HYRUM M. MONSON. – Although the subject of this sketch has not been in Union county so long as some of the earliest pioneers, he being one of the younger men, upon whom have falen the mantles of the sturdy ones who opened these regions for the abode of their fellows, yet his achievements have been of such a commendable nature, and his life of such an exemlary character, that he is entitled to representation in the history of the county, and it is with pleasure that we accord to him a place among the builders of the county, in its more recent development.
Hyrum M. was born to Christian H. and Ella Monson, on November 19, 1873, in Richmond, Cache county, Utah, and there he worked with his father in the lumbering business until he had attained the age of twenty one, gaining meanwhile a good education from the common schools, after which he attended the Brigham Young College at Logan, Utah. Subsequent to that valuable course, he took up the creamery business and perfected himself in the art of making cheese and butter. In 1897 he went to Preston, Idaho, continuing in the creamery business there. In June, 1900, he came to Lagrande, being engaged in the sugar factory there, and in May, 1901, he came to Summerville, taking charge of the creamery association’s excellent plant at that place. In this place we find him at the present time, handling this important business with display of faithfulness and ability.
Mr. Monson married Miss Celia, daughter of Christopher and Anna (Kofoed) Funk, of Utah, on January 2, 1895, and this union has been blessed by the advent of three children: Edna L., H. Kenneth, and Bertha L. Mr. Monson and his estimable wife are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and they are faithful supporters of their faith. At the present time Mr. Monson is secretary of the Northwestern States Mission of his church and is also a member of the High Council of the Union Stake of Zion, his ability and faithfulness being recognized by the important ecclesiastical positions that he holds and wherein he is dominated with great wisdom and zeal. Mrs. Monson was one of the first superintendents of the Sunday school in Lagrande, while Mr. Monson has also done much practical field work in the cause having been missionary and traveling elder in Montana, where also he presided over the Butte conference with discretion and sagacity for five months. Mr. Monson is a man, although still young in years, who has manifested not only commendable business ability, but also great zeal and capacity for work in his church, and he is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of our county and a leader in the church circles.