman [Benedict] Seigfus and Bush went to the saloon to arrest Te Deskio.”

 

“The Italian was still in a belligerent mood when the police arrived and when they attempted to arrest him, he made a rush behind the bar with a club but was forestalled by the arresting patrolmen. A fierce hand to hand encounter ensured in which the saloonkeeper fought with separate fury. He was at last overpowered and carried to the station in the patrol wagon.” 

 

Billy Bess died in 1907 and his obituary read, “Pioneer Crosses the Might Divide- William H. Bess, Veteran Pony express Rider and Indian Scout, Dead; William H Bess, a veteran of the Black hawk and Civil Wars, a rider on the pony express, and mail carrier of the early days, pioneer, and Indian fighter, died at the home of his brother James L Bess at Granger, November 24, ages sixty-seven years. Mr. Bess came to Utah in 1848 with his mother, three sisters and two brothers. He was twenty-one years of age.”

 

“The spirit of the West appealed to him, and no undertaking was too dangerous for him to attempt. He was known as an Indian Fighter here and when the Black Hawk war broke out, the love of excitement drew him into the army ranks. He was engaged at the time as a Western Mail Carrier, a position which subjected him to constant danger and hardship. When the Civil War was threatened, Mr. Bess again returned to the East and enlisted in the ranks of the Union army. He was wounded in the war, and up to the time of his death drew a pension. The funeral will be held from Taylor’s undertaking parlors, Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock. Mr. Bess is survived by one son and three daughters.”

 

Ollie Bess

Oliver “Ollie” Cromwell Bess [1859-1915] was the grandson of Laura Bess. He was enumerated within household 260, living next to Benjamin Rowland’s family in the 1880 federal census, which would have been on Block 63. He was known as an athlete for in 1884 when he was 25 years old, he was participating in foot races. “In the 100-yard race at Washington Square yesterday afternoon there were four entries. Ollie Bess won in about 11 seconds and took the goblet.” “There was a large attendance of Spectators who were kept in good humor by the efficient endeavors of the Sixteenth Ward Band.”

 

Bess was also a baseball player as a sports article said he resigned from the “Reds” and enlisted to play with the Fort Douglas team.  In 1886 he was a member of the “rough and Ready” baseball team. These sporting events were held at Washington Square. 

 

Ollie Bess was a bit of a rogue as he was in trouble a lot from drinking at various saloons. In November 1885 he was involved in a “row” with a gang of outlaws at the Peacock’s saloon located at 228 South First East [State Street].  out.

 

“Ollie Bess, Willard Carter, Parley Hill, F. Hurd, and brothers F and B Blackburn were in the Peacock at midnight when George Hogge a member of the Montana Gang, assaulted F. Blackburn and a “row occurred” between Bess’s friends and Hogge’s partners Ed Hall, James Norton, and Tom Jones.

 

“The parties were ejected and sometime after met in a Saloon near the Cliff House” at Third South and Main Street, “where more loud talk was indulged in” and “hot words followed.”

 

 When Bess, Carter, and Hill departed around midnight, Ed Hall, James Norton, and Tom James followed them. After crossing the street at Main and third South Bess stopped and “the quarrel resumed” with Tom Jones firing two shots from his revolver at Bess. 

 

“Carter immediately commenced to return the compliment and emptied six chambers of a revolver at the man who did the shooting, with effect, it is thought, of hitting him at least once, as he was seen to limp and exclaim: “I have got it.”

 

  Tom James having been shot in the thigh was “then dragged by his companions into an alley at the back of the “Union Block where Dr. Potter was summoned to dress Jones’ injury, while another one “hired a hack from Mark McKimmins stables.” The wounded man was taken to a room in the Colorado rooming house and the man driving the hack, on his return, was nabbed by the police after being seen with “considerable blood on his clothes.”  

 

The police eventually located the other two men at the Colorado rooming house where Jones was “found to be badly wounded, having been shot in the right thigh, the 44-cal. Ball from Carter’s pistol going entirely through his leg and inflicting an ugly wound from he was suffering greatly. 

 

The three men were from Montana  were arrested and it was discovered that the men had “at a livery stable quite a number of horses and from all that has been learned of them it is supposed they are members of a gang of horse thieves or other unlawful organization.” 

 

George Hogue was also arrested on “complaint of Ollie Bess charged with assault and battery on F. Blackburn.”  Willard Carter filed a complaint against Ed Hall James Norton and George Marshall  charged with intent to kill. 

 

In Police Court George Hogue’s charges were dismissed “on motion of the prosecuting attorney, the evidence all going to show that the complainant had been mistaken in regard to the identity of the individual who did the mauling.” 

 

However, Carter, Bess , and Hill were also arrested and charged with assault with intent to commit murder. In May 1886 “In Third District Court today [May 5] Willard Carter, was arraigned on one indictment charging him, jointly with Oliver Bess, and Parley Hill , with an attempt to murder William Marshall, in November 1885. A plea of not guilty was entered. Bess and Hill were not present but were notified to come to court and plead.”

 

In October 1886, twenty-seven-year-old Ollie Bess, who lived on Second South near his brother James, was assaulted in Jim Hegney’s saloon in the Rio Grande Hotel. 

 

“The Case against the two Hunter boys, charged with having a hand in assaulting Ollie Bess during the fracas in the D.& R.G. Saloon, Sunday last [October 10] was set for trial in the police Court yesterday. The two accompanied by several friends and their attorneys “held an animated discussion in the hallway for nearly an hour” before attending court. Both pleaded a guilty to a charge of battery on Bess and at their own request were allowed to make a statement of the affair.”

 

“Ike Hunter said they were at Hegney’s saloon near the Denver & Rio Grande, when his brother became involved in a windy war with Bess. He jumped in to attempt to separate them when there was a clinch and a scramble, during which Bess received the injuries that have adorned his person since that time.”

 

Ollie Bess was then sworn and said that “there were a number of people in the saloon when the trouble occurred. It started over a “jangle about doing a trick with a chair. They were all trying to lift a chair, Ike, Abe, and several others. A man named Davis was the only one who could lift it and Bess made a remark to that effect when Ike Hunter jumped him, biting and scratching, during which he came near gouging an eye out, and biting a thumb off.”

 

 It was evident that Bess was a very unwilling witness and “he did not desire to prosecute the Hunters if it could possibly be helped. It required considerable questioning to draw any of the facts in the case out of him. He supposed it was Ike who inflicted the injuries, but he did not know –that was what the boys had told him.”

 

Henry Moyle, the attorney for the Hunter brothers asked that the “sentence be made a light one.”  He “made a few remarks and at the conclusion the Judge said that the limit of punishment allowed in a case of battery was a fine of $99- and 100-days imprisonment. The facts before the court showed that Ike Hunter did most of the battering. It was unfortunate that such a case should exist. That a crowd of young men should gather at a saloon on the Sabbath day and create such a disturbance as had been shown to have occurred.” 

 

The judge stated, “It seemed to him that a man who would resort to biting as a means of defense was very much depraved. It was an offense that ordinarily should call for the severest punishment that the law could inflict, but under the circumstances and considering the fact that the complaining witness himself did not seem disposed to prosecute, a fine of $50 would be imposed on  Ike Hunter  and $25 on Abe Hunter or in default of payment the same number of days on public works.”

 

“It was very evident at the examination yesterday that there is considerably more behind the fracas than was brought into view yesterday and are those whose are not slow to assert that had there been a full investigation, Bess would have been found to be in the deep trouble as either of the others. Be this as it may, however, the whole affair is deserving of unlimited censure and cannot reflect seriously upon all concern.”

 

In November 1886 Oliver Bess charged with gambling at Nathan Gray’s gambling house and fined $40.  In 1888 he was arrested again for violating the city ordinance in relation to hack drivers. 

 

Ollie Bess died in 1915 at the age of 56 years, and his obituary read; “Largely attended funeral services for Oliver C. Bess Jr., who died in Ogden last Friday, were held from the Twenty-fifth ward chapel in this city yesterday. Mr. Bess was born in Salt Lake on May 18, 1869 [1859] but for the past twenty -five years had been a resident of Idaho [Idaho falls] .

 

“During his young days, Mr. Bess was a valued member of the famous Red Stockings baseball team of this city, which won many championships. He was the first member of the team to pass away and a number of his companions on the team were present at the funeral.”

 

Samuel Meacham Boyd

558 West Second South

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed an adobe one story home at this address.  It was 70 feet from the 544 West residence. It was the residence of Samuel Boyd, son of George W Boyd. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed house to be a one-story adobe dwelling with a wooden addition behind and a wooden porch that abutted up to a brick store.  

 

Samuel M. Boyd [1857-1946] the son of George W. Boyd and Abigail Baldwin Boyd was living in Tooele County on his father’s ranch at Deep Creek according to the 1880 federal census.  In 1885 he married Polly Egbert [1860-1929] in Salt Lake City  

 

The 1884 city directory showed Samuel Boyd [1857-1946] as a farmer residing at 544 West Second South along with his father. By 1888 the city directory listed him at this address. 

in the 1893 Samuel M Boyd was still employed as a clerk in the city county office residing at 558 West South but must have left employment there by July 1893.

 

In July 1893, at one in the morning Samuel Boyd at one time a clerk in the County Recorder and residing at 558 West Second South mistook his wife for a burglar and shot her.

 

“The slamming of the screen door” had awakened Mr. Boyd and he blazed away at the approaching figure and next instant heard his wife cry out that she was shot.”

 

A few minutes before Mr. Boyd and wife here talking and hearing the fire alarm Mrs. Boyd arose in order to learn the location of the fire. And she was returning to her room Mr. Boyd awoke and seeing her advancing form and not knowing she had left his side he seized his revolver and called out “Who’s There and His wife did not answer promptly, and he discharged the weapon and was horrified to hear a familiar voice cry out in agony. 

 

The report of the pistol alarmed the neighbor and Officer Danner being the first on the scene found Mrs. Boyd on the floor and keeling beside her Mr. Boyd who was almost beyond the power of speech and action. She was placed on her bed and given in charge of women friends while the men scoured the neighborhood in search of a physician. 

 

Dr. Marshall was finally secured and after an examination of the wound he pronounced it serious and painful but not a dangerous flesh wound.  Boyd is almost beside himself with grief. 

 

The following year in 1897 39-year-old Samuel M Boyd also a “laborer” had moved to 251 Grand Avenue which still technically in the Fifteenth Wars was located from First  South to Fifth South  west of the Jordan River.

 

In March 1897  George W Boyd sold to Samuel M Boyd the right of way over part Lots Two and Three block 64 plat A.

 

The 1899 city directory showed Samuel M Boyd  worked as a teamster  for the Crismon and Jensen coal company and lived at 558 West. In February 1899 Samuel Boyd transferred to his wife Polly A. Boyd “part of Lot Three, block 64 plat A for $1.  Polly Ann Boyd was an astute businesswoman who was involved with most real estate transactions after this time.

 

Another “Boyd Family Feud” made the Salt Lake newspapers in April  1899 involving Polly Ann Boyd and her brother-in-law William B Boyd over an easement dispute. “As the result of family troubles Polly A. Boyd who lives on second South Street near Fifth [Sixth] has brought suit in the Third District Court against William B Boyd and others to prevent the obstruction of a right of way which she claims over the defendant’s land and for $500 damages.”  The lawsuit was perhaps to a one and a half story barn behind the main house.

 

“The trial of the suit of Polly A Boyd vs. William B Boyd and Harriet S Boyd  to quiet title to a certain right of way over a piece of land described as a part of lot 3 block 64 plat A,  owned by the plaintiff, and situated in Second South Street between Fourth [Fifth] and Fifth [Sixth] West streets, was begun yesterday [October 5] before Judge Hiles without a jury. The defendants claim to own the right of way and are attempting to fence it in and deprive the plaintiff of the use of it.” 

 

Polly A Boyd hired James H Moyle, the son of a former neighbor, and Daniel H Wells to represent her and she won her suit, ”with the decree quieting the easement and right of  way except the part upon which stands defendant’s [William B Boyd] terrace. “

 

By 1900 the city directory listed Samuel Boyd residing at 558 West employed as a teamster for the Citizen Coal Company. However, the  1900 Census listed his occupation as a “mining man.”  

 

By 1900 Samuel Boyd’s occupation was that of “mining man” according to the 1900 federal census. In the 1905 City Directory showed the family was still listed at same address, but Samuel was working now as a bricklayer. His brothers James K Boyd and William B Boyd were living at “Boyd Terrace” within the interior of Block 64 working for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. 

 

A problem with earlier surveys on block 64 was mentioned  in a 1903 article involving Lot Four and Lot Three.  “A little strip of ground one foot wide and six rods [99 feet] deep was sold yesterday [February 7] , making it the sixth time it has been transferred within the past few weeks. John Maccono disposed of the strip to Polly A Boyd and the probabilities are it has found its final ownership for some time to come. The history of the deed is this:”

 

“A few months ago, John Maccono bought from Martha J Baldwin, 22 feet of ground on Second South near Fifth [Sixth] West, intending to put up a business building. He had it surveyed by city Engineer Kelsey, who discovered that the property at the east lapped over 23 inches at the south end and 19 inches at the north. Finding his building site cut down two feet, Maccono sold the two feet back to Mrs. Baldwin and bought two feet on the west side of his original purchase.”

 

“The next discovery made by Maccono  was that a brick wall rested on the disputed strip and thinking he could use the wall to advantage in putting up his new building, bought it back and also bought an extra foot at the frontage, giving him 27 feet frontage in all.”

 

“Another survey was made about this time, and it was found that the entire half block lapped to the west, having been laid out by an old survey. There was consternation in the neighborhood and much shifting about offences.”

 

Yesterday a compromise was fixed up between disputants  by which Mrs. Boyd agreed to buy the one-foot strip from Maccono on condition that she might use half the brick wall now reposing on his ground. The wall has been strengthened and will do its share towards supporting the building of Maccono. And so, peace reigns.” 

 

In September 1904  John Maccono sold to Polly A Boyd, “through the Home Trust & Savings Company, a building on West Second South Street, between Fourth [Fifth] ad Fifth [Sixth] West, the consideration having been $2000.” In October  John Maccono sold to Polly A Boyd  also part of Lot Four in Block 64 for $100. 

 

In 1905 Samuel and Polly Boyd moved away from Second south to 126 Mead Avenue. 

 

In December 1907 Samuel Boyd receive a building permit for 556 West Second South for $200. In the same month James Killis filed an injunction against Polly A Boyd to prevent her from interfering with a building occupied by him. Killis was renting a building at 562 West Second South and complained that “a building which is being built to the east, rear ad above their structure interferes” and he asked for $699 for damages already done. However, Polly Ann Boyd  secured a judgment against Kellis for rental and damages of $285.

 

In 1908 while other owners of property in block 64 were selling to the Citizen Investment Company, Dora Belle Topham’s business venture, Polly Ann Boyd instead chose to just lease her property. She leased her share of Lot Three for $30,000 claiming later she had no idea that the land would be part of the Stockade, a red-light district for prostitution.  

 

The 1910 federal census showed that Sam Boyd had moved to 126 Mead Street and included in his household was his wife and two sisters-in- laws who gave their occupation as nurses. Samuel Boyd stated he was not working as he had his “own income” and that he owned the house on Mead Street. His income probably came from the lease of his property to the Citizen Investment Company. 

 

After the Stockade was closed down, in 1913 Polly  Boyd filed a suit against Dora B Topham aka known as Belle London to recover $5575 she claimed due to her on the lease. 

 

“A verdict for $7502.95 was given by a jury in the district court yesterday [30 January 1914] in favor of Polly A Boyd against Dora P. Topham in a suit brought to recover on a lease involving property in the old “stockade”. The judgment was composed of $5575 held to be due as rent under the lease $488.03 as interest, $547.78 for taxes. $7.14 as interest on taxes and $875 attorney fees.” 

 

The Utah Supreme Court however reversed the judgment in September 1915, arguing that Topham’s  use “for purposed of prostitution” was in violation of the terms of the lease and therefore the lease was rendered void. 

 

Polly Ann Egbert Boyd died in 1929. “Mrs. Polly Ann Egbert Boyd died Sunday [October 20] at her residence 126 Mead Avenue” at the age of 69 years. After the death of his wife Samuel Boyd remained a widower for the rest of his life. 

 

A human-interest story from April 1932  stated “Man of 75 Keeps Conference Record. A record of L.D. S. conference attendance that began when he was 3 months old is being kept unbroken  this conference by Samuel Boyd, 76, of 126 Mead Street. He came with his parents by wagon from his birthplace, Fort Bridger , Wyoming to attend his first conference when but 3 months old.”

 

Samuel Boyd left 126 Mead Avenue about 1935 and moved to 634 Edison but after that he moved around several times probably boarding with others as that he was a widower without children. 

 

Evidently Samuel Boyd held onto his parcel on Second South until 1939 when it was mentioned as being sold. “Leading sale of the week was a two-story business property at 558-560 West Second South where the Booth Fisheries corporation, now located at 347 Pierpont Avenue plans an expenditure in excess of $10,000 for remodeling and new modern store front. Owned by the Polly Ann Boyd estate the property was sold through Edwards M. Ashton and company, broker. It is a two-story stricture 50 feet by about 6 1/2 rods [107 feet] deep and has been unoccupied for some time. The Delaware corporation plans to make its permanent local headquarters in the building.” 

 

“Samuel Boyd, 90, 34 South Main died Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. in a Salt Lake Hospital following a lingering illness. He was born March 15, 1855, in Salt Lake City, a son of George W. and Abigail Baldwin Boyd. He was retired for many years because of Ill health. He was a member of the LDS Church. Survivors include a sister Mrs. Mary B Butterworth, Salt Lake City, and a “brother William Boyd , Los Angeles , Cal”.

 

William Blair “C.” Boyd “locomotive fireman”

547 West Second South

William Blair or “William C Boyd”, [1866-1950] the son of George W. Boyd, occupied this address next according to the 1898 city directory. He was listed as working as a “fireman” for the Rio Grande Western railway residing at 524 West Second South which was a printing error.  He married Harriet S “Hattie” Mc Bride om 9 February 1889 while living at Little Basin in Cassia County, Idaho.

 

In 1896 his father George W. Boyd sold to him “part of lot 3, Block 64, plat A for $1000. In 1897 “on complaint of Mrs. Frances Lyon, Mrs. Hattie Boyd and her husband, William Boyd , have been arrested, the former charged with battery upon the person of Jennie Reich, and the latter with disturbing the peace.”

 

“A neighborhood row down in the vicinity of Seventh South and Eleventh East brought William and Hattie Boyd into Justice Sommer’s Court yesterday [October 15]. William Boyd is charged with disturbing the peace and Hattie Boyd is charged with battery upon the person of Jennie Reich. Both pleaded not guilty.”

 

William Boyd was sued by his father in 1898 to recover $1500  “money alleged to have been advanced on certain real estate.  A sister-in-law Polly Boyd sued William Boyd in 1899 for a right way passage over property in Lot 3. “As a result of family troubles, Polly A. Boyd, who lived on Second South Street near Fifth [Sixth] West has brought suit in the Third District Court against William B. Boyd and others, to prevent the obstruction of a right of way which she claims over the defendant’s land for $500 damages.”

 

“Right-Of- Way Suit. Boyd Against Boyd on trial Before Judge [Ogden] Hiles.  A trial of the suit of Polly A. Boyd vs. William B. Boyd and Harriet S Boyd , to quiet title to a certain right of way over a piece of land described as a part of lot 3, block 64 plat A, owned by the plaintiff and situated on Second South Street, between Fourth [Fifth] and Fifth [Sixth] streets was begun yesterday [4 October 1899] before Judge Hiles without a jury.”

 

“The defendants claim to own the right of way and are attempting to fence it in and deprive the plaintiff of the use of it.”  Polly Boyd won her suit.

 

The 1900 city directory listed William B Boyd as living at 542 West Second South. In the 1900 federal census William B Boyd family was also listed at 542 West Second South and an owner of his home. He was a thirty-one-year-old railroad engineer with a wife, three daughters and a son. In this census his middle initial was given as “C”. 

 

In January 1898 William B Boyd applied for a building permit at 542 West to build “four compartment brick terrace homes” with “five room in each estimated $2500.” The homes were called “Boyd Terrace” and were located on a street that was with the interior north of Second South.

 

Eventually the homes that had been built for William B Boyd were by 1910 used as “brothels and dives where utter lawlessness will prevail.” “The cottages and terraces on the east side of Boyd’s court 100 feet from the uniform of row of rooms, have been vacated by former tenants and even now are being transformed into gaudy brothels. The homelike appearance that formerly prevailed is being wiped out by the frightful suggestiveness of what is to come.” 

 

In 1910 William Boyd had moved to Wall Street in Salt Lake and listed his parents as being born in Pennsylvania and Illinois. There must have been a falling out with his father ‘family as the 1920 he listed his parents as simply being born in the United States and by 1930 William Boyd had moved his family from Utah, stated while he was born in Utah, he said his father was born in New Hampshire and mother in Montana.

 

An obituary for William Boyd was published in California. “William C. Boyd Taken By Death. William C. Boyd, grandfather pf Mrs. Maxine Orsburn and Lavon Lopez, of Wilmington, passed away yesterday [3 April 1950] in a Los Angeles Hospital. He was 84 years of age and had been ill for only a short time.”

 

“In Addition to the two local residents Mr. Boyd us survived by his widow Harriet and seven children: Claude, Clarence, and George Boyd of Los Angeles; Pearl Sullivan and Harriett Hansen of Montebello, Hazel Sadrup of Venice, Ivy Hadley of Lomita, and 21 grandchildren. The decease was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ , Later Day Saints. Funeral Service will be held at Pierce Brothers Mortuary in Inglewood.”

 

The California death index listed him as “William Blair” Boyd born 6 June 1874 and died 3 April 1950 Mother’s maiden name Baldwin.

 

Captain Benjamin Pierce Brown

146 South Fourth [Fifth] West

Benjamin Pearce Brown

BIRTH

31 Dec 1831

Staten Island, Richmond County (Staten Island), New York, USA

DEATH

14 Sep 1905 (aged 73)

Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, USA

BURIAL

Salt Lake City Cemetery

Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, USA

 

One of the earlier residences of Block 64 was that of Captain Benjamin Pierce Brown [1831-1905]. He was born on Staten Island, New York  and came with his wife Rebecca Webb Brown [1837-1922]  and a daughter to Utah in 1860 in the Jesse Murphy Company where he served as a Captain of Ten.  His wife’s obituary stated, “she crossed the plains by mule team in 1860, settling in American Fork, coming to Salt Lake seven years later.”

 

In the 1869 directory of Salt Lake City, Brown was listed as a farmer living in the Fifteenth Ward at Fourth [Fifth] West between First and Second South.

 

According to the 1880 federal census Brown was one of only three families list living on the Fourth [Fifth] West side of Block 64. His family dwelling was number 111 and his occupation was given as a “ship carpenter” with a wife and seven children between the ages of 19 and 4. All his children were born in Utah. His neighbor to the south was Jasper Conrad at the corner of Fourth [Fifth] West and Second South  and to the north Henry Moore at the corner of Fourth [Fifth] [Fifth] West and First South.

 

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed that 146 South was in the northern portion of Lot One. The home on the property in 1889 was a one-story adobe structure with some wooden additions to it. with an easement north of the residence west into the interior of Block 64 that connected with the George W. Boyd easement that went south to Second South Street. In 1901 Boyd gave a warranty deed to Benjamin P Brown  for part of Lot Two Block 64 plat A for $50 that contained this easement.

 

A Salt Lake Herald article form 25 December 1889 listed building permits for “The Structures Raised the Present Year” stating that “over Two Million Dollars in New Buildings and Additions.” The article listed permits by city wards and Benjamin P. Brown was listed among those in the Fifteenth Ward. He had a brick residence built at the cost of $4,000 and a brick store for $500. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a one-story brick dwelling on the property however the easement to the north into the interior of Block 64 had been eliminated.

 

The 1890 city directory listed Benjamin P Brown him as a farmer and in that year, [1 Jan 1890] “B.P. Brown 146 South Fourth [Fifth] West brick house,  nine-room $3000.”

 

In August 1895 Benjamin P. Brown’s wife Rebecca was listed as one of four women delegates from the Fifteenth ward to the Democratic County Convention. Among the thirteen men were James Hegney, Thomas P Lewis, Ephraim G Holding, and William H. Chamberlin. At a meeting of Democratic Women in  September 1895, women from the Second Precinct that were part of the Committee of One Hundred included Mrs. B.P Brown, Mrs. Ephraim G Holding, Mrs. Alice Butterworth, and Mrs. Martha Baldwin

 

 The Browns continued to be active in Democratic politics and in 1900 their home was used as a place where a Democratic caucus was held.

 

 

The 1900 federal census showed that the home was still the residence of Benjamin Pierce  Brown along with his wife and two adult children. He was still living at this 146 South address in 1902 but by 1904 Benjamin P Brown had moved to Thirteenth South and Tenth East where he died in  1905 at the age of 74 years. His will oddly described his property in Block 64 as being in Lot 2 and not Lot 1.

 

His wife and heirs sued  a man named John F Whittemore over property Brown owned at 379 West

 

Augustus Richmond Carter

533 and 531 West First South

A one-story adobe dwelling was 80 feet to the east of the home at 545 West according to the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. By 1898 it had been replaced with a two-story brick duplex that was 34 feet wide. The duplex had the address of 533 West and 531 West and was a two-story wooden porch was at the back of the duplex. The 1894 city directory listed Augustus R Carter “mining” at this address. 

 

Augustus R Carter [1849-1935] was reported to be one of the “most prominent men in the booming city of Salt Lake”. He was born in Belfast, Maine where his father was a ship captain.  His obituary stated, “at an early age came to Utah, where as a youth he was connected with the construction of the Union Pacific railroad.” He was also in charge  a section of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. “In Later years he owned and operated mining properties in Park Valley [Box Elder County] and in Big Cottonwood canyon.”

 

An article regarding his campaigning for city council in 1907 stated he “was born and raised in the good old town of Belfast Maine, the State where all ‘good’ people come from and migrated to the Western country in 1871, landing in California where he remained with the ‘native sons’ for nine years, coming to Salt Lake in 1880 as purchasing agent for the construction department of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, a position he held for three years.”

 

Augustus R. Carter married Abbie Henderson in 1871 in Maine and as that all of his six children were born in Maine between 1873 and 1882, either this information was not accurate, or he made several return visits to Maine. 

 

Further information conveyed the following, “In Nevada and California, he engaged in mining enterprises and has been prominent in Utah mining for a for a number of years . At present [1907] he is in the real estate business.”

 

In January 1900 Augustus R Carter was picked as a juror to hear the trail of Capt. Fred Mills for the killing of John C Melveney. “When the court opened in the morning [January 12] the name A.R. Carter of Salt Lake was called and twenty-minutes later  Mr. Carter the forty-seventh man drawn, was accepted by both sides and sworn in as the twelfth juror in the case.”

 

“Mr. Carter was born in Maine, has lived in Utah  seventeen years, and is engaged in mining. Mr. Carter was juror in the [Charles] Thiede murder case and also in the Italian murder case which followed it.”  Charles Thiede was found guilty of murdering his wife in 1896 and hanged. He was “the seventh white man who has been executed in Utah but the second one hung. The remaining five were shot.” 

 

The 1900 federal census listed 47-year-old Augustus R Carter as a mining man. The census was taken in June while he was in Alaska therefore his wife must have answered the census questions. He was listed as a married man with four adult children living with him at this address. A son died of Cholera in 1883 in Belfast and a daughter must have also died young. 

 

Augustus R. Carter created the Alaska Mining Company to participate in the Alaska Gold Rush. In March “The Alaska Gold Mining company is the name of a new corporation in process of formation with a capital of $30,000.” 

 

Carter secured financial investors from prominent Salt Lake financiers and some of the principals involved in the company were  men who lived in Block 64.

 

An article about the formation of the company stated, “Estimates of the cost of the machinery are big, supplied by Salt Lake and Seattle firms. It was said yesterday [6 March] that the new company will send over twenty men to the north about the 1^st of May.”

 

“A.R. Carter, manager of the Alaska Gold Mining Company, organized a short time ago, to operate in the Cape Nome district, is busy making preparations to go to the far north.”

 

“Several well-known Salt Lakers will accompany him and arrangements for the accommodations on a boat leaving Seattle about May 20 have been closed.” 

 

By the end of the week there will be a large exodus of Salt Lake citizens towards Cape Nome. Some of the advance guard has already gone.”

 

“When last night’s [5 May] Oregon Short Line train pulled out for the north, it had on board A.R. Carter, who goes to Nome to manage the operations of the Alaska Gold Mining company, a Salt Lake corporation organized a couple of months ago to work a group of claims located a year ago by Elwood Madden , formerly of Ogden.”

 

“Mr. Carter has arrange for transportation for a party of fifty-Three persons, who will join him at Seattle in about a week or ten days.” 

 

“His company has ordered about fifty ton of machinery and supplies so Mr. Carter goes into the northern camp equipped for operations on a large scale.”

 

Carter wrote to those planning to came to Seattle to join him that, “with the present rush for Seattle it is next to impossible to get waited upon in the outfitting of stores there, and prices are also on the climb.” “His advice therefore to all who intend to go from here is to buy everything they need and ship it to Seattle. They will then know what they are buying and will have the satisfaction of being able to cease worrying as well as being money ahead.”

 

Interest in the Alaskan venture was significant enough for the Salt Lake Herald to send a special correspondent to write his impressions. “They’re Off For Nome- Utah Contingent Makes a Start From Seattle. Hope to a High Pitch- Capt. Carter’s Crowd Leaves On the Tacoma- Salt Lake and His wife Get Separated in the Confusion Incident to Sailing- Horsefall Disguises Himself in Woman’s Attire- All in Good Spirits.”

 

“(Special Correspondence) Seattle Wash. May 21- Last night terminated the anxiety of the Utah contingent bound for Cape Nome. The steamer Tacoma, which was booked to leave May 25, was delayed five days mostly on account of freight she was taking aboard, and 1,900 tons is the admitted weight of her cargo.

 

“Five hundred and fifty individuals, including many Utahns, took passage on the ex-transport and no doubt, now that she has been headed for Nome in about twelve hours, every heart is experiencing the rapture hope of fabulous riches to come.”

 

“The Tacoma could only take ten of our horses, and we have yet several thousand feet of lumber, a number of scrapers, some machinery and pipe, hay and grain which will go forward on the Victoria about Sunday.”

 

“I was left here by Mr. Carter to look after the forwarding of the balance of the freight and the bringing through on the Farallon of eight horses.”

 

“Of all the busy men in Seattle, I do not think any were more rushed for the last week than A.R. Carter. He had lost, through some sickness, the services of Elwood Madden, and was compelled to be up day and night. But he weathered it and when I shook hands with him at 2 o’clock this morning as the Tacoma backed from the wharf, he was as well, happy, and cheerful as ever.” 

 

“Mr. Madden was much better and assured me he would he perfectly well by the time the golden shores are in sight.”

 

“Mr. and Mrs. Buck, although thoroughly in the swim at the last accounts, had not been able to find each other on the vessel. They either got in the wrong staterooms or the steamship company made a serious error in numbering their tickets and berths. But some of the boys said they would assist them to find each other before they go to Nome.”

 

“The Seattle Post Intelligencer records as one of the passengers, ‘Mrs. Horsfall’. As nothing was seen of Engineer Horsfall for the last day or two, some good reason no doubt has prompted him to don a “Mother Hubbard’. The disguise was certainly complete, but with the experience some of the boys have had, I think his identity will be revealed before he has given a half dozen steps in the skirt dance.”

 

“Slim Pilgerrim, of the Rio Grande Western does not seem to have a care in the world, and after looking at the gold sands from Nome and the piles of nuggets displayed in jewelers’ windows here, bought an extra dozen dust bags.”

 

“Mr. Carter  could have taken many contracts here to move fright at Nome at $20 per hour with his teams, but declined all, saying his machinery is the first consideration. Immense stores of provisions and material are being shipped, and there cannot be any shortage in Nome hereafter.”

 

“As to the value of this Alaska rush to Seattle, I will cite one instance; Hotel room was scarce and ten of us were given eight cots and one double bed; 75 cents each was the price, and at this rate, one room turns into the hotel’s treasury $225 per month. There are hundreds of hotels all doing business similarity, and reaping a like harvest.” 

 

The harsh realities of Alaska began to fade the Utahn’s “gold fever” and in Salt Lake newspapers headlines proclaimed, “Nome Is A Big Fake” with many more articles from disappointed adventurers. One man stated that Cape Nome  was “the most stupendous fake ever perpetrated upon the people of this or any other country.”  

 

Ships coming into Nome were held in quarantine for days as there were outbreaks of smallpox and typhoid. Sixty-four ships were counted on the beach at one time, and it was said “Smallpox and typhoid fever cases were plentiful in camp on July 1.”

 

 In July when the Utah Contingent was in Alaska,  there were between 20,000 and 30,000 people in Nome. However, “the boom was well-nigh onto a collapse and already thousands of people who had hopes of coming home with a goodly share of golden treasure began to realize the truth, that there was nothing for them there.” The sad truth was the fact that “everything worth having was taken up before the boom came on.”  

 

Carter being a mining man was among those who was disappointed in the prospects of an Alaska Gold Mine. “Under the date of Cape Nome July 3^rd, Joseph Lippman writes of discouraging features there and adds; Mr. A.R. Carter, who represents a Salt Lake syndicate, is thoroughly disgusted with the country and would be glad to be back in Salt Lake. He does not hesitate to say that if he could sell his outfit for the amount which his backers invested, he would very gladly accept the money and quit.”

 

Augustus R Carter left and had returned to Salt Lake City by September. “Carter Returns from Nome- Manager Alaska Mining Company At Home. Thinks the Northern Country Will Yet Produce some Good Mines. But He didn’t Strike Any.”

 

“Gradually the Utahns who went to seek fortune in the sands of Cape Nome are drifting back home the latest arrivals are A.R. Carter, his two sons Harry and Morris; Ed Bell, George Mullen and William Hausiam, who reached Salt Lake yesterday. William Pilgerrim who came with the party as far at Seattle, is expected here this morning [September 2]” 

 

“Mr. Carter left Nome last Spring, as manager of the Alaska Gold Mining company composed largely of Salt Lake Citizens. He went into camp with the finest outfits on machinery that landed in the diggings, but on account of the delays that unfortunately came up, the plant was only operated for a limited  time before Mr. Carter sailed for home.”

 

“The company owns a large group of claims: assessment, work for the year had to be done, for that reason the ground could not be prospected to bedrock, consequently the value of the territory was not fully determined.”

 

“But everything was put in shape for next year’s work, and before the country freezes up the belongings of the corporation will be housed in the buildings erected recently and Charley Horsfall and Ben Pierson will remain in charge during the coming winter.”

 

“The management was turned over temporarily to P.A. Snell, who will return to the states with W.C Buck and wife, and probably R. H. Nichols of Murray about Oct. 1. Mr. Snell will bring with him the first clean up from the company’s plant.”  

 

“While Cape Nome had been a great disappointment, Mr. Carter is still of the opinion it will make good camp after the bulk of the people leave.  Mr. Carter estimates that fully $300,000 worth of machinery was landed on the beach which was never set up. In most instances the men who brought it in had no title to ground to put it up on.”

 

Backs in Utah, Carter continued to be involved in mining and in 1901, two of the Carter’s daughters were married at the home at 533 West. “A most interesting double marriage was solemnized last Thursday [5 June 1902] at the home of Mr. and Mrs. August R. Carter of 533 West First street, when their daughter Ethel became the bride of A.H. Dutton, and their daughter Emma K was wedded to A. W. Leggett of Detroit, the dual ceremony  being performed by the Rev. Mr. Perkins of St. Paul’s church promptly at 8 o’clock.”

 

“The four groomsmen were Maurice Carter, Henry Carter, Harry Morrison ad Alan Lovey. The ceremony was performed in the rear parlor, which was beautifully decorated. A canopy of roses and smilax [a decorative climbing foliage used by florists] had been erected for the bridal party and all around were palms, roses, and cut flowers while the portieres [curtains hanging across a doorway] were tastefully draped. The dining room was also very prettily arranged, the table with roses on a Battenberg center piece  and rose-studded smilax extending from the chandelier to the four corners of the table, making a very effective scene. About thirty of the most intimate friends were present at the informal reception following.”

 

“Mr. and Mrs. Dutton and Mr. and Mrs. Leggett left later for a trip of a fortnight, to return and be home for the summer at 533 West First South Street. Both the brides are beautiful girls and they looked unusually so last Thursday evening in their gowns of heavy white tone cloth trimmed with Irish point lace. Each carried a shower bouquet of bride roses and maiden hair ferns.”

 

Augustus R. Carter ran for city council in 1905 on the America Party ticket but later lost his seat to L. J. Wood  in 1907. While on the council though, he was referred to as being “counted as one of the leaders of the Gentile portion of that august body.” The 1907 city directory listed Carter as a Council man representing the civic Second Ward living at 533 but in 1908 the directory listed him as “rooming” at 531 West First South.

 

By 1910 Carter had moved away from Block 64 altogether but lived in Salt Lake City for most of the remainder of his life. He left Salt Lake City in 1934 and his obituary stated that he died 26 June 1935 at the age of 86 at his home in Piedmont California. He was mentioned as being a “former resident of Salt Lake City, and well-known Utah mining man.”

 

Henry Enoch Carter

General of Utah’s Industrial

A man named Henry Enoch Carter, [1847-1921], later known as “General Carter”, became the leader of the Utah’ “Commonwealer  movement.” Henry E. Carter received the title of general “during the troublesome days of the ‘Industrial army’ craze in 1894, when unemployed men throughout the country formed themselves into companies and began a march to Washington.” Carter organized and led the mostly unemployed single men gathered in the city, “in an attempt to travel to Washington to air their grievances.” 

 

Henry E Carter was a native of Penobscot County, Maine but at a young age he moved with his family to Pepin County, Wisconsin. During the American Civil war, as a teen, he fought for the Union in Company E of the 37th Wisconsin Infantry. After being discharged, Carter then married Adeline “Ada” Clark in 1865. The couple had three sons, James Burton Carter [1867-1873] Rutherford Burchard Carter [1877-1947] and Perl Henry Carter [1885-1964].  The three daughters were Minnie Bell Carter Terry [1869-1941] Glenora [Lena] Amy Carter [1874-1897] , and Gracie Carter [1880-1891].

 

The family moved from Wisconsin to Minnesota where H. E. Carter’s family was enumerated in the 1880 Federal Census. He was living in St. Paul and was a carpenter by trade. The 1885 Minnesota state census listed the family of  H E Carter as living at Howard Lake in Wright County with five children, three daughters and two sons. 

 

Henry E. and Ada Carter’s daughter Glenora who went by the name “Lena Carter, at the age of sixteen years, Lena Carter was said to have married a man in Minnesota but as soon as a baby girl was born in May 1890 , Ruby J. Stansbury,  the couple separated,” and her mother raised “the little child the result of the unfortunate alliance.”  It is more likely that the child was born out of wedlock.

 

 Sometime, between May 1890 when  their granddaughter Ruby Stansbury [1890-1976] was born in Minnesota and June 1891 when  their daughter Gracie Carter died in Salt Lake City, the Carters moved out west to Utah. 

 

The 1892 Salt Lake City Directory only listed “Mrs. H.E. Carter” as living in the western outskirts of Salt Lake City near the Jordan River. Henry E. Carter’s whereabouts was unknown. Perhaps the couple had separated, as that Adeline Carter was listed as a “tailoress” for “Henry Gabel the Tailor” who owned a shop at 65 West Second South, although the directory stated Gabel was a resident of San Francisco, California.

 

Ada Carter’s residence was given as being between Tenth [Eleventh] West and Eleventh [Twelfth] West and between Third South and Fourth [Fifth] South “along the Jordan River.” Rutherford B. Carter, her 15-year-old son, was listed in the 1892 directory as boarding at “Riverside Ave and 3rd South” evidently with his mother. Today this area is now considered within the Poplar Grove community of Salt Lake City.

 

 Lena Carter became a tragic figure leading a life of prostitution which would keep the Carter family well into the public purview long after her father’s involvement with the Industrial Army ended.

 

By 1893 Henry E. Carter had rejoined his family and was listed as a carpenter, living at “Riverside Avenue in the Golden Park Addition”. His son Rutherford Carter was still listed as a boarder in a residence on “Riverside Avenue and Iola Avenue”. He was now 16 years old and was employed as a clerk for the Rio Grande and Western Railroad.

 

The 1894 Salt Lake City directory also mentioned “Henry E. Carter” as being a carpenter, residing at 397 Riverside Avenue in Salt Lake City. However, some newspaper accounts stated he resided at on Fourth [Fifth] South and Fifth [Sixth] West streets, which was down a block from the Rio Grande Western rail yards and depot.  

 

Salt Lake City’s Commonwealers

Henry E. Carter attended a mass meeting of Salt Lake Commonwealers in 1894. These men who attended Utah’s organizational meeting called their group the “Industrial Army” and Carter was elected their “general”, due to his oratory skills. He was chosen to lead and organize the hundreds of men who were swarming into Salt Lake City.  

 

The year 1894 was a particularly hard year for Salt Lake City as the rest of the nation. The Panic of 1893 had set in, and many of the men who had relied on employment with the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad found themselves out of work.

 

 Politically, the economic depression produced societal upheavals in Salt Lake City which contributed to the demise of the progressive Liberal Party in Utah of which the voters of the Rio Grande District were strong adherents. Additionally, thousands of desperate, displaced men were descending upon Utah from the Pacific Coast states, seeking train passage for the march on Washington D.C. The times were so desperate that unemployed laborers organized to go the nation’s capital in a highly publicized “March on Washington", to demand relief in the form of a jobs program from Congress.

 

As that in Utah, Ogden was a hub for the Union Pacific and the Rio Grande Western a hub in Salt Lake City, Commonwealer in organized “armies” descended on the territory in the Spring of 1894.

 

 The march on the nation’s capital of unemployed men was spurred on by a “self-made Ohio businessman” named Jacob Coxey. Coxey wanted the “unemployed masses” to be a “living petition” to Congress. These thousands of men who made up what was known as “Coxey’s Army”, or more formally, the “Commonwealth of Christ Army”, shorten to “Commonwealers”. 

 

This was the first time that a major protest movement demanded that Congress provide jobs and relief for working men. The Commonwealers eventually made it all the way to the nation’s capital but with little effect, as they were seen by Grover Cleveland’s administration, industrialists, and the wealthy as socialists and anarchists.

 

Thousands of unemployed men from the Pacific and Western States descended on Utah to ride the rails from Ogden and Salt Lake City eastward in the attempt to join the protest march. As those men were determined to make their way east, but for the most part, had no way to pay for transportation over the railways, many resorted to commandeering empty freight cars or what the railroad owners called “stealing a ride”. 

 

Many of Commonwealers in Utah were not from Salt Lake City but were “strangers” according to newspaper accounts. They were reported as having not been in Salt Lake for more than a few months, “many of them only a few weeks”, and thus were seen as a drain on the resources of the city which was already suffering from an economic depression caused by the Panic of 1893.

 

In Utah an “Industrial Army” of unemployed men was organized in the spring, determined to join their fellow marchers who were nationally headed for Washington D.C. 

 

The Provo Daily Enquirer newspaper reported on the newly organized “Industrial Army” on 19 April 1894. The paper wrote that General Carter had “called attention to the rules which everyone would be required to sign” as that the army was not to be viewed as “tramps”.  He said, they were to be “genuine seekers of work, not men who went to seek work and hoping they would never get it.” 

 

Carter also said he had hoped to raise an army of a thousand men from their ranks, men who would make their way to the nation's capital to demand employment relief. He reportedly suggested that “all single men should join, and as many of the married as could leave their families provided for.”  Carter never achieved his goal of a thousand men, but he did manage to recruit some three hundred men to actually join the “Industrial Army”.

 

General Carter was able to “convince and persuade” Utah politicians and businessmen to donate money and food relief for the transport of the unemployed men.  Carter had written a request, which was published in local papers, saying “To the general public we appeal to you in the interest of the Industrial Army now organized in your midst for aid in money, clothing, shoes, and blankets. Anything useful will be thankfully received. Donations will be received at State Road.”

 

Money and food relief, for the unemployed men waiting for transport, was donated by Salt Lakers sympathetic to the cause. Even Salt Lake Mayor Robert Baskin gave the “army” $200 out of city funds while many others also contributed funds and supplies. It was likely that Jim Hegney and other Liberal Party businessmen of the Rio Grande District also contributed money. They were also probably anxious and concerned regarding the amount of so many discontented single young men idle in the city. Certainly, the fear of increase crime motivated the desire to remove the unemployed transients away from the city by many business and civic leaders.

 

With the announcement of the formal organization of the Industrial Army in April, hundreds of men began arriving in Salt Lake. Reports filtered into Salt Lake that “hordes of Commonwealers” were on the move east from Washington, Oregon, and California headed for Utah. 

 

The Union Pacific Railway however refused to allow the “Commonwealers” to ride for free in their empty box cars which was an obstacle to westerners.  The railroad even called upon various western state home guards to enforce the restrictive access to their property. When they did, some riots broke out in Washington State and Idaho. In Boise, Idaho, it was reported that 149 “Commonwealers” were captured by law officers while trying to ride the Union Pacific rails for free.

 

Two companies of army infantrymen, stationed in Green River, Wyoming with two more at Pocatello, Idaho, tried to keep the Commonwealers from entering Wyoming and “stealing rides” using the Union Pacific rails that ran through the state. The effect of these shows of force however had those Commonwealer who had reached Ogden, “turning south to Salt Lake City” to “try to go east over the Rio Grande Road into Colorado.”

 

Henry E Carter in an effort to avoid such conflicts, tried to negotiate with the Rio Grande railroad officials, as well as city officials, to provide transportation for his army, and to assure “that plenty of provisions would be supplied” for the hundreds of men who wanted to travel to the nation’s capital where they would join tens of thousands of others like minded men “to present their grievances to the federal government”. 

 

The Rio Grande Railway officials in Salt Lake, like the Union Pacific owners, were fearful that the desperate commonwealers would “steal rides” in their box cars, as well as attempt to steal a train. The use of Rio Grande freight cars for transportation was also denied to the Commonwealers. 

 

In Salt Lake City a temporary camp for the hundreds of Commonwealers was set up at “Pioneer Square” in Block 48. Additionally, many of these transient men were camped near the Rio Grande and Pacific Union rail yards. Numerous accounts of petty crime were reported occurring on Second South. Soon the sheer number of indigent men in the city soon became troublesome to state and local officials.  

 

The Salt Lake Herald-Republican newspaper reported several accounts of arrests of Commonwealers, who ended up the city police court for “stealing rides”. One dated 18 May 1894, reported that “Eighteen eastbound commonwealers from the Pacific Coast were arraigned on the charges of trespass and stealing rides. They had been rounded up early in the day by Officers [John J.] Roberts and [Benedict] Seigfus in the northwestern part of the city. All were released upon their promise to leave the city at once.”

 

In May 1894, some frustrated men of General Carter’s Army, “marched out of the city and made the first stop at Murray. The following day the march was resumed and finally Lehi was reached.” There in Lehi Utah, a Union Pacific train, was “commandeered by a band of California Commonwealers”, and also a Rio Grande Western train was hijacked by a group of commonwealers who were camped at Thistle in Spanish Fork Canyon.  

 

The Union Pacific train was stopped at Provo, and the commonwealers hijackers were placed under arrest. General Carter was also arrested, along with his fellow “officers”, as the railroad men had convinced law officers that somehow Carter and the others were responsible for the actions of these men. 

 

 While General Carter had nothing to do with the hijacking of the trains, thirty-five indictments were issued against him and “members of the Carter band of Commonwealers some charged with train stealing and others with riot” .

 

Henry E. Carter’s arrest was considered to be an outrage and in the courtroom of Samuel A Merritt, Chief Justice of the Utah Territory Supreme Court, “every seat and all the available standing room was occupied,” in support.

 

Although Carter was found not guilty of having anything to do with the Lehi hijacking, Utah leaders, frustrated with the antics of the Commonwealers had Carter, as leader of the Industrial Army, convicted of “contempt of court.” He was fined $100 and sentenced to five days in the state penitentiary even though nineteen of his men were given “various lighter sentences”.

 

Eventually Carter’s Industrial Army was provided with enough funding to be transported as far as Denver mainly in an effort to get them out of state. Funds ran out in Colorado however, and even with pleas for more funding by General Carter, the Industrial Army disbanded.  “This terminated the General’s military career” and he then “devoted himself to his trade.” 

 

 Many of these disillusioned men of the Industrial Army then resorted to becoming “hoboes and tramps” in the western states. Newspapers stories for the next ten years were filled with accounts of the criminal activity of “tramps” and some even committing homosexual “outrages”.

 

Carter sunk back down into anonymity for a while and the 1896 city directory listed him at 337 Riverside Avenue working as a carpenter. Only the notoriety of his daughter Lena Carter also known as Mamie Evans kept his name in the newspapers.

 

In September 1899 Carter was being considered for a candidacy for the city Council “ “Second Precinct Candidates. H.E. Carter the carpenter and George Canning the sheep raiser, are being pushed to the front of the council by the Republicans of the Second Precinct. Republicans are not climbing over each other to get on the ticket in the Second Precinct.” 

 

Henry E Carter and his wife Ada were enumerated in the 1900 federal census as living at a home they owned at 337 Riverside Avenue in Salt Lake City.  Ada Carter stated she was the mother of six children with only five living. Henry Carter gave his occupation as a “house painter” and included in their household were their youngest son 15-year-old Pearl Henry Carter and their granddaughter  10-year-old Ruby J Stansbury. 

 

The Carter Family left Salt Lake City about 1908 and moved to Malheur County Oregon where they were enumerated in the 1910 federal census. He was listed as a farmer and owned his own farm. Adaline  C. Carter stated she was the mother of only three children , 2 living. Their20 year old granddaughter Ruby Stansbury was still living with them. By 1917 the family left Oregon and moved to Ogden Utah where his son Rutherford B Carter was living . 

 

However, two years later the 1919 Ogden City Directory stated that H.E. Carter r and his wife had moved to Caldwell, Idaho where he was a Nazarene Church minister in that community. 

 

The 1919 city directory listed Rev. Henry E Carter (Nazarene) and Adeline C Carter living at 206 Everett in Canyon County, Idaho

 

He was listed in the 1920 federal census still a resident of Caldwell, Idaho but he gave no occupation for himself. He died, in obscurity, of influenza in 1921 at the age of 75 and was buried in the Canyon Hill cemetery in Idaho.

 

“Died Monday [October 31] H.E. Carter. 75 years of age died Monday at the home of his daughter Mrs. W.A. Gainey, 215 Filmore Street. He was one of the first Nazarene preachers who came to this part of the county. He made his home with his daughter. No arrangements for the funeral have been made.”  Actually Mrs. W.A Gainey was his granddaughter Ruby J Stanbury. 

 

Ada Carter lived almost ten years longer remaining in Caldwell County, Idaho and dying in 1931 of Influenza at the age of 83 years. 

 

Thomas Eigle “Railroad Carpenter”

558 West Second South

From 1895 through 1896 Samuel M Boyd moved from the home at this address and a carpenter named Theodore Eigle, [1853-1937] employed by the Utah and Nevada Railway, replaced him at this residence.  He was a German emigrant who claimed Austria and Czechoslovakia as his birthplace although his obituary stated he was born in Bohemia once part of the Austrian Empire and after World War I part of Czechoslovakia. 

 

He came to Kansas in the mid 1870’s and joined William Cody’s Buffalo Bill’s Combination troupe in 1874. Eigle left the troupe and married in Atchison, Kansas in 1882, later moving to Dodge City where the couple had five children there before moving to Utah. They had two more children while in Salt Lake. 

 

The  1892 and 1893 city directories listed Theodore Eigle as a railroad car repairman for the Utah and Nevada Railway residing at 769 West Fifth South. In 1894 he was listed as a carpenter residing at 111 Rio Grande which was located “from Sixth [Seventh] to eighth [Ninth] between fourth and Fifth South.

 

 By 1895 the family had relocated to Second South where they rented the home of Samuel M. Boyd. In December 1895, a fire broke out behind this home.  “At 11 at night, an alarm was rung in from Box 341 on Fifth [Sixth] West between Second and Third south. The West Side department responded and handled the blaze unaided. Chief Devine went down from the central station but took no apparatus.” 

 

The fire was in a frame barn in the rear of the residence of Theodore Eigle on the north side of Second South near Fifth [Sixth]  West. The property belongs to Samuel Boyd. Mr. Eagle had two horses and a cow in the barn but got them out in safety. The fire was confined to the roof and hayloft and the damage will not exceed $100. It is thought the place was set on fire, as the family were asleep when it broke out and there was no fire near it when they retired.”  

 

The 1896 directory  listed him as a carpenter for the Utah and Nevada railroad  still residing at 558 West Second South however the 1897 city directory had the family living at 748 West first South as a car inspector. The family must have moved when Samuel Boyd moved back to this home. 

 

The 1900 federal census enumerated Theodore Eigle’s family residing in Tucker, in Utah County, where he gave his occupation as a Railroad car inspector. Tucker started as a simple railroad junction, between the main line of the Denver & Rio Grande Western railroad near the east end of the Spanish Fork River. . When a station was built here to house the helper engines used to push freight trains over Soldier Summit,[ it quickly grew into a town with a population of 500, called Clear Creek which had a boarding house, company store, and saloon. By 1900 its name was changed to Tucker. 

 

Between 1900 and 1910 the family moved back to Salt Lake City where Eigle and three of his grown sons continued to work for the railroad.  A married daughter died of the Spanish Influenza in 1919. 

 

Eigle died in the home of a son in Chicago, but the Salt Lake Tribune carried an obituary for him as he still had an offspring still living in Utah.

 

“Theodore Eigle., 88, retired railroad an, who was a western frontiersman and member of the original Buffalo Bill troupe which toured the country in the early 1870’s died Sunday [11 July 1937] at 10 a.m. of causes incident to age, at residence of a son Walter Eigle, in Chicago, according to word received by his daughter, Mrs. Theresa Koehler, in Salt Lake City.”

 

“Mr. Eigle was born January 10, 1849, in Bohemia. When 18 years old, he came to the Unites States settling in Atchison, Kansas. Three years later he moved to the frontier roundup town of Dodge City, Kansas where he joined the Buffalo Bill troupe.”

 

“For four years he remained with the company, playing various musical instruments. Returning to Atchison he became director of a dance orchestra.”

 

“He married Christina Gueswell in 1883. Although it was but an outpost, they moved in 1885 to Dodge City to make their home.”

“

After five years there, they moved to Ogden Utah where he was employed by the Denver  & Rio Grande Western Railroad mechanical department. The following year he was sent to Helper and Soldier Summit, returning to Salt Lake in 1895.”

 

“The following 30 years’ active service in Salt Lake for the railroad until his retirement in 1925. His wife died in 1914. Except for a short period spent with Mr. and Mrs. Koehler in California, he remained in Salt Lake City. About a year ago he went to Chicago where he had since lived with his son.”

 

“Surviving are four sons, Walter Eigle, Chicago, Benjamin Eigle, superintendent of the E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company  plant in Buffalo, NY, W.N. [William Nathaniel] Eigle, general freight agent for McCormick steamship company at Los Angeles, and E.F. [Ernest Frank] Eigle, Los Angles; a daughter Mrs. Koehler of Salt Lake City, six grandchildren and a great grandchild.”

 

“Funeral services and burial will be conducted in Salt Lake City, relatives here said  Sunday.” 

 

William Fidkin

122 South Fourth [Fifth] West

William Fidkin [1848-1921]  was carpenter, contractor, and builder  who did “All Kinds of Woodwork”.  He and his wife were Mormon Coverts who emigrated from England in 1874 to Salt Lake City. 

 

In 1881 William Fidkin bought from Henry Moore a parcel 2 ½ rods [42 feet 3 inches] fronting Fourth [Fifth] West, commencing 8 ½ rods [140 feet 3 inches] south from the Northeast corner of Lot eight for $400.  At the same time Thomas P. Lewis purchased the parcel to the south. Their two homes were built within a few feet of each other.

 

In 1882 William was the steward for the Vigilance Hose Company No. 4 where he was a volunteer fireman. He was also athletic as at the age of 35 he was a member of the Salt Lake Team of the Cricket Club which he played for over a decade.  As a wood worker he even made his own cricket bat.

 

“A Cricket bat has been made by Mr. Wm Fidkin of this city from native willow, cut near Farmington; the bat was used in the cricket match yesterday [30 March 1885] and stood more ‘handling’ than the eastern bats. This is the first one made in Utah and Mr. Fidkin is deserving of credit for the enterprise.” In 1893 he was captain of the Cricket Club

1888 Carpenter

 

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed Fidkin’s home to be a one-story brick dwelling. The south wall of the building abutted up to the property line of 124 West where it was only a few feet  from the neighboring adobe brick home on that property. Prior to 1898 several additional rooms were added to the home. A building permit was issued to William Fidkin for a brick addition to his home costing $125. A one-story wooden house was built at the rear of the property after 1889 and before 1898 that was given the address of 122 ½. It was probably built by 1891 as  that Edward E. and Hattie J Hennefer resided at this address until 1892, most likely in the home in the back of the lot when their one and half year-old son died. 

 

“In this city,  March 4th, 1891, Raymond W Hennefer, son of Edward and Hattie j Hennefer. Funeral March 6th, at residence of parents No. 122 South Fourth [Fifth] west Street. Friends of the family respectfully invited.

           

Mr. and Mrs. Fidkin only had three children and tragically two of them died within two months of one another also in 1891, a 6-month-old daughter named Ella and an 18-year-old son  named William Joseph Fidkin, who was their only son. He died of peritonitis.  William Fidkin’s  oldest daughter Leah Rebecca Fidkin, [1872-1952] born in England, was their only surviving child and she married George Savage Ashton in 1893.

           

The Fidkin family had only one article in the newspaper regarding having to go to court. In 1896 a Thomas White made a complaint against Mrs. Alice Fidkins for having “a dangerous “dog in her keeping. 

 

“Mrs. Fitkins [Fidkin] was brought before Judge [David H] Wenger yesterday [January 31] for keeping a dangerous dog. It appeared from the evidence that the dog was a ferocious brute, barking and snapping at everyone who passed.”

 

“His Honor fined Mrs. Fitkins a dollar, and ordered the dog killed. Mrs. Fitkins burst into tears and said the dig had always been faithful to her.  The judge said he realized the fact, but as the public must be protected  the dog must be killed.” 

 

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance map

The 1900 federal census listed William Fidkins and his wife Alice residing at 122 South Fourth [Fifth] West. He gave his occupation as a “contractor and builder.” and a native of England as was his wife. He owned his property.

 

The 1900 federal census also listed Ralph V Chamberlin residing at this address. He was a 21-year-old schoolteacher recently married in 1899 to Daisy Ferguson. He was a teacher at the LDS College and the son of William H. Chamberlin and Elizabeth Brown. He and his wife only lived there briefly before moving.

 

Joseph A Morris lived in the rear of 122  and was a 27-year-old Day Laborer, married with two children. He only lived a brief time also before moving to Fifth West where he was a teamster for a coal company. 

 

Mr. and Mrs. Fidkin also moved in 1904 from their home for nearly a quarter of a Century and  moved to 853 West First South where they loved next to their only daughter.  

 

 Alice Fidkin died 1 January 1917 at the age of 66 years and William Fidkin died in 1921. His funeral was held in the Fifteenth Ward Chapel.  He was 73 years old. 

 

“Funeral services for William Fidkin 73, veteran Salt Lake fireman were held in the Fifteenth Ward chapel Friday [December 30] About 30 members of the Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s association attended in uniform.” 

 

Warren Foster “Newspaper Man”  

536 West Second South

This address is not located on the 1889 or 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. It may have been renumbered 534 West as that the Chamberlin family had moved away from Second South by 1897. In that year  Warren and his son Willard Fosters resided at this address.

 

Warren Foster [1854-1909] “of Kansas” was the editor of the Inter-Mountain Advocate and his son Willard was listed as a printer, boarding at the same address.  The Inter-Mountain Advocate was published once a week and was a “Populist” publication that demanded “the free coinage of silver at a ratio and 16 to 1.

 

In 1891 he was the editor of the Alliance Gazette along with his brother Horace S Foster Business Manager The Gazette is the only People’s paper in Reno County.’ His brother Horace S Foster later became the editor of Hutchinson Kansas Gazette.

 

The Populist Party

Foster came to Utah in 1894 from Hutchinson Kansas, “an active member of the organization of the National Populist Party.” In Salt Lake he established the Inter-Mountain Advocate which was later changed to “Living Issues” to promote Populist ideas.  In Kansas, as well as in Utah,  Foster was a strong Populist advocate against capital punishment “which grace him a national reputation.”

 

The economic Panic of 1893 hit the working class extremely hard and there were “free soup houses” throughout Salt Lake. Warren Foster championed the cause of the unemployed and in January 1895 he gave a speech at a mass meeting of unemployed men in the “old Tunnel on Second South Street where several hundred men were present.   A conservative estimate places the number of unemployed workingmen in at between 750 and 1000 at the present time.” 

 

Later in September 1895 he spoke at a Populist Rally of the Second Precinct which was “convened in open air and open mouth session at the corner of Fourth [Fifth] West  and Second South last night for nearly an hour ranting indictment against the Republican and Democratic Parties, “a streetlamp furnished light.”

 

Warren Foster became a leader in the Populist party in Utah and was nominee for Congress from his party in 1896. Foster never held any political positions in Utah, however he “was twice the Populist candidate for Congress for Utah in 1896 and 1898.” In 1902, he was the Socialist candidate for a Supreme Judgeship. 

 

A Historical Society Proponent

Warren Foster was an advocate of creating a historical society for Utah. A newspaper account of a 25 January 1895 speech given to Utah Press Association convention, held at the Knutsford Hotel, stated, “Warren Foster explained in an interesting manner the necessity of establishing a historical society in Utah and how the one in Kansas was founded and conducted and what a grand institution it was. Mr. Foster was appointed temporary historian and the society will be started by every newspaper in Utah which will be carefully filed for futures reference and in time may be bound in neat volumes.

 

Leaving Second South

Warren Foster moved away from Second South by 1898. He was listed as living at 763 East First South Street Salt Lake City in the 1900 Federal Census. This is the location of the playground for Bryant Middle School today.  

 

Warren Foster’s Sons

Warren Foster’s son Willard Foster became a noted actor. In 1899 Willard Foster was mentioned in a Kansas newspaper as “winning distinction as an actor, son of Warren Foster. He is traveling with John S. Lindsay and his Shakespeare company. Only 18 years old, youngest Iago to ever appeared upon the stage.”

 

Foster and his son T. DeWitt Foster started a newspaper called the Aberdeen Gazette in Idaho.

 

Death of Warren Foster

Warren Foster died at the age of 55 October 1909 in Ogden. It was rumored that he had committed suicide which was false. The Ogden Standard reported reporting on his death stated that Foster, “the great advocate against capital punishment in the United States and one of the most active organizers of the Populist Party, died at the home of his brother Horace S Foster, 2158 Harrison Avenue of complications of stomach and liver diseases.”

 

“Mr. Foster was taken ill about ten days ago at Aberdeen, Idaho and came to Ogden for treatment. At time of his death was publisher and proprietor of the Aberdeen, Idaho gazette. He was assisted in the publication by his son T DeWitte Foster.”

 

“Was a loving husband and father and loyal brother made legions of friends and in political life few enemies. Funeral was held at the Odd Fellows Hall in Salt Lake before sent to Wichita Kansas  for burial.”

 

The Hutchinson Kansas carried news of his death also. “Salt Lake City newspapers, which have arrived in the city indicates that first reports to the effect that Warren Foster committed suicide were erroneous. Mr. Foster’s depth was natural and died at the home of his brother in Ogden after an illness of several weeks.” 

 

“Warren Foster was a former resident of Hutchinson. He left here fourteen or fifteen years ago and went to Salt Lake City. He came to Hutchinson from Haven and founded the Gazette, which became the official organ of the Farmer’s Alliance and was the weekly paper from which the present Gazette developed. Foster was a prominent leader of the reform movement in this section, in the time of the Farmer’s Alliance and the early Populist Day, having ability as a writer and speaker.”

 

“His brother Horace was associated with him in the publication of the newspaper and remained in Hutchinson about a year after Warren Foster left. Then he too moved to Utah, locating at Ogden. It was at Ogden that Warren ended his life on last Saturday.”

 

“Warren Foster had a son, Willard who won considerable prominence as an actor. He is married, his wife being an actress. A daughter Florence [Chamberlin] was an accomplished musician. After the family moved to Salt Lake City, Florence married but later separated from her husband. So far as known here, the children as well as the wife, survive Foster.”

 

“Warren Foster had ability but apparently was unable to make a permanent success. The older residents will remember him well.”

 

An interesting anecdote was printed that indicated Warren Foster’s liberal views.  When a letter he wrote to be “opened after his death,” was published it contained his wishes to be cremated.

 

.“I have paid rent all my life; I mean to quit when I die. For my final disposition of my old body my first wish is that it be cremated. If inconvenient or expensive, then lay me away in the potter’s field. But in no event, under any condition, am I to be buried in any cemetery where they sell lots or charge rental of any kind for keeping lots in condition. Any evasion of this request will meet my hearty disapproval for which there will be no forgiveness either in this life or the next. I want no landlord calling me up from my rest to pay his rent.”

 

Thomas Philip Lewis “Sheriff”

124 South Fourth [Fifth] West

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed directly south of  122 South was a parcel without a street address but contained a one-story adobe brick dwelling  with a detached small wooden building towards the front with the label “ice cream”. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map gave the parcel the address of 124 South. The lot was 3 rods [49 feet 6 inches]  by 10 rods [165 feet] the same as the parcel at 122 South. 

 

Thomas Philip Lewis [1843-1927] was born in Bristol, England of Welsh descent, He was a railroad construction boss, an owner  of the Cleveland mine, and Salt Lake County Sheriff. He said he came to the United States in 1870  however his eldest son was listed as born in Utah in 1868. 

 

            The 1880 federal census showed the family of Thomas P Lewis living in a boarding house in the Ely & McIntyre Mills, Tintic Precinct if Juab County. He was listed as a laborer and his wife was a milliner. They had six children living in their household the oldest being 12 and the youngest 7 months. All their children were born in Utah. In 1900 Mary Ann Lewis was said to have been the mother of nine children with three having died by 1900. 

           

Their children were William H. Lewis [1869-1894], Henry Arundel Lewis [1871-1871], Walter James Lewis [1872-1960], Martha “Mattie” J Lewis Lloyd [1874-1942] Joseph Rimron Lewis [1876-1917], May M Lewis Ryan [1878-1959], Edward “Ted” C Lewis [1880-1962], Charles Francis Lewis [1882-1882] and Elvira Lena Lewis Hollenbeck [1885-1962].

           

The Lewis family had moved from Juab County to Salt Lake City by 1881 when he purchased from Henry Moore for $400 a parcel  some 182 feet from the northeast corner of the lot of 3 rods [49 feet 3inches] .

 

The 1883-1885 Utah Directory  published by J.C Graham & Co. “containing the Name and Occupation of Every Resident in Salt Lake City and listed T. P. Lewis as a boilermaker living on the west side of Fourth [Fifth] South between first and second South. 

 

The 1885 city directory listed Thomas P Lewis was living at 124 South Fourth [Fifth] West as a carpenter. The 1890 city directory listed him at this address working as a “roadmaster for the Ft. Douglas Railway. 

 

Son Killed in Train Accident

Thomas Lewis’ 25-year-old son William H. Lewis was killed in an accident while working as a ‘roadmaster” for the Utah Central Railway in Parley’s Canyon. He was thrown from a handcar which  broke his skull.

 

“Mr. Decker , the gentleman who was with Lewis when he met his death, testified that the brake shoe on the hand car was out of order. He explained that two washers were necessary on the brake in order to make the shoe set properly to the face of the wheel, but that they were missing and consequently the shoe slipped over the outside of the wheel and would not work. He further testified that Lewis was dead when he returned to the place he had fallen off.”

 

Other witnesses were examined as to the responsibility of Lewis  taking a hand car out on the road when it was out of order. All were of the opinion that as Lewis was as road master, “he was responsible for tools that were not in condition.”

 

J E White made a voluntary statement under oath that Lewis had “at times in coming down the grade on the hand car,” rode very fast. White stated that Lewis once “missed the train for Salt Lake one day and in order to get to the city he got on the hand cart and turned it loose down the grade and caught the train. One other occasion he had seen Lewis ride out at the rate of a mile a minute and one other occasion Lewis went down the canyon on the hand cart without any brake at all.”

 

“ The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased came to his death by falling accidently on his head from a  hand car near Decker’s station on the Utah Central railway , causing concussion of the brain. The funeral will take place today [July 31] at the Fifteenth Ward Meeting house.” 

 

Candidate for Sheriff

In 1894  it was reported “Tom Lewis is making a great hustle for sheriff on the Democratic Ticket.” Tom Lewis was superintendent of construction of the Sanpete Valley Line at the time.

 

“William Mc Queen has many friends to back him for sheriff, but Tom Lewis has developed wonderful strength and the county precincts will go for him heavily. Lewis’s men were elected at every precinct last night [Oct 16] and it looks now as though Tom would win easily.” 

 

Evidently Lewis was very popular. “A large and enthusiastic lot of laboring men met in the Federated Trades hall last night and organized the Thomas P Lewis club. It was entirely non-partisan, being composed of both Democrats and Republicans. Over 150 signed the roll.” 

 

“T.P Lewis, Democratic candidate for sheriff, is a man who needs but to be known to be admired, and if ,as is now conceded, he is elected, he will make Salt Lake County one of the best Sheriffs she ever had.”

 

Those opposing Lewis’ bid for sheriff  accused him of being a member of a national organization known as the American Protective Association  and locally the Amoreines. The A.P.A. was an anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant group.

 

“Mr. Lewis, the man that he is, has through the columns of the Salt Lake Tribune, published to the world his flat denial of being a member of the A.P.A, of which he has been accused. He is the workingman’s friend, no matter what his nationality or religious convictions be.”

 

“As proof of this, we cite the voters in his mining operations in Eureka, Utah, where though the scale of wages was lowered to the lowest notch, he recognized not the cut, but continued to pay his employees he same wages they received prior to the lowing of the scale.”

 

“You earn your $3.00 per day, boys, and you shall have it while you work for me, regardless of what others pay,” said Mr. Lewis to his men.”

 

“Is this not evidence of his friendship to the workingmen? We say it is and the men whose suffrages he asks will not forget his utterances on the wage question when they go to the polls to votes next Tuesday [November 6].

 

Although Tom Lewis was a candidate, he had issues with being registered to vote. “This peculiar state of affairs is due to the omission of the registration officers, who failed to get him on the voting list, notwithstanding that the railroad construction boss and Democratic candidate for sheriff lives in the Second Precinct at 12 South Fourth [Fifth] West Street.”

 

Tom Lewis lost his bid for Sheriff by only 143 votes  and “it is stated on good authority that during the count at one poll in the Second Precinct, several Democratic ballots were adroitly brushed from the table to the floor and not counted.” 

 

In 1896 Thomas P. Lewis ran for Sheriff again and this time was elected. Upon taking office in 1897 he complained that his office had been cut from a staff of nineteen deputies, bailiffs and jailers that cost $1510 a month” to eleven men and a stenographer with a total salary roll of $785” or $75 a month for each officer. 

 

In 1898 his son Joseph R Lewis enlisted in the army during the Spanish-American War and was discharged in Florida before returning to Utah.

 

A newspaper account from April 1898 stated, “Eighteen stalwart men, whose names appear in the above list stood yesterday before the local recruiting officer with instructions from the war department.” Joseph R Lewis among those listed.  

 

 “The members of troop I (the Utah troop)  of the Second United States cavalry volunteers (Torreys’ Rough Riders)” was organized “at Salt Lake City, Utah, May 15, 1898; mustered into the United States service at Fort D.A. Russell, Wyoming, May 18, 1898” The troop was “attached to the Seventh Army, under Major General Fitzhugh Lee since June 26, 1928.”

In August Lewis was listed in Troop I of the Rough Riders under Lieutenant Colonel “John Q Cannon”

 

When the troop I was mustered out at “Camp Cuba Libre, Florida”, they voted unanimously on 28 October 1898 to present their Troop flag “to the state of Utah  through the Hon. Heber M. Wells, governor of the state.”

 

Those chosen, to be on the committee to present the standard, were unanimously elected. They were “First Sergeant Edwin H Clark, Sergeant Frank Jardine and Corporal Joseph R Lewis are unanimously elected to.   The Rough Riders standard was given to the state in  a ceremony on 15 Nov 1898.

 

 

 

The 1900 federal census listed Thomas P. Lewis’s family still living at his address in block 64. He gave his occupation as a mining man and not as sheriff. He and his wife Mary had 9 children only six living in 1900. Lewis owned the home he was living in. 

 

William Lloyd

The census showed that a 22-year-old man named William J Lloyd who worked as a teamster  was rooming with the family. In 1902 William J Lloyd, [1877-1935]  who was then a Salt Lake City Fireman still boarded at this address and would marry Thomas’ daughter Mattie in 1903.  He was the son of William T Lloyd [1855-1902] and Mattha Lloyd, and grandson of the pioneer shoemaker William J Lloyd [1823-1903]  of the Fifteenth Ward.

 

His father William T. Lloyd  “who has been prominent in police circles for several years past because of his weakness for liquor, died last night [29 March 1902], liquor having been responsible for his death. Lloyd had been drinking heavily of late, but it was not thought the liquor would have a fatal effect until he was seized with convulsions last night at the home of relatives on West First [South] Street. Acting coroner Sommer was summoned but decided that the death was due to alcoholism and then an inquest would not be necessary.” 

 

1910 Census

 In the 1910 federal census showed Thomas P Lewis listed as a “Night watchman” for a warehouse. It is probable he worked for the Redman Storage company which had built a warehouse on his adjoining lot where the Westminster Presbyterian Church was for most the years that Lewis lived in his home. William John  Lloyd was still living with this family as a son in law. The neighborhood by 1910 had become predominately Italian, Greek, or Middle Eastern.

