OCR Text |
Show Volume XXII Issue III The Ogden Valley news Page 9 January 15, 2014 History of Walter Lindsay, Jr.: Part I Note: Information for this biography comes the tunnel. From the time Walter’s father had joined from the book “Early History of Liberty and the the church, his desire to come to Utah and People.” bring his family had been very strong, so after Walter Lindsay, Jr. was born 1 April 1837 his death, Walter’s mother was determined to in Carfrew, Landrickshire, Scotland, the son carry out his wish in this regard, in spite of of Walter Lindsay, born 22 March 1805 in all the hardships they knew they would have Scotland, and Janet McLean, born 4 June 1807. to endure. The father’s brother, Robert, was a Walter’s father worked as a bookkeeper on man of considerable means, and he offered to the pithead of the mines, and their plans were care for the family indefinitely if they would to immigrate to Utah. They were saving their give up the Church of Jesus Christ and stay money so they could come, but before they in Scotland. His mother deeply appreciated could do this, his father died, leaving the mother this generous offer, but although realizing the with seven children. The children were named: obstacles that she would encounter, the wish of Colin, Merrian, John, Walter, Janet, Christina, her husband and the great love she had for the and William. gospel influenced her decision, so she declined Walter’s father was an elder in the Church with thanks. of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a As soon as possible, they gained passage home missionary. He was called to go to Ayr on a ship named the Underwriter and sailed for (the birthplace of Robert Burns) to preach a America 23 April 1861. After a voyage lasting sermon at church. It was a cold, stormy Sunday six weeks, they arrived in New York. and he contracted a severe cold, which resulted The James Burt, Sr. family, consisting of his in his death. wife, Mary McBride Burt, and children James, After his father’s death, some of his father’s John, Ellen, Elizabeth, Mary and Christina; and friends at the mine helped Walter obtain work the Eccles and Moyes families, were also on at the mine as a doorkeeper. He was nine years old at the time. Later, he was promoted to mine helper. While working in the mine, he had a frightening experience. There was an explosion, but he had warning in time to lie face down. His shirt was burned from his back and his hair was singed. When he was finally rescued, he found that his hair had turned white and a piece of coal that had been flying through the air had embedded itself into the side of his nose. They remained with him until he died. He probably would have been killed had he not lain flat in the same ship. The Lindsay family settled on some farmland in Pennsylvania, hoping to raise enough money to buy a team, wagon, and the necessary equipment for making the trip to Utah. Walter went to work in the coal mines there, since this was the work that he knew best. They had some disappointments but were finally able to join the William Brunson Company and immigrate to Utah. They arrived in Salt Lake City in the autumn of 1862 and spent the first winter in Grantsville. While living there, Walter had a very interesting experience with two Indians. It was during the Black Hawk War with the Indians. He had been out gathering wood when a severe electrical storm broke. The rain was so fierce that he took shelter in a nearby cave. When his eyes became adjusted to the darkness, he could see two Indians dressed for war. Their faces were streaked with paint and several scalps hung from their belts. He was very frightened but the Indians seemed friendly enough. He soon discovered that one of them was sick and needed his help. Like most people in those days, Walter was carrying some spirits, so he gave some to the sick one. This made him feels so much better that Walter was allowed to leave unharmed. They later moved to Eden, Weber County, Utah, where the Burt family had previously settled. Walter and Elizabeth Burt, daughter of James Burt, Sr., fell in love and were married 10 August 1867. They homesteaded some land in Liberty and started farming. Their first home was a large log room situated east of the old church about a half mile (near where the old red Liberty LDS church that burned was located, and Liberty Park). Life in Ogden Valley was in the pioneer stage so it was indeed difficult. The winters were long and cold with snow that sometimes reached a depth of five feet. If early frost didn’t kill their crops, the grasshoppers and crickets did. Somehow, they were able to harvest enough potatoes, wheat, and barley to last them through until the next year. Note: This is the end of Part I of a two-part series. From The Past . . . Hometown Heroes Wangsgard’s grocery store recently held a promotion aimed at recognizing local Hometown Heroes. Honored and presented with a check for $785.70 was Ogden City Fire Department. The promotional fundraiser applied .10 cents from select Western Family products over a predetermined time period. The check, presented to Ogden City Fire Department Fire Chief Mike Mathieu, will be allocated to help children in the community through the Firefighters Coats for Kids Foundation. The foundation selects a local school and fundraises. The proceeds are then allocated for children in the school to receive new winter coats. “This gracious donation is extremely appreciated by Ogden City Fire Department,” stated Eric Bauman, Deputy Fire chief for the Ogden City Fire Department. “We would like to personally thank Wangsgard’s owner Phillip Child and manager Mike Child for the generous donation, which will have an extremely positive impact for the children in our community.” Shown above is a picture of Walter Lindsey (center with white beard). He was a progressive farmer in Liberty. The home is located, today, on River Road and is occupied by the Banks family (east of Liberty Park). Harriet Lindsay is in the buggy with her baby, Elizabeth Lindsay (Shaw), who is the mother of Clair Shaw of Liberty. Photo courtesy of Rod Clark of Liberty. The Ogden Valley News is looking for Ogden Valley and Ogden Canyon historical biographies, stories, and photos to use in its publication. Please mail, email, or call Shanna at 801-745-2688 or Jeannie at 801-745-2879 if you have material you would be willing to share. Jeffrey D. Shepherd DMD, MSD Specialist in Orthodontics shepherdorthodontics Saturday Night 5:00 p.m. Sunday Morning 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Fast Treatment Times • Children and Adults • Flexible Payment Options Call to schedule your complimentary exam today! Tuesday Night 6:30 p.m. followed by The Rosary and Adoration Eden Professional Center 2580 North Highway 162, #A EDEN Tuesday 6:00-6:30 p.m. and 7:15-8:15 p.m. or by appointment. 801.745.2519 South Pointe Plaza 5300 South Adams Ave, #9 Saint Joseph Catholic Elementary, Middle School, and High School Providing a challenging, college-focused education in the proven tradition of Catholic schools, for the families of the Ogden Valley. We want to teach your children! For information on our program, financial assistance, tours, or application, please call Daniela Quintana at 801-814-8192 or 801-393-6051. OGDEN 801.479.9448 Located just one block from Snowcrest Junior High Students can walk from school to appointments! shepherdorthodontics.com |