Don’t Miss These Library Events Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES

Featuring the Spencer Family: Educators and Civic Leaders

By Susan Yadeskie, Historic Preservation Committee Chair

George Mitton Spencer was only 12 years old when he came to Taylorsville with his mother, Eliza Smith Spencer, who later became the second wife of Joseph Harker. When grown, George married Angeline Bennion, and they had 10 children, four of whom passed away in early childhood.

Education was important to this family. Eliza was one of the rst teachers in the Over Jordan Settlement (Taylorsville). George Mitton taught for a couple of years in Taylorsville and was a teacher to Angeline, his future wife. Of his six children who grew to adulthood, ve were educators. Adelaide taught in the Granite School District for 18 years.

Elizabeth received a four-year scholarship to the University of Utah. She was at the head of her class and taught for seven years, mostly in Taylorsville. Elizabeth left education to give all her time to her husband, Frederick Abbott, who became Mayor of Ogden, and her children. One of her “schoolboys” said of her, “There was no problem student she could not shape and direct.” Hortense, the youngest of the children, was also an early teacher at Granite High School. She passed away at age 45.

In addition to teaching, George M. Spencer was later a prominent farmer in Taylorsville and a member of the Utah Legislature in 1888. George instilled and nurtured in his sons the need to be civically and politically involved in the community.

Mahonri, George’s second son, was a teacher and later an administrator in Salt Lake City and Taylorsville. At his passing, he was the vice president of the First National Bank of Murray. He had been appointed deputy collector in 1914, then income tax inspector, and nally the agent in charge of the Salt Lake City o ce. One task at that time was to determine whether ladies’ corsets should be taxed. He determined a cost of more than $5 should be taxed. But this decision, as you might imagine, brought much discussion and it was nally decided that corsets were a necessity and should not be taxed!

Raymond, the youngest son, was a state surveyor and a chicken farmer. In 1924, he helped organize the rst Salt Lake Rambouillet Sheep Club. He also helped start the Salt Lake County Poultrymen Association, of which he was secretary/treasurer. He taught young and old how to t chicken and sheep for shows. These activities led to the organization of the Salt Lake County Fair in 1937.

Finally, Albert, George’s oldest son, was also a prominent educator, and his sisters all wrote of his in uence on their becoming teachers. He was active in politics, as well, but died of typhoid pneumonia prior to seeking election as a state legislator. He was 32, leaving a wife and two children.

The George Mitton Spencer descendants of today continue to follow his example of hard work and community involvement, by volunteering, working to further the development of youth and actively participating in their communities. You can learn more about this family and many others in Taylorsville by visiting the museum, 1488 W. 4800 South.

The Taylorsville Library has planned several programs during the month of March. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events:

DR. SEUSS TRUFFULA TREES CONTEST

Monday, Feb. 27, to Saturday, March 4

How many Tru ula trees are in the jar? Guess correctly and you might win an Altitude Trampoline Park gift card.

IN-N-OUT COVER TO COVER READING PROGRAM

March 6 to April 15

Participate in a reading program. Read ve books and earn a free hamburger. For ages 4-12.

VIRTUAL LECTURE | NELLIE BLY: THE FULL PICTURE — Fearless, Feminist, Fallible

Monday, March 6, 7 p.m.

You must register for this event to receive the link to the WebEx Virtual Lecture. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries

Who was Nellie Bly? Author Kate Braithwaite will give the highlights and the lowlights of this remarkable American woman.

TEEN MAR10 PARTY

Thursday, March 9, 4:30 p.m.

Celebrate Mar10 Day early by playing a variety of Nintendo Switch video games.

THE REEL FOLK: THE MUSIC OF IRELAND

Monday, March 13, 6:30 p.m.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the musical group, The Reel Folk. Learn about folk instruments, di erent Irish tunes, and listen to traditional Irish music.

VIRTUAL LECTURE | “THE COLORADO CANNIBAL” — The Curious Historical Case of Alferd Packer

Tuesday, March 21, 7 p.m.

You must register for this event to receive the link to the WebEx Virtual Lecture. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries

Dr. Erin Baxter provides a 21st century take on Alferd Packer, analyzing historical information, new archaeological data and experimental archaeology to tell and retell the story of the Colorado Cannibal.

READY RACE PARTY

Friday, March 24, 11 a.m.

Drop in at the library to make LEGO cars and race them on a racetrack.