 

Tom Lewis’ wife Mary Ann Rimron Lewis passed away in 1913 at her home at 124 South Fourth [Fifth] West at the age of 71 years. Her funeral was held in the home  Thomas P Lewis continued to live at this home until about 1915 when he move away.

 

Joseph R Lewis

            Tom Lewis’ son Joseph R Lewis was killed in an automobile accident in 1917. “Lewis Hurled From Auto Running Board- Joseph Lewis 47,  suffered a fatal skull fracture , when he fell from the running board of an automobile. The accident occurred at Third [Fourth] West and second South.”

 

“The car was in charge of Frank Byrdett, 19, 3 Merrick Court, and an employee of the Auto Supply company. Lewis, according to the story told the police, had climbed on the auto to take a ride. As the driver neared, he intersection of the two streets, a Japanese riding a bicycle appeared in the path of the auto. To avoid striking the Japanese, Burdett applied the brake and brought the car to a sudden stop. At the same instant Lewis was thrown to the pavement. He died at 1 o’clock this morning [June 12].”

 

Another account  of the accident stated, “Burdett had suddenly applied the brakes to avoid hitting a Japanese who refused to move to one side. Lewis lost his grip of the car and fell heavily to the pavement.”

 

“Lewis was once wealthy and well known is Salt Lake but of recent years has been reduced to straightened circumstances. Burdett said he was intoxicated when the accident happened.”

 

Death of Thomas P Lewis

Thomas Philip Lewis died 21 June 1927 in Salt Lake City.  His death certificate stated he lived in Utah for 58 years and his occupation was “Ex-Sheriff for Salt Lake County”, and his last residence was at 340 Post Street. His son E.C. Lewis was the informant. Salt Lake City Cemetery records show his Grave Location as “K-3-3-3W.”

 

He was survived by his second wife Hannah Evans who he married in 1921 and children Walter James Lewis.

 

“Pioneer Railway Contractor and Sheriff Is Dead. Thomas P. Lewis helped Build Many Railroads in Far West. Thomas P Lewis, 84, a former railroad contractor and sheriff of Salt Lake County in 1897-1898, died at the home of his son Edward C Lewis 340 Post Street, Tuesday.”

 

“Mr. Lewis assisted in the building of practically every railroad in Utah with the exception of the Western Pacific. During recent years he has been employed by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.

 

He was born in England April 18, 1843, and came to Utah nearly sixty years ago.  Surviving hm are his widow Hannah Lewis and the following children: Walter J., Mrs. Mattie Lloyd, Mrs. Mary Ryan, Mrs. Doll [Elvira L Hollenbeck] Hollandbeck and Edward C Lewis. Eighteen grandchildren also survive. ” 

 

William John Lloyd

William John Lloyd committed suicide in 1935 having “shot self in heart.”  “The body of William J Lloyd 58, 346 West Sixth South Street, was discovered Thursday [October 10] about 10:30 p.m. in a garage back of his home. Lloyd, police said died of a self-inflicted bullet wound. According to relatives he had been despondent for some time over ill health. Police Surgeon Henry Raile said the bullet fired from a revolver, ranged through the left side, and pierced the heart.” 

 

John McKeever

119 South and 117 South Fifth[Sixth]  West Duplex

In August 1890, the Salt Lake Tribune reported that the firm of Dallas and Hedge “have the plans for cottages to be built for Harry Evans in the Fifteen Ward.”  Harry Evans was a businessman who operated a grocery store, and these were built at the south half of his property. 

 

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a one-story brick duplex at this address. 

 

From 1895 to 1900 a railroad conductor named Emery C Allen, age 31 in 1900, lived at 119 South. Allen was from Iowa and was married with two young children. 

 

Living adjacent at 117 South in 1900 was a man named John McKeever [1848-1910] who worked as a Railroad Clerk. An announcement of arrivals at Salt Lake Hotels in 1890 mentioned John McKeever as staying at the White House Hotel on the corner of Main Street and Second South in 1890 and working for the Rio Grande western.  The 1890 city directory listed him as a roomer at 161 South Fifth West Street with his occupation given as a clerk for the Rio Grande Western Railway where he was also listed in 1892.  He married in 1892 and more than likely he lived at this address at least from 1893 until the time of his death seventeen years later.

 

McKeever was a native of New York City born to Irish parents. At the age of 17 he joined the United States Army in 1866 and served in Texas. At the age of 21 in 1869 he reenlisted in San Antonio, Texas and when his term of service expired in 1874, he married with a family and a sergeant stationed in Ft. Garland, Colorado. 

 

John and his first wife Mary McKeever had at least seven children together before her death in 1882 at Alamosa, Colorado. John McKeever remarried to Elizabeth Malone in 1892. His wedding certificate that he was of “Salt Lake City although the couple were married by a “Catholic Priest” in Kansas City, Missouri. 

 

He was involved in politics as that in 1896, he was a chairman and speaker at a Democratic meeting “held in the Second Municipal Ward last evening [Oct 29], for the benefit of the railroad men of the Rio Grande western.”  The political rally was held “at the corner of Second South and Fifth West” and was described as “Hegney’s old place.” “John McKeever presided and presented the first speaker Morris Sommers, a candidate for Justice of the Peace for the Second.” 

 

The 1900 Federal Census listed in his household his wife Elizabeth and his 21-year-old son named George who was a photographer, evidently the only child still living at home.  

 

A Mysterious Foundling

In 1904 a baby was left on the doorsteps of the McKeever’s residence which was featured in the Salt Lake newspapers. 

 

“Find A Baby At The Door. Owen Smith, Ten Days Old, Has an Adventure. Seems To Have No Parents. Well, Cared For and Placed In Home-“

 

“Carefully wrapped in a heavy shawl and warmly dressed, a babe about ten days old was found sleeping soundly about 9 o’clock last night [12 November 1904] on John McKeever’s doorstep at 117 South Fifth West Street. A bundle of clothes was found beside the infant and a nursing bottle filled with warm milk. In the bundle of clothes was a letter bearing the name Owen Smith, which is evidently the child’s name, and the note had undoubtedly been written by the mother.

 

“Please take care of my little one until I can go and get my other three little children,” the letter read, and a $5 gold piece was enclosed in the envelop. The babe was taken into the house by Mrs. McKeever and tenderly cared for until the police were notified, and the babe was taken by Officer Taylor to the Home Finding Association.

 

“Several neighbors came in during the evening and changed about, holding the infant in their arms and warming its feet in front of the fire.” 

 

“The child awakened shortly after it was brought into the house and seemed very bright. In spite of its tender age, it opened its large blue eyes and laughed and cooed as the mothers sat around the fireside and talked to it.”

 

“Mr. and Mrs. McKeever had been home all the evening and while they were reading the papers, they heard something drop on the front doorstep. They paid no attention to the noise, thinking that it was some of their neighbors’ children. A half hour later, just before going to bed, Mr. McKeever stepped out on the front porch and almost stumbled over the child.”

 

“He picked up the bundle, not realizing what it was, and turning around to the light saw that it was a baby. He called his wife, and the child was cared for.”

 

“The other bundle of clothes was carried into the house and unwrapped and several articles of clothing, consisting of stockings, long clothes and bibs were found. The nursing bottle filled with milk, a cleaner and a small package of borax  was also picked up on the porch.”

 

“After calling in the neighbors, Mr. McKeever notified the police, and Officer Taylor carried the baby to the station, and it was taken to the Home Finding association.”

 

“There is nothing that can be found that will give any clue to whom the child’s parents are, and the police doubt whether the child’s name Is Owen Smith. The letter was badly written, evidently to disguise the handwriting, but it is believed the baby’s parents  live in that vicinity .

 

The police believe that if the mother was going to get her other children, she would not have taken such means to have the child cared for but would have given it to some of her relatives or friends.”

 

The police will investigate the matter today and some of the neighbors are of the opinion that they know to whom the child belongs.”

 

Another account of the account only differed in small details. “An Infant At Police Station-Great Demand for the Little One. He was found on the Doorstep of a Private Residence. Half-Dozen Persons Wanted to Adopt Him, but He Will Go to the Home Finders.”

 

“Please take care of my little one, while I go and look after my other three little ones.”

 

“The above note, accompanied by a two-week old babe and a $5 gold piece, was found on the steps of John McKeever’s residence at 117 South Fifth West Street, shortly after 9 o’clock last night [12 November 1894]. There is no clue to the identity of the child, and it will probably be turned over to the Home Finding association unless someone calls to claim it. The babe was plainly dressed and was wrapped in a woolen shawl to protect it from the cold night wind. The child is apparently two weeks old.”

 

“Answers the Doorbell. Shortly after 9 o’clock last evening the doorbell at the McKeever residence rang. Mr. McKeever, himself, answered the call and seeing no one, was about to close the door when he discovered what he thought to be a bundle of rags lying on the steps.”

 

“As he stooped to examine the bundle, McKeever heard a smother cry and upon looking closer, discovered a tiny head encased in the shawl. The little outcast was taken inside and the police at once notified by telephone.”

 

“Baby Eats Supper. When Officer Taylor arrived at the home the baby was busily engaged in “eating Supper’ from a bottle, fitted up with a rubber attachment. The little fellow seemed quite at home and did not make any disturbance as long as he was not separated from his bottle.”

 

The babe was taken to the police station, where he was given every attention by the burly policeman. In less than an hour after the child had been brought in, Sergeant Pratt  had received half a dozen applications from persons who desired to adopt him. However, Pratt did not feel equal to the task of Solomon, so the child was turned over to the matron of the Foundling’s home. The little one will probably be turned over to some good family today.”

 

Nearly a week later news of the baby’s adoption was published. “Foundling Is Adopted. The baby that was found on the steps of the John McKeever home several days ago changed ownership twice Friday [November 18] It was given by the court to the Children’s Aid and Home Finding Association and was then adopted by Henry Johnson. The papers were signed by Judge Diehl.”

 

Tragically the baby died within a month of being adopted. “Foundling Is Dead. Mystery of Identity of a Doorstep Waif May Never Be Solved. The mystery that shrouds the identity of the foundling that was left on the doorstep of John McKeever 117 South Fifth West Street at 9 o’clock on the night of November 12, will probably always remain a mystery, as the child is dead.”

 

“When the little one was found on the McKeever doorsteps, with a basket full of fine baby clothes and a note in the bundle asking that the baby be given good care, the McKeever family fell in love with the wailing little bundle of humanity and wanted to keep it for their own. This they could not do, because they already had a large family.”

 

“The child was then taken in charge by Mrs. V.A. Stickney, superintendent of the Children Aid and Home Finding Association, whence it was adopted by the family of Patrolman Henry Johnson.”

 

“A few days ago, the child became ill of cold, which quickly developed into pneumonia, and the baby died Sunday night [December 18]. The Johnson family is as greatly grieved over the death of the child as though it had been one of their own.”

 

 In December 1909 it was published that Utah’s “Senator Reed Smoot has introduced two pension bills, one in favor of William H George and the other John McKeever, both of Salt Lake City  and both for $30 a month.” It was not mentioned why the Senator introduced the two pension bills but may have been that McKeever was a veteran. 

 

McKeever died in 1910 and his death certificate stated the place of death was at 117 South Fifth West and that his occupation was “railway clerk.” 

 

His obituary was printed in the Intermountain Catholic Newspaper. “The death of John McKeever at his residence 117 South Fifth West, last Saturday[12 March 1910] removes from this community a man that was highly respected and esteemed by all who made his acquaintance.”

 

“Mr. McKeever was born in New York March 14, 1848. At the age of 17 he entered the army but owing to his youth he was assigned to the army band as a drummer boy. He served for eight years and was discharged honorably, being at the time a sergeant.”

 

“He was twice married, and leaves five children, one daughter and four sons to morn his loss.”

 

“After leaving the army he came to Colorado and was appointed postmaster in that state. He also served as a city marshal and was in the mail service.”

 

“His second marriage, after being a widower for ten years, took place at Kansas City where he married Elizabeth Malone, the marriage ceremony being performed by Archbishop Glennon, who was the rector of St. Mary’s cathedral at the time. To his bereaved widow The Intermountain Catholic extends its deepest sympathy.”

 

“The funeral took place from St. Mary’s Cathedral last Monday. Father Brennan celebrated the Requiem Mass and spoke feelingly of the many virtues of the deceased. His proud record as a soldier of his country and faithfully supplemented by his record as a true, faithful, and loyal soldier of the cross.” 

 

“The choir from St. Patrick’s Church of which Mr. McKeever was a member from its inception, sang solemn and suitable hymns. Internment took place in Mount Calvary. Denis McGrath, Michael Boyle, Chares Ivers, Dan McNamara, Frank J Guth and Fred Brining served as pallbearers. 

 

Norman McLeod “Journalist”

531 West First South

Norman W. McLeod was a journalist who also was an editor of several small local papers over the course of several years, none of which seemed to be successful. He lived for a brief time at 533 West First South along with other family members. 

           

Norman W. McLeod was the son of Alexander and Helen MacLeod  and born in Scotland. His mother stated she emigrated in 1888 and was born March 1842.  A daughter Nellie who was a dress maker was born in 1871. Helen was the mother of 9 children, 6 alive in 1900.

           

In 1892 MacLeod  was called “formerly an attaché of the Salt Lake Herald and also the Logan Journal” who had “accepted the position of editor and assistant manager of the Utah Republican at American Fork. Mr. McLeod had been engaged in journalism in California  and the Southern States for several years and is well equipped in every way for the position he assumes.”

           

The position did not last, as did most of his career as editor of various small papers,  for the following year in 1893 he was editor of The Tuscarora  as well as The Rocky Mountain Scotsman. The 1893 city directory listed MacLeod as the publisher of the Tuscarora, offices at 231 South Main while he himself was residing at 3 Reading Court. While in the same year the Rocky Mountain Scotsman”  was touted, as “the latest venture in Salt Lake journalism. It is a sixteen page weekly filled with well prepared and interesting matter and handsomely illustrated. N.W. MacLeod is the editor with W.A. Robertson as assistant. It deserves success.”

             

It may have deserved success, but it did not last as that MacLeod started the Tooele Transcript in July 1894. “The Tooele Transcript No 1 Vol 1 has reached us [the Brigham City Bugler]. It is already one of the nicest and cleanest country newspapers published in Utah. It is independent in politics, as we are all good country papers whose object is to get the news and work for the interests of all the people in the county.”  MacLeod however sold the newspaper in August 1894 to Lorenzo Beesley and  F. E. Gabriel which still exists today [2021] as the Tooele Transcript-Bulletin.

           

MacLeod then joined a man named Scipio Africanus Kenner and his Great Campaign newspaper.  The 1895 city directory listed him as a “solicitor” for  The Great campaign. MacLeod as one of the proprietors of the Great Campaign in 1885 accused Paul Kraig, “a young man”, of embezzlement. He said “Kraig was employed by his firm and collected $35 or $40 of its money with which he skipped, supposedly to Ogden. Mr. MacLeod made complaint in United Sates Commissioner Sommer’s Court and a warrant for Kraigs was placed in the hands of the United States Marshal.” 

           

The 1896 city directory listed Norman W. MacLeod still as “solicitor” for the Great Campaign, rooming at 533 West First South along with two female relatives, his sisters Mary and Rena MacLeod who both worked as clerks for the Walker Brothers and Fyler Company.  These women in 1893 and 1894 had been listed as living in the household of Mrs. Helen Macleod who was later identified as the widow of Alexander MacLeod. 

           

These MacLeods moved away from 533 West by 1897 when they moved to 4 Amos Terrace living with Helen MacLeod widow of Alexander MacLeod.  Norman  W MacLeod was listed as the associate editor and manager of the Great Campaign residing at 4 Amos Terrace along with Nellie McLeod a dressmaker, and Rena a clerk.

           

The 1897 city directory also listed Kenner, MacLeod & Paulson, Publishers, and Proprietors of The Great Campaign offices at 39 ½ South West Temple.  Scipio A Kenner was a lawyer and editor in chief of the Great Campaign.  Peter Paulson was listed as the foreman of the Great Campaign and was residing with Norman W. MacLeod at 4 Amos terrace. 

 

By 1897 Kenner retired from the paper, which was in debt, and MacLeod  “a vigorous young writer” was “in full charge. “The Great Campaign came out yesterday [2 January 1897] with the .name of Norman W MacLeod at the top of the editorial column, Hon. S.A. Kenner having retired from management. The paper will be enlarged in a couple of weeks.” Another paper commented “The Great Campaign comes much improved typographically with the name of NW McLeod at its mast head.”

 

One paper was critical of the paper nevertheless saying, “The Great Campaign has made the mistake under new management of endorsing Thatcher’s anti-church fight.” This comment was in regard to Mormon church president Wilford Woodruff’s support of a written rule where that all Mormon General Authorities would require the approval of the First Presidency before seeking public office. The Apostle Moses Thatcher did not agree with this new rule and in 1896 was removed from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles over the issue. 

 

By 1898 Carter as “ associated editor and manager of the Great Campaign”  was  called the “new campaigner of a new Salt Lake publication devoted to politics, business, art, and the silver cause. It is edited by N.W. McLeod the former partner of S.A. Kenner.

           

MacLeod married a divorced woman named Mary C Mills in 1897  at the Cullen Hotel in Salt Lake City. The marriage did not last. “Norman W. McLeod Did Not Meet Her Expectations-‘ Mary L MacLeod yesterday  [10 January 1900] filed a suit for divorce from Norman W. McLeod on the grounds of failure to support. The complaint states that the marriage took place on April 9, 1897, in Salt Lake and that the defendant ever since failed to support the plaintiff, Mrs. McLeod asks for a decree of divorce and the custody of her two children by a former marriage.” 

 

“Alleges she had to rely upon her own labor and resources and the help of her two children by a former husband  both boys 13 and 10 respectively.” 

 

“MacLeod is a newspaper man of considerable ability. He came to this country from Scotland about twelve years ago and is now said to be a resident of Cardston, Canada.   Left for Cardston Canada  a year ago ostensibly to embark in the newspaper business in the new settlement.” 

           

The Great Campaign newspaper folded in 1899 and McLeod moved to Canada without his wife to publish the Cardston Record. While living in Canada his house went up in flame. “The home of N.W. McLeod at Cardston, Alberta was destroyed by fire on Monday [2 April 1900]. Miss Emma McLeod , a sister succeeded in saving three trunks, containing a small amount of clothing, but the remainder of the household effects were consumed by the flames. The loss is placed at $600. Mr. MacLeod is publisher of the Cardston Record, but before going north was connected with S.A. Kenner’s Great Campaign in this city, where his mother and sister also resided.”

.

 “N.W. MacLeod Returns. Newspaper Man Working Up Canadian Immigration- N.W. MacLeod , the ex-editor of the Cardston Canadian Record is here [3 January 1901] in the interest of Canadian Immigration and had about 2,000 books of information that will be distributed between here and Logan. Mr. MacLeod was the deputy recorder of Salt Lake City during the last term of Governor Wells and as city recorder during the last term and was the minute clerk during the last term of Mayor Armstrong’s incumbency. He is here in the interest of the Canadian Governments’ immigration department. Mr. MacLeod has two papers under his control-The Cardston Record and the Swift Current Courier.”

           

MacLeod returned to Utah where he moved to Manti to take another position as an editor of a small-town newspaper. “To Its credit and the benefit of its subscribers, the Manti Messenger has changed hands; and is now [17 October 1901] being edited by Mr. NW McLeod, a capable newspaper man.” 

 

“P.A. Poulson has retired from the management of the Manti Messenger and had been succeeded by NW MacLeod . Mr. Poulson proposed to go to school and educate himself. He made fair progress in that line while doing duty as a country editor.’ 

           

Within weeks MacLeod made certain elements of the town upset and he left. His distracters claimed that he had eloped and that he had been drunk and missed his train to Salt Lake City. “N. W. McLeod who has been the editor of the Manti Messenger for the last few weeks eloped Wednesday  [11 December 1901] with a young lady whose parents are well known in Manti. The young couple took the morning train for Nephi where they expected to change cars for Salt Lake. At Nephi McLeod got to drinking heavily  and missed connections with the Salt Lake Train. In the meantime, the girl’s parents had boarded the Rio Grande Western train for Provo where they intended to head off the eloping pair. They also had the agent at Manti telegraph the railroad officials to revoke McLeods mileage as he severed his connection with the Messenger by request  last week. This prevented the eloping couple from going onto Salt Lake as he the engaged had no money.”

 

 Once in Salt Lake, MacLeod rebutted the accusations made against him. “Mr. N.W. McLeod who has been the editor and publisher of the Manti Messenger for the past three months arrived in the city from the south last evening’s train [Dec 13]. In conversation with a reporter, a McLeod said he had been unfairly treated by the correspondents at Manti and Nephi in the Salt Lake papers, the former being prompted he alleges by political enmity growing out of the recent municipal election at Manti.”

 

Continuing he said, “In regard to the trouble in Nephi, in which my name was coupled with that of a young lady, I wish to say that instead of being intoxicated soon after my arrival there, as your correspondent relates, I was drugged with morphine surreptitiously mixed in a glass of whiskey by a supposed friend. This soon took effect, and I was led to a room and locked in for three hours in the afternoon. I have witnesses who overheard the plot and as soon as my evidence is complete, I intend to see if retribution will not insure. Ever since being drugged I have been seriously unwell or would have entered before now my emphatic denial of those stories sent out with the intention of doing me irreparable injury throughout the state.”

           

By 1904 MacLeod as writing for the “Mining Review of the Tri-City Times” published at American Fork Utah. “N.W. McLeod the well-known writer on the editorial staff  was given a “7 column folio , well gotten up and replete with interesting local news.”  

 

On 13 Nov 1905 in Richfield MacLeod at the age of 34 married 19-year-old Alice M Wicklund. He left that paper in 1905 to become the editor of the Salina Post in Sevier County. By early 1906 the Salina Post was “recently deserted by Editor N.W. McLeod.” He must have moved to Oregon where his son was born in 1906. 

           

The 1910 federal census enumerated showed that Norman MacLeod twice once with  his mother and sisters in  Alleghany County, Pennsylvania where he stated he was a 40-year-old  Stock Exchange Broke and 22 April residing in Manhattan New York City as a 38-year-old Stockbroker along with his wife and 3-year-old son Norman Wicklund McLeod who was born in Oregon.  Norman W. MacLeod and his second wife were divorced when she remarried in March 1917 and he died June 1917 in Los Angeles, California. 

 

His only child was a poet, writer, and editor of several literary magazines. His parents divorced and he was raised by a stepfather and his mother. He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1930  and lived and worked in a various part of the Unites States, Europe, Russia, Iraq, and Canada.  He was an American correspondent in Moscow and wrote an autobiography I never Lost Anything in Istanbul. He died at the age of 79 in 1985.  

 

Harry M Newcomer- Locomotive Engineer

 At this duplex at the addresses of 558 West and 560 West Third South Street as was the families  of Harry Newcomer [1853-1933], an engineer for the Rio Grande Western Railway and Richard Moore  a Rio Grande Brakeman.

 

Harry M Newcomer [1859-1933] was a native of Pennsylvania who was in Utah by 1884 when he married a Mormon woman.

 

Train Accidents

Working for the railroad was a dangerous occupation and engineers often had to deal with accidental deaths when their locomotives ran over careless pedestrians. In 1893 Newcomer was “at the throttle of Engine No 8” when his Rio Grande Western switch engine ran over a drunken 32-year-old William J Lucey, a member of the Sixteenth Infantry band  at Fort Douglas.  Lucey had been out drinking all night and had passed out on the tracks” near “the coal chutes on Sixth [Seventh] West in the railroad yards.”  

 

The Panic of 1893 and railroad strike of 1994 had Newcomer working as a “Hostler” for the Rio Grande and Western Railway. A hostler was a man employed to look after the horses of people staying at an inn. City directories show that he was employed as a hostler from 1895 through 1898.

 

The 1897 through 1899 Salt Lake City Directories also listed Newcomer as residing at 558 West Third South and in 1899 he was employed as an engineer again for Rio Grande Western Railway  

 

In 1901 Newcomer was involved in another accident involving Robert Beverley, a married family man and teamster, who fell in front of the “switch engine” operated by Newcomer at the corner of South Temple and Fourth [Fifth] West.  Coincidently both Lucey and Beverly left behind an infant only a few days old at the times of their deaths. 

 

Five years later, in 1906 John C. Hayes was “run down by a Rio Grande Western Switch engine at Second South and Sixth [Seventh] Street”  with engineer Harry Newcomer “in charge of the engine that struck Hayes  when  he threw himself in front of the engine.”

 

 It was reported that Hayes had been in the “saloon business many years and worked as a bartender but had just went to work for the street department.”  He was a married father of four and had a $1000 insurance policy which the paper mentioned as to suggest a darker motive for Hayes death.

 

The Quarrel Between the Newcomer Family and the More Family

An 1899 newspaper article reported on a quarrel, ending in a brawl, between Harry Newcomer and Richard Moore. The account stated, “The duo reside in the same house” but probably meant the duplex. Both of the railroad men were at the time “in the employ of the Rio Grande Western company and were good friends until a couple of days ago.”

 

A fracas between Newcomer and Moore landed the two men in police court in 1899. “The trouble occurred opposite the Rio Grande Western depot when a half dozen blows were exchanged by the railroaders.” The altercation was over their children calling each other names and throwing stones at each other, as that “the children of the families have not seen eye to eye however and a regular feud has existed between them for some time past.” These proceedings “led to the older folks indulging in fisticuffs with the result that Moore appeared as defendant in an assault and battery case upon Newcomer.” 

 

Newcomer claimed, upon “leaving his house on his way to work” was intercepted by Moore. “Come here, the latter said, I have business with you.” Moore claimed that Newcomer’s children had “bombarded his offspring with pebbles and malice aforethought and that he wanted the parent to talk it over.” 

 

The 1900 census showed that Moore did not have children, but two minor sisters of his wife, Bertha and Katie Richmond who lived with him. They were ages 11 and 10 in 1899. Newcomer daughters and son, Jeanette, Eva, and Samuel were also about the same age as the Richmond girls. They were 13, 11, and 10 respectively in 1899.

 

Newcomer “scorned the invitation” to talk about the matter. Moore claimed after “the request was refused,” Newcomer “hit him for suggesting it.” Newcomer stated that Moore first had “squared off and belted him at will with a dinner bucket.”  Then “Moore handed Newcomer a stone and said, “Hit me with it, turning to him the other side also.” Moore claimed he was “provoked over the rampages of Newcomer’s children.” 

 

The testimony given by the two men in the police court was conflicting. Moore was said to have “planted several blows on his erstwhile friend’s head and that the assailed had reached the solar plexus of the assailant.” Richard Moore’s wife testified to the fact that her husband had been hit saying he “had a big mark on his chest after the fight.”  

 

Police Court Judge Christopher B Diehl said of the testimonies, “Somebody is mistaken” in who started the fight but ruled however that Moore was the aggressor and ‘to remind him of the scripture injunction, ‘Dwell together in peace and harmony.” He imposed a fine of $5 on Moore.  

 

The judge then dismissed the quarreling fathers saying if “I had the power to make an order I would have you move a mile or two away from each other and shun the use of even a party telephone line.” The court reporter also recorded Judge Diehl’s frustration over the case “as he reached for his third glass of water”, saying, “ Between hot weather and neighborhood brawls I’ll soon be entitled as the newspapers say of the ministers, to a well-earned rest!”

 

Richard Michael Moore

Information about Richard Moore [1865- 1920] is scarce after the dust up with Harry Newcomer. He was born in Nebraska of Irish parents and had married in 1893 on Ogden. After quarreling with Harry Newcomer, he moved to a house he rented at 8 Denver Court by 1900 within Block 63.  By  1910 the family had relocated to 220 South 9^th West, and he is listed as having a daughter.

 

The 1920 census taken in January showed the family of Richard Moore living at 915 West Second South where he was still listed as working as a brakeman. He owned his home.  Some seven months later died in Los Angeles California in August 1920 and his body was brought back to Salt Lake City to be buried in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery. No mention how he died was in the papers.

 

The 1900 & 1910 Census

The 1900 federal census listed 41-year-old Henry Newcomer and his family consisting of a wife and three children. All his children were born in Utah. The 1910 Federal Census still listed the family of Harry Newcomer at this address of 558 West on Third Street.  He stated he was employed as an engineer for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad.  His wife said she was the mother of 4 children two which were still living however her obituary named a son and three daughters. Living next to the family was Camilio Rocco a 24-year-old Italian who gave his occupation as a macaroni manufacture. 

 

 A newspaper announcement in 1906 also clarifying the confusion of similar names of Newcomer with another man, wrote “The Harry Newcomb who was arrested for beating a boy in a pool-room is not Harry Newcomer, an engineer on the Rio Grande railroad. Newcomer is a “whole-souled, genial gentleman, and the confusion of names might cause a great injury to a most estimable man.”

 

The family moved from Third South about 1918 to 1262 West Second South before the 1920 Census was taken.  He retired from the railroad in May 1926.

 

Death of Harry Matthew Newcomer

Harry Newcomer died from incidents and “infirmities” of old age in August 1933. He lived still  at “1262 West Second South street.”

 

“Born in Pennsylvania, Mr. Newcomer had lived in Salt Lake more than 50 years. He had served as an engineer for the Denver & Rio Grande Western railroad for 35 years with a perfect record. For the last six years he had been retired from active service.”

 

“Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Anna Newcomer; three daughters, Mrs. L.M. Qualls, Mrs. George Stevens and Miss Anna Newcomer; son, S.H. Newcomer, all of Salt Lake, and seven grandchildren.”

 

“Services for Harry Mathew Newcomer will be held Friday at 3 p.m. in the Rose Room 36 E. 7^th So. The Brotherhood of Engineers will officiate. Friends may call at the French room in the mortuary  until time of service. Interment in Mt. Olivet cemetery under the direction o Deseret Mortuary.”

 

Mrs. Louise Priday Hamilton

While living on Third South in Block 63, Charles J. Priday’s daughter Louise, a “handsome woman rather petite in figure, very neat and trim and dresses well” married a young Scotsman named John H Hamilton [1870-1897].

 

In 1894, a newspaper reported, “a quiet wedding took place at Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Priday’s 544 West Third South, Thanksgiving evening, when their daughter Miss Lou M Priday was married to John H Hamilton. The bride was dressed in a pretty dress of cream silk with a bouquet of white roses, gloves, and slippers to match. After the ceremony was over a dainty supper was served, the room and table being handsomely decorated with chrysanthemums, carnations, and roses. The bride and bride groom received congratulations from their many friends. The presents were numerous and handsome.” 

 

            Two and a half years later in 1897, Hamilton laid “dead at the morgue with a bullet through the heart” and so commenced one of “the most important criminal cases during the year”. The murder trial was “One of the Most Noted ever Tried in Utah,” even though the “Hamiltons were not people of great prominence.” However, murder and sex always is a sensational news item.

 

The Death of John Hamilton

“Pretty Lou Hamilton” was tried for the murder of her “handsome husband” who was shot dead in the front yard of her sister’s home.  Salt Lake City newspapers printed volumes on the killing that involved a “quite an attractive and refined looking woman” and “a sober, industrious young man”, filled with lurid details of adultery.

           

The newspapers reported that John Hamilton had been “employed as a driver for the Troy Steam laundry” where he worked as a driver and “was very well spoken of by his associates. ” He “bore excellent  character.”  

 

Suspicions of an Affair

One evening, coming home from his night job finding, unexpectedly, John Hamilton found that his wife not at home. Becoming suspicious, he discovered that she was having an affair  with a “prominent young merchant named W. Charles Pavey. John Hamilton, it was reported, was in the process of suing Pavey, naming him in the divorce proceedings against his wife when he was killed.  

 

Charles Pavey  was a native Canadian who had moved to Salt Lake from California and owned a company made “wooden and willow” baskets. “All the apple baskets stamped W C P come from Pavey and Company and command the highest price,” reported an article about Pavey. At the trial of Lou Hamilton, Pavey denied having an affair with her and he later, by June 1898, moved away to Santa Rosa, California after his reputation was besmirched.

 

The Hamilton couple lived at 857 Fourth [Fifth] South in April 1897. After discovering his wife’s alleged infidelity, John Hamilton went to his father-in-law’s home on 544 West Third South where his wife was staying after their separation to inform her that he had taken “the initiatory steps towards procuring a divorce.” Lou Hamilton then left her father’s house and went to stay with her married sister and her husband Thomas Seddon at their home at 229 West First Street.  

 

The Shooting of John Hamilton

A few days later, John Hamilton “rode up on his bicycle to call upon his wife” at her brother in law’s home in the evening.  There Hamilton quarreled with his wife before he was shot dead in the front yard.

 

It was reported that during the quarrel, John Hamilton struck his wife in the mouth while she had retrieved a revolver. Then, “directly after the front door was closed behind him, the neighbors were startled by the report of six shots fired in rapid succession and immediately afterwards Hamilton’s dead body was found shot through the heart on the lawn in front of the house. A 32-caliber revolver was still warm and spent of powder. Death must have been instantaneous. It was quite dark, and no one saw shots fired.”

 

The police immediately arrived to find Hamilton dead. Questioned by the police, Seddon claimed no knowledge of how Hamilton was killed saying that the couple had had a “pleasant conversation” and that they had not quarrel. However nearby neighbors said they “heard loud voices of people quarreling”  and when Hamilton left a woman came to the door “disputing.”

 

The Arrest

Lou Hamilton was arrested and taken to police headquarters on First South and State Street. There she claimed that Hamilton had committed suicide. During the interrogation, the woman stated “the interview between her and her husband were exceedingly pleasant. He was quite jolly. I had no idea that he had any notion of shooting himself when he left me.” 

 

The police detectives noticed that her lip was quite swollen and asked what had caused it. She answered it was the result of a simple “love tap” that “her husband gave her at parting.” 

 

When the coroner examined the corpse, it was determined that the “position of the wound lead to a strong belief that the man did not kill himself.” However,  the police officers in charge, evidently swayed by Lou Hamilton, were inclined to “think he committed suicide.” The relatives of John Hamilton disputed the suicide notion entirely and reported that Lou Hamilton had threatened to kill him. 

 

Charged With Murder

Enough evidence was produced by various witnesses, however so that Lou Hamilton was charged with the murder of her husband. She went to trial in October 1897. 

 

In court Lou Hamilton claimed that she and her husband had grappled with the gun and “the weapon was discharged several times in the struggle and one of the shots inflicted a mortal wound.”  

 

The all-male jury were hesitant to convict the woman, who was “quite an attractive and refined looking woman,” and “until the scandal attending the tragedy, nothing against her character was known.”  Lou Hamilton was acquitted of the murder of her husband. 

 

Aftermath

Lou Hamilton went back to live with her parents, who had by that time moved away from 544 West Third South. In 1909 she even remarried while  living in Chicago, Illinois.

 

Dean Joseph Rice “Grocer”

503 West First South

 Dean  J Rice [1871-1949]  was born in Omaha Nebraska but by 1880 his family had moved to Evanston Wyoming. The 1880 Census of Evanston, Wyoming, listed Dean Rice’s father as a “watchman” for the rail road.

 

 Dean Rice’s father Thomas C Rice had been a Civil War soldier having enlisted in March 1863 at the New York City 16th Ward recruiting station. By 1870 he had married Alice Moore while living in Omaha, Nebraska working for the Railroad who recently migrated to the United States from Dover, England. 

 

In 1880 Thomas Rice said he was born in 1838 in New York, but parents were from Kentucky and England. Alice’s parents were Irish.

 

The family moved to Salt Lake City in 1882 and the 1890 city directory listed Thomas C Rice as a car inspector for the Union Pacific Railway and residing at 450 West Second South. His son Dean J Rice was listed as a clerk for M. J. Hardin, a grocer, and boards at 550 West Second South probably a mistake. In 1893 he is boarding at 450 West Second South with his Thomas C Rice. Dean is listed as a driver for Mrs. M J Hardin.

 

Thomas C Rice died in 1893 while he and his wife Alice were rooming at 110 South Fourth [Fifth] West which was one of the addresses for The Nevada House Hotel owned by John Sullivan.  For much of the 1890’s the Rice family lived at residences located in Block 64 on the northeast corner

 

The widow Alice Rice then became extremely active in the “George R Maxwell Post No. 5 of the Women’s Relief Corps of the Grand Army of the Republic of which she served as first  vice president in December 1894. 

 

“The George R. Maxwell, W.R.C. will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday  after this afternoon [ 13 June 1898] will celebrate the birthday of Mrs. Alice  Rice at her residence 503 Wednesday First South birthday.”

 

Alice Rice was also an active member of the Ivy Temple No. 2, Pythian Sisters, the women branch of the Knights of Pythian Brotherhood of which she served as a Trustee.  Her husband was buried in the Knights of Pythian section of the Mount Olivet cemetery as she would be and her son.

 

The 1894 the city directory listed Dean J Rice as a “grocer” residing at 502 West First South with his mother Alice Rice , the widow of Thomas C Rice.  This was probably an error as all other records show them at 503 West First South. In Salt Lake City Dean J Rice operated a grocery store at  503 West First South from 1894 through 1896. Rice moved his store  by 1897 to Block 80 at 472 West located on the northwest corner of First South and Fourth [Fifth] West. 

 

Military records show that “D J Rice” who resided at 503 West  First South  age 23 was enrolled into the county Militia in 1895.

 

Alice roomed at 110 South Fourth [Fifth] West  in 1896 while Dean Rice lived at 503 West 1^st South and worked as a grocer. Both addresses were at the south east corner of First South on Block 64. However, the following year, the 1897 city directory showed Alice residing at 69 South Third [Fourth West] with her son Dean Rice who now had his grocery store at 472 West First South in Block 80.   The shop was across the street from the passenger depot of the Oregon Short Line Rail Road.

 

By 1898 Dean Rice resided at 470 West in a one-story brick dwelling in four fourplex and his mother boarding with him. The residence shared a wall with his store. Also, a young man named “Walter John Lawson” was listed as a clerk for D J Rice and boarded at 470 West. Lawson and Rice never married and lived together until their deaths.

 

Walter John Lawson aka Loneso

Walter John Lawson is an enigma. He is listed in several censuses in Rice’s household as  a “nephew” but there is no indication that he was related to the Rice family. Also, he is called Walter “Loseno” in many city directories as well as some census records.

 

It is evident that Dean Rice knew little about how old his “nephew” was and perhaps Lawson didn’t either. The 1880 census of New York stated Lawson was born in 1876 which was confirmed  by a record of his birth 21 September 1876 to Walter John Lawson and Rachel Cohen.

 

Walter John Lawson and Rachel Cohen were married less than a month earlier on 25 Aug 1876 in Manhattan New York. Rachel Cohen was most likely Jewish as the daughter of Seelig and Hadassa Cohen. Lawson must have know his birthday as his death certificate information provided by Dean Rice gave Lawson’s birth date as 21 September 1882.

 

There is no record showing that Walter Lawson was related to the Thomas C. Rice Family in New York nor to the Moore Family. Alice Moore Rice had just immigrated to the United States in 1870 shortly before marrying in Omaha, Nebraska. Dean Rice was born in 1871.  

 

Walter Lawson was only 5 years younger than Dean Rice however in various censuses his age varied significantly. The 1900 census gave a ten years span been Rice and Lawson while the 1910 census Lawson is listed as 31 years old [1879]  and Dean Rice as 36 years old only a five-year difference. The 1920 gave a 12 years difference in their ages . Lawson was listed as 35 years old [1885] and Rice as 47 years old.  In the 1930 census also gave a 12 years difference  in ages  with Lawson’s age as 46 [1884] and Rice as 58 years old. In 1940 the ages were only ten years apart, age 59 [1881] and Rice 69 [1871].  

 

Walter Larson in all the censuses except for 1930 and 1940 was listed as a “nephew”. In 1930 he is listed as a roomer, along Rice and in 1940 was Rice’s roommate. Lawson’s surname varies in the censuses also. In 1900 he is “Loseno, in 1910 “Larson”, 1920 “Loseno”, 1930 Loseno, and in 1940 “Lawson”.

 

The exact relationship between Dean J Rice and Walter J Lawson may never be known although they lived together for at least 42 years, during many of which Rice supported Lawson.

 

The 1900’s

The 1900 census listed 28-year-old Dean Rice as living with his widow mother Alice Matilda Moore Rice and “Walter Loseno” at 470 West First South. Dean Rice stated his occupation was that of a Grocer and 18-year-old Walter Loseno” was listed as a clerk in the store. Interestingly Alice Rice was listed as the mother of 10 children with only 2 still alive in that year however there are no records of her having any children other than Dean. Alice Rice was listed as head of the household, Dean Rice as her son and Walter Loseno as “nephew”.

 

The 1902 city directory listed “Walter J Loseno” as a “grocer” at 472 West First South and residing at 470 West which continued to be the residence of Dean Rice.

 

By 1906 Dean J Rice, his mother Alice Rice, and Walter Lawson had moved to 717 West First South in block 262. His home was listed as a location for voting in the American Party’s primary.  The 1910 city directory listed Dean  J as manager of  store for “W J Loseno” who  rooms at 717 West.   This location is now beneath the I-15 Freeway.

 

The 1910’s

            The 1910 census listed the family’s residence at 717 West First South where Dean Rice owned the home and listed himself as a merchant in his own store. The store was called Success Grocery and located at 701 West on First South. In his household was his widowed mother and Walter “Larson” who was listed as unemployed.

            The Salt Lake Telegram mentioned D J Rice in a blurb called “File Another Protest.”  On 8 August 1911, the article stated, “Residents in the vicinity of Sixth [Seventh] West and First and Second South Streets have filed a communication with the city recorder protesting against the monopolizing of the intersections of these streets by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad company. The communication is signed by D. J. Rice on behalf of the residents of the west side.”

 

“It is charged that traffic across these streets is extremely dangerous, as the company permits cars to stand across the sidewalks and trains being moved back and forth  across the streets have resulted in numerous runaways. The communication asks that the company be restrained from blocking the streets or be required to place viaducts over them and the streets be closed.”

 

 Dean J Rice is mentioned most often in newspapers as being a delegate in political parties representing the west side. By 1918 Dean Rice had switched from the American Party to the Democratic Party in which he was elected a delegate.

 

In 1915 Dean Rice gave up his grocery store and found employment as a deputy county assessor. At this time Walter Lawson listed as “Loseno” was being supported by him. The 1916 through 1918 city directories listed Dean Rice simply as a “clerk” and Walter J Loseno rooming with Rice at 717 West Second South. The 1919 city directory listed Rice as a deputy county assessor, but Walter Loseno was not listed at all. The World War I registration of  men for Utah does not list Walter “Loseno” Lawson as having registered. If he was claiming to have been born in 1882, he would have been registered.

 

Dean J Rice’s mother Alice Moore Rice died in 1919 and was buried near her husband, Thomas C. Rice, in the Knights of Pythian Brotherhood section of Mount Olivet Cemetery.  

The 1920’s

The 1920 census listed Dean Rice still at his home at 717 West living with “Loseno Rice” who is listed as his  nephew and unemployed.  Rice gave his employment as being a clerk in the county assessor’s office. The 1921 and 1922 city directory listed Rice also as “deputy county assessor” living with “Walter Loseno” at 717 West who was unemployed.

 

By 1923 Dean J Rice may have lost his home as the city directory showed Lawson and he were living in a rooming house at 657 West First South. This building was near where the Utah Arts Alliance is located today at 663 West First South. Rice may have given up his house at 717 West as it may have been too burdensome for him to keep up.

 

He also changed jobs and went to work as a salesman for the Fleischmann  Company’s “Yeast for Health” product. In an advertisement for the product Rice was quoted as saying, ““I was mentally censuring myself for a forty-eight-year-old fool” writes Dean J Rice of 657 West First South Street, Salt Lake City. “The firm’s advertisement had been explicit in stating that no applicant over thirty years of age would be considered. And yet to his surprise, he was chose for the position from seventeen applicants – on account of his personal appearance.”

 

“ A victim of stomach and intestinal derangement with all the associate troubles-sallow skin, yellow tinged eyes-I sneered at the idea of yeast doing what medicine had failed to do, but fell for the ‘fad’ as I called it, and in less than three months became the miracle of the neighborhood. Not only did I come back to where I had been, but I went further-I became rejuvenated.” For his endorsement, Rice  was one of 10 people nationally who a won $100 prize.

           

Dean worked for the Fleischmann Company until 1927 when he temporarily was hired back as a clerk for the county assessor’s office, but the 1929 city directory stated he was working for the Utah and Oregon Railway company.

 

1930’s

In January 1930 a notice in a newspaper stated that Dean J Rice was one of nine deputy county assessors field deputies hired at a salary of $4 a day. His job was to appraise personal property in Salt Lake.   The 1930 census taken in April however Dean Rice gave his occupation as a commercial salesman. 

 

The 1930 census listed 58-year-old Rice as rooming at 657 still with 46 years old “Walter Loseno” who gave his occupation as a commercial artist.”             The boarding home they resided in was valued at $3000 and owned by a 73-year-old widow named Glorvina Creamer. Also living in the home was a twenty 20 old man named  Ray Rasmussen. The census stated that this home had a radio set.

 

            The 1930’s was the period in American History known as the Great Depression where work was difficult to fine. Dean Rice is not listed in the 1931 city directory but continued to live at 657 West until 1935. In 1934 he is listed in city directory as working as a laborer in the city’s park. However, a report from March 1934 he was one of six field workers employed in the county assessor’s office.  Lawson was not listed as employed the entire rest of the 1930 and would have been solely depended on Rice.

 

The 1935 city directory listed Rice and Lawson as having moved from First South to 239 West South. However, the list of street addresses does not list any such address. There’s a business at 236 West and a boarding house at 240 West but nothing for 239 West which would have been on the south side of the street.

 

Stephen C Foster

Dean J Rice was mentioned in several newspaper articles in 1937 regarding his song writing ability as well as songs he claimed were written by nineteenth century minstrel song writer Stephen C. Foster for his grandfather.

 

Dean J Rice claimed to be the grandson of Thomas D Rice, an early American minstrel performer and playwright who performed in blackface and used African American vernacular speech to become one of the most popular minstrel-show entertainers of his time. This man is considered the "father of American minstrelsy" and the originator of the ‘Jim Crow’ character.

 

However, an article from 1937 stating that Dean J Rice was the grandson of Thomas Dartmouth Rice were not factual. Either Rice believed he was the grandson of Thomas D Rice perhaps through a family legend or perhaps he even fabricated the story.

In 1937, the Salt Lake City Library, promoting “Musical Week”, showcased two songs alleged to have been written by Stephen C Foster for Thomas D Rice. “Among the works of Stephen C Foster, writer of “Swanee River”, “Old Black Joe” and other beloved folk songs of the south, are two songs written by him but never published until 1930.”

 

“They had been given to Thomas D Rice, the original “Jim Crow” of the black-face vaudeville, but never used by him. Coming down through the family they came into possession of Dean J. Rice, now a resident of Salt Lake City and a grandson of the stage ‘Jim Crow’.”

 

“ Through a news article, Josiah K. Lilley of Indianapolis learned of the unpublished songs. Permission was asked of Mr. Rice to have them published, and in 1930 J Fisher and Brother of New York City published the first edition of “Long -Ago Fay” and “This Rose Will Remind You”. These with other works of Mr. Foster will be exhibited at the library all week.”

 

Josiah K. Lilly was a collector of  Foster memorabilia for his museum called Foster Hall and the original sheet music for “This Rose will Remind You” is located in the Lester S Levy Sheet Music Collection at Johns Hopkins University.

 

Rice claimed to have two unpublished songs written by Stephen C Foster and a guitar used by Foster that had been given to Thomas D Rice and passed down through the family.  How Rice obtain the sheet music is an enigma as there is no proof that he was the grandson of Thomas D Rice as that Rice’s life is quite documented and his children are by an English wife and are well known. Dean J Rice father Thomas C Rice is not among them.  Thomas C Rice stated that his father was born in Kentucky and Thomas D Rice was born in New York City.

 

The Salt Lake Tribune mentioned Rice also in a 1937 review  of a performance by concert singer John Charles Thomas in the LDS tabernacle. It stated that one of Thomas’ songs was a composition  called “The Last Ember” written “by a Salt Laker, Dean J Rice.”

 

Another article from 1939 stated that  Dean Rice also was said to have once owned a “guitar on which Stephen Foster strummed his now famous compositions more than 80 years ago,” which “today is accumulating dust in a Salt Lake second-hand store”.  

 

“It was purchased several years ago from Dean J Rice who then lived at 657 West First Street, to who it was handed down by his grandfather, Thomas D Rice, known as the delineator of the “Jim Crow” Characterizations.” 

 

The 1940’s

In the 1940 census, 69-year-old Dean J Rice and 59-year-old Walter Lawson  were listed as “roommates”  residing at 156 West 4^th South which would have been in City Block 50 between West Temple and Second West. They were paying $10 a month for the room, and neither were employed. The 1940 city directory showed that the address of 156 West was vacant but in the a rear of the property two men lived.

 

The 1948 city directory listed Dean Rice living at 156 West Fourth South. There was a Mrs. Jennie Carey also living at that address. 156 West was listed as between Rigby Court and Chesney Court. Between Rigby Court and Devon Court was the address of 125 West .

 

The 1949 city Directory showed the Frobes Company Mining equipment moved into 156 West which is probably why Rice relocated to nearby 125 West Fourth South

 

Death of Walter John Lawson

Dean J Rice’s long-time companion or “nephew” Walter John Lawson aka Loneso died 9  September 1940. He seemed to have been an invalid for several years.

 

An obituary from 11 Sept 1940 probably provided by Dean Rice  stated, “Walter John Lawson Jr-  Private graveside services for Walter John Lawson Jr., 58, who died Monday night in a Salt Lake Hospital will be conducted Thursday at 11 am at 156 West Fourth South Street, was an invalid for many years. Unmarried, he is survived by an uncle  Dean J Rice. He was born Sept 21, 1881 in New York City, a son of Walter John and Rachel Cohen Lawson. Friends may call at 2128 South State Street Wednesday evening and Thursday until time of service.”

 

The Salt Lake Tribune printed on 13 September a brief announcement of his death. “Walter John Lawson 58 156 West Fourth South Street died of arteriosclerosis on  Sept 9.”

 

Walter John Lawson was buried in the Rice Family plot in Mount Olivet Cemetery. He was interred next to Thomas and Alice Rice.

 

Death of Dean J Rice

Dean J Rice died in 1949 in the Salt Lake General Hospital. Information from hospital records were information provided on his death certificate much of it in error. It stated he had only been a resident of Salt Lake City 40 years [1909] and names of parents unknown. The hospital was probably the county hospital at 2033 South State Street.

 

His last residence was  given as 125 West 3^rd South however the city directories showed no  such address but probably it should have been Fourth South as that he was living at 156 West Fourth South for most of the 1940’s He entered the hospital om August 13 and died at 2:10 in the morning on the 14th. He was buried in the Salt Lake Cemetery  but on the 18^th, but a plot must have been located as that a week later on August 25   his remains  were removed to Mount Olivet Cemetery and buried next to Walter John Lawson and his parents.

 

There was no obituary for Dean J Rice only a death notice in the newspaper “Dean J Rice 78 , 125 W. 4th South died Sunday at 2:10 am. At a local hospital of causes incident to age.”

Poems

Dean J Rice wrote several poetic pieces published in Salt Lake Newspapers and composed some songs. The poems that were published had a social or political commentary connected with them. The first published was printed May 1901 in the Salt Lake Herald,  called “Where Gold Is Found.”

 

The red lights flare and the white lights glare

The main street’s length a-down

And the noise and shout of the drinking bout

Rings loud on the midnight town.

 

The sure-thing man with a new “flim flam”

Like an angler lies in wait.”

He is looking sharp for  a likely “mark.”

To bite at the tempting bait.

The glasses clink and the revelers drink.

At the bar of the dive saloon

While to and fro mad dancers go

O’er the floor of the dive dance-room.

 

When hark you! What? ‘Tis a pistol shot.

Then a muttering mob runs by-

But their man has flown on the trusty roan.

As fast as its hoods can fly.

 

A man is dead, and his murderer fled-

So ends the revelry.

And a cheated noose hands limp an loose

From the branch of a blighted tree.

 

The red lights pale, and white lights fail.

In the face of the new-born day.

And the miners climb up the hill to the mine.

To drill at the rocks that Pay. 

 

 The second poem published by The Salt Lake Herald  in November 1908 and was a political commentary on the size of  William Howard Taft who was running for President in 1908. Mentioned at Teddy Roosevelt who picked Taft as his successor and Frank Hitchcock who ran Taft’s campaign.  The poem was called “Poor Old Chair.”

 “If Taft is elected.

Whom T. R. selected.

The great Teddy bear.

He’s so fat and so bulky.

So ponderously hulky

We fear for the chair.

 

Let Hitchcock, the chairman,

Act as Repairman

Let Ted lend a hand.

It’s now for extension.

To meet his mension

Else Taft shall stand.

 

See well to the legs of it,

Put extra pegs in it.

Long suffering seat.

It needs to be polished.

It’s almost demolished.

It shows marks of feet.

 

Make it recline.

As if divining

He’ll always lie back.

It’s bottom strengthen,

Broaden and lengthen,

and there leave a tack D J Rice

 

There were probably many poems that were never published but one lamenting the low wages of school teachers was printed June 1920 in the Salt Lake Tribune called “The Schoolmarm’s Vacation.”

 

Where do the schoolmarms spend their staid vacations?

That aggregation erudite, mathematically, correct?

Tell me O Muse-of Wisdom’s predications.

To spend the summer where do they elect,

Where o they go?-you say to elevations

To glacial mountains where the snows endure,

Where Nature, with psycho manipulations,

Quiets the nerves and gives hay fever cure.

 

To woodlands wild you say they find distraction

From thoughts of grammar, rhetoric, and Greek

To such an audience with satisfaction

Nature in various languages may speak,’

And there the humble people of the forest,

Choppers of wood, old hermits, and that kind,

Will learn their lowly lot is not the sorest.

After this visitation for the supermind?

 

 Quit kidding, Muse, you make me tired and weary.

With Woodlands wild and mountains capped with snow.

Come down to fact, your only peddling theory.

Anent the schoolmarms-I know where they go

From what I know about their yearly earnings.

They’ll hock the jewels for a three month’s loan.

And what they’ll lay out on vacation journeying

Won’t take them further than a meal from home.

– Dean J Rice June 8 Salt Lake

 

The last poem to make it into the newspaper was printed shortly after the death of Walter Lawson simply called “The Invocation”. The poem was published on 29 Sept 1940 and was allegory of  fascism coming to America.  

 

The web of the spider has turned to steel,

The whisper has grown to a shout.

The touches once vague, are beginning to feel.

Like cuts from a cruel Cossack’s knout.

 

Grave Patriarch blame us, for we are to blame.

We idled while tinder heaps grew.

Now, the ism that set the old world aflame

Is sparking its flint in the new.

 

So, come from the mists that have hidden you long.

Come back from the past and be known,

Once more the Gray Champion hoary, yet strong

With strength that the stronger has grown.

 

You’ll face not an Andros in princely array.

With elegant aids at his side,

You’ll hear not the drumbeat nor see the display-

You’ll meet not a soldiery tide.

 

The foes in this day lurk in halls of the state:

The college  had called them to teach.

In press and in forum they write and debate-

Too often in pulpits they preach.

 

A spirit subversion to freedom is here,

The envoys of tyrants run rife.

Gray champions hasten to once more appear-

Defender of Liberty’s life.

 

Henry Josiah Rudy “Stockman”

214 South Fourth [Fifth] West Street

A one-story brick dwelling at this address was the residence of Henry Josiah Rudy [1826-1910] which was sold to him by Mormon pioneer, Nathan J Lang [1837-1909] in 1879. 

 

Henry Rudy came to Utah in October 1862 from Pennsylvania during the Civil War in Captain James S. Brown Company along with about two hundred immigrants, forty-six wagons, and about three head of stock. They left Florence, Nebraska and made the trip in fifty-seven traveling days. He traveled with his wife and seven children.

 

In 1868  Rudy was elected to the board of directors for the Jordan Irrigation Company and in 1869 he was called to serves a mission in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania from where he returned in June 1870 bringing four Saints to Utah.  By 1871 he was elected Justice of the Peace for the Brighton Precinct which was west of the Jordan River near today’s 21^st South.

 

The 1880 federal census showed that Henry Rudy resided at the 246^th household visited in the Fifteenth ward and living on Fourth [Fifth] South.  He was a “sheep raiser.” His near neighbors were  John Butterworth, a son of Edmund Butterworth and the family of John W Jenkins a “harness maker.” In 1885 his only daughter married a son of  John W. Jenkins.

 

Rudy had investments in mines and lands west of the Jordan River. In 1890 he and Henry Buhring both had shares in the Alamo Mining Company with Buhring vice-president and Rudy Secretary. In 1891 Rudy objected paying taxes upon 400 sheep as they were taxed in the county, and he was not even permitted to drive them through the city. 

 

Fritz Henning was boarding at this address in 1895 the same year  that Henry Rudy’s son  Franklin “Frank” Henry Rudy, both put up a bond for his grandson Willis Rudy who was charged with the murder of Albert Barnard in 1892. 

 

The Murder of Albert Barnard

Barnard was a shepherd for Frank Rudy at “North Point, about twelve miles northwest of Salt Lake” A quantity of coal was stolen from a neighbor of Rudy and there was a row about it. A day later in Emigration Canyon, Barnard “expressed  the opinion” that Willis Rudy was the thief of the coal to Barnard Inglebratzen who then told Rudy what Barnard had said.

 

The two men “after hot words came to blows.”  Rudy beat Barnard with a club breaking several ribs and “did him up badly.” Barnard made his way to a ranch in Mountain Dell where he “received attention and remained for some time until he was better, and then started on July 24 to go back to the camp in the canyon.  That was the last time ever Barnard was seen alive.” 

           

The rancher who had nursed Albert Barnard went to Barnard’s camp to check on him “but there was no one there and the sheep were roaming around at will, the only other inhabitant of the camp being Barnard’s dog.” 

 

The rancher left but later returned  to find “still no sign of Barnard. The dog was still there and acted strangely running to and fro and into the brushwood. At a particular spot he stopped and barked, and it is supposed the dumb animal wanted to indicate the place where his master was buried. On the fourth day, the rancher visited the sheep camp again but even the dog had deserted and there was no sign of Barnard and noting has ever been heard of him since.” Willis Rudy and Barnard Inglebratzen after the disappearance of Albert Barnard went to Oregon.

           

In 1895, a man named George Kellogg who worked “sinking a gas well at Frank Rudy’s ranch” along with Willis Rudy and Inglebratzen who had returned to Utah. Kellogg made out an affidavit that he heard Rudy and Inglebratzen “boast of murdering Barnard” and that “they had “fixed him.” Kellogg stated that the pair said, “they had put him where he would never trouble anybody again and would say no more about stealing coal.” From Kellogg’s affidavit, a warrant was issued charging Willis Rudy and Barnard Inglebratzen with the murder of Barnard.

 

The newspaper wrote of the arrest, “Ingebrigtsen is a slender built young fellow who says he is twenty-one years of age and that his father lives in South Bountiful. He denied murdering Bernard insisting he would show up and that he was in Wyoming.”

 

 He said, “Barnard was about half crazy anyway, “Why he called matches Lucifer’s and when he wanted to say that he knowed anything he said he “snouged it” and that he would be very likely to wander around or go away without saying anything to anyway.”

 

 Rudy when interviewed by a reporter while in jail said, “ I have nothing to say, and I was told that no newspaper men would be allowed to see me.”  The reporter noted, “He is quite a youth, only 17 and lives at North Point with his folks.

           

The accused pair were released on a $2500 bond and at the preliminary trial held in April 1895, “Nearly all the population of North Point were present. After a series of conflicting testimony by witnesses Commissioner Pratt concluded that there was not probable cause to believe a crime had been committed  consequently there was no ground on which to hold the defendants and they were ordered discharged.” 

 

Henry Rudy’s Second Marriage

            After the death of his first wife Henry Rudy remarried  A newspaper reporter wrote the event was marred by the “Work of Hoodlums.”

 

“Henry Rudy aged 74 and Mrs. Sarah Blyth age 40 were married in the Temple yesterday and their troubles began upon their arrival home at 214 South Fourth [Fifth] West Street. But their trouble was not of a domestic nature and was from without. Hardly had they got into the house when a gang of young hoodlums began battering in the door and destroyed flowers in the garden.  

 

“When hoodlums in that vicinity commenced to make life a burden for them,  Mr. Rudy stood it as long as he could and when his door had been nearly battered in and his lawn and flowerbed badly damaged, he mounted the car came in town and told his troubles to policemen who promised to look into the matter.”

 

 Mr. Rudy commenting on the action youths stated, “I suppose they think it is all right” said the old gentleman, “But I don’t. Had they made a decent call, I would have been glad to have given the best we had in the house, but not when they acted like a lot of savages. No sir.” 

 

“The groom was unable to see why he should be accorded such treatment as he was aware that he had any enemies and he seemed to think  that it would be a good idea to move from a neighborhood where boys and young men had such little respect for old age and a solemn occasion.”

           

The 1900 federal census enumerated Henry Rudy and his wife Sarah at this address. He was 73 years old, and she was 43 years old, and he owned this home. By 1903 Henry Rudy sold  a portion of his lot to Delbert A Buck, the “east half of west half of Lot One Block 63 plat A for $2500.” The property consisted of  five rods [82.5 feet] by 10 rods [165 feet] on Third South near Fourth [Fifth] West.

 

The 1910 federal census has this family living at “524 West Third South, however, his obituary said his residence was at 214 South Fourth [Fifth] West.

 

The Death of Henry Rudy

On 11 June 1910, his obituary was published by The Salt Lake Herald. “HENRY RUDY DIES AFTER LONG LLNESS-Pioneer Rancher and Churchman, Who Founded Brighton, is Dead. Henry Rudy, a pioneer of Salt Lake died at his home, 214 South Fourth [Fifth] West Street, yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock. He was 84 years of age and had been gradually failing in health for the last seven or eight months. He is survived by a widow and six grown children.”

 

Mr. Rudy was formerly a resident of Pennsylvania and left his native state to come to Utah in 1862. He was an active worker in the Mormon church, and in the years 1870 and 1871 filled a mission in his native state. Two years after his arrival in Utah, he settled what has come to be called Brighton, on the west side of the Jordan river. Here he cultivated a large tract of land and engaged in sheep and cattle raising on an extensive scale in which, he was very successful.”

 

In the boom of the early days, he sold out his holdings in Brighton and moved to his last residence, 214 South Forth West Street. In retiring from the sheep and cattle raising, he retired from active life and has given his time and attention to the welfare of his family.”

 

“Eleven years ago, he buried his first wife, Anna Maria Rudy. In 1902 he married Sarah J. Lovekin, who had nursed him through a long, lingering illness, and who survives him.”

 

“Six children, three boys and three girls, survive him. They are John H. Rudy, Orson W. Rudy, Frank H. Rudy, Mrs. Sarah Canning, Mrs. Katie B. Reed, and Mrs. Christine Jenkins, all, with the exception of Bishop Frank H. Rudy, who lives in North Point, of Salt Lake, were present when the end came.””

 

“The remains may be viewed at the family residence Sunday morning from 11 to 12. The funeral will be held from the Fifteenth ward assembly hall Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock. Interment will be in City cemetery.

 

Mrs. Julia Sandberg and Children

517 West First South

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a small adobe one story dwelling on this property. It was owned by a Swedish woman named Julia Bergstrom Sandberg [1838-1903], the first wife of wife of John Christian Sandberg [1828-1909].

 

In 1881 Henry Moore sold to Thomas Conway Morris [1858-1911] for $400  property “commencing one rod [16.5 feet] from the northwest corner of Lot Eight thence south 8 ½ rods [145 feet 3 inches] and thence west 3 rods [49 feet 6 inches] back to the beginnings. Thomas Conway Morris was a son of William Vaughn Morris by his plural wife Hannah Midgley. 

 

Thomas C Morris in 1885  then sold the same parcel for $1400 to his half-brother, William Charles Morris [1844-1889], the son of Sarah Gwilt his father’s first wife.  In 1887 William C Morris, and his wife Diantha sold this parcel to Julia Sandberg for $1300,

 

Julia Bergstrom Sandberg divorced John Christian Sandberg in 1880. Their eldest surviving child was John Christian Sandberg Jr [1868-1909]. He and their other children, Julia Charlotte Sandberg Waring [1873-1954], Edward Ferdinand Sandberg [1875- 1909], and Esther Adelia Sandberg Husbands [1878-1849] were all reared at their mother’s home at 517 West First South after 1887.

 

John C. Sandberg was a Swedish Mormon convert who was a cabinet maker and operated a furniture store for years in Salt Lake City. He was in Salt Lake City by 1865 when he was mentioned among those with letters unclaimed in the Dead Letter Office. In the 1900 federal census, he stated he immigrated in 1861. Julia Sandberg stated in the 1900 census that she had immigrated to the United States in 1865.  

 

John C Sandberg had applied for citizenship in 1870 but was denied because he said he believed that plural marriage was ordained by God.  Chief Justice J. B McKean ruled in his case, “In this country a man may adopt any religion that he pleases or reject all religions if he pleases. But no man must violate our laws and plead religion as an excuse; and no alien should be made a citizen, who will not promise to obey the laws. Let natives and aliens distinctly understand that in this country license is not liberty, and crime is not religion.” 

 

Sandberg ‘satisfied’ the Court that he was not, “a man of good moral character,” and his application was rejected. Sandberg was a cabinet maker by profession.

 

            In 1875 John C. Sandberg was sent on a Mormon mission back to Sweden, leaving Julia Sandberg and his children to fend for themselves. 

 

When he returned the 42-year-old John C Sandberg married a 19-year-old girl in 1880 by whom he had eight additional children. It is not clear whether Julia and he were divorced before this marriage. John C Sandberg and Julia’s youngest daughter was born in 1878 so if she was divorced it was recent.

 

The 1880 federal census listed Julia Sandberg as residing in the Sixteenth ward, divorced, and keeping a “grocery store” with four children, two sons and two daughters. Her marital status was given as divorced however ever she often referred to herself as the widow of John C. Sandberg.  In 1881 Julia Sandberg was granted a business license so she must have supported her family operating he own business .She must have never made much money as that after buying her house, she often applied for an “abatement” from paying property taxes on her property. In 1891 Mrs. Julia Sandberg joined others “composed principally of aged and infirmed persons and widows, who wished their taxes abated because of poverty.”    Mrs. Sandberg had owed $24.20  and said she was a widow when she was actually a divorced woman.

 

It doesn’t seem that John C. Sandberg had much to do with his first family after his second marriage and they with him. It’s not certain whether he was ordered to pay Julia Sandberg any alimony as the divorce decree has not be located.

 

After 1887, Mrs. Julia Sandberg resided at the home she purchased and here she raised her four children. She and several of her children when grown were mentioned at this address of 517 West First South until 1902. 

 

The 1891 city directory listed her son John C Sandberg Jr. as working as a grocer at 120 West South Temple while living at home with his mother. His father’s residence was at 112 West South Temple next to the Sandberg Furniture Company. In 1893 this son was listed as a “packer for the H Dinwoodey Furniture Company which was a competitor of his father and which both furniture companies had several lawsuits against one another. 

 

Mrs. Julia Sandberg’s younger son was already getting in trouble by 1892 when  “Edward Sandberg, a 17-year-old boy was arrested last night [June 13] on suspicion of stealing. He was seen carrying a large number of cigarette packages and hence his arrest.”

 

John C. Sandberg Jr. left home by 1895 and moved to Spokane, Washington where he was listed as a laborer, rooming in at “the Railroaders Home”. He eventually returned to Utah and moved to Manti in 1901 after marrying Agnes Hoggan in Salt Lake City. “The employees of the San Pete Valley Railway Company presented to Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Sandberg as a wedding present a Dresden chocolate set of fifteen pieces. Mr. Sandberg has been an employee of the company for a number of years, and this kind act of his fellow employees shows that he is well thought of by all.” 

 

Mrs. Julia Sandberg’s other three children remained with their mother into the Twentieth Century. The youngest daughter Esther Sandberg was mentioned in 1894 as being a member of the “Westminster School” at the Presbyterian Church “of Fourth [Fifth] West.” The family may have become “Jack Mormons” [inactive] after Mrs. Julia Sandberg’s divorce as none of her children remained members of the Mormon Church. The article stated that Esther Sandberg was part of a church benefit with a number of other girls “for the benefit of a young colored girl in the South who is receiving her education through the efforts of the class.”  Later in 1895, Esther Sandberg was listed among the graduates of Franklin School located on the southwest corner of Seventh [Eighth] West on Second  South, “who were promoted from the district schools and are now eligible for entrance as students at the High School. .

 

However, her son Edward Sandberg found himself in newspapers for various reasons.

 

In 1895 a “hack driver” James M. Wood was indicted for assault with the intent to commit murder by stabbing Edward F Sandberg with a pocketknife three times on, October 19^th. The quarrel involved a prostitute named “Black Rose” Brown. 

Rose Brown

Rose Brown was already in the newspapers from an 1894 incident with Sim Duggins [1861-1927] a  well-known saloon man of Provo resident of Provo. Duggins using the aliases of J.C.  and “Jack” was arrested by the police after being found in “a house of ill-fame with a girl who called herself Rose Brown.” 

 

Rose Brown and Sim Duggins were arrested by the police in a house on State Street “kept by one Madam Angell while they were occupying a room where both were partly undressed, and the general circumstances were of a compromising nature.”

 

 Duggins was found guilty in June 1895 of fornication and was sentenced to nine months in prison although part of his sentence was later commuted. Sim Duggins would later in 1896 be arrested as being complicit in the death of Eveline Bonnett who died from having an abortion performed in Dr. William McCoy’s office at the West Side Drug Store on Second South.  In 1896 Rose Brown had been arrested again for prostitution and allowed to leave town in lieu of being jailed.

 

However, in October 1895 Rose Brown was evidently involved with James “Jim” Woods who jealous of her speaking to Edward Sandberg, quarreled with him and then stabbed him.

 

“His Anger Was Aroused and He Stabbed His Supposed Rival- Two Ugly Wounds-  The stabber Escaped Through the White House Saloon.”

 

“In that still hour of the morning, when the city within the city turns out and the streets are given over to the night hawks, the night line hack drivers, the soiled doves, and the overzealous searchers after pleasure or sudden wealth, there was a stabbing affray on Main Street and as a consequence, one hack man has escaped from the police and another is laid up with a severe wound under his left arm. Jim Woods is the stabber and Teddy Sandberg the stabbed.”   Teddy is a diminutive form of Edward, and this is the only occasion he was referred to by that nickname rather than as “Ed”.

 

“From the story of Sandberg, it appears that he was standing on the White House Corner just before 1 o’clock this morning [October 19] when a sporting woman came up and spoke to him. She inquired if he had seen a certain man, who she had been intimate with for a few days. He answered in the negative and dismissed the matter.”

 

“A minute later, however, Jim Woods, who was driving another night liner, came up to him and, with his ire aroused because his fairy had dared to speak to another man, he told Sandberg that if he ever spoke to the woman again, he would do several unmentionable things to him.”

 

“Sandberg protested innocence of any desire to speak with the woman and told Woods he was welcome to her chaste society without interference from that quarter.

 

“Woods called him a liar and immediately there was a warm exchange of words, ending in blows. After a few seconds Woods suddenly broke away and ran through the White House saloon. Sandberg shook himself together and called out, “Boys I’m stabbed.” The White House Hotel was located at 204 South Main Street. 

 

“The night liners laughed at him. They thought he was ‘putting on.’ But he felt blood running and was pained under the left arm. A few seconds later he was in Smith’s Drug store [179 South Main Street] pulling off his coat and exhibiting an undershirt soaked with blood, mad calling for somebody to stop him from bleeding to death. Dr. [Frank E.] Root was called and found that the injury was serious, but the knife had not penetrated far enough for make a mortal wound.”

 

“Woods made his escape through the White House saloon and into the dark block.” 

 

“Officer [William M.] Carman was notified of the occurrence and summoned Officer [Joseph R] Busby to his assistance. The two officers however were unable to find their man and it is presumed that his friends have hidden him by this time, and he will lay up until he wind sets in his quarter.”

 

“Soon after the occurrence, the fairy whose amours were the cause of all the trouble appeared upon the scene, her dark locks floating around, and inquired for the particulars. When told that the reckless Woods had done it all out of green-eyed jealousy over herself, she called up the fade remnant of a blush, and laughed gleefully at her power.” 

 

Another account of the attack on Edward Sandberg called Rose Brown the “Black Rose”.

 

“A Hickman Stabbed. Jim Woods Murderously Assaults Ed. Sandberg. A Woman Named Black Rose at the Bottom of the Affair- The Assailant Eludes the Police.”

 

“A dispute between two rival hack men over the right of one to address the man’s girl, culminated  in a murderous assault at 1:30 this morning [October 19] on the White House corner by Jim Woods upon Ed Sandberg. The latter was cut in three places and removed to  51 West Third South, where his wounds, the real extent of which cannot be learned at this time, were dressed by Dr. Root.”

 

“Woods has been canvassing the hack men for a small loan, and approaching Sandberg, the latter pleaded he had no money. Then Woods lodged exceptions to liberties he said Sandberg  had taken with Black Rose and challenged him to fight.”

 

“The latter tried to debate the question when Woods, drawing a pocket-knife with open blade from his pocket, opened the murderous attack. He bore down upon Sandberg, whipping the blade across his neck and leaving an ugly, though flesh wound.”

 

“Sandberg wheeled and began to run when another thrust landed in the small of his back which was followed by a third, that buried the knife just under the shoulder blade as Sandberg fell.”

 

“The prostrate man fought off his assailant in the position with his feet, whereupon Woods rushed into the White House Saloon and through the back door, making his escape.”

 

“ With the blood pouring from his wounds, Sandberg sprinted across the street to Smith’s Drug Store, where he was taken charge of and subsequently removed to Third South.”

 

“An examination of his clothing  revealed big rents in several places, and that he did not furnish material for the Coroner, was due to no lack of murderous exertions of Wood’s part.’

 

“The wounds are quite painful, but Dr. Beers [probably an error as Dr. Root was treating him] expressed the opinion that the injured man would be able to make the trip to his mother’s house this morning.”

 

“Woods who has been in the city but a few months, bears a bad reputation and his capture will doubtless be followed by a term in the penitentiary. Witnesses all agree that the assault was unprovoked.”

