Joseph Monson

Joseph Monson was born Feb 2, 1862 in Logan, Utah to Christian Hans and Anna Catherine Peterson Monson. Joseph is a Pioneer of Richmond. Joseph served in the Utah House of Representatives.

History

Soon after Joseph was born, the Monson family moved to Richmond. When Joseph was seven, his mother died, and he was raised for the remainder of his youth by his father's polygamous wife, Ellen Persson.

In 1876, Joseph attended Brigham Young College in Logan, Utah, and graduated in 1879.1 Joseph is one of the first Richmond Pioneers to receive higher education.

In 1883, Joseph was called to serve in the Norway Mission. During his time he found his aunt Maren Hansen Monson. After some time and some help from his father via mail, Maren was converted and moved to Richmond.

Joseph Monson married Laura Larsen on Oct 15, 1886. In 1906, the Monson family moved to Logan, Utah.

Utah House of Representatives (1896 - 1899, 1901 - 1903, 1909 - 1911)

After Utah was accepted into the United States as an official State, the 1896 election began for the first Utah State Senators. Joseph won and served as the first voted state Member of Utah's 2nd District.

Joseph was called in the following committees: Claims and Public Accounts, Municipal Cororations, Statistics, and Engrossment.2 The first bill Joseph sponsored was House Bill 45. The bill was "An Act Fixing and Providing for the Payment of fees of Attorneys Appointed by the Court for Defending Pauper Prisoners..." but was never passed.3 Joseph served his first term until 1897 and was re-elected and served until 1899. Joseph would also serve from 1901-1903 and 1909 - 1911.

City Council Member (1892 - 1894, 1900 - 1904)

Joseph Monson served as a City Council Member after the resignation of William B. Hunt Jr. in June of 1900.

Architect

Joseph's father was taught the trade of architecture while he lived in Norway before he moved to the United States. When he was 12, Joseph began an apprenticeship with his father.1 He proved his worth while constructing the Logan, Utah Temple at 16 years.

In 1907, Joseph established Monson Lumber Co. in Richmond. During this time, he began working to design and construct many prominent buildings in Cache County:

• David Eccles House in Logan, Utah.

• Whittier School in Logan, Utah.

• Logan LDS Sixth Ward Church in Logan, Utah.

• Old Tabernacle in Richmond, Utah.

Epilogue