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Show Volume IX Issue VI THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 9 January 1, 2004 J. M. Wilbur Note: This write-up, submitted by Pat Poulter of Huntsville, appeared in the 1948 Annual Souvenir Edition of the Posse Magazine. Chuck Story [Sr.] was the captain that year and his sons Grant and Brent both became members of the organization in later years. At the time, Pat’s husband Bill Poulter had been a member of the Posse for one year; having joined in 1947. He is still active today, but no longer rides in the posse drills. J.M. Wilbur, 74, Eden, Ogden Valley is probably the horse-shoein-est blacksmith in Utah. Probably, with safety, as to truth, you can go still further than that and say in both olden and current times. Through Wilbur’s blacksmith shops during the past fifty odd years have passed about 40,000 horses. Of course, he didn’t shoe all of them, because during the periods of “good business” he had helpers, but he did shoe a great majority of them. Wilbur operates one of those real oldtime shops, where many Utah boys, some 30 years ago, used to delight in sitting around, listening to the local gossip and watching the local smith weld worn-out rasps onto the points of plow shares or fit and tack shoes on the work and saddle horses of neighboring farmers or ranchers. A chance to turn the blower on the forge or the handdrill even though it was hard work-was about always considered by the visiting lads as a “pleasure.” Wilbur, at 74, is still at it. A few days ago he was shoeing the Arabian stallion of Charles [Chuck) Story, a member of the Weber County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse. Born in Eden on February 17, 1874, a son of Elisha and Helen Worden Wilbur, the blacksmith opened his first shop in his native town in 1895 after gaining considerable experience for several years by “just working around.” He operated that shop until 1898, when he built the structure in which he still labors. His son, Glenn Wilbur, became a partner in the business in 1924. “In the good old days we used to shoe some 2,000 head of horses per year, and often as many as 20 head per day,” Wilbur said. “Then came the railroad, which almost eliminated use of work horses in this area. However, during the past several years, due to formation of mounted organizations, such as the Weber County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse, business has picked up, but most of the horses we shoe now are of the saddle breeds,” Wilbur added. He gets a large portion of the horse shoeing from Weber and Cache counties. Sharpening and re-pointing plow shareshe still uses the rasps-has become even harder work that in the old days because the shares, most of them drawn through the ground by tractors, are much larger and heavier than when they were drawn by horses, Wilbur pointed out. Wilbur has also made a good many of the tools which he puts into daily use, “I’ve 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 745-2688, or Jeannie at 745-2879 if you have material that you would be willing to share. Celeste C. Canning PLLC Attorney at Law 2456 Washington Boulevard, Suite C Ogden, Utah 84401 Local: 801 791-1092 Office: 801 612-9299 Email: ccanninglaw@aol.com Meeting the Legal Needs of Small Business and Their Owners a good living at it,” he concluded. Wilbur married Minnie Farrell in Ogden. Another son and two daughters of the couple are Mrs. Bert (Lorna) Gardiner, Mrs Carl (Daisy) Stratford, and Earl Wilbur, all of Ogden. worked on just about every kind of implement used for agricultural and other purposes in this area, but never did have a yen to work on automobiles, the veteran craftsman said. “Of course it’s hard work, but I’ve made Historical Photo Eden Blacksmith still at it at 74. J.M. Wilbur, Eden Blacksmith, through whose shops during the past 50 years have passed some 40,000 horses, is still shoeing the ponies. Above, Wilbur hands a shoe, which he has just shaped, to his son, Glenn Wilbur, who will try it on for size. Holding his Arabian stallion is Charles Story, Ogden Valley rancher, and a member of the Weber County Mounted Sheriffs Posse. Squatting at left is Grant Story, son of Charles. (Verbiage taken from “Posse Magazine,”1948). Donations Needed for Ogden Rescue Mission Womens/Childrens Shelter New Items: - Fabric Remnants (to make pajama bottoms & blankets) - Socks (any size) - Diapers - Baby Shampoo, Lotion, Powder - Tooth Brushes Used Items: - Women’s Clothing - Women’s Coats - Children’s Clothing - Children’s Coats - Blankets For volunteers or more information, call Kari at 745-2573. 801-745-4000 2555 WOLF CREEK DR. FREE Initial Thirty Minute Consultation. Appointments in Ogden Valley upon request. EDEN STORE HOURS: MON. - SAT. 7 AM - 10 PM SUNDAY 7 AM - 9 PM Rogers Eggs Dozen Large 98 c with coupon Limit 2 per coupon Western Family Vern Iverson DDS Mike Crookston DDS Iverson Family Dentistry offers all phases of general dentistry to you and your family. Nitrous oxide, and stereo and video technology will make your visit to the dentist much more pleasant. Extended hours available. 2627 N. 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