 

Later in the morning of October 19, Jim Woods was found hiding in a lodging house on Franklin Avenue [Edison Street] and arrested. 

 

“Sandberg’s Assailant Caught. Wood’s Held to Answer for His Victim’s Wounds. Jim Woods, the hack driver who drew his knife across Ed Sandberg’s throat and then plunged it twice into his victim’s back, after which he made his escape, was overtaken in the Park City House, Franklin Avenue, at 5 o’clock yesterday morning [October 19] an removed to the city jail, where he was locked up.”

 

“The capture was effected by Sergeant [George R.] Raleigh, who, later in the day, swore to a complaint before Police Justice [Grant H.] Smith, charging Woods with assault with a deadly weapon with which to do great bodily harm. The warrant was served to the accused and at 2 o’clock in the afternoon  the prisoner was arraigned in the presence of a formidable gathering of cabbies, whose sympathies were arrayed against Woods and who believed him, in view of his latest escapade, a ripe subject for the penitentiary.”

 

“Woods entered a plea of not guilty, whereupon the court fixed his bail at $250, and the accused was remanded to the city jail, with notice to appear for examination Tuesday next. Then the friends of the prisoner set out to raise the amount but had not succeeded when darkness fell about the jail.”

 

“Sandberg, the wounded hack man, was removed to his home early in the morning, where Dr. Root is attending him. The doctor says it is impossible to predict what turn the wound in the region of the shoulder blade will be, or how serious results of the stabbing may be. until further developments.” 

 

After Jim Woods was lodged in jail so was Rose Brown. “Rose Brown Threw Stones. Then an Officer Threw Her into Prison”- It will cost Rose Brown just $7 to throw stones when she might have thrown bouquets at the window of her imprisoned lover yesterday morning [October 23].”

 

“In default of the amount which was exacted to her by Judge [Grant H.] Smith in Police court, she was sent to jail for seven days, where naught separates her from the idol of her heart but the iron gratings the cover the prison door.”

 

“Rose is the mischievous sprite who recently aroused Jim Wood’s jealousy, and who in a fit, undertook to furnish Ed Sandberg to the Coroner. She had not been permitted to see Woods since his incarceration, and early yesterday morning was pecking at the window of his cell with pebbles when an officer appeared and placed her behind bars. Her Jim will have his trial before Judge Smith today, provided the victim of his murderous thrusts is able to appear in court.”

 

Jim Woods trial took place on November 14. The defense claimed that it was Sandberg that provoked the fight over his jealousy of Rose Brown and not the other way around.  “As usual there was a woman in the case, and both men sought to bask in the sunshine of her smiles. Wood, however, seemed to have a corner on the woman’s affections and when Sandberg found it impossible to get within the distance flag, the green-eyes monster began to get in his work.”

 

“Then it was that Sandberg began to make threats against Wood, and in time they came together. Sandberg was worsted quickly, and he retaliated by having his rival arrested upon the charge of assault with intent to murder.”

 

“This in brief was the story as told by a large  number of witnesses for the defense, but the jury found Wood guilty of assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to do bodily harm. Wood desired immediate sentence and was given five months in the penitentiary.”

 

No more is learned of Jim Woods however Rose Brown,  in 1896, was arrested again charged with prostitution and was allowed to leave town in lieu of being jailed. Edward Sandberg was listed in the 1896 city directory as a hack driver living at home. He was called “a hack man’ in several newspaper accounts also.  A hack was a vehicle for hire.

 

In 1897  the city directory only listed Mrs. Julia Sandberg and two of her children at home. Her 19-year-old daughter Esther  was a milliner or hat maker, and 24-year-old son Edward F. was listed as a teamster.

 

The 1898 city directory listed Julia Sandberg and three of her children at this address. No occupation was given for her, or her daughter and Edward was listed as a “laborer.” 

 

In 1899 Ed  Sandberg was called to testify as a witness in the murder trial of John H. Benbrook, charged with the murder of Burton C. Morris, the nephew of William Vaughn Morris. An account of the trial stated, “Ed Sandberg who seemed to be about 30 years of age, surprised the court room saying he was 24 and also unmarried.”

 

The 1899 city directory listed Mrs. Julia Sandberg as the widow of John C Sandberg and her daughter Julia C Sandberg was employed as a clerk in the Walkers Brothers Dry Goods Company. Edward was listed as laborer and ester had no occupation given for her. 

 

The 1900 federal census listed 61-year-old Julia Sandberg at this same address, a home which she owned.  She stated she was a widow although she actually was simply a divorced woman. Three of her grown children were living with her. Julia C Sandberg, a 27-year-old daughter was a “sales lady.” Her 25-year-old son Edward Sandberg was a “livery stable man,” and 22-year-old Esther Sandberg had no occupation given. 

 

 Ed Sandberg would leave home in 1901 as the city directory stated that “Edward F. Sandberg” moved to Butte Montana.  Esther Sandberg married Edward Millard Husbands [1869-1945] in 1901. She had gone to school with several of his siblings including Amy Husbands who married George McKeever whose father John lived at 117 South Fifth West Street.  They may all have been friends as they all moved to Spokane, Washington by 1910.

 

By 1902  Mrs. Julia Sandberg had moved away herself from 517 West to 366 West Fifth South where her married daughter Esther Husband was living. Her health may have been failing as she died 30 October 1903 at 646 Emery Street the residence of her married daughter Esther Husbands.  . The following year Edward Sandberg had returned to Salt Lake and was rooming at 329 South West Temple working as a “hack driver”. Mrs. Sandberg was no longer listed in the directory. 

 

After the death of their mother the family left Block 64 and moved out of state to Spokane Washington  and Butte, Montana.

 

John Christian Sandberg Sr died in July 1909 and none of his children by Julia were mentioned in his obituary.

John C. Sandberg Jr

Coincidently both Julia Sandberg’s sons John Christian Jr and Edward Ferdinand died in 1909 as did their father. John C. Jr died in April in Spokane Washington and was buried in the Salt Lake Cemetery. 

 

“John Sandberg , formerly a locomotive engineer on the Sanpete Valley Railroad in this section., is lying at the point of death at Spokane, Washington, suffering with cancer of the hip. Several months ago, he resigned from his work on account of his ill health, leaving his wife and son with relatives and friends at Manti. He first took treatment at a sanitarium but was gradually growing worse. He continued to travel in search of health but was obliged to give up and go to the hospital. His wife and son were informed of his illness and immediately started for Washington. Mr. Sandberg has made Manti his home for many years.”

 

“Funeral serviced to be held Friday under the auspices of the Old Fellows. Mr. Sandberg had suffered from Cancer of the hip. He was in Spokane at the time of his death, where he went for treatment. His widow and little boy and his sisters were at his bedside when the end came.

 

“Jack Sandberg or “Sandy” as he was familiarly called by all fellow employees, was a man whose heart was as big as an ox, a faithful, tried, and true workman, beloved by all who knew him and if he had an enemy on earth, it was himself.”

 

“His last words were “I am ready to go home.”

 

Edward F. Sandberg

Edward F Sandberg’s wife filed for divorce after two years of marriage claiming he had attacked her with a hatchet. “In a bill for divorce filed in the District Court this morning [6 June 1905] by Mrs. Minnie W Sandberg, she declares that her husband, Edward F Sandberg, attacked her with a hatchet on June 1, 1905, and cut hand bruised her arm. She asserts that he knocked her down while they were at their home 547 South West Temple Street.” 

 

“On May 13, she declares their affairs reached a climax. On that day she says her husband made false accusations against her and called her names. Since then, she says he has refused to provide for her. They were married at Pocatello, Idaho May 13, 1903. Sandberg is said to be owner of considerable personal property.” 

 

Edward F Sandberg died Island Park Montana, in September 1909 and was buried on the 29th  in  the Salt Lake City near his mother’s grave. There were no mention of his death in the newspapers, but his surviving sisters must have had him brought back to Salt Lake to be buried. 

 

Julia Sandberg Waring and Esther Sandberg Husbands

Julia Charlotte Sandberg was a nurse and must have stayed in Spokane after the death of her brother as she married in August 1909 a widower Isaac Waring. Her sister Esther Husbands, and brother-in-law were her witnesses. In the 1910 federal census Julia Waring was living in Seattle and Esther Husband in Spokane. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Eight

Notorious Actions at the Albany Hotel

1893 MISCEGENATING FORNICATORS

As with any hotel the Albany Hotel had its share of sex scandals and criminal behavior within its walls. One of the more scandalous affairs at the Albany Hotel occurred in late April 1893. It was so sensational that it was reported in all the local Salt Lake Papers newspapers because of its taboo subject of an interracial “illicit affair” between two young African American men and two local white girls.

 

The scandalous behavior of the four young people was reported in great detail in both the Salt Lake Tribune and in the Salt Lake Herald Republican. While white men having sex with African American prostitutes were not uncommon in Salt Lake City, a sexual encounter of African American men with white women, was rare.

 

The newspaper of the period used racist epithets to show that sexual encounter between black men and white women were “a particularly disgusting affair.”

 

Frank “Tex’ Howard and John “Apples” Smith were the names of  the young black men. Although their ages were never given in news accounts of the affair, they were described in reports as being “Dusky Romeos”, “coons”, and being “black as the ace of spades”.

 

The white girls were Jennie Rogers, a teen probably 19 years old, from Farmington, Utah and Lizzie Gardner who was said to have been about 21 years of age As if to somehow explain the actions of the young women consorting with these young men of color, they were described as being “white but not of the lily order.”

 

The black youths and white girls were referred to as “Miscegenationists”, “Miscegenators”, and having committed “Miscegenating Fornication” in the accounts of the affair. In 1888, the Utah Territory had passed an anti-miscegenation law that prohibited marriages between a "negro" and a "Mongolian" [Asian] and a "white person". 

 

As that the four young people were not breaking that law by marrying each other, they were charged with “fornication” which was also illegal in Utah. Not until 2019 were Utah’s fornication laws repealed.

 

 Because they were charged as “fornicators”, another newspaper report on the incident called the two mixed race couples a “Lecherous Quartette”.

 

The story, as reported in the papers, alleged that Howard and Smith, Knutsford hotel waiters, had registered at the Albany Hotel after midnight, in cahoots with the night shift clerk. The men then sneaked the two local white girls up the back stairs into the room for a sexual tryst.

 

The couples were first spotted at the Beck Street Warm Springs where the Rogers and Gardner were seen enjoying a “nymphs’ bath”, a euphemism for being nude. The police must have been alerted as that a patrolman followed the couples to the Albany Hotel. The patrolman claimed, “suspecting that all was not right”, he then called for a patrol wagon as back up to arrest all four of the cavorting young people.

 

There were two varying accounts of the police arresting the couples. One newspaper account stated that when the police gained entrance to the room, they caught the “two negroes in bed with the two white girls.”

 

Another, probably more accurate account, stated that when the officers managed to get in to the room, the windows were “thrust up” and “furtive efforts [were] made by the colored to escape.” One of the defiant girls who was not named, instead of trying to escape, resolutely simply exclaimed, “We are caught so we might as well die game.”

 

The four were arrested and taken to police headquarters downtown where they were charged with fornication. The two men and two women were held on a $Fifth bond each, which would have been nearly impossible for them to secure. Their crime was so serious that the case was transferred from the Police Court to the Judge Charles Zane federal Third District Court jurisdiction.

 

In July, the U.S. District Attorney was able to get the bond for Howard and Smith reduced from $500 to $200 but even that amount, they were not able secure, so they remained in the state penitentiary waiting for the case to come before the court.

 

In a news story dated 7 July 1893 printed by the Salt Lake herald Republican called “Forsook the Home”, more information was found on Lizzie Gardner and Jennie Rogers who appeared to have been tough customers. While the men languished in the penitentiary, the District Attorney on May 31st , because of his “kindness of heart and other humane influence”,  asked court that “the girls in question be released on their recognizance that they might enter the Women’s Rescue Mission House.”

 

The request was granted, and Rogers and Gardner were released to the Rescue Mission. “In a few days however, they began again to pine for the broad avenues of unrighteousness and stating that the home was worse than the penitentiary they left. Since that time nothing has been heard of them.”

 

In late August, the case appeared for a preliminary hearing for the couples to make their pleas. Jennie Rogers, the teen from Farmington, was the only one who was not in court that day as that she was “out of the city to attend a sick relative.” Howard and Smith were in court along with Lizzie Gardner who was described as “fallen deep into the mire of degradation.”

 

The Salt Lake Herald-Republican stated that “The male defendants have been in the penitentiary awaiting trial for the past four months while the girls were out on their own recognizance.” So, the attorney representing Howard and Smith asked that the men be released on their own recognizance, but it was denied so they had to remain in the Sugar House prison until their court date in September.

 

The court reporter made personal comments regarding John Smith’s appearance. He reported that Smith “was attired in the height of fashion and his immaculate shirt front formed a striking contrast to the painful darkness of his epidermis.” The reporter also remarked that Smith seemed to be in a very happy frame of mind” when he entered a plea of not guilty. However, the reporter additionally referred to him as a “coon” and “several shades darker than the Ace of Spades.” In contrast Frank Howard was simply described as “also colored, and of the dude variety.”

 

Howard, Gardner, Smith, and Rogers were scheduled to be on the 26 September docket for the Third District Court. They were not alone as on that day, however, as there were twelve other men and women appearing before Judge Zane on various charges of adultery, fornication, and incest. However, it was noted when court was arraigned Gardner and Rogers,  “the fragile females” were absent.

 

The Deseret Evening News, in an article dated 26 September 1893 called “The Colored Dudes” stated “The two white women, their companions [Howard and Smith]  in the case have been allowed to go with the hope they will reform.”  Whether the “wayward” girls reformed or not is unknown as no further information has been found on these characters.

 

Howard and Smith appeared in court to answer for the crime of fornication at the Albany Hotel from last April 30th. John Smith’s attire was again remarked upon in news accounts. He was described as “John Smith, another colored dude, with immaculate shirt front…”

 

When the defense attorney asked the court that Howard and Smith be tried together, Judge Charles Zane thought it was an unusual request as that the men were being charged with committing fornication. The Sexual implication evidently amused and bewildered the justice.

 

“Attorney Corey appeared for the ‘coons’ and when Howard’s case was called, he said, “Your honor, is it agreed that these men be tried jointly.” Judge Zane asked, “What is the nature of the charge?” Corey answered, “Fornication.”

 

That puzzled the judge and he responded, “Well I hardly think that would be a joint act as far as those men are concerned.” Nonplus the defense attorney said, “I think we can show how it is, your honor, before long.”

 

 Judge Zane replied, “I hardly think so. I think they had better be tried separately.”

 

The reported then observed how everyone in the courtroom laughed at the judge’s sexual insinuation, all except  Corey “who blushed violently.”

 

The Howard’s case was presented before an all-white male jury who found him guilty. Smith must have not seen the point of a trial and he changed his plea to guilty.

 

Back in court the next day, on 27 September, Howard and Smith were sentence to three months in the state penitentiary in Sugar House.  They were finally released on.

11 December 1893, after being incarcerated for nearly seven months.  No more is known of their histories.

 

The reputation of the Albany Hotel was spared, as that Jim Hegney said he was totally unaware of the “two colored men and two white girls in his house” until after their arrest. He said that a boy was in charge of the desk at night and against strict orders. He gave the men rooms supposing that they would all be gone early the next morning and that “no one would be any the wiser.”

 

The following are transcripts of the newspaper accounts as found in the Salt Lake Tribune and the Salt Lake Herald Republican –Republican

 

1 May 1893 Salt Lake Tribune “Criminalities of the Day” A particularly disgusting affair was unearthed by the police at the Albany hotel at early hour yesterday morning. Two Negro waiters from the Knutsford went to the hotel and registered and Officer Danner saw two girls sneak into the hotel by the side door. Suspecting that all was not right, he summoned Sergeant Wire and the patrol wagon. They gained admittance to the rooms and found the two Negroes in bed with the two white girls. They were taken to the police station where the girls gave the names of Lizzie Gardner and Jennie Rogers. The colored boys gave their names as Frank Howard and John Smith, however  in everyday life is known as “Apples” and the other is named Evans but is called “Tex” by his friends. A charge of fornication will probably lodged against them.

 

2 May 1893 Salt Lake Tribune “THE MISCEGENATIONISTS TRANFERRED” This article simply reported that the case was to be heard before Commissioner Pratt and a grand jury  and not in police court.

 

3 May 1893 Salt Lake Herald Republican “A Lecherous Quartette” “Two Negroes and two white girls bound over” -The examination of John Smith and Frank Howard, colored, and Jennie Rogers and Lizzie Gardner, two white girls, on the charge of fornication, was held before Commissioner Pratt yesterday afternoon. Benner Smith, prosecuting, and Attorney Corey defending. The offense is alleged to have been committed at the Albany Hotel on Saturday night and the evidence against the lecherous quartette was very strong and the court held them all to await the action of the grand jury fixing their bonds at $500 each.

 

3 May 1893 Salt Lake Tribune  “Boring the Prison Walls” “Miscegenators Bound Over”-One of the nastiest cases of youthful depravity ever tried in Commissioner Pratt’s office was the one yesterday being the fornication of John Smith and Jennie Rogers, Frank Howard, and Lizzie Gardiner. Both the men in the case are as black as the ace of spades and the girls are white but not of the lily order. From the evidence of Sergeant Wire and Officer Danner who made the arrests and from the testimony of others it seems that on Sunday Morning a little after midnight the two men mentioned in the charge appeared at the Albany Hotel at Fifth West [today Sixth West] and Second South where they engaged rooms and unlocking the doors came down stairs again. Where the two girls sneaked up the back way and later the dusky Romeos did the same. The officers had been spotting them, it seems, from the warm springs where they enjoyed a “nymphs’ bath and about 2 a.m. they knocked on the door of the rooms but was not admitted for a few moments when windows were thrust up and ineffectual efforts made by the vari-colored quartette to escape, when one of the girls said, “We are caught so we might as well die game.” The evidence following was to proved the guilt of the parties which nearly established and the Commissioner bound all over to the Grand Jury in a bond of $Fifth each. The case tried yesterday was John Smith and Jennie Rogers, but the lawyer for the defense waived examination of the case of Howard and Lizzie Gardiner until today. All four of the culprits were committed to the custody of the United States Marshall who took them to the pen. All through the trial the girls seemed to hugely enjoy the fun though at the last their levity seemed to die out. Jennie Rogers is from Farmington and claims to be 19, though she doesn’t look 17. The other girl is probably 21.

 

4 May 1893 Salt Lake Herald Republican “It seems that the proprietor of the Albany hotel was totally unaware of the two-colored men and two white girls in his house on Saturday night until after the arrest of the quartette. A boy was in charge of the desk at night and against strict orders of the proprietor, he gave the party rooms supposing that they would all be gone early the next morning and that no one would be any the wiser as they left instructions to be called. The police did the calling however and the plans of the enterprising clerk were knocked gally west.” [The term ‘gally west’ meant “into destruction or confusion.’]

 

7 July 1893 Salt Lake Herald-Republican Forsook the Home Unsuccessful Attempt to Reform Two Wayward Girls- On motion of District Attorney Judd, the bonds of John Smith and Frank Howard, (Colored), who were indicted by the late grand jury on the charge of fornication were reduced from $500 to $200 yesterday. Smith and Howard are a couple of colored dudes who were charged with committing the crime in question with two white girls named Lizzie Gardner and Jennie Rogers. On May 31, Judge Judd’s kindness of heart and other humane influence prompted him to ask that the girls in question be released on their recognizance that they might enter the Women’s Rescue Mission House. This order was entered, and the girls were taken to the home. In a few days however, they began again to pine for the broad avenues of unrighteousness and stating that the home was worse than the penitentiary they left. Since that time nothing has been heard of them.

 

27 August 1893 Salt Lake Herald-Republican Arraignments-The male defendants have been in the penitentiary awaiting trial for the past four months while the girls were out on their own recognizance.

 

27 August 1893 Salt Lake Tribune “A Lot of Arraignments Miscegenating Fornication: When the names of John Smith and Jennie Rogers were called, only the former responded, but he did so with alacrity. Smith is several degrees darker than the “ace of spades” but was attired in the height of fashion and his immaculate shirt front formed a striking contrast to the painful darkness of his epidermis. The woman in the case is white but she and the coon are charged with having committed fornication on April 30th 1893. Smith seemed to be in a very happy frame of mind and entered a plea of not guilty. The girl was absent having been called away for the city to attend a sick member of her family, but her attorney stated that she would be ready for trail when the case is called. ANOTHER OF SAME THE SORT: Frank Howard, also colored, and of the dude variety, and Lizzie Gardner, a white girl, who appeared to have fallen deep into the mire of degradation, were then called, and entered pleas of not guilty to a similar charge. Attorney Corey will defend the quartette. After the arraignment he asked that Smith and Howard he released on the own recognizance  pending their hearing but as Judge Howart stated the case would be tried at an early date, the coveted order was not made.

 

27 September 1893 Salt Lake Tribune Third District Court The Miscegenators-The next case called was that of Frank Howard, the ebony hued dude, charged with committing fornication with Lizzie Gardner, a white girl, in this city on April 30th . Both John Smith, another colored dude, with immaculate shirt front charged with a similar crime with Jennie Rogers, also white, was in court but the fragile females were absent. Attorney Corey appeared for the “coons” and when Howard’s case was called, he said “Your honor it is agreed that these men be tried jointly.”- Judge Zane, “What is the nature of the charge?”- Mr., Corey, “Fornication.”- Judge Zane, “Well I hardly think that would be a joint act as far as those men are concerned.”- Mr. Corey, “I think we can show how it, your honor, before long.” -Judge Zane, “I hardly think so. I think they had better be tried separately.” Everybody laughed at this except Mr. Corey who blushed violently, and the hearing was ordered to proceed as to Howard. The evidence was strongly on the side of the prosecution and it took only a short time to get the case to the jury and for them to return a verdict of guilty. Smith then withdrew his former plea of not guilty and entered a plea of guilty without further ado. They were given three months each in the penitentiary.

 

12 December 1893 Salt Lake Tribune 

Served Their Time Frank Howard and John Smith the two dude coons who were sent up from the Third District Court on 27 September for three months for fornication with two white girls were released from the penitentiary yesterday upon the expiration of their sentence.

 

Lena Carter aka Mamie Evans

Public interest in Henry E. Carter faded until the fall of 1894 when his 20-year-old daughter, Glenna Amy “Lena” Carter, found herself in trouble with the law, charged with fornication with two men in the Albany Hotel. In newspaper accounts, she was later widely known as “Mamie Evans” while working as a “demimonde,” an old-fashioned term for a prostitute. Although known as Mamie Evans “Her true name was Lena, but like other girls who tread the sinful pave, she had a number of aliases.” 

 

Henry E. and Ada Carter’s daughter “Glenora” [1874-1897] went by the name “Lena Carter. At the age of sixteen years, Lena Carter was said to have married a man in Minnesota but as soon as a baby girl named Ruby J. Stansbury  was born in May 1890 the couple separated. It is more likely that the child was born out of wedlock. Lena Carter’s mother raised “the little child the result of the unfortunate alliance.” 

 

According to her parents, Lena Carter left her Salt Lake home at 397 Riverside Avenue in Salt Lake City, in 1892 “much of the time leading a wayward life.” It was reported that she had left home because her parents wanted her to marry man she did not like, and therefore they could not “keep her at home.” Newspaper accounts would report that Lena Carter was said to have had “very respectable connections” although she was “wayward before she entered a life of shame.” 

 

Lena Carter first came to the attention the public when she was arrested along with two men, 33-year-old Hugh McKernan,  an unemployed Rio Grande railroad laborer and a 22-year-old  Mormon named William Leatham, at Jim Hegney’s Albany Hotel on the night of 22 October 1894. 

Hugh McKernan

Hugh McKernan [1861-?] was of Irish descent, born in Illinois, according to the 1900 federal census. No occupation was listed for him suggesting that at that time he was unemployed. The only Irish “McKernon” listed in the 1860 Census of Illinois was enumerated in Clark County which may have been his birthplace. Being a former railroad worker, that line of work probably brought him to Utah.  He was not listed in the 1893 Salt Lake City Directory, nevertheless in 1894 he was listed as rooming at the Albany Hotel.  He may have once been a part of the Industrial Army.

 

William Alexander Leatham

William Alexander Leatham, [1872-1955] on the other hand, was a native of Utah. His parents were Scottish immigrants and Mormon converts. The 1894 City directory showed that he was boarding at 543 West on Third South, near his parents’ residence and that he was employed as a “machinist”.

How these two men became acquainted is unknown but probably it was from drinking and carousing in the various saloons on Fifth [Sixth] West.

 

However,  “The arrest of the trio was novel, in view of the act that the police at the time were looking for parties who had assaulted and robbed a Chinaman. The trail led to the Albany Hotel, and the officers found McKernan, Latham and Miss Carter occupying a room together.”

 

Wah Lee’s Chinese Laundry

On a Monday night, October 22, Will Leatham was alleged to have stolen $4.95 from “Wah Lee” who operated a Chinese Laundry next door to the Albany Hotel on Second South. Leatham claimed he did it on a “spree.” Whether McKernan participated in the robbery was vague in newspaper accounts. 

 

Wah Lee reported the theft to the police who then tracked Leatham back to McKernan’s room at the Albany Hotel. Upon entering the room to arrest Leatham, the officers found Leatham and McKernon in bed with Lena Carter. This discovery led to the trio being arrested and charged with fornication.  Leatham and McKernan were also charged with robbery as that “Leatham had blood on his neck and clothing and admitted having been in the Celestials wash house.”

 

The Arrest

When reporters realized that Lena Carter was the daughter of “General Carter of the former Industrial Army”, the news of the arrest of the trio made it a more interesting and a scandalous story.

 

The Salt Lake Tribune published an article of the arrest on 25 October 1894, stating that “Lena Carter, lately discovered in the Jim Hegney Block with at least one too many lovers,” was charge with “excessive fornication”.  Lena Carter protested her arrested, claiming she had been “drugged before the debauch began.”

 

Trial of the Men

The two men had a double charge against them, one for robbery and the other of fornication and the next day, both Leatham and McKernan were released from jail after securing a bail bond but Lena Carter, who’s bond was set at $100, wasn’t able to raise the amount and “failed to secure her liberty” until days later. 

 

In an article dated four days later on October 29th, it was reported that when Carter, Leatham, and McKernon appeared in a police court hearing, the “ménage de trios pled not guilty to the charge of fornication and the men also plead not guilty to the charge of robbery.

 

On December 6, Leatham and McKernan went on trial for the robbery of the Chinese Laundry before a jury. The case came before Third District Judge George W. Bartch with Assistant District Attorney Andrew Howat acting as prosecutor. The “defendants were defended by Judge [John B.] Anderson assisted by Attorney Morris Sommer.”

 

Due to insufficient evidence,  the case of petit larceny against McKernan was dismissed by the prosecution but the trial of Leatham was to proceed. While the evidence against McKernan was insufficient to convict him of robbery, he still had to answer to the charge of fornication. 

 

His attorney, John B. Anderson claimed that the prosecutor’s case of fornication was invalid. He argued that the charging document against McKeran was so flawed that it shouldn’t be used to convict him.  While granting that the factual basis of the point that fornication had occurred,  Anderson argued that the crime committed was not a “public offense”.  

 

Anderson contended that “A single act of unchasity, as charged in this case, did not constitute fornication at common law. It must be notorious living together in a way that would be scandalous before the public.”

 

The court took the “argument” under advisement but later overruled the motion. Hugh McKernan then entered a not guilty plea, and his trial was then set for December 10.

 

William Leatham’s Trial

After McKernan’s robbery charges were dismissed, Will Leatham was then tried alone for the robbery of the Chinese businessman. The amount that was stolen was stated at various times between $3.75 and $4.95. 

 

When several Chinese witnesses for the prosecution were about to be sworn in, Leatham’s defense attorney, Morris Sommer, “jumped up and interposed a somewhat novel objection.” 

 

Sommer asked the Chinese interpreter, who had been selected by the prosecuting attorney, “Do you believe in a supreme being that if you translate any of the testimony of these boys wrongly your joss or our joss will punish you?” The term Joss referred to a Chinese religious statue or image that represented a deity.

 

Attorney Andrew Howart objected to the question, telling Morris Sommer, “Do not be so declamatory. We may ask you if you believe in a supreme being.” This flustered the assistant attorney, and he answered back, “It is none of your business.”

 

Howart countered saying, “If this man translates wrongly, he is subject to the pains and penalties for perjury. Religious qualification was done away with. You may as well ask the jury if they believe in a supreme being.”

 

Morris Sommer responded, “I am not so eloquent a speaker as my friend from Scotland, but I could stand up here from now until 10 o’clock tonight and read authorities on this subject.” Howat retorted, “You would not read any from Utah,” and Sommer insisted, “I can read them from California, Nevada, and other places.”

 

After some further banter, Judge Bartch sustained the objection of the prosecution and noted the exception by Attorney Sommer.

 

After that heated exchange, the trial of Leatham proceeded and “the complaining witness and other Chinamen” gave ‘”their testimony through the interpreter”.

            The jury deliberated for three hours before returning a verdict of guilty of petit larceny for Leatham. While he was found guilty of the robbery, he was acquitted of the charge of fornication, although McKernan had to go to trial for that offence.

 

Hugh McKernan’s Trial

Hugh McKernan’s fornication trial occurred in the Third District Court on Thursday, December 13, 1894.  Assistant United States Attorney J.T. Richards was the prosecutor while John B. Anderson was attorney for the defense. 

 

The two arresting police officers testified that while searching for McKernan in order to arrest him for the Chinese laundry robbery, they found him in a bedroom “with the Carter woman.” McKernan then took the stand in his own defense and denied that he had “criminal relations with his companion”.

 

As it was “late in the day”, the court adjourned for the evening “so the case was finished the next morning”. At that time, the jury quickly returned a verdict of not guilty “after being out but a few minutes.”

 

Although Hugh McKernan was acquitted on both counts of robbery and fornication, Will Leatham still had to appear before the Third District Court for sentencing for the crime of robbery.

 

William Leatham’s Sentence

 Prior to the passing of the sentence, Leatham’s attorney spoke to the court. Morris Sommers, “said a few words in mitigation of punishment reminding the court that Leatham was convicted upon the unsupported testimony of a Chinaman.” The defense further stated that the defendant had a job to which he could now go and asked that a fine be imposed instead of imprisonment. 

 

The fact that Leatham was a Mormon and potentially had a job was most likely a compelling and persuasive argument, as that in 1894 unemployment among single men was extremely high.

 

The Andrew Howart, the prosecuting attorney even spoke on behalf of Leatham. He told the court that he “believed the defendant committed the offense more out of a spirit of bravado than as a thief by instinct.” However, in reproof, Howart said, that he was inclined to think that Leatham had been “spending some of his money in riotous living, instead of bestowing all upon his parents.” 

 

Nevertheless, the prosecutor acquiesced to the motion of the defense and stated, “If, however, the court thought a fine would serve in this case, he would, himself, not offer any objection on the part of the prosecution.”

 

In an unusual move, Judge Bartch let Leatham off with a simple fine. The Judge stated his “surprise at seeing a young man of the defendant’s parentage and apparent respectability in such a position and gave him good counsel. Having obtained from him the promise that he would conduct himself well in the future the court imposed a fine of $20 and the cost of the case which amounted to $40. Leatham was then given thirty days in which to pay his fine, “failing which he was to be arrested and committed.”

 

Aftermath of the Affair at the Albany Hotel

Will Leatham went on to live a long and unsullied life. He joined the army in 1898 to fight in the Spanish American War. The 1900 census stated that William Leatham was a single, 28-year-old miner living at home with his parents at 509 West 3rd South Street. He would later marry but never had children. He died 1955 in Salt Lake City, at the age of 83 years, just two days after his youthful indiscretion. He was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

 

Less was known about Hugh McKernan. The Salt Lake City Directory for Salt Lake City showed no occupation for McKernan in 1896 and in 1897 he was not even listed as being in the city. He was listed again in 1898 but again with no occupation given.  

 

The 1899 city directory listed McKernan boarding at the Albany Hotel and listed him as a bartender probably in the Hegney Saloon. It is interesting that when McKernan became a bartender in 1899, he also became a Democratic delegate along with James Hegney. 

 

In the 1900 United States Census Hugh McKernan was listed as a 39-year-old man. He said his parents were Irish and thus he may have been a Catholic which would have been a reason that James Hegney employed him as a bartender.

 

McKernan was still listed as an Albany Hotel bartender in 1902 but he was not recorded in the 1903 City Directory, and he seems to have disappeared into history. There was a Hugh R McKernan who died in Cochise County, Arizona in 1913 but it’s not known if he was the same person.

 

As for Lena Carter her short life was more tragic. She was not convicted on the charge of fornication but during the two and half years of her remaining life she worked as a “street walker” in Salt Lake and also in various houses of ill repute in Ogden. Newspaper accounts mentioned her various aliases as being “Mamie Carter and Mamie Evans.”

 

Lena Carter as Mamie Evans a Demimonde

Lena Carter was described in various accounts as being “tall and fair and very prepossessing.” Additionally, “She was a beautiful girl with a Venus like figure and glossy auburn hair. Other accounts stated her hair was golden. She seemed to have had a pleasant personality for “among the demimondes”; that class of women considered to be of doubtful morality and social standing, “she was popular but inclined to be boisterous.” Among the girls with whom she associated, “she was a favorite.”

 

After the October 1894 affair with McKernan and Leatham at the Albany Hotel, the next account of Lena Carter was found in the dismissal of old criminal cases that were “not expected would come to trial.” 

 

In February 1895 Carter’s Salt Lake City criminal case was dismissed along with the fornication cases of the “Miscegenationists”, Frank Howard, Lizzie Gardner, John Smith, and Jennie Rogers, who had been arrested at the Albany Hotel in 1893 also for fornication. 

 

Whether Carter was working as a prostitute at the time she was found in bed with McKernan and Leatham or whether she went into the sex trade due to her “fallen reputation” is unknown. However, because of the notoriety of her father, Carter would have been widely recognized in Salt Lake. She moved to Ogden and started using the name “Mamie Evans.” 

 

Mamie Evans

Lena Carter as Mamie Evans came to Ogden in 1895 where she resided for a year while working as a prostitute on “wicked Electric Avenue” which was known as the “tenderloin district” located behind Twenty-Fifth Street.  At this time, she became an associate of 30-year-old Belle London, a notorious Ogden Madam of Electric Avenue in Ogden.  

 

Belle London was a pseudonym for Mrs. Dora Belle Topham, the wife of a Saloon owner and gambling house, named Thomas Topham. A decade later she would become the owner and manager of Salt Lake’s infamous red-light district called the “Stockade” on West First and Second South.

 

In October 1896, while working in a brothel at “No. 6 Electric Avenue”, Mamie Evans began to “associate with another woman of her class, named Dutch Moll or Gold Tooth Alice”. The two “sporting women became well known” in Ogden.

 

For many months Mamie Evans was also an “inmate” of a brothel known as the “Red Light.” The Red Light was “a house of very unsavory reputation in a dingy alley back of the city jail. A blood red lantern shines down the alley after dark and beckons the unwary with its evil eye,” and “Mamie Carter was its most brilliant luminary.”

 

Belle London also worked out of the Red-Light brothel along with Mamie Evans and they were referred to as “sisters in sin.” 

 

In the fall of 1896, the police ordered “Mamie Evans”  to leave Ogden “because she proved a siren to a couple young men who seemed unable to resist her.” The police report of this incident stated that some young men had “got mixed up with her and last October” and “she was ordered to leave town.” Although she went back down to Salt Lake City, “her admirers followed her. The Salt Lake police interfered and saved the young men.”

 

John “Jack” Ross

That autumn, Mamie Evans also met her future lover and murderer, John Ross, [1870-1897] who also went by the name “Jack” and “Johnny.”  When Henry Carter and his wife were asked if they knew their daughter’s killer, they claimed they “knew nothing about the assassin but heard he boarded over the winter with a family named Carter, who lived at 323 West Fourth [Fifth] South Salt Lake City. They had only heard that their daughter was associating with him.” 

 

Jack Ross however claimed to have been her husband but there was no evidence of a marriage. In 1897 Jack Ross had been telling his acquaintances that he and Mamie Carter had been married for seven months, which at the time would have been in the fall of 1896. It may have simply been the amount of time they were cohabitating. He was living with her in the “Red Light” bordello behind the Ogden city jail for several months after she left Salt Lake to return to Ogden. Ross wasn’t working but rather was living off of the money that Mamie Evans made through prostitution. Her fellow “sisters in sin” told her she was foolish to support Ross as she had tired of him. 

 

Jack Ross, was considered “tall and handsome.” He was described as being “6 feet in height and about 160 pounds, smooth shaven, light blue eyes and dark hair and about 27 years of age.” Ross was probably from Ohio, where he said he had relatives living in the town of Hamilton. 

 

However, the police were not even certain that John Ross was his real name as that he had been also an actor and a “theatrical man.” One newspaper account stated that he “at one time he had been cast for a part in the “Noble Outcast” under the name of M. T. Adams,” in J. S. Lindsay Dramatic Company, a popular Utah touring theater company.

 

Mamie Evans also was thought to have been “at one time on the stage.” Perhaps this was how they met, as that “loose women” were often hired as actresses. However, they met, by February 1897 they were having a love affair. Letters and a telegram from Lena Carter to Jack Ross showed a passionate but stormy affair.

 

Ross left Ogden at the start of December after finding work as an advance man for a theater company. He traveled to southern Utah to post advertisement for upcoming productions of the “J.S. Lindsay Dramatic Company” He worked as an “advance agent for the theater company” from December through February.  An advance agent’s job was to go to various towns where the company was to perform and put-up play bills and other advertisements. It was a low paying situation.

 

Mamie Evans continued to live in the Red-Light bordello behind the Ogden city jail, for several months prior to going to Park City. She resided in Park City only to return to Salt Lake and Ogden three weeks before she was murdered on  24 April 1897. 

 

Jack Ross was in Fillmore, Utah for much the first part of 1897 while Lena Carter had gone to Park City to earn money to pay off some debts. Ross, not having received any letters from Lena Carter while he was away in Fillmore, wrote to her in Park City. On February 16 he accused her of having found another lover as perhaps the reason for the absence of her letters to him.

 

Events Leading Up to the  Death of Mamie Evans

Lena Carter [Mamie Evans], after receiving Ross’ letter of accusations that she hadn’t written, sent off a telegram, which would have been an expensive way to communicate to him. The brief message stated, “Park City, Feb. 17 Johnny Ross care of J.S. Lindsey Co. Fillmore, Utah. Have answered every letter. Something matter with mail. Eleven days since received letter. Mamie Evans” 

 

Ross also wrote to Lena Carter’s friend, Nora Dee, inquiring whether Lena’s feeling for him had changed. Nona Dee replied back to answer his concerns regarding Lena Carter’s [Mamie Evans] feelings for him.

 

Her letter read: “Park City Feb.19, 1897 Mr. Johnnie Ross. Mr. Ross your unexpected letter came to hand on the 16th, contents noted. If it was information you would like, I will give you all I can. I know Mamie answers every one of your letters and that there had been 11 days that she has not had one letter from you. I can assure you that there was no one that can take your place in Mamie’s heart. Her one thought was of you and all we hear from her was ‘Johnnie will soon be here’.”

 

“There was something wrong with the mail. It was no fault of Mamie. The poor girl feels just as bad as you do. When she received your last letter, she cried like her poor heart would break to think that she writes to you, and you don’t get them.”

 

“I don’t know what more I can say, any more than for Mamie’s sake don’t go up north with the company until you see Mamie for it would just kill her. I hope you will soon be with us in Park City. Mamie sends her regards and says if you come here, she will do all she can for you. Yours Truly Nora Dee”

 

Jack Ross returned to Salt Lake City by April 1897 while Mamie Evans was still in Park City. However, he was unemployed and destitute. He “wore an old suit of clothes. His shoes were worn out and he had the appearance of being pretty well down on his luck. His hands were dirty and looked though he had recently seen some pretty hard work.” This suggested he may have tried to find work as a miner.  The only possessions he had on him at the time of his death was a “two gold rings, cigarettes, a mouth organ, a silk handkerchief, and ten cents.”

 

Mamie Evans wrote him a letter early in April from Park City and he wrote her back on April 12th. The letter indicated that Jack was worried about their relationship and that she might have been staying in Park City to get away from him.

 

 In this letter he wrote seven times “come back soon” and he called her “darling” eighteen times in the correspondence. Typical in his communication was his imploring her to come to Salt Lake City. At one point he wrote: “My dear darling Mamie, I received your letter this morning and was very glad to hear from you. I know that it was very lonesome up there for you and how do you think I must feel about you. My god darling, don’t stay up there any longer than you can help for darling it was awful lonesome without you, so darling come back soon as you can.”

 

Jack Ross’ mental state was deteriorating at this stage, consumed by his jealousy. His obsession with Lena Carter was driving him to madness. He even sent a photograph of her to his aunt, Mrs. Minnie Taggart, in Ohio saying that he had married her. Found on his person was a letter from his aunt which was addressed to Ross “and wife.”  There was no evidence that they were ever married, and Mamie Evans denied it to her friends.

 

John D Williams

Richard “Dick” T.  Morgan, alias John D Williams, Williams was a 23-year-old man in 1897. He claimed to be from Virginia. Yet, from a book in his possession, his real name was most likely Richard T. Morgan and perhaps from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania not Virginia.  Lena Carter often was said to have referred to him by the name of “Dick”. 

 

John D Williams as he called himself was described in newspapers as being “about 5 feet and 5 inches, very light complexioned, blue eyes and smooth face.” His blond hair was a feature which was mentioned several times when he was described by reporters. 

 

One newspaper man even remarked that Williams was “comely and it was his comeliness, which enamored Mamie,” and “that enrage Ross and led to the killing.” However, this description was in complete contrast to another reporter who after the death of Lena Carter, called Williams “homely.”

 

John D. Williams said that he met Mamie Evans in early April 1897 in Salt Lake City after she left Park City about a week prior to her death. Their meeting was described as, “One night a well-dressed blond man” met Mamie Evans and “took a fancy to her and the liking was reciprocated.”  The implication is that they met while she was working as a street walker. Williams claimed that “they associated for some time and then a mutual affection sprung up.”  The implication is also that after their sexual encounters Williams fell in love with Mamie and believed the feeling was “mutual.” Mamie Evans boasted to her friends that “Dick” had plenty of money which may have been the real attraction.

 

 Williams also said Lena Carter told him about her jealous lover, Jack Ross, but Williams said he never saw him until April 20. Ross upon hearing that John D. Williams had money, said he “had to get the dough” in order to compete for Lena’s affection.

 

About week before the tragedy at the Ogden train station, John D. Williams was standing on Salt Lake City’s Main Street and Third South with Mamie Evans and Lou Binkley another “fallen woman” , “when the demimondes spied Jack Ross.” Carter alarmed said to Williams, “Here come Jack. You had better go. We will meet you at Walkers bank.” Evidently, they needed money for train fare to Ogden. 

 

Jack Ross saw John D. Williams standing with the women and in a jealous rage followed Williams with a knife. Williams stated he felt that his life was threatened so “he entered a tailor shop” on Third South and “passed through the rear entrance and out into another street thus escaping him.”

 

When Mamie Evans and John D. Williams reconnected, they made plans to leave Salt Lake City for Ogden where she could hide from Ross in one of the city’s brothels. Williams went then to the Rio Grande Depot on Fifth [Sixth] West and took the afternoon train to Ogden. Lena Carter and Lou Binkley followed later that night and upon reaching Ogden  “took quarters in the Tanner Block” near 24^th Street and Lincoln Street.

 

Events in Ogden

Mamie Evans had been in Ogden for several days, hiding out as “an inmate of a house of ill repute.” Jack Ross went looking for John D. Williams and Mamie Evans but after failing to locate them in Salt Lake City, on April 22  he left for Ogden.

 

Early on Friday April 23, at 2 in the morning, Ogden Police Captain William “Bill” D. Silvey and a Police Officer named William A. Brown were patrolling near the Ogden train depot with when they heard a commotion in one of the rooms on the Allen Block. Going to investigate, Captain Silvey “ascended the stairs, leaving Brown below, to investigate the cause of the ruckus.”

 

Captain Silvey met Mamie Evans running down the stairs, “attired only in her night dress”. Jack Ross was seen standing at the top of the stairs but did not speak to Captain Silvey as the officer entered Room 15 from where Carter had fled. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, he returned to the foot of the stairs and heard Mamie Evans talking to Officer Brown.  Silvey who would have known Mamie Evans told  her she must stay in her room or be locked up for “street walking”. 

 

Not wishing to be arrested, Mamie Evans told the police officers that everything was all right and “with this assurance she was permitted to return to her room.” Captain Silvey left, unaware that Jack Ross had murderous intentions.

 

Jack Ross had taken a room in the same building where Mamie Evans and Lou Binkley were lodging and after he had gone to bed, the two women left and “went up the street to the Ogden House where they secured lodging.”

 

For the rest of Friday, Mamie Evans, and Lou Binkley, probably along with John D. Williams, “remained in doors all day and Ross was thrown off the scent.” They agreed that it was best that Carter get as far away from Jack Ross as she could. It was decided that Butte, Montana, “a wide-open town,” was a place where Mamie Evans could make a living in one of the many brothels there.  

 

Early on Saturday April 24, at 1 in the morning, information reached Captain Silvey that there was more trouble in the Allen Block regarding Mamie Evans and Lou Binkley. The informant was most likely Belle London, who knew “there was trouble between the parties.”  he informant stated to the police that “Mamie Evans and Lou Binkley should be arrested or there would be a killing.”  

Captain Silvey and Officer Joseph McManus went to Mamie Evan’s “living quarters” at the Ogden House and when the officers arrived, Jack Ross was also in the room,” as he had “ferreted out” the women’s hiding place. At 2:30 in the morning, the police arrested the two women who were taken to jail for disturbing the peace.  

 

At the Ogden city jail, Captain Silvey questioned Mamie Evans regarding the preceding morning when she had run down the stairs in her night dress.  She said she fled because Ross had threatened to kill her. Mamie Evans told the captain how “Ross was making her life miserable” and that he would not rest until he had killed both Williams and her. 

 

The Captain Silvey reprimanded her for not informing him about Ross, saying that she “had ought to have informed him that night as Ross might have taken a shot at him.” Mamie Evans assured him, saying, “No, I am the one he wants to kill.”

 

Lou Binkley who had also been arrested however told the officer  that she had heard Jack Ross say in her presence, “I will kill [expletive] Dick, but I will not harm a hair on your head, Mamie.”

 

Mamie Evans then told the captain of her plans to leave Ogden for Butte, Montana to escape from Ross.  She then complained saying she had only $2 on her and therefore could not pay the fine to be released.

 

John D. Williams however managed to scrape up some money, went to the jail and paid her fine but did not have enough for Lou Brinkley. Mamie Evans was released “upon a promise to leave town.”  

 

That Saturday afternoon, Jack Ross went to the Red-Light Bordello and asked to see “one of the girls.” He asked to borrow fifty cents as he “not had anything to eat all day.”  She gave him the money and she listened to him “discourse on the trouble and quarrel” he had with Mamie Evans. He assured her that he had planned to reconcile with her that evening. Inexplicably, he then took a letter from his pocket and said to the girl, “this is to my mother. I must post it tonight.” Then he burst into tears. 

 

At about 7:30 that Saturday evening, Mamie Evans and John D Williams were “taking supper at the Bon Ton,” a Chinese Restaurant, at 252 Twenty-Fifth Street, when Ross passed by and saw them through the window pane.  The jealous lover then overheard the proposed trip to Butte, Montana and “considered it a ruse to get rid of him.” 

 

After eating, Mamie Evans and John D. Williams separated, and Evans went to the Union Pacific depot accompanied by her friend Belle London. Williams reached the depot platform at the same time as the ladies of the evening arrived, but by another route as not to be seen by Ross. Ross was waiting at the train depot. 

 

Mamie Evans had just purchased her train ticket when she spied Ross and said to her companions, “There’s Jack.”  John D Williams said to her, “You had better go with him, Mamie, and leave me. I don’t want to be the cause of trouble.” 

Belle London also Mamie Evans go over to meet with Ross but stayed back so she did not hear any of the conversation between the former lovers who were talking in the waiting room. However, Williams stayed near  Evans and was the one who reported their conversations.

 

Jack Ross, who according to Williams, “appeared excited and had a wild look in his eyes” approached Mamie Evans and she “took a few steps to meet him.” Others in the Union Pacific Depot waiting room stated they did not noticed Ross and Evans “as there was nothing in their actions that attracted attention. There was no loud conversation.” 

 

Jack Ross asked Mamie Evans, “Was it all off with me?” and she replied, “Yes, I don’t love you anymore. It’s him I love,” indicating Williams.  He then asked if she had made up her mind to go to Butte, and Mamie Evans said she had. Ross demanded if Williams was going with her, and she answered no. She repeated to Ross that Williams was not going but that she was. 

 

Mamie Evans then turned to Williams and said for him to wait, as that she was going to look after her baggage. Jack Ross went with her, and he and Mamie Evans were seen walking upon the station platform going south to the baggage area. 

 

Special depot policeman, Mathias Hinchcliff, had just announced the Union Pacific train departure at 8:20. He said he had seen the couple in the waiting room talking and supposing they were going east. He remarked to them “as they walked south on the platform, that they were going the wrong way to take the train.”

 

Mamie Evans told Hinchcliff that she was going to Butte, Montana and “Hinchcliff then went on his way”.  In the next instant he heard a shot that startled him, and he turned to see Mamie Evans scream, running from Ross.

 

Jack Ross had shot Mamie Evans in her chest with an American double action 38-Calliber pistol. The bullet went “through the body, the ball having entered an inch above the heart.” The shot however was not immediately fatal as Carter was able to run before “two more shots rang out and the girl fell.” Ross then ran a few steps behind a train car and “putting the pistol to his head blew his brains out.”  

 

When Belle London heard the shots, she took off running out of the depot frightened.  “The female companion, who was with Mamie, fled at the first shot and was not seen again.” 

 

John D. Williams had watched the couple walk down the platform but had been “discreetly keeping out of sight as Mamie had told him that Ross had intended to kill him.” When he heard the first shot, he ran towards the wounded girl. “It was his arm that raised her from the platform.”

 

Immediately others in the depot also “rushed to the site of the carnage.” Ross’ dead body and the wounded Mamie Evans were removed from the platform to the baggage room where cots were provided.  Evans was still conscious “but, with that peculiar constancy that prevails among the demimonde she would not tell who her assailant was.” A score of men peered into the dead man’s Ross’ face but “no one in the crowd seemed to know him.”

As news of the killing spread, the presumption was that Ross was angry with her “for casting him off; for rejecting his love.” “Doubtless he tried to persuade Lena to give up Williams and reinstate him as the idol of her heart and upon her refusing he made with jealous passion and determined, if he could not have her as his own no one else would.”

 

Physicians were summoned to the Union Pacific Depot and “did what they could for her until an ambulance arrived.” Mamie Evans was said to have been in great pain and “continually asked that the clothing from her breast be removed. After a few minutes she became delirious and talked incoherently.” Williams stayed close by her side and “whispered words of hope into her ear.”

 

 Finally, at 9:20 at night, the “hospital wagon arrived” and “the wounded girl was tenderly carried to it.”  A reporter from the Ogden Standard Examiner and Captain Spivey who arrived on the scene, “steadied the cot in the wagon while W.J. Graham started his horses up the street.”

 

When the ambulance reached the corner of the Reed Hotel at Washington and Twenty-Fifth Street, Mamie Evans was “gasping at interval and groaning continuously.” When the ambulance reached the corner of Adams Street it was apparent that  Mamie Evans was dying. 

 

The ambulance then was slowly driven another block as not to jolt her and when the driver stopped “under the electric light at the corner of Jefferson, Capt. Silvey and the reporter raised her head that was slipping from the pillow. The face was turning towards the light and the pallid lips parted in the last gasp. All was over.” Lena Carter lived for an hour and a half after she had been shot.

 

Mamie Evans body was taken to the hospital where the doctors “pronounced life extinct.” The ambulance then turned around and “the living body that was started to the hospital, was taken to the morgue, a corpse.” Mamie Evan’s body was taken to “Richey’s Undertaking Parlor.” 

 

News of the Murder/ Suicide at the Union Pacific

Lena Carter known now only as Mamie Evans was shot to death in the Ogden Union Pacific Depot by Jack Ross who was her jilted lover. After shooting her, he turned his pistol on himself and committed suicide. As that the double murder suicide took place in a very public location in front of many witnesses, it was sensational news.

 

The newspapers of the period, in typical fashion, blamed Mamie Evans for being responsible for her own death. When trying to explain her killer’s motives for shooting Carter, one reporter wrote, “What was the cause for the terrible tragedy can only be conjectured, but it was believed that her actions drove him to it.”

 

The news of the murder suicide “created a profound sensation” and “crowds of morbidly curious persons visited the morgue to view the remains.” Side by side in the morgue the bodies of Mamie Evans and John Ross were laid out. “On the cooling boards they lay covered only with sheets, their pinched and haggard faces looking upward to the low ceiling of the room.” 

 

No one knew the man, as he was “a stranger in a strange land” but he had died “all because he was consumed with intense and jealous passion” for Mamie Evans.

 

“The visitors looked at the face of the dead man, whose features even in death showed terrible grim resolve and the lines of awful determination. The face was set and hard, the mouth firmly closed, the jaws set hard, and every feature showed that when death came, the soul of the man with its bitterness and murder had left its impression on the face.”

 

 “Many of the women who had associated with the unfortunate Mamie in her hours of life, called and many were tears quietly shed by them as they gazed into the face of the one whom a few hours before they had seen so full of life.”

 

The Funeral

When the news of the death of their daughter reached them, Henry E. Carter, and his wife “arrived in Ogden on the 1:23 p.m. Rio Grande Western train from Salt Lake.” On Sunday, April 25, they first went to the Ogden City jail where officers directed them to the Richey’s Undertaking Parlor.  “They were grief stricken over the death of their wayward daughter’s untimely death.”

 

 “The parents of the dead girl were up from Salt Lake City and their grief was indeed pitiful.”  “Both were deeply grieved at the tragic death of their daughter; the mother weeping bitterly.”

 

Lena Carter’s funeral was held at Richey’s Undertaking Parlors. “The great crowds, which been characteristic of the tragedy, were present at the closing scene; even blocking the street in front of the place.” A Methodist Episcopalian pastor “delivered the prayer and spoke a few feeling words of mercy for the dead and comfort for the living.”

 

Lena Carter was buried in Ogden’s city cemetery with only a few attending the internment. “The girl’s recent companion known as Lou G. Binkley and the man John D Williams who had supplanted Ross in the girl’s affection were present.” Williams spent “some time in conversation with the dead girl’s parents after the funeral.”

 

John D. Williams told reporters that he “loved Mamie and if she reformed, he was to marry her.” He felt now that life was not worth living without her and wished that Ross had shot him instead of her. “He talks about destroying himself, but it was not believed that he seriously means it.”

 

After the news of the killing of “Mamie Evans” was carried to her “girlfriends” who were also inmates of Ogden’s brothels, “a mantle of sadness spread over the entire place, and many were the tears shed over the fate of their sister in sin.”

 

As for love crazed Jack Ross, he was buried at the county’s expense in the pauper section of the city cemetery in an unmarked grave.

 

Suicide Letter

Among Jack Ross effects was found a letter which stated the motive for the murder. “Salt Lake City-To the public I wish to ask the public to pardon me for the act I am about to commit. I tried to drive it off, but I cannot. It must be done sooner or later. I love the girl with all my heart, and I cannot live without her. I wish that all officers would notify my folks.” The address given was for “Mrs. Minnie Taggart 842 North Second Street, Hamilton O.”

 

The Inquest

John D. Williams was taken into custody by Captain Silvey as a material witness for the inquest into the murder of Lena Carter. He was lodged in the city jail, much to his agitation. When questioned by the police, he said his name was John D. Williams and “intimated that his people were ‘way up’”, meaning well connected. 

 

Williams insisted that his name was John D Williams and he had “positively refused at first to give any name to Captain Silvey.” In a notebook, which belonged to him, however, was written “This book belongs to Richard T Morgan No. 2408 E Huntington Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States.”  He was also referred to by the nickname “Dick” by Lena Carter and her associates.

 

Newspaper accounts gave John D. Williams age as 23 [1874] years old in 1897 and a native of Virginia. The Salt Lake Tribune described Williams “a mere youth in appearance, evidently only 19 or 20 years of age, although he gives his age as 23”.

 

 The 1880 federal census of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania listed a 4-year-old orphan [1876] named Richard Morgan living in the Methodist Episcopalian Home for Children at 2401 Park Avenue. The home was two and a half miles from the East Huntingdon address. It is not positive that the two individuals are the same person however there doesn’t appear to be another child in the city of the same name and age range.

 

An article from 1895 reported that a “Dick Morgan” was tried in Beaver, Utah who was found guilty of “burglary”. The 1896 City Directory for Salt Lake City showed that a Richard T Morgan was living on 10^th West giving his occupation as a “machinist”. 

 

When searched by the police, Williams had on his person a “pawn ticket for a silver watch pledged for $3 in the name of John Ross at Petrovetsky’s pawn office on East Second South Street” in Salt Lake. It was surmised at first by the police, that the pawn ticket may have been what provoked the quarrel between the two men until learning of Ross’ insane jealousy. However, it was later learned that it had been Lena Carter who had pawned Ross’ watch.”

 

            Williams told investigators that when Lena Carter had informed him that Jack Ross had threatened to kill him, Williams claimed he “had not paid much attention to the threats as he believed Ross was nutty.”

 

Of his relationship with Mamie Evans  he stated, “Mamie was a good girl, and I was trying to get her to lead a better life. I did not love her as Ross did, but I was interested in her. She promised me to go home to her folks.”

John Williams protested his being locked up in the city jail and penned a note that he gave to the jailer to give to Captain Spivey.  “Captain Silvey: Dear Sir When I gave myself up to you, I thought that you would not throw me in a cell in among a lot of common prisoners as I am only a witness and not a prisoner. I think that it was an outrage as you cannot detain me, only at the detention hospital, as a witness and I herein demand my release otherwise I shall sue the county for damages. I remain yours truly John D Williams.”

 

Captain Silvey later released Williams after county authorities decided that an inquest was not necessary and “consequently this expense will not be incurred.”

 

Infatuation with Belle London

A few weeks after the funeral of Lena Carter, John D Williams started frequenting the “Red Light” brothel and soon became obsessed with Belle London. “He suddenly came upon the Red-Light scene and began to wage a fierce play for the heart of Belle who was now the reigning deity of the place”.  

 

When Belle London spurned his entreaties, Williams threatened to shoot her unless “she consented to take the place in his affections made vacant by Mamie’s death.” “He told Belle that she must come with him because he loved her as well as he had Mamie and unless she agreed to leave the place and become his own, he would do what Ross did.”

 

Belle London was “rattled” by Williams’ threats, and she went to the police who arrested Williams for “carrying concealed weapons” presumably to harm the woman.  In a reporter’s account of this strange incident, he wrote “Williams was 23 years of age rather homely, and it was said that his real name was Richard T. Morgan, an accusation which he emphatically denies.”

 

During Williams police court hearing, Belle London, “in dread of her life”, did not appear to give testimony against Williams.  The arresting officer “convinced the court that the young rattlebrain was once more seeking notoriety” and not a real danger. 

 

John D. Williams had told the court that he lived in the mining town of Frisco, in Beaver County, Utah where he was a painter.  Williams admitted that he had been target practicing but “not with the object of using Belle London for a mark.”  

 

The police court judge fined Williams $30 and advised him to go back to Frisco and take up painting again rather than “thrusting his uninviting record upon this city”. 

 

As that John D Williams didn’t have money to pay the fine, he was sent to jail for thirty days after which he was invited to leave the city and “let Belle London and the Red Light alone”.

 

Nothing further was known of the enigmatic man who many blamed for the death of Lena Carter for enflaming Jack Ross’ jealousy.

 

 

Andrew F. Dickson- An Innocent In Zion

Several instances of young men being robbed by strangers whom they met on Second South are recorded in newspaper accounts over the years. These accounts are suspicious however as  that there were probably more to these encounters than were published in the papers.

 

One such account was of a young man, named Andrew F. Dickson, who recently arrived in Salt Lake City, on his way to California. Dickson took up with some other men while in the city who plied him with alcohol and then robbed him while he was passed out  and “slept off his stupor in a vacant lot near the Albany Hotel.”

 

In June 1899, 21-year-old “A.F. Dickson” arrived in Salt Lake City from Tennessee. The incident of his misfortune, as  reported in the Herald Republican paper, mistakenly stated that the youth was from Cedar City when actually he was probably from Banner Springs, Fentress County, Tennessee. The Herald also described Dickson as being “older in years than experience,” which was a polite way of saying he was extremely naïve.

 

Dickson stated in his account of the incident that his “folks at home” advised him “to take a little trip west”. So he started out for California with train fare only enough to Salt Lake with “the assurance of a letter from home” that would contain a check for $15 so he could continue his journey.

 

Upon his arrival on June 19 , Dickson would have gotten off the west bound train at the Rio Grande Western Depot located on then, Fifth West but now Sixth West. The passenger depot was just across from the Albany Hotel. 

 

The letter with a check from his folks was to come general delivery, which Dickson would have picked up downtown at the Post Office which was located in the Dooley Building on West Temple Street on Second South.

 

Where he spent the nights of June 19 and 20 is unknown but mostly likely at the Albany Hotel as that it was near there, in a vacant lot, where he spent the night after he met the two men who had invited him out for drinks.

 

A Drinking Spree

In the afternoon of June 21st, Dickson met a “gentleman”, who with a friend, proposed “just a little something” to entertain the young man.  The three men went to a saloon and a reporter mused, “great was the joy of all”.

 

The “gentleman” and his friend were actually indigents who were plying Dickson with alcohol. The two men bought drinks all around for them insisting that “they were doing the honors when Dickson wanted to reciprocate.”

 

As the night of drinking progressed, and “tired of the mirror glitter” of the saloon, the trio  procured a pint of whiskey and started staggering down Second South towards the Albany Hotel.

 

Along the way “everybody took a pull at the bottle” but the new found friends gave the rest of the half bottle of Whiskey to Dickson.  “Dickson promptly proceeded to get decidedly ‘mellow’.”

 

“Near the Albany Hotel, the boy became drowsy, and his guardians proffered to watch over him while he slept. All fell into a vacant yard and Dickson into a peaceful sleep.”  Dickson recalled  “Then life became a blank for a short time.”

 

When Dickson awoke in the morning, his companions were gone and so was most of his money. His pockets had been rifled “but his new made acquaintances were “kind enough” to leave two or three dollars in silver in his clothes untouched. “All else was gone.” “ He had been robbed of $15 by a couple of tramps near the Albany Hotel.”

 

Dickson immediately reported the theft, describing “one of the parties as being light complexioned and heavy set, the other dark, and light set. One had a moustache just growing out, one wore light clothes the other dark.”

 

The newspaper reporting the young man’s misfortune in Salt Lake City on Second South wrote, “The victim will postpone his trip to the coast until more money arrives from down ‘hum’,” imitating the boys accent for home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Nine

The Notorious Women of the Rio Grande District

While the majority of prostitution in Salt Lake City in the 1880s and 1890s occurred in the brothels of Commercial Street, Franklin Avenue, and Victoria Alley, many women were simply street walkers playing their trade downtown.  As the Rio Grande District became a magnate for young unattached laborers, prostitution was drawn to West Second South.  Only one “house of ill fame” was recorded as being located on Second South in the 1890’s, but certainly the transient nature of the area was conducive illicit sexual conduct by “sex workers.”

 

Elizabeth Metz, “Procuress” of 574 West Second South

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed only one dwelling on the corner parcel of Lot Four in Block 64 at Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West. The address of 574 West contained a home with a mix of adobe brick towards the front and a longer wooden attached room behind.  It was 45 feet from its nearest neighbor at 568 West. Except for an outhouse nothing else was located on the corner property. On this property existed a house of prostitution operated by Elizabeth Metz, sometimes spelled Metz.

 

            Elizabeth Metz is first mentioned in newspaper accounts in January 1894 when  a man named Charles Hines was “charged with using abusive language” towards her and the charges were dismissed.”

           

Later in July, Elizabeth Metz was in court again charged with stealing a shirt from an African American man. “Yesterday [July 20] was darkey’s day in United States Commissioner Greenman’s court. Hearing was had in the case of Lauris Bishop, a colored man vs. Elizabeth Metz, a white woman. The parties are roomers in a cottage in the rear of the old Colorado House on State Street.

 

“Bishop alleged that Mrs. Metz , who washes for a living, entered his room during his absence and stole a shirt. Attorney J.A. Williams appeared for the accused and several witnesses for the prosecution were examined but none of them knew much about the matter.”

 

“One colored lady, who was a witness for the prosecution, got very hot. When under cross-examination Mr. Williams asked some questions which tended to reflect on the moral character of the witness. She repelled the insinuations with great vigor and stated she had never been arrested for any offense worse than fighting.”

 

“Mr. Williams -You are a fighter then?”

 

“Witness- I can take my own part even against you if necessary (threateningly). You had better be careful of what you say about me. I am a decent woman and a perfect lady and was never arrested except for fighting.”

 

“Mr. Williams was over awed and subsided.”

 

“The evidence not being sufficient to convict, his honor dismissed the case.” 

Metz’s House of Ill Fame

In August 1894 Elizabeth Metz, “a Franklin Avenue belle” and Brock Lightfoot, were arrested last night [8 August] for fighting.” They went to court on 10 August 1893. “Brocky Lightfoot, the darkey, and Elizabeth Metz, his adversary will be tried today. Both have double charges against them, the former for fighting and frequenting a house of prostitution, the latter for fighting and keeping a house of prostitution.” 

 

Mrs. M Elizabeth Metz was listed in the 1894 city directory as residing at 574 West Second South as was a man named William S Messer, laborer. By February 1895 two women, Elizabeth Metz and Annie Baumgarten, living at this address, were arrested and appeared at a preliminary hearing before Judge George W Bartch. The women were charged that procuring young girls “for the purpose of prostitution” and that they “did inveigle and entice Ada M Lefler, a female of previous chaste character, into a certain house of ill-fame and assignation, situated near the corner of Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West streets.”

 

An account of the proceedings was mentioned in newspapers.  “The Procuress In Court. The examination of Elizabeth Metz and Annie Baumgarten; charged with procuring girls for the purpose of sacrificing them to the brutal lust of their clients, was not reached yesterday [February 28] in the rush of other business, and the accused were ordered to appear for trial at 2 o’clock this afternoon. The case against Cladie, daughter of Mrs. Metz, who is charged with prostitution was continued until the same hour, and back to jail to study the motionless hand of the dirty face of the old hall clock and wonder what crime had stopped them.” 

 

“Elizabeth Metz and Annie Baumgarten, the abandoned females who were arrested on the charges of procuring, were arraigned, pleaded not guilty. Bail was fixed at the sum of $400 each which they were unable to give and went to jail until 2 p.m. today [March 1] when they will be examined.”

 

“Both women, together with Cladie Metz, a daughter, and S. Leeman were charged with being inmates and will be heard today. For the benefit of a mawkish public the statement is made that the examination will be private.”

 

“Mrs. Metz, A Tartar. Would Barter Her Daughter’s Virtue for Coin, Testimony of Victims, Innocent School Girls- The Prey of a Human Vulture. Shocking Testimony in Police Court- How an Abandoned Female Sought to enrich Herself at the Expense of Purity-Annie Baumgarten a “Booster”-

 

“That a woman so utterly devoid of the instincts of humanity that she would barter her daughter’s virtue for a few paltry dollars seems improbable but a mass of testimony in the police court yesterday [March 1] tended to establish that Elizabeth Metz, on trial for procuring, is just that kind of female.”

 

“That a girl lives who, after falling herself, would stoop too still lower depths and try to drag down with her innocent companions is hard to believe, yet all the evidence adduced shows that Annie Baumgarten is that kind of creature.”

 

“This precious pair was on trial yesterday. For the sake of the young girls, who they tried to inveigle, the examination was a private one, and the names of the innocent girls will not be divulges.”

 

“The women were defended by Attorney Corey, who made a gallant effort to break the testimony of the prosecution, all to no purpose. Mrs. Metz regarded the affair evidently as a sort of joke; smiling upon everyone in general, and no one in particular; ever and anon asserting that the witnesses were only telling falsehoods, something Mr. Corey only checked by informing her that if she wasn’t quiet, he would withdraw from the case.”

 

“There is something in Mrs. Mettz’s face which is the exact opposite of the indication of kindly nature. The lines are hard and well defined, the eyes are steely and cold and the mouth cruel. She isn’t sensual herself; that can be perceived easily.”

 

“Annie Baumgarten, on the contrary, is decidedly so. Wantonness shows itself in every movement of her body; in every flash of her eye; in every quiver of her lip. While at times the latter broke down and wept, the former never displayed even a remote symptom of regret.”

 

Four girls were examined. Two of them sure to having been ruined in the Metz household. None of the quartette were over 16 years. In both instances where crime was committed the girls testified that Mrs. Metz was a pecuniary gainer, having appropriated all in one case, and half in another, of the price paid for the girl’s ruin. They also told about Mrs. Metz wanting her daughter to retire with men.

 

Mr. Corey tried hard to break the testimony of these two girls by extracting confessions of previous criminal acts but failed although he succeeded in establishing that one had been criminally intimate with her cousin before going there. But the last two were posers for the astute attorney.”

 

“Hold up your right hand, “said Justice [Grant H.] Smith to the first one a sweet little girl of 16, after which he administered the oath.”

 

Then to the surprise of all those present, the girl in a clear voice, repeated: “I solemnly swear that I will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So, help me God.” 

 

Corey’s rigid cross examination made no impression whatever. The girl told how Annie Baumgarten had induced her to go to Mettz’s; how Mrs. Metz had talked to her about having a room of her own and making money in a manner of the harlot- in fact, everything. Her evidence caused the Baumgarten girl to weep. Mrs. Metz, however, didn’t have a tear in her lachrymal distillery.

 

The last witness corroborated the proceeding one and then the testimony damaging to the character of the house was introduced after which an adjournment was had until this morning when the defense will attempt a showing. 

 

“Convicted in police court yesterday [3 March 1895], of luring unwary schoolgirls to her wretched brothel and the accomplishing their ruin, Mrs. Elizabeth Metz was held to the action of the grand jury in the sun of $1000, while Annie Baumgarten, her artful decoy, was held in the sum of $250. Neither was able to furnish these amounts and they were remanded to the custody of the turnkey and remained in jail through the night.”

 

“The defense opened evidence yesterday that Samuel Loman, a jack of all trades, according to admissions that he had been a horse shoer, a barber, and a bartender on the stand. He testified that he was a boarder at the house of Metz when the raid was made upon it and had since been detained upon a charge of resorting to a house of prostitution.”

 

Annie Baumgarten, one of the defendants, followed him. She is a diminutive thing, full of defiance and deviltry, and testified that until her uncle remonstrated against the hours she had been keeping at nights, she had lived with her grandmother. Her mother, she said died some three or four years ago, leaving her an orphan, as she knew nothing whatever of her father. Then she drifted into evil associations. She denied however, that she had sought to ruin others, or that she had induced young girls to go to Mrs. Mettz’s house.”

 

“Cladie Metz, a powerfully constructed girl of 16, daughter of the accused, admitted having sinned, and that her hoe had been the resort of men and youths and soldiers.”

 

After the defense rested, and the case after augment by counsel for the accused was submitted, the court indicating to County Attorney Whittemore that remarks from his side of the case were unnecessary.”

 

In pronouncing judgment, Judge [Grant H.] Smith admitted that he was in doubt as to the best course to pursue in Annie Baumgarten’s case  and suggested to counsel that step be taken to procure her commitment to the reform school. The girl could no longer stand up under the strain with which for two days she had taxed herself and shook and cried as if her frail body would go to pieces.”

 

Mrs. Metz took her own fate resignedly, and as if all hope had fled with the judgment of the court, requested County Attorney Whittmore to send one of her daughters to a sister in Nebraska, and the other to the father in Oregon. Samuel Loman arrested in connection with the defendants was released.”

 

“To rescue them from the disgrace into which a mother’s avarice has dragged them, Cladie and Mamie, the daughters of Mrs. Elizabeth Metz, aged 16 and 8, respectively , will today [8 March 1895] be provided with transportation to a point in the East, where an aunt has volunteered to give them refuge.”

 

“This was the decision reached by the Selectmen and County Attorney Whittemore yesterday afternoon after the latter had spread the contents of a letter before them. The mother, who Cladie says is responsible for her downfall, is now confined in the county jail, where the daughters are being fed, and if there were no other consideration, the Selectmen and their attorney contend that the cost of the transportation will be less than the cost of food for which the county must pay.” 

 

In April, Elizabeth Metz and Annie Baumgarten were indicted by a Grand Jury. “The grand jury came into court and reported two indictments under the laws of the territory, which turned to be against Elizabeth Metz and Annie Baumgarten, the two notorious women who were held in the grand jury form Police Justice [Grant H.] Smith’s court for procuring and enticing schoolgirls to their ruin and for keeping a house of ill-fame in the neighborhood of the Rio Grande Western depot.”

 

Elizabeth Metz and Annie Baumgarten were arraigned in before Judge George W. Bartch in May 1895 and pled not guilty to the charge of enticing young girls to a house of prostitution . E. E. Winters acted as their attorney. 

 

“Elizabeth Metz and Annie Baumgarten were put on trial yesterday [28 May 1895] afternoon before Judge Bartch and a jury, on an indictment by the grand jury charging that on February 21 last, in this city, the defendants, for the purpose of prostitution, did inveigle and entice Ada M Lefler, a female of previous chaste character, into a certain house of ill-fame and assignation, situated near the corner of Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West streets.”

 

Assistant District Attorney Richards prosecuted and Attorney E.E. Winters and A.B. Edler defended the accused.

 

“It is claimed by the prosecution that Mrs. Metz, who is a woman of probably 50 years, was the keeper of the house referred to: the other defendant,  Baumgarten who  is quite a young girl, acted as a decoy to entice young and unsuspecting girls to their ruin.”  

