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Show HISTORY 282 <>F SANPETE COUNTY. These hardy sons and daughters of civilization had attempted a settlement at Spring City the previous year, but were driven away by Indians. TJie fort they had constructed was burned and the savages destroyed every would never But, the land and water and situation for a colony impelled those homepitch tents on Ephraim lields and the present magnificent city proves conclusively their efforts were not in vain. Here are combined a delightful climate, pure mountain water, fertile soil and a progressive, industrious and contented population. The first two years in the history of Ephraim were days of disappointments and tribulations such as none but the most determined men and women could endure. Frost killed the first crop of grain and grasshoppers destroyed almost every other species of vegetation. The Indians prowled 'round day and night and attacked herders and wood haulers when found alone or a few hundred yards from Hie settlement. A fort was constructed as soon as possible and houses built inside to protect the people and shelter the stock from Indiau depredations. On July 4, 1854, the first celebration of vestige of leave the delightful seekers to colonization, thinking the people fort at Manti. 1 Independence day in this city, Henry Beal and Mary Thorpe were married, being the first couple united in matrimony within the new colony. The small fort was completed this season and people went into winter quarters. During the fall of '54 a number of Scandinavian were sent from Salt Lake City to join the colony and strengthen it against the Indian foes. The small group of homeless people remained in the fort through families with many vexatious troubles to combat, but notwithstanding the combinations of hunger, cold and Indian hostilities, they enjoyed excellent health and the following spring found them in good spirits, ready to continue the work of conquering the desert and building homes in the midst of poverty and savage enemies. A second and larger fort was erected in '55, but the grasshoppers did not respect even this effort at self preservation, for they came by the millions and greedily a long, severe winter, |
