Fréttir Sept. 2012

Skógar Folk Museum

Located along the south coast of Iceland is the Skógar Folk Museum, located near one of Iceland’s most visited and beautiful waterfalls, Skógafoss. This area of Iceland is one of extraordinarily beauty and natural landscapes. This also near where my great-grandfather Eyjólfur Eiríksson was from. He was born at Nýibær, Holt undir Eyjafjollum, Rangarvalla which is just a little west of Skógar.

The museum is the result of one man’s life-long work of collecting of artifacts of the early Icelanders in the area. At 90 plus years old Þórður Tómasson can still be found at the museum delighting visitors with his great knowledge and musical abilities. The museum was opened in 1949 and has been continually updated, adding many new houses and exhibits.

The mission of the Skogar Folk Museum is to preserve the cultural heritage of the south coast of Iceland through tools and equipment used at land and sea, crafts, old buildings, books, manuscripts, and documents. This seems like it may be a perfect fit for the exhibit The Road to Zion.

The exhibit The Road to Zion sheds light on the religious foundations of the Mormons, traces the journey of Þórður Diðriksson (1828 – 1894) over land and sea, and tells of Spanish Fork, Utah, the community that the Icelanders settled in. The exhibit was first presented at Icelandic Emigration Center at Hofsós in 2000 and then in the Culture House in Reykjavík in 2005. The exhibit is now in storage.

Many of the Icelandic emigrants that came to Utah came from the South Coast of Iceland near Skógar making the exhibit The Road to Zion a fital part of the history of the area. The exhibit was created by the Icelandic Emigration Center and the Icelandic Association of Utah. I would encourage these two organizations to work together and get this exhibit out of storage and into a place where it can be viewed and enjoyed by the people of Iceland as it was intended to be.

Iceland - The European Union and The Economy

The debate continues should Iceland join the European Union, many in the junior coalition of Iceland’s government believe that it should. It is believed that over sixty percent of the general population of Iceland would vote against joining the EU. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson President of Iceland, who was just elected to his fifth term as president of the country, is against joining the EU. He further thinks he needs to be more vocal about if Iceland should join the EU. This debate in Iceland just does not seem to go away.  

Iceland's economy seems to be doing amazingly well for a small country that only four years ago nearly lost it all. Iceland has repaid most of the international loans that kept the country going. Unemployment is around six percent, and continues to go in the right direction. Iceland’s economy is expected to grow by nearly three percent this year.  The people of Iceland are strong and resilient people. It is good to see that the government in Iceland has made sound financial decisions and the economy is on the mend.

Gísli Gíslason Emigrant of the Month September 2012

Gísli Gíslason was born 12 March 1868. His parents are Gisli Bodvarsson, born 3 October 1829, died 9 July 1897; and Elin Jonsdottir, born 30 April 1836, died 18 December 1916. Gisli immigrated to Spanish Fork, Utah in 1892. He married Rannveig Thorarinsdottir, born 22 September. They were married in Provo, Utah 7 April 1893. Gisli and Rannveig moved to Winter Quarters near Scofield, Utah, where Gisli went to work in a coal mine. They took the last name of Budvarson after Gisli’s father, Gisli Bodvarsson. They had nine children: Franklin Gesli, born 27 March 1896, died 8 January 1897; Hannah Mary, born 4 March 1898, died 28 July 1773; Ellen Brindhildur, born 24 March 1900; Gunnar, born 24 March 1902, died 4 April 1949; Leroy, born 16 November 1904, died 31 October 1972; Alice, born 20 September 1906, died 11 April 1974; Arthur, born 4 April 1909, died 10 Dec 1991; Kermit, born 17 Feb 1913, died 7 June 1949; and Ruth Vilatr, born 19 April 1915, died 6 Dec 1985.

Gisli died 18 March 1916 and is buried in the Scofield Cemetery. In Utah, Gisli went by Gisli Budvarson.

Fréttir August 2012

Verslunarmannahelgi

The first weekend in August is what the Icelanders call “Verslunarmannahelgi”, (merchants weekend). This is a tradition in Iceland and has been for many years. In 1887 the Icelanders in Spanish Fork held their first Iceland Days on August 3^rd. Iceland Days has been held in Spanish Fork since that first celebration. The date was changed in 2002 to the third weekend in June to be closer to Iceland’s Independence Celebration June 17^th. It was later chnged to the fourth weekend in June as to not conflict with Father’s Day.