 

“Ada Lefler, the girl who it is alleged was induced to visit the Metz house,  is a schoolgirl about 15 years of age, and it is claimed that the defendants met her on several occasions and told her how by going with them and meeting men at the house she could get fine clothes, jewelry and money and have a good time.”

 

“Ada was induced to accompany them and was rescued and taken from the place by the police. It is charged several other schoolgirls were similarly induced to go to the Metz house.” 

 

The defendants were given separate trials, “the first case taken up being against the Metz woman. A number of young girls were examined who testified to the conduct of Mrs. Metz in regard to inducing them to go to too her house, and other witnesses gave evidence that house was a disorderly one.”

 

“The case reached the jury late this afternoon and after a short consultation a verdict of guilty was rendered and Friday set as a time for passing sentence.”

 

On motion of the prosecution, the case against the Baumgarten girl was continued for the term and the defendant released on her own recognizance. She is a mere slip of a girl and probabilities are that if she behaves herself in the future the charges against her will be dismissed. 

 

On 31 May 1895, Elizabeth Metz was sentenced to two years and six months in the state penitentiary for operating a house of prostitution and being a “procuress”. 

 

“Elizabeth Metz the woman who was found guilty of enticing young girls of previous chaste characters into a house of prostitution, next stood up. Before sentence was passed her attorney E. E. Winters argues a motion for a new trial, which was overturned, and his honor sentenced her to two years and six months in the penitentiary. At the same sentencing hearing William McAfee, alias Kelly, a colored man and Daisy Smith, a white woman, who both previously pleaded guilty to the crime of fornication were each sentenced to sixty days in the penitentiary.” 

 

In February 1896 Elizabeth Metz petitioned the governor for a pardon, “in order to nurse her daughter who is ill. “Her petition for pardon was denied by the parole board” in April.  She applied again in September saying that she was a poor, honest woman and has a sick child.” A pardon was denied again.

 

After being release from prison in 1899 she was listed as living in Ogden. Her daughter Cladie Metz had returned to Salt Lake where she married a 21-year-old man named William E Young in April 1896 after she had given birth to her son, Howard Edward Young. in early March. 

 

The 1900 federal census listed Elizabeth Metz as residing back in Salt Lake living at 611 South Sixth East. In her household was her two married daughters, Cladie Young and Mamie Steele.  Elizabeth gave her age as 42 years born, April 1848 in Pennsylvania and a Milliner as an occupation. She said she was  the mother of 7 children with only two surviving. 

 

Her daughter Cladie said she was born Jan 1879 in Ohio as was her daughter Mamie Steele in Jan 1874. Both Elizabeth and Cladie stated they were widows. Mamie Steele stated she was married and was the mother of a child who had died.  A grandson Howard Edward Young born in March 1896 in Utah was also in the household. 

 

The 1901 city directory listed Mrs. Elizabeth Metz as the widow of James Metz and resided 9 Morris Row. She moved frequently as that in 1902 she was at 632 St. Louis Avenue and the 1903 City directory shows that “Mrs. Elizabeth Metz” had relocated to the rear of a home at 61 West Third South. By 1904 she was living at 17 Franklin Avenue which was then the heart of the African American section of Salt Lake City, now Edison Street. She disappears from the city directory until 1908 when again she is listed as the widow of James Metz and boarding at 238 East Fifth South Street. 

 

She was not found in the 1910 Federal Census as living in Utah. 1908 widow of James Metz  boards 238 East Fifth South.

Daughters Cladia Metz and Mamie Metz

Her oldest daughter Cladia Amenda Young [1879-1950] was still married when the 1900 census was taken and was not a widow. “Mrs. William E. Young Brings Suit for Divorce. Cladia A Young yesterday [14 May 1901], filed suit in the district court for divorce from William E. Young on the ground of desertion and non-support. The parties were married in Salt Lake on April 24, 1895 [1896], and Mrs. Young alleges that because of his idleness and profligacy the defendant failed to support her.” 

 

In July 1898, the “defendant deserted and abandoned plaintiff” and  she “asks for a divorce, the custody of their child, that her maiden name of Cladia Metz be restored.”

 

Cladia Metz obituary stated that she had been a resident of Salt Lake for 31 years [1919] and that she had later married William L Nickens in 1918 while in Kentucky. Her obituary said she was survived by a “stepson” Howard Young who was her actual child.  She was buried in the Salt Lake City cemetery in an unmarked grave. 

 

Mamie Metz Steele was mentioned in article in July 1900 where she saved the life of a prostitute with whom she was associated. 

 

“Alta Colber, a youthful Inmate of a resort at 222 South State Street made an unsuccessful attempt to commit suicide last evening [July 28]. The girl swallowed a large dose of morphine at 5 o’clock in the presence of Mamie Steele another inmate of the place.”

 

“The Steele woman sent word to the police and Acting Sergeant Peck and Officers Randolph and Smith hurried to the place to find the girl lying unconscious on the floor. “

 

Dr W H Behle arrived at 7 o’clock, two hours after the drug had been taken.  He applied an emetic, and the girl was finally revived. At a late hour last night, she was expected to live.”

 

“The wretched young woman begged piteously to be allowed to die. She claims to be but 18 years old and says that she Is tired of the life which she has been leading. The girl said that her only friend, the Steele woman is going away, and she could not bear to be left behind friendless.”

 

“The Steele woman was present when the drug was swallowed, and she says that the girl took the poison when informed that they must part.”

 

“ The girl who appears to be about the age she says she is, says that she has a father and brothers living in Iowa. She came here from Ogden she says.  She stated that she has tried several times to reform but that no one seemed willing to help her.”  

 

The Salt Lake Herald reporting on the incident wrote, “TRIED TO END HER LIFE-INMATE OF STATE STREET HOUSE TAKES MORPHINE. Friends Interfered In Time to Save Her-Was Despondent and Friendless. Alta Colber, an Inmate of Mabel Grayson’s resort at 222 South State Street made an unsuccessful attempt to commit suicide late yesterday afternoon [28 July 1900] by taking morphine. About 5 o’clock the girl who is but 18 years of age took a sixty-grain bottle of the drug and in the presence of a companion Mamie Steele, she swallowed a large dose of it before the latter could stop her.”

 

“I am told you are going away,” she said, Alta speaking to Mamie, “and I will have no friend left In the world.” She also said she was tired of her manner or of life, and she took the drug to end her existence. Then she fell on the bed to go to sleep.”

 

“Mamie immediately secured assistance from some or of the other inmates of the house, and they began to use every means they knew to keep the girl from going to sleep.”

 

“Despite their efforts, however, the girl became drowsy and after beating her and walking her around for some time they called Officers Randolph and Smith in to assist them.  The officers finding that no physician had been called, immediately telephoned for the city physician, but being unable to get him, Dr W H Behle was called in.” 

 

“After working with the patient until she was able to walk by herself, he pronounced the danger past and left her in the care of her friends to be kept awake until the effects of the drug had entirely passed away.”

 

“Dr Behle returned to see the patient later in the night and pronounced her to be recovering all right.”

 

There’s no further information on this daughter of Elizabeth Metz.

Democratic Meeting Hall

After the arrests at 574 West Second South the address was no longer used as a house of “ill-fame.” In October 1896, a “Democratic meeting held in the Second Municipal Ward for the benefit of the railroad men of the Rio Grande Western” was at this location. The meeting “was strangle contrast with the Republicans of the Third where it was attempted to convince Union Pacific workers their jobs depended on the success of the local Republican ticket.  Republicans had less than 50 railroaders with votes to talk to while the Democrats could not find seats for all who endeavored to gain admittance to the hall where the meeting was held. Meeting held at the corner of Second south and Fifth [Sixth] West, in a vacant building which was packed to the door long before the speaking commenced.”

 

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance map listed this dwelling set back from the street and only a few feet behind two stores at 596 and 598 West. There was an adobe front half of the building with a larger wooden one story behind it. 

 

AUNT FANNY PAYNE [1833-1892]

Fanny Payne was enumerated in the 1870 federal census of Utah as a 37-year-old [1833] woman named “Fanny Paine”, living in Corrine, Utah with 36-year-old William H Paine, presumably her common law husband. Their race was listed as black and William H Paine’s occupation was given as “keeps a hotel.”  He gave his birthplace as New York, and she gave her birthplace as Ohio. If this is accurate then neither of them had been enslaved as that both New York and Ohio at the time of their births were free states.  Living within their household was a 22-year-old white store clerk named Charles Lewis from Wisconsin. 

           

The town of Corrine was the unofficial "Gentile Capital of Utah" and was founded just a year prior to when William and Fanny Payne was enumerated there. The Trans Continental Railroad had just been completed in May 1869.  A “group of former Union Army officers and some determined non-Mormon merchants from Salt Lake City decided to locate a Gentile town on the Union Pacific line, believing that the town could compete economically and politically with the Saints of Utah.”

 

 It was said that “in its heyday, Corinne had some 1,000 permanent residents, not one of whom was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to the boast of the local newspaper.”  The railroad town had “fifteen saloons and sixteen liquor stores, with an elected town marshal to keep order in this "Dodge City" of Utah. 

 

No further information can be located about William H Payne who either died or abandoned his wife, but in January 1875, 42-year-old Fanny Payne was in the news as living in Ophir, a gold and silver mining town in Tooele County.  

 

The newspaper account mentioned “the negro woman, Fanny Payne, was placed under bonds of $2,000 in Justice’s Brown’s court, Ophir, Utah, for shooting Mrs. Bennett.” 

 

“Mrs. Bennett was shot in the left shoulder, the ball passing down the shoulder blade and lodging in the backbone. The ball has been extricated and the patient is in a fair way to recover.”  

 

No further information was given for why Payne shot Bennett, but it may have been a dispute between prostitutes as Fanny Payne was known to be a scrapper. 

Living On Fifth Street in Ogden

Four years later Fanny Payne had moved to Ogden by November 1879, when she was assaulted by a man named George Bloom”. Justice Charles F. Middleton heard the case of Bloom who was charged with “assaulting Fanny Payne, a colored woman, on Fifth Street, dislocating her shoulder.”

 

“Considerable testimony was taken but the case was adjourned in order more witnesses might be procured. Bloom swore he had not seen the woman for at least three weeks previous to the time of the assault, but Officer Keyes testified that Bloom came to him and acknowledged that he had slapped the woman and asked if the officer thought anything could be done about it, if the assaulted party went to the law about the matter.”

 

“Bloom also told the officer that if anything was said to him in relation to the assault, he should say nothing about it. Middleton considered the case had been fully established and fined “Georgie $25 and costs, which were paid.” 

           

In the 1880 federal census of Ogden, Utah, Fanny Payne was listed as a 35-year-old widowed black woman and native of Wisconsin living in the Second Ward of Ogden. Ten years earlier in the 1870 census, she had listed her age as 37 years old. If the 1870 information is more accurate, Fanny Payne was actually closer to 47 years old.  The family of William Frank with home she was enumerated probably provided information regarding Fanny Payne. 

 

Payne was living on Fifth Street with the family of 28-year-old William Frank who were white. He gave his occupation as butcher. She gave her occupation as “washing.” 

           

The federal census was taken in June 1880, and during the previous month of May, Fanny Payne appeared in an Ogden Court along with a woman named Ida Abels, “for disturbing the peace.” 

 

Fanny Payne “who resides on Fifth Street” and Ida Ables were referred to in the article as belonging to the “demi monde” class which was a term for “the class of women considered to be of doubtful morality and social standing” and on the “fringes of respectable society.” The reporter wrote “from what can be learned are to a certain extent rivals.”

           

The quarrel between the two women began when Fanny Payne “made some libelous remarks in regard to Ida’s sanitary condition, which were calculated to injure the latter’s business. Yesterday Ida repared to the residence of the aforesaid Fanny and after a general war of words, pistols were drawn by both. The evidence, which was very conflicting, though failing to prove either of the women fired at each other, demonstrated the fact above controversy that each female discharged her weapon and as a consequence they were brought up and tried.” Judge C.F Middleton fined each defendant $50 and court costs. 

           

Although the federal census indicated that Fanny Payne lived within the household of William Frank as a washer woman, newspapers accounts suggest that she operated a boarding house.

 

In early June 1880, the death of a “colored man named R.V. Bonner late of Evanston” was reported in Ogden newspapers. Bonner had just recently applied at the “Saddle Rock restaurant on Fifth Street as a cook,” and boarded on Fifth Street.

           

The 1880 federal census listed Robert Bonner as a 50-year-old black man, born in Virginia where he may have been born into slavery. He was working as a cook in Ogden and boarding at a rooming house on Fifth Street with the family of Alonzo Stephens who was a carpenter. Within Stephen’s household numbered 34 of Ogden’s Second Ward were eleven individuals including Rosa Litchfield age 25 [1855] and her 2-year-old son Warren Litchfield who were enumerated as “Indian” but may in fact been African American.  Bonner and Fanny Payne however were the only two black folks enumerated as living on Fifth Street in Ogden’s Second Ward.  

 

The newspaper article noted Bonner “did not enjoy good health and was obliged to relinquish his employment” and he then went and lodged with Fanny Payne. 

 

The article reported, “He had come to Payne’s residence a week before and asked her to wash him a shirt. He also hired one of her rooms and lodge in her house up to the time of his death.”  Bonner “was very sickly when he came to her and she advised him to see Dr. John Driver, accompanying the deceased to the doctor’s office on Fifth street.”

 

On June 18, at 4:30 in the morning, Fanny Payne was “awaken by hearing agonizing screams” and she “hastily dressed herself went to his room and a second later, heard him exclaim “God have mercy on me”. 

 

She went searching from him outside and “hearing a noise” she found Bonner dead and lying “partially outside of the outhouse” in the rear of her residence”. 

 

 The County Coroner was “summoned and the deceased was discovered where he had fallen. He had on his pants and undershirt and on his feet were a pair of socks and carpet sippers.” Dr. John Driver was also summoned who collaborated Payne’s testimony of Bonner being ill, and he stated at the time the “deceased was liable to die any day and his demise was only a question of a very short time.” The coroner determined the cause of death was from heart disease.  

 

Robert Bonner was said to have “bore a good character and seems to have been possessed of some means and was not known as a drinking man. It is not known whether or not he has a wife or family.” 

           

Later in the year, another news account from August 1880 mentioned that “Fanny Paine” had been recently “assaulted by a male party, and now carried a broken arm in a sling.” 

 

Fanny Payne is not found in records again until 1882 when in October it was reported that “four men went to ‘Aunt fanny’s’ on Fifth Street for what purpose they visited that place our reporter did not learn. But they had been there a short time they got into a quarrel which developed into a fight. Two of the belligerents ‘pitched Into’ one and he was pounded about the head and face in a terrible manner.” 

 

“After they left the scene of the squabble several of them went to the Globe Hotel and there stole a watch from a man named Brown who is cook at the restaurant of the Palace saloon.”

 

“This morning they went Joseph Wright’s store and pawned the watch. Subsequently they were arrested and lodged in jail to await an interview with His Honor Justice Middleton, to who they doubtless will give a detailed history of the melee and contribute something to defraying the expense to the municipality.”

 

While still living on Fifth Street, Fanny Payne sent a correction to the editor of the Salt Lake Herald about their reporting on the fight of the four men. The paper printed her rebuttal with the byline, “Aunt Fanny Denies It-“ 

 

 “Editor Herald:- An article appeared in the Herald on Saturday , Oct. 21^st, in relation to a quarrel and fight that took place on Friday night last, on Fifth Street. Now it was stated in the report that the fight took place in “Aunt Fanny’s” house. This is a mistake. The fight did not take place in my house, it was in the street on the sidewalk opposite my house.”

 

“I keep a respectable boarding and lodging house. On the night of the fight one of the men, an Irishman, came to my house, he had been fighting and covered with blood. He wanted me to furnish him with supper and a bed for the night- but I refused to do it; he then went to Collin’s place. When the man was robbed at my house on Saturday night, I was not home, I was at the theater. A set of silver teaspoons and a set of knives and forks were stolen from me at the same time.”

 

“Mr. Editor if you publish this correction in the next number of your paper you will do me an act of justice, as I have none but respectable boarders at my house, and no brawlers or bad characters need apply for lodging there. Yours & etc. Fanny Payne, Ogden City Oct. 23, 1882.”  She must have had someone else draft the letter for her as she was illiterate and signed the letter with an X as her mark. 

 

 The Ogden Standard Examiner wrote an editorial in 1882 regarding the city becoming known as a wide-open town it. “Ogden City is acquiring an unenviable reputation as the scene of homicides and general rascality at a rate rather too rapid for the well-earned reputation of the law abiding and moral bulk of her population, and we might as well express our opinion right here that the moral sewage of the town cried loudly for immediate attention, even if it requires radical measures.”  

 

Two years more would pass, until October 1884, until Fanny Payne is in the news again.  Frank Smith and Frank Wheeler were arrested “for having a jamboree at Fanny Payne’s residence by throwing rocks in the house, to the imminent danger and peril of the inmates.” 

 

The pair were found guilty and “ were required to contribute $175 to Ogden City. Not having any cash, they admitted they were unable to meet their obligations, consequently they were consigned to the watchful care of Marshal Fife.”  

 

Fanny Payne was arrested in January 1885 and jailed for selling liquor to a Native America named “Indian Jack” after he was found drunk and was arrested. “Indian Jack” lodged a complaint against “negress Mollie”, actually Fanny Payne, for giving him the whisky. Payne employed counsel and was released. However, the paper reported that “Jack’s squaw and his daughter in law sat patiently in the cold in front of the jail yesterday waiting for his appearance. His son also waited but took it more easily by the stove in the police office. Jack was finally fined $5 which he will slumber out in jail.”  In December 1885 it was reported that “Indian Jack “was killed in Morgan, Utah “while in a drunken state”, he “was run over by a freight train.” His remains were taken to Salt Lake City for burial.

 

Fanny Payne Moved to Salt Lake City

Fanny Payne may have been released from jail on the condition that she leaves Ogden as by March 1885, when she was nearly 52 years old, she is located in Salt Lake City.  

 

“Fanny Payne, a lady of color, was arrested today for hiring a hack and refusing to pay for it. She alleged that the hack driver agreed to trust her, and the case went over until tomorrow.”

 

 The police report also mention a prostitute named Betty Wilson at the same time with whom Fanny Payne would have a brawl in August 1885.  “Mrs. Wilson was brought before Judge Adam Spiers at the same time charged with drunkenness, profanity, and disorderly conduct.”  It may have been the first time the two met. 

 

Betty Wilson and a woman named Emily Passey were mentioned earlier in March 1885 as being drunk in a ‘notorious” saloon called Benites near Second South and Commercial Street. The bar was mentioned several times as being an “Infernal den.” 

 

 “WIPE IT OUT. The Infernal Den on Second South Again Boiling. – That riotous den of infamy and iniquity known as Benites’ now presided over by a couple of Italians, was again the scene of a drunken row yesterday which seems to have been prolonged throughout the entire day.”

 

“The police made a descent upon the place an found the room filled with a half dozen bleeding and drunken soldiers, two women helplessly drunk, and a number of others not so much so. There was yelling, screaming, profanity and general confusion, and the police diving into the midst of it, brought out the two women, Mrs. Passey and Betty Wilson, and bore them screaming to jail.”

 

“One of the proprietors of the place, a burly young Italians named  John Pistoni, objected to the fair ones being borne away captive and tried to interfere. He was thereupon promptly made to bear them company and a charge was entered against him for keeping a disorderly house and interfering with officers in the discharge of their duty.

 

It is sincerely to be hoped that Judge Spiers will deal out to this fellow Pistoni the full rigor of the law. Under the statutes, we believed, he may be fined $300 and imprisoned six months.”

 

“We direct the attention of Mayor Sharp to the frequency of bawdy rows, fights, capture of thieves, and assignations for which this place is noted. We have had occasion so often to refer to these events, and every pay day at Camp Douglas witnesses so regular a recurrence of them that we feel the matter should not be longer tolerated.”

 

“People thereabouts say that no lady can pass that locality without being exposed to insult. The respectable dealers adjoining complained yesterday to a Herald reporter that their trade had been terribly damaged by the proximity of the nuisance.”

 

“We believe it could be made so uncomfortably warm for this class of houses in Salt Lake and we have one or two of them that they could not possibly secure bondmen for their licenses, and if rigorously followed up the evil could easily b wiped out. Will the authorities agree with the Herald?”

           

Upon arriving in Salt Lake City, Fanny Payne found work as a cook in an establishment in the “neighborhood of the Denver & Rio Grande Western depot”. On 15 August 1885, a newspaper article mentioned that she was in a brawl with Betty Wilson, Emily Passey, and Nellie Humphries”.

 

Nellie Humphries the wife of Frank Humphries, Mrs. Betty Wilson, and Emily Passey wife of Fred Passey were frequently mentioned in newspapers as being wonton women.  No husband has been identified for Betty Wilson however newspapers at the time often referred to mature women as “Mrs.” whether they were married or not, especially women who were considered “lewd” as the adjective Miss was reserved for unmarried respectable females. The three women had just been released from the city jail when they made their way over to the Rio Grande district.

 

“Within the past forty-eight hours, five women, chronic inmates of the city jail, have been released, having served out their sentences. This afternoon three of them, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Passey, and Nellie Humphries went to the neighborhood of the D& RGW depot, got drunk, and created general disturbance, for which they were again lodged in jail” 

           

The news story mentioned only that a “woman of color” operated a café near the Denver & Rio Grande depot. In the account of the brawl in the “eating house”, Fanny Payne was not identified only the three women “Nellie Humphries, Mrs. Wilson, and Mrs. Passey”, who were familiar to the reporter who wrote, “while under the influence of liquor, created a disturbance in an eating house kept by a colored woman.” The unidentified woman of color was Mrs. Fanny Payne, described as “a colored individual of fighting abilities”. 

 

An account of the affray mentioned that in the “melee, windows were broken, furniture smashed, and a perfect mayhem created.”   Emily Passey’s “body being black and blue from the blows she received” was “too badly used up” to appear in police court with Nellie Humphries and Betty Wilson.

 

“Two of the combatants” appeared in Police Court in front of Judge Adam Speirs who “fined Nellie Humphries $10 and Mrs. Wilson $15 for the part they took in the row”.  The women, unable to pay their fines, were lodged in jail for ten and fifteen days. Emily Passey’s “examination” was delayed due to the battering Fanny Payne had given her.

 

 The Salt Lake Herald reporter referred to Emily Passey as “Mother Passey” due to her age, when she was sentenced. “Mother Passey has retired to obscurity for the space of twenty-five days due to the fact that she was proven guilty of drunkenness, disturbing the peace, and destroying property, and had not the necessary funds to liquidate the amount assessed against her.” 

 

Fanny Payne was also arrested for having “engaged in a free for all scraping match with three white women” of which she “unmercifully battered one of her white sisters, for which she will be tried tomorrow.” 

 

Fanny Payne appeared in Police Court on 18 August 1885, to explain “how and why she let her angry passions rise to such an extent to abuse and maltreat her particular friend.” 

 

In October 1886, Fanny Payne was being referred to in news account as “Aunt”, a dismissive term for older women of color as that she 53 years old.  In that month. she appeared before Judge Adam Speirs again where she charged  that two women were harassing her, so much so that she had to leave from the Rio Grande Depot district. 

 

The newspaper correspondent, writing to amuse a white readership, used a disparaging “negro dialect” reporting on Fanny Payne’s appealed for help from the court in dealing with the abusive women who were only identified as a “Dutch Hussy” and “Alice” who may have been an woman of color named Alice Clark. 

 

An account of her appearance in Judge Adam Spiers’s was printed 31 October 1885 in an article called “Aunt Fanny’s Troubles- An Eloquent Discourse in the Police Court Yesterday.”

 

 “Aunt Fanny Paine, a colored lady who resided near the Denver & Rio Grande depot, but who explained that she had recently moved her residence owing to a pressure of circumstances, came into the Police Court, yesterday clad in a tattered astrakhan cloak [an evening cape] and a severe frown, and approached the judge in a very excited manner.”

 

 “She was accompanied by another colored female named Alice, and a white woman whom she referred to as a “___ d___ Dutch hussy.” 

 

“Her face was evidently a familiar one in the halls of justice, and as Justice Speirs turned his fatherly gaze upon her, he asked ‘What is the matter? Have you folks been fighting again? I expect we shall have to lock up the entire outfit.’” 

 

Fanny Payne was reported as saying in the mimicry of a black dialect, “Well, but Judge, you see, sah, what I want is jestice and jestice I shall have, if I have to see the fat man McKay.”  She was referring to W.W. McKay who was the United States Commissioner for the Utah Territory.

 

 “Well take a seat in the Marshal’s office and I’ll see what can be done,” answered Judge Speirs.”

 

“Aunt Fanny and her ebony opponent vanished, and once in the Marshal’s room she poured her tale of woe into the ears of that sympathetic official.” 

 

“You see sir: dis yere gal Alice came into my house when I dun wont [done wasn’t] there and commenced to raise the very debbil [devil]. She cotchd did yere [caught this here] young fellow dere, and very near choked de life out of him. I want to know if she am right to come trespassing on my premises when I don’t was there? I paid my rent and de black thing comes round there and raises debbil, and send dis dutch -------, comes round with a lot of good for nothing soldiers and makes night hideous.”

 

“ I don’t want ‘em to monkey wid me and when dey get meals from my shanty I want ‘em to pay for it. I go to work and sack coal for the railroad, I earn de money what buys de grub, and then these good for nothing white and black trash, comes round and eats it all up, and when I ask them to pay for, they give me taffy.” 

 

“Aunt Fanny was finally quieted down and bade to go home. She left but threatened to go right down and roll her feminine adversaries in the ditch, if it cost her six months and $300.”

 

From this account of this harassment incident, it revealed that Fanny Payne had move from the Rio Grande Depot area three city blocks east to the property of Mrs. Mary Taylor, located on the southwest corner of Third South and Third West which contained a “house of ill-fame”.  

 

Police court records indicated that many sexual assignations and intoxication occurred on the property on a regular basis. Many of the “lewd women” with whom Fanny Payne would be associated in newspaper were residents of this property.  Fanny may have lived in the separate dwelling from the main tenement where she supported herself running a café at 266 West on Third South. 

 

In a newspaper account called “That Den Again” from August 1887, Fanny Payne was arrested for being drunk and fighting. “Yesterday an aged and dilapidated looking female, often seen in and about the police court, entered the Marshal’s office with a tale of woe.” 

 

“It was substantially as follows: The complainant had been for about two weeks in the employ of “Aunt Fanny Payne” a colored tenant of “Mother Taylor’s Row”, cutting apples for drying.”

 

 “Yesterday forenoon Aunt Fanny got drunk and sent the old woman out to buy some butter. When the latter returned Aunt Fanny charged her with having paid too much for the butter, so the old woman said, and for the purpose of equalizing matters proceeded to knock her down.”

 

“Three times in rapid succession did the negress strike her aged servant, with prostrating effect, when another colored female tenant of the den interfered and prevented any more knocking down.”

 

“Probably  Aunt fanny’s story would be that a portion of the butter money was spent for whiskey by her ancient servant.”

 

“During the narration of the old female’s story it became apparent that ‘Mother Taylor’s Row’ still has an odor as bad and a strong as ever, and that it is a nuisance which should be abated, if any practical method of doing can be found.”

 

The odor, referred to in the report, was from a “portion of the city” using “Old Mother Taylor’s” property “as a dumping ground for garbage and other offensive matter.”  In July 1887 persons living nearby complained to the city of the smell and petitioned for an abatement of the property. 

 

In January 1888 the blind baby boy who Fanny Payne had been caring for died. She had printed in the newspaper on 7 January 1888, the following announcement. “Died Payne-In the Fourteenth Ward, on the 1st inst, Harry, son of Mrs. Fanny Payne, aged 5 years. Mrs. Payne (col) begs to return her thanks to Mormon Friends for the kindness she received from them in her bereavement. She says she will never forget the Mormons as long as she lives.”  

 

 It is very doubtful that the boy was her natural child as she was 53 years old when the child was born.  As that the baby was born blind, he may have been born to a syphilitic mother.

 

The Salt Lake Herald reported in July 1888 “Aunt Fannie Payne is once more in a peck of trouble. It would seem that she was born under an unlucky star, and as one of her friends put it, “if she were to buy the Ontario tomorrow, [a silver mine] it would peter out before de end of de week.” Aunt Fannie is a colored woman on an uncertain age, who for many years past eked out a precarious livelihood by doing odd jobs here and there, and her experiences in each of her enterprises has been various and times vivid.”

 

“Hearing of the approach of the circus, she thought to be able to earn an honest dollar by the sale of nuts, candies, oranges, etc. near the circus grounds.”

 

 “Monday morning found her installed in a good position and Monday evening her stock in trade or a considerable portion of it, had been converted into cash and the nickels and dimes and quarters were carefully stowed away in her capacious pockets.” 

 

“Her sales during the day amounted to nearly $20. She was through with her labors, and had just commenced her return home, when a man suddenly seized her by the throat and

“Choked de breff from outen her” while another made a grab at her pocket containing the money, and with a pair of shears of a sharp knife cut it entirely off and made away with the boodle which was every cent the victim had. There was considerable hubbub raised, but the fellows made good their escape.”

 

Fanny Payne charged three men, in December 1888, of killing a pig belonging to her. “Frank Swan and two others were arrested for killing a pig belonging to a colored woman, Fanny Payne. The latter says she was awaken at one in the morning by hearing the pig squeal and ongoing out, saw Swan in the act of stabbing the young porker in the throat.”

 

“He and two companions made off leaving a sack in which they evidently intended to carry off the carcass. She saw the men again and had them taken into custody.”

 

In police court Swan denied that he “had not been near the place” while “the colored woman said she saw him kill the animal.” It was her word against his and as “there being no other evidence, the doubt was resolved in Swan’s favor” and “Swan was discharged” . 

 

Fanny Payne’s next appearance in court was in August 1889 when she quarreled with a man over water rights on the property. “Old Aunt Fanny Payne, colored, who has a police court record of some years’ standing, was before Commissioner Noreell in a new role, that of a complaining witness.”

 

“The defendant was an old one-eyed man named George Moseby, and the quarrel, like all those which are agitating great minds today, was over water.  It appears that Mrs. Payne had on permission of the owner, [Mrs. Mary Taylor] boxed in a little spring near her residence on Third South Street. As Mr. Moseby is dependent upon the stream flowing from the spring for a supply of water, he took a hatchet and proceeded to cut away of Fanny’s box so that a better stream would flow.”

 

“Fanny appeared upon the spot and applied to the gentleman some delicate but forceful epithets. The old man raised up and flourished his tomahawk threatened in to chop Fanny’s black brains out, although the said brains remained in convenient proximity for a considerable amount of time, he did not disturb their equilibrium.”

 

“The court held the defendant had technically violated the statute and therefore adjudged him guilty but in consideration of his old age and decrepit condition sentence was suspended during good behavior.”

 

The last mention of Fanny Payne was tragically an attempted rape of her while she was bedridden with an illness, just weeks before her death. On 24 October 1892 it was reported that “Charles Plant, a tough looking specimen of humanity was arraigned on a charge of attempted rape of the person of Fannie Payne, an old colored woman of 70 years, who is sick.”  She was actually closer to 60 years old. Plant was 25 years old and also referred to as a “Tough looking tramp.” 

 

“William Powers, who is a watchman, heard the woman screaming and ran to her assistance. She lives on Second South Street [actually Third South].”

 

When arrested “Plant said he was too drunk to know anything about the occurrence.”  He will have a preliminary hearing this afternoon The bond was fixed at $300.”

 

 At his preliminary hearing in police court, Charles Plant was permitted to plead guilty to simple assault and “the charge of attempted rape was withdrawn.”  Plant said he was so drunk he didn’t know anything about what he had done. “He wept when he made his statement and said that he guessed he was guilty enough but that he didn’t know.”  

 

A man named Ed Dolan who was with Plant that night said that he was “so drunk that he fell into the gutter instead of going to the house” where Fanny Payne was bedridden. 

 

The police court believed the evidence that Plant “was so drunk that he did not know what he was doing” and that since “no injury had been done to the old lady” he was only fined $5. Both he and Dolan was given five days for being drunk.

 

Fanny Payne died 29 August 1892, according to a news account printed 30 August 1892. In the newspapers her age was given as 71 years which conflicted with the age, she gave herself in 1870. Her age was probably given by the attending physician as an estimate.

 

 “The Negress known as Aunt Fanny Payne was found dead in her bed at her residence, Third south between Second [Third] and Third West [South] streets . She was 71 years of age.”

 

Another article, printed on 30 August, commented, “The aged negress who is known as Aunt Fanny, died yesterday morning. She had been under the care of Dr. Meacham for two weeks and he gives the cause of her death as the breaking down of old age. A week ago, Charles Plane made a criminal assault on the woman, but the doctor says he did not think that was the cause of her death.”

 

 While living in a hovel, she had good care during her illness. For the past two weeks two women from the rank of the Salvation Army have been attending her. She was 71 year of age and had resided in the city for many years.”

 

MARY  EDWARD WHITE CANNON TAYLOR [1810-1890]

 Apostle George Q Cannon’s Stepmother

Fanny Payne had moved from Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West in the fall of 1885 to a residence at 266 West Third South on a lot known as “Taylor’s Corner”, owned by Mary Edwards Taylor. The location today is on northeast corner of Third West and Third South where the Greek Orthodox Cathedral is located.  

 

Taylor’s corner was a lot 70 feet fronting Third South by 112 feet fronting on Third West, situated on the southwest corner of City Block 60, diagonally across from northwest corner of “the Old Fort” which is Pioneer Park.  

 

The woman known as “Old Mother Taylor was a “well-known character of this city,” who had a large home on the property sometimes referred to as a “mansion.” The address of her home was  373 South Second [Third] West. 

 

The property also contained two other structures, one certainly was a barn, and the other was at the address of 266 West Third South. The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed the property also contained a large orchard situated on Second [Third] West and that the main house at 373 South was a “tenement”. The map additionally showed a Jewish Synagogue located on the southeast corner of city block 60 at First [Second] West and Third South, which was noted “soon to be vacated”. 

 

“Old Mother Taylor” was actual a Welsh Mormon convert named Mary Edwards  who was married three times. When Joseph White, her first husband died, she married a Mormon convert George Cannon [1794-1844] in Nauvoo, Illinois and thus became the stepmother of George Q Cannon, later a leading Mormon Apostle. Six months after the death of Cannon, Mary Edwards Cannon’s daughter Elizabeth was born.  Mary Cannon was a widow until she married for the last time on  Christmas  Day 1847 to a polygamist Charles Barber Taylor [1819-1895], in St. Louis, Missouri.

 

The Taylors immigrated to Utah Territory in the John Sharp Company of 1850, where Charles Taylor became a wealthy merchant in Salt Lake City. Mary Taylor was 39 years old when she initially traveled to the Salt Lake Valley with her third husband, Charles Barber Taylor, along with Charles Taylor's diary mentioned that he adopted Elizabeth Cannon who later married William Henry Piggot in 1869

 

            Charles and Mary Taylor are listed in the 1850 and 1860 federal census of Utah Territory as residence of the 14^th Ward of the Great Salt Lake City. Charles Taylor was one of the first butchers in Salt Lake. 

 

            Charles Taylor left Mary alone in Utah during the Civil War, in order to serve a religious mission to England from 1862 to 1865. Upon his return he married Martha Burrows in 1866. She was a Mormon convert that Taylor brought back to Utah. They were married by Mormon Apostle Heber C. Kimball and became the parents of eight children.

 

            The 1880 federal census of Utah listed Mary C. Taylor as the wife of Charles P. Taylor a “retired merchant”. His age was listed as 61 and hers as 69 years old. They were listed as living on the “east side” of Second [Third] West.  Charles B. Taylor was also enumerated a second time as a 60-year-old “butcher” living with his plural wife Martha Burrows along with three children under the age of 10.  

 

            Charles Taylor divorced Mary Taylor in 1885, when she was 75 years old probably due to her alcoholism and the notoriety of the certain vice being mentioned in the newspapers. However, she was given a large property lot on the then outskirts of the city located across from Pioneer Park. 

In the 1880’s Mother Taylor’s home and property became an infamous location for prostitution and her “mansion” was referred to often as a “house of Ill repute” whose “inmates” were frequently mentioned as appearing before judges of the police Court for various offenses.

 

Mary Taylor was arrested in May 1885 and a reporter wrote of her condition. “Mrs. Taylor, who lives in a wretched filthy state, in a house at the corner of Third South and Second [Third]  West Streets was arrested on a charge of drunkenness but was discharged.” Mary Taylor was 75 years old at the time and the court was more and likely influenced by her relationship to George Q Cannon, a prominent Mormon official.

 

In April 1886 there was a report of a police raid on the property of Mrs. Mary Taylor “a disputable house at the corner of Second [Third] west and Third South streets.” Arrested by the police were Mrs. Taylor, the owner, and Emily Passey, Maggie Hill, Martin Cassidy, Mrs. Souter, Nellie Humphries, and Sallie Davis.”   Fanny Payne was the actual complainant who charged Mary Taylor with “keeping a house of ill-fame.” 

 

Maggie Hill in turned, then “swore out a complaint” against Fanny Payne, “another inmate of the house who had been called as a witness” Hill charged Payne , “with keeping a house of ill-fame.”

 

The arrest of the “inmates” must have come from a clash between 75-year-old Mary Taylor and 53-year-old Fanny Payne as that Payne was referred to as “one of the occupants of the disreputable den, on the corner of Second [Third] West and Third South, where the disgraceful row occurred which might be abated as a nuisance without anybody in the neighborhood kicking.” 

 

The April police court trial resulted in a verdict of guilty for all those arrested and a fine of $30 was imposed in each case “which means 30 days imprisonment for each” as the women were unable to pay. 

 

Fanny Payne was charged with keeping a house of ill-fame when she appeared before Judge George D. Pyper and was found guilty. “Aunt Fanny Payne, the colored individual who had been found guilty of keeping a house of ill-fame, was sentenced to a fine of $100 and three-months imprisonment.”

 

Another account of the April Police raid wrote “ This morning [19 April 1886], the trial of the Negress, Fanny Payne, for keeping a house of ill-fame, was held before Justice Pyper, and the accused was found guilty. She will receive sentence tomorrow at 10 a.m.”

 

“Two other females of the ‘cullud’ [colored] persuasion, Alice Valentine and Hattie Clark were arrested on a charge of vagrancy in being associated with lewd and dissolute persons and the case set for hearing this afternoon.”

 

“The officers have done a good thing in prosecuting the inmates of the den where these women and those sentenced Saturday were found and if the place is cleaned out the work will be appreciated.”

 

Valentine and Clark were referred to as “two young colored belles of shady reputation,” and the Salt Lake Herald called then “The Belles of the Kitchen.” 

 

“the two-colored belles- Alice Valentine and Hattie Clark -who were run in o the charge of vagrancy and prostitution, were each adjudged guilty, and  were charged with vagrancy and prostitution and sentenced to a fine of $30. Not having the necessary amount of funds, they will labor in the jail kitchen for a period of thirty days”

 

“Both these girls have made themselves particularly notorious of late and considering their years they probably are the hardest couple that have ever disgraced the town. One of them, Hattie Clark, claims to be 13 and the other is not yet 18.”

 

“They are shocking examples of youthful depravity, but not much more so, however, than some white boys of supposedly respectable parentage, who have been frequently seen in their company.”

 

Alice Valentine was mentioned a year earlier in July 1885 when a man named Nathan Grose “battered Alice Valentine and got $60 or sixty Days” sentenced in the Police Court.

 

Hattie Clark was in court again in January 1887 “Hattie Clark and Lottie Perkins, two of the ebony hued damsels who are in the habit of conducting themselves in a very loose and unlady-like manner were arraigned on the charge of keeping a house of ill-fame. Both damsels plead guilty, and in consideration of the fact that they had adorned the Police Court so often before, they were given a heavy sentence- ninety days in the city jail. 

 

In July 1886 Dr. Jeter Clinton reported a new case of Scarlet Fever in the “old place immediately adjoining the somewhat notorious Mother Taylor property.” 

 

The inspector of buildings nuisances for Salt Lake City, in September 1886, reported that the city marshal “or someone else should cast an eye at the remnants of a house on the Old Mother Taylor property. There are a number of crumbling adobe walls standing there which will someday fall and envelope some of the numerous children constantly playing under them.”

 

There was also a case of diphtheria reported at Fanny Payne’s residence on Third South Street between First [Second] and Second [Third] West in May 1887. Diphtheria once was a major cause of illness and death among children. “A case of diphtheria was reported by Dr. Clinton yesterday. It is at the residence of “Aunt Fanny” Payne (colored) who runs a restaurant on the Mother Taylor property. 

 

Lewdness on Third South and Third West

The Salt Lake Herald reported on the conditions of the property of “Mother Taylor” in January 1887 writing; “Among the Slums A Very Salty Subject- The Row in the Stable- A descent was made upon the notorious and infamous establishment known as the Mother Taylor property late on Friday night. Mrs. Charles and John Crocker were arrested, charged with lewdness, and taken to jail.” 

 

“A short time afterwards Mrs. Passey was also arrested charged with indecent exposure. She was found at the City Hotel. The particulars are too revolting and vile for publication. Even the Tribune will scarcely dare handle them this morning.” 

 

“The charges against all were proven and the three worthies were each fined $99 and sentenced to 100 days imprisonment in the City Jail. Emily Passey, Mrs. Charles, and John Crocker, charged with lewd conduct, was sentenced to 100 days imprisonment, and fined $99. As none had the funds to pay their fines, the “similar offense each received’ will keep them in jail for 199 days.”  

 

In October 1887, when Mary Taylor was 77 years old, she was arrested in a ‘raving state of intoxication.” “Mother Taylor picked up drunk in a nude condition” and was fined  $30 or 30 days in jail.”

 

In 1888 a grand jury went to Mary Taylor’s property to inspect it after receiving criticism of the conditions of the lot. In September, a newspaper reported, “Complaints having been made as to the filthy conditions of Mother Taylor’s premises, corner of Third South and Second [Third] West streets, members of the grand jury visited the place yesterday afternoon on a tour of inspection. The premises were found to be in a very filthy condition and the jurors ordered the nuisance to be abated without delay.” 

 

The newspaper was critical of the Grand Jury for not also condemning other property in the area as being as bad.  “A Second South Street subscriber desires to know how it was that the grand jury during the recent visit to the Mother Taylor property in search of nuisances, failed to find any on the way down.  Mother Taylor owner of the “Taylor corner was among those indicted for keeping a nuisance.”

 

Death of Mother Taylor

Two articles from 1890 mention Mary Taylor and her property. In August “at 12:15 last night as a Rio Grande employee was near Old Mother Taylor’s corner at Second [Third] West and Third South, he was set upon by two footpads and knocked in the head and robbed of $220 and a watch.  

 

Then in a small notice printed on 10 October 1890, a brief death notice of Mary  Taylor was announced. No mention was made that she was the stepmother of George Q Cannon. 

 

“Old Mother Taylor, a well-known character of this city died at her residence near the Old fort a few days ago.”  

 

She died October 7, 1890, in Salt Lake, of “General Debility, Old Age” and was buried October 8th, in the Salt Lake Cemetery, plot G-10-9-4W.  Her tombstone’s epithet says, “ A Devoted Mother, A Friend of the Poor, May She Rest in Peace.”

 

The NOTORIOUS EMILY PASSEY

According to the 1880 federal Census “Fred and Emily Passy” lived at 74 South First [State] East Street in a building which was a Chinese Laundry and lodging house near Plum Alley.  Nine others inhabited the same address. The building must have been divided into three sections as it contained three heads of households.

 

 Fred Passey was listed in the census as household 227 in the Thirteenth Ward of Salt Lake City. He was listed as a 39-year-old “cook in a restaurant”, husband to 29-year-old Emily Passey. Both were English emigrants, and both had been unemployed for over a year. 

 

Fred Passey [1843-1915] had come to Utah in 1861 with his Mormon parents at the age of 17 within the Joseph Horne Company.  He had married Emily, last name unknown prior to 1880 but her background is unknown. Fred Passey was not listed in the 1879 city directory.

 

Others living in the same accommodations were members of household 226 which contained five Chinese men, Ling Sang and Lee Sang, Sing Ah, Soon Ah, Sam Ah and Gin Ah all who gave their occupations as “washing” or owning a “washhouse.”  Their ages ranged from 35 to 18 years old and all were emigrants from Canton, China. 

 

A 35-year-old Chinese man named Sang Ling was the head of a household 225 that contained 54-year-old Lucinda Watts, 49-year-old Jane Suter, and Jane’s 17-year-old son Francis Suter. 

 

Sang Ling was the unmarried proprietor of a “washhouse” and a native of China. Watts was a native of Connecticut and gave her occupation as a “washer” woman and Jane Suter stated she was born in Scotland but gave had no occupation.  Both Lucinda Watts and Jane Sutter also stated they were “widows”. Francis “Frank” Suter stated he worked in a restaurant perhaps along with Fred Passey.  

 

All these individuals living at 74 South First East, except for Sang Ling had been unemployed 12 months. Ling said he had been out of work two months.  

 

In April 1881 Emily Passey who had been recently released jailed was arrested along with her husband. 

 

“Badly Beaten.- Today [16 April 1881] about noon a man was badly beaten with a club by an enraged husband, in a alley way on the east side of Main Street, just opposite the Walker House. The husband’s name was Passey, a miner form Bingham. We did not learn the name of the other. The trouble was over Passey’s wife.” 

 

 “About noon on Saturday [16 April 1881] in the vicinity of the Wasatch Hotel, considerable excitement was caused by a man, who looked like a laborer, walking up to the drug store, his head, neck, and the front of his shirt being literally covered with blood.”

 

“He stated that while walking down the street, a man pulled him to the door and beat him over the head with a club. He informed the parties, and he and Fred Passy and his wife were arrested.”

 

“Last evening, they were before Judge Pyper, when it was brought out in testimony that the man had been seen with Mrs. Passey by her husband. He watched them go down the street into his house, and after waiting about five minutes, went in. He found the man on the bed and his wife in the room, and he attacked the man with a rock and beat him pretty badly.”

 

“Passy was discharged, the victim fined $10, and Mrs. Passey given thirty days. She had been let out but one day ago.”

 

“The victim of the beating had been drinking very hard and was doubtless drunk when assaulted.”  

 

Fred Passey’s assault on the main must have appeared to be justified by the court for him to be “discharged,” however the “victim of the beating” was fined $10 probably for being drunk, and Emily Passey was given thirty days in jail for prostitution. It was probably at this time the couple separated as they are not listed in the city directories. 

 

In May 1882 Emily Passey was arrested on a charge of keeping a “disorderly house” a term for where prostitution occurred and in 1883, she was arrested and fined $10 for being drunk and disorderly. “An individual was arrested yesterday [May 21] together with Mrs. Passy for lewd conduct. The woman was charged with abusing the officers. She must have been an alcoholic as she was arrested again 1883 for being “a straight, undiluted drunk”.  

 

“Record of Sin. Mrs., Passy, a silly intox fined $5” “Mrs. Passy, the same lady as above referred to was required to donate $10 for breaking jail. The fact in this case is that Mrs. Passey did not break any jail whatever. She was working out one of her fines washing the back yard of the jail and finding the coast clear, she skipped by the light of the sun as Launcelot Gobbo says. ‘The demon said run, and she ran’. She may by this sudden departure have broken the jailor’s heart, but it is a sheer technicality to say that that harmless female is capable of breaking anything more formidable than a gin bottle.” 

 

Emily Passey eventually became friends with a woman named Betty Wilson whose drunken escapades were also often repeated in newspaper accounts. 

 

By March 1885, “Mrs. Passey” was being referred to in the papers as “notorious”. She was arrested again in Benite’s disreputable saloon at 61 East Second South along with one of the proprietors, an Italian Bartender named John Pastoni who was also arrested and charged with keeping a disorderly house and resisting officers. 

 

In an article called “Wipe It Out. The Infernal Den on second South Again Boiling,” it detailed a ruckus at Benites where Emily Passey and Betty Wilson were arrested. “That riotous den of infamy and iniquity known as Benites now presided over by a couple of Italians was again the scene of a drunken row yesterday [March 3] which seems to have been prolonged throughout the entire day.”

 

“The police made a descent upon the place an found the room filled with a half dozen bleeding and drunken soldiers, two women helplessly drunk, and a number of others not so much. There was yelling, screaming, profanity, and general confusion and the police diving into the midst of it brought out two women, Mrs. Passey and Betty Wilson, and bore them screaming to the jail.” 

 

“Notorious Mrs. Passey and Bettie Wilson were arrested at 3 o’clock this afternoon [March 3] in Benite’s place, also an Italian bartender. From the appearances of the trio’s general celebration ad set-to had been taken part in. The officers escorted them to jail while the usual number of the curious followed.”  She paid a $10 fine for being drunk and disorderly. 

 

Emily Passey probably was jailed for ten days as that on March 14, she was in court again fined $10 again along with a prostitute named Sally Davis. 

 

Sally Ann Davis was in Police Court records as early as May 1881 when she was among three women, one civilian, and several soldiers”  indulging “in low and obscene language, profanity, and lewd conduct.” Sally Davis was a habitual arrestee, usually for profanity and being drunk.  She cohabitated with a man named Barney Davidson or Davis who was described as “coal-colored”. By 1887 she was being called “Aunt Sally Davis which would indicate that she may have been mixed race.”

 

In 1888 it was said of her Sally Davis, who has seen more often inside of the city jail than perhaps any woman in the west.”

 

For the third time “the notorious Mrs. Passey was fined $5 by Justice Spiers this morning [March 24] for the old offense, drunkenness.” In April, she found herself in court just once [April20]  on the “same old offense, drunkenness” but was only fined $5.

 

A description was given of Emily Passey by a reporter in May 1885 when she appeared before Judge Adam Spiers once more. “A short, chubby woman, with her sleeves rolled up to the shoulders, was interrupted in her work of scrubbing cells, to be brought before Judge Speirs on a charge of drunkenness.”

 

“What is your plea, Mrs. Passey?” the Judge inquired.”

 

“My pleas is, I guess I had a little drop sufficient to walk and not be brought in a wagon,” rattled off the lady in an indifferent manner.”

 

“You will be fined seven dollars and a half.”

 

“That don’t hurt me a bit,” replied the lady, flaunting out of the room, and taking up her work again on the floor of the cells.” 

 

On May 19, Emily Passey was mentioned with other miscreants “arrayed before Judge Speirs.” “Mrs. Passey was everything that is bad and had to pay $20.” 

 

A month later, “during the afternoon [26 June 1885] the somewhat notorious Mrs. Passey sailed into the court room, and planting herself on a bench, demanded an immediate trial. The Judge and spectators looked up in astonishment and she again asserted her readiness for trial.

 

Officer Hilton followed shortly after and escorted her to the jail. It seems that some two weeks ago, Mrs. Passey was arrested while on one of her regular sprees but had taken advantage of an opportunity offered her and vanished. She remained out of sight of the officers until yesterday when Policeman Hilton nabbed her.” She was given thirty days in jail “for her bad conduct.” 

 

Later in July 1885 a newspaper reported, “Two wild-eyed women, with the effects of intemperance stamped all over their countenances, and who sail under the names of Mrs. Passey and Mrs. Wilson-- names which have become notorious for their frequent appearances on the police court records-- were brought before Justice Spiers this morning [July 29] charged with being drunk and profane. They pleaded guilty to the charge and were fined $15 each.”

 

Emily Passey and Betty Wilson when they were released in August soon were joined by a woman named Nellie Humphries in Salt Lake City’s newspaper accounts. 

 

“Three of a Kind. Nellie Humphries, Mrs. Wilson, and Mrs. Passey, while under the influence of liquor, created a disturbance in an eating house kept by a colored woman, near the Denver & Rio Grande depot, on Saturday [August 15] afternoon.

 

In the melee windows were broken, furniture smashed, and a perfect pandemonium created. Mrs. Passey was too badly used up, being black and blue from the blows she received.”

 

His Honor, Justice Speirs, fined “Nellie Humphries $10, and Mrs. Wilson $15, for the part they took in the row, and the examination of Mrs. Passey will be held when she is able to appear.” Emily Passey was the older of the three women and perhaps their leader as she was referred to as “mother of the participants.” 

 

The weather must have been extremely warm as a headline seemed to indicate that it was. “Effects of the Hot Wave. Mrs. Passey in the ‘Cooler’ Again---Black Amazon Who licked Three White women.”

 

“The notorious Mrs. Passey, whose familiar name is a continued ornament to the police docket, was brought up standing on a three-ply charge of drunk, profane, and disorderly. Her case will be heard tomorrow [19 August 1885].” 

 

“Fanny Payne, a colored individual of fighting abilities, engaged in a free-for-all scraping match with three white women last Sunday, and unmercifully battered one of her white sisters, for which she will be tried tomorrow.” 

 

Emily Passey did some jail time for the fight that occurred in Fanny Payne’s restaurant. “Mother Passey has retired to obscurity for the space of twenty-five days due to the fact that she was proven guilty of drunkenness, disturbing the peace, and destroying property, and had not the necessary funds to liquidate the amount assessed against her.” 

 

She was mentioned again until November 1885. “A sextette, composed of William Mace, John White, Ed Walker, Mrs. Passey, Mrs. Wilson, and Nellie Humphries, were all arrested and charged with disturbing the peace in that somewhat famous resort known as the Taylor building on Third South Street.”

 

“The rumpus lasted until 12’0clock Tuesday [November 17] night to 7 o’clock yesterday morning [November 18] when they were nabbed by the police.”

 

The three feminines pleaded guilty, and the males like Father Adam, endeavored to shift the responsibility to the shoulder of the women.

 

William Mace, however, was fined $10, Passey $10, Wilson $10, Humphries $7.50, and White and Walker were discharged.” 

 

Another account of the incident reported, “The police this morning arrested a number of low characters who frequently engage in drunken brawls at a house at the corner of Second [Third] West and Third South Street a “somewhat famous resort known as the Taylor building.  William Mace, John White, E. A. Walker, Mrs. Passey, Mrs. Wilson, and Nellie Humphries were among the participants taken into custody.”

 

Emily Passey spent the time in jail rather than paid the fine as that she was arrested again at the end of November. “Walter Porcher and Mrs. Passey were each fined $10 today [November 30] for being drunk and profane.”

 

The following year in February 1886, she was arrested again. “The old, old story told again, Mrs. Passey indulged in too much alcohol, and as a consequence, fell into the clutches of the law. She will ornament the jail kitchen for ten days in lieu of $10 in silver or any other coin, with which to pay her fine.” 

 

Emily Passey was involved in a disturbance at Mary Taylor’s “house of ill-fame” which occurred in April 1886. A fellow named “Cassidy was taken into City Hall yesterday [April 16] afternoon for creating a disturbance of the peace and demolishing some property in the Fourteenth Ward, and later in the evening, at Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Passey whose frequent arrests and status in the city prison have rendered their names familiar to the public in that connection, were also taken and lodge behind the bars for participating in the same row.” 

 

After Emily Passey was released the following month, she made the papers again. “Yesterday [13 May] afternoon Moses Burns was convicted of drunkenness and fined $5 in Police court. He declared that he had come from Stockton, Tooele County, to be cared for in a hospital, and had taken some laudanum [Morphine] and fallen asleep at the place where he was picked up by the police. The evidence, however, showed that Burns’ story had little truth in it, and the offense was clearly proven. 

 

 The fellow paid his fine and also deposited enough cash to liberate the notorious Mrs. Passey from jail. Later in the evening the two were found together in a state of beastly intoxication in a house of ill fame, whither they had resorted after being set at liberty. Both were lodged in jail and this morning entered pleas of guilty to a violation of the city ordinance against prostitution and were each sentenced to three months imprisonment and to pay a $99. To satisfy the judge they will remain in jail 189 days.” 

 

Emily Passey was detained six months in jail and when released in November she was arrested again. “November Mrs. Passey was arrested today [November 22] on charges of drunkenness and vagrancy.”

 

  “Mrs. Passey bobbed up serenely in the Police Court yesterday to answer to the charge of being a common prostitute. Emily admitted her guilt, saying has “guessed there was no use doing nothing else,” and the judge looked severe, as he said, “You will be sentenced to sixty days in the County, Jail, Mrs. Passey.”

 

“Mrs. Passy for vagrancy was given 60 days in jail.”

 

She was barely released from jail when she reoffended in January 1887. On January 28, Emily Passey was “found at the City Hotel. The particulars are too revolting and vile for publication.”

 

 “The City Hotel or Salt Lake House, as it is now called-resorted to for the purpose of lewdness. For some time past the place has had an unsavory reputation, and if reports are to be believe, the orgies carried on there would have made the average demi monde blush.” 

 

Emily Passey was charged with “indecent exposure and fined $99 and sentenced to 100 days in jail. As she was not able to pay her fine, she was locked up but was released by 5 March 1887 when she was arrested again. “Mrs. Passy who spends a great part of her time in the city jail, was again arrested last night for violating the city ordinance.” 

 

Once out of jail, Emily Passey was again held on a charge of lewd conduct in September 1887. “Mrs. Passey and one of her numerous admirers were run in last evening [September 5] on the old charge. They will probably get 100 days each today.”

 

 “An individual who gave his name as John Williams, but who wanted to be known as [Jack] McDonald, today [September 6], was arrested in company with the notorious Mrs. Passey, and held on the charge of lewd conduct. The couple alleged that they were husband and wife, but as that there’s no record of their marriage in the Probate Court, either the justice at Bingham, who they said married them, failed to comply with the Edmunds law, or the twain have invented the story in the hope of keeping out of jail-most likely the latter.”

 

The last mention of Emily Passey in a newspaper was in June 1890 when The Salt Lake Herald, quick to criticize the Salt Lake Tribune attacked their rival’s critiques of theater performances that evidently the reviewer never actually saw. They wrote “Evidently it would be all the same to the Tribune critic if Mrs. Passey or Aunt Sally Davis were cast for the leading lady; the gushing notice would certainly follow.”

 

After this mention, both Aunt Sally Davis and Emily Passey passed from narratives. The death register for Utah does not record either of them having died in Utah although their death possibly simply was not recorded. It is probable they died of alcoholism as it is doubtful, they had the funds to leave the territory. 

 

The NOTORIOUS BETTY WILSON

Betty Wilson was mentioned in newspapers in 1880 for drunkenness. “This morning [30 January 1880] Mrs. Wilson and Peter Johnson, for drunkenness, were fines $10 and $5 respectively.”  Again, in March, “Mrs. Wilson was fined $5 for being drunk [13 March 1880]

 

She may have left the territory for a while as she is not mentioned again until 1883. “Betty Wilson was assed $5 and costs Saturday [17 March 1883] for drunkenness.” Again, in August, “Betty was assessed and fined by Justice Speirs on Wednesday [1 August 1883] 

 

Betty White was not as frequently mentioned as appearing in the Salt Lake Police Court as Emily Passey, but she was there often.  “Betty Wilson for drunkenness, profanity and obscene language, was today [15 January 1884] fined $15 and for destroying property $10.”

 

On 11 February 1884 Betty Wilson and a man named Phil Schumann were charged with lewd conduct and were fined $30 each in Judge Adam Speirs court. Later in May 1884, she and a man named James Fury were sentenced to jail also for “lewd conduct” and fined $30. “Betty and James are old offenders it seems and are not ambitious to keep out of jail or out of the print.” 

 

Sometime in 1884 Betty Wilson is being associated with Emily Passey in print. “Two ladies named Betty Wilson and Mrs. Passey were up before Police Court yesterday [June 7] to answer for the periodic spree. They were taxed according to the tariff and will be probably sober for a week.”

 

Another account later in the year mentioned “Betty Wilson, an old offender, was brought into jail for being drunk. She had as usual a bottle of whiskey in her pocket.” Her last lock up in 1884 was “for being drunk, profane, and using obscene language, was fined $29, which means twenty days in jail.”

 

“Betty Wilson, an old offender, was brought into jail at 1 o’clock this morning [July 31] for being drunk. She had as usual a bottle of whisky in her pocket.”

 

“Betty Wilson for being drunk profane, and using obscure language was fined $20, which means twenty days in jail.” 

 

In March 1885, Betty Wilson teamed up with Emily Passey and raised a ruckus at Benites Saloon. “There were yelling and screaming, profanity and general confusion, and the police diving into the midst of it, brought out two women, Mrs. Passey and Betty Wilson, and bore them screaming to jail.” 

 

For her participation in the fight in Fanny Payne’s establishment in August1885, Betty White was arrested and fined. “Nellie Humphreys, of unsavory fame and reputation, was up on the usual charge of drunk and disorderly. Ten dollars was the amount assessed against her. She will scrub out the amount during the next ten days. 

 

Mrs. Wilson will assist the above unfortunate, during her incarceration and in addition will stay five days longer, $15 being the amount of her fine for unlawful conduct.”

 

 After he release in September Betty Wilson was in trouble again. “Mrs. Wilson was fine $15 in the Police Court today [September 5] for engaging in a disgraceful disturbance at a frequented rendezvous on the corner of Third South and Second [Third] West.”

 

She managed to stay out of the news again until December 1885. “Mrs. Wilson, an old offender before the police court bar of justice, was fined $25 this morning December 4] by Judge Speirs, for being drunk, profane and disorderly. When the Judge pronounced the fine the old lady heaved a sigh like a woman getting a tooth pulled, who is determined not to show the operation hurts.”

 

Court records for Betty Wilson are absent after this time and she too like, Emily Passey disappears from newspapers. 

 

The NOTORIOUS NELLIE HUMPHRIES 

Nellie Humphries was the wife of a man named Frank J Humphries [1850-1887]. Her age is unknown. The first mention of Frank Humphries was in January 1882 when he shot a man named P. [Peter] Young who had tried to enter the room where he and his wife were sleeping. “Frank Humphries was arrested and appeared before Justice [Adam] Speirs to answer to the charge of doing the shooting. He states that on Saturday [January 7], night, some person came to the widow of the room where he and his wife were sleeping, and insisted on getting in. After warning the party off for the Fourth [Fifth] time he fired a random shot out the window, for the purpose of scaring the fellow away. He was surprised to find subsequently that the shot had taken effect.”

 

“It appears that Young was intoxicated and was under the impression that he was getting into his own room. Humphries waived an examination and was held to answer to the grand jury in $500 bonds.” 

 

Humphries was mentioned in a Police Court Record again 17 November 1882. He “was fined $10 for being drunk and for disturbing the peace. Mrs. Humphries was fined $10 for being drunk and for disturbing the peace. John Garrison was fined $10 for assault and Battery and Nellie Garrison was fined $10 for being drunk, for disturbing the peace and for profanity.”

 

John C Garrison later in 1883 was charged “with keeping a house of ill-fame, near the Salt Lake Stables on Commercial Street. A warrant was issued, the officer arrested Garrison and four inmates of his house-one man three women- and locked them all up.” 

 

During the trial “the details occupied all the afternoon [March 10] and were disgusting in the extreme, showing the house complained of, to be the filthiest den that has been in Salt Lake for years.” “This place has been for a long time a great source of trouble to police affairs and the parties have several times been arrested and fined for disturbances.”

 

“Garrison was fined $99 and sentenced too fifty days in jail.  Three of the other parties  [Nellie Garrison, John Humphries, and Nellie Humphries] each pleaded guilty, for being “drunk, profane and disorderly” and  were “fined $50- or fifty-day labor.” 

 

Frank Humphries was back in Police Court in 1883 charged with assault with a deadly weapon and he was also arrested several times in 1884 for fighting and being drunk however he was not mentioned again until his death in 1887

 

In an article written 17 August 1885, Nellie Humphreys, “of unsavory fame and reputation,” was mentioned that she “was up on the usual charge of drunk and disorderly. Ten dollars was the amount assessed against her. She will scrub out the amount during the next ten days. Mrs. [Betty] Wilson will assist the above unfortunate, during her incarceration and in addition will stay five days longer, $15 being the amount of her fine for unlawful conduct.”

 

Nellie Humphries was referred to as a “street walker” in a Salt Lake Herald newspaper account of her arrest in 1886 for committing a sex act. “Peter Jackson and Nellie Humphries, one of the lowest and most disputable streetwalkers and back alley frequents, that ever disgraced this section of the country, were arrested early Friday morning by Officers [Arthur] Pratt and [Andrew J] Burt and appeared before Judge [George D] Pyper yesterday [May 29] for trial. The evidence went to prove that Mrs. Humphries and Jackson had been caught in ‘flagrante delicto’ in a room in the rear of a beer saloon; that their actions were of the vilest description.”

 

“There was no testimony for the defense, but both were discharged, Judge Pyper holding that according to Judge [Charles] Zane’s ruling in the recent L. & L. cases, the couple were guilty of no offense, because the acts complained of had not been committed in a public place. This will be glorious news to all the women of the Humphries stamp and their still lower and more degraded male associates.” 

 

In August 1886 Nellie Humphries was arrested during a raid on Mary Taylor’s property by police. “An array of dissolute persons faced the judge on the opening of court this afternoon [August 21]- the result of a raid last night on the disreputable house at the corner of Third South and Second [Third] West Streets. The prisoners were Nathan Gross, Daniel Clark, a white woman named Nell Humphries, and two negresses and a mulatto- Sallie and Dosie Clark and Sadie Lancaster. These with a number of others, among them a corporal from Fort Douglas, were found in a small room half drunk or stupefied from the effect of morphine. They were all charged with vagrancy.”

 

Nellie Humphries later became associated with a girl named Mary Pettit who went by the name May, along with two men, George Pettit, and John G. Sharp. The relationship between George and May is not known but may have been brother and sister. May Pettit never went by the name of Mrs. Pettit and George was a young man born in 1867.

 

 In August 1884, George Pettit was arrested for robbery, however he was not sentenced until February 1885. An article from August 1884 stated that “Several days ago, while Walter Westermann and George Pettit were up Parley’s Canyon, the former stole $11.50 from his father, and Pettit, in turn, forcibly took $7.50 of the amount from Westermann. They were both arrested, and yesterday [August 30], Pettit pleaded guilty to the charge of highway robbery, and Westermann pleaded guilty to the charge of larceny. Justice [Adam] Speirs postponed both cases till tomorrow at which time he will pass sentence on the offenders.”  

 

George Pettit must have withdrawn his plea as that in October he was charged with robbery and a lawyer named E.B. Critchow was “appointed by the court as counsel for defendant, and plea of not guilty entered.” Petitt’s bail was fixed at $500, and he remained in jail until his case came to trial in February 1885. 

 

“When the case of George Pettit, charged with robbery, came up in District Court this morning, [February 18], a young man of about 18, withdrew his plea of not guilty and pleaded guilty to petit larceny. From the evidence it seems that the amount stolen was only $7, and that he was scarcely responsible for the act when it was committed. He is a weak-minded person, and the circumstances under which he committed the theft were not of such a nature as to throw much blame on the defendant. He is an orphan, and several testified to his former good character. The sentence was therefore suspended, and the defendant liberated.” 

 

Pettit was in more serious trouble in June 1885 when he was arrested again on a charge of theft. “George Pettit will hereafter find it cheaper to buy his clothing at first-class prices than try and steal it. For purloining an overcoat belonging to John Miller, he was this morning [June 12] fined $75 and in lieu thereof will do a couple of months with the ‘gang’.” 

 

“George Pettit, a boy who claimed the Eight Ward square as his headquarters, stole an overcoat from John Mellen valued at $18 and sold it to Fred K Hanson; he was yesterday [June 12] tried and sentenced to seventy-five day’s companionship with the galley slaves.”  

 

George Pettit is not mentioned again until he was arrested in March 1886 for being drunk and disorderly in December 1886. He was called a vagrant and sentenced to “imprisonment in the county jail for 50 days.” When he was released, in 1887 the young man was arrested again in the company of John G. Sharp, Nellie Humphries and May Pettit

 

“Last Night [April 21] the police arrested John G. Sharp, of Park City, George Pettit, Nellie Humphreys, and May Pettit, on the charge of vagrancy. As the whole lot are dissolute characters, it is probable that the affair will develop into a serious one for them. They pleaded guilty to vagrancy this afternoon and were sentenced to thirty days’ imprisonment each.” 

 

Nellie Humphries and May Pettit probably supported a morphine drug addiction as described in the report of their arrested again in 1887. “May Pettit, a long, lean, black-eyed damsel, who has frequently been before Judge Pyper, was again arraigned yesterday [April 22] on the charge of vagrancy. Accompanying her also were the notorious Nellie Humphries, George Pettit, and John G Sharp, the later of Park City. All four plead guilty to the charge and each was sentenced to a fine of $30 or in default thereof thirty days in jail. “They accepted the latter alternative.”

 

“Both women are confirmed morphine fiends and [George] Pettit, the male, is also said to be a “hitter of the pipe,” suggesting he smoked opium. 

 

“The Pettit girl in particular who does not appear to be over 23 or 24 years of age, presented a very repulsive appearance.”

 

“These four disreputable parties pleaded guilty to the charge and thereby stopped the particulars in the case from coming to light. ‘Tis well they did.”

 

Nellie Humphries was still a married woman, and within two weeks of her arrest her husband, Frank Humphries [1850-1887] died in May.  

 

 “I’ve Come in to Die. Frank Humphries Ends a Checkered Career. Frank Humphries, husband of the notorious Nellie Humphries, who has been a familiar figure around town for many years; a man who under other circumstances, might have carved out for himself a brilliant career, died suddenly last evening [May 7] at a room in the house known as the Old Seventies building on First [State] East Street.”

 

“He entered the room of a man named Reese and announced, “I’ve come in to die.” Almost before the words left his lips he fell forward on his face.”

 

At first his death was thought to be a suicide, but the attending physician said the cause was the “general breaking up of the system caused by incessant dissipation” which at the time meant a descent into drunkenness and sexual obsession.

 

“On Humphries’ person was found a letter, dated New Orleans, and signed ‘Your Affectionate Mother.’ It is couched in the mostly kindly and endearing terms and was evidently written by a fond mother who had no knowledge of the depths of degradation to which her ‘darling boy’ had sunk. The remains were taken in charge by Sexton Taylor.”  

 

John G. Sharp and May Pettit were arrested again and in July 1887 were “each sentenced to fifty days imprisonment having been convicted of vagrancy.” 

 

Nellie Humphries and May Pettit besides prostitution supported their morphine habit by theft. In December 1887, they were arrested again, charged with larceny for stealing the furniture from an unoccupied house and selling it to a Secondhand Store.

 

“Nellie Humphries and May Pettit, two notorious characters, were arrested today [December 22, on the charge of larceny. When arraigned in the police Court, they pleaded not guilty, and the trial was set for tomorrow afternoon. It is alleged that they went to a man who had temporary charge of an unoccupied house in this city and represented that they were in a destitute condition and would like to obtain shelter from the cold overnight.”

 

 

“He granted the desired permission, but a day or two afterward discovered they had taken the little furniture there in the house, sold it at a secondhand store and disappeared. This was a couple of weeks ago, and they have managed to keep out of the way until today.”

 

The women were still involved with John G. Sharp as that the three found themselves in court 23 December 1887, charged with sending “threatening letters” more than likely to the E. J Page.

 

The trial of J.G Sharp, who is charged with sending threatening letters to Mr. Page, the secondhand dealer, for the purpose of extorting money is set for 2 p.m. today [Dec 23]. At the same time, “The trial of Nellie Humphries and May Petit, charged with larceny was postponed until next Tuesday [December 27]. 

 

John G. Sharp however was tried and sentenced. “J.G. Sharp for sending a threatening letter to E. J. Page, for purpose of extorting money, was fined $50, in default of which he will spend fifty days in jail.” “Not being able to raise the necessary cash, he will spend the holidays in jail.”  

 

On 27 December 1887, “May Pettit and Nellie Humphries, two Commercial Street belles were sentenced to sixty days imprisonment in the county jail for sending threatening letters.”

 

It was not until January 1888 that the two women were sentenced for the theft of the furniture. “In Police Court yesterday, [January 18] May Pettit and Nellie Humphries pleaded guilty of petty larceny and were fined $75 each and sentenced to fifty days imprisonment. They will reside at the city jail for a period of 125 days. 

 

In March 1888, May Pettit, “who got away from the city jail nearly three weeks ago, was retaken yesterday. [March 23]. It was probably during her escape that she obtained some strychnine poison that she took in April.

 

While back in jail May Pettit took strychnine poison and then begged for morphine as a relief, which was given to her. She stated that she had been in the habit of using the drug for over five years. Nellie Humphries at the time also was said to have taken  the strychnine, but her symptoms were not as severe as May Pettit. 

 

“According to her statement [Humphries], May Pettit had the strychnine in a small bottle found in her room when she entered the jail and took it solely because she could not live without morphine. Mrs. Humphries took a very small dose. The jail physician thought the whole thing was a desperate attempt on the part of the women to obtain morphine.”

 

Nellie Humphries denied the report written by the Salt Lake Herald’s reporter and wrote to them; “To The editor of the Heralds. In your issue of April 22d, you accused me with taking strychnine, and that it was found in the jail. I wish to have you correct these statements by saying when May Pettit took it, I thought she was fooling me, and, thinking it was flour, I merely touched the end of my tongue to it, to see if I might be mistaken. It had no effect on me, whatever. The poison was not found in the jail but was brought there in a small vial by May Pettit and kept concealed in her clothing until the 22nd.You will please publish the above and oblige. Nellie Humphries City Jail April 23, 1888. 

 

Again, in June 1889 Nellie Humphries was found guilty of larceny and fined $90 and more than likely spent ninety days in jail.

 

The following year she was arrested along with S.B Kahler and Henry Vass on a charge of vagrancy in March 1890, with Vass also arrested for petit larceny. She was referred to as a “cocaine vag” and sentenced to thirty days in jail. 

 

Once released she was arrested along with John Affleck for having  “a holiday drunk and both were sentenced on 31 May 1890 to fifteen days in jail. At the same time Sallie Davis and Zetta Hill were sentenced to thirty days in jail. 

 

On 24 July 1890, “Nell Humphries, the cocaine fiend was sent to Bridewell for sixty days for vagrancy.” Bridewell was a euphemism for a prison for petty offenders. 

 

In September 1890, she was back in police court where she was referred “as Nellie Humphrey, the belle of Plum Alley.”  “In the police court yesterday [September 10]  Nellie Humphrey, the belle of Plum Alley, was sent up for sixty days for vagrancy.” 

 

“Nellie Bly Humphries, for sloshing around the streets with nothin’ to do was given a sixty days’ job cleaning the city hall.”

