OCR Text |
Show Volume IX Issue XII THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 9 April 1, 2004 John Samuel Coffin Note: These two short excerpts were taken from the book “Remember My Valley” by LaVerna Burnett Newey. John Samuel Coffin was the son of Cyrus Thompson Coffin and Harriet Langlois Coffin. Abigail Starbuck Coffin was one of Huntsville’s early settlers. John was born in Huntsville, Utah September 20, 1877 and died July 24, 1922. While Ogden Valley was predominantly LDS in the beginning, many others less inclined to be religious moved into the Valley. Most of them were welcomed. The money brought in by the work on the railroad, sawmills, sheepherders, cattlemen, and even a few rumored “stills” hidden in Eden brought prosperity and supplies. The Mormon world was no longer private. The staunch LDS remained staunch, and the wavering tottered in their testimonies and joined the social ways of the world. Fights were common in the country taverns, and old timers remember one that nearly turned into a tragedy for the wrong person. Because there were two Christian Petersens in town, Huntsville nicknamed one “Chris Utah” as the other came from Denmark. Chris Utah was a sheepherder and as wild as an Indian when intoxicated. It was a Saturday night and a large crowd had gathered in Hokan’s beer parlor. Johnny Coffin was not much of a drinker but delighted in tantalizing those who were drunk. His teasing provoked Chris Utah to anger. As Johnny strutted out of the saloon, Chris Utah was waiting in the shadows and stabbed him in the head. Bleeding and suffering much pain, Johnny grabbed Chris and pummeled him almost to death until others parted them. The story didn’t end there. Coffin brood- Historical Photo First Huntsville Junior , CIRCA 1936. If you recognize any of the unknown people, please contact Shanna Francis at 745-2688 or Jeannie Wendell at 745-2879. Photo courtesy of Sherm L. Hislop of Salt Lake City. Boys & Girls Junior Posse will start soon! Ages 8 - 17 years old Call Madeline or Marv Evans 745-3415 801-745-4000 2555 WOLF CREEK DR. KEN TURNER OGDEN VALLEY SPECIALIST EDEN Multi-Million Dollar Producer President’s Club Award Winner - Sales Master STORE HOURS: MON. - SAT. 7 AM - 10 PM SUNDAY 7 AM - 9 PM 801.710.8800 turner@relia.net Eden Office at Valley Market Dreyers Grand Ice Cream 1/2 gal. JUST LISTED! 2 for $5.00 with coupon Limit 4 per coupon Expires 4/15/04 Roger’s Eggs dozen 99 c with coupon Limit 2 per coupon Expires 4/15/04 Fresh Deli Pizzas 16 inch Family Size $2.00 OFF Limit 2 per coupon Expires 4/15/04 Hersheys Easter Candy $3.99 Limit 2 per coupon Asst. 12-14 oz. bags Adjacent the 14th Green! Large 4 bedroom contemporary home on one acre view lot, perfect for entertaining, only $379,900! Nordic Valley $159,900 Nice one bedroom home with loft on Under Contract 1.39 acre view lot. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own an Ogden Valley home at yesterdays prices! Expires 4/15/04 69 c with coupon Limit 4 per coupon On the 6th Green at Wolf Creek Golf Course. with coupon Coke Products 2 liters Expires 4/15/04 ingly walked home, not realizing how badly he was hurt. He proceeded to light his coal oil lamp but his vision suddenly failed and he collapsed alone on the hardwood floor. Concerned friends found him. However, he remained unconscious for two or three weeks but recovered except for an occasional passing out spell. Chis Utah and Johnny Coffin remained bitter enemies for life. One year later Johnny, still harboring a grudge, was in the mountains hunting with a young friend. He had his field glasses with him and through them saw a horse with a rider coming down the mountain. Surely he thought, since Chris Utah herded sheep in the area, it must be him. Now was his chance to get even He darted behind some trees, cocked his gun, and prepared to shoot. At the same time his friend urgently pleaded with him to resist this wild action as no good could come of it. As the horse and rider rounded the bend in full view, Johnny put his finger to the trigger and then quickly removed it. On his face was a look of horror as he recognized not Chris, but his own brother in law. In 1922, John Samuel Coffin. Huntsville’s 24th Photo courtesy of Bill of July celebra- Poulter of Huntsville, tion turned into a great grandson of tragedy when Abigail Coffin. Johnny Coffin, age 45 a great trapper who could trap any mountain lion or animal in the hills, was killed. He had never married and lived at the Valley House. He loved fine horses and had acquired a couple of beautiful ones, so the town honored him by assigning him to be in charge of the horse races for them. Later in the afternoon, though, he became intoxicated. At the end of the horse races, he challenged the winner of all the races, Curtis Hislop, to a quarter mile race. The race started at 7600 East and 400 South, and went past President McKay’s home. Coffin, three or four lengths ahead, turned sideways, looked back and taunted Hislop to “Come On.” He continued on to the main highway without slacking his speed, but his horse turned west and swerved close to a light pole. Coffin was lifted out of his saddle and his head split by the impact. Dr. Morrell, who was visiting at McKay’s, was summoned but Johnny Coffin was dead. Under Contract $369,900 Fantastic 3 BD home in PRUD, many upgrades, seasonal stream,Golf Course and mountain views, shown by appointment only! Vacation home turn key, one block from Golf Course! $228,990 Beautiful 4 BD home in PRUD, has everything needed to purchase as immediate rental. All log furnishings, decorations, and kitchen items can be purchased separately, call agent for details! Under Contract Fairway Oaks $249,900 For more area information and property listings log on to: www.OgdenValleyProperties.com |