Visitor from Vestmannaeyjar

Kári Bjarnason from Vestmannaeyjar will be visiting Utah again, August 5-15. Kári and Fred E. Woods would like to meet with the descendants of Icelanders in Utah during this block of time. Please let me know if you would be willing to meet with Fred and Kári. If you met with Fred and Kári before you may have something else to share with them. Please let me know the days as well as your phone number and address.
Those that live outside the State of Utah maybe we could arrange a phone interview.

You will be happy to know that Fred and Kári‘s first joint publication came out last month as well as an article on the opening of the Vestmannaeyjar exhibit on the Latter-day Saints last July.

Go to the MHSF website to purchase it. You can just Google MHSF for the website.

Here is the bibliographic information:

Fred E. Woods and Kári Bjarnason, “Jon Jonsson: Icelandic Mormon Poet and Translator,“ Mormon Historical Studies vol. 12, no. 2 (Fall 2011): 49-61.
In this same issue is this article:
Steven L. Olsen, “LDS Exhibit in the Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland Folk Museum,“ Mormon Historical Studies vol. 12, no. 2 (Fall 2011):161-165.

David Ashby
801-225-1227
DAA@Q.COM

Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson sworn in President for record 5th term

Read more: http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2012/08/01/olafur-ragnar-grimsson-sworn-in-president-for-record-5th-term/#ixzz22LiQwrtO

Utah Emigrant of the Month

GÍSLI EINARSSON

Gísli Einarsson was born 24 November 1849 at Hrifunes, Asar i Skaftartunga, Vestur Skaftafell. His parents are Einar Bjarnason, born 4 March 1809, died 25 November 1890; and Gudrun Jonsdottir, born 14 August 1816, died 4 December 1878 in Spanish Fork, Utah. Gisli’s parents sent him to Reykjavik, where he studied to become a Lutheran minister. He mastered Latin and English and learned to read Danish, Swedish and Norwegian. At the age of twenty-four he went to Vestmannaeyjar to learn the fishing trade. It was here that he first learned of Mormonism from his mother’s brother, Loftur Jonsson, who had immigrated to Utah in 1857 and then returned to Iceland in 1873 as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1874 his mother and two sisters, Helga and Thorgerdur, immigrated to Utah with Loftur when he returned to Utah from his missionary service. Gisli remained with his father, hoping to convince him that he should accept the counsel of the Mormon elders.
In September of 1874, Loftur Jonsson was accidentally killed. Einar sent his son Gisli to Utah in the spring of 1875 with instructions to bring his wife and daughters back to Iceland. Upon arriving in Utah, Gisli found his mother too ill to travel. Torn in his conception of duty between his ailing mother, an adamant father, and his own desire to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and remain in Utah, he wrote his father, explaining his plight. The answer was slow in coming. In the fall of 1875, it was known that Einar Bjarnason had disinherited his wife, their two daughters, and his son, Gisli. He was a local magistrate and probably fairly well-to-do. He later married Hildur Magnusdottir.
After the death of Loftur Jonsson, Gisli fell in love with his widow, Halldora Arnadottir, born 22 August 1844. Her parents are Arni Asgrimsson, born 23 August 1802 at Leidveollur, Asar i Skaftartunga, Vestur Skaftafell, died 7 July 1846 in Undirhraun, Medalladsthing, Vestur Skaftafell; and Halldora Olafsdottir, born 3 November 1808 in Undirhraun, Medalladsthing, Vestur Skaftafell, died 1 June 1873 at Efri-Ey. Halldora was kind and good to all, especially to Gisli’s ailing mother. Halldora was attracted to this tall man, who was five years younger than she. They were married 17 April 1876 in the Endowment House at Salt Lake City, Utah. Halldora was sealed to her first husband, Loftur Jonsson, on this same day. The daughter of Loftur Jonson’s first wife continued to live with them, as Halldora felt she must give the girl a home as long as she lived. Gisli and Halldora had four children: Helga Maria 1876-1967, Loftur 1879-1939, Gudrun Dena 1881-1976, and Elin Ormena 1885-1887.
In the spring of 1881, Halldora became worried about her younger half-sister, Maren Halldorsdottir, who had been left alone in Iceland when their mother, Halldora Olafsdottir, died. Halldora sent Maren money to come to Spanish Fork, and when she arrived made her welcome in her home. Gisli took Maren as a plural wife; they were married 24 November 1881 in the Endowment House at Salt Lake City, Utah. Halldora was not happy about this marriage; she was disappointed in her sister, but she accepted it as part of her life. Halldora suffered a stroke in 1920 and was helpless for nine years. Halldora died 27 March 1929. Gisli and Maren had three children: Magnus Christian Bjarnason 1885-1916, Halldora Bjarnason 1886-1887, and Gisli 1888-1888.
Gisli was faithful in performing his church duties. He studied the principles of the gospel daily and became well informed. In the spring of 1882 he was called to serve in Iceland as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His companion was Petur Valgardsson.; they arrived in Denmark 3 June 1882 and then went on to Iceland, where Gisli was called to lead the branch in Iceland.
Gisli soon made his way to see his father, where he was well received, but he was made to understand that he must never mention Mormonism. Before he left, he explained to his family the facts concerning his mother’s illness and death. Gisli was stricken with typhoid fever while in Iceland and became seriously ill. When his health returned he found that he had lost his hearing. The doctor advised him to return to Utah, so he and Petur Valgardsson left Iceland. Upon returning home he was given an honorable release from his missionary services by Church authorities.
Gisli planted a large garden and raised splendid crops of vegetables. In 1909, on his sixtieth birthday, his Icelandic friends and neighbors held a testimonial in his honor and presented him with a gold watch and chain. Gisli died 17 August 1934 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. Gisli was known in Utah as Gisli E. Bjarnason and Gisli E. Bearnson.