 

“Nellie at it Again-Nellie Humphries and Sallie Davis, two incorrigibles, who were recently sent up for fifty days each for drunkenness, tired of their confinement last Sunday [September 20] and hied themselves off to Plum Alley. They were recaptured yesterday [September 23] and Judge Laney gave them thirty days additional for their little exploit.”

 

For six years the Salt Lake papers were devoid of news of the antics of Nellie Humphries until August 1896 when she “entered the police station last night [August 27] with fire in her eyes and two extremely red cheeks. She complained that Jack Harris, a colored man, had slapped her face twice. She will swear out a complaint against Harris this morning.”

 

Nothing more was reported on the incident however “Nell Humphries was again in the toils yesterday [August 30] for getting wrapped up in a superb jag. The judge fined her $15.” 

 

 An article from 1897 about the arrest of Jack Gannon, “the Franklin Avenue Tamale vendor”, and his wife Mrs. Rena Gannon “his colored wife”, mentioned the pair being arrested “in the house of Mrs. Humphries on Twelfth East and Brigham Street [South Temple]. It is not certain whether this was Nellie Humphries residence. The Gannons were charged with assault on a Chinese man named Ling Young for keeping a “hop joint” who was stealing the couple’s chickens.” 

 

Whether this story involved Nellie Humphries is speculative and she is no longer a newsworthy item after 1896 and disappears from history.

 

The “NOTORIOUS MRS. ELIZABETH CHARLES

In May 1885, a month before Mary Taylor’s divorce from Charles Taylor was finalized, among those who appearing before Judge Adam Speirs’ police court, were two sets of couples who were charged with being intoxicated. They were arrested at Mrs. Taylor’s home, a residence for “lewd women”. Those arrested were Frank Edginton and Mrs. [Jane] Souter both charged with being “drunk and disorderly,” and S.H. Day and Mrs. Charles, who was charged with being “drunk and profane.”  

 

Both Jane Suter and Mrs. Charles appeared in newspaper accounts connected with Fanny Payne over the next several years. Mrs. Charles was always identified as such, with never her first name given. However, an 1888 arrest of an Elizabeth Charles [1840-1917] may have been the same as Mrs. Charles. A woman by that name appeared in police court for being intoxicated. “Elizabeth Charles was sent up for ten days for indulging too freely in her favorite beverage-forty rod whiskey.”  She was also referred to as Mrs. Elizabeth Charles. 

 

Mrs. Charles was in newspaper accounts of arrests for being drunk as early as 1884. In February 1885 she was arrested along with Margaret Wilson, “better known as “Mother Brandy”. 

 

“Margaret Wilson, better known as “Mother Brandy” and Mrs. Charles, well enough known in her own name, indulged in a mild tear on Thursday [February 26 ] and being brought under Judge Speirs gaze, each fined $10.

 

Earlier, Margaret Wilson found herself in court before Judge Adam Speirs with five others. “Four Indians, a negress, and an aged lady named Mother Brandy, were before Judge Spiers yesterday [23 January 1885]; the negress was charged with selling liquor to the Indians, but the case was not made out and she was discharged.”  No further information was provided on why Margaret Wilson was arrested but possibly for being intoxicated. The woman of color was possibly Fanny Payne. 

 

In an article printed in the Salt Lake Herald regarding the May 1885 arrest, it did not mention any of the men who were arrested at all. Only Mrs. Suter and Mrs. Charles along with a “Mrs. Brandy”, which was an alias for Margaret Wilson, were commented on by the reporter, presumably male. 

 

 “Mrs. Brandy was fined $15 for disporting herself in an unwomanly manner, by being drunk, profaning, disturbing the peace and appearing in the role of general vagrant on Sunday.”

 

“The notorious Mrs. Charles was up on the quadruple charge of drunk, disturbing the peace, profanity, and vagrancy” and fined $10.”

 

 “Mrs. Suter allowed her penchant for liquor to get the best of her, and she indulged in a general breach of the peace by profaning, and on Sunday was fined $10 by Judge Speirs.”  

Mrs. Charles spent ten days in jail however when she was let out, she reoffended immediately. “Mrs. Charles’ taste for intoxicants got the better of her judgment again and the police magistrate sent her once more to jail for five days.” 

 

Margaret Wilson appeared in court again after she had been released. “Before Justice Speirs this morning [5 June 1885], Mrs. Wilson was found guilty of drunkenness, disturbing the peace and profanity, for which she was punished by a fine of $15.” 

 

 At the end of June 1885, “Mrs. Charles made her periodical appearance in the place that knows her so well and was assessed in the sum of $5.”  She actually was arrested with Stephan Labrun both charged with being drunk and fined. 

 

Mrs. Charles was featured regularly throughout 1885 as a character in the Police Court reports for being arrested for intoxication. In October, a newspaper covering the Police Court wrote “the slate showed that she had been guilty of drunkenness, profanity, indecent exposure, lewd conduct, and running away from jail.” 

 

Another reporter described Mrs. Charles as being “irrepressible” for having “played hooky from the Bastille on Sunday and was found at the house of her head, Mrs. Taylor. She will be located again into the broom brigade at the city jail, for drunkenness, profanity, lewd conduct, and running away from the jail.” 

 

In January 1887 Emily Passey and Mrs. Charles were arrested for lewd conduct with a man named John Crocker and the three were sentenced to 100 days in jail and fined $90. 

 

The following year in 1888, Mrs. Charles was convicted of being a common drunk. She was sentenced to “sixty days imprisonment.” 

 

A death certificate filed in 1918 for a 77-year-old woman named Elizabeth Charles stated the cause of death was “cirrhoses of the liver”. She was said to be a widow and died on Navajo street.  Her death certificate said she lived in Salt Lake City for 40 years [1878]. It is a strong possibility this was the notorious Mrs. Charles.  She was buried in the Salt Lake City cemetery 8 October 1918 twenty-eight years after Mary Taylor had died .

 

The NOTORIOUS JANE SUTER

In 1880 49 [1831] year old Jane Suter was unemployed and rooming in a Chinese Laundry and boarding house with her 17-year-old son who as resided on State Street near Plum Alley. Jane Sutter stated she was “widow” born in Scotland.  Her son Francis Suter stated he worked in a restaurant perhaps along with Fred Passey.  He said he was born in Nebraska [1863] and both his parents were Scots. His death certificate stated that his father was Frank J Suter. Living in the same rooming house was Emily Passey and her husband Fred Passey.

 

The city directory listed Mrs. Jane Suter as a widow who roomed at 266 West Third South which was on Mrs. Mary Taylor’s property. 

 

During February 1887, Mrs. Jane Suter “one of the demi-modes” living at Mary Taylor’s bordello was back in police court after having an altercation with Fanny Payne 

 

“Mrs. Suter, one of the occupants of the Taylor Mansion on Third South Street, had made a complaint against Aunt Fanny Payne, of ebony hue, whose suburban cottage is situated on the grounds of the Taylor estate.”  A reporter covering the police beat wrote of the appearance of the women, “in the afternoon, the court room was redolent with a perfume that reminded one of the back alleys of Commercial Street.” 

 

Jane Suter had charged Fanny Payne with assault and battery from an altercation they had over Payne trying to retrieve some dresses left in the Taylor house by a prostitute named Mrs. Charles. 

 

A “soiled dove” named Mrs. Charles who at the time was “detained” in the city jail, had asked Fanny Payne to retrieve a “magnificent wardrobe she had left behind her at the mansion.”  When Fannie Payne “made an effort to get the clothes” she was confronted by “Madame Suter” who objected and would not her enter the residence.  

 

There must have been a major dust up as that after “Aunt Fannie left and retired to the cottage”, shortly afterwards, Mrs. Suter “appeared and with a club broke four panes in the big bay window, that once adorned her cottage, adding ‘Take that for your blind baby.”  

 

Fanny Payne was raising a three-year-old baby, most likely a product of one of the assignations of the girls who worked for her. Fanny was 51-year-old when the child was born so it is unlikely the baby was her natural child. 

 

This must have incensed Fanny Payne as she “went and took the club away from her” and gave Jane Suter “several sharp raps over the shoulders.”  

 

During the police court hearing, “Alice Clark, another colored belle” appeared as a witness, “who blushingly admitted that she had once been convicted of lewdness” but protested “I guess it was, but I am not guilty”. 

 

An “old lady” named Ruth Laddies “who bears the peculiar nickname of ‘Nid Nody’” was also called as a witness for Fanny Payne. When Laddies took the stand “Aunt Fanny had carefully dusted the chair with her apron, when Mrs. Suter vacated it.” 

 

Ruth Laddies baffled the combine efforts of judge, prosecuting attorney and a half dozen policemen to keep her quiet” after she complained about being brought to court and “went on  to tell that she knew all about the case, and finally that she did not.”  She said that Jane Suter lived in the “big mansion, the same house in which she resided” but Laddies “herself lived in a respectable part while Mrs. Suter lived in the disreputable part in the rear.” 

 

She lamented that “It was a shame and a disgrace that such a person as Mrs. Suter should be allowed to live and breathe the same air as herself and Aunt Fanny, and after she run down, she left the stand and nodded and grinned again and again when the judge announced that the prosecution had failed to make out a case and the colored dame would be discharged.”

 

The prosecuting attorney however then asked Jane Suter to stand up and she was charged with “destroying the windows, the property of Mrs. Taylor.”  Suter “pleaded guilty and went up for ten days” in default of payment. 

 

In September 1887 “Mrs. Suter, one of the landmarks of Second South Street, was arraigned on a charge of drunkenness, and entered a plea of guilty yesterday [September 27]$10” 

 

In May 1888 she, “an old offender” was fined $10 for being a plain drunk. This was the last mention of Jane Suter.

 

Her son Frank Suter [1863-1928] mostly avoided being in the newspapers. He married in 1885 and the 1888 City Directory listed him as living at 263 West Third South working as a cook. This was the residence of Fanny Payne.

 

Frank Suter was arrested in 1893 “on a warrant charging him with malicious destruction of property,” but afterwards the charges were dismissed.  In 1894 he was a member of the Democratic Workingmen Club. 

 

In 1897, Frank Suter’s first wife whom he married in December 1885, filed for divorce from him. She alleged that “for more than five years” Suter had “willfully neglected to provide for her with the common necessaries of life, not withstanding that he is in constant receipt of a salary of $75 a month.”  

 

She also accused him that “at various times beat and abuse her and struck her on one occasion with such a force as to break her finger. She further avers that defendant came home drunk on June 20, 1896, struck her, and threatened to kill her; and that further cohabitation with him would endanger her life.”  The divorce was granted but he later remarried and moved to Ogden where he died in 1928. 

 

JOHN CROCKER [1831-1899]

The Dissolute Former Mining Magnate

 John Crocker was so well known in Salt Lake City he was referred to as  “Old Crocker” and “Uncle John Crocker”.  After his arrest for lewdness with Mrs. Charles, in April 1887, Crocker was released from jail on the condition that he leave town. However as soon as he was released, he went on a “bender”, became drunk again, and was returned to jail to serve out the remainder of his 110 days. 

 

John Crocker was considered an “aged offender”, a habitual alcoholic, and had been arrested several times for vagrancy and petty theft. He was described by one reporter as “an old man, unwashed, unkempt, and unshaven a sight pitiable and revolting.” When he was sixty years of age it was said he “looks all of 75, wandering around town with an old cane on the Wasatch Corner or the sunny side of Second South.”

 

Crocker was also described as “a miner from way back, a man of decided intelligence, now bent and shaky from wear and tear and hard usage. He says he was one of the original locators of the Eureka Mine and came out of Little Cottonwood with $400,000.”

 

He had many friends, one who wrote of him, “I have known him to draw a thousand dollars in the morning and be absent all day.” When he was asked, “Well, where have you been John?”, he just replied “Oh just hunting up the families of some of my poor friends.” His old acquaintance recalled that Crocker “would come back without a cent. His generosity knew no bounds. He would divide his last dollar today, not knowing where to obtain another. Well poor John has lost his “nip” and is looked upon generally as a vagabond on the face of the earth, but it does not signify that he should go down to the grave “unwept, unhonored and unsung”. 

 

Crocker tried several attempts at sobriety trying to find cures his alcoholism. In 1889 he tried Dr. J. M. Benedict’s experiment of using a substance called “Dr. Brown Sequards’s elixir of life.”  He had printed his testimony of how it made him feel twenty years younger however he would return to drinking.  

 

John Crocker took the cure again in 1892 at the Keeley Institute located in the Gardo House which had been the residence of John Taylor, the President of the Mormon Church. The Keeley Institute “offered a "scientific" treatment for alcoholism, something that until then was treated by various "miraculous" cures and other types of quackery. The Keeley Cure became popular nationally “with hundreds of thousands eventually receiving it.”

 

The Keeley institute promoted Crocker’s involvement in their “curing” his alcoholism and took out advertisements using him as an example of their successes. “Uncle John Crocker who was a miner of note in the early days, and who has lost about everything for drink, is being born again at the Gardo House. Three weeks ago, Uncle John was wont to put in the greater part of his time back of the saloons tipping up beer kegs and sampling the contents and his wardrobe would have shocked beyond measure even the obtuse sensibilities of a New York goat. But now he is clothes and in his right mind and in less than two weeks more will have become an enemy and stranger to John Barleycorn. The old man has spruced up wonderfully and looks like another person.”

 

The cure did not last for John Crocker as that in 1895 he was arrested from the “effects of a large jag of juice.”   He would die in 1899 while in the county infirmary and buried in a pauper grave. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Ten

        City Blocks 63 and 64

Directly to the east of the Denver & Rio Grande Freight Yards, were Blocks 63 and 64. Second South Street divided the two Blocks, consisting of ten square acres each. The Rio Grande Depot significantly increased the value of land in the two Blocks as noted by an article found in The Deseret News.  In March 1883, the paper commented “the Block east of the Denver & Rio Grande Western depot is being built up with astonishing rapidity. Stores and boarding Houses are being erected like magic.” 

 

The Denver & Rio Grande railway’s decision to locate their train yard and depot adjacent to Block 63 brought in hundreds to the area to work and created a need to accommodate travelers. The Salt Lake Herald Republican mentioned in September 1883 the change commenting, “There is an appearance of business around the Denver & Rio Grande Depot which indicates the fact that the town is being developed in that portion.” 

           

The sudden growth of the area could not provide enough accommodation  for all the workers as that many laborers were living in tents. An article also from September 1883 stated, “A tent down by the Denver & Rio Grande depot was the scene of a robbery on Saturday evening, for committing which a man named Phelps was arrested on suspicion. The parties who laid information which led to the arrest of Phelps had not turned up last evening to prosecute the fellow, which leads to the belief that probably a compromise has been affected by a partner of Phelps. The property taken was $20 in money, two watches, and a 45-caliber revolver.” 

 

Eventually Block 63 would be eventually hemmed in by the Rio Grande Railway tracks on the west and running down Fourth [Fifth] West were the tracks for the Nevada and Utah Railway whose passenger depot was in Block 65 adjacent to Block 64 situated on the corner of First South and Fourth [Fifth] West. People whose businesses and residences within Blocks 63 and 64 had to cross busy railroad tracks traveling east or west. City Block 64 was bounded on the north by First South Street and Second South on the south side. It was also located between Fourth [Fifth] and Fifth [Sixth] West.

 

The actual location of residents and businesses on the Block is hard to be precise as that newspaper accounts and Directories for Salt Lake City in the 1880’s rarely used street addresses in the area becoming known as the Denver & Rio Grande District which was loosely defined as to include the ten acres of the Old  Fort now Pioneer Park  to Eighth West between South Temple and Fourth [Fifth] South. This area was also approximately the boundary of the Fifteenth Ward.

 

The term “at the corner of Second South Street and Fifth [Sixth] West Street” was the most common expression for any location along Second South near the Denver & Rio Grande Depot. Thus, unless some other reference was given it is not clear whether the locations mentioned were in Block 63 or 64. However by the 1890’s the City Directory did start to include many street addresses.

 

During the 1880’s, actually more businesses and residents were located on Fifth [Sixth] West and Fourth [Fifth] West, between First South and Third South, rather than on Second South. The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance map showed only four residences on Second South and no business while there were two hotels, two saloons, three shops, a restaurant, and a billiard parlor along Fifth [Sixth] West.  Directly opposite of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Passenger Depot was the Rio Grande Hotel complex and the Sullivan Hotel was located closer to Third South.  

 

Three directories for Salt Lake City still exist from the 1880’s, 1883, 1884 and 1888 and all but 1895 exist for the 1890’s. These are helpful identifying the businesses for Blocks 63 and 64 and some of their known residents. The 1880 federal census is helpful but not entirely accurate while the 1890 federal census was destroyed. Salt Lake City newspaper reports and advertisement from the period supply much of the details of life in the Rio Grande Western District. One article in particular from 1895, detailed the “Oquirrh Club”, a Republican County committee, compilation of a list of men who were canvassed in the Fifteen Ward Second Precinct many of whom lived in the two Blocks. The men’s names and addresses  were published in the newspaper with the disclaimer, “These Names are not on the Registration Books for 1895. There are probably others whom the canvassers have overlooked so it is not positive that your name is registered if it’s not on the List. Every Republican should call personally at 166 South State Street and see for himself that he’s property enrolled.”   However, this list gave a fairly accurate account of the male residents of voting age who lived with the two city Blocks.

 

Salt Lake City Block 63

Block 63 like all Salt Lake City’s original Blocks, consists of 10 acres, containing eight lots of  one and a quarter acre. Each of length of the Block’s four sides is 660 feet or 40 rods. A rod equals 16.5 feet and was the common measurement used in legal descriptions of property. 

 

Lot One, of every Salt Lake City Block was located on the southeast corner of the Block. In Block 63 this was at the intersection of Third South and Fourth [Fifth] [Fifth West]. Lots were allocated in a clockwise manner with the next lot of similar size being lot two  and so forth. Lot Two had 330 feet fronting Third South  to Fifth [Sixth] West, then north to lots, 3, 4 and 5 which ran east from the corner of Second South 330 feet. Continuing east  towards Fourth [Fifth] West was Lot Six which turned south 165 feet to lots 7 and 8, then back south to Lot One. 

           

The 1889 Sanford Fire Insurance Map for Block 63 is a detailed drawing of the structures located there at the time. The map was concerned with which building were wooden framed or constructed with brick or adobe. The distance between structures was also measured for insurance purposes. Not all buildings were given addresses, but all were identified as residential dwellings, hotels, saloons, and restaurants and whether they were one or two stories in height. In 1889 no structure on the Block was more than two stories tall. 

 

Salt Lake City Block 64 

City Block 64 was also one of Salt Lake City’s original blocks situated west of downtown. It consisted of 10 acres divided into eight lots. Each lot contained one and a quarter acre or 10 rods [165 feet] by 20 rods [330 feet]. The block was bounded on the north by First South and on the South by Second South. Originally the east and west boundaries were named Fourth [Fifth] and Fifth West which have subsequently been changed to Fifth West and Sixth West.

 

Block 64 consisted of four lot  fronting Second South 165 feet wide and 330 feet in length and four lots of the same dimension fronting First South. 

 

Most notably Block 64 was historically the location of the city’s sanctioned Red-Light District in the early Twentieth Century. However, in the Nineteenth Century, it was still home to Mormon families, railroad boarding houses, saloons, and small shops, although one “house of Ill-fame” was mentioned as being near the corner of Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West in the 1890s. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Eleven

Lot One Block 63 Plat A

Lot One consisted of 10 rods [165 feet] northward on Fourth [Fifth] West and 20 rods [330 feet westward] on Third South. The Salt Lake City Mayoral deeds, to legitimize claims to parcels within the Original Great Salt Lake Survey, had Lot One divided into a western and eastern half of five rods and 10 rods each. In 1873, Edward Hunter received title to the western half of Lot One when in 1878 Daniel Greenig his title to the eastern half. 

 

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map shows that Lot One appears to have been divided into four parcels each of 5 rods in width by 10 rods in length. The parcel nearest to the corner of Fourth [Fifth] West and Third South contained three residences listed as 262 South and 268 South on Fourth [Fifth] West, and 506 West facing Third South.  

 

Edward Hunter [1793-1883] in February 1865 bought from Brigham Young, as “Trustee of the Church”, a portion of Lot One for $100. Hunter, at the time, was the Presiding Bishop of the Mormon Church. It doesn’t appear that Hunter ever lived on this property as he resided in the Thirteenth Ward.

 

When Hunter died his probate administrators divided interest in the western half of Lot One to two of his married daughters in 1884. Laura Cook [1853-1934], wife of Winfield S. Cook, inherited the eastern half of the West half of Lot One.  Her half-sister  Amelia [Nellie] Latimer [1859-1930], wife of William Latimer, owned the western half of the west half of Lot One. 

 

Laura Hunter Cook and her husband Winfield sold to Henry Rudy their interest in Lot One for $1550. The 50 square rods property was 5 rods from the Southwest corner and north 10 rods. Rudy would later sell the property in 1903 to Delbert A Buck for $2500. The Latimer family had moved to California by 1900 but held on to their property until the Twentieth Century 

 

DANIEL GREENIG

Daniel Greenig on the other had resided on the eastern half of the property, that he had purchased in 1856, until the late 1870’s when he moved from the area. Greenig was a Mormon convert who immigrated to Utah in 1852 and was a baker by trade. He  operated a bakery, a grocery, and a rooming house located in downtown Salt Lake. He was also said to have  raised Cashmere Goats on Lot One in Block 63.  

 

Greenig became quite wealthy. The 1870 federal census showed that he was worth $12,000 in assets. The 1880 federal census listed him as household 181, in the Thirteenth Ward living on First South Street. His occupation was listed then as “private boarding” and his place of residence was on the south side of First South “between First and Second East.” An advertisement placed in 1880, stated that Greenig’s “Private Boarding House,  second house east of City Hall, neatly furnished and fitted up-Table Supplied With the Very Best. A Home to its Patrons. Terms moderate. Daniel Greenig Prop.” 

 

 

By 1884 Daniel Greenig had moved to Third South “opposite the Methodist Church”  where he operated another boarding house. He placed an announcement regarding his new accommodations, “where he will be pleased to accommodate his old friends and new ones too with board and lodging.” 

 

Greenig’s health declined and in 1885 he asked that his “back licenses as hotel keeper might be remitted, naming as a reason, the stringency of the times, his being in a crippled condition, and other causes.” The city council adopted his request. 

 

An advertisement in 1887 mentioned him stating, “For Thirty-Five Years in business in Salt Lake City, flatters himself that he has a just claim for a lions’ share of public patronage” in his various enterprises.”

 

 The 1888 city directory listed “ Daniel Greenig” as a retail and wholesale grocer with his shop at 74 West First South and his residence at 343 East Third South. The listing was placed before he died in 1888 at his residence of general disability.  

 

In 1878 Daniel Greenig sold his property in Lot One to John William Jenkins for $2700. Jenkins had a prosperous harness and saddle making business and the family kept an interest in this corner of Fourth [Fifth] West and Third South into the earl Twentieth Century. 

 

Street Addresses for Lot One Block 63 Plat A

262 South Fourth [Fifth] West 

The 262 South home was a small one-story wooden frame structure. No information has been found for any its residents in the Nineteenth Century. The 1900 federal census however listed a 39-year-old Swedish barber, Samuel Bjorlund, at this address. Bjorlund and his wife four children and mother-in-law  all lived at this address. 

 

268 South Fourth [Fifth] West 

This structure was a much larger two-story adobe brick dwelling with a front wooden porch. It was the primary residence of John William Jenkins [1821-1888] and his family.

John William Jenkins

John William Jenkins was a Mormon immigrant who came to Salt Lake City with the Moses Thurston Company in 1855. The 1879 city directory listed him as a “harness maker” residing on Fourth [Fifth] West between Second and Third South. 

 

The 1880 federal census listed the Jenkins’ family as the 248^th household in the Fifteenth Ward. He had a wife and nine children ranging in ages from 21 to 6. His occupation in the census was given as harness maker, as were two of his grown sons. The Jenkins operated their harness and saddle shop at a “76 to 89 East Second Street” address  as “J. W. Jenkins and Sons.”  

 

There are no newspaper accounts where the members of this family ever had any trouble with the law. Jenkins did place an advertisement in 1883 for the recovery of a stolen horse. “From the Fifteenth ward, a bay horse branded with a star on left thigh, white star on in forehead , stolen.”  

 

In 1887 John W Jenkins Sr. was called to take an “Oath Test” to serve on a grand jury. Oath Tests were given regarding perspective jurists’ opinion on polygamy and the recently passed “Edmunds–Tucker Act”. The anti-polygamy legislation was passed by Congress  in response to the dispute between the United States Congress and the LDS Church regarding plural marriage. 

 

 A court reporter noted that  Jenkins “could not answer whether he believed it right for a man to practice plural marriage” as he “considered the Law of God above the law of the land and would obey the former and take the consequences.”  He admitted that he “thought if God commanded plural marriage, he would obey the law of God every time.”  When asked about the Edmunds-Tucker Act specifically, he answered that “he did not understand the recent law, because he had not read it.” 

 

Nevertheless, Jenkins stated that he “did not think he could decide what he would do because he did not consider it,” meaning taking a plural wife. He answered that he “knew that polygamy was a law of God, but he would not violate the law of the land” and  “under the circumstances he would obey the law of the land because his belief was overpowered, ”  by the newly enacted law. 

 

Jenkins admitted however, “I think it wrong to practice plural marriage under the present circumstances”, still  he also stated that he “would obey the law of God when it was not in conflict with the law of the land.”  He then took an oath, to obey the law, saying that “he understood he would not commit bigamy or unlawful cohabitation or advise others to do so.” 

 

In June 1888, John  W  Jenkins and his neighbor to the north of him, Henry Rudy, along with “many other persons residing in the vicinity of Fourth [Fifth] West Street” were upset by the increasing amount of railroad tracks being installed along Fourth [Fifth] West. The residents  “protested against the Salt Lake and Fort Douglas Railway being granted a right of way along that street as the said road already has connection with the Utah Central and the existence of another railroad on that street would increase the risk to life and decrease the value of property in that vicinity.” 

 

The city must not have listened to the residents, as a narrow gage track spur was installed for the Utah and Nevada Railroad yards at Fourth [Fifth] west and First South.

 

John W. Jenkins died suddenly a few months later in September 1888 of “apoplexy” an old fashion term for having a stroke. His obituary stated, “J W Jenkins an old resident of Salt Lake and one of the earliest and best-known harness makers in the country.   He conducted the harness and saddler business ever since he located here. He was widely known throughout the territory and possessed many excellent and sterling qualities.” 

 

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance maps shows that John W Jenkins’ property was on the southeast corner of Fourth [Fifth] West and Third South where the family remained. In 1893 the marriage of a daughter of the “late J W Jenkins and wife Eliza”  took place this  residence where the “ceremony was witnessed by about sixty guests.”  

 

The widow of John W. Jenkins remained in the family home in which she died in 1900. The federal census for that year listed Stewart Jenkins as head of the household of his siblings. Three of John W Jenkins’  sons were listed in the 1900 City Directory for Salt Lake City as still residing at the address of 268 South Fourth [Fifth] West; all working at the Saddle and Harness Making business.  Only one son still remained on the property in 1905.

 

506  West Third South 

The 506 West Third South structure was the smallest of all three dwellings located in the first parcel of Lot One. It was a one story, 12-foot-wide adobe cabin in according to the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map but by 1898 the same map showed  a small wooden addition to the dwelling. The habitat was at the corner of Fourth [Fifth] West and Third South and was 33 feet from the Jenkins home. The address of this residence was listed as 504 West and 506 West Third South at various time.  The 1889 Sanford Fire Insurance Map listed the address as 506 West. However, the 1895 city directory listed the Ashby family at 504 West  which may have just been simply an error.

William R Ashby

In 1895, 19-year-old William R Ashby, a “Clerk for Walker Bros and Fyler Co” was listed as  boarding with Gertrude Ashby at this address. He and Gertrude were the children of an English immigrant named Thomas Ashby [1851-1905] and Gertrude later  married Edwin Silas Jenkins the son of John W Jenkins the harness maker. 

 

The 1880 federal census Thomas Ashby as living in Ogden working as a “shoemaker.” Newspaper accounts stated he and his wife divorced in 1893 after which  the family moved from Ogden to Salt Lake City. 

           

The Ashby family did not remain on Third South very long and moved in 1896 to 257 South Fourth [Fifth] West and later to 255 South Fourth [Fifth] West  by 1898, where William R Ashby was still boarding with Gertrude Ashby, and siblings Samuel Ashby, and Thomas L Ashby.  Samuel was a clerk for Charles Baer and Thomas was a helper  Rio Grande Western Railroad.

 

In 1900 Thomas Ashby Sr. was living at 255 South Fourth [Fifth] West from where in 1901 his daughter “Gertrude Jenkins” had her father committed to the Utah State hospital, stating she “believed Thomas Ashby her father was insane and a fit subject for the asylum.”  

 

It was reported that business reverses, domestic problems, and epilepsy had contributed to his insanity. “The old man has been worrying over business matters for about 9 years and the death of his wife which occurred some 15 years ago until his mind has become unbalanced. The danger of permitting him to live longer with his family is that he wanders away from home and is liable to meet with accident around the railroad yards.”   Ashby would later die in the state mental hospital in Provo from a prolong epileptic seizure. Thomas Ashby’s obituary stated that he “was a pioneer shoe manufacturer of Ogden, where he and his wife had settled from England.”

 

After the Ashby family had moved away from 504 West Third South, the Norwegian  family of Carl M and Gustava Hansen lived at this address in 1898. The 1890 directory listed Hansen as being a grocer at 79 East Third South. In 1896 a newspaper account reported how the Utah Central Railway company went to court to prevent Carl Hansen from building a fence in too close a proximity of the railroad track. In 1898, the Hansen’s  8-year-old son, Arnt, died of typhoid fever and the family moved away.

 

Also living at this residence was Martin Amundson and his wife in 1897. He was the brother-in-law to Carl Hansen. The 1898 city directory also listed Martin Amundson at this address as well as the 1900 federal census. Amundson is listed as 36-year-old teamster living at this address. He was also Norwegian, and he and his wife were a childless couple. However, a 14-year-old niece Gertrude Hanson was living with them. He became a motorman for the Salt Lake Light and Railway Trolley company and moved away from this address in 1905.

 

514 West Third South 

The second parcel, fronting Third South, contained the most structures featured in the 1889 and 1898 Sanborn fire Insurance maps. There were three attached wooden, one-story homes listed as 514 West, 516 West, and 518 West.   The 5 rods by 5 rods north half of the parcel contained several wooden buildings, most likely a two-story barn, several sheds, and outhouses. The 1898 map stated the area had a corral listed as 518 ½ West.

 

Sylvanus B Smetzer

In 1891 an advertisement listed a “Five room Cottage for Sale or rent” at  514 West Third South” The 1892 city directory showed Sylvanus B Smetzer [1849-1924] a native of Ohio, living at this address while he was a Rio Grande Western railroad car repairman; He had moved to Salt Lake in 1890. 

 

While  residing at “No. 514 West Third South” in 1892, he “reported that during his absence from home  yesterday noon his house was entered by burglars and a ladies gold watch and chained valued at $60, a garnet pin valued at $60 a necklace and set of bracelets valued at $40 and three rings valued at $40 were stolen . The case appears to be another of the many daylight robberies that are being committed in the city.” By 1896 he had moved to 357 South Fourth [Fifth] West.  Smetzer was at this address in 1895 according to voting registrars for the Fifteenth Ward. 

 

Thomas Lamplough

Thomas Lamplough, [1873-1931] the son in law of James Hegney, resided at this address according to the 1900 Federal Census. His wife was Dora Tyner Lamplough, and his occupation was that of an engineer for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. He only stayed at this address a couple of years before moving to 811 West Third South.   

 

516 West  Third South

George R Seeley

In 1891 George R. Seeley of “No. 516 West Third South Street” reported his house was robbed.  Edward Carlton was charged with “housebreaking” and appeared before the police court. The complaint alleged that on Dec 10 the defendant broke into the residence of G. R. Seeley and stole a pair of pants an overcoat, a half dozen silver knives and forks and the same number of silver spoons.” A bond of  $500 was set for Carlton.

 

George R Seeley was a machinist for the Rio Grande Western Railroad and in 1894 moved to Chicago.

 

Herbert J Smith

In 1895 a Herbert J Smith was listed at this address as an engineer for the Rio Grande Western Railway but had moved to 527 West Third south by 1896.

 

James E J Murray

A man named James E J Murray lived at this address in 1896 who was a conductor for the railway. The 1900 federal census listed this James Murray as a 38-year-old railroad yard master at this address. 

           

In an advertisement was placed in 1900 “By a young man of 18, as stenographer and typewriter, reference given, address J H A  516 West Third South.” 

 

518 West Third South

No information and not listed in the 1900 federal census. 

 

526 West  Third South 

The third parcel, also of 5 rods [85 feet 6 inches] by 10 [165 feet] rods, contained a one-story structure of both wood frame and adobe, according to the 1889 and 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. The home was about 22 feet by 20 feet and its address was given as 526 West Third South. 

 

John A Truelson

The family of John A Truelson a Swedish immigrant lived at this address as early as 1888. By 1892 he moved to No. 4 Denver Court. In 1900 he would have moved to 511 West First South in Block 64. He was listed as a laborer. See 511 West First South

 

Peter Christensen

Pete Christensen was registered at this address in 1895 as a laborer. He moved away by 1896 but once lived at this  small, detached adobe and wooden frame residence.

 

John Franklin Cory

John Franklin Cory [1856-1945] and his wife lived at this address in 1898. He was a railroad night watchman for the Rio Grande Railway yards. He was elected peace officer of Eldorado, Kansas in 1875 and served in this capacity 20 years. During this time, he helped in the organization of the Kansas national guard. In 1895 he came to Salt Lake City, where he was employed by Denver & Rio Grande Western railroad for eight years. He moved to Castlegate, Carbon County, in 1903 and was an employee of the Utah Fuel Co. until he retired in 1929.

 

534 West Third South 

This Fourth [Fifth] parcel of Lot One was divided into three sections of about 28 feet six inches or one and quarter rod containing three structures and land that was 10 rods [165 feet] in length. This structures on the Fourth [Fifth] parcel of Lot One contained three one story dwellings, two of which were built with fired bricks and one out of adobe brick. There were only 4 and 5 feet between these homes.  

 

The house at 534 West was slightly larger than the house at 538 but they were built with many similarities.  The adobe home at 540 was much smaller and behind it,  in the northwest corner was a one-story wooden shack with the address of 540 ½ West  Third South. The fact that it had an address may have meant it was a type of residence, not many how small it was.

 

The Mountain Ice and Cold Storage-

As that this parcel was 165 feet deep and 82.5 feet wide, it  was probably the location of the Mountain Ice and Storage Company office that was established after the 1889 Sanborn Map was recorded. The address was 534 West Third South.

 

The Mountain Ice and Cold Storage main facility was on Third [Fourth [Fifth]] West and Ninth South. The company was founded in 1891 when it stated “The object of the company will be to do a general storage business of meats and other commodities, manufacture and sell at wholesale and retail ice, as well as handle the natural product.  Principal shareholders were William and Josephine Mesick. John Heil Jr. was named president.   They had a machine for the “manufacturing of artificial ice  turning out forty to fifty tons a day.”  For a period, they had the “exclusive control o the ice market.”

           

Teams and wagons delivered ice throughout the city and a livery may have been kept at this address as several advertisements were placed for the sale of teams of horses from this location.  In 1895 they had a building permit to erect a frame icehouse on Fourth [Fifth] South and Fifth [Sixth] West at the cost of $150. 

 

The offices later moved by 1897 to 345 South Fourth [Fifth] [Fifth Street]  and then by 1899 they relocated to 537 West Second South where they were advertised as Mountain Ice Company “White Wagons”  with W. H. Sweet as President.

 

Ann Cronin

            After the Ice Company had vacated the dwelling, the Salt Lake City directory listed Ann Cronin widow of John D Cronin as residing at this address in 1899 along with her son George W Cronin [1876-1902], a machinist for the Rio Grande Western Railway and two women Katherina Cronin [1867-1950] a clerk for the Davis Shoe Company and Marion Cronin [1879-1906] who died of tuberculosis after she married. 

 

536 West Third South

Samuel H. Willard “Engineer”

In 1890 Samuel H Willard resided at this address and worked as an engineer for the Rio Grande Western Railroad. He moved to 538 West in 1892 and 540 West Third South by 1894.

 

Ann Cronin

 Widow of John D. Cronin

The 1900 federal census listed 68-year-old Ann Cronin, the widow of John D Cronin, as the head of a household that included her son Thomas F. Cronin’s family and her son in law Budd Matthews’ family. She was still living there in 1902 but her son had moved out.  Ann Cronin died in 1912 at the age of 82.  Her son Thomas Cronin was the proprietor of the Oasis Saloon.

 

John A Truelson

In 1903 John A Truelson’s funeral was held at this address. In 1904 Orson Truelson [1880-1945] of 536 west Third south said his home was entered by burglars and about $50 worth of clothing taken from a trunk that had been stored there. Truelson was the son of a Swedish immigrant named John A Truelson who in the 1900 federal census was listed as living at 511 West First South in Block 64 of the Fifteenth Ward.  

 

Orson Truelson eloped in 1900 and it seemed to have been a scandal as it was recorded in several Salt Lake City newspapers. He was listed as among the missing during the April 1906 San Francisco earthquake but seemed to have survived and returned to Salt Lake.  See 511 West First South

 

538 West Third South

George Chapin Ladd “Locomotive Engineer”

George Chapin Ladd [1860-1946] lived at this address with his family in 1896. Ladd was a locomotive engineer for the Rio Grande and Western Railway and was involved in an accident while an engineer of a train that killed an 11-year-old  boy who was riding a pony on the way to school.  The frighten pony ran in front of the approaching engine and threw the boy in front of the train. By 1900 the family had moved away.

 

Charles Butler “Boiler Maker”

            The 1900 federal census listed the family of Charles Butler at this address. He was a 27-year-old boiler maker who had moved recently to Utah from New Mexico. He was a native of Iowa.

540 West Third South

Samuel H. Willard

            The 1894 city directory both listed Samuel H Willard and John W. Reynolds, fireman, residing at this address. Samuel Willard was in partnership with Jim Hegney at the West Side Drug Store.

 

John Reynolds “Train Fireman”

John Reynolds, a Fireman for the Rio Grande Western Railway lived at this address in 1894 according to a newspaper report when he was accosted on the way home from work. A newspaper article reported on the incident writing, “Has an exciting Experience- He is Fired at By Three Men, But Escapes with Two Bullet Holes in his Hat- John Reynolds, a fireman who resides at 540 West Third South had an exciting experience with hold-ups late last night. He had nearly reached his home when three men sprang at him and ordered him to throw up his hands. The men were armed, but Reynolds had considerable money and decided to take chances and ran. 

 

All three of the hold-ups fired at him, two of the bullets going through Reynolds’s hat. He dodged into a yard near his own house and the desperadoes skipped. The affair was reported at the police headquarters and Officer Larsen found the facts to be as stated above.” Reynolds moved away from Salt Lake City as he was no longer listed in the city directories.

 

George Langdon “Trolley Motorman”

In 1895 George Langdon, a motorman for the Salt Lake Trolley, was  residing at 540 West Third South. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Fireman and had been a locomotive engineer.  Five years earlier in 1890 he had been severely burned about the face in Butte, Montana as a trolley motorman for the Metropolitan Street Electric railway having come “in contact with a live wire.”   He was in Utah by 1893 when he worked for the Mountain Ice and Cold Storage Company and was living at 324  West Seventh South, 

 

While operating a trolley in 1895  “going east on Fourth [Fifth] South at a very slow rate of speed about two miles an hour in order to kill time” Langdon was involved in an accident that killed an old lady. “When nearing Third East he observed a meat wagon  going south and observed an old lady standing near the tracks who stepped directly out in front of the moving car. She was taken to the hospital where she passed away.” At an inquiry of the accident “no blame was attached to the motorman”,

 

 However, he must have quit or been fired as the 1896 city directory listed him as laborer and in 1897, he was residing at 441 South Third [Fourth [Fifth]] West.  Langdon is not listed in the 1898 directory however he may have gone to Alaska as part of the Klondike Gold Rush as  Salt Lake papers carried articles about a George Langdon being among the gold seekers.

 

George Jewett  “railroad car inspector”

The 1900 federal census listed George Jewett’s family at this address. Jewett was a 43-year-old railroad car inspector. He was a native of Illinois had just recently married a Swedish wife. 

Chapter Twelve

Lot Two Block 63 Plat A

Lot Two consisted of 330 feet along on Third South to the corner of Fifth [Sixth] West and then northward 165 feet along Fifth [Sixth] West. Mormon Pioneer Isaac Duffin acquired the lot from the original pioneer owner, Homer Duncan, who then sold all of the lot to Edmund Butterworth in July 1863 for $500. Between Lot One and Two there was a 21-foot-wide easement and 10 [185] rods in length, into the interior of Block 63.

 

Edmund Butterworth [1826-1903] owned the entire lot until his death when it was divided among his heirs. He developed the property and leased the land to several businesses including the Salt Lake Meat Company and The Sullivan House Hotel.  He also developed a small subdivision of homes on a street named Denver Court.

 

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance map showed that the lot was kept in one large parcel but contained six structures including the Sullivan House Hotel located in the northwest corner of the lot facing Fifth [Sixth] West. The wooden two-story Sullivan House Hotel contained a saloon, a front office, dining rooms, and a kitchen on the first level. 

 

Within the lower half of Lot Two, fronting Third West, were two, one story brick duplexes, separated from each other by about a rod. The addresses of first duplex’ were 544 West and  546 West. The Second duplex’ addresses were 550 West and  552 West Third South.  

 

Nineteen feet to west of these duplexes was a one-story adobe home, with a one-story wooden structure separated from it by 5 feet. The address of the adobe house was 556 West on Third South. Behind the Adobe building was a smaller structure that was given the address of 556 ½ West Third South. The Easement for Denver Court eliminated the adobe house at 556 West.

 

Twelve feet further west was another brick duplex similar in size and shape as the first two however no street addresses were listed for it. In 1898 the complex had the addresses of 564 West and 566 West.  The adobe house at 556 West and the frame structure to the west of it had been torn down by 1898 and another brick duplex was built similar to the one at 564 West and 566 West. The addresses for this duplex was 558 and 560 West.  

 

The 1898 Sanborn Map showed that Lot Two was one of the most developed of the original eight lots as it contained the entrance to a housing development on Denver Court, located on both Lots Two and Three, the Sullivan Boarding House,  and the Salt Lake Meat Company complex. 

 

Edmund Butterworth Mormon Pioneer 

Edmund Butterworth  [1826-1903]was a native of England who  emigrated in 1854 to Utah Territory and purchased Lot Two in July 1863 from Homer Duffin. He was an adobe maker by trade and operated adobe brickyard and later opened a grocery store. He was said to have resided on the “northeast corner” of Third South and Fourth [Fifth] West. The 1880 federal census listed his household as number 223 of the Fifteenth Ward living on Fourth [Fifth] West and a grocer by occupation.  

 

After 1880, Edmund Butterworth moved his main residence away from Block 63 to 312 South Third West. This move placed his home outside the boundaries of the Fifteen Ward and was situated where the new Rio Grande Depot would be built in 1910 across from Pioneer Park to the west. 

 

The 1884 Utah Gazetteer City directory listed “Edward” Butterworth, “adobe manufacturer” as residing at 312 South Third West. His wife “Mrs. Alice Butterworth, however,  was operating a “general Store’ at 302 South Fourth [Fifth] Street  just outside of Block 63 while their son, Robert Fielding Butterworth, was working as a “clerk” residing at 429 West Third south. Another son, John F. Butterworth, was a carpenter residing at 556 West Third South just east of the Rio Grande Freight yards within Block 63. This residence would be demolished to make an entrance to Denver Court.

 

The 1898 city directory did not list an occupation for Edmund Butterworth  but his wife, still operated a general store at 302 South Fourth [Fifth] West. She resided at 312  South Third West with her husband. Robert Fielding Butterworth listed as a clerk worked in his mother’s store and resided a 429 West Third South. Another son, Edwin Butterworth was listed as a student attending the LDS College. 

 

Shortly before he died in 1903, Edmund Butterworth deeded to his sons, Robert F Butterworth and Edmund Butterworth, sections of Lot Two. Robert Butterworth was given  “part of Lot Two Block 63 Block A” for one dollar. He had married a daughter of George Washington Boyd, a longtime pioneer resident of Second South in Block 64. His son Edmund Butterworth was deeded “49 ½ feet by 14 rods [231 feet]  northwest of 7 rods [115.5 feet] north from southeast corner of Lot Two Block 63 plat A .

 

The newspapers printed an obituary for Edmund Butterworth stating: “Pioneer of City Dies Edmund Butterworth for forty-nine years a resident of Salt Lake died yesterday at the age of 77 years. The deceased was a native of England and came here in 1854. Frugal and industrious man and in the early days made the adobe for the humble homes of many people of this city.”  “Remains may be viewed at the family residence 312 South Third West Street

 

Street Addresses for Lot Two Block 63 Plat A

544 West Third South 

Charles James Priday “Stone Cutter”

In 1894 Charles James Priday’s family was listed in the Salt Lake City directory at this duplex residence where he had just recently moved from Sixth East. He and his family had immigrated in 1882 from England and his occupation was listed as a stonecutter.  The family would later  move to 466 West Third South.

           

Andrew Joseph Cronin “Clerk”

            After the Priday family moved away from 544 West Second South, Andrew Joseph Cronin [1871-1939] moved his family into this residence for a short while. The 1897 city directory listed Andrew J Cronin as a clerk for the Rio Grande Western Railway, his brother George Cronin, a “trackman” for the Rio Grande Western Railway, his brother John D Cronin, an engineer, and their mother “Hannah" widow of John D Cronin all residing at this address.

 

Arthur William Chiverall “Painter”

The family of Arthur William Chiverall [1848-1917], a painter for the Oregon Short Line Railroad lived at the address in 1898 having moved from 550 West Third South in 1897. The 1900 federal census enumerate the family of Arthur Chiverall. He immigrated to the United States in 1864 and came to Utah from Michigan. He had been an officer in the Utah lodge No. 1 of Independent Order of Odd Fellows for years serving as “grand noble” and treasurer. 

 

546 West Third South Duplex

Andrew Joseph Cronin “clerk”

Andrew “Andy “Joseph Cronin [1871-1939] was a first generation American of Irish decent was a Clerk for the Rio Grande and Western Railway and lived at this duplex until moving to 544 West Third South in 1897 and later by 1900 to 6 Carter Terrace in Block 64. 

 

William Robertson “train Engineer”

The 1900 federal census listed a 29-year-old Canadian named William Robertson at this address. He was just recently married and was employed as an engineer. 

 

550 West Third South 

Elwood S Masters “carpenter”

In 1892 the Iowa family of Elwood S Masters [1856-1912], a carpenter, lived at this duplex.  His wife of 10 years Elizabeth “Lizzie” Alice Masters, ‘nee Kinney, in 1892 advertised for “two apprentice Girls to Learn Dressmaking”. They lived at this address for two years before moving away in 1894.

A. L. Snook

In 1895 a man named “ A. L. Snook”  was listed at this address in the Republican canvassing list of the district.  Nothing more is known of him, and he is not listed in the city directory.

Mrs. George Duwell

 A newspaper article from 1899 stated that “Mrs. George Duwell of 550 West Third South Street entertained a few friends was a pleasant evening playing cards.”  The Duwells were also not listed in the city directory.  

 

Edward T. Stewart “advertisement solicitor”

This family had moved when the 1900 federal census enumerated a 30-year-old Edward T. Stewart and his recent Myrtle wife living at this address. He was a native of Wisconsin and was an advertisement solicitor for the F C Stevens Advertising Agency . By 1901, Stewart had changed agencies and moved from Third South, eventually leaving Utah for Ohio.  

 

552 West Third South 

Oscar Doble “Railroad Conductor”

The 1900 federal census enumerated the large family of Oscar Doble [1858-1929] living at this duplex that he had just moved to. He was a 39-year-old native of Minnesota and employed as a railroad conductor. His wife was Welsh, and they had eight children born between 1886 and 1899. The family appears to have moved to Utah by 1886 then back to Minnesota and finally back to Utah in 1891. His large family moved from this address by 1901. 

 

The Salt Lake Tribune in 1900 printed a disclaimer “Oscar Dobie, the Rio Grande western watchman is not the man recently before the police court who gave his name as Oscar Doble. The latter was a dark man, while Doble is a pronounced blonde.” 

 

Denver Court North from Between 552 and 558 West Third South

Denver Court was a 42 feet wide street running northward from Third South between 552 West and 558 West. Edmund Butterworth created the subdivision on his property when the old dwelling at 556 West was demolished to create the street into the interior of Lots Two  and Three that he both owned. It was sometimes referred to as Butterworth Court.

 

In 1889 Edmund Butterworth was reported to have been “completing a new court called Denver Court opening north into Third South between Fourth [Fifth] and Fifth [Sixth] west. There are in the court ten houses costing $899 each and eight house fronting on Third South costing $1800 each. Everyone is either occupied or spoken for.” The eight houses fronting Third South were actually the four duplexes, and the ten court homes were within the interior of Block 63.  The homes in the Denver Court subdivision were built over the course of several years. 

 

In January 1890 building permits for sites “No. 1 and 3 Denver Street” were issued to build “two brick houses of five rooms $1,900.” Interestingly the newspaper complained of a housing shortage at the time and for the need for more housing in Salt Lake. In 1892 Edmund Butterworth applied for another permit to build “two brick cottages on Denver Court at the cost $1800.” In July 1892 it was reported that Butterworth had built three brick homes at the coast of $850 each. 

 

The homes on Denver Court were mostly rental units for men employed by the railway and their families. Renters moving in and out frequently and very little information is known of the occupants of the ten court homes.  

 

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance map showed that the ten one story brick homes were built facing each other with the odd numbered homes on the east side of the street behind the duplexes 544 West through 552 West on Third South Street. The even numbered were on the west side of the street  between the duplexes from 558 West to 566 West on Third Street. 

 

Only homes 1 and 2 were located in Lot Two the remaining eight were part of Lot Three. These Denver Court homes were in the northeast section of Lot Two and eastern half of Lot Three. South.  Each house was situated twelve feet from each other, and the subdivision was encircled by what were called a “private drive”  that was more like an alley right-a-way. Outhouses were located behind each home. 

 

No. 1 Denver Court

Heber Lorenzo Jones “Railroad Fireman”

In 1900 the federal census enumerated 29-year-old Heber Lorenzo Jones’s family at this address. Heber  Jones [1871-1938] was a native of Utah and a railroad fireman by occupation. He moved away from this address in 1902. 

 

A newspaper  article from 1893 mentioned Jones being involved in a serious accident. “Heber Jones, a fireman on the Rio Grande Western, last night [30 November 1893] met with an accident , which will , more than likely result in  the amputation of his right foot, or at least the loss of his toes.

 

The young man has been helping in the Rio Grande Western yards about 9 o’clock was aiding in getting No. 152 ready for the road. The engine was to be run down to the coal chute, and Jones had turned the switch and was getting back into the cab when his right foot slipped and rested upon the rail. The engine was backing down slowly, but one wheel passed over Jones’ foot, crushing it in a terrible manner as back as the instep. Jones was at once removed to St. Mary’s Hospital, where he received the best of surgical care. While it is little early to say with certainty, it is more likely that the foot will have to come off.” 

 

“Jones is unmarried but has a mother in the city. He is cousin to Judge George Pyper and has been connected with the Rio Grande Western for three Years.”  

 

Heber Lorenzo Jones’s obituary stated, “From a job as roundhouse worker for the Denver & Rio Grande Western railroad in 1891, Mr. Jones advanced, landing in the cab of a locomotive as engineer on the same line in 1897. Last September [1937] he retire after 46 years and three months of service.”

 

No. 2 Denver Court

An advertisement in 1897 read “Thee Nicely furnished rooms for housekeeping $8 House No 2 Denver Court between 2^nd and 3^rd South and Fourth [Fifth] and fifth  West. Also, another that stated, “Young men or Teachers can find first-class room and board at $4 per week No 2 Denver Court between Second and Third South Fourth [Fifth] and Fifth [Sixth] West half Block from Rio Grande Western depot.”

The next year, in 1898, an  Auction Sale by “W. D Cline, auctioneer” was held of various furnishing at this address. Items up for sale were “two oak bedroom sets, spring mattress, down comforts, pillows, bed lounge, chairs, rockers, ingrain, Brussels and velvet carpets, Gold Coin heating stove, cook stove, kitchen and laundry furniture, canned fruits, preserves etc.” 

 

James Leatham “Builder”

The 1900 federal census enumerated the family of 31-year-old James Leatham [1867-1921] at this address. He was a native of Utah of Scottish parentage and a “builder” by occupation.  His family consisted of a wife and a daughter both named Agnes. The family had two boarders within the household, 27-year-old a railroad brakeman named George Myers and 68-year-old blacksmith named David Keasler.

 

No. 3 Denver Court

Ernest Wright “Machinist”

The 1900 federal census enumerated 26-year-old Ernest Wright [1874-1952] and his wife Margaret Butterworth Wright residing at this address.  He was the son in law of Edmund Butterworth and Alice Fielding Butterworth. He worked as a machinist according to the census. 

 

Wright’s obituary stated that he married in 1896 and in the same year, he was “one of the first Mormon missionaries to the Samoan Islands which he later served as president of that mission from 1915 to 1918. For 45 years until his death, he had been a Salt Lake real estate assessor.”  He was also had been a bishop in the Sixth-Seventh Ward.  He died of a heart ailment while on a fishing trip to Driggs, Idaho. 

 

No. 4 Denver Court

John A Truelson “Train Car Cleaner”

The 1892 city directory listed John A Truelson as living at this address as a car cleaner for the Rio Grande Western Railway. The 1893 city directory called this address “No 4 Butterworth Court.” He had moved away by 1894 when the city directory gave his address as residing e s [east side] Grand 2 s Second South.” See 511 West First South

 

John Warthman “Carpenter”

The  1896 City directory listed John Warthman [1863-1950] as a carpenter for the Rio Grande Western Railway residing at this address. The 1900 federal census also listed 36-year-old John Warthman born in Iowa of German parentage. Included in his household was his wife Matilda and son Leroy who was born in Colorado. They were members of the First Baptist Church. They had moved away at least by 1904. In 1925 Leroy Warthman was an East High School Coach. John M Warthman’s obituary stated he had been employed in Salt Lake City about 25 years with the Utah Light and Traction Company. He had resided in Florida the past three years [1947-1950].

 

No. 5 Denver Court

Edgar James Stowe “train Conductor”

In 1896 Edgar James Stowe [Stow] [1862-1944] was a conductor for the Rio Grande and Western Railway at this address. Stowe moved to Ogden in 1897  until 1913 when he returned to Salt Lake City. At the time of his wife’s death in 1928 he was said to have been “one of the oldest conductors on the Denver & Rio Grande Western line.  He died in 1944 and his obituary said he entered the employ of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Company in 1891 which he served for 45 years until he retired in 1936 as a conductor. 

 

William S. Stewart “Train Engineer”

By 1897 the family of William S. Steward lived at this address where he and his wife Lillian held a funeral for their 13-month-old infant. Stewart worked as an engineer for the Rio Grande Western railroad. The family had move to Utah by 1890 from Iowa.

 

The 1900 federal census listed Steward as a 35-year-old Locomotive engineer and a native of Iowa. His wife and he had six children, born between 1886 and 1900.  She was the mother of 8 children two having died before 1900. The family is not listed at this address after 1903. 

 

By 1915 the family had moved to Ogden where “Lillian B. Stewart” commenced  divorce proceedings against William S. Stewart , alleging failure to provide as grounds for the action. The plaintiff asks for the care and custody of three minor children, costs of the suit and attorney fees, and $40 a month alimony. 

 

No. 6 Denver Court

Charles Henry McCready “Carpenter”

Charles Henry McCready [1849-1937] was a carpenter  for the Rio Grande Western Railway when he lived at this address in 1897. His son Dana Charles McCready boarded at the same address, and he was an Express Driver for the Rio Grande Western Railway.   By 1900 Charles was working as a conductor and he and  his son Dana lived at 258 South Fourth [Fifth] West household 136.  Charles H McCready was a resident of Salt Lake City for 45 years.

           

Dana McCready was described as “the popular young record clerk in the Rio Grande Western” and was mentioned often in the society section of newspapers as attending parties in Salt Lake City.  After his marriage he “accepted a very good position with the H.J. Heinz Pickle Company in Salt Lake but later moved to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and New York City.

 

Volta Sobrita Ayres “Machinist”

The 1900 federal census listed the family of Volta Sobrita Ayres [1866-1946] at this address. He was a Canadian of English parentage and employed as a machinist. They moved to Utah from Montana about 1896. The 1904 city directory listed him still at this address employed as machinist for the Oregon Short Line Railroad. He moved from this address in 1905. 

 

No. 7 Denver Court

William M Brune “political canvassers”

In 1895 William M Brune was mentioned as residing at this address by political canvassers but he had moved to Denver, Colorado by 1896. The 1894 listed him as a carpenter for the Rio Grande Western Railway and living at No. 7 “Butterworth Court”.

 

Ira Blanchard “Train Engineer”

The 1898 and 1899 city directory listed the family of Ira Blanchard at this address having moved out of No. 8 He was an engineer for the Rio Grande Western Railway.

 

In March 1900 Ira Blanchard’s wife Mary Alice Evans Blanchard, his son Clarence Blanchard  [1898-1975] and sister-in-law were all quarantine for smallpox. Ira Blanchard  was also found to have the disease and was taken to the “smallpox hospital with a well-developed case.” The family moved away from Denver Count before June 1900. In 1904 they were living at 434 West Third South where their son Clarence has a case of the measles. See no. 8 Denver Court

 

Henry H. Maggard “Station engineer”

The 1900 federal census listed the family of 35-year-old Henry H. Maggard [1864-1946] at this address. He was a native of Missouri and a station engineer by occupation. He and his wife had three children and had recently moved from Kansas as a child was born there in 1899. This family left Utah in 1901 and returned to Missouri. 

 

No. 8 Denver Court

Ira Blanchard “Train Fireman”

In 1897, 32-year-old Ira Blanchard, who was married in 1896, was living at this location. He was listed in the city directory as a fireman employed by the Rio Grande Western Railroad. He moved across the courtyard to 7 Denver Court in 1897 as it was a bigger a four-room house.  See No. 7 Denver Court

 

Richard B. Moore “Brakeman”

By 1898 the family of Richard B Moore, a 35-year-old Brakeman for the Rio Grande Western lived here but had moved down the Block by 1899 where he shared a duplex with the family of Harry Newcomer, a Rio  Grande Western, engineer.  

 

Richard Moore was injured in 1896 while working as a brakeman “at the Rio Grande Western depot at Provo.” Moore, “a brakeman on the local freight train between P.V Junction and Salt Lake City, met with a serious accident. He was getting off of the cow catcher when his left foot was caught between it and a tie, the limb being crushed just above the ankle. The injured man was brought to Salt Lake City on a special and taken to St. Mark’s hospital where three pieces of shattered bone were removed. The physicians hope to save his limb.”

 

In 1897 Richard Moore was listed as living at 543 West Third South across the street from Harry Newcomer, but no occupation was listed. 

 

Moore was in the newspapers again  in 1899 when he had an altercation with an engineer named Harry Newcomer when they lived at a duplex at 558 and 560 West Third South.

 

The 1900 federal census had him and his wife living back at No. 8 Denver Court with his wife and her two young sisters. Moore was born in Nebraska of Irish parentages but his wife and his 11- and 12-year-old sisters in law were all born in Utah. He had moved away from Denver Court by 1901. 

 

Moore however must have recovered enough to return to work as a brakeman as that in 1905 he averted a collision between a runaway Bingham ore car and a Rio Grande Western passenger train. Moore, seeing the danger, jumped from the train and switch a track line barely avoiding  a more serious collision. The ore car only glanced off the Rio Grande Western train, however the impact did seriously injure five passengers. See 560 West Third South Duplex and Chapter Seven Forgotten People.

 

No. 9 Denver Court-

August Hazeur “Porter”

August Hazeur  lived at this address in 1896 and 1897. He was a “porter”  for Druehl, and Franken Druggists  located on corner of Main and Third South. He moved away by 1898.

 

Charles F. Showaker “Locomotive fireman”

By 1900 the family of Charles F Showaker [1872-1923] lived at this address.  He was a 27-year-old Locomotive fireman for the Rio Grande Western Railway, and a native from Minnesota however his Danish wife and his two children were born in Utah. The family moved away in 1903. 

 

Fred Breining “city water department worker”

Fred Breining [1860-1933] and his wife Sadie Firman Breining lived in this home when in 1897 when his 25-year-old wife died.  He worked for the city water department. 

 

John W. Hardesty “locomotive engineer”

The 1900 federal census enumerated the family of John W. Hardesty [1862-1946] at this address.  He was a 36-year-old native of Missouri and locomotive engineer for the Rio Grande Western Railroad. His two children were born in Kansas. The family moved away in 1902. 

 

556 West Third South

John Fielding Butterworth “agent of the Park City Ice Company

In 1884 John Fielding Butterworth [1852-1926], a son of Edmund, was listed as a carpenter residing at 556 West Third South just “below the Rio Grande Freight yards” within Block 63. By 1893 he had moved away to 466 West Third South. He was partners with his brother Robert F Butterworth as agents of the “Park City Ice Company” which operated  out of their mother’s grocery store at 302 South Third [Fourth [Fifth]] West. This address was abandoned when the homes were demolished to make an easement for Denver Court. 

 

558 West Third South 

Harry Newcomer  “Engineer”

At this address was the family of Harry Newcomer [1853-1933], an engineer for the Rio Grande Western Railway. The duplex at 558 West and 560 West Third South Street was also occupied by the family of the Rio Grande Western brakeman, Richard B. Moore, in 1899 when Newcomer and Moore appeared in police court. See Chapter Seven Forgotten People

 

560 West Third South Duplex

Richard B. Moore “carpenter”

Richard Moore lived in this part of the Duplex in 1899, however the 1900  federal census had 46-year-old Patrick Minogue’s family at this address.  He was from Indiana but of Irish parentage.  He was a carpenter by trade however by 1910 he moved to Denver, Colorado.  See No. 8 Denver Court. See Chapter Seven Forgotten People

 

564 West Third South Duplex

Mrs. Mary Fitz  “widow”

This dwelling was eleven feet from the first duplex. In 1898 a Lineman named George W. Silkett was killed instantaneously when he came in contact with a live wire while engaged in laying a branch wire for the Western Union to Park City along the Rio Grande Western track. He was a 29-year-old single man residing with his sister Mrs. Mary Fitz who lived at 564 West Third South. “The blow is very severe upon Mrs. Fritz especially since she lost her husband Edward Fitz by a very similar accident two years accident.” 

           

James Silkett “Coal Company Foreman”

Mary Fitz’s brother James Silkett was listed in the 1898 city directory as living at this address. 

           

The 1900 federal census listed 38-year-old Mary Fritz and her 40-year-old brother James W. Silkett at this address. They were natives of  Iowa and had a 32-year-old machinist named Robert Aiken lodging with them. The 1902 city directory showed James Silkett ‘boarding” at this address but did not list Mary Fitz.  

           

The 1905 city directory listed James Silkett as living at No. 5 Denver Court employed as a foreman for the Sharp Coal Company. 

 

In 1906 a newspaper article mentioned the death of James Silkett. “After being dead at least two days, the body of James Silkett, aged about 58 years, and a resident of this city for the past six years, was found yesterday afternoon [17 October] about 2 o’clock lying in his room in the lodging house at 358 West First South Street. The discovery was made by Glendora Wiseman, the daughter of Frank H, Wiseman, who maintains the rooming house.

 

The police were summoned, and the body removed to the morgue, where it was determined that death had resulted from natural causes.

 

Silkett was a miner, but for some time past was employed in a hide house in this city. He was recently discharged but on Wednesday last told his rooming house that he had got a job at the racetrack. He was not seen after that, but as he cared for his own room, nothing was thought of his absence, other than that he had gone to work.

 

The most mortem examination showed that the probable cause of death was miner’s consumption. The decease has a sister living in Steele City, Neb., and another sister at Los Angeles.” 

 

566 West Third South Duplex

Harry Newcomer “Engineer”

The 1892 through 1895 city directories stated that engineer Harry Newcomer “roomed” at “566 West” address before moving to 558 West.  See 558 West Third South

 

The only mention of this address in newspapers from this period was when a 16-year-old boy whose family lived near Sixth South, and Seven East played a prank on boys he had a grudge against either at this address or near it in 1897.

 

 “Walter Wickel will be arraigned this morning for impersonating a police officer of the city and causing thereby no end of excitement in the neighborhood of 566 West Third South Street. Wickel is a stout young fellow of 16 years of age and speaks with very gruff tones. He found an old military coat which was decorated with brass buttons. Attired in this and a slouch hat, he started out to own that part of the city for a while at least. He awoke a number of boys from their beds, reciting fictitious charges to them and then and there marched them off, to the distress of their parents. When he had gotten enough of one subject, he would have his laugh and allow the victim to realize the joke before returning to his home. 

 

Everything would have gone smoothly for Wickel if the humor of the situation had not been too lasting. He kept it up just long enough to get arrested himself. All of his victims will appear in court this morning and the laugh will probably not be on Wickel’s side.” Wickel was fined $15 fine for his impersonating a police officer.” 

 

John Dugan “Faro Cards Deal”

The 1900 Federal census listed the family of 35-year-old John Dugan at this address. He was a native of England but of Irish parentage.  His wife Millie and two children were natives of Utah. His occupation was a “faro dealer”.  Faro was a card game often just as popular as poker “due to its fast action, easy-to-learn rules, and better odds than most games of chance.” Faro was popular during the 1800s but was “eventually overtaken by poker as the preferred card game of gamblers in the early 1900s.”

 

The census listed John and Millie Dugan as married but had actually divorced by 1897. An article by the Salt Lake Herald reported “The case against John Dugan for unprovoked assault upon his divorced wife on Sunday [24 Jan] evening will probably be dismissed in the police court this morning owing to the peculiar condition which would make the confinement of the man a hardship for the woman.

 

Dugan was arraigned yesterday morning, but the hearing was continued until today to allow her to withdraw the charge now pending. Well tanked with liquor, Dugan visited the home of his former domestic partner and abused her. By the action of the upper courts Mrs. Dugan has the custody of two children, the result of her union with the man who hammered her on the Sabbath. She pleads for his release on the premises that if he is punished, she will suffer by non-support, alimony having been part of the court’s decree.”

 

The Salt Lake Tribune reported, “John Dugan appeared before Judge Wenger yesterday to answer for an assault, alleged to have been committed upon his divorced wife Sunday evening. Dugan had been paying his wife alimony for some time past, and Sunday night he went to the woman’s home ostensibly for that purpose. A dispute arose, in the course of which Dugan struck his wife. When the case came up for a hearing in the police court Mrs. Dugan refused to prosecute and the matter was adjusted by the defendant’s paying the cost of the case, amounting to $5.75. An agreement was made whereby it was arranged that Dugan shall pay the alimony into the hands of Mrs. Dugan’s attorney W.T Gunter. By this arrangement it will be unnecessary for Dugan to visit his ex-wife’s home.” 

 

Later in the year John Dugan was again in the Police Court, “John Dugan, who was in the police court recently on a charge of cruelly beating his child, is again in trouble. A warrant for his arrest was yesterday [15 November] issued by Justice Stewart , on the complaint of Mrs. Millie Dugan, the divorced wife of the defendant, who charges him with threatening to kill her.” 

 

“The trial of John Dugan on the charge of threatening to kill his divorced wife, Millie Dugan , which was set for yesterday before Justice Stewart, was indefinitely postponed on account of the absence of the complaining witness, Mrs. Dugan. The case was called in the morning  and a motion to quash the complaint was overruled but on account of the absence of Mrs. Duan no further proceedings  were had.” 

 

In 1900 John Dugan “accused of running a gaming house, was up late the night before [17 Feb] and did not get around in time to claim the $50 he had left for his appearance. 

 

 He was gone by 1902 and Millie Haight Dugan remarried in 1903. 

 

279 South Fifth [Sixth] West 

Salt Lake Meat Company

For nearly 10 years or more the southwest corner of Block 63 at the corner of Third South and Fifth [Sixth] West contained the Salt Lake Meat Market and slaughterhouse. An advertisement for the Salt Lake Meat Company  was placed in the 1890 City Directory which stated. “A. Roland,  W.T. Sampson, Salt Lake Meat Co, Wholesale Dealers In Dressed Beef, Pork, Mutton and Veal, Hams, Bacon and Lard. Fine Sausage a Specialty- Cor. Third South and Fifth [Sixth] West Salt Lake City  Telephone 451 P.P. Box 756” . An article of businesses being constructed in October 1890 listed “Roland and Sampson Cold Storage for $25,000. 

 

275 South Fifth [Sixth] West

In 1890 Edmund Butterworth leased the southwest corner of Lot Two consisting of approximately six rods by six rods nearly 1000 square feet to August Roland for $18,300 with a monthly rent of $50. August Roland [1858-1929] was a business partner with William Thomas Sampson [1848-1937] until 1892

 

William Thomas Sampson “Meat Shop Owner”

Roland’s partner William Thomas Sampson immigrated to the United States in 1867 from England and settled first in Colorado. In 1875 Sampson declared his intentions of becoming a United States citizen while living in the community of Silver Plume, Clear Creek County, Colorado a “small mining camp of a few hundred inhabitants”,  where he worked in a butcher shop.  He was residing in Silver Plume when the 1880 federal census was taken. 

 

267 South Fifth [Sixth] West 

Amos Meat Market

The 1894 city directory listed the Amos Meat Market at 267 South Fifth [Sixth] West although Amos resided at 264 South Seventh [Eight] West. Robert Amos [1865-1941] was the brother of Gilbert D Amos [1850-1901] and was a Scottish immigrant who came to Utah in 1890. His obituary stated that he was a “former butcher” and “lived in Salt Lake City for 40 years before moving to Los Angeles California where he died although he was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. 

 

Not much is known about Robert Amos as compared to his more noted brother. Gilbert D Amos. In 1893 Robert was admitted to the Caledonian Club, a Scottish fraternal organization of businessmen.  and Family residence was 542 West South Street Family residence was 542 West South Street

 

The 1895 city directory did not list his business  at this address and by 1896 he had moved to Ninth North and Twelfth West a portion of his brother’s subdivision development where he operated a dairy. 

 

His brother Gilbert D Amos came to Utah ten years before he did and  opened the “People’s Meat Market opposite Mayor Jennings’s residence”. It was reported “through his enterprise and good treatment of his patrons has succeeded in working up a new business in the stand where so many have failed. Call and see him if you want the choices fresh meat at lowest prices.”  Gilbert was mentioned in 1887 in a advertisement which claimed, “A revelation among butchers. Beef, mutton, and pork for cash only. Porterhouse and tenderloin steaks 12 ½ cent per pound; prime roast 12 ½ cents per pound, round steak 9 cents per pound, chick steak 8 cents per pound, boiling beef 6 cents  per pound, loin, and legs of mutton 8 cents per pound, chops 8 cents per pound, breast, and necks of mutton 5 cents per pound, pork chops 8 cents per pound pork roast and sausage 8 cents per pound. OM all the above a special reduction for cash only with delivery.”

 

Gilbert Amos became successful and acquired  62 acres “bounded on the west and northwest by the Jordan River  stands on a high ridge high and dry near Ninth North Street”. The area was near today’s Rose Park Golf Course. 

            However, he died a pauper “forgotten by friends and family”  and was a “county charge. “Death of G.D Amos  Succumbed to Bright’s Disease at the County Infirmary. Gilbert D Amos, the once wealthy butcher, who for several days past has been in a dying condition at the poorhouse, passed to the great beyond yesterday morning. Death resulted from Bright’s Disease.”

 

“ Mr. Amos who in health was very portly and it was his boast that he was the only man in the country who could take his collar off over his head without unfastening it, but at the time of his death he was almost a skeleton.”

 

“ Amos was a resident of this city for twenty years or more and leaves a wife, two sons and a brother in this city. The deceased was about 60 years of age. As yet no arrangements for the funeral have been made.”

 

“Opened a meat market on the corner now occupied by Drueho and Franken’s drug store put all the money he made into real-estate. His first large investments were in north Salt Lake,  and it was Amos who secured the copper plant for this city by putting up $100,000 bonus for that ill-fated enterprise . He mortgaged some of his property for that purpose.

 

“Afterwards he built Amos terrace, and some other large investments were marked up to his credit. He was reputed to be worth no less than $250,000 part of it being left him by rich relatives in Scotland.” 

 

Some years ago, the capitalist took to drink, and his fortune diminished rapidly. Last year he was in St. Mark’s hospital for several months suffering with rheumatism and a complication of other troubles. His money had given out before this, and he was removed from the hospital finally to the infirmary where his life is ebbing away as swiftly as did his fortune.”

 

“ The doctors stated last night that he could hardly live forty-eight hours. Amos has two sons in this city with whom he has not lived for years.” 

 

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map listed this address as part of the Salt Lake Meat Company building and no one was enumerated as residing in the building in the 1900 federal census. 

 

263 South Fifth [Sixth] West

The Sullivan House

The Sullivan House hotel occupied this location for a decade during the 1890’s. In 1889 Edmund Butterworth leased a parcel of land to John C Sullivan [1835-1920] for $7500, at $15 a month. In 1890 the lease was renewed for 25 years although the Sullivan House Hotel did not last that long.

 

Mrs. Olivia Knox and Mrs. Rachel Woodward “land ladies”

The 1900 federal census listed 42-year-old Olivia Knox as the “housekeeper of the Boarding House at 263 South Fifth [Sixth] West. She stated she was married for 18 years without any children and a native of Maryland. The landlady was Mrs. Rachel L Woodward

 

Tenants in 1900

There are fourteen individuals enumerated at this address besides Mrs. Knox. Of the four females, one was a 36-year-old single woman listed as a servant as was a 17-year-old female. One of the females was a married woman with a small son and the other was a 22-year-old single woman. No occupation given but she was of German parentages. 

 

The only family residing at the hotel was that of 22-year-old Jasper Shotwell. He was a day laborer and he and his wife had been married six years with a 4-year-old son. However, all the rest of the lodgers were single males, the oldest being 48-year-old and the youngest 24. All of these single men were nonnative Utahns. Occupations were given as day laborers, a stock tender, a carpenter, a machinist, an attorney at law, a railroad laborer, a boilermaker, and a stable boss. 

 

257 South Fifth [Sixth] West

The Sullivan Saloon

Patrick J Sullivan [1851-1898] was a ‘saloon keeper’” at 257 South Fifth [Sixth] West in 1890 with his residence being the same  an advertisement from that year listed “Cheap -One box Mattress 1 good cook stove, 5 lunch counter chars Call at 257 South 5^th West.”

 

A news report from 1891 stated “a man with a badly scratched hand showed up at police headquarters late last night stating a man had bit him in Sullivan’s saloon of Fifth [Sixth] west street, where upon he reciprocated the delicate attention by ripping the sawdust out of him.” A tribune reporter went to investigate and “made the rounds of the Fifth street saloons but the neighborhood was as quiet as a Quaker Meeting and had been so everyone said.”

 

This 257 South location was  gone according to the 1898 Sanborn Map as there is not a building or address for this spot. 

 

Chapter Thirteen

Lot Three Block 63 Plat A

In 1862 Isaac Duffin sold all of Lot Three to Edmund Butterworth for $500, who now owned all interest in the two and half acres within Lots Three and Two. Lot three was 165 feet wide, fronting on Fifth [Sixth] West and 330 feet deep into the interior, bounded by Lot Eight on the east side. 

 

The property only began to be developed after the Denver & Rio Grande Depot and Rail Yards were built and soon became very valuable. During the 1880s and 1890’s, Fifth [Sixth] West was far more developed than Second South, which would not really take off until the Twentieth Century.

 

 According to the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map there were eight businesses, contained in five buildings, located on Lot Three. By 1898 only two buildings, containing three shops and a dwelling, still fronted Fifth West. However, the eastern half of the lot contained eight of the ten houses belonging on Denver Court. 

           

The first business to lease land from Edmund Butterworth was that of Mormon pioneer named Samuel G Read. He leased a small lot for $10 a month in 1882. It was four rods, or 66 feet located on the southwest corner of Lot Three. 

 

The following year, Abijah Riley leased the northwest corner of lot Three, containing 6 rods by 4 rods.  Riley turned around and assigned his lease to polygamist Edward Friel for $1650 in January 1884. Friel in turned did a Quit Claim Deed to his estranged plural wife Hannah Friel.  

 

In May 1883 Edmund Butterworth leased a parcel of 82.5 feet by 330 feet to a man named Charles Pearce, a tin smith, on which to operate his business for $10 a month. Pearce in May 1884 in turn leased to Fred Barnes north half of Lot Four

 

“Mr. Charles Pearce, tinsmith of this city, who formerly resided in Ogden, wished the public to distinctly understand that he is not the Charles Pearce who has figured so prominently in the police records of late, and that the vagrant does not belong to his family.”

 

 In 1886 C. [Charles] D Edgington [1857-1893] was arraigned upon a charge of battery upon on Charles Pearce. It appears that some time ago Edgington cleaned an outhouse for Pearce and ever since them whenever Pearce met him while under the influence of liquor, he would insult and abuse him. Edgington claimed that he stood it as long as he could, and finally “hit him one for luck.”  He said he would not have done so but the abuse became unbearable. The Judge beamed kindly upon him, gave some advice as the proper course to be pursued under such circumstances and imposed a fine of $7.50.”

           

 Clara E Snell [1840-1910], the daughter of Samuel Read, leased the property where her father’s shop was in 1888 from Edmund Butterworth.  In June 1892, Clara Snell had a four-room frame house built for $500 on the property.

 

In 1890 businessmen Joseph K Johnston and Frank F. Raymond leased from Butterworth for $4500, the west 6 rods formerly leased by Mrs. Friel to build a saloon.

 

Street Addresses for Lot Three Block 63 Plat A

259 South Fifth [Sixth] West

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a one-story wooden dwelling located twenty feet north of the Sullivan House which was demolished by 1898 according to the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map.

 

257 South Fifth [Sixth] West

A few feet north of the dwelling was another one-story wooden house in 1889 which was also demolished by 1898.

 

This may have been the same address as 255 South that was occupied by a Grocer named Benjamin Smith from 1892 to 1893. This business is gone by 1894 and a man named Benjamin Smith was listed as a laborer at 253 South Fifth West.

 

253 South Fifth [Sixth] west

The 1889 and 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance maps listed this site containing a one-story wooden structure of three rooms with a restaurant in the front facing Fifth [Sixth] West. Behind it was an adobe filled room and kitchen behind it.  It had been 15 feet north of the dwelling at 257 South. This place was called the Liday Boarding House and Railroad Men’s Café.

 

ANN JOHNSON LIDAY

Ann Johnson Liday [1857-1925] was a native of Minnesota and a businesswoman who had married Samuel Liday and had two sons, John A Liday [1876-1966] and Ralph Liday [1886-1891].

Mrs. Hattie Harely “Restaurant Owner”

            The 1896 city directory listed a Mrs. Hattie Harely as operating a restaurant at this address. Nothing is known of this woman, and she is not listed at the address in 1897.

 

Raffael Marine

However, the 1900 federal census showed an Italian emigrant, Raphael [Raffael] Marine, [1833-1909], his 53-year-old wife Lucia, and  their two sons Patrick Marine age 22 and Michael Marine aged 19 years old living at this Address. Raphael Marine was also known as Ralph and the 1900 census listed him as 60 years old when he would have been closer to 67. They were all Italian immigrants as were railroad laborers. Raphael and Lucia immigrated in 1888 however their sons did emigrate until 1891. Another son Eugene Henry Marine [1872-1939] was a shoemaker by trade. 

 

249 South Fifth [Sixth] West

The London News Depot and Bookstore

The building at this address abutted on the north side of the Liday Restaurant and was south of the Keenan’s Denver House. The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance map showed it was a one-story wooden structure consisting of three shops that fronted Fifth [Sixth] West, with two small rooms in behind it. The 1898 map showed the structure was slightly enlarged in the back and the property line in the rear reached a “Private Drive” that encircled the Denver Court subdivision. 

 

The building contained a business called the London News Depot and Bookstore owned by Samuel George Read [1807-1893] who was referred to as  “the well-known news dealer.”

 

241 South Fifth [Sixth] West

In January 1883 Edmund Butterworth leased to a man named Abijah Riley a parcel at this address for $20 a month. The following year Riley  transferred the lease to polygamist Edward Friel [1822-1905] for $1,650. The description of the parcel stated it was from the northwest corner of Lot Three, east 6 rods [99 feet]  south 4 rods [66 feet] back to the beginning. This property at 241 South Fifth [Sixth] West consisted of two one story wooden houses.

 

Hannah Sharp Friel

Edward Friel later transferred the lease to his estranged wife Hannah Sharp Friel [1823-1913] who was divorcing him. Hannah Friel had been a schoolteacher at the Brigham Young Academy teaching spelling to “primary” students in 1881. She filed for divorced from her polygamist husband in April 1884. At the time of the suit for divorce both Edward and Hannah Friel were residents of Springville, Utah  and he had deserted her for one of his other wives. Hannah Friel accused him of “neglecting to provide for her”, having “intemperate habits” with alcohol and having treated her with “habitual cruelty as well as that “he is a bigamist or polygamist”.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Fourteen  

Lot Four Block 63 Plat A

Lot Four of Block 63 also consisted of one and a Fourth [Fifth] acre of 200 square rods or 54,450 square feet.  It fronted Fifth [Sixth] West with 165 feet  and ran 330 feet into the interior, bounded by Lot Seven on the east and Lots Five and Three on the north and south.  

 

Christopher Merkley “farmer”

This lot was not assigned when Block 63 was originally settled in the 1850’s, according to deeds in the Salt Lake County Recorder’s office. It was not until Christopher Merkley claimed the lot in October 1872 that the lot was mentioned in county deed records. However, it was not until 1879 that Merkley’s title to the property was granted as a “mayoral deed” from Daniel H. Wells, then mayor of Salt Lake. 

 

Christopher Merkley [1808-1893] did not live on the property, so how he acquired an interest in it is unknown. The 1860 federal census showed that Merkley lived in the 17^th Ward of Salt Lake City and was a farmer. 

 

As that the Denver & Rio Grande Railway had bought forty acres opposite Block 63, Lot Four, Merkley’s property, being directly across from where the passenger depot was to be built, had immediately increased in value. In May 1881Christopher Merkley in a warranty deed sold to Philip Job Hall the south half of the lot for $300. The property contained five rods by ten rods.

 

Less than a year later, Christopher Merkley sold the north half of Lot Four to a man named John Ream in April 1882.  John Ream paid $1000 for the warranty deed for a parcel also containing 5 rods by 10 rods. 

 

Christopher Merkley had only paid only $4.10 to have the mayoral deed filed in 1879, and by 1882 he had made $1300 from dividing the property into two parcels.

 

The South Half of Lot Four 5 Rods by 10 rods

Philip Job Hall “Hotel & Saloon Owner”

Philip Job Hall was an English Mormon convert who married Caroline [Kate] Hill , the daughter of Mary Griffiths the former wife of Henry Hill.  Mary divorced in Hill in 1872 and became the plural wife of Alexander Ledingham.  Hall owned 100 square rods of Lot Four having purchased it from Christopher Merkley.

 

            In May 1883, Hall mortgaged his interest in the south half of Lot Four to Zion’s Bank for $200. In February 1884 Hall took out another $600 mortgage from Matthias Jorgenson which was paid off in March, when he again mortgaged his property to Jorgenson for $1200 which he paid off by June that year. He may have paid of Jorgensen by securing  in June a $1500 mortgage from Philip Pugsley, [1822-1903] a prominent businessman of the Nineteenth Ward, for all of the property in the south half of Lot Four.  

 

Certainly, Pugsley knew the value of the land being adjacent to the Denver & Rio Grande Depot. In June 1882 Pugsley had testified at the Salt Lake City Council in favor of granting the Denver & Rio Grande Railway a right of way on Sixth [Seventh] West.  A petition, signed by 21 residents of the area,  stated that they “believed it would be a great benefit to residents there by reason of the ultimate improvement of the street in the way of graveling and draining the same which must be necessarily follow the building of the road.”  The council adopted the Committee of Streets and Alleys report and gave the Denver & Rio Grande railway the right of way over Sixth [Seventh] West.  

 

Philip Hall in 1885 had a $740 mortgage lien to a lumber firm called “Taylor Romney, and Armstrong Company” for material to build his hotel and saloon.  An advertisement from 1885 stated the company owned a “Lumber Yard and Planning Mill Half Block east of Depot”.

 

By June 1887 Philip Hall and his wife “Kate” had mortgaged his interest in the south half of Lot Four to Elijah Whitaker for $2000. On 22 June 1887 Hall filed a warranty deed selling the south half of Lot Four to Henry Moore for $4500.  

 

Henry Moore “Real Estate Developer”

Henry Moore [1838-1889] was the brother-in-law of James H. Moyles who was the chef stone mason supervisor for the building of the Salt Lake Temple who owned part of Lot Five in Block 64. Moore extensively involved in real estate and purchasing property in Block 64. He resided at 509 West First Street. 

 

Henry Moore according to the 1880 federal census was a “hack driver and lived next to Benjamin P Brown on First South Street in Block 64. When Moore died of paralysis, probably a stroke, in 1889 his brother-in-law James H. Moyle was appointed administrator of his estate filing a bond of $1,870.

 

The next day Henry Moore and his wife Christian after purchasing bought the property from Phillip Hall they then turned around and sold the same property description to James Hegney for $4500.  This transaction seems really peculiar as that Moore did not seem have the kind of money to have paid Hall $4500.  

 

Both Moore and Hall were Mormons and members of the Fifteenth Ward while Hegney was an Irish Catholic. Perhaps Moore was a go between Hall and Hegney for whatever reason.

 

In June 1887 James Hegney became the sole owner of the south half of Lot Four and by 1889 owned the north half as well. . 

 

The North Half of Lot Four 5 Rods by 10 rods

John Ream “Realtor”

Not much is known of John Ream, who acquired the northern half of Lot Four in April 1882. The property fronted Fifth [Sixth] West and Second South. Ream may have been a French Swiss emigrant named John Joseph Ream [1850-1937] a railroad engineer. The 1880 federal census enumerated Ream as living in Evanston, Wyoming. A divorce suit was filed in 1885 between a Belle Ream [Isabelle Tucker] and John Ream with the wife accusing her husband  of incompatibility and difference of disposition and temper.  She also said John Ream had willfully neglected and refused to provide for her actual wants and comforts although abundantly able to do.” 

 

John Ream may never have lived on the property but only bought it for an investment. He is not recorded in the 1883 and 1884 directories of Salt Lake City. He sold the property to Samuel L Hanak [1835-1903] in February 1883.  However, Hanak mortgaged the parcel for $2150 and then warranty deeded it back to Ream for the same amount in the same month.  

 

Samuel L Hanak “Developer”

Samuel L Hanak came to Utah in 1881 from California. The 1880 federal census stated Hanak was a hotel proprietor in Bodie, California.  This mortgage may have been for the construction of the Denver & Rio Grande Hotel which was built prior to  October 1884. 

 

Peter Galligan “Developer”

John Ream then also sold the lot to a man named Peter Galligan also in February 1883. Ream may have left Utah as he was not listed in the 1884 city directory especially if he was a railroad engineer. 

 

Peter Galligan [1838-?] was Irishman who by 1870 was working in a Central Pacific Railroad machine shop in Terrace, Box Elder County, Utah. The community of Terrace had only been established in April 1869, a month before the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad at Promontory Point. Terrace was simply an operation base for the Central Pacific, but it included a 16-stall roundhouse and an eight-track switchyard. 

 

Little is known of the Irishman Galligan who bought from John Ream in February 1883 all of the North half of Lot Four containing 100 square rods for $1500. However, by March 1883  he had mortgaged this property to Dr. Samuel Linnzey Sprague [1807-1886] of the 13^th Ward. Within the year he paid off the mortgage. 

 

Peter Galligan, in 1884 was granted a renewal of a liquor license, therefore he must have owned a saloon perhaps located in the Rio Grande Hotel, and if so, it would have been on this property. However, he himself is never listed in the city directories. 

 

Fred Barnes and John Schill “Hotel owners”

In May 1884 Galligan leased to a man named Fred Barnes 75 feet by 80 feet of the parcel except for the “Westside lease and occupied by John Schill. Nothing is known of these two men. 

 

The 1884 city directory listed Fred Barnes as the proprietor of the Denver & Rio Grande Hotel. In October 1884, a brand-new pool table was being sold at the Denver & Rio Grande Hotel.  A newspaper mentioned the “opening of the Rio Grande Hotel” in August 1885 which probably meant it was under new management perhaps James Hegney, a first generation American of Irish descent.  In October 1885 Hegney, “proprietor of the Rio Grande Hotel and Saloon” was granted by the city a renewal of his  liquor licenses. 

 

Elijah Sells “Lumber Shop Owner”

  Peter Galligan began having financial problems and lost his property in a lawsuit to Elijah Sells owner of “Sells and Company” which may have provided the lumber to have built the Denver & Rio Grande Hotel. 

 

The 1880 federal census listed Elijah Sells as a “lumber dealer”  but he was also a Colonel and a Fort Douglas Post Commander. He and his son William H Sells were partners enumerated in the census as lumber merchants. 

 

In March 1884 Sells and Company attached an $892 lien against the north half of Lot Four including “buildings, attachments and the land.”  The next month, in April 1884, the Third District Court sided with a man named P.W. Madsen, a merchant, in his suit against Galligan for $419 from which his property was ordered sold at a Sheriff Sale. 

 

 In June 1884 Elijah Sells “was granted by the courts the right to foreclose on Peter Galligan and George M Scott, a hardware merchant from whom from Galligan had taken out a $2000 mortgage.

 

John R Cook and John Charles Chaffe Glanfield “businessmen”

 During January 1885, Elijah Sells sold the north half of Lot Four to businessmen John R. Cook [1818-1910] and John Charles Chaffe Glanfield [1841-1920] for $925. John Cook and John Glanfield were partners as “Wholesale and Retail Butchers.” Cook and Glanfield assumed the $2000 mortgage which was paid off in 1888. 

 

John Glanfield came to the United States from South Africa in 1865 on the ship Mexicana. He then came to Utah and may have traveled in the 1865 Henson Walker Company. But the first documentation which placed him in Utah, was the birth of a child in September 1868. 

John R Cook emigrated to Utah in 1850 with the Milo Andrus Company at the age of 31. He was employed as a teamster for Mrs. James Steed. Thomas Stead who had emigrated from England to Nauvoo in 1844, and who afterwards became a resident of Farmington, Utah, crossed the plains in Capt. Milo Andrus' company. He kept a journal of his crossing. 

 

 "On the 1st of May 1850, we bade farewell to old Keokuk, Iowa, and bent our way toward Council Bluffs. We were a company of five wagons, Bro. Richard Cook, who had just arrived from England, came with us; Henry Steed and my cousin James  [Steed's] wife and family; we had fitted her out with a team that Bro. John Cook was to drive for her.” 

 

We were 16 souls all together and had pretty good luck in traveling through the mud and bad roads of Iowa. We arrived in Kanesville in the later part of May without any material accident and all in good health. Here we stayed a few days and were organized into the first company of Mormon emigrants in 1850. We crossed the Missouri river the 1st of June and traveled along the south side of the Platte River. Milo Andrus was the captain of our company of 50 wagons. 

 

We got along pretty well into Salt Creek. Here the stream was swollen so high that the bridge had been carried away; so, we were obliged to go to work and build a raft to carry our wagons over. We got it made in a day and the next day all our wagons were passed across in safety. 

 

We had but very little sickness in our company, although sickness and death was before us and behind us daily (among other trains of emigrants), but through the mercy of God we were preserved. 

 

Elder Hyde had told us the day we were organized, that if we would be faithful and keep the name of our God sacred, we should be blessed with health and our lives would be preserved. We endeavored to do our duty to the best of our ability and the promises of God were fulfilled toward us; there was one death and one birth, so we were just as many when we landed in the Valley. After a long and tedious journey, we arrived at Great Salt Lake City Aug. 28, 1850."

 

The 1880 Federal census listed John Cook’s family as living in the 19^th Ward. In 1886 his daughter married the grandson of the Mormon Apostle Parley Parker Pratt. 

 

The Cook and Glanfield partners must have been fairly successful butchers for a newspaper account from 1882 revealed that their safe was broken into and they were robbed of $800 in cash and $700 in checks. 

 

Not much is found regarding John R Cook in newspapers except that in 1889 he was charged with slaughtering animals within the “fire limits” and was fined $10.  

 

September 1888 was a busy time for transactions between John R Cook, John Charles Chaffe Glanfield, and James Hegney in regard to the northern half of Lot Four where the Rio Grande Hotel was located. The partners sold to James Hegney for $14,000 the north half of Lot Four in September 1888 by a “Bargain and Sale” Deed. A bargain and sale deed indicates that only the seller of a property holds the title and has the right to transfer ownership. This type of deed offers no guarantees for the buyer against liens or other claims to the property, so the buyer could be responsible for those issues, if they turned up. This indicated that there were several liens against the property and Hegney effectively inherited any and all liens that existed against the real estate. 

 

James Hegney

At the same time as this transaction, James Hegney and his wife Eliza mortgaged the property back to Cook and Glanfield for $5000. James Hegney and wife Eliza also later took out another mortgage for $1,200 from Cook and Glanfield.

 

 Street Addresses for Lot Four Block 63 Plat A

237 South Fifth [Sixth] West

Philip Job Hall “businessman”

Philip J Hall [1840-1898] had immigrated to the United States from Liverpool, England as a Mormon Convert in 1866, leaving a wife behind in England. He remarried in 1870 Caroline [Kate] Hill daughter of George Hill and Mary Bishop Griffiths.  

 

The 1880 federal census listed Hall along with his wife Kate and three minor children living within the Fifteenth Ward.  He was listed as a carpenter and a native of England. 

 

The 101^st residence visited was that of Philip Hall who was listed as the 124^th head of household enumerated. His family was residing within a “boarding house” with three other families. They were the families of John Edwards as the 123^rd, John Allen’s as the 125^th, and William Price’s  as the 126^th.  These families all lived on Fifth [Sixth] West. 

 

The 1885 city directory stated that Philip Hall operated a General Stores at this address of 237 South in a  two-story brick building located within the South Half of Lot Four. In January 1885, a M.M. Burd sued Philip Hall for back wages. Burd had been hired as a cook for $1 a day and when he was discharged there was balance owing him for $49.30.  

 

In September 1885, the roof of Hall’s brick building was destroyed by a blaze from an adjoining building. “The wooden roof of Philip Hall’s the two-story structure alongside the Denver House had caught fire by the time the Salt Lake fire department arrived.”  The “intense heat generated” by the fire  had “burned black a telephone pole in the street near the sidewalk” and “the hitching posts were also charred.”  

 

Philip Hall’s brick building “in which [James] Keenan’s’ furniture was stored, was also badly damaged by fire and water.”  Keenan had earlier moved “his furniture and other goods into the large brick and adobe structure and lost $600 worth of property due to the blaze. He had no insurance to cover his loss. Neither did Andrew W. O’Grady, the Irish proprietor of the Colorado saloon located on the first floor. O’Grady lost everything and it was reported that “he had to borrow a hat and coat to wear today.” Fortunately, Philip Hall did carry insurance and he claimed  $1700  worth of damages to his brick building. 

 

By 1888 Philip Hall had left the Rio Grande District and moved to Seventeenth North and Seventh [Eighth] West where he died ten years later. 

 

Andrew W. O’Grady & The Colorado Saloon

After the fire of September 1885, Andrew W. O’Grady, saloonkeeper of the Colorado Saloon, continued to be open for business.

 

Peter Tomney and James Hillstead & The Colorado Saloon

 The Colorado saloon under Tomney’s management was promoted as being “stocked with a complete line of the choices wines, liquors, and cigars. The celebrated Fischer beer will always be found on draught. Fine bottle goods a specialty and everything included in the newly refitted place.”

 

The Western Saloon

In 1889 Johnston and Raymond were granted a liquor license and in March 1890, Edmund Butterworth sold a lease to Johnston and Raymond for their saloon.   The 1890 City Directory for Salt Lake City listed James K Johnston and Frank F Raymond’s Saloon at 241 South Fifth [Sixth] West.

 

James K Johnston

James K Johnston [1840-1891]  was a native of McDuff, Scotland. His surname was often misspelled as “Johnson”.  He and his wife Eliza Jane Kendall Johnston [1855-1909] lived in St. Louis, Missouri before coming to Salt Lake City. They were married in 1874 in St. Louis, Missouri. The 1877 city directory for St. Louis Missouri listed him as operating a restaurant on Seventh Street.

 

Frank Raymond

Frank Raymond [1854-?] was a partner of James K. Johnston in two saloon enterprises. Raymond testified in court, “I was born in Richmond Virginia, and I lived there until I was fifteen-year-old, [1869] when I went to New York. I lived there 1878 going to school part of the time. In 1878 I went to Denver & Leadville. Then I went to Old Mexico with a surveying party. In 1885 I returned to Denver & then went to Wyoming where I worked for the Swan Cattle company.”

 

Albert Charles Miller “Grocer”

Albert Charles Miller [1863-1945]   was a confectioner at this location in  1891 and 1892 and operated a grocery store in 1893. He would eventually move to Block 64 and be a Grocery Merchant on First South and Fourth [Fifth] West.

 

Anna Farmer Lodging House Keeper”

            The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a two-story dwelling at this address. The 1900 federal census listed  the family of a 44-year-old widow  named  Anna Farmer at this address. She was the widow of John Farmer and had four children living at home with her all born in Utah although she was a native of New York state. Her occupation was given as “lodging housekeeper”. Six men were living at this address in her household. The oldest was 73 years old and the youngest was 25 years old. They all appeared to have employment in the Rio Grande Rail yards as  locomotive firemen, railroad watchmen, Boiler maker machinist helper. Two of the six men were immigrants from Sweden and Ireland.

 

235 South Fifth [Sixth] West

In the 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map the north half of the two-story adobe building was listed as a dwelling at this address. Just a few to the north a spur line of the Rio Grande Western Railroad had tracks going 330 feet into Lot Four. The 1898 Sanborn map stated that by that time the track was not in use but there was a three-foot-high platform dock at the end of the line. 

 

231 South Fifth [Sixth] West

In 1889 a two-story brick building 45 feet north of the Philip Hall property was being built  A saloon was on the first floor and sleeping rooms on the second floor.  Directly behind it was a wooden  one-story Hotel office. Nine feet to the south of it was another small one-story wooden structure that was used as “hotel rooms”.  By 1898 the brick building was used as a storage warehouse and all the structures behind it had been demolished for an easement for the spur line. 

 

Timothy Monahan “Railroad Section Foreman”

            The 1900 federal census  listed two families residing at this address: the Monahan Family and the Van Dusen Family. Timothy Monahan was a 37-year-old Irishman who immigrated to the United States in 1879. He was a railroad section foreman with a wife four children. The family moved frequently as children were born in Colorado, Arizona, and Idaho. 

 

Frank Van Dusen “Railroad Switchman”

The family of Frank Van Dusen consisted of a wife and a daughter. Van Dusen was a 37-year-old native of Pennsylvania who worked as a railroad switchman. 

 

229 South,  227 South, 225 , and 221 South Fifth [Sixth] West

The Rio Grande Hotel

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map did not list an address for the Rio Grande Hotel however in many city directories it was listed as being at 221 South Fifth [Sixth West]. The 1891 city directory listed the address of the Rio Grande Hotel as 221 South Fifth [Sixth] West with James Hegney proprietor. The Salt Lake Herald in 1893 while attacking the Liberal Party wrote “Crowd tried their old game of running in illegal voters which was nipped in the bud  by the corps of active deputy marshals. Arrest of a gang of three. One of the men was John Noonan, gave address of 221 South Fifth [Sixth] West Street no one prosecuted and turned loose” The address of  221 South was eventually given to a section of the Albany Hotel located in Lot Five.

 

John McDonald

“At the Rio Grande Hotel in this city on the evening of February 1st, [1891] John McDonald, age 23, died. Deceased was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia and has been a resident of Salt Lake but a short time. The funeral services were held yesterday afternoon in the parlors of the hotel, Rev. Mr. Arnold of the Presbyterian Church officiating. Mr. and Mrs. James Hegney of the Rio Grande were untiring in their efforts to administer proper care to the deceased during his short illness.”

 

Charles McKeague “Bookkeeper”

“Charles McKeague, age 51 died 29 April 1894 at No. 221 South Fifth [Sixth] West after an illness of about a month of asthma. The deceased has been for years the head bookkeeper for James Hegney.”

 

An advertisement was place regarding his funeral in the Salt Lake Herald Republican by John F Collins, President of the Irish American Society; “Irish Americans Attention! The members of the Irish American society are requested to meet at the Rio Grande hotel at 9 a.m. today to attend the funeral of our late brother, Charles McKeague.” Actually, Charles Stewart McKeague was a native of Scotland although his wife was Irish. She continued to reside at the Rio Grande after her husband’s death. McKeague was buried in Mount Calvary the Catholic Cemetery.

 

“Charles McKeague, age 51 died 29 April 1894 at No. 221 South Fifth [Sixth] West after an illness of about a month of asthma. The deceased has been for years the head bookkeeper for James Hegney.”

 

 An advertisement was place by John F Collins, President of the Irish American Society, regarding McKeague’s funeral, printed in the Salt Lake Herald Republican. “Irish Americans Attention! The members of the Irish American society are requested to meet at the Rio Grande hotel at 9 a.m. today to attend the funeral of our late brother, Charles McKeague.” 

           

Actually, Charles Stewart McKeague was a native of Scotland although his wife was Irish. His widow continued to reside at the Rio Grande after her husband’s death. McKeague was buried in Mount Calvary the Catholic Cemetery.

 

Patrick H. Donovan “Rail Yard Foreman”

“6 February 1895, Annie Donovan age 7 beloved daughter of Patrick H. Donovan died of diphtheria  at 221 South Fifth [Sixth] West. Interment Catholic Cemetery.”  Her father was a rail yard foreman and brother of John Donovan, the Salt Lake City Police Captain. 

 

James Collins “Railroad Laborer”

In 1898 James Collins, “a native of Ireland aged 40 years” died. His “funeral cortege at his late Residence, 225 South Fifth [Sixth] West . Services at St. Mary’s cathedral. The boys employed at the Oregon Short Line shops are a big-hearted lot. One of their mates James Collins has been sick for some time and the shop men have expressed their sympathy by raining a purse of $65 and presenting Mr. Collins with it.  James Collins a railroad employee who suffered a rupture of a blood vessel in his brain while doing some heavy lifting a year ago, died yesterday. Collins had been ill ever since the misfortune befell him.”

 

Lydia Seamons Crowthers “Dressmaker”

The Rio Grande Hotel was no longer listed in the City Directory in 1896 at which time the Crowther Family appears to have taken up residency at the address. “Mrs. Lydia S. Crowther Dressmaker.”

 

 Lydia Seamons Crowthers [1841-1917] was the plural wife of Edwin Dugard Heber Crowther [1841-1907] who worked as a miner and was the father of 15 children by his two wives. 

 

In 1890 was charged with unlawful Cohabitation with  Lydia Crowther and Ellen G Heffernan.  Edwin Crowthers had been pardoned in 1886 by President Grover Cleveland but after he had said he abandoned the polygamist relationships and that he “no longer gave the doctrine any countenance and support”, he was still having sex with Ellen Heffernan. He had a baby by this plural wife after the 1886 pardon, so he was tried again for cohabitation. 

 

Ellen G Heffernan testified, “I was married twenty years ago to Mr. Crowther.  The defendant had a wife. He does nothing for my support and does not pretend to live with me after he was pardoned by the President. He was at my house a number of times.”

 

The 18-year-old daughter of Edwin and Ellen Crowthers, Ella G Crowther, testified against her father saying, “father has had two wives, one my mother and the other Lydia Crowther; father lives now with the latter who is his first wife; during the past three years he has been at my mother’s house a number of times; has not stayed overnight; mother has seven children, the youngest about a year old; mother has not been married again. I heard father say to her that she need not say who was the father of the youngest child.”

 

Addressing Edwin Crowthers, she said, “when you got the pardon, I told you that you had disowned me and the rest of us; I clung to you until the last and that is what I got for it; I never said I hated you, though you have done enough to make me do so.”  

 

During the examination. Edwin Crowthers said he was not the father of his plural wife’s youngest child and “Judge McKay asked Crowthers if he wanted to bring that disgrace on the plural wife and her children in order to save himself and he affirmed.”  

 

The U.S. Commissioner then “held him for adultery instead of unlawful cohabitation and fixed bail fixed at $1500.

 

Benjamin Smith “Grocer”

In 1891 Benjamin Smith, a Grocer, resided at the address of 225 South Fifth [Sixth] West. The 1892 city directory stated he had moved his Grocery store to 255 South Fifth West where he was also in 1893. 

 

Raffael Marine

By 1895 the Raphael Marine’s family was residing was residing at this 227 South address, the former Rio Grande saloon,  in  1895 and 1896.

 

Louis Mastorni “Railroad Laborer”

The Italian family of   Louis Mastorni was enumerated at this address in the 1900 federal census along with four other Italian men and a  67-year-old Frenchman. Louis Mastorni was a 35-year-old Italian railroad laborer with a wife and three children. He stated that he immigrated in 1890. 

George Lavallee “Chief Musician”

Boarding with this family was a Frenchman George Lavallee named age 67 who stated he immigrated to the United States in 1848. His occupation was given as “Chief Musician USA”.

 

Daniel Bossio “ Railroad laborer”

Daniel Bossio was listed as the head of a household consisting of three Italian lodgers all young men and railroad laborers.  Bossio was only 18 years old, and the three lodgers were 26-, 23-, and 20-year-old, all immigrating in 1890 when they would have been children if the information was accurate.

Adolph C Smith “Teamster”

Adolph C Smith, a teamster, boarded at the address of 223 South Fifth [Sixth] West from 1895 to 1896.            

 

Sarah Francell Haskell “dressmaker”

The 1900 federal census listed a 34-year-old dressmaker, named Frances Haskell at this address. Sarah Francell Haskell [1866-1930] was the plural wife of Alfred Derrick.  She used her maiden name and said she was a widow, although Alfred Derrick was still living. Two male boarders were also living in the household. 

The 1899 city Directory listed her as Francell S Haskell “conf 223 South 5^th west residing 218 South 6^th East. A marriage record from 1899 showed that she married a man named Benjamin Henry whom she must have separated from by 1900. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter  Fifteen

Lot Five Block 63 Plat A

The corner of Second South and Fifth [Sixth] containing one and a quarter acre with 10 rods [165 feet] fronting Fifth [Sixth] West and 20 rods [330 feet] fronting Second south. The lot was dividing into two sections of 100 square rods with the western half at the corner of Fifth and Second and the eastern half only fronting Second South. 

 

The 1889 Sanborn Map showed that western half of Lot Five was essentially empty except for two, small one-story adobe dwellings, separated from one another by 82 feet. Their addresses were 561 West and 545 West Second South. 

 

Twenty feet eastward, perhaps between Lot Five and Lot Six, contained a two-story adobe dwelling at 537 West and behind it, 97 feet away, was a one and a half story wooden dwelling with the address of 537 ½ West. This was the residence of James L. Bess.

 

Theophilus Williams “Mormon Pioneer”

            Theophilus Williams 1791–1874] a Welsh, Mormon pioneer, died intestate in 1874, leaving a widow Mary who died herself in January 1886. In 1883 his widow Mary Williams leased part of Lot Five to Henry Buhring, who built a Beer Hall on the corner of Second South and Fifth [Sixth].

 

Henry Buhring in 1884 mortgaged the northwest corner of Lot Five with George Mears for $433. The property included south 10 rods [165 feet] and east 5 rods [82.5] for 50 square rods. Upon this spot he built the Denver Beer Hall at the address of 579 West Second South.

 

The heirs of Theophilus and Mary Williams included a 60-year-old son named Joseph Williams who lived in Missouri and a 51-year-old daughter Rachel Isaac the wife of John Isaac. The heirs of Theophilus Williams also included minor grandchildren, the offspring of his deceased son Benjamin Williams who were still residing in Wales. 

 

In 1886 the widow Mary Williams and Joseph Williams conveyed title to the Lot Five property to Rachel Isaac.      

 

Richard Philip Morris Mayor of Salt Lake City

John Isaac, as administrator of Theophilus Williams estate, August 1887  sold to Richard P Morris  for $1500, as the highest bidder,  property located from the Northwest corner of Lot Five which was described as “east twelve  rods [198 feet] and south ten rods [165 feet]”. In 1889 J. R Lane, administrator of the estate of Theophilus Williams conveyed to Richard P Morris a 10 by 10 rods Lot Five Block 63 plat A $1500

 

Richard Philip Morris [1855-1925] was the son Richard Vaughn Morris and nephew of William Vaughn Morris. He was elected Mayor of Salt Lake City on the Independent Party ticket and took office 4 January 1904. His administration was immediately criticized for sweeping appointments which did not include many of the already established Republican city office holders and he served one term in office. His second wife was Florence Ann Dinwoodey who had divorced Mormon Apostle Rudger Judd Clawson). When he died in California the flags at the City County building were placed at half-mast. 

 

Street Addresses for Lot Five Block 63 Plat A

219 South Fifth [Sixth] West

Biaggio Falcone “Grocer”

The 1900 Federal census listed an Italian named Biagio [Biaggio] Falcone as the head of a household consisting of his cousin, his cousin’s wife and four boarders. Falcone, his cousin, and his cousin’s wife were Italian immigrants who came to the United States in 1889. Falcone was a 30-year-old single man who was a grocer. His cousin Ranazio Falcone was 34 years old and was a day laborer. His wife and he had only been married 2 years. Biaggio Falcone would marry shortly after this census was taken. 

           

The boarders living at this address were all native Americans, except one had German parentage and another had English parents. Three were probably employed at the rail yards as machinists and a boiler maker while one said he was a farmer.  

 

217 South, 215 South and 211 South Fifth [Sixth] West

These addresses were part of the Albany Hotel Complex and may have been the Dining Room as well as other shops. 

 

599 West , 597 West, and 595 West Second South

The Albany Hotel and Saloon

Prior to the Albany Hotel, Henry Buhring’s Denver Beer Hall Saloon and Restaurant existed on the corner of Fifth West and Second South at the address of 579 West. After the Albany Hotel was built the addresses were changed from the 570’s to the 590’s but eventually after the turn of the Twentieth Century reverted back to the 570’s. 

 

            The Albany Hotel

In August 1890, the architect firm of Carroll and Kern “closed a contract with Mr. Brown of Ogden for erecting the Daly, Burk and Kullak building” at Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West. “The building will be 165 X 50, two stories high. The contract price is $18,000. It will contain a large lodging house and nine stores.”

 

This edifice became the Albany Hotel complex which contained six addresses fronting Fifth West and three addresses fronting Second South. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed that only the south wall of the complex was made of brick and the rest was a two-story wooden building. 

 

The addresses of 223 and 221 South were listed as residential dwellings and 219 South featured a shop and a dwelling. The addresses of 217, 215, and 211 South Fifth West were on the ground floor. Above all these spaces were the lodging rooms of the Albany Hotel

 

The Second South addresses were 599 West which was the entrance to the Saloon. The entrance to the hotel was 597 West, and the Hotel office and living quarters of the Hegney family was 595 West. 

 

James Hegney in September 1893 took out a $27,000 mortgage from the Salt Lake Real Estate Company to purchase the northwest corner of Lot Five measuring ten rods south and twelve rods east.

 

The Albany Hotel was a large two-story brick and wooden building located on the corner of Fifth [Sixth] and Second South. West [today Sixth West]. The Second South frontage measured fifty feet and one hundred feet on Fifth West. The Second South frontage contained entrances to the saloon, and upstairs into rooms on the second floor and to the residence entrance for the Hegney family. 

 

The building’s three main entrances were listed as 595 West, 597 West and 599 West on Second South. The entrance to the Albany Hotel Lobby was at 597 West. The entrance to the “Hegney Saloon” was from 599 West and the Hegney family residence was located at 595 West.

 

The Saloon portion of the complex was on the ground main floor. The entrance to second floor which contained the sleeping quarters for guests was 597 West. Often guests shared these rooms which contained just one bed which was customary in the Nineteenth Century.  Often these two addresses were interchangeable at the up-stair rooms had access into the saloon. 

           

The 1894 Salt Lake City Directory listed the Albany Hotel’s address as being at 595 West Second South with James Hegney, Proprietor. This address was actually the family residence on the main level. In the 1896 directory 595 West was listed as the address of James Hegney Saloon. The three addresses appear to have been often confused.

 

During some of the 1890’s, Jim Hegney operated both the Rio Grande and the Albany Hotels as proprietor, but eventually he gave up the Rio Grande. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance map showed that the Rio Grande Hotel was vacant. It would later be used by others as a rooming house rather than a hotel.    

 

James Hegney’s family of his wife and seven children lived at this address in according to the 1900 federal census. His household also included two Chinese cooks, a bartender, two housekeepers, a hotel clerk, and forty lodgers.  

A café and saloon was at various times listed at this address however it certainly was the main residence of the Hegney family.

Others mentioned as boarding at this address from 1895 to1896 were Joseph J Fastabrand  [Fastaben] a  railway laborer , James Fell a trackman for the Union Pacific system. John Woodford, Jesse Collins a clerk, Daniel Cronin a laborer, and John Gordon an engine fireman for the Rio Grande Western. 

 

571 West Second South

Twenty-nine feet to east of the Albany Hotel was a one-story wooden building divided into two sections. One half  was a barbershop and the other a shoe shop.

 

Joseph G Kroner

In 1895 it was the residence of Joseph G Kroner. He was gone from the city by 1896.

 

Alexander Lundquist “Barber”

 By 1898 it was the location of a Barber Shop. A Swede named Alexander Lundquist operated the Barber Shop at this location according to the 1900 City Directory. He resided however on Jeremy Street.  He had moved from this location as the 1901 City Directory showed that a barber named John J. Jensen was working out of this address which Lundquist had vacated. 

 

569 West Second South

This location was a shoe shop ran by various shoemakers. In 1895 James Marine lived here and in 1896 James V Murray, a Boot and Shoemaker, operated a shop here and residing here.

Henry Harms Shoemaker

 By 1898 another Shoemaker, Henry Harms, worked out of this location. The 1900 federal census sated he lived on Euclid Ave and was a German immigrant. In 1903 “The local shoe cobblers organized a union with Henry Harms president.” When he wed in 1904, he was living across the street at 592 West Second South in Block 64. 

 

565 West Second South

Wah Lee

The 1892 City Directory for Salt Lake City listed Wah Lee as having a laundry business at 565 West Second South Street. He was again listed as having a laundry at the same address in 1893 and 1894.

 

563 West Second South

Twenty-nine feet further east was a complex of four addresses. The building was probably built for James Hegney. At 563 West was a one-story wooden dwelling fronting Second South with an adobe addition behind it. 

 

Manin N Walker

In 1895 a man named Manin N. Walker resided here. 

 

James Andrew Lombardi “Italian Grocer”

By 1900 James Andrew Lombardi’s family of a wife and three children lived here. He was an Italian Grocer but had left Second South by 1903 and moved to Thistle Utah where by 1905 he operated a Saloon for many years.  This location was formerly of Wah Lee’s Chinese Laundry.

 

561 West Second South

This section of the complex was the same size as 563 West except that the adobe addition was a bit larger. 

Laura Murray “cook”

Laura Murray, [1850-1923] widow of Patrick Murray. She may have been divorced from John Gressman as he was living in the Brighton area near the Jordan River. She listed as the head of a household of four grown sons and a minor daughter in the 1900 census at this address. Her occupation was given as a cook and two of her sons were “ore miners”, Joseph Gressman [1867-1907] and Odin Gressman [1877-1940]. 

 

Laura Murray had moved out by 1901 from this place when the city directory stated she rented out furnished rooms at 539 West Second South. She had moved away  from Second South altogether  by 1903.

 

559 West Second South

This address was the location of a Dying and Cleaning business according to the 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. 

 

John C Hupfer “Cigar Store Keeper”

However, In 1900 John C. Hupfer operated a Cigar Store at this address and resided there. Henry C. Hupfer who was his clerk in the store also resided here. 

 

William Street “miner”

William Street’s family of a wife and daughter also lived at this address in 1900. The 1900 city directory gave his occupation as a miner. The 1900 federal census stated he was Welsh, but no occupation was given for him. By 1910 he had moved to Carbon County where he was a coal miner.

 

557 West Second South

In 1907 the widow of James Hegney received a builders permit for $11,000 to construct a new complex at this address

 

The West Side Drug Store

This structure was attached the same complex, but it was a wooden two-story building. In January 1895, a notice of the dissolution of a partnership between James Hegney and Samuel H. Willard, who were in the business known as the West Side Drug Company was published. 

 

James Hegney printed an advertisement in July 1896 for a druggist. “Druggist At west Side Drug Store 557 West Second So. Must be a single man.” 

 

William Seinsoth “Boiler Maker”

William Seinsoth’s family of a wife and six children resided at this address in 1900. He was a boiler maker and one of his sons was a baker’s apprentice. Their 3-year-old daughter of Scarlet fever in 1901 when the family was living at 425 South Fourth [Fifth] West. 

 

Linsley Clayton “Druggist”

Also, at the address in1900, as a separate household, was 21-year-old Lynn [Linsley] Clayton living by himself.  listed his occupation as a “druggist.” By 1903 Clayton had returned to Kansas 

 

Meredith M Catching “Shop Keeper”

This location then became the residence of Meredith M. Catching’s and a Cigar and Confectionary Store.

 

547 West Second South

A 53-foot-wide easement ran 165 feet to the northeast portion of lot Five between 557 West and 547 West which may have later been named Woodbine Street. 

 

This address had a small one-story wooden shop part of a complex five connecting addresses with an adobe structure in the rears that in 1898 was considered vacant.

 

1893 For Sale Alpine Fire and Burglar proof safe, all sizes. Agents wanted. Exclusive territory. Call on or address W.P Dodds 547 West second South.

 

Fert Schmidt “Barber”

In 1893 the police were looking for “Fert Schmidt, a barber recently employed in Sheet’s shop on east First Street. They want him for using abusive language to his wife on July 4^th and for cruelly beating her at their residence 547 West Second South, yesterday [10 July] morning. 

 

545 West Second South

Hans C Hanson “Tailor”

Hans C Hanson’s Tailor Shop was at this location from 1895 through 1896 although he resided at 872 West First South. The front and west side of the shop had a brick siding although the rest of the one-story building was wooden. 

 

543 West Second South

William Godfrey Gane “Jeweler”

The front of this one-story building was brick although the rest was constructed of lumber. In 1898 William Godfrey Gane [1867-1902] operated a Jewelry store at this location. His family resided on Fourth [Fifth] West. It was reported that he was “Well known as Goff Zane.”

 

541 West Second South

1892 Coats and Corum for a one-story brick addition at 541 West Second South to cost $900. 1893 For sale for $2,100; First Class Saloon, doing good business, cheap rent, necessary cash $700 $875 in trade , $525  payable in twenty-one months. Apply to F. Akin 541 West Second South.

 

William Murray “railroad switchman”

The 1900 federal census listed the family of William Murray at this address however this was more than likely the dwelling in the rear in the southwest corner. He had a wife Jane and seven children. He was a 42-year-old railroad switchman with an 18-year-old son, William D Murray, who was a railroad car painter. 

 

Murray was a native of Missouri but both parents were Irish. The family had recently moved from Wyoming after 1897 when a baby son was born in 1900 in Utah. They were renting this place. 

 

The 1900 and 1901 city directories listed William D Murray as a switchman for the Denver & Rio Grande Railway and was said to be residing in the rear of 541 West Second South. The family was gone from Second South by 1902 and had moved to Los Angeles, California.

 

539 West Second South

The Clausen Brothers Grocery Store

The Clausen brothers, Hans [1843-1926] and Andrew [1852-1919], were Danish emigrants who operated a Grocery shop at this address in 1891. They advertised in 1892 “Wanted to trade for Good Milk cow. No 539 West Second South.” The brothers later moved their grocery store to the corner of Eight [Ninth] West and Second South. 

 

George L Hepburn “waiter”

From 1895 to 1896, George L Hepburn resided at 539 West as a waiter for the J C Wise Café at 58 East First South. In 1892 he was living at 255 South Fifth [Sixth] West as an employee of the Rio Grande Wester Railroad. This may have actually been Mrs. Liday’s boarding House located at 253 South.

 

The following year he was still living at 255 South but had left the railroad and worked as a cook for Henry Bridgeford. By 1898 he left was still working at the Wise Café but was lodging at the Lincoln House near the cafe. 

 

Alexander Morgan  & The Morgan Grocery

In 1896 The Morgan Grocery and Commission Company operated at this address. The store was owned by Alexander Morgan and Frank Baer who also resided at the address. George Morgan was a driver for the Morgan Grocery and also lived at in rear of the store. Mary E Baer was listed as the bookkeeper for the Grocery store. 

 

Frank M Baer “Grocer”

The 1897 directory listed Francis [Frank] M Baer as a grocer at 531 West Second South and residing there. Alexander Morgan is no longer listed however George Morgan was listed as a driver for W.S Henderson but still boarded in the rear of 539 West Second South. 

 

In 1899 a building permit was issued to the Mountain Ice Company to build a barn and icehouse in the rear of 539 West Second South for $650.

 

Albert O Woods “General Store Keeper”

The 1900 City Directory listed Albert O. Woods as operating a General Store at this address although h lived at 768 West 2^nd South. 

 

Mrs. Laura Murray and Mrs. Mary Bass

In 1901 Mrs. Laura Murray had furnished rooms to rent in the rear of this address. In 1903 Mrs. Mary Bass operated a Boarding house in the rear of this address

 

537 West Second South

In 1898 the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a wooden one and half story dwelling located in the southeast corner of Lot Five. It was accessed by an 18-foot wide by 165 feet easement. In 1895 a Mr. F. B Huffman took out a Building Permit for a $925 addition. At this address. 

            Several other buildings were numbered 537 ½ West that appear to have been located in the southwest corner of Lot Six which would have been accessed by the same easement 18-foot-wide easement. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Sixteen

Lot Six Block 63 Plat A

Lot Six had a contested title that was resolved in 1872. It had been purchased in 1864 by Joseph Chamberlin who resold it among James L Bess, Amos Jones, and Benjamin Rowland. 

 

James L Bess held title to fifty feet by 165 feet [ ten rids] from the west portion of Lot Six Fourth [Fifth] West]. He sold part of this property to Elizabeth Robinson and Lewis S. Hills for $410. He sold his remaining interest to Benjamin Rowland for $1400

 

In 1889 172 feet separated the corner third at Second South and Fourth [Fifth] West of from a 537 West. The section was divided into four parcels. A one-story brick dwelling was located at 513 West, separated by 38 feet from another one-story brick dwelling at the corner of Second South and Fourth [Fifth] which had the address of 204 South. Twenty-four feet to the south was a one-story brick dwelling located at 210 South. Separated by only three feet was a one and a half story wooden frame dwelling address 214 South and in the same parcel 15 feet to the south was a one-story half wooden frame and half adobe brick building at the address of 220 South Fourth [Fifth] West.

 

By 1898 a complex of three shops were located in a one-story brick and adobe building located in the northwest corner of lot Six containing the addresses of 535 West, 533. West and 531 West which was entirely brick.

 

Benjamin Rowland Mormon Pioneer

Benjamin Rowland [1832-1910] also spelled Rolland, Roland, and Rollins, was the main landowner for much of Lot Six. Benjamin Rowland came to the United States from Wales in 1849 but did arrived in Utah in 1853. He married Elizabeth Williams in 1862 and eventually had eleven children while living on this lot. This family was listed in the 1870 federal census as the 106^th Household in the Fifteenth Ward 

 

The 1880 federal census listed Benjamin Rowland as the 261^st household enumerated in the Fifteenth District residing between Oliver C Bess and Edward King, on Second South Street. He was listed as a 45-year-old “laborer”, who had been eight months unemployed. 

 

The 1883 and 1884 city directories listed him as teamster residing at 519 West Second South when street addresses began to be applied to residences. 

 

Benjamin Rowland took out a mortgage from Zion Bank in 1885 on land with the legal description of 2 rods [33 feet] east from the Northwest corner by 10 rods [165 fee]. 

 

In 1887 Benjamin Rowland sold part of his property to Thomas Quayle and bought out James L Bess’ portion of Lot Six for $1400. The 1888 directory listed his residence at 537 West Second South as a laborer. Benjamin Rowland and his wife then sold to John C. C. Glanfield and his partners in 1890 parts of his interest in Lot Six Block 63 plat A for $800.

 

From 1890 through 1894 he worked as a Teamster for “Wolstenholme and Morris.” 

 

The Panic of 1893 must have been hard of the family as that Benjamin and Elizabeth Rowland lost their property in May 1893 due to a trustee sale. A default on payments to Edward B Wicks had the family having to leave Lot Six in Block 63 however they continued to live in the Fifteenth War boundaries. 

 

About this time their daughter Emma married Albert Neil Love, in 1894 who was stabbed during a fight with a traveling salesman at the James Hegney Saloon on Second South. 

 

By 1896 Benjamin Rowland and his was boarded at 126 South Fifth [Sixth]. The family relocated again in 1897 to 136 South Fifth West. Again, the family moved in 1898 to 9 Roberts Court located in Block 249 north from 628 West at First South.

 

Finally in 1899 the family moved into a brick home in Block 65 at 157 South Fourth [Fifth] west just below the Union Light and Power Company’s Citizen’s Light Plant.  Within  Block 65 was also located the Oregon Short Lights Roundhouse and rail yards as well as the Fifteenth Ward’s Meeting House on First South. The residence at 157 South was a two-story brick home with a wooden front porch and a one-story addition in the rear of the house. 

 

The 1900 federal census showed that Rowland was living at 157 South Fourth [Fifth] West Street in Block 65 with his wife Elizabeth Williams Rowland. Eight of their children were living with them as well as their grandson William Sampson who was born out of wedlock. Five of the children living at home were grown adults ages 35 to 20 years old. His minor children were between ages of 18 and 12 years old.  

 

His oldest son Benjamin W Rowland contracted Smallpox in 1900 and was isolated in a hospital until he recovered. In 1905 Benjamin Rowland had two sons die three months apart. John T Rowland age 32 died of typhoid fever at his father’s home at 157 South Fourth [Fifth] west. His death was also said to have been caused by “Apoplexy”, a term formerly referred to what is now called a stroke. His brother Morgan W. Rowland who had been a bartender at the Western Saloon and at the time of his death the proprietor of the Salt Aire Saloon, died of pneumonia at the age of 35.

 

After the death of his two sons, the family moved again to 146 South Fourth [Fifth] West across the street to Block 64 to the former residence of Captain Benjamin Pierce Brown [1831-1905]. He lived at this residence until 1909 He worked as a flagman for the Oregon Short Lane in 1906 and 1907 but afterwards simply listed as a ‘laborer”

 

In 1910 the family had moved again to a brick duplex at 643 West First South Street in Block 248. The 1910 federal census taken in April two months before Benjamin Rowland died enumerated him as living with his wife and five of his adult children and his grandson William T Sampson. Here Benjamin Rowland died. His death certificate stated he died of “dropsy” an old fashion term for edema which is swelling that is caused by fluid trapped in your body’s tissues which cirrhosis of the liver was a contributing factor in his death. 

 

 An obituary in the Salt Lake Herald Republican was printed in June 1910 which read, “Benjamin Rowland, Pioneer, Is Dead; Benjamin Rowland, one of the early pioneers of Salt Lake died at 1:15 o’clock yesterday afternoon at the family residence 643 West First South Street, aged 77 years. He had been in failing health for years and general debility was the cause of death. He is survived by a widow and seven children. Mrs. Rowland was born in Wales and came to Salt Lake in 1852. The funeral will be held at 2’Clock Sunday afternoon from the Fifteenth Ward chapel.”

 

The Tribune printed a tribute saying “Benjamin Rowland’s Funeral. The funeral services over the body of Benjamin Rowland who died Saturday of general debility were held in the Fifteenth ward meeting house Sunday before a large gathering of friends and relatives. Bishop John W. Boud presided at the services and the following were speakers, John Roberts, Edward T Ashton, John H. Thomas, and David l Davis. Music was furnished by a trio composed of J H, Ashton, Hannah Kjar, and Joseph Kjar. Interment in the city cemetery.” 

 

None of Benjamin Rowland’s sons left posterity and only three of his daughters Maggie C Rowland, Mrs. Emma Love, and Mrs. Annie Richmond left him grandchildren,

. 

After the death of her husband Elizabeth Rowland moved to 122 South Fourth [Fifth] West back in Block 64 where she died in 1922.

 

Amos Jones Mormon Pioneer

Mormon Pioneer Amos Jones in 1877 sold his interest in Lot Six to Obadiah Riggs

 

Obadiah Riggs [1843-1907]

 was the outspoken Territorial Superintendent of Common Schools in 1874. It is doubtful Riggs ever lived on Second South and probably bought the property as an investment. He was a polygamist who became dissatisfied with Utah Mormonism. He left to moved back east where he joined the Reorganized LDS Church. Tragically one of his abandoned plural wives committed suicide. Rigg’s daughter by his first wife, who remained in Utah, married David O McKay a future Mormon Church President. 

 

Street Addresses for Lot Six Block 63 Plat A

537 ½ West Second South

From 1899 to 1900 the Mountain Ice Company’s “White Wagons” was located at this address which was in Lot Six. J. D Wood was listed as President of the company and a second location was located at 242 South Fourth [Fifth] West [Fifth West]. Both places were located within Block 63.

535 West through 531 West

Woods Brothers Meat Market

This  building complex contained three one story stores. Two were adobe with a brick façade while the third was a brick building. At this address in 1896 was the Wood Brothers Meat Market. Newton F Wood’s shop was located at this address according to the City Directory in 1900. He lived on Cannon Street Newton Wood [1869-1946] was enumerated in the 1900 federal census as a 31-year-old butcher, married with a son. He later moved to Seattle Washington.

533 West Second South

Eugene Soper “Cigar Store Keep”

Eugene A Soper [1863-1903], a native of New York, operated a Cigar Store was at this address in 1896. In 1895 an insurance committee denied him disability benefits even though he lost all of the fingers on one hand by an accident working for the Union Pacific Railway. He had nothing left but the stumps of the palm. He was said to be totally disable as if he had lost his hand at the wrist. He  lived at 122 South Fourth [Fifth] West. By 1897 he had moved to 357 South Fourth [Fifth] West.

 

William Miller Ferguson “Barber”

William Miller Ferguson [1856-1925] who was a native of Pennsylvania operated a Barber Shop at this address in 1897 but lived at 870 Cannon Street. He had brought his family to Salt Lake City from Nebraska. By 1898 he moved to 722 West First South. 

 

In 1900, “People living in the vicinity of the home of William M Ferguson of 722 West First South complain that the quarantine which was established at that house on Saturday [10 March] is not being strictly observed. A thirteen-year-old boy of the family [Charles] was taken to the pest house on Friday night. The neighbors say that the children from that house are permitted to go out and play with other children and it is feared that the disease may be spread in this manner. 

 

Dr. JC King, City Health Commissioner said last night that he had not heard the quarantine was being disobeyed in this case. He stated that the Ferguson family had shown itself to be especially desirous of paying strict attention to the quarantine rules and said he would investigate the matter in the morning.” 

 

Dr. King made a full investigation of the charges preferred and found them groundless. The only fault the doctor had to find was in the existence of an outhouse, which was unsanitary and this he had ordered abated, his instruction being carried out. 

 

A few weeks later more members of the family came down with smallpox. “W.M. Ferguson, Mrs. Ferguson and their three children, Minnie, Earl, and Harry, a baby who live at 722 West First Street were found to be suffering from Smallpox yesterday [March 22] and were taken to the hospital. Mrs. Ira Blanchard and her sister Grace Evans and son Clarence who lived at No. 7 Denver Court were also taken out later in the day. All cases are mild. Other members of both families have heretofore been afflicted with the disease. Mr. Blanchard and Fred Ferguson having been released from the hospital about two weeks ago.

 

531 West Second South 

John F W Vogel “restaurant keeper”

John F W Vogel operated a restaurant at this address and resided also at the same location in 1896. The 1897 city directory no longer lists John Vogel. 

 

Rachel Kilpatrick Woodward “restaurant keeper”

Rachel Kilpatrick Woodward [1838-1911], widow of Melvin Woodward, was listed as residing 346 South Third [Fourth [Fifth]] West but in 1899 she was residing at 263 South Fifth [West] which was the old Sullivan House hotel.

 

By the 1900 Federal census she was listed as a 61-year-old “restaurant keeper and widow. She had 5 children but only 1 was living in 1900, Wallace Woodward. Her household at 531 West Second South contained were three female “servants” who were her waitresses and cook. Two young male boarders, ages 22 and 19 also lived at this address and the 1900 city directory stated she kept a boarding house also. 

 

In 1901 the City directory listed her as Mrs. Rachael L Woodward proprietor of “Woodward’s New Home Restaurant” at 531 West 2^nd South. “Short Orders at all hours, Regular dinner from 12 to 2 p.m. Open Day and Night. One and a half Blocks east of R.G.W Depot.” Mrs. Woodward was gone by 1902 and had moved to Los Angeles California to live with her son, where she died. 

 

Samuel H Willard

The City Directory also listed the Golden Gate Drug Company at this address in 1899. Samuel “Sam” H. Willard was the owner of the drug store and he sold “ Toilet articles, Perfumes, Cigars, etc. Sample room in the rear.” He resided at this address. 

 

513 West Second South

A vacant section was between 531 West and  the eastern parcel at the Northeast Court of Lot Six of about one hundred feet. At 513 West there was a one-story brick dwelling located on a trapezoid shape plot. 

 

Claude Gaylord “Druggist”

            This address was mentioned in 1891 in an altercation between Claude Gaylord who resided at this address and “T.W. Wampler, the lawyer-miner” who “allowed his temper to get the best of his judgment” when he “slapped the face of Claude Gaylord, an attaché of the drug firm of W.S. Laymon and Company doing business at the Rio Grande depot.” 

 

“Mr. Gaylord who is the scion of a most respectable family, living at 513 West second South Street swore to a complaint charging Wampler with assault and battery.” 

 

The Sullivans Family

In 1892 the house was the residence of a group Sullivans namely, Dennis A Sullivan [1864-1944] a fireman for the fire department lived here but in 1893 he had moved to First South where he was listed as a “ladder man Aerial truck SLLCFD”. In 1895 he was 31 years old when he married. 

 

Miss Julia Sullivan boarded at this address in 1892 and 1893, as did Michael J Sullivan, a city policeman 1892-1893 who moved to San Francisco in 1894.

 

Patrick J Sullivan, a pipefitter for Engine Company No 2 SLC Fire Department  was said to resided there in 1892to 1893 and while there was the main occupant. He was made captain in the fire department in 1894 moved to Second West.

 

In 1895 a news account stated he broke his collar bone “Patrick Sullivan of the West Side department met with a painful accident in going to the scene” of a grease fire at the Utah Soap factory on Forth North between Third and Forth West. “When the hose wagon was leaving the house, he attempted to climb over the seat and was thrown to the ground, breaking a collar bone.”  By 1895 all these Sullivans had moved away. 

 

Louis MacKert “Boiler Maker”

The family of Louis and Josephine MacKert lived here in 1897 when they held the funeral of their infant daughter aged 2 months at their residence. They had married in 1896 and the baby was their first child. He was a boilermaker for the Rio Grande Western and had moved in that year from Eighth West. The 1898 city directory showed them at this address. They moved away by 1899 to Seattle, Washington.

           

James Sinnett “Railroad engineer”

The Household of James Sinnett [1853-1933] consisting of a wife, two grown children ages 20 and 17 and a 32-year-old Engineer lodger resided at this address in 1900.  He was living at 204 South Fourth [Fifth] West in 1899. He was a Welshman. He and his teenage son were railroad laborers. His son became a Salt Lake fireman. The family had moved away by 1908.

 

204 South Fourth [Fifth] West Street

This house was located at the corner of Second South and Fourth [Fifth] West facing Fourth [Fifth] West. It was a one-story brick home according to the 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. 

 

Frank Boggs Railroad Engineer

The 1900 federal census listed a 36-year-old railroad engineer for the Rio Grande Western Railroad named Frank Boggs and his wife residing at this address but was not listed in the 1899 city directory. Boggs was renting the residence. Two brothers Stace Woodward, a 25-year-old boiler maker and Robert Woodward a 19-year-old day laborer also lived within this household. The Boggs family was still residing at this address in 1901 however by 1903 Dr. Hazel owner of the Hazel Drugstore at 501 West First South was residing here. 

 

210 South Fourth [Fifth] West Street

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a one-story brick dwelling at this address. 

 

Emil Hartung “Machinist”

Emil Hartung, a native of Germany lived at this address in 1895. He was a machinist for the Rio Grande and Western Railway. In 1894 and 1896, he roomed at 248 South Fourth [Fifth] West probably with the widow Susan Chamberlin.

 

Martin Smith “butcher”

Martin Smith and his family of a wife and three children resided at this address according to the 1900 federal census. He was a 45-year-old native of Indiana and a butcher by trade who moved to Utah from Kansas. They were renting the house.  

 

214 South Fourth [Fifth] West Street

Henry Josiah Rudy

A one-story brick dwelling at this address was the residence of Henry Josiah Rudy [1826-1910]. Nathan J Lang [1837-1909] sold to Rudy his portion of Lot Six in 1879. 

 

220 South Fourth [Fifth] West

A wooden one-story dwelling was built at this address. 

 

William Godfrey Gane “Jeweler”

The 1900 federal census listed William Godfrey Gane, a 33-year-old immigrant from England, renting this address with a wife Minnie [1873-1955], and daughter five-year-old daughter Esther. His occupation was that of a “jeweler” although he had been a locomotive engineer. 

 

William G Gane died at Holy Cross hospital yesterday [24 February 1902] from the effects of an ulcer on the stomach. Mr. Gane had suffered considerably prior to the time Dr. Root took him in hand and had him removed to the hospital. It was the found that the ulcer had broken through the stomach and the contents of the organ percolated into the abdominal cavity. An operation was performed and for a time the patient gave signs of ultimate recovery, but the infection was apparently too much for him with the result above stated.”

 

“Mr. Gane for a number of years was well known in this state as a railroad engineer. For some time, past, he had been operating a jewelry store and watch maker’s store at 543 West Second South, Salt Lake.” 

 

“The funeral of William Godfrey Gane was held yesterday [27 February 1902] from the Masonic Hall and was one of the largest funerals ever held by the Masons in Salt Lake. The Funeral was under the auspices of Argenta lodge No. 3 with Worshipful Master N.W. Hewett in charge. There was an abundance of flowers among which was a floral emblem in the form of an engine-driver given by the B. and L. E.”

 

His wife married in Utah but moved back to Kansas. According to the 1910 federal census she was married to an “undertaker” named M.E. Coleman. She must have divorced as she was back in Salt Lake City in 1914 with her daughter Esther living at 253 South Sixth East listed as a Seamstress and widow of William G Gane. 

 

The 1915 state census of Kansas listed William G. Gane’s widow remarried to a Thomas McMahon. Gane’s only child, Esther Gane died in 1917 in Kansas. Esther’s obituary stated she came to Ellis Kansas 1 November 1914 and died from an operation she had. 

Chapter Seventeen

Lot 7 & 8 Block 63 Plat A

The entirety of  Lot Seven was owned by William Aryton and his wife, who built a two-story adobe dwelling separated by 80 feet from its neighbor to the north and 66 feet from a neighbor on the south. It was the only residence on the entire lot.

Street Addresses for Lot Seven Block 63 Plat A

230 South Fourth [Fifth] West

William Ayrton “gardener”

In 1860 William Ayrton [1827-1902] purchased the entire one and a quarter acre of Lot Seven from the widow of Washington N Cook. His residency however was not in Block 63 but rather in Block 65 to the northeast. 

 

The 1880 federal census enumerated William Ayrton as the 21^st household in the Fifteen Ward residing on Third South Street with his wife Elizabeth and 9-year-old son David. His occupation was given as “farm laborer” although he was a gardener by profession. His widowed sister Jane Tennant and nephew Thomas Tennant resided in the same household. Nearby lived the widow of Joseph Chamberlin at household 24 and Shure Olson, the Norwegian Carpenter. 

 

            The 1883 city directory listed Ayrton on the north side of First South between Third South and Fourth [Fifth] West. In 1887 he transferred his interest in the entire lot to his wife Elizabeth Aryton for $1. 

 

Also, in 1887 William Ayrton sued  his nephew Thomas Tennant to recover $930 due him for the care and substances of defendant’s mother, Jane Tennant, “who for many years past, has not been of sound mind.” Tennant set up a counter claim for rent due from Ayrton and charged “gross negligence and brutality.’ 

 

Third District Court Judge [Charles]  Zane found for Ayrton for “board “of his sister, and for the Tennant for “rent.” Judge Zane said, “It seems to have been purely a family affair, and one that should properly have been settled outside of the court room.” 

 

By 1888 William Ayrton was residing at 230 South Fourth [Fifth] West back in Block 63 on Lot Seven, according to the city directory. 

 

 Aryton was in trouble in 1895 for being an owner of fruit trees infested with pests  and not complying with “fruit tree laws” and failing to disinfect their trees after having been notified. He was fined $100 but given thirty days to comply with the law and the fine would be suspended. 

 

The 1898 Sanborn Fire insurance Map showed an adobe dwelling on the property with the northern half of the house being two stories. Two the southwest on the property was a one and a half tall building with the address 230 ½ South possibly a barn   the 1900 federal census listed William Ayrton his wife and son living at this address. His occupation was a gardener. 

 

Ayrton died in 1902. “William Aryton, an old resident of this city, died at his home in the Fifteenth Ward, yesterday at the age of 75 years. He came here in 1856.”

 

His son David James Ayrton [1870-1937] married Helen Holding [1875-1948] daughter of Ephraim George Holding, the electrician, who lived at 164 South Fourth [Fifth] West.

 

Lot 8 Block 63 Plat A

Joseph Chamberlin and his wife Emma sold this lot to their son James Thomas Chamberlin [1847-1889] in 1874 for $3000. The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed one single dwelling on the lot of 10 rods by 20 rods. By 1898 however two additional residences had been built south of the original dwelling. This lot was not developed commercially until the Twentieth Century when the west half of the lot, ten rods by ten was sold to the Western Macaroni Manufacturing Company 

 

Street Addresses for Lot Eight Block 63 Plat A

244 South Fourth [Fifth] West

James Thomas Chamberlin “sheep rancher”

James Thomas Chamberlin resided at the address of 244 South Fourth [Fifth] West. In 1884 he was listed as a stockman and in 1888 when he was listed in the city directories as a “sheep rancher’. He died in 1889 of blood poisoning and his wife Susan continued living at this address for the remainder of the next decade. By 1910 however she had moved to 258 South Fourth [Fifth] West and gave her occupation as land lady renting houses on her property. . 

 

The front half of the house  at 244 was two stories made of adobe bricks while back half was a one-story wooden structure. The wooden portion was plastered on the outside of the dwelling. Behind the house by 56 feet was a 2-story building numbered 244 ½ South possibly a barn. 

248 South Fourth [Fifth] West

Mrs. Susan Chamberlin “widow of James T. Chamberlain

In 1890 Mrs. J. T. Chamberlin was listed at this address and had a four-room brick house built for $1000. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed on a  one-story wooden dwelling at this address. 

           

Emil Hartung “Machinist”

Emil Hartung, a native of Germany who was a  machinist for the Rio Grande and Western Railway roomed from 1894 through 1896, at 248 South Fourth [Fifth] West probably with the widow Susan Chamberlin. 

 

Sylvanus Smeltzer

In 1900 50-year-old Sylvanius Smeltzer and his wife lived at this address. 

 

258 South Fourth [Fifth] West Second South

William McCready “train car carpenter”

A one-story brick dwelling was built at this address occupied by William McCready and his son Dana McCready in 1900. McCready was a carpenter for the Rio Grande and Western Railway. 

 

A daughter of James Thomas Chamberlin, Lulu Chamberlin also was living at this address when she died in 1935. She was a 51-year-old unmarried librarian. Her  mother Susan Chamberlin lived at this address when she died in 1940. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Eighteen

Lot One Block 64 Plat A

Lot One was located at the southeast corner of Block 64, running north 330 feet along Fourth [Fifth] West and 165 feet west along Second South.     Lot One was owned by Jasper Conrad [1845-1917], who inherited it from his  widowed mother the original owner. Margaret C Wilkinson Conrad [1807-1869], in 1862, traveled with the Mormon Emigration  Company of James S Brown to Utah with three of her children, Walter, Jasper, and Tacy . After arriving, as a widow, she received all of Lot 1 in Block 64  and lived here with her family until moving to Logan, Utah where she died.  

 

Conrad began selling parts of Lot One in 1875. He sold to fellow Mormon William Hiskey a parcel of land 4 rods [66 feet] by 10 rods [165 Feet] for $525.  In 1879  Conrad sold another portion of Lot One to George Washington  Lufkin [1831-1922]  property commencing at the southeast corner consisting of 6 rods [99 feet] then west 10 rods [165 feet].

 

The 1880 Federal Census recorded Conrad as being the 142nd household in the Fifteenth Ward as a “clerk in dry goods store” still residing at on Fourth [Fifth] West Street. His neighbor to the north at Household 141 was Benjamin P Brown. George W. Lufkin was his neighbor directly to the south.

 

            In January 1882 he presented a petition to the city council along with “thirty-six other residents along the line and in the vicinity of the Denver and Rio Grande Railway running from the depot of the Utah and Nevada Railway [Block 62] representing that the said temporary track was detrimental to the property along its line, depreciating the value thereof; that it was a hindrance to travel, an eyesore and a general discomfort to the people.”

 

“ That the Council originally granted the use of the streets for the track for a period of six months; that said period had long since elapsed ; that the object for which the track was laid had been accomplished, and that the company had no further apparent use for it that to transport one car load of coal per day to the Salt Lake City Gas works, which could easily be done on the permanent track of said Denver and Rio Grande Railway Company on Sixth West [Seventh West]  street which intersects the Utah and Nevada Railway on South temple Street.”

 

 “The petitioners therefore earnestly hoped that the Council would cause the track aforesaid to be removed without delay. Referred to the committee on Streets and Alleys.” 

           

The committee approved the petition to remove the tracks however the Rio Grande appealed the decision; and even after 96 more people signed another petition demanding the council enforce their previous decision,  the tracks remained on Fourth [Fifth] West and remained there for nearly one hundred years. 

 

Conrad was still operating a dry goods store,  as the 1884 City Directory listed his residence as being at 156 South Fourth [Fifth] West  having a “store”. He remarried in that year and as the railroad tracks began to encumber Fourth [Fifth] West , perhaps this may have been a reason Jasper Conrad would move from Fourth [Fifth] West  by 1886. 

 

William Hiskey [1841-1909] was noted in the 1879 city directory as being a conductor on the Utah Southern  Railroad  residing on the east side of third West between Second and Third South. The 1880 federal census enumerated Hiskey as living in the Fifteenth Ward as household 201. He was a 39-year-old railroad conductor and native of Pennsylvania. His family consisted  of a wife and four children all who were born in Utah.

 

 The 1888 city directory stated he  was a conductor for the Utah Southern Railway living at 215 South Third [Fourth] West  He lived on the site in 1890 to 1895 that was numbered as 156 South Fourth [Fifth] West

 

In 1880 Hiskey may never have lived in Block 64 but sold a portion of the property for $400 to a business man named Jabez William  West [1858-1925]. This property was located 111 ½ feet north of the southeast corner of Lot 1.

 

West had emigrated to America in 1863 and then came to Salt Lake where he became a. prosperous businessman and a member of the firm of Knight and Company, “wholesale meat merchants”.

 

Jabez W. West in 1883 sold this property to Ephraim G. Holding for $1350  which consisted of 3 rods [49 feet  six inches] along Fourth [Fifth] West then west 8 rods [132 feet]. This property eventually was given the address of 164 South.

 

In 1879 Jasper Conrad sold to George Washington  Lufkin [1831-1922]  a  portion of his property in Lot 1 commencing at the southeast corner consisting of 6 rods [99 feet] then west 10 rods [165 feet].  The following year sold 4 rods [66 feet] by 10 rods [165] of the lot to Jabez W. West in 1880 for $400 and later  West  and his wife Martha then sold his property to John S. Barnes for $12,000.

 

George W. Lufkin was a farmer according to the 1880 federal census. His family was enumerated living in the 113th dwelling in the Fifteenth Ward of Salt Lake City next to Jasper Conrad. The 1883 city directory listed Lufkin as a farmer residing on the Northwest corner of Second South and Fourth [Fifth] West. 

 

A newspaper article from 1883 stated, “Mrs. George W. Lufkin, of the Fifteenth Ward was the lucky holder of the number which drew the Studebaker Langtry Cart at the Catholic Fair. The Cart is one of the handsomest vehicles of the kind ever seen in the west and does credit alike to the skill and generosity of the Studebaker Manufacturing Company.”

 

The 1888 city directory listed Lufkin as a contractor residing at 506 West Second South.

 

 In 1891 George W Lufkin sold part of Lot One Block 64 plat A to Fred Roberts the junk man for $350. Lufkin eventually moved to Logan Utah where he died.

 

The former George W. Lufkin property once sold became commercial property with a two-story boarding house built on . 

 

In 1889 John S Barnes split the property into two parcels and sold one to Hugh Anderson for $6000 and another to Augustus R. Carter for $3000. 

 

John S. Barnes with Anderson and Carter then sold to George Cullens and Frank W. Ross 10 rods [165 feet]  by 111 ½ feet commencing at the Southeast corner of lot one  at Fourth [Fifth] West and Second South for $7,500. George Cullins  a widower then sold the property  to his niece Augusta L Scott for $10,000 in 1897. Cullins died in 1899 in Chicago, Illinois. 

 

“The remains of the Late George Cullins who died in Chicago Tuesday [24 Jan 1899] will arrive here over the Rio Grande Western on Sunday Morning and will be taken to the Masonic Hall where service will be held in the afternoon by Utah Commandery No. 1 Knights of Templar of which the deceased was a standard bearer for twenty-five years. Mr. Cullins was a California pioneer and a worthy representative of that noble band. He followed mining in one form or another nearly all of his life and was successful  in Utah and especially in Salt Lake he was widely known and universally respected.” 

 

Street Addresses for Lot One Block 64 Plat A

146 South Fourth [Fifth] West

 One of the earlier residences of Block 64 was that of Captain Benjamin Pierce Brown [1831-1905]. He came with his wife Rebecca Webb Brown [1837-1922]  and daughter to Utah in 1860 in Jesse Murphy Company where he served as a Captain of Ten.  Her obituary stated, “she crossed the plains by mule team in 1860, settling in American Fork, coming to Salt Lake seven years later.”

 

In the 1869 directory of Salt Lake City Brown was listed as a farmer living in the Fifteenth Ward at Fourth [Fifth] West between First and Second South. 

 

According to the 1880 federal census Brown was one of only three families list living on the Fourth [Fifth] West side of Block 64. His family dwelling was number 111 and his occupation was given as a “ship carpenter” with a wife and seven children between the ages of 19 and 4. All his children were born in Utah. His neighbor to the south was Jasper Conrad at the corner of Fourth [Fifth] West and Second South  and to the north Henry Moore at the corner of Fourth [Fifth] [Fifth] West and First South.

 

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed that 146 South was in the northern portion of Lot One. The home on the property in 1889 was a one-story adobe structure with some wooden additions to it. with an easement north of the residence west into the interior of Block 64 that connected with the George W. Boyd easement that went south to Second South Street. In 1901 gave a warranty deed to Benjamin P Brown  for part of Lot Two Block 64 plat A for $50 that contained this easement. 

 

A Salt Lake Herald article form 25 December 1889 listed building permits for “The Structures Raised the Present Year” stating that “over Two Million Dollars in New Buildings and Additions. The article listed permits by city Wards and Benjamin P. Brown was listed among those in the Fifteenth Ward. He had a brick residence built at the cost of $4,000 and a brick store for $500. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a one-story brick dwelling on the property however the easement to the north into the interior of Block 64 had been eliminated.

 

The 1890 city directory listed Benjamin P Brown him as a farmer and in that year, [1 Jan 1890] “B.P. Brown 146 South Fourth [Fifth] West brick house,  nine-room $3000.”

 

In August 1895 Benjamin P. Brown’s wife Rebecca Webb  was listed as one of four women delegates from the Fifteenth ward to the Democratic County Convention. Among the thirteen men were James Hegney, Thomas P Lewis, Ephraim G Holding, and William H. Chamberlin. At a meeting of Democratic Women in  September 1895 women from the Second Precinct that were part of the Committee of One Hundred included Mrs. B.P Brown, Mrs. Ephraim G Holding, Mrs. Alice Butterworth, and Mrs. Martha Baldwin 

 

 

 The Browns continued to be active in Democratic politics and in 1900 their home was used as a place where a Democratic caucus was held. 

 

The 1900 federal census showed that the home was still the residence of Benjamin Pierce  Brown along with his wife and two adult children. He was still living at this 146 South in 1902 but by 1904 Benjamin P Brown had moved to Thirteenth South and Tenth East where he died in  1905 at the age of 74 years. His will oddly described his property in Block 64 as being in Lot 2 and not Lot 1

 

154 South and 156 Fourth [Fifth] West

Jasper Conrad may have been operating a dry goods store here as the 1884 City Directory listed his residence as 156 South Fourth [Fifth] West  having a “store”.

 

James Perry Freeze

Conrad in 1884 sold to James P Freeze, [1834-1919] a polygamist married to four women and “well-known merchant and proprietor of the Thirteenth Ward Co-op,” The parcel commenced at 4 rods [66 feet] and three feet from the northeast corner of lot 1, south 100 feet and west 10 rods.

 

 In 1889 James and Mary Freeze sold to B.S. Young for $5600 the same property. B. S. Young and his wife Harriett turned around and sold to Harriet A. Partridge wife of Thomas W. Partridge a portion of Lot One  for $5600. The 1890 city directory listed B.S. Young as being in real estate. 

 

Harriett A Partridge was listed in many real estate transactions in the early 1890s. In 1890 Partridge sold this property to R. B. Whittmore for $10,000. 

 

A man named Joseph R. Walker with others sold to R. B. Whittemore part of Lot 1 in 1895 for $1 which may have been for a right of way.

 

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a small brick dwelling that was at the time vacant. In 1898 the home was given the address of 154 South, only  twelve feet north of 156 South. 

Raffaello Mauro

The 1897 city directory listed an Italian immigrant named “Raffaello” Mauro [1860-1931]  at this address, employed as a Carpenter. Raffaello “Ralph” Mauro must have left his former residence at 156 South  Fourth West where he had lived three years, when Silas Rall moved into that residence. The 1898 directed listed him as “Raffale Mauro” still residing at this address along with his 16-year-old son John Mauro.

 

James H. Graham

The 1900 federal census listed the family of James H. Graham at this address. He was a fifty-four-year-old miner and native of Ohio. He was renting the house and living there with his wife and twelve-year-old daughter who was born is South Dakota. 

 

156 South Fourth [Fifth] West

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a two-story brick dwelling with a long one-story wooden front porch and two wooden additions in the rear.  Being the additions was a one-story brick cellar. 

William Frederick Hiskey

The 1890 city directory showed that William F Hiskey [1841-1909] had moved from Third [Fourth] West to 156 South Fourth [Fifth] West. His occupation was still that of “conductor. At this address were boarding his son 17-year-old son Claude W. Hiskey,  a clerk for the Union Pacific  and a Miss Maude M Hiskey.   In 1890 an ad was placed for a girl “to do Kitchen work  No washing. Good wages.” 

 

The 1892 City Directory listed William F Hiskey still at this address, his occupation however being a  “sheep man”. His son Claude W Hiskey was also listed at this address as a weight master for the Union Pacific Railway. It was about this time William Hiskey started having financial troubles as  that he defaulted on a note for $2100, losing some property to a Sheriff Sale. Additionally in 1895 William Hiskey was sued by Alice Butterworth, the wife of Edmond Butterworth for $186 which he “failed to satisfy”. He was owed money from the Union Pacific Railroad but as the company was in the hand of “receivers and not subject to garnishment,” he could not get money to pay his debts.

 

By 1896 both William F Hiskey and Claude W Hiskey had moved away to 43 Summerby [Somerby] located near 700 West and Fifth South in Salt Lake where William was listed as a Laborer. 

The 1900 federal census enumerated William Hiskey and his family as living in the community of Batesville in Tooele County where he owned a farm. 

 

By 1901 William Hiskey’s wife Nellie had left him and was living back in Salt Lake City. The 1902 city directory listed her as  the widow of William F Hiskey although he did not die until 1909. She would eventually move to Oakland California with her grown children. 

 

William Hiskey must have become estranged from his family and by 1909 he was in Allentown, Pennsylvania where he had relatives. He was trying to find work as a farm laborer when he became depressed and committed suicide. 

 

“Despondent and morose ever since his return from Oakland, Cal., several weeks ago, William Hiskey early yesterday [27 June 1909] morning committed suicide in the barn of Jeremiah Berger, at Centerville.”

 

“Hiskey after spending the last 32 years-two years on the coast, came to this city several weeks ago and while here stopped at the home of C H Dankel No. 239 South Fifth Street.”

 

“Suicide Caused by Heat. Allentown, PA June 27. Suffering physically and mentally from the effects of the heat , William Hiskey age 62, formerly of Oakland Cali. Committed suicide today by hanging. His widow lives in Oakland.”

 

None of the reports of his death mentioned that he ever lived in Utah which he had since at least 1870. His death certificate stated he had hung himself in a barn of Matt Berger and that he was a “railroader”.

 

“The remains of William Hiskey aged 67 years, formerly of this city, [Allentown] who committed suicide by hanging himself in a barn on the farm of Matt Berger at East Macungle, early Sunday morning, were shipped to the State Anatomical Board by Undertaker Wonderly.”

 

 “The body was held at the morgue of the undertaker, awaiting some word from the family. Evidently, they did not want anything to do with the remains of their father, and as a consequence they were shipped to the state board.” 

 

 A month after his death his body was given a proper burial due to the efforts of his niece. “The body of William Hiskey , who committed suicide at Macungle several weeks ago, has been interred in a Philadelphia cemetery through the efforts of Miss Katie Dankel, a niece, residing at No. 239 South fifth Street, this city [Allentown]. Miss Dankel after a vain effort to have the remains buried by relatives in this section, telegraphed to the dead man’s son, Earl Hiskey, at Oakland, California, who sent word that the money would be transmitted. This was done, and the body which had already been turned over to the Anatomical Board at Philadelphia, was identified and reclaimed by Miss Danke, and given a proper burial.” 

 

Raffaello Mauro

Raffaello Mauro [1860-1931], an Italian immigrant laborer, was in Salt Lake City by 1891 when his name was on a list of unclaimed letters left in the post office. From 1894 through 1896, Raffaello Mauro was listed at this address as car repairer for the Rio Grande Western Railway. He moved from this address in 1897 to the small brick home at 154 South. 

 

Silas Rall

Silas Rall’s family  lived at this address after Raffaello Maura moved out. Silas D Rall [1840-1921], was a Union Civil War veteran, having served in the Union Army; 45th Iowa Infantry, Company D. The City Directory for Salt Lake in 1900 he was listed as a contractor having a business at 572 West Second South and residing at 156 South Fourth [Fifth] West. Boarding at the same location was his son William E Rall who listed his occupation as a carpenter. 

In 1899 The Westminster Ladies Aid Society held meetings at the home of Mrs. Rall. Ralls moved by June 1900 to 176 South Sixth [Seventh] West and later to Los Angeles, California by 1910 where he died in Huntington Beach, Orange County, California.

 

Mary C Phelps “daughter in law of W.W. Phelps”

The 1900 federal census listed the family of Mary C Phelps [1846-1918] living at this address. She was brought to Utah as an 8-year-old child as part of the Milo Andrus Hand Cart Company in 1855. She was a native of Scotland who had fourteen children, by Henry Enon Phelps [1828-1901] the son of William Wines Phelps, an early leader in the Mormon Church. She was listed as a married woman and no occupation was given to her. The 1900 city directory said she was the widow of Henry Phelps. 

 

Her husband however had been committed to the Provo hospital in January 1900 having been “recent an inmate of the County infirmary, 71 years of age , and a pioneer of ’48, came in as gentle and harmless as a child. His mind appeared to be almost blank, and the testimony of Pauper Clerk Sabine and the old man’s wife went to show that he was incapable of looking after himself, that he wandered away and got lost, and was in fact an imbecile. Clerk Dunbar was averse to sending him to Provo and suggested that his children ought to look after him, but as none of them seemed inclined to do it, he was committed. The physicians described his malady as senile debility.” 

 

Henry E Phelps obituary read, “an old pioneer and early identified with the history of the Mormon church, died in the Provo insane asylum yesterday [2 March 1901] of apoplexy.”  He became “erratic and lost his mind over a year ago, and had to be sent to Provo, where he was a very tractable patient.” 

 

 Six children of Mary C. Phelps were residing with her at this address in 1900, ranging in age from thirty to fourteen. Her son “Ferril” [Pharaoh Alfred] Phelps [1870-1958] worked as at railroad fireman. Howard Edward Phelps [1876-1948] was a “stationary engineer.” Joshua Alma Phelps [1879-1943] was a delivery man, and seventeen-year-old George Arthur Phelps [1882-1952] was a student. The daughters in the household were Lillian Phelps [1874-1939] and Alice Phelps [1886-1976]

 

The family must have just recently moved to this home as the 1900 city directory listed their address at 230 Graeber Avenue. The 1901 city directory listed George A, Joshua A, Lillian A., P. [Pharoah] A and Mary C Phelps all at the address of 156 South Fourth [Fifth] West. 

 

George Phelps was a clerk in the Godbe-Pitts Drug Store, Joshua Phelps was a clerk in the I Cline and Brothers store, and “P.A.” Phelps was a fireman for the Rio Grande Western Railway. Lillian was “boarding” at the address, and Mary Phelps was listed as the widow of “A. G.” Phelps however the 1902 directory listed her as the widow of Henry E Phelps. George Phelps was now in 1902 working as a candy maker or the Kolitz Kandy Kitchen. Joshua was a “fireman for the Alcatraz Asphalt Paving Company, and Pharoah was still a Fireman for the Rio Grande Western Railway. 

 

Joshua Phelps may have been the man who had smallpox in 1900 during the outbreak of the disease among residents of the Rio Grande District. “Joshua Phelps who was take to the pest house Monday [January 29], telephoned to the Tribute last night that he was sent to the pest house in Butte on January 9^th on account of being afflicted with smallpox and that he was dismissed on the 19^th bas being cured, He is afflicted with the same eruption now he says, from which he suffered then, and if his ailment is small pox now he has been so disease twice in the same month. He had his clothing and bedding burned at Butte, but he has not stocked up heavily since his lost here has been light. He denies that the doctors found him on the street and states that he hunted up the doctors to report his ailment.

 

164 South Fourth [Fifth] West

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Sanborn Fire Insurance Map recorded this residence as a one-story brick dwelling on this parcel with address of 164 South. Towards the back of the parcel was a 1 story wooden structure most likely a barn or shed. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map recorded the same brick home on this parcel however at the back of the parcel a 1 story building label “junk” that had a corrugated iron roof replaced the one-story barn.

 

This may have been the residence of Jasper Conrad who according to the 1880 Federal Census was enumerated as household 112 in the Fifteenth Ward next to Benjamin P Brown. He was a clerk in a dry goods store. The 1883 directory listed Conrad as residing on the Westside of Fourth [Fifth] West between First South and Second South. He is not listed in the 1888 directory and had moved away. 

 

Ephraim George Holding “Electrician”

Ephraim George Holding bought this parcel from Jabez W. West in 1883 for $1350. The land description was six rods [99 feet] and twelve feet from the Southeast corner of Lot 1.  Jabez W. West was a butcher who owned several meat markets and had bought the property from William Hiskey in 1880. Neither man lived on the property but probably bought it as an investment.

 

The 1888 Salt Lake City Directory listed this address as the home of Ephraim G Holding [1849-1927] who was one of the first electricians in city and was a member of the Mormon People’s Party. 

 

At the age of four, Ephraim Holding immigrated to Utah from England, with his parent’s family in 1853. They traveled with the Cyrus H. Wheelock Company but returned to England in 1854. He was living in England in 1870. However, Holding returned to Salt Lake by 1872 when he married. He became the father of eleven children all reared at this address on Fourth [Fifth] West.

 

A newspaper article mentioned Ephraim Holding that he was an electrician. “Ever since he began the construction of a telegraph line for the Deseret Telegraph company in 1880, Mr. Holding had been engaged in the electrical business.”

 

He then went to work installing telephone lines. In 1881 Holding was working in Park City “where he spent five weeks in the employ of the telephone company. Mr. holding reports having set in operation twenty-nine instruments and has orders for ten more.”  An article from 1884 stated that Holding was by then the manager of the Central office of the Salt Lake Exchange for the Rocky Mountain Bell Telephone. He became the first manager for the Rocky Mountain Bell Telephone company but resigned to enter the electrical business for himself in 1887.”

 

The 1888 city directed listed Holding’s business as selling “electrical house furnishing supplies.” 

 

The 1900 federal census listed Holding still at this address with a wife Mary and nine children at home. His occupation was given as an electrician. His wife “Mary Jane Holding” became trained as a nurse and worked at what later became the LDS Hospital. It was here while on duty that she learned that her fourteen-year-old son, Franklin Holding had been “run over by a train and his legs were severed. He his legs cut off by an Oregon Short Line freight train.  “She remained by his beside day and night to be sure he survived but she exhausted herself and became ill. She died at home on November 26, 1902.”

 

As that the demography of the neighborhood had changed considerably the family had moved away by 1908 and the place became a Greek Rooming House in 1910. 

 

His eldest daughter Helena Holding [1875-1948] married David Ayrton [18701937] the son of William Ayrton. 

 

Ephraim Holding’s obituary was printed in the Deseret News, July 7, 1927. “PIONEER ELECTRIC MERCHANT PASSES-Constructed Telegraph Line in Early Days of State. E. G. Holding proprietor of the E. G. Holding Electric company, Utah handcart pioneer and pioneer in the electrical industry in Utah. Mr. Holding was injured when struck by a streetcar in San Diego, Calif., March 29, and had never entirely recovered. However, he retained direction of his business as president and manager of the electrical company until a few days before his death.”

 

“He was born Sept. 15, 1849, in Chester, England, and was brought to America by his parents who also crossed the plains to Utah by handcarts in 1854. The family returned to England in 1856, following the death of Mr. Holding's father, the family again returned to Utah in 1870.”

506 West Second South

Located at the Southeast corner of the southern half of Lot One was a two-story dwelling of a mix of adobe and wood that was built before 1889. 

 

In 1884 Jasper Conrad sold to John S Barnes, a mining speculator a parcel commencing from the southeast corner going west 10 rods [165 feet] and then north 111 ½ feet. This would have entailed the entire frontage of Second South of Lot 1 and the corner southeast corner of Block 64.  John S. Barnes sold an interest in the parcel to August R. Carter. The partners in 1889 sold the corner parcel to business partners George Cullins and Frank W. Ross for $7500. John Shaw Barnes died in 1890 age 67. 

 

George Cullins, who is deed records was listed as widower, in 1897sold to Augusta L Scott the parcel for $10,000. 

 

George W. Lufkin “Farmer”

This was the residence of George W. Lufkin [1831-1922] a farmer according to the 1880 federal census. His family was enumerated living in the 113th dwelling in the Fifteenth Ward of Salt Lake City next to Jasper Conrad. The 1883 city directory listed Lufkin as a farmer residing on the Northwest corner of Second South and Fourth [Fifth] West. 

 

A newspaper article from 1883 stated, “Mrs. George W. Lufkin, of the Fifteenth Ward was the lucky holder of the number which drew the Studebaker Langtry Cart at the Catholic Fair. The Cart is one of the handsomest vehicles of the kind ever seen in the west and does credit alike to the skill and generosity of the Studebaker Manufacturing Company.

 

The 1888 city directory listed Lufkin as a contractor residing at 506 West Second South. In 1891 George W Lufkin sold part of Lot One Block 64 plat A to Fred Roberts the junk man for $350. Lufkin eventually moved to Logan Utah where he died.

 

William J Callahan “Boiler Maker”

            In 1891 the location was that of William J Callahan’s Boarding House. The 1890 city directory listed Callahan [1864-1917] as a boilermaker for the Rio Grande Western Shops and boarding at 645 West South Temple. In 1892 he was back to being a boilermaker residing at 50 Euclid Street.  He eventually moved to Eureka, Utah and then back to Chicago.

 

In 1895 a list was compiled by the Oquirrh Club of Republicans canvassed names of men that were not on the Registration Books. There were 23 males lodging at this address according to the newspaper account.

 

Adam Mack Little “Contractor”

            By 1897 the family of Adam Mack Little [1850-1917] moved to this address where his wife Margaret Prather Little [1855-1916] ran a boarding house. They were natives of Georgia and converts to Mormonism. His obituary started he came to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1889. He as “widely known as a contractor and builder.” 

 

The 1900 federal census enumerated Adam Mack Little’s household as consisting of a wife, four children, two servants, and five male boarders. The City Directory listed Mrs. Margaret as the proprietor of the boarding House.  The two female servants were Cordelia “Delia” Smith and Dora Jesperson. 

 

A newspaper article from 1900 stated that the family had contracted smallpox.  “Smallpox Kept Quiet A well-developed case of smallpox was reported yesterday from the family of Mrs. Margaret Little of 506 West Second South Street. It was proven too, on investigation that the family had long been suffering from smallpox but by keeping it quiet they hoped to escape quarantine.” 

 

“Exposure to Smallpox Ten unreported cases Ran Their course Before Discovery That Smallpox is not dreaded by some people is again evidenced by the latest case brought to the knowledge of the health department. A little over a month again Miss Delia Smith, residing at 506 West Second South Street became ill with what was supposed to be chicken pox. No physician was called, and the case was not reported for quarantine. A few days later Abraham M. Little, residing at the same place was stricken with the same malady and since then Mrs. M. A Rearden, her brother William Rhodes, Washington Rhodes, Mrs. M. E. Little, Alma Little, Thomas Little May Little and Carrie Little, all residing in the same infected house, have been sick with the eruptive disease.” 

 

“But so secretive were the stricken ones that it was not reported until Monday that the health department had any knowledge of the cases.”

 

“The quarantine officer Dr. Green made an investigation with the result that he unqualifiedly reported that all of the persons named had been suffering from smallpox. Mrs. Little’s condition was found to be very serious, and the entire household has been quarantined .”

“Just how many persons have been exposed to the disease by the infected families is a matter of doubt, but certain it is that many new cases will developed from the ten which ran their course without being reported for quarantine.  Carey Little a boy of 16 became infected.”

 

The 1903 City Directory listed Mrs. M.E. Little as running a boarding house.  The family had moved by 1908.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Nineteen

Lot Two Block 64 Plat A

The Second South frontage of Lot Two was 10 rods [165 Feet] reaching 20 rods[330 feet] into the interior . The lot was eventually divided into at least five parcels. The northern one fourth of Lot Two was deeded to Benjamin Pearce Brown which was adjacent to his property in Lot One  at 146 South Fourth [Fifth] West.

 

In 1872 “Mary Brown” who was the plural wife of Bishop Nathaniel V Jones had titled to four rods [ 66 feet] by 15 rods [247 feet 6 inches] of Lot two.  Benjamin Pearce Brown held the northern 5 rods of the property George W  Boyd held 16 feet 6 inches of the western portion of Lot Two 20 rods [330 feet] into the interior of Block 64. 

 

According to the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map only two residential dwellings were located on Lot Two with the addresses of 524 West and 534 West. They would have been the homes of Mary E. Jones and her son in law William Henry Chamberlin. 

 

There was a “private alley” of  about ten feet to the east of the home of Mary Jones at 524 West which allowed access into the interior of the lot.   There was a twenty-foot easement to the west of Mary E. Jones’s home which allowed access into the interior of Lot Three.

 

In  1890 Mary E Jones sold to Frederick Roberts a parcel of 5 rods [82 feet 6 inches] by 4 rods [66 feet] for $2000. The Private Alley,  by 1898 allowed  access to a home and barn located in the middle section of Lot Two with the addresses of 526 ½ West and 530 ½ West. This was the property of Fred Roberts. 

 

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed  three addresses fronting Second South, 526, 530, and 534 [misidentified as 524].  There was thirty-eight-foot easement on the west portion of Lot Two according to the 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map which provided an easement between Lot Two and Lot Three called “Boyd Avenue”. This wide easement also allowed access too three row homes that the 1900 Census named as being on a street called “Trecessa” and four row homes in Lot Three. The row of one-story brick terrace homes on Trecassa” street were north of  534 West Second South according to the 1897 city directory.

 

In 1899 George W. Boyd sold to Elizabeth Chamberlin 8 rods [132 feet] by forty feet from 87 feet west of the southwest corner of lot 2 for $1500.  He also sold to J. J. Corum 8 rods by 30 ½ feet from northeast from 47 feet west of southwest corner of Lot Two for $1300. 

 

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed  three addresses fronting Second South, 526, 530, and 534 [misidentified as 524].  

 

Street Addresses for Lot Two Block 64 Plat A

524-526 West Second South

According to the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, a one-story adobe dwelling was located at the address of  524 West. The 1898 does not list 524 West any longer having renumbered the house as 526 West. 

 

The addresses for Mary E. Jones’ parcel of land in Lot Two seemed to have change over the years from 1880 to 1900.  A private alley, directly to the east of this one-story adobe dwelling at 526 West, gave access to junk yard that contained a one-story wooden dwelling listed as 526 ½ West and to a two-story storage barn listed as 530 ½ West according to the 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. The Junk Yard certainly belonged to Frederick Roberts

 

In 1895, a newspaper account listed George Werb as an employee of the Rio Grande Western railway residing at 853 West Second South. He was then about 25 years old and unmarried. However, the 1900 federal census listed George Werb’s family of a wife and three children at this address of 526 West in the 1900 federal census. He was a machinist by trade.

 

The 1901, and 1902 City Directory listed him as “Werb” and a machinist for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. The 1903 listed him as “George Werb” machinist at 530 West and also as George Werle machinist for D&RGRR residing at 528 West. The 1904 City Directory listed George Werb employed by the D&RGRR at this address.

 

He was said to have been an heir to a vast fortune in Germany.  In 1906 he inherited one million dollars from that inheritance. Whether he ever received the money is unknown. He died in 1918 age 56. 

 

526 ½ West and 530 ½ West Second South

In the interior of Lot Two  was a one-story wooden building listed as 526 ½ West accessed only by a private alley easement just to the east of 526 West. This dwelling was in the middle section of Lot Two and  near it was a two-story storage barn at 530 ½ West listed as “junk yard containing a two-story barn.” 

By 1891 Fred Roberts [1864-1902] was residing in the rear of at this address as a “junk dealer” where he operated a “junk store” at this location buying scrap metal of all types. Roberts was a well-known junk dealer and “for some years past had operated a foundry and junk shop at 242 State Street under the title of William Penders and Sons.” See Chapter Seven Forgotten People

 

Effie Studebaker was a widow with three children, and a servant according to the 1900 federal census records living at this address which may have actually been 536 West. She moved away by 1901. The City Directory for 1900 also listed Fred Roberts, a Junk Dealer, residing in the rear of this address.

 

Additionally, the City Directory listed Mrs. Amanda C. Arper as a dressmaker at this address along with Edwin D Arper, a  packer for the company of F.W. Hanson Produce. The 1901 City Directory showed that John Julius Jensen the Barber was residing at this address.

 

In 1903 George Danby was reported to have diphtheria while living at this address

 

 

530 West Second South

The address of 530 West was not listed on the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map but in 1891 a newspaper account stated two “hobos”, William Ray, and William Morris, entered “the barn of J. T. Adams at No 530 West Second South  Wednesday night for the purpose of sleeping” and “were convicted of trespass and sent to Dr. Raleigh’s sanitary retreat for five days. Adams is not listed in the 1892 City directory so he may have moved away.

 

The 1898 Sanborn Map showed a one-story brick dwelling. Located behind it was a 2-story wooden building in the junk yard with the address of 530 ½ West.

 

534 West Second South

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a one-story brick dwelling located at this address next to a twenty-foot easement to the interior of Block 64 where the Union Blacksmith and Machine shop was located on Lot Three. The dwelling had a one-story carpenter shop behind with the address of 534 1/3  West  and a barn numbered 534 ½ West entrance of Boyd Avenue

 

William Henry Chamberlin [1849-1915] was the son in law of Mary E. Jones having married her daughter Eliza Frances Brown in 1869. He was listed in the 1880 federal Census as a mine owner living on Second South in the Fifteenth Ward of Salt Lake City. He also was noted a “carpenter, contractor and builder.” A carpenter shop is shown on the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map behind this residence. The family dwelling was the 115 enumerated between his mother-in-law, Mary E. Jones, the widow of Bishop Nathaniel Jones and Abigail Boyd the wife of George W. Boyd. 

           

In 1888 two men were arrested for trespassing on Chamberlin’s property. “John Morley and James Walker, two tramps, went sent up for fifteen days for trespassing. These are the same fellows who recently visited the premises of W.H. Chamberlin, 354 [534] West  Second South Street and stole from a tent in which a couple of men were selling, a pair of socks and two pairs of shoes. They were arrested by Officer Daniels after a brief search, and both were wearing the stolen items.” 

 

In 1892 newspapers reported, “W.H. Chamberlin, a man of long residence here, brother of the late John W. Chamberlin, and a miner of experience, visited a mine his brother had invested in.” Later in 1896 Chamberlin’s son James F Chamberlin applied for a builders permit to build a row of terrace homes at 534 West Second South at the cost of $2000.

 

William Henry Chamberlin resided at the address until 1897 before moving away to East Mill Creek where he became a fruit farmer.  His son William H. Chamberlin Jr. was a professor and had married a daughter of  Mormon Apostle George Q Cannon. 

 

His son Ole Chamberlin married a daughter of Jasper Conrad a pioneer of Block 64. Another son James F Chamberlin married a niece of George Q Cannon. His son Ralph Vary Chamberlin was a faculty member of the University of Utah for over 25 years, where he helped establish the School of Medicine and served as its first dean. 

An article regarding his death stated, “W. H. Chamberlin, 68 years of age , who wandered from his home in Mill Creek Friday afternoon , was found late Sunday in an orchard near his home. Death had resulted from a stroke of apoplexy.”

 

His widow Eliza Frances Brown Chamberlin died in 1930. Neither William H Chamberlin nor his wife had obituaries, just funeral announcements.

 

Samuel Whitney Richards’ family, of a wife and two adult children, was enumerated in the 1900 federal census at this address. Samuel W Richards [1824-1909 was a polygamist having six wives and twenty-seven children. He was seventy-five years old in 1900 and his occupation was given as “Ministerial laborer” and had a grown son was a Railroad car repairman. He had been the Mormon “Mission President of the Eastern States.

 

In 1897 he returned to the Fifteenth Ward, where a reception was given to him to honor his return for the eastern state mission. The Salt Lake City Herald mentioned that he was in the year 1897 the only living member of Salt Lake’s first city government organized in 1851. He was one of the eight councilors. Richards was listed in the 1898 city director as living at this address. 

 

The 1902 City Directory said he was a carpenter and he had moved away from Second South.

536 West Second South

This address is not located on the 1889 or 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. It may have been renumbered 534 West as that the Chamberlin family had moved away from Second South by 1897. In that year  Warren and his son Willard Fosters resided at this address.  Warren Foster [1854-1909] “of Kansas” was the editor of the Inter-Mountain Advocate and Willard was listed as a printer, boarding at the same address.  See Chapter Seven Forgotten People

 

Tricassa Terrace

In 1892 George W. Boyd and his wife Abigail sold to businessman James Hegney  a parcel on land for $2200. The land description makes it appear that the property as where the homes on Tricassa Terrace were built. The land sold was 9 yards [27 feet] east of the southwest corner of Lot Three and north 9 rods [148 feet 6 inches.

 

The 1900 Federal Census listed three one-story brick attached homes on a street named Tricassa located in the interior of block 64. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map however showed these triplexes as facing “Boyd Avenue” behind 524 West with access from a 38-foot easement from Second South Street between the addresses of 524 and 544 West.  The 1899 city directory of streets and avenues listed that street as being Tricassa Terrace –“runs south from 536 West Second South”. The city directory listed “Boyd’s Terrace as “runs north from 544 West Second South. 

1 East Tricassa Terrace

The 1900 Federal census enumerated a twenty-five-year-old railroad fireman named Edward D Bartlett living at this address with his wife, daughter, and a spinster sister-in-law. The family was living in Utah by 1897 when their daughter was born.

 

2 East Tricassa Terrace

Forty-one-year-old Alexander McDonald, a Canadian of Scottish parents lived at this address according to the 1900 Federal census. He was a railroad engineer with a 22-year-old wife and a year-old son born in Utah.  

 

3 East Tricassa Terrace

Thorpe Waddingham resided at this address according to the 1900 federal census. He and his wife were English, and 34 years old. They had three children all born in Montana and his occupation was that of a railroad engineer. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Twenty

Lot Three Block 64 Plat A

Lot Three was 10 rods [165 feet] fronting Second South extending 20 rods [330 feet into the interior. 

Street Addresses for Lot Three Block 64 Plat A

542 West Second South AKA 149 South Within Block 64 Union

 On the north Fourth [Fifth] of Lot Three in the center of Block 64 was the Blacksmith and Machine Shop complex of Joseph J. Duckworth [1851-1909]. An easement listed as a private drive in the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map gave access to the property from Second South between 544 West and 534 West. In the northwest corner of Lot Three was a one and a half story wooden dwelling that was numbered 542 ½ West. In 1898 it was located north of the four brick homes on west Boyd Avenue. See Chapter Seven Forgotten People

 

            In 1892 the Salt Lake City directory listed Rufus B. Wells, [1866-1952] of “Shumaker and Wells” as a “roomer” at this address. In 1895 he brought lawsuit to recover $150 from a promissory note of A.E. Vanderhoof, a young man, who had given it to the mother of the girl he had impregnated, who had then assigned it to Wells.

 

 In  the 1898 city directory he was listed a “pattern maker for the Rio Grande Western Railway but in 1900 was called a “mold maker”. In 1898 he was also the “grand noble” of Lodge No. Two of the Oddfellows but had moved away from Second South and eventually out of state to Washington. 

 

William Blair Boyd, the son of George W. Boyd, occupied this address next according to the 1898 city directory. He was listed as working as a “fireman” for the Rio Grande Western railway residing at 524 West Second South which was a printing error.  See “No 4 Boyd’s Terrace” and 155 South Fourth [Fifth]

 

544 West Second South

George Washington Boyd [1825-1903] was a Mormon Pioneer polygamist living at this location as early as 1857. He had married three Baldwin sisters whose mother owned  parts of Lot Four in Block 64. He had been a member of the Mormon Battalion and a veteran of the Utah Indian wars. 

 

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Chamberlin was the widow of John Wilbert Chamberlin which made her a sister-in-law to Althea Chamberlin Brown, James Thomas Chamberlin, and William Henry Chamberlin other residents of Blocks 63 and 64. . 

 

She was John W. Chamberlin’s  second wife who raised her stepchildren and had had six children of her own by her husband before he died in 1891  leaving her a widow at the age of 33. Four of her children died in infancy and one son died at the age of 15 years.

 

She raised her family on John W. Chamberlin’s place at 215 South Fourth [Fifth] West in Block 62 until she bought the old home of George W. Boyd in 1900 after remodeling her home at 215 South Fourth [Fifth] Street. On New Year Eve 1899 she received a permit to remodel  a two-story six room brick dwelling for $1000.  At the same time, she had a permit for “Earl’s Terrace at 544, 546 and 548 West Second South Street three one-story five room brick dwellings with porticos for $4000. This had to be the row houses that were listed as on Tressca in 1900. 

 

The only mention of Lizzie Chamberlin in news accounts was when she made a complaint in 1901 against “J.E. Boren of Provo , a member of a prominent family.”  “Mrs. Elizabeth Chamberlin lodged complaint against him, alleging that on Sept. 26 he had taken a bicycle belonging to her son Denton, valued at $15 and disposed of it. Boren is said to have secured possession of the wheel to sell it for Mrs. Chamberlin. She avers that she never saw either wheel, the proceeds of the sale or Boren after that time. In consideration of Boren’s family, the court announced that no objection would be made to a settlement between principals , something that will follow, it is said.”

 

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Chamberlin’s son Earl Chamberlin died in 1904 at the age of 15 years of congestion of the lungs. His death certificate stated the family was living at One Earl Terrace. City directories also referred to Earl Terrace as “Boyd Court.  

 

            The 1905 city directory listed Lizzie Chamberlin at 544 West Second South but evidently, she moved from this home by 1906 and was living at the No 1 Earl Terrace when remarried in 1906. Her second husband  was James H Johnson, a brakeman for the Denver and Rio Grande railroad. The 1907 The 1907 city directory listed him as residing at 170 Boyd Court. 

 

            Lizzie Chamberlin died in 1908 while living  in the rear of  544 West. Her funeral noticed stated “rear 544 West Second South, May 2, 1908, Elizabeth Chamberlain Johnston wife of James H Johnston  age 49 years. The funeral will be held Monday at 3 p.m. from the Fifteenth Ward meeting house. Friends will be invited to attend. The casket will be opened on day of funeral at the family residence. She was a member of the Woodbine Circle No. 41  W. of W.”  W. of W. referred to Women of Woodcraft a female auxiliary to Woodmen of the World a fraternal organization.

 

            Her only surviving child Denton Chamberlin married a few months after the death of his mother and moved away. James H. Johnson applied to be appointed administrator of her estate and by 1909 he was rooming at the newly built Washington Hotel  at 528 ½ West Second South.

 

Boyd’s Terrace north from 544 West Second South

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed that behind the residence of George W. Boyd was a row of four, adjoining one-story brick homes. They were numbered 1 West, 2 West 3 West, and 4 West and were directly across from the three brick homes that were named on Tricassa Terrace. The Sanborn Map called the street between these triplexes and quadplexes “Boyd Avenue.”

 

In January 1898 William Boyd applied for a building permit at 542 West to build “four compartment brick terrace homes” with “five room in each estimated $2500.” Boyd Terrace was not listed until 1898 in a city directory however and advertisement from 1897 sought “an Intelligent lady as Representative of established business at No 2 Boyd’s Terrace, Second South between Fourth [Fifth] and Fifth West. Eventually the homes that had been built for William B Boyd were by 1910 used as “brothels and dives where utter lawlessness will prevail.” 

 

No 1 Boyd’s Terrace

Frank H. Thomas was a 30-year-old conductor for the Oregon Short Line residing at this address in 1901 but not in 1900.

 

No. 2 Boyd’s Terrace

Joseph Bouton was a 40-year-old native of Illinois who worked as railroad conductor according to the 1900 federal census.  

 

No. 3 Boyd’s Terrace

The 1900 city directory and federal census George C Hahn [1859-1937] and family at thus address. He was a butcher and meat cutter by trade and operated Hahns Brothers Meats with brother William J Hahn. “Fresh, Salted, and Smoked Meats, Fancy and Staple Groceries Butter and Eggs 356 South State Street. The family was still living there in 1906 but had moved away from Second South by 1907.

 

No 4 Boyd’s Terrace

A fire broke out in March 1900 contained to a “one-story brick house in Boyd’s court near the Rio Grande depot last night. The house is owned by William Boyd and occupied by William. E Valiant, a freight conductor employed on the Oregon Short Line .  At the time of the fire no one was home. One bedroom was badly burned, and other rooms damaged. The loss to the house and content placed at $250.”

 

546 West Second South

This address was not shown on the 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. However, the 1900 Federal Census listed a woman named “Eugeney Gillenwater”  at this address. Gillenwater was listed as a married woman with two minor children along with a female roomer.  The enumerator missed identified her as that her real name was Ada Forbes married to “Eugene Charles Gillenwater”. Eugene Gillenwater was listed in the 1901 City Directory of Seattle, Washington where this family had moved to by 1910. 

 

558 West Second South

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed an adobe one story home at this address.  It was 70 feet from the 544 West residence. It was the residence of Samuel Boyd, son of George W Boyd. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed house to be a one-story adobe dwelling with a wooden addition behind and a wooden porch that abutted up to a brick store.  

 

Samuel M. Boyd [1857-1946] the son of George W. Boyd and Abigail Baldwin Boyd was living in Tooele County on his father’s ranch at Deep Creek according to the 1880 federal census.  In 1885 he married Polly Egbert [1860-1929] in Salt Lake City. See Chapter Seven Forgotten People 

 

From 1895 through 1896 Samuel M Boyd moved from the home and a carpenter named Theodore Eigle, [1853-1937] employed by the Utah and Nevada Railway, replaced him at this residence.  He was a German emigrant who claimed Austria and Czechoslovakia as his birthplace although his obituary stated he was born in Bohemia once part of the Austrian Empire and after World War I part of Czechoslovakia. See Chapter Seven Forgotten People

 

562 West Second South

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a one-story brick store at this address that was built after 1889. This may have been the property of James Hegney bought from George W. Boyd.

 

In 1897 a German named Carl August Wescher who was a “Boot and Shoemaker” had a shop at this address.  “Dealer in Boots, Shoes, and Rubbers.” However, he moved from Second South in 1898 and by 1900 became a American citizen.

 

The 1900 a barber named Julius John [Jay J] Jensen had a family of eight living at this address. He was Danish and his wife was Norwegian. In 1897 J. J. Jensen was advertised as the inventor of “the hair restorer which will raise whiskers on a doorknob.”  He had moved from this shop by 1901 and located his barbershop at 571 West Second South near the Albany Hotel. By 1905 he had left Second South altogether . 

 

The 1900 City Directory listed Mrs. Maggie Ashley [1848-1913] as operating a restaurant from this address but her residence was on 17 Goodhue Avenue. Her husband Romanzo Ashley [1841-1913] was civil war veteran and managed the restaurant according to the 1900 director.  He was a fruit peddler in the 1900 federal census. There was no Maggie Ashley restaurant listed in the 1901 directory.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Twenty-One 

Lot Four Block 64 Plat A

Lot Four consisted of 10 rods [165 feet] fronting Second south and 20 rods [330 feet] along Fifth [Sixth] West. It was divided into two sections the southern half belonged to the Baldwin Family and the northern half belonged to James Bussell who also owned a section of Lot Five.

 

According to the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Lot Four was divided up into six parcels by 1889. Two parcels measuring 5 rods [82.5 feet] each fronted Second South with the addresses of 568 and 574 West Second South. These were in Nancy Baldwin’s lower half.  By 1898 these two parcels had the addresses of 566 West, 568 west, 570 West, 572 West 596 West and 596 West Second South.

 

North of these two parcels were three parcels of about 4 rods [66 feet] each and 20 rods [330 feet] into the interior. These would have been on property owned by James Bussell. All of the parcels fronted Fifth [Sixth] West with the address of 161 South, 155 South, and 149 South. The furthest north parcel in lot four was also part of Lot Five but was absorbed by 149 South by 1898.

Nancy Baldwin and James K. Baldwin

Nancy Baldwin, the widow of Caleb Baldwin was the original grantee of the south half of lot five located at the corner of Second South and Fifth [Sixth]. She had been nearly 18 when her Mormon family driven had been driven from Jackson County Missouri in 1833. She was mentioned in 1882 as just a few of those “stilling living and a member of church. 

 

 

Her title to the lot was secured in 1872 as the south half of Lot Four corner of  Second South and Fifth West. In 1881 Nancy Baldwin [1798-1883] sold to her son James Kingsbury Baldwin [1826-1884] her property for $5. The parcel was described as   commencing at the southwest corner  going north 6 ½ rods [107 feet four inches] then east 10 rods [165 feet] backing to the beginning.

 

At the time of James K Baldwin’s death, he had “all the right, title, and interest and estate of a portion of Lot Four  described as “commencing at the Southwest corner of said lot and running thence north six- and one-half rods [107 feet and three inches] , thence east six rods [99 feet] , thence south six and half rods thence west six rods to place of the beginning.”  

 

Henry Moore, who resided on Second South in Block 64, was the administrator of the estate of James K Baldwin In 1886 the property was described as  commencing at the southwest corner of Lot Four and running thence North Six Rids thence East five rods  then south and west to place of the beginning  containing 30 square rods of ground also one adobe House of Six Rooms in said lot. 

James Bussell Pioneer

James Bussell [1805-1884] held title to  a little more than 13 rods [215 feet] of the northern portion of Lot four and 8 rods [132 feet] of Lot Five. He immigrated to Utah from England in 1853 with his wife Louisa to Utah with the Cyrus H. Wheelock Company at the ages of 47 and 42. He settled on Block 64 before 1860. His various occupations were given as “Scissor grinder”, “day laborer”, and plasterer. In the 1870 federal census he was identified as residing between James K. Baldwin and James Moyle.

 

The 1880 federal census listed James Bussell as living at the 103rd dwelling visited by the enumerator in the Fifteenth Ward and residing on Fifth [Sixth] West Street.  At this dwelling were included four households of thirteen individuals. Some of these households were probably residing in the southern portion of Lot Five as well. Only Bussell’s household were English emigrants. The rest were Welsh.

 

The families enumerated with James Bussell and his wife Louisa in  the 103^rd dwelling were Sarah Unger, a 45-year-old widow and her son and daughter Albert Unger and Alberta  were household 129. Twenty-eight-year-old Albert Unger was listed as an engineer.

 

Others were William Harmon a 59-year-old “laborer” along with two  grown sons listed as laborers and two  infants by his second wife Jane. His two-year-old son was listed as having “diphtheria.” William and Jane George, a middle-aged couple were listed as household 131 and he was a 54-year-old laborer.

 

 The 1884 city directory listed Bussell’s address as 121 South Fifth West which would have been within Lot Five. He died in 1884 and the cause of death was simply listed as “old age.”  Bussell’s birth and death dates are found on his grave marker, located in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

 

In 1887 Louisa the widow of James Bussell sold a small parcel to George Shill [1826-1903] for $62.50. This family in 1880 lived on Fifth West. Later the same year George and Harriett Shill sold to Sarah H Cannon for $1600 the northern portion of southwest corner containing 10 rods [165 feet]. Sarah H. Cannon was the widow of George H Cannon who died in 1887.

 

Land records of Lot Five are confusing and it is not clear how certain individuals became property owners. In 1889  Ferdinand LeCuyer [1856-1934] and his wife Wilhelmina “Minnie”  Bjorkman LeCuyer [1861-1933] sold to Sarah H. Cannon a portion of Lot Four and Five for $4000. LeCuyer was a French Canadian who came to Utah in 1875 and was an upholsterer by trade. Over the years he was employed by the Dinwoodie Furniture Store as well as the Freed Furniture Company.  In the 1888 city directory he was listed as residing at 39 West First south. It is not known how he acquired this property that he sold.

 

In 1889 Louisa Bussell sold to Annie Becker wife of Frederick Beck  part of Lot Five , five and half rods from Southwest former of Lot Five.

 

After the death of her husband Louisa Bussell returned to England. The will of the late Louisa Bussell “formerly of Salt Lake City but more recently of Middlesex, England was yesterday [19 May 1898] filed in the probate court. The deceased bequeathed $300 in ZCMI stock to Ulysses W Payne Hutchings , $800 in ZCMI stock , £100 in the National Provincial Bank of England to Louisa Hutchings, daughter of the deceased, and £100 in the National Bank of England to Charles George Chant Hutchings.”

 

James Bussell sold to Dirk Buckholt, who was a Salt Lake County Probate Clerk,  property located in both Lot Four and Lot Five. Dirk Bockholt then sold a portion of this property to Robert H Smith  for $2700. Smith then sold  to Sarah Williams a portion of the property for $1750. She was the married to David Williams both Welsh emigrants. Buckholt also sold  a portion of the land to Thomas Quayle for $500

 

“Sudden death of Dirk Bockholt. About 11 o’clock yesterday [1 January 1887] morning, Mr. Dirk Bockholt , ex-county clerk, left his house at 457 Fifth South Street with the intention of boarding the streetcar running past his premises. Just as he reached the track, he was taken with a fainting fit and fell to the ground. He was assisted back into the house and died in a few minutes. The direct cause of his death could not be learned but it is supposed to be an epileptic fit. Mr. Bockholt was about 43 years of age. The funeral will be held at the Fifteenth Ward schoolhouse tomorrow at 10 o’clock.

 

Little is known regarding Robert H Smith or if he even lived on the property although he resided within the Fifteenth Ward. The only newspaper account of him is from 1879. “Last Monday Night, [3 December 1878] the wife of Brother Robert H Smith of the Fifteenth Ward presented him with a bouncing baby boy, weighing 15 lbs. If the young Hercules fills up the measure of his creation through life, as  well as he begun, he will indeed be a “mighty man in Israel”. So be it.”

 

There was a Robert Smith aged  59 listed in the 1880 Census living in the 19^th Ward but there was no male child listed in the household but he seems to have been a Robert D. Smith

 

Street Addresses for Lot Four Block 64 Plat A

564 [1889] 566 [1898] West Second South

This three-room wooden home was built in 1890 when Mrs. Martha Dummer Baldwin the widow of James K. Baldwin, had it constructed at 564 West Second South for $600. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed it to be a one-story wooden dwelling at the address of 566 West. It then abutted up against the brick store located at 562 on the property line of lot Three. 

 

In 1895 Frank Parry resided at the 566 West address, but by 1900 Caleb Baldwin,  Mrs. Martha Baldwin’s son lived here. 

 

Caleb Baldwin’s family consisted of a wife and three minor children in the 1900 federal census. His occupation was given as a lumberyard laborer. By 1901 he had left Second South. 

 

568 and 570 West Second South Duplex

The 1880 federal census listed the family of James Kingsbury Baldwin [1826-1884] as living on Second South near Fourth [Fifth] West. He was the son of Caleb and Martha Baldwin who had been Mormon converts living  in Nauvoo before the exodus to Utah. They were one of the original landowners in Block 64. He was also the brother-in-law of George W. Boyd.

 

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed only one residence on the parcel. The main dwelling was a one- story house constructed with adobe bricks with a wooden porch in the front and a small wooden room in the rear. 

 

ln 1890 the widow of James K. Baldwin, Martha Dummer Baldwin, resided at the address of 568 West. In the 1894 City Directory she was listed at this address with her son, James K Baldwin [1869-1937] who was a helper on Rio Grande Western Railway,  

 

In 1896 “About twenty ladies of the Second precinct met yesterday afternoon at the residence of Mrs. J. K. Baldwin 568 West Second South to organize a “Bryan Silver Club.” The “Free Silver campaign” was  led by Democratic Presidential nominee, William Jennings Bryan, in 1896. Republicans were in favor of keeping the gold standard as the sole basis for our nation’s currency while Democrats on the other hand were for the free coinage of silver, allowing silver and gold to circulate together.”

           

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a large one-story adobe dwelling only eleven feet from the home constructed at 566 West. It had two porch entrances and had two addresses, 568 and 570 West. 

 

The 1900 Federal census showed the widow Martha Baldwin residing here along with her brother-in-law George W. Boyd. George He was listed as a widower who was a roomer in her household. 

 

Martha Baldwin was the head of a household of three grown children and two granddaughters in 1900.  She owned the home and her sons James K Baldwin, and George A Baldwin were listed as a blacksmith helper and a blacksmith apprentice.  James K. Baldwin was a widower, and his two daughters were listed as the grandchildren living in the household.

 

Martha Baldwin died in1905 but her son George A Baldwin was still listed at the address in the City Directory. However, all the Baldwin’s were gone from Second South by 1906. 

 

570 West Second South

By 1898 the residence of Martha Baldwin was split into a duplex with the west half of the home being listed as 570 West Second South. 

 

George W Hales’ family consisted of wife and two children in the 1900 federal census lived at this address.  He was a thirty-eight-year-old railroad brakeman and rented his half of the house. By 1902 he had left the Second South area .

 

572 West Second South

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance map showed that the building was a single room one- story wooden dwelling. It was a mere five feet from the adobe home at 568 West and it fronted Second South. It was very small home of about 10 feet by twenty feet. 

 

The 1896 city directory listed Andrew J Gordon, a shoemaker rooming at this address. He was gone from the city by 1897.

 

Silas D. Rall, listed as a Contractor in the 1900 federal census, was using this address for his business. No one was residing here as a residence. Ralls resided at 156 South Fourth [Fifth] West [Fifth West] on Block 64 along with William Rall also a carpenter. 

 

574 Second South

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed only one dwelling on the corner parcel of Lot Four in Block 64 at Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West. The address of 574 West contained a home with a mix of adobe brick towards the front and a longer wooden attached room behind.  It was 45 feet from its nearest neighbor at 568 West. Except for an outhouse nothing else was located on the corner property.

 

Elizabeth Metz, “Procuress”

            Elizabeth Metz is first mentioned in newspaper accounts in January 1894 when  a man named Charles Hines was “charged with using abusive language” towards her and the charges were dismissed.” See Chapter Seven Forgotten People Elizabeth Metz

 

Democratic Meeting Hall

After the arrests of Metz and others at 574 West Second South, the address was no longer used as a house of “ill-fame.” In October 1896, a “Democratic meeting held in the Second Municipal Ward for the benefit of the railroad men of the Rio Grande Western” was at this location.

 

The meeting “was strange contrast with the Republicans of the Third where it was attempted to convince Union Pacific workers their jobs depended on the success of the local Republican ticket.  Republicans had less than 50 railroaders with votes to talk to while the Democrats could not find seats for all who endeavored to gain admittance to the hall where the meeting was held. Meeting held at the corner of Second south and Fifth [Sixth] West, in a vacant building which was packed to the door long before the speaking commenced.”

 

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance map listed this dwelling set back from the street and only a few feet behind two stores at 596 and 598 West. There was an adobe front half of the building with a larger wooden one story behind it. 

 

596 West Second South also known as  576 West Second South

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a small wooden structure at this address listed as a store. The 1899 City directory for Salt Lake City listed this address as the residence of Cloyd L Sanford [1860-1945] and his wife Edith Martin Sanford [1871-1944], shopkeepers.  See Chapter Seven Forgotten People

The Sanford’s Residence

In March 1899 C L Sanford, at the “corner of Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West” place an advertisement stating “Lost, Strayed or Stolen. Small, Black, dehorned milch cow, branded ‘T’ on left ribs. Liberal reward for return.” 

 

598 West Second South also known as  580 West Second South

The Sanford’s Store

The 1899 City directory for Salt Lake City listed this address as the Sanford’s Supply Company, a grocer, and meats store. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance map showed that it was a one-story wooden building used as a store and attached to the building at 576 West. Some 37 feet behind the Supply Store was a wooden building with the address of 598 ½ West that the Sanborn map listed as “not used” mostly like a storage barn or shed.

 

161 South Fifth [Sixth] West

At the corner of Fifth [Sixth] West and Second South was a one-story adobe dwelling with a wooden front porch and small attached rooms in the rear according to the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. 

 

David Hirschler “Whole Sale Liquor Distributor”

David Hirschler resided here for a period of time in the early 1890’s and may have operated a wholesale liquor shop at this location. 

 

In 1890 Hirschler was a member of a large wholesale liquor house in San Francisco and was “in the city for the purpose of establishing a branch house here.” In 1891 a Mr. H. Hoffheurman had his liquor license transferred to David Hirschler which was renewed in June 1893 for three months.

 

David Hirschler residence was given as “at Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West.” He advertised “Wholesale and retail wines and liquors southeast corner of Fifth [Sixth] West and Second South” and had a telephone for his hop. He moved back to San Francisco in 1893.

 

The Giesy Foundry

The Giesy Foundry and Machine Company was built at 161 South Fifth West in 1894. It was a one-story stone building for foundry purposes, having the value of $1000. 

 

“Articles of incorporation of the Giesy Foundry ad Machine company” were filed 13 July 1894. “The company will engage in the business of making iron moulding and castings and the manufacturing of machinery. The capital stock is placed at $10,000 divided into shares of the denomination of $10 each. The incorporators are William S Giesy, Emery Ward, John M Dietz, James Moffat, and Sidney Darke, each of whom subscribe for 100 shares.”

 

“The Giesy Foundry turned their wheels yesterday [August 17] and are now ready to do any and all work that may be brought to them. They will cast any piece required to make an old stove new, repair machine castings from the old pieces, and do any and all work in iron and brass foundry work.”

 

The company was not in business after 1895 and may have been affected by the Economic Recession of the Panic of 1893.

 

The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance map showed that the old one-story adobe dwelling had been demolished and replaced by the foundry that was no longer in use. 

 

155 South Fifth [Sixth] West

A Tenement House

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map listed a two-story adobe brick tenement building at this address,  21 feet north of 161 South. It had several wooden one-story structures attached to it. 

 

The 1889 city directory listed George W. Boyd’s son William Boyd, motorman , as a tenant.  William  Boyd was listed in the 1896 city directory back at 155 South Fourth [Fifth] West and employed as a Salt Lake  City Railway car operator. The following year 1897, William Boyd had moved to 542 West Second South, still employed as a “car operator” for the Salt Lake City Railroad Company.  

 

Henry  Hodges lived here from 1890 until 1892 and later moved to Jeremy Street.

 

John Phillips   a foreman for the Rio Grande Western resided at 155 South 5th west from 1895 through 1896. The wife of Erastus O Andrews, Deborah died at this address in 1898. He was a carpenter. 

 

The 1900 federal census enumerated twelve people in six households residing at this address, The heads of households were John Eddings, Catherine Scharrer, Myrtle Norwood, Erastus Andrews, Sarah Unger, and Elias C Evans].  

 

John Eddings was a 70-year-old Englishman listed as household 136 with his 66-year-old wife Harriett. 

 

Catherine J Scharrer was a 42-year-old native of Ohio with two children, 12-year-old Edith and 8-year-old Orrin, living in her household. Her daughter in law Myrtle Norwood and grandson Clarence were also included in this household.  

 

Erastus O. Andrews was a 60-year-old widower living by himself as household 138. 

 

A 60-year-old Welsh widow named Sarah Unger also lived by herself, as household 139.

 

Elias C Evans [1875-1939] had only been married a year and lived with his wife Mary and newborn daughter at Household 140.  He was a 24-year-old Barber. 

 

149 South Fifth [Sixth] West

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map listed a two-story adobe brick dwelling with a one-story wooden attachment in the rear of the home. A one and half wooden structure was listed as 149 ½ South, most likely a barn.

 

Mrs. Sarah Williams “widow”

The 1900 federal census enumerated a 72-year-old Welsh widow named Sarah Williams at this address. The 1899 city directory said she was the widow of David Williams. Her 27-year-old son Alma D Williams lived with her and worked as a “Railroad Caller”. 

 

 

Chapter Twenty-Two

Lot Five Block 64 Plat A 

            Lot Five consisted of 20 Rods [330 feet] fronting Fifth [Sixth] West from the corner of First South and 10 rods [165 feet] facing First South Street.  James Henry Moyle owned the northern two thirds of the lot, about 12 rods [198 feet] while James Bussell [1805-1884]  held title to 8 rods [132 feet] of Lot Five from the southwest corner adjoining Lot Four.  in 1872 his title was assured by a mayoral deed. 

           

In 1875 James Bussell deed to Dirk Buckholt deeded 8 rods [185 feet] of Lot Five as well as 13 ½ rods [222 feet  8 inches] in Lot  Four. In 1881 Bussell  also sold to Mary James for $500 a parcel within Lot Five.

           

In  1885 James Moyle sold to Harry F Evans the west corner of the northern part of Lot Five.  In 1886 Moyle sold 4 [66 feet] rods of the east part of the northern portion of Lot Five. He was selling a much of this property in Lot Five to send his son James Henry Moyle Jr. through law school. 

 

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed that  Lot Five had been divided into four parcels. Part of a parcel was located between Lot Four and Five which had belonged to James Bussell. Three of the parcels that belonged to James Moyle had addresses on Fifth [Sixth] West and the Fourth [Fifth] West and fronted First South.

 

James Henry Moyle Sr. [1835-1890] was an English  Mormon Convert who came to Utah within the Darwin Richardson Company as a “stonecutter and mason.” He was the grandfather of Henry Dinwoodey Moyle [1889-1963], a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 

 In 1875 Moyle was selected by Brigham Young to take charge of the  stonecutters for the Salt Lake Temple Block, a position he occupied until 1886 when he was appointed general superintendent of the all the works on the block. 

 

The 1880 federal census enumerated James Moyle as a 45-year-old “mason and builder”, residing with his first wife Elizabeth Wood Moyle and her four children. She was a daughter of Daniel Wood the pioneer founder of Wood Cross and one of the first six families in Bountiful. 

 

Moyle’s plural wife, Margaret Cannell Moyle, was enumerated as 36 years and a native of the Isle of Man. She was keeping house for a family of two daughters and two sons. She had come to Utah in one of the last handcart companies from across the plains in 1868. After James H Moyle died, she was a widow for nearly thirty years. She was the sister-in-law of Henry Moore. He died of Typhoid Pneumonia  in 1890, while he was “Superintendent of works”, and it was reported he had “one hundred men under his control. ” His funeral held in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. By his two wives he fathered twenty-three children.

 

Street Addresses for Lot Five Block 64 Plat A

135 South Fifth [Sixth] West

This one-story adobe brick structure was 75 feet north of 149 South according to the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map.  John H. Lewis [1860-1931]  “iron molder” was listed in the  1890 city directory at this residence. His parents were Welsh emigrants He was a “iron molder” for the Eagle Foundry but had moved away by 1892. Tragically this family lost four children as infants between 1885 and 1891 due to premature births. The 1900 census said he was a sheepherder and his wife listed herself as the mother of no children. He is listed in the 1910 census living in Eureka, Utah working in a quartz mine. She and her husband must have separated as when she died in 1916 her death certificated stated she was a widow when her husband was still alive.

 

By 1895 Robert Lincoln Rice, [1862-1925] a brakeman for the Rio Grande Western Railway, was residing at this address and lived here for nearly twenty years.  In 1898 William Pilgerrim, a conductor for the Oregon Short Line Railroad also lived at this address. He moved out to 121 South in 1899.

 

The 1900 federal census also enumerated two households at this address. “Robert L Rice” a 37-year-old “Mining man” from New York, was number 142 and 22-year-old Utah native Clarence Rawlings, a Railroad Fireman was number 143. Both men were renters. 

           

Robert Lincoln Rice had a 25-year-old wife named Mary Rawlings, a Utah native and mother of three children however only two were living in 1900.  An infant son died in 1898 of scarlet fever. She doesn’t seem to be related to Clarence Rawlings, however. 

 

Rice was still listed as living at this address in the 1910 federal census but working as a railroad conductor. The family moved from this address in 1915.  He was killed in 1925 on the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railway, near Wendover, Utah.” His obituary stated he had been a resident of Salt Lake City for 35 years.

 

”

Clarence Rawlings “Engineer for Union Pacific” had a 23-year-old wife whom he recently married and one infant daughter. He was a tall man, “6'1 with grey eyes & brown hair”. 

 

In 1893 when Clarence Rawlings was fifteen years old, he participated in a 100-mile bicycle relay race from “Beck’s Hot Springs to Provo and return to the Hotel Knutsford” in Salt Lake City.” His portion of the race was from Provo back to Salt Lake. 

 

Rawlings moved from Provo to Salt Lake when he was 18 in 1896. His first job, at age 18, was a waiter at L.W. Dittman’s restaurant at 537 East Third South in  Salt Lake.  Later still in 1896, he started working for the railroad as a fireman, then Inspector, and worked his way up until he became an Engineer for Union Pacific in Salt Lake. 

 

Rawlings married Emma Vilate Elsmore on Feb. 22, 1899. Her 15-year-old sister named “Louie Elsmore” also lived within the Rawling’s household in 1900 probably to help with the newborn infant. 

           

Rawlings eventually moved to Denver in 1922 to take the job of Superintendent of Air Brakes for Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. 

 

127 South, 125 South, and 123 South Fifth [Sixth] West

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed two dwellings on this parcel. A single large one-story building consisting of brick, adobe, and wood was at the southern end of the parcel listed as 121 South Fifth West and north of it was a much smaller one-story adobe house.

 

These buildings were demolished before 1898 as according to the 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, a brick one story triplex consisting of three addresses was located on this parcel, thirty-two feet north of 135 South.  Behind it was a one-story wooden dwelling at 121 South West. 

 

Frank Colclough [1857-1912] Officer of the  Midvale Police Department lived at 125 South. Frank Colclough had published an advertisement in 1894 during the Panic of 1893 Depression “Notice to Farmers-Owing to the depression in trade in this city many hardest working men and their families will suffer during the winter that is so near at hand. You can help many to get their winter potatoes, by employing those men to help you get in your potatoes. The Laboring Men’s Association will supply all the help you need. We want work and will take any kind of produce for our pay. Address Frank A Colclough 125 South Fifth West.” 

 

At the time of his death Marshal Colclough was married and the father of four grown children. An obituary for him stated “Marshal Francis A. Colclough died on August 7, 1912, at the age of 55 while a member of the Midvale Police Department. Night Marshal Colclough was shot to death during an attempted armed robbery. In the late evening hours, the 55-year-old victim conducted a business check on the Vienna Saloon.”

 

“As the victim was discussing with the bartender the robbery of a nearby saloon, two armed men entered and announced a holdup. Marshal Colclough and one of the armed robbers were mortally wounded during the pitched gun battle that ensued. A second robber escaped. A suspect was eventually arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to prison.”

 

However, this sentence was overturned in 1914 by the Utah Supreme Court and the suspect was not retried. He is buried in Salt Lake City Cemetery. His bronze name plaque is sponsored by the Sandy Police Alliance, FOP Lodge 21.”

 

The Swinger Family

The 1899 city directory listed three men, by the name of Swinger at the address of 125 South. They were Charles Swinger, a conductor for the Rio Grande Western Railway, and his sons, John Swinger, and William E Swinger, who was a barber. John and William were boarding with their father Charles.

 

They were not listed in the 1898 directory at this address but in 1900 the family of Charles Swinger was residing at this location. The federal census listed him as a 40-year-old German railroad conductor, married, and the father of eight children.  

Chinese laundry man Wah Lee was in court in September 1894 charged with assaulting a youth named Willie Swinger who with other youths had been throwing rocks at his house. William Swinger was nearly 13-year-old at the time. The Charles Swinger family lived on 125 South Fifth [Sixth] West in block 64. See-523 West First South. See “523 West First South”

 

Next door at 123 South Fifth West, the 1893 city listed Frederick W. Becker [1831-1909] as an architect. He was a Civil War Veteran, having served in the 2nd California cavalry. Becker had enlisted as a private at the Presidio of San Francisco, California, October 22, 1861, and was mustered into Company K, 2nd California Cavalry. He was promoted to corporal and transferred to Company D, same regiment, January 1, 1862. Corporal Becker was promoted to Saddler Sergeant and transferred to Field & Staff, same regiment, July 1, 1863. Saddler Sergeant Becker was mustered out at the Presidio of San Francisco. 

 

Frederick William Beck and Elizabeth Matilda Summervid Beck who was his second wife had property in block 64 described in a deed dated 1892;  “beginning at a point five and one-half rods [82 feet six inches]  north of the southwest corner of said lot five and running thence north four- and one-half rods  [74 feet and three inches.] thence east ten rods [165 feet]  thence south four- and one-half rods thence west 10 rods to point of the beginning.

 

Fredrick Becker’s daughter, Annie Becker, married a German immigrant named Henry William Hurst [1870-1955] in 1892 who was also residing at this address in April 1893. Hurst stated he came to the United States in 1888 when he would have been 17 or 18 years old. Henry William Hurst in 1893 bought from Emanuel Kahn part of Lot Five for $800. 

 

An article from 1893 stated that Hurst, was “a grocer of tender years, and doing business at the corner of Second South and Fifth [Sixth] West streets.” The gist of the article was Hurst’s assertion that his 19-year-old wife, “Annie G Becker who he married a year ago in Ogden was abducted by her father Fred W. Becker, a Murray saloon keeper from her home at 123 South Fifth [Sixth] West.”

 

Hurst maintained that his wife, “Annie was deeded property by her late mother” contrary to the wishes of her father. Becker allegedly secured the deed and substituted his name for the grantee in place of his daughter. Hurst sued his father-in-law after he alleged that Becker “inveigled his daughter into a carriage and whirled her off to Murray and there kept her.”

 

Hurst then called at the “Becker mansion” and learned “she was an inmate against her will”. He obtained a warrant for the arrest of his father-in-law on a charge of  an assault on him and “upon one Annie G. Hurst.” Becker was arrested but released on bail.  “He was acquitted a few days later.”

 

The 1894 city directory listed Henry W. Hurst, as a bartender, still at this address and by 1896 he was a clerk for the Utah Liquor company, but by 1897 he had moved out of this house.  

 

The 1900 Federal census listed the Hurst family residing at 52 South Fifth [Sixth] West street as a traveling salesman. Anna Hurst was the mother of 4 children with only two still alive.

William Henry died in 1955 as did his wife three months later. They are buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

 

Matthew H Rhodes  [1853-1907] was “Acting Salt Lake Chief of Police” and in 1900 his family resided here at this address. According to the census he was an Englishman, 45 years old, and a section foreman for the railroad. However, he had been a detective on the Salt Lake City Police force until 1898.  He had been appointed to the police force in 1890 and was made detective by 1893. 

 

Rhodes was acting Salt Lake Chief of Police in 1898 until he was one of nine policemen whom the new Police Chief Arthur Pratt discharged. Later the Utah Supreme Court ordered the men to receive back pay from May 1898 to November as that “Chief Pratt had no right to discharge these men.”

 

He moved to 123 South Fifth West in 1899 probably to be close to the railroad ,where he worked after he had been discharged from the police force. The 1901 city directory stated that Matthew Rhodes had moved to Tucker, Utah, now a ghost town located near the east end of the Spanish Fork River in Utah County, Utah, on U.S. Route 6. It was once an important loading point and construction camp on the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.

           

After a new Chief of Police replaced Arthur Pratt, Rhodes was on the force again as a detective, but he died of cancer in 1907 while having surgery in Indianapolis. “The funeral services of Matthew Rhodes, the detective, who devoted many years of his life to the protection of life and property in Salt Lake, will be held in the Masonic Temple after which his remains, of the city’s brave and faithful servant, will be interred in Mt. Olivet cemetery.”

 

“The members of the police force will also attend, in full uniform, Chief Roderick McKenzie having issued orders to that effect.”

 

121 South Fifth [Sixth] West

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map listed a combination of adobe and brick one-story dwelling at this address. It was attached to a carpenter shop and several wooden add on structures. Eleven feet to the north was another one-story adobe dwelling that was given the Address of 219 South on the same property. Both of these buildings were demolished to build the brick triplex with the address of 127, 125, and 123 South. The address of 121 South was by 1898 attached to a one-story wooden building with an attic. Just to the north an easement allowed access into the parcel to the north.

 

Frederick W. Becker “Architect”

            In 1889, Louisa Bussell the widow of James Bussell, sold five and half rods [90 feet and 9 inches] of the southwest portion of Lot Five for $600 to Annie Becker the wife of Frederick W. Becker, who lived at this address where his wife Annie who died in 1890.

 

He was an architect who advertised in 1889, “F.W. Becker, Architect. Office No 42 East First South. Plans and specifics prepared on short notice. Also evening school of architectural drawing, stair casing, and geometry.” 

 

“F.W. Becker, the architect, appeared before Commissioner Norrell yesterday, [1 April 1889] to answer a charge of embezzlement. A plea of not guilty was entered and the case was dismissed. 

 

In July 1890 Becker had a building permit issued to build a two-room addition to his residence at 121 “north” Fifth West for $400. 

 

After Annie Becker died in 1890 at the age of 60, Frederick W. Becker married a 33-year-old woman the following year. In 1891 this home was described as a “modest dwelling at 121 South Fifth West”. 

 

“On Saturday [January 3] evening soon after dark an intruder entered the house while Mr. Becker was milking his cow near the back door. Hearing a noise, Mr. Becker went into the house when he heard the prowler beat a retreat. Last evening [[January 5] again milking his cow, a burglar entered the front room and ransacked the drawers of the bureau scattering the contents on the floor. He was evidently searching for money as the only articles he took were two purses containing 30 cents. Two young ladies were in the adjoining rooms while the burglar was getting in his work but did not hear him. He had unlocked the front door though the key had been left crosswise in the keyhole insides. It was a bold crime considering the locality and time of day.” 

 

The Beckers moved by 1895 when the family of  Charles Swinger resided here for a period of time.

 

An article, regarding the one-story wooden building behind the brick triplexes, mentioned a fire in 1897. The city directory for that year listed a baker named John. J. Miller who works for the Mueller Brothers, “bakers and Confectioners” as boarding at this address.

 

“Mrs. J.W. Miller and her infant child living at 121 South Fifth West had a narrow escape from burning to death this morning. When she retired last night, she left a lamp burning in her bedroom. About 2 o’clock she was aroused from sleep by a fire in the room and had only time to grasp the child and fly from the house in her night clothing. It is supposed that the lamp exploded.”

 

“When the fire department reached the place in response to an alarm, the fire had made much progress. It was quickly extinguished but not before it had nearly ruined the contents of the room and damaged the dwelling considerably.”

 

“Mrs. Miller had $200 in bills in the mattress of the bed and the money was probably consumed. Her watch was recovered for her, but other valuable articles were destroyed. Chief Devine placed a man in charge of the room, and it is hoped that this sufficient remains of the money may be found to entitle Mrs. Miller its redemption. Mr. Miller is absent from the city. There was a small amount if insurance on the furniture.” 

 

The Pilgerrim Family

The Miller moved away, and by the 1899 city directory William Pilgerrim [1872-1906] was residing at this address, having moved form 135 South. He was a railroad train conductor. 

           

The 1900 federal census listed a 35-year-old married woman named “Tillie” Pilgerrim at 121 South, Fifth West. She was a native of Minnesota. William Pilgerrim was not enumerated as he had gone to Alaska with the Augustus R Carter’s Alaska Gold Mining Company.

 

“R.H. Nichols, William Pilgerrim, T. Bell, H.T. McDougall and Mr. and Mrs. J Buck constitute a party of Salt Lakers who will said for Cape Nome from Seattle on the 25th [May 1900] by the steamer Tacoma. The first four named left Salt Lake last night and Mr. and Mrs. Buck will leave this morning [May 16] The entire party goes out it is understood, with the assurance that if they care to, they can enter the employ of the Alaska Gold Mining Company formed during the winter by Messrs. Madden and Carter, and which is backed by some of the best-known mining men in town. 

 

Tillie Pilgerrim  stated she was married in 1891 which would have made her six years older than her husband. No children were listed.  He was a member of the Order of Railroad Conductors, who conducted his funeral when he died 1906 in Park City leaving an estate of $75 personal property and $1500 in real estate to his wife Matilda.  

 

William Barker was listed in the 1899 city directory as residing In the rear of 121 South Fifth West working as a porter [basic maintenance] at Samuel Bjorkelund’s barber shop. 

 

119 South and 117 South Fifth[Sixth]  West Duplex

In August 1890, the Salt Lake Tribune reported that the firm of Dallas and Hedge “have the plans for cottages to be built for Harry Evans in the Fifteen Ward.”  Harry Evans was a businessman who operated a grocery store, and these were built at the south half of his property. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a one-story brick duplex at this address. 

 

Emery C Allen “Railroad Conductor”

From 1895 to 1900 a railroad conductor named Emery C Allen, age 31 in 1900, lived at 119 South. Allen was from Iowa and was married with two young children. 

 

John McKeever “railroad Clerk”

Living adjacent at 117 South in 1900 was a man named John McKeever [1848-1910] who worked as a Railroad Clerk. See Chapter Seven Forgotten People John McKeever

 

115 South and 113 Fifth [Sixth] West

A one-story brick duplex identical to 119 and 117 South was located at these addresses according to the 1898 Sanborn Map. Grocer Harry F Evans owned the duplex.

 

            The 1892 city directory listed a Mrs. B David Barton residing at this address. She would have been Josephine Barton wife of David B Barton a saw maker.  He was however not listed until 1893.

 

The 1890 federal census of veterans listed a David B Barton living in Ogden Utah who had joined the Union Army in 1861 and had been captured at the battle of “Bull Run”. In the comments it was stated he had an abscess on his right side. Civil War records showed that he had enlisted in the 1st Regiment, US Sharpshooters (Regular Army), Company B where his rank was as a private. His alternative names were “D.B. Barton and “Edward D.B. Barton.”

           

The 1870 federal census of Pennsylvania showed that David Barton was a 26-year-old man married to Josephine Statzell residing with the family of his father-in-law George Statzell. David Barton’s occupation was given as a “saw maker” and that he born in Massachusetts. The couple were married in July 1869. A marriage record showed they were married on 4 July 1869 in the St John's Street Methodist Episcopal Church.

           

The city directory showed that a David B Barton, a “mill man” boarded at this address. The 1894 city directory listed him at this address as a “saw maker’.

 

A grown daughter in 1894 died while the family resided at this address “Barton- In this city, April 19,1891 [1894], at the residence of her parents, No. 115 South Fifth West Street, Miss Victoria V Barton aged 22 years 7 months and 10 days. Funeral Sunday April 22, at 1 p.m. from the first Methodist Episcopal church. Friends and acquaintances are respectfully invited to attend. Interment at Mount Olivet cemetery. She was the daughter of David and Josephine Barton.”

 

The Bartons are not listed in the 1896 Directory at all. By 197 the family had moved to 651  First South in 1899 they had moved again to Fourth South. David and Josephine are listed in the 1900 city directory as living at 50 West Fourth South. The 1900 federal census only listed Josephine Barton as a married woman residing at 50 West Fourth [Fifth] South Street living with a 57-year-old contractor and builder named Frank Lewis “boarder”.  David B. Barton is not enumerated at all. 

 

Josephine Barton died of cancer later in October 1900 and the death registry stated she had lived in Salt Lake City 6 years and was married. Her maiden name was Statzell, and she was a native of Pennsylvania. 

 

The 1901 City Directory stated that David B Barton had moved to Denver, Colorado.

 

Charles Edwin Ives

The 1900 federal census listed 34-year-old Charles Ives [1865-1937] residing here at 115 South with his wife and Irish mother-in-law. He was a railroad engineer and although married 8 years they had no children listed.  He was a native of Iowa. 

 

The 1894 city directory listed him as a “fireman” for the Rio Grande Railway rooming at 595 West second South which was the Albany Hotel. Charles Ives was married in Kansas City in 1894 to Maggie Hinchey. 

 

By 1896 he was listed as residing at 241 South Fourth [Fifth] West still a Fireman for the Rio Grande Western, also in 1897. . He was an engineer for the Rio Grande by 1898 when he was listed as residing at 115 South Fifth [Sixth] West. He was one of the pallbearer for John McKeever. He was still at this address in 1901.

 

He was involved in a crash of two passenger trains as an engineer with the Rio Grande Western. “Northbound passenger train No. 6 on the Rio Grande Western dashed into the Salt Lake Rout’s eastbound passenger train  No. 52 at 5:47 p.m. Yesterday [July 29] at the crossing on Ninth South and Sixth [Seventh] west. “Although the passenger coach into which the engine crashed was filled with men returning from work at the smelter near Garfield, no one was injured.”

 

“The Rio Grande engine was in charge of engineer Charles E. Ives and Fireman Raphael H. Cottrel. As soon as the engineer saw that the collision was coming, he reversed the brakes, this preventing the engine from tearing through the San Pedro train. The fireman jumped but the engineer stayed at his post until the train was brought to a full stop.” 

 

 “Engineer Ives of the Rio Grande Western did all je could possibly do to prevent the accident considering the conditions of his brakes.” 

 

The death of Charles Ives’ wife was announced in 1907. “Death of Mrs. Ives – Good Woman Mourned by Wide Circle of Friends. A telegram received from Los Angeles announces the death from heart trouble of Mrs. Margaret Ives, the wife of Charles E Ives, a well-known engineer on the Rio Grande Western Railroad, who resides at No 119 South Fifth West. Mrs. Ives was a most estimable woman, esteemed by all who had known her intimately, and the intelligence of her death will be sad news to a wide circle of friends.” 

 

Her obituary also stated she was 34 years old and had married in Kansas City in 1894 and two children who had died in infancy were buried in Salt Lake City. “The deceased was a member of St. Patrick’s parish. She was devoted, earnest Catholic, a truly good time of Christian womanhood. Her daily life was most edifying  and all who knew her will ever remember the real sweetness of her nature.” 

 

She was buried in the Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles California.

 

The 1910 federal census showed that Charles after the death of his wife was a lodger at 117 South Fifth West,  still working a locomotive engineer. Ives never remarried and was working for the railroad up to the time of his death, however later as a “fireman” out of Wendover, Utah. 

 

Ives was printed in 1937 which stated “Charles E. Ives, 72, fireman on the Deep Creek railroad, died at the home of J McGlachian here Wednesday [February 10]  at 11 a.m. The sheriff’s office reports that Mr. Ives was leaning over to put some coal in the stove and fell. Death was due to a heart attack, it was reported. Mr. Ives was born in Ireland and had been employed by the railroad for the last 15 years. There are no survivors.”  

 

 As that someone other than family gave information for the obituary there were errors as that he was born in Iowa and had worked for the railroad from at least the early 1890s. Charles Ives was buried in the Tooele City Cemetery.”

 

113 South Fifth West 

Frank A O’Shea

At 113 South Frank O’Shea, a conductor on Union Pacific Railway, lived here in 1895 but moved in 1896  to 3 Burton Court.

 

Maximilian Milton Tenesch [1870-1967] resided at this address in 1900 according to the 1900 federal census with his wife, his two young children and his brother, Thomas. Both he and his brother were both railroad engineers. They are not listed in the 1900 or 1901 city directory, however. 

 

111 South [Sixth] Fifth west

A wooden one-story building listed as a store was at this address according to the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. This was the location of Harry F Evans’ Grocery Store

 

The West End Grocery Store

In 1882 Harry F. Evans [1843-1914] leased from James Moyle a parcel of land on the west side of the north half of Lot five. He paid $60 annually for the property on which he built the West Side Grocery store at 111 South and his residence at 571 West First South.

 

105 South [Sixth] Fifth west and 571 West First South

Located at the northwest corner of Block 64, the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed large one-story adobe dwelling at this address. This was the same dwelling that was later renumbered as 571 West First South.

 

The 1883 city directory listed Harry Evans as having a general merchandise at 111South Fifth West residing at 105 South Fifth West.  The 1888 listed H.F Evan’s West End Store at 111 South Fifth Street and H.F. Evans as a storekeeper at 105 South Fifth West. The 1890 city directory listed “Henry F Evans  grocer residing at 105 South Fifth West. By 1893 the residence of Evans was renumbered as 571 West First South. See Chapter Seven Forgotten People.

 

563 West First South

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a one-story adobe brick duplex at this address with a connecting front porch. It was built on a parcel four rods by 10 rods owned by Henry Moore [1838-1889] a native of the Isle of Man. 

 

Henry Moore

Henry Moore bought the property from his brother-in law James Moyle in 1886. Moore and Moyle had married sisters, Christine Cannell Moore [1841-1902] and plural wife Margaret Cannell Moyle. 

 

Henry Moore died of “paralysis” of what is called a stroke today. He did not live here, as the family is listed as residing at 509 West First South on the corner of First South and Fourth [Fifth] West.

           

His probate stated that he had two properties in Block 64. Lot Five consisted of “Commencing at the northeast corner of Lot Five running South ten rods [165 fee] thence west four rods [66 feet] thence north ten rods, thence east  four to the beginning.” The property was appraised at $7000. His other parcel was in Lot Eight.

 

In 1892 his widow and heirs inherited this property. Christine Moore’s nephew James H Moyle was the administrator of the Henry Moore’s estate and had put up $18,000 as surety.” 

 

James R. Drennan

James R Drennen [1867-1930] Stonecutter was a Scot immigrant who married in 1891 in Denver, Colorado. Between the birth if a son in 1892 and a daughter in 1895 he moved his family to Salt Lake City. In 1895 he was secretary of the Salt Lake branch of the Stonecutter Union. The 1897 city directory listed him as residing at 563 West First South. He was living here still in 1898 but moved away by 1900. 

 

John Nelson

Two families were listed as living in this duplex according to the 1900 Federal census. John Nelson  was household 153 and Albert Miller  was household 154.

 

John Nelson was a 31-year-old Swede who immigrated as an eleven-year-old boy.  His occupation was given as Railroad Hostler. A hostler was employed in a stable to take care of horses. The family must have just recently moved to Utah as that all three of their children were born in Wyoming between 1894 and 1899.  The 1901 city directory listed John Nelson as a “fireman for the Rio Grande Western Railway line residing at this address. The family had moved way by 1902. 

 

Albert C. Miller

            Albert C Miller [1863-1945] was a 36-year-old Grocery merchant in 1900 and a native of Ohio but of German ancestry. He was married with a daughter who was born in Utah in 1895. 

 

The 1898 city directory listed him as partners in a store called Fikstad & Miller, residing at 563 West. He moved away from this address in 1901.  Miller was in partnership with Axel L Fikstad, and they had a grocery store at 502 West First South. 

 

Miller’s obituary stated that he was a founder of St. John’s Lutheran Church and had been a resident of Salt Lake City for 60 years when he died .” He came to Salt Lake City in 1885 and was employed with the street department.” He married Mary Bauchman in 1890 in Bellevue, Ohio and “returned to Utah where he opened  grocery business. He was later employed as a Salt Lake City engineering department foreman, a position he held for 33 years. He was an honorary deacon of the St. John’s Lutheran Church. employed by the city. 

 

Chapter Twenty-Three

Lot Six Block 64 Plat A

For most of the 1880s and 1890’s the owners of Lot Six did not reside on the property but were buying and selling it for an investment. The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map listed only one dwelling on the entire lot. It was a one-story adobe home listed as 545 West Second South.

 

 The Lot’s original grantee was a man named Daniel Ellsworth who in 1864 deeded the property over to Brigham Young as Trustee of the Mormon Church. The lot probably remained vacant until Brigham Young sold it to Benjamin  M. Harmon for $500

 

Benjamin Mathias Harmon however he held onto this property however until 1888 when he and his wife Ann Harmon sold all of Lot Six  to James  Glass for $5000.

 

James Glass [1845-1889] and his family came to Utah from Pennsylvania about 1879. In 1882 an article about Glass stated, “James B Glass Esq. has returned from a business trip to the East. He visited the Studebaker factories at South bend Indiana, where he ordered an immense stock to be forwarded to the branch house here, which he is in charge, Mr. Glass does a very large business in this and adjoining Territories and states.”

 

The 1883 city directory listed him as the manager of the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company residing at 230 West Second South. Studebakers was a carriage company.

 

In 1888 when the Salt Lake city council was debating of building a sewer line  Glass was among the many businessmen in favor of the construction “Mr. James B Glass represented $50,000 worth of property, all which wanted sewage.”

 

James Glass perhaps bought Lot Six as an investment as he had no intention of living there when he bought the property. Lot Six, according to the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance map, contained a single-story adobe dwelling with a wooden structure attached in the rear. The address was given as 545 West First South.

 

In January 1889 James B Glass went on a vacation to visit California where he died suddenly. “James B Glass, manager of the Studebaker branch, leaves for California today [January 5] for a pleasure trip, being the guest of his friend Mr. Henry Phipps, who spent a few days in the city last week visiting with Glass. After leaving here, Mr. Phipps and Professor Brashear viewed the total eclipse from Winnemucca, Nevada at which point some twenty astronomers were to assemble. “During the trip to the coast the gentlemen will visit Monterey, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, San Diego and several other places  of lesser note, consuming three weeks.” 

 

About three weeks after he left Salt Lake City news reached Utah that Glass had passed away. “Yesterday [30 January 1889] morning a dispatch came over the wires from Los Angeles stating that James B Glass of this city died at that place shortly after midnight. The death occurred at the home of W.H. Perry, an old friend who the deceased was visiting, but further than that no particulars could be obtained up to a late hour last night. Mr. Glass left Salt Lake on a visit to California on the 5th inst. And after spending a couple of weeks in San Francisco, he went to Los Angeles.  In the last letter he wrote to his wife he intimated that he was unwell, but she did not suspect that there was anything serious the matter with him, until Tuesday when she received a dispatch from him stating he was sick and asking her to go to him. Mrs. Glass took the first train to the west, but it was too late  and yesterday a dispatch was sent from here to her to Palisades with the sad news of her husband’s death.”

 

“James B Glass was born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania in 1847 and was there for only 42 years of age at the time of his death. He came to this city about ten years ago as manager of the local branch of the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company and held that position ever since.”

 

“ In business circles Mr. Glass has made scores of friends and his popularity is only equaled by his success. He was a thoroughly good citizen and one whom poor and rich alike will mourn. In the social world he was also a favorite, his kind disposition and gentlemanly address having made him a man worth knowing, one whose society was sought by all. In the great sorrow which has come to them Mrs. Glass and her family will have the deepest sympathy of all.”

 

“Mr. Glass was formerly a resident of Los Angeles, and it is possible that he will be buried there by the side of his father and sister, but this has not yet been decided upon.”

 

James Glass left his wife Louise a life insurance policy that paid out $13,464 ,besides his various property. She later left Utah and moved to Los Angeles but not before, as administrator of his estate in 1889 sold Lot Six to Frederick Mayol for $8200.

 

John Allcock

In all probabilities the property was rented out until it was sold in 1888. One such renter may have been John Allcock [1846-1913] . The 1880 federal census listed John Allcock as residing in household 135 next to Thomas James Brown who was enumerated as household 136. It is known that Brown resided in Lot Seven, so it is probable that Allcock was living in Lot Six. He was a 34-year-old machinist and native of England.  The 1879 city directory mentioned him as a machinist residing on the southeast corner First South and Fifth West. Later City directories showed he had moved away not long after this census was taken. The 1883 city directory listed him residing on Pear Street.

 

Frederick Mayol [1840-1913]

Frederick Mayol was a native of France who came to the United States before 1861 when he enlisted  in the 1st Regiment, Missouri Light Artillery of the Union Army on the 18th of  September 1861. After the war he went west to Colorado where he married  for the first time in 1869. He was married and divorced several times over his lifetime.

 

In the 1880 federal census,  he listed his occupation as “stock raiser and farmer” while living in Ouray, Colorado  where he became a naturalized citizen in 1882.

 

In 1889 Mayol bought Lot Six for $8200 which he held as an investment as that there’s no record of him ever residing there. He was mentioned as staying at the White House Hotel in December 1889. He went back and forth between Salt Lake City and Ouray, Colorado however the 1894 city directory listed Frederick Mayol as a “miner”, residing at 227 South West Temple and in that year he his wife Ida Mayol sold all of Lot Six  to T.T Kelley and his wife Nelly for $6000. As the nation was in an economic recession known as the Panic of 1893, the property may have lost some of its value. He died in 1913 at Reno Nevada. 

 

T. T. Kelley

T. T. Kelley and his wife are not found in any of the Salt Lake Directories and must not have been locals. They were most likely speculators as they did not own the property for long and records show that they turned around and sold Lot Six to Thomas H. Lee for $3600 on September 6 which was considerably less than what they paid for it.  Three years later Thomas Lee was killed in a tragic railroad accident. He never lived here but bought it for an investment after T.T. Kelley had moved to Oregon. 

 

Street Addresses for Lot Six Block 64 Plat A

545 West First South

Thomas H. Lee [1849-1897] was listed in the 1880 federal census as a 30 years old “railroad man” residing in Dallas, Texas.  He was a native of Indiana. His 19-year-old wife Mary “Adah” Coke Lee was a native of Texas. Her father had died during the Civil War.

 

Thomas Lee’s three children were all born in different States. Ruby  Lee was born 1881 in Texas, Howard Lee was born 1884 in Salt Lake City, and Thomas Lee Junior in 1888 in Colorado.  The Adah Coke Lee died young leaving her three children motherless and in the care of their maternal grandmother who continued to live with Thomas Lee and her grandchildren. 

 

His gruesome accidental death in 1897 was reported in Salt Lake Newspapers. “An Awful Death Roadmaster Lee of the Western Cut In two. Engine on which He was Riding was Derailed and He was Caught Beneath-Body Brought to Salt Lake.”  

“By a deplorable accident Sunday afternoon [July 18], General Roadmaster Thomas H. Lee of the Rio Grande Western met his death on that road. The sad occurrence has cast a gloom over the railroad fraternity generally for Tom Lee was undoubtedly one of the most popular men in the service. He was a man of great efficiency, and his loss will be a hard one to replace by the company, all the officials having implicit trust in the roadmaster.”  

“Deceased was a Mason and Knight Templar, and the funeral will be held this afternoon [July 20]  at 3 o’clock from the Masonic hall.”  

“Thomas H Lee was a widower, but he leaves a daughter and two younger boys. His wife’s mother and an aunt lived with him at his home 716 Fourth [Fifth] Street.”  

“Thomas H Lee was widely known throughout the west as a roadmaster on various lines. He was 48 years old on April 3^rd last and about thirty years he had served in Railroads. In 1870 he was roadmaster of the Kansas Pacific when W. H. Bancroft was trainmaster of the line.”  

“He was on the Denver & Rio Grande at Salida for years and came to the Rio Grande Western seven years ago.”  

“The details of the accident which resulted in his death are as follows: Train No 3, engineer Maxwell, was coming west on Sunday afternoon against a heavy wind and sandstorm. Lee was riding in the cab, as had been his habit. Five miles west of Green River the train ran into a drift of sand which instantly derailed the engine and it fell to the left, smashing the framework and burying Lee, who was on that side. The engine had to be picked up before the body could be recovered. It was seen that death must have been instantaneous for the body was bruised and mutilated in a terrible manner, the body being literally cut in two. Engineer Maxwell was hurt but not seriously, and he will be around again in a week. The fireman escaped without a scratch.”  

“The body of Mr. Lee was brought to the city yesterday morning early and taken to Evans undertaking rooms where it was prepared for funeral today. The internment will be in the Masonic vault at Mt. Olivet.  

“The funeral serviced over the remains of Thomas H. Lee, late general roadmaster of the Rio Grande Western Railway will be held in Masonic Hall at 3 p.m. Tuesday , July 20, [1897] under the auspices of the Utah commandery No. 1 Knights Templar, of which deceased was a member. All sir knights and friends invited to attend. Interment Mount Olivet.”  

Thomas Lee’s mother-in-law Mary D. Coke was appointed guardian of her orphaned grandchildren children and administratrix of Thomas H Lee’s estate.  In 1898 Mary Coke received money from the Rio Grande Western for the death of Thomas Lee.  “Judge Hiles has granted permission to Mary D Coke, administrator of the estate of Thomas H. Lee, deceased, to accept $5,000 from the Rio Grande Western Railway company in full for the death of Lee, who was kicked in an accident on the road. The accident occurred in Emery County on July 18, 1897.”   

The 1898 map showed that the property still had not been developed. It still had the adobe structure now with three additional wooden add on structures. The attached room to the side of the adobe building was one and a half stories but all the others were one story. There were no additional barns, sheds, or outhouses on the property and in 1898 the property did not contain an address.   

After the death of Thomas Lee his sons Howard W Lee [1885-?] and Thomas H. Lee  [1888-1912] had an undivided two-thirds of Lot Six in block 64 plat A, along with their sister Ruby Lee’s [1881-1951] one-third.  

When Ruby Lee  turned 21 [1902] she was appointed guardian of her younger brothers  and in 1908 sold all of lot Six to A.H. Burell and John M Evans who bought it as land agents for the Citizen Investment Company which was the name of Dora Bell Topham’s organization which was buying up property in Block 64 in order to build the Red-Light Stockade. 

 

Chapter Twenty-Four 

Lot Seven Block 64 Plat A

Thomas James Brown was one of the original grantees for the western half of Lot Seven while M.C and John M Moody had the other half. Amos C Duel had an partial interest in Lot Seven also. In 1872 John M. Moody sold to William Vaughn Morris his eastern half of the Lot Seven.  

The property of William V Morris was the east half of Lot 7 block 64 plat A and also included a portion of Lot eight, commencing  at the northeast corner of Lot Seven “running thence east one rod  thence south eight rods thence west 1 rod thence north 8 rods  to beginning. 

Thomas James Brown [1830-1905] was the son of Charles and Mary Arey Brown. He was also the brother of Mary E. Brown Jones the widow of Bishop Nathaniel V Jones.  Mary Arey Brown’s  first husband, Charles Brown, died in 1839 and she then married Loren Whiting Babbitt at Nauvoo, Illinois in 1846.  He later left the Utah church for the Restoration Church of Iowa.

 William Vaughn Morris [1821-1878] was a Welsh Mormon immigrant to Utah who was a noted interior designer and artist.  In 1867 he resided between Fourth [Fifth] and Fifth [Sixth] West. The 1870 census indicated that he had two wives Hannah [Annie]  and Nancy and had $2000 in real estate & $600 in personal property. He was household 121 next to Thomas J Brown.

 Street Addresses for Lot Seven  Block 64 Plat A

533 and 531 West First South

A one-story adobe dwelling was 80 feet to the east of the home at 545 West according to the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. By 1898 it had been replaced with a two-story brick duplex that was 34 feet wide. The duplex had the address of 533 West and 531 West and was a two-story wooden porch was at the back of the duplex. 

The 1894 city directory listed Augustus R Carter “mining” at this address. 

 

Norman W. MacLeod

Norman W. McLeod was a journalist who also was an editor of several small local papers over the course of several years, none of which seemed to be successful. He lived for a brief time at 533 West First South along with other family members.  See Norman McLeod in Chapter Seven Forgotten People

 531 West First South

This address was the east half of the duplex home. 1893 for rent Newly furnished rooms for rent 531 West First South next Carter’s Terrace  

Rev. Herman Hoffman

In 1899 a Lutheran Pastor named Rev. Herman Hoffman was minister to the German Lutheran Mission in the city. He was relieved  by a new pastor, named Rev. J Graebrner of St. Louis, son  of Prof. Graebner of Concordia Seminary St. Louis. The new pastor was only 22 years old, and the local pulpit is the first one he ever filled. Rev. Herman Hoffmann left for Milwaukee to “join his family where he will await another call. Hoffman has been an earnest worker.”

 

The 1900 Federal census  stated Rev. Hoffman he was boarding with the family of David Krauss Hoffman was born Jan 1840 in Germany and had emigrated to the United States in 1864 was a minister.

 David Krauss

The 1900 Federal census enumerated 62-year-old David Krauss [Cross] family at this address.  His wife Amelia was 49 years. They were also German emigrants having arrived in 1872. They were  a childless couple and had been married 23 years . He was a mining expert.  Both Knauss and the Hoffman men had moved away by 1901            

The 1905 city directory listed Augustus R Carter as “rooming” at 531 West First South.

 

CARTER TERRACE

Carter Terrace was street on which a series of ten brick connected one-story row houses were built for Augustus R Carter circa 1891. The entrance to Carter Terrace was from First South, west of 533 West First South. The homes were 14 feet wide by 34 feet in length with a brick partition between each residence. They all seemed to be identical 5 room homes.            

The city directories showed that many of the row houses were occupied by railroad men and their families however a list of all the public-school teachers within Salt Lake published in 1894 also showed that eight female schoolteachers also made Carter Terrace their home.  

1 Carter Terrace

Wilbur K. Perkins

The 1895-1896 city directory listed a druggist named Wilbur  K. Perkins [1854-1921] as a resident of  1 Carter Terrace. In 1897 his wife Mrs. Rebecca Perkins, a music teacher resided there. In 1897 an auction of “a lot of desirable carpets and rugs, bedroom set, folding bed, center tables, gas rage, in perfect order, heating stoves, bentwood and fancy rockers, parlor desk, 8-foot dining table, several good trunks, beds and bedding lot homemade preserves, crockery and glassware” was held at this address.  

Vernon Smith Hardy

The 1900 federal census enumerated 27-year-old Vernon S Hardy [1873- 1957] as renting this residence. Living with him was his 30-year-old brother Ernest Hardy and their widowed mother 69-year-old Mary A Hardy, the mother of six children but only the two sons were still alive in 1900.  She was the widow of John T Hardy. The mother was from England and emigrated in 1859 while her two sons were born in Utah. Vernon was a traveling salesman while Ernest was a  “laborer at mines.             

Vernon Hardy had worked as an agent for the Salt Aire resort on the Great Salt Like. In May 1897, “the Salt Aire management, through its excursion agent, Vernon Hardy, has completed some excursion contracts for the coming season.”   

“ Vernon Hardy the popular Salt Air representative, returned last night [July 5] from Denver where he has been securing attractions for the famous resort.” 

In October 1897 he was called as  witness in the sensation seduction trial of  Thomas Kearns who was accused of seducing Eula Wray and being blackmailed by William A. Hobbs. Hardy was called to testify regarding his knowledge of train schedules  for Salt Air and the Garfield Beach. He said he was in the employ of the Salt Lake and Los Angeles Railway Company at the time of his testimony.            

In  1898 both Vernon and Ernest Hardy worked for the Intermountain Salt Company and in 1901-1902 Vernon S Hardy was a travel agent for the Inland Crystal Salt Company residing with his mother at No. 1 Carter Terrace. The 1903 city directory still listed the widow Mary Hardy at this address, but her son Vernon had moved to Portland Oregon. By 1904 Mary Hardy had moved away also.  

2 Carter Terrace

Frank N Porter and Emma Porter

In 1893 Mrs. Hattie Mock was hired as  a schoolteacher in the Fourteenth School. In 1894 she gave her address as No 2 Carter Terrace. The 1894 city directory also listed Mrs. Hattie Mock as a Fourth-Grade school teacher  at the Fourteenth School which was located on Second [Third] West between First and second South.  

Also at this same address was Emma E Porter, wife of Frank N Porter [1872-1895]. She who was a Franklin school teacher, teaching “beginners” or what we would call Kindergarten today. Franklin School was on the corner of Second South and Seventh [Eight] West. Mrs. Mock and Mrs. Porter may have been sisters in law.  

 Frank and Emma Porter were married in 1890 but she died in 1894 a few days after giving birth. Her funeral was held at this residence in November 1894.   

In 1895, nearly six months after the death of his wife, Frank N. Porter “a brakeman in the employ of the Rio Grande Western, lost his life at Bingham Junction at 2 o’clock yesterday [May 15] morning while engaged in making up a train.”   

“Porter was coupling cars when his foot caught in a frog and being unable to release it, he was thrown to the ground, and sixteen cars passed over him. The cars ran lengthwise of the body, which was mangled beyond description. The remains of the unfortunate man were brought to this city and taken to the undertaking rooms of Joseph William Taylor, who will conduct the funeral.”  

Porter was a young man of about 35 years and lost his wife some time last year. She left a little baby in his care, which is now a double orphan. His mother resides in the city and is prostrated over the accident.”

 

The funeral will be conducted today at the late home No. 2 Carter Terrace on West First South Street. Enterprise Lodge I.O.O. F will have charge of the ceremony. The deceased was a member of the order in Butler, Indiana, his former home. The remains will be interred at Mt. Olivet. The inquest resulted in a verdict in accordance with the above facts.”  

Arries Brothers

Mansfield H Arries [1859-1902] and his brother William A Arries [1867-1940] lived at this address after the Porters resided here in 1898. Mansfield Arries was a conductor for the Rio Grande Western Railway and his brother a brakeman for the Rio Grande Western Railway.  Mansfield Arries was a married man with infants in the home at the time. They had moved away by 1899.  

The Hardy Family

1899 The Vernon S Hardy family resided in this cottage in 1899 before moving to No 1 .  

William F Lucus

The 1900 federal census listed 35-year-old William F Lucus as residing here with his 25-year-old wife Mary and a six-year-old daughter who was born in Idaho. He was a “saddler” by trade.  This family had moved away by 1901 to British Columbia, Canada. 

3 Carter Terrace

William F Seibert

The 1900 federal census enumerated 39-year-old William F Seibert [1858-1943] and his wife Frances as a childless couple living at this address. Neither of them were native to Utah. He was a foreman in “Produce” according to the census and in 1901 they had moved next door to No. 4 Carter Terrace where the city directory noted he worked as a shipping clerk for Wood Grocer and Produce Company.  His obituary stated “during earlier years was a produce salesman. He had left Utah for a while but returned by 1935.  

His wife Frances Seibert died in 1924 and her obituary stated she had been a resident of Salt Lake City for 32 years. She was buried in Illinois, however. William Siebert’s obituary stated his body was to be shipped back to Illinois for burial, but his family must have changed their mind as he was buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake. 

4 Carter Terrace

Clara Shaw

This address was advertised in 1893 as a “5 room House, Hot and Cold water, bath, closet and range. Apply at No. 4 Carter Terrace 533 West First south. In 1893 Clara Shaw  [1873-1897] was a 2nd grade schoolteacher in the Thirteen School located at Second South between State and Second East.  When the names and addresses of all public-School teachers were published by the Salt Lake Herald in January 1894,  Clara Shaw was listed as a second and third grade teacher at the Thirteen School She was also listed as living at 4 Carter Terrace, West First South.  In 1894 she was also the assistant principal at the same school with a salary of $570.   

The 1880 federal census enumerating Clara Shaw her as residing in Scipio, Millard County, Utah with her mother who was a doctor. The family was from Massachusetts where the youngest sister was born in 1876.  

Clara Shaw had moved away from this address by 1895 and had married Henry Arthur  Schweikhart in February 1897. He was a partner in a Hardware Store in Salt Lake City. She died at Long Beach, California in  March 1897 probably on her honeymoon. Her Salt Lake obituary stated “Mrs. Schweikhart was formerly a teacher in the city schools. She was buried in Long Beach.  

5 Carter Terrace

J. B. Hutchinson

In September 1895 J. B. Hutchinson of Price  Utah, age 33, years died at No. 5 Carter’s Terrace. He had been the postmaster at Price, Carbon County, Utah.   

6 Carter Terrace

Frank Holzheimer

In 1893 Franklin  Hiram Holzheimer [1867-1944], “a well-known young man”, resided at this address. He had been nominated for city council in the Second Precinct on the Liberal ticket and came within forty-one votes of being elected. He had been the claims agent for the Rio Grande Western Railroad but left to become a lawyer at a college in Ann Arbor Michigan .  

His mother-in-law Mrs. E. [Emma] Meade, who died at the age of 53 in February 1893, had her funeral held “from the residence of her daughter Mrs. F.H. [Ellen M. “Nellie Meade] Holzheimer, No. 6 Carter Terrace, First South between Fourth [Fifth] and Fifth [Sixth] West at 2 p.m. Feb 11. in the home.”  The 1894 city directory stated  Holzheimer “moved to New York City.”   

Martin Luther  Bernhisel

The 1894 city directory listed “M  Bernhisel, Drugs Toilet Articles and Cigars at 235 West Second South and residing at 6 Carter Terrace.  Martin L Bernhisel [1860-1913] was the son of Utah Territorial Congressman, physician, and polygamist John M. Bernhisel. His father also served as a regent of the University of Utah, until his death at age 82.            

Martin Bernhisel’s wife Jane Richardson was 8 years older than him, and she was the widow of James Irvine when she married Bernhisel in 1886.   

In 1896 Jane Bernhisel, while living at Carter Terrace, was helping a 16-year-old girl named Fannie Perkins, “who ran away from an abusive stepmother.” Fannie Perkins “was staying with Jane Bernhisel when the girl was arrested and brought to court for being “incorrigible”. Her stepmother claimed that she had the habit of staying out late at night and would not remain at home and her conduct was “very unladylike”. Fannie Perkins claimed that her stepmother was “doing all in her power to send me to reform school” and that she had done nothing wrong.   

It appeared that Martin and Jane Bernhisel separated but never divorced by 1900. Jane Bernhisel was living in the Avenues while he had moved to Sandy, Utah. She died in 1912 of pneumonia while Martin Bernhisel died in 1913 of an “accidental overdose of Chloroform.  

 “Martin L Bernhisel, veteran druggist, died at 3 o’clock this afternoon [July 12] in his store of an overdose of chloroform. During a disordered condition of the nerves Mr. Bernhisel is said to have inhaled chloroform through a sponge, a habit he is said to have pursued for many years.”  

“Van Mitchell, a clerk, was in the store when Bernhisel died. He saw the druggist pour chloroform on a sponge and press it against his nostrils. He inhaled deeply and suddenly appeared to fall asleep in a chair. Soon his arms fell to his sides and the head tilted forward, the chin resting on the breast. The clerk became alarmed and called physicians.”   

“Any theory that Bernhisel committed suicide, physicians who knew him regard with little interest, having known he was addicted to the chloroform habit. After an investigation, in which it was found the heart had been affected by an overdose of chloroform, the body was removed to the Sandy mortuary of Undertaker S. M. Taylor.”  

“Martin L Bernhisel was born in Salt Lake September 19, 1860, the son of Dr. John M Bernhisel, one of the first physicians to settle in Salt Lake Valley.  Upon finishing his education in the schools of Salt Lake, Mr. Bernhisel entered the Godbe-Pitt apothecary store where he learned the druggist’s profession. He opened a drug store at Sandy more than a dozen years ago.”  

The family left this address by 1897 when an auction was held of  “ 3 ply carpets and rugs, parlor set, rockers, bedroom sets, elegant 6-hole steel range with reservoir in perfect order, extension table, fine glass door, kitchen cupboard, dining chairs, refrigerator, bookcase, folding bed, lot fruit jars etc.”  

James Renwick Osborne

The 1899 City Directory listed James Renwick Osborn [1868-1951] as a timekeeper  in the superintendent’s office of the Oregon Short Line Railroad and   residing at 6 Carter Terrace.  Linea Vera Sathman Osborne,  his Norwegian wife was a member  of the Lutheran church and resided here in 1898  The couple  were married in 1897  but  had moved away from this address by 1900.  

Andrew Joseph Cronin

The 1900 federal census listed Andrew J Cronin and his wife Libby Sullivan  Cronin  residing here. The couple moved away in 1902. See 546 West Third South Duplex on Block 63 for more on Andrew Joseph Cronin. See The Cronin Family  

7 Carter Terrace

Albert Earl Coonrod

In 1893 A.E. Coonrod [1851-1922] and his wife Blanche Elizabeth Burleigh Coonrod lived at this address. Their infant daughter Hazel died of pneumonia only 26 days old in February 1892 at this address indicating the houses were being occupied by that year.   

The 1899 City Directory had Albert E. Coonrod still residing at this address as a conductor for the Oregon Short Line. The couple separated about 1899,  and Albert Earl Coonrod moved to Montana, while his wife and three other daughters remained in Salt Lake. By 1900 Coonrod had relocated to Great Falls, Montana where he was still a conductor. His wife and three daughters were in Salt Lake City living with her parents in the Avenues.            

Albert Coonrod remained in Montana for the rest of his life, while his wife and daughters moved to Alameda California. His obituary stated “When Coonrod first came west he was a miner at Leadville, Colo. He has served as passenger and freight train conductor, his experience being on the Great Northern, Oregon Short Line and Denver & Rio Grande. In his earlier years Coonrod served an enlistment period in the regular army and was stationed in Utah. Coonrod's death was undoubtedly due to heart failure.”  

In 1899, after the Coonrods vacated the home, an  auction at this address listed “very nearly new furniture etc. carpets and rugs, wicker and other rockers good matting iron bed and springs, mattresses fine center table, extra dressers and commodes, music stand, dining table and chairs, fine China, steel range cooking utensils.”  

Albert Lucien Rivers

Albert L Rivers [1840-1919] and his wife Martha Myers Rivers resided at this address according to the 1900 federal census. He was a 61-year-old “print merchant from Massachusetts . His 27-year-old married son George A Rivers and his wife Minnie Jones also lived within the residence. George and Minnie were newlyweds. George Rivers was  a United States postal clerk. Both father and son had moved away by 1901. In 1900 another auction at this location sold the “content of 5 room well-furnished house including Home Comfort range.” 

 8 Carter terrace

Winthrop Chenery Buck

Winthrop C Buck [1856-1930] was a brakeman and conductor for Union Pacific while he resided  at this location from 1894 until 1900. He was injured in 1898 in a train accident.  

“Last Saturday [14 May 1898] afternoon, while the freight crew of the Short Line was switching at Ironton, the engine derailed, the wheels on one side sinking into the earth, and the engine turning over on its side. Conductor W.C Buck was on the engine with the engineer and fireman and as the engine left the track, he jumped off in so doing broke his left leg in several places below the knee.”   

“Evidently, he did not realize for a moment he was hurt and jumped up and tried to walk thus forcing the splintered bones into the flesh. The regular passenger train at Silver City was signaled and went to the rescue, bringing the injured man to Eureka, where Dr. field dressed the wounds temporarily and accompanied the unfortunate man to Salt Lake where was taken to the hospital. It was then found that t would be necessary to amputate the leg just below  the knee and the operation was performed by Drs. Pinkerton and Field.”  

Winthrop Buck  loss of a leg did not prevent him and his wife from going to Alaska with Augustus R Carter’s goldmine operation. In May 1900, “Mr. and Mrs. W.C Buck members of the Utah-Alaska Mining Company left for Seattle yesterday [16 May] from whence they will sail for Cape Nome on the 25^th.  

An article from August 1900 mentioned the Bucks in Alaska. “Mr. Buck has had considerable trouble with his gasoline engine, but has finally made a trail run, and the cleanup is in the hands of expert Snell. Mr. Buck has a large sized Mitchell rocker. Mrs. Buck and Miss Fletcher, hidden under long rubber coats and over high rubber boots were interesting examples of what helpless creatures women become when they go gold crazy. They rocked the rocker with the same ease and grace that they would a baby cradle, but no tender voice chanted even a note of the lullaby. 

 After Augustus R Carter left Alaska the management of the company in Nome was turned over temporarily to Prince Albert Snell, a “mining expert”,  “who will return to the states with W.C Buck and wife, and probably R.H. Nicholls of Murray  about Oct 1.”   

The 1901 city directory stated he moved away to Seattle Washington but returned before 1908 when the City directory stated he lived at the Wilson Hotel in Salt Lake City as a miner.  is wife was living in San Francisco in 1910. He died as an indigent in the county infirmary and his body given to the University of Utah.  

James S Barr

The 1900 federal census enumerated 35-year-old James S Barr  was a traveling salesman recently married to 17-year-old Myrtle Hoster. His married sister-in-law Angie Hoster  lived with them. The family moved away by 1901.  

9 Carter Terrace

In 1897  An auction with a lot of desirable household goods was sold at this address. “Moquet and Brussels carpets and rugs, upholstered couch and rockers, very nice oak and cherry center tables, dining table and chairs, fine refrigerator, elegant oak bedroom set , springs and mattresses, heating stove, crockery and glassware, Goods are nice and clean.”   

William W Sanders

The 1900 Federal census listed the family of William W. Sanders  at this address. He was a 44-year-old “dairyman” by occupation. He and his wife were born outside of Utah, but all their three children were  born in Utah starting in 1888. The 1901 city directory listed him as president of the Keystone Dairy and Creamery and had moved away from this address.   

10 Carter Terrace

Celia and Lou Murphy

Celia and Lou Murphy were public school teachers who lived at this address at one time. Their relationship to one another is unknown and more is known about Lou than Celia.  

The 1894 city directory listed Celia as Celia Irene Murphy and listed Lou Murphy as a teacher at the Franklin School. A publication of the names of public-school teachers in 1894  showed Celia Murphy as third grade schoolteacher at Wasatch School located on the corner of South Temple and R Street. She lived with Lou Murphy also a third grade School teacher at Jackson School located between First North between Sixth [Seventh] and Seventh [Eight] West.   

In 1895, “Miss  Celia Murphy, for some time connected with the schools of this city, has been tendered a lucrative position in Chicago, and will leave for that city in the summer vacation.” She must not have accepted the position as she was back at the Wasatch School in the fall of 1896 making a salary of  $573 a year.  

The 1898 city directory still listed Celia Murphy as a teacher “boarding’ at 10 Carter Terrace although by that date ,“Lou Murphy had moved out.  By 1899 Celia Murphy was also gone.  

 In 1892 “Miss Lou Murphy” had been assigned to Fourteenth school at a salary of $60 per month. The committee that recommended her for the position hired for the third and fourth grades.  The 1893 city director listed Lou Murphy as a teacher in the 14^th School and boarding at 349 West North Temple.  

Newspapers commented more on Lou Murphy than Celia often reporting on where she was spending her summer vacations like in Portland or in Denver, which was referred to as her hometown. She left Salt Lake City schools and moved to Eureka, Utah where she taught well into the Twentieth Century. An article mentioned in  1897, “ Miss Lou Murphy of this city [Salt Lake] is teaching in the schools of Eureka and is having a successful term.”  

Another mention stated in 1898 “Miss Lou Murphy who has taught in Eureka during the past week is visiting friends. She will spend her vacation at her home in Denver. 

 

Martin Siegel

The 1900 federal census enumerated 32-year-old Martin Siegel’s family as residing  here. He was a German emigrant having come in 1890 and worked as a Railroad Machinist. He and his wife both emigrated  from Germany in 1890 having first settled in North Dakota where their six children were born, however only 3 were still alive in 1900. The youngest was born in 1895 so the family came to Utah after that time. The family had moved out of Salt Lake City by 1901.                                           

                                           523 West First South

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a one-story adobe dwelling with a wraparound wooden porch, bounding the front and east side of the house.  Twenty-one feet behind this home of the same parcel was a two-story adobe dwelling with an outside stair most likely the home of Mr. Nancy Cook Morris.   

Charles F. Swinger

The family of Charles Swinger [1860-1925] lived at this address in 1892 and 1893. He was a German emigrant who worked as a Conductor for the Rio Grande Western Railroad.  In 1892 his daughter suffered an accident at the hands of an older sibling.  

One account from the Salt Lake Herald stated the sibling was her sister and another from the Salt Tribune said it was her brother. The 1900 federal census indicates that the children involved were John Swinger, who was 9 years old in ,1892. and May Swinger who was about 6 years old in 1892.  

“Two Fingers Chopped Off. Bad accident to an Eight-Year-Old Child Last Night [4 November 1892] Last evening two little girls of Charles Swinger, who lives on West First Street went out to chop some kindling. The older one raised the axe, and as she did so, the younger one stooped down to pick up a stick. As the she did so the axe descended, barely missing the little one’s head, and severing two fingers. Amputation was found to be necessary, and Dr. Parkinson attended to the injuries.”   

“A painful accident and one which will disfigure the unfortunate victim of life, befell the little daughter of Mr. Swinger, who resides at 523 West First Street, last evening. She was holding the block for her little brother to chop kindling on and slipped her hand under the hatchet as it descended. Two fingers were cut off and a third hangs only by a thread.” 

The family moved to 121 South Fifth [Sixth] West by 1894 and lived there until 1897.

 A Chinese Laundry man named Wah Lee was in court in September 1894 charged with assaulting Willie Swinger who with other youths had been throwing rocks at his house. William Swinger was nearly 13-year-old at the time. The Charles Swinger family were living at 125 South Fifth [Sixth] West in block 64 at the time.  

 The family was not listed in the city directory for that year and 1898. They returned in 1899 and were listed at 125 South Fifth [Sixth] West where the family was enumerated in the 1900 federal census. this family had moved to 125 South Fifth [Sixth West]. After 1901 the family moved away and were by 1910 in Baker, Oregon.  

Charles Swinger was the brother-in-law of David Eccles, the banker and businessman of Ogden, founder of the Eccles fortune.   

Mrs. Nancy Cook Morris

            The widow of William Vaughn Morris, Nancy Morris [1833-1909]  was a native of England, aged 64 years old in 1900 living with her 27-year-old son Eli E Morris [1873-1940] who was a sign painter. Nancy Cook Morris was the plural wife of William Vaughn Morris [1821-1878] whom she married in April 1862. She was the mother of three daughters Hannah Barbara "Annie" Morris, Catherine V Morris, Agnes C Morris and only one son Eli Elias Morris.

            The 1901 city directory listed her as boarding at this address residing with her son Eli Morris, painter. By 1905 she moved away from this residence to 814 West First South street, where she at the age of 76. Her funeral was held in the Fifteenth ward meetinghouse.   

Eli Elias Morris

Eli Elias Morris[18973-1940] resided at 523 West with his mother until 1904 and worked for Charles Peterson’s sign company. Eli E. Morris never married and after his mother’s death moved to Ogden and made his residence there in various hotels in the city. In 1917  he was hired  by the Redfield-King “originators, designers, and builders of high-grade Electric Sign Displays. They announced ”Eli Morris Well know Utah Sign Painter and Artist has been added to our staff.”   

His obituary stated his residence was the Savoy Apartments on Twenty-Five Street and was a “sign painter and decorator. A member of Morris-Gibby sign company and a member of the sign painters’ union. Lionel Gibby.  

“Eli Morris - OGDEN - Eli Morris, 67, of 324 Twenty-fifth street, Ogden sign painter and decorator, died early Thursday in an Ogden hospital following a paralytic stroke. Mr. Morris was a native of Ogden. He had been a member of Morris-Gibby sign company for a number of years and was a member of the sign painters' union.”   

He was the fourth child and only son born to William Vaughan Morris and Nancy Cook.  

Daniel Parker

The 1900 Federal Census enumerated two heads of households at this address. One was Nancy Morris the widow of William Vaughn Morris and the other was the family of her son-in-law Daniel Parker.  

In 1899, a “defective flue caused the fire department a run to 523 West First South  in a cottage owned by W. V Morris and occupied by Dan Porter. The loss was nominal.”            

Daniel Parker [1866-1932] was enumerated as the 161^st head of household visited in the Second Precinct of the 1900 federal census. He was 34 years old and a native of Utah as was his wife Hannah Barbara “Annie” Morris Parker [1866-1931]. They had six children within their household between the ages of 11 and a two-month-old  newborn. Eventually they had two more children. He listed his occupation as a “day laborer”  and was renting his home from Nancy Morris who was listed as owning the residence.            

 The 1901 city directory listed Daniel Parker as a foreman for the Street Department still residing at this address.  By 1903 he was listed as a deputy inspector. By 1904 the family had moved away to 751 South Eight [Ninth] West.  

Daniel Parker and his wife Annie died a year apart from each other in 1931 and 1932. “ Mrs. Annie Morris Parker, 64, a native of Salt Lake and an active Church worker, died Friday evening [20 March 1931] at 751 South Eighth [West]. She was the wife of Daniel Parker, a veteran streetcar motorman. Mrs. Parker was born in Salt Lake, April 16, 1866, a daughter of William V. and Mandy [should be Nancy] Cook Morris and has resided here since. She married Mr. Parker Oct. 26, 1887, in the Logan Temple. The couple have resided in the Twenty-sixth Ward for the past 28 years, where Mrs. Parker had been active in Relief Society work.”  

“Funeral services for Daniel Parker, 65, of 851 Arapahoe Street, for the last 26 years a streetcar operator for the Utah Light and Traction company, will be conducted Thursday at 2 p.m. from the L.D.S. Twenty-sixth ward chapel. Burial will take place in the City cemetery. Mr. Parker was born in Salt Lake, March 3, 1866, a son of Joshua and Drucilla Hartley Parker, Utah hand cart pioneers. His first wife, Mrs. Annie Morris Parker, died March 20, 1931. He was a member of the high priests' quorum of the Twenty-sixth ward.” 

521 West First South

Godfried Fencher

Godfried Fencher was listed as living at this address in 1895 according to a roster of Republican voters however he’s not found in any city directories.   

William Peake

William Peake was residing in Ogden in 1895 as a boilermaker. The 1899 city directory listed him as residing at No. 6 Denver Court in Block 63 however an article form July  1899 stated he lived at 521 West First South.  

“Held Up for a dollar. William Peake’s Experience Last Night. Met a Tall Slim man at 11 o’clock Last night [July 22] , who knocked Him Unconscious. William Peake a boiler maker who lives at 521 West First South Street was on his way to call on a friend at 10 o’clock last night, when he was held up near Pioneer Square by a tall, slim man. Peake when commanded to throw up his hands, commenced to fight, when he was dealt a severe blow on the nose, badly lacerating that member, and stunning him for a short time. When he recovered, he found himself minus a dollar. He made his way to police headquarters where he reported the occurrence, dressed his proboscis, and left for home.”  

 By 1900 Peake had moved to the rear of 229 South Fourth [Fifth] West and was a “helper” on the Rio Grande Western.  

Michael Foster

The 1900 federal Census listed three households at this address, that of Michael Foster, James King, and George A Langston consisting of thirteen people.

Michael Foster [1844-1913] was a 56-year-old day laborer from England, married  for 36 years toa woman named Hannah,  both who emigrated from England in 1884.  They were the parents of ten children however in 1900 only 2 were still living. Their 21-year-old married son, John M Foster and their daughter in law Mary C Foster and infant grandson also resided in the residence. By 1901 both Michael Foster and his son had moved away from this address. The 1901 city directory listed Michael Foster as a harness cleaner for the Salt Lake Livery and Transportation Company. 

Two roomers were included within the Foster’s home. They were twenty-year-old James King and 12-year-old Fanny E. King. Both  John M Foster and James King gave their occupations as “day laborers” and Utah natives. James King had moved from Salt Lake City by 1901

George A. Langston

George A Langston was a 35-year-old married man and a native of Georgia. His wife Lillian was a native of Utah and mother of three children under the age of three year. His widowed 55-year-old mother Levina J. Langston as lived with the home. He was a “coach painter” by occupation. The 1901 city directory Langston  still at 521 West First South working as a painter for the Rio Grande  Western railway. His mother had died 10 November 1900 age 55. Alfred Langston, probably a brother, was also a painter and resided in the rear of 521 West First South

 An article in from 1898 mentioned his father, “elder George S. Langston, member of the Sixth ward, this city, departed this life last evening [February 7] after a month’s illness from Pleuritic troubles. Elder Langston was a native of Augusta, Georgia, where he joined the Church in August 1888, emigrating to Utah with his family the following March. He served in the Confederate Army for four years, being one of Longstreet’s corps under the command of Gen. Lee. He was born December 8, 1847 and was therefore 50 years and 2 months old at the time of his demise. Elder Langston leaves a wife and son to morn his departure.” 

 George A Langston in 1902 “left last evening [June 12] for the Southern States, where he will perform  mission for the next few years. A large number if his friends were at the depot to bid him goodbye and Godspeed.” When the family shows back in city directors in 1905, they were living on Cottage Court near Sixth South and Fourth East.  

 Chapter Twenty-Five

Lot Eight Block 64 Plat A

In 1876 Osmyn M Duel, the originally pioneer owner of the one and a half acres of Lot Eight, having permanently moved to Centerville in Davis County, sold to another Mormon pioneer William J Lloyd [1823-1903]  all of lot 8 for $6,050.

  Osmyn Deuel built for his new young wife Sarah Tonks a nice two-story adobe home on the northern portion of Lot Eight. She divorced him and married William Thacker were married in 1875.

 In 1880 after buying Lot Eight from William Lloyd, the Thackers split the lot into two parcels selling  about  6 [99 feet] rods in the south half of the south half of Lot Eight to Dr. Dr. Morell L Davis for $300. They sold to Henry Moore for $1800 property commencing at the northeast corner of Lot Eight south 14 [231 feet] rods and west 10 [165 feet] rods.

 Dr. Morrell L Davis [1824-1882] was a physician living in the Seventh Ward. He did not own the property long as he died in 1882.  “Sudden Death. At 1:30 o’clock this morning [August 3] Dr. M.L Davis died suddenly at his residence on Third South Street, heart trouble being the supposed cause of his demise. A consultation of physicians will be held today when all the particular will be leaned.” “leading physicians of  the city called and  examined him during the Day, and all pronounced his disease to be rheumatism of the heart.”

 Henry Moore in 1881 sold to Elias Morris [1825-1898] who was administrator of the estate of  his brother William Vaughn Morris, a one rod [16.5 feet] parcel in Lot Eight adjoining Lot Seven for $150.  Elias Morris was a polygamist having two wives.

Henry Moore in 1881 also sold to Thomas Conway Morris, the son of William Vaughn Morris property “commencing 1 rod [16.5 feet] from the northwest corner of lot eight. south 8 ½ rods [145 feet 3 inches] and west 3 rods [ 49 feet 3 inches] back to the beginnings and to Thomas P Lewis  a parcel 182 feet from the northeast former of the lot of 3 rods” for bought  for $400.

Later in 1885  Thomas C Morris sold to his half-brother William C Morris,  [1844-1889]  the property purchased from Henry Moore that  measured 8 ½ Rods by 3 rods for $1400.  

 William C Morris died in 1889. ““A Dispatch from C.F Wilcox to Mr. H. P Richards, of this city, received last evening [2 Jan 1889], conveyed the intelligence that W.C. Morris was lying very ill in New York, the result of asphyxiation by gas, and that everything possible was being done for him. These were the details received up to a late hour last night. Mr. Morris left here on the 24^th of December with the intention of studying art in New York. The many friends of the gentleman will await with considerable anxiety the receipts of further particulars, which have been telegraphed for.”

 “The following dispatch was received by Mr. Richards yesterday [4 January 1889] concerning the condition of Mr. W.C. Morris: “William is still alive. Condition unchanged. Don’t lose hope. We have not. At 5:46 however, the following reached Mrs. Morris: “William is still alive but slowly sinking. There is very little hope.” This will be sad news to the many friends of the young artist, but they will be loath to give up hope until the end has been reached.”

 “Death of W.C. Morris. The Sad Fate of a Salt Laker in New York. The Herald has kept its readers posted as to the condition of W.C. Morris, of this city, who was asphyxiated in New York City on Tuesday evening last. Details, however, have been very meager, and with the idea of obtaining more definite information, Mr. Wilcox, who was with Mr. Morris during his illness, was wired to forward full particulars. Up to a late hour last evening, however, no word had been received from him. The latest dispatch received in this city early yesterday morning [January 5] , to the effect that “Billy”, as he was most commonly called, had passed away about 4:30.”

 “Although not unexpected, as it was foreshadowed in dispatches received the day before, the announcement of his death will be received with the genuine mourning among all who were acquainted with the deceased and his friends throughout the territory were numerous. As the news of his death spread throughout the city yesterday, there was but one sentiment- and that was regret that a bright life should have been brought to so strange and sudden end, and sympathy for his wife and children.”

 “Of his abilities in his profession little is need to be said; he has left behind him evidences of his genius and skill. But his ambition was yet unsatisfied, and it was with the intention of still further perfecting himself in his art that he went east, where he proposed to study for several months.”

 ‘He left full of confidence that when he returned, he would have overcome such obstacles as he saw in his path, and thus be enabled to press on to the goal of his desire-the head of his profession in Utah. The sorrow stricken family and other relatives have the sympathy of the entire community, and our readers will join with us in saying that an honorable conscientious, upright man, a true and sympathetic friend, a loving father, and husband has gone to meet such rewards as are in store for such. The deceased was 44 years of age and leaves a wife and seven children. The body of the deceased will probably leave New York today and will doubtless reach here by Friday.”

 “On Saturday last Bro. W.C Morris died in New York from gas poisoning. He had left the gas  turned on and when discovered he was unconscious. Hon. J. R. Young and other friends did all they could for him. He lingered for several days but never gained consciousness. Bro. Morris was well known in Manti having superintended the artistic painting in the Temple, a work which will long remain as a sample of his artistic taste. He was in New York to study Portrait painting. We regret the loss of so valuable a man.” 

 Street Addresses for Lot Eight Block 64 Plat A

517 West First South

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed a small adobe one story dwelling on this property. It was owned by a Swedish woman named Julia Bergstrom Sandberg [1838-1903], the first wife of wife of John Christian Sandberg [1828-1909].  See Chapter Seven “Mrs. Julia Sandberg and Children”

511 West First South

The 1900 federal census enumerated the family of 64-year-old John A “Troulson” [Truelson 1835-1903] at this address.  Both he and his 57-year-old wife Johanna “Hannah” emigrated from Sweden in 1865. He was a coach cleaner for the Railroad. They had resided in the Fifteenth Ward since at least 1888 living in various residences mainly in Block 63 and 64.

             Johanna Norgren joined the Mormon Church in Sweden  and in1865 immigrated to America . She traveled with the Miner G. Atwood Company taking three months to cross the plains where they “with met its full share of trouble and hardship. 

 Once in Salt Lake she found employment as a tailor sewing for the large Mormon families.  She married John Andrew Truelson, another Swedish emigrant, in 1867 in the Salt Lake Endowment House by Heber C Kimball. The 1870 federal census showed the Truelsons residing in the Eighteenth Ward adjacent to Kimball’s plural wife Ruth.  Heber C Kimball was household 15 and the Truelsons were enumerated as the 19^th Household. Brigham Young was listed as household 28.

             John Truelson was said to be of French descent but a native of Sweden who joined the Mormon church in Copenhagen Denmark. Upon his coming to Salt Lake in 1865  he “was successful in taking up milling.

 They spent the “greater part of their lived in Salt Lake City primarily in the Eighteenth and Fifteenth Ward, “though for a few years they resided in Idaho where it was their great pleasure to be entertained at their home Sisters Eliza R Snow Emmeline B Wells, and others who frequently visited that section of the country.” 

 The Truelsons were the parents of three sons and two daughters. Their oldest son died in 1887 at the age of nineteen.

 The Truelsons were probably living with their son Orson Truelson when John A Truelson died in 1903. “In Salt Lake 536 West Third South, John Andrew Truelson  age 71. The indirect cause of death was an accident on the streets in Salt Lake some months ago when Mr. Truelson was knocked by a team. Death was very sudden. Notice of funeral later.”

 “ The funeral of John A Truelson will be held at the family residence 536 West Third South Streets tomorrow Friday [11 September 1903] commencing at 2 o’clock.”  Johanna Truelson remained a widow until her own death in 1919.

509 West First South

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed an adobe dwelling at this address of which the north half was two stories.  On the same parcel, a wooden one-story duplex was located at the southeast corner that did not have an address but facing Fourth [Fifth] West.  

Henry Moore

The family of Henry and Christine Moore resided here at this address in the 1870s and 80’s. Henry Moore [1838-1889] was born in the Isle of Man who emigrated in 1866 to the United States with his wife and infant.

 The Moore family arrived in New York  on 5 July 1866 via the ship American Congress and joined the Daniel Thompson Company for the overland journey to Utah. The overland company records only list Henry, as head of household, the notation showing he purchased 2 adult food rations indicates his wife was with him.  The presence of baby Christina on the 1870 census shows that she made and survived the trip as well.

 He is found in the 1870 federal census as living within the Fifteenth Ward of Salt Lake City adjacent to his father-in-law Thomas Cannell who came to Utah in 1868 with his two daughters. 

 In 1877 George W. Boyd petitioned to have his “job wagon” license transferred to Henry Moore which was granted. Henry Moore and 22 others of the Fifteenth Ward in 1879 residing or owning land in the neighborhood of the old adobe yard, petitioned for the grading of Sixth West [seventh] between Second and Third South  representing that the said street was now impassible by reason of the holes dug therein by the recent purchasers of the adobe yard lots.”

 The 1880 federal census showed this family as the 110th dwelling visited in the Fifteenth Ward and household 140. His occupation was given as a “hack driver.”  

 The 1884 city directory continued to list the family as living at 509 West First South and that he worked in a livery stable however by 1886 an advertisement stated that he was partners with James Thompson at “Thomson’s Real estate Agency Office No. 28 Main St. Opposite Co-Op . 

 In 1888 “Henry Moore and others,  asked for an extension of the water mains along First South” which was referred to the Committee on Water Works. The committee “reported favorably and recommended that the supervisor be instructed to prepare an estimate of the costs in each case. 

           Henry Moore was extensively involved in real estate and purchasing property in Block 64 in the Fifteenth Ward. He resided at 509 West First Street on the Lot Eight bought from William J Lloyd .

 Henry Moore according to the 1880 federal census was a “hack driver and lived next to Benjamin P Brown on First South Street in Block 64. When Moore died of paralysis, probably a stroke, in 1889 his brother-in-law James H. Moyle was appointed administrator of his estate filing a bond of $1,870.

 Henry Moore died in July 1889  and his probate information gave the dimension of this parcel. “Commencing at the northeast corner of Lot Eight and running thence south eight- and one-half rods [140 feet and 3 inches] , thence west six rods [99 feet]  north eight- and one-half rod thence east six rods to the beginning. Appraised a $17,500. 

             The 1891 city directory reported his widow Christine Moore had moved  to 245 West Fifth North.  Later she operated a lodging house at 110 South Fourth [Fifth].She remained a widow until her death in 1902. While she died in the home of a son in Granger, her funeral was held in the Fifteenth Ward Meeting House.

 Frank Rose

The 1896 city directory listed Frank Rose who worked as a mason as living at this address. He may have been the same man who testified in the murder trial of “W.A. Hobbs, the ex-confederate soldier whose knife thrust, and the subsequent flow of blood ended the life of J. A. Thornton , private in Company D sixteenth Infantry” in 1894. The attack was outside Ferrando Saloon although they had been inside quarreling about the Civil War.  

“Frank Rose saw the men quarreling and the soldier said he would ‘lick’ Hobbs if he was not an old man with gray hairs. He did strike Hobbs. Witness saw the soldier after he was stabbed lying on the floor of the saloon.  Frank Rose also said when Thornton threatened to knock the old man down the latter said, “you may knock me down, but I shall get up a rebel still.” Hobbs was arrested on Third South between Third [Fourth [Fifth]] West and Fourth [Fifth] West and was acquitted at his trial.

 

John Ramsey

The 1899 city director listed John Ramsey as a teamster living at this address, 1900 federal Census listed  50-year-old John Ramsey as a day laborer from England. He emigrated in 1864 and his 39-year-old wife Janey emigrated from England in 1875. They were the parents of nine children, three having died before 1900.  They were renting this home. In 1901 John Ramsey had moved from this address

505 West, 503 West, 501 West First South, and 110 South Fourth [Fifth] West 

A large two-story wooden complex was constructed at the corner of First South and  Fourth [Fifth] West as shown on the 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance map.  On the first floor was a series of shops and a saloon while the Second Floor was a rooming house. The map showed three addresses with entrances on First South and a Fourth [Fifth] one located on Fourth [Fifth] South.

 Eckman and Holley  Meat Market

Eckman and Holley Meat Market was located at 505 West First South in 1894,  William C Holley of 552 West North Temple was partner with John A Ekman Jr. [1872-1947]

503 West First South

Dean  J Rice [1871-1949]  never married but lived with his widowed mother Alice Matilda Moore Rice [1837-1919] until her death. He was born in Nebraska but by 1880 his family had moved to Evanston Wyoming where he worked as a “watchman” for the railroad. 

501 West First South

Rio Grande Pharmacy

            The Rio Grande Pharmacy was located at the address of 501 West owned by Harry Goldtrap Junkin [1868-1927] “Druggist”. He was the proprietor of the  Rio Grande Pharmacy from 1895-1898. He was a native of Iowa and married Euphemia Ethel Mowry in 1896. 

 “ The Junkin Drug Company filed articles of incorporation at the office of county clerk Dunbar yesterday [16 April 1897]. Harry G. Junkin, Dr. T. H. Hazel, H. Piper, A Dunshee and J R Bowdle, all of this city are incorporators. The capital stock has been fixed at $2,000 and this is partially represented in the stock of drugs and property owned by Harry G Junkin who has continued in the drug business for some time at the corner of First South and Fourth [Fifth] West.” 

 “ New Corporations the Junkin Drug company yesterday filed articles of incorporation with the County Clerk. The capital stock is $2000, in $5 shares. Officers and directors are Harry G Junkin, president, J. R. Bowle, vice president, H. Piper secretary and treasurer; Dr. T.H. Hazel A Dunshee.”

 By 1898 Junkin had left Utah and moved to Hawaii. An article from October 1898  stated  “Harry Junkin Soon to Gather His First Crop in Hawaii. Speaking of the coffee industry in Honolulu, Charles Bigelow who recently spent some time on the islands, on his return from the Orient, says there is a Salt Laker, Harry Junkin, engaged in the business there who will probably make a good thing out of his first crop, which he will gather very soon, and Mr. Bigelow is of the opinion that Junkin will soon find his Honolulu interests of sufficient importance to engross most of his attention. Mr. Junkin is the president of the Junkin Drug Company.” 

The 1900 federal census enumerated Junkin in Hawaii as a farmer along with his wife and H Piper who had been one of the incorporators of the Rio Grande Drug Store.

 In 1908 Junkin was appointed Postmaster of Mount View, Hawaii as a sugar cane farmer and merchant. He was there in 1920 but returned to the states and moved California where he died in 1927. 

 

101 South  Fourth [Fifth] West

The Nevada Place House operated by John Sullivan was listed at this address in the 1891 city directory In 1893 it was  named the Nevada Hotel at 500 West First South.  The building may have been renumbered as 110 South  by 1896

 

110 South Fourth [Fifth] West

In 1894 the Rio Grande Pharmacy was located at this address owned by Harry G Junkin who moved the drug store to 501 West First South by 1896. 

 In 1896 Mrs. Christine Cannell Moore [1841-1902] was renting furnished rooms at this address. She was the widow of Henry Moore [1838-1889] and sister-in-law of James Henry Moyle. A newspaper account from 1896 mentions “Mrs. Christine was arrested yesterday afternoon for being drunk and making a disturbance. She was taken into the station struggling ad threatening everybody connected with her arrest . He principal lament was that she was afraid she would have to pay for her ride in the patrol. She said she didn’t order it and wouldn’t pay for it. She finally let out on her son’s promising to take care of her.  See 509 West First South for Henry Moore

 The 1900 Federal Census listed 15 people living at this address which must have been a rooming house. All but the family of Charles B and Etta M Patterson were listed as roomers. They may have been managing the place as they were listed as renting although Charles Patterson occupation was given as Brakeman for the railroad. They were the parents of two sons both born in California.

 Four married couples were listed as roomers, Mr. and Mrs. Ben L Short, Mrs. and Mrs. Charles Sprading, Mr. an Mrs. John Arnold and Mr. and Mrs. James Kimley. A widow Mary Reardon and her son John roomed in the building as well a nineteen-year-old single delivery man named Calvin Campbell. 

Ben L Short was a 34-year-old miner, Charles Sprading was a 28-year-old “carriage painter”, John Arnold was a 24-year-old day laborer, and James Kimley was a 33-year-old Railroad brakeman.

 Mrs. Reardon was a dressmaker. 

 

112 South Fourth [Fifth] West

Dr. Thomas H. Hazel- “Physician and Proprietor”  

A 35-year-old Physician Surgeon named Thomas H Hazel [1865-1952] resided at this address according to the 1900 federal census. He was a native of Pennsylvania and was single  until 1909 when he married Elsie K Jensen. She died in 1929.  Dr. Hazel did not remarry until 1941 at the age of 76. He was the third husband of Carrie Elizabeth Reber Close. The marriage took place in Orleans, Louisiana. They were married eleven days after the attack on Pearl Harbor and to Salt Lake City where Dr. Hazel had a practice. 

After Dr. Hazel retired and the couple moved close to his wife’s family in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Hazel died in 1952 in Webster Groves, St. Louis, Missouri. His body was removed back to Utah for burial. 

His obituary stated “former owner of Hazel Drug Company, 802 South Second West, died in Webster Grove Missouri of a heart attack. He was 87 years old. Buried in Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Member of Mt. Moriah Lodge No.2 Free and accepted Masons widow Mrs. Carrie Klose Hazel.”  He and his first wife were childless. 

In 1897 he applied for a position  of “resident physician “ at the county infirmary. The 1898 city directory listed Dr. Hazel as a physician and manager of the Junkin Drug Company at 501 West First South and residing at the same place. The 1899 city directory listed as residing at the same location. 

The 1900 city directory listed Dr. Hazel’s residence as 501 West First South and the Proprietor of the Hazel Drug Store.  The 1903 city directory still listed the drug store on this corner of First South and Fourth [Fifth] West, however  Dr. Hazel had moved to 204 South Fourth [Fifth] West by 1905. 

The Hazel Drug Store remained at “Corner of First South and Fourth [Fifth] West”  until 1908 when the drug store had moved to 801 South and Second West. He had moved to 748 South Second west.           

            Newspapers reported that in 1904 Dr. Hazel attended two girls who were thrown from a horse. “Emma Henderson 16 years of age and Nettie Tuscher aged 15 years were thrown from a horse last night [24 July 1904] about 10 o’clock near the Salt Air depot and both were rendered unconscious by the fall. They were carried into Mrs. Mary Merwin’s residence at 222 South Fourth [Fifth] Street and it was thought that Emma Henderson was seriously injured. Dr. Thomas H. Hazel was called and after working with her for some time she regained consciousness. She was badly bruised on the body and her back was sprained, but it is not regarded as serious.”

“Emma Henderson has been living with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Teuscher at 425 West First South street for the last week employed as a domestic. Together with Mrs. Teuscher’s daughter Nettie, they got on a horse which was tied in front of their home and rode along Fourth [Fifth] West street. They met some boys who were celebrating the Twenty-Fourth [Fifth] of July ad when they passed a negro boy who was in the crows ran up behind the horse and fired off a gun. The horse bolted throwing the girls off. 

“Nettie Teucher received some slight bruises and was badly frightened but sustained no serious injuries.”     

 

114 South and 116 South Fourth [Fifth] West

The 1889 and 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps showed a one-story wooden duplex that was 9 feet north of William Fidkin’s house at 122 South. The 1898 map showed the duplex as 39 feet south of the Nevada House Complex and listed its addressees as 114 and  116 South. An advertisement from 1891 listed “Three Rooms furnished for Rent.”

William C Garner [1868-1928] lived in this duplex at the turn of the century.

The 1900 federal Census showed that the family of 32-year-old William C Garner rented 114 South. However, the 1899 city director listed him across the street at 269 South Fourth West. Garner was a day laborer supporting a wife and three minor children.

The 1900 Federal census showed Charles E Green, his wife Annie  and 8-year-old daughter Lillie residing  at 116 South. He was from England, renting the residence and was a 37-year-old gambler. The 1899 city directory listed him as selling cigar at 547 West Second South while residing at 116 South. 

122 South Fourth [Fifth] West

William Fidkin [1848-1921]  was carpenter, contractor, and builder  who did “All Kinds of Woodwork” lived at this address.  He and his wife were Mormon Coverts who emigrated from England in 1874 to Salt Lake City. 

124 South Fourth [Fifth] South

The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map showed directly south of  122 South was a parcel without a street address but contained a one-story adobe brick dwelling  with a detached small wooden building towards the front with the label “ice cream”. The 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map gave the parcel the address of 124 South. The lot was 3 rods [49 feet 6 inches]  by 10 rods [165 feet] the same as the parcel at 122 South.  The family of Sheriff Thomas Philip Lewis occupied this address.

 

130-132 South Fourth [Fifth] West

The Westminster Presbyterian Church

Directly south of 124 South Fourth [Fifth] West was the Westminster Presbyterian Church. The 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map did not give the church an address, but the building was described as the front of one-story section of the church being brick while the large space in the rear was made of adobe. There was a wooden spire at the front entrance of the Church. 

 

132 South Fourth [Fifth] West-

This address never appeared on either the 1889 or 1898 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps other than the address for the Westminster Presbyterian Church. A Dane named Fritz Sebaldus Ertman [1862-1916]  may have been living here as a janitor.

Ertman was as listed as living at 132 South Fourth [Fifth] West in the 1896 city directory. He married Jennie Beck in 1888 In 1891 he was a member of the Scandinavian Democratic Club. He was the working out of the Hooper Building probably as a janitor as in 1897 he was listed as a janitor in the Hooper Building. 

He was mentioned many times as being involved in musical programs and an article from 1896 stated he was the president of the “Harmonien Singing Society” who spent “spent an enjoyable evening at the residence of President F. O. Ertman  132 South Fourth [Fifth] West. About one hundred .and fifty ladies and gentlemen were present.”

By 1899 he had moved away from Block 64 and the 1900 federal census listed him as a hotelkeeper.         

146 South Fourth [Fifth] West

The residence of Benjamin P Brown was listed in 25th Precinct 2nd District