Fréttir July 2012

Presidential Election 2012

 Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson was elected president again, with a staggering 52.78% of the votes. An estimated 69.2 % of the people used their freedom to vote which must be said is an all time low in the presidential voting.
This means he is setting a record for being in office for the fifth term, which is a first. Iceland has had two presidents that served four terms, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir and Ásgeir Ásgeirsson.
Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson had said before that he would offer himself as president for the fifth term but was not sure if he would want to serve the full fifth term or not. After the votes were counted last night he gave a press release that stated that this would be his last term in office.

Ólafur will be staying as the president of Iceland for the next four years. Mr. Grímsson got 52.78% of the overall votes. Others running for the Presidency got: Þóra Arnórsdóttir 33.16%, Ari Trausti Guðmundsson 8,64%, Herdís Þorgeirsdóttir 2,63%, Andrea Ólafsdóttir 1,8%, and Hannes Bjarnason 0,98%.

The President of Iceland is the country´s head of state and the only representative chosen by the entire electorate in a direct election. The office of President was established in the Constitution of the Republic of Iceland which took effect on 17 June 17 1944.

Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson is the fifth President of the Republic of Iceland.

Status of the Icelandic Association of Utah

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Icelandic Association of Utah, Inc. is to: Celebrate and perpetuate the common interest in culture and heritage of Iceland, through activities and continuing education. Promote closer and better relations with the people of Iceland. Preserve the memory of the early Icelandic pioneers who established the first permanent Icelandic settlement in North America at Spanish Fork, Utah

IAU

The Icelandic Association of Utah is a successful association. The success of this association depends on its members. In recent years it has been very successful and that tells you a lot about the members. The Icelandic Association of Utah has held Iceland Days in Spanish Fork since 1897 and Þorrablót has been on the agenda since 1998. In recent years several hundreds have attended the festival in Spanish Fork. In 2005 there was an estimated four-thousand in attendance at the dedication of the Icelandic Memorial. Since 2002 Iceland Days has been held in June but before, the celebration always took place in August except the Centennial Celebration of the first three Icelanders coming to Utah. It was held on June 15-17, 1955. We have had many Snorri participant in recent years. The Icelandic Association of Utah publishes and sends newsletters two or three times a year. We also maintain a presents on face book I think we need to have a web page too.

The Icelandic Association of Utah has had high and low points. There have been times when it has almost gone away. Many things have helped it survive a few of them are; 1) the Icelandic Monument in Spanish Fork, dedicated in 1938, 2) the centennial celebration of the first Icelanders arriving in Utah in 1955, 3) the visit of President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson for the centennial celebration of Iceland Days in 1997, 4) the 2000 millennium celebration in Iceland that we provided an exhibit at Hofsos, Iceland and a monument on Vestmannaeyjar, and 5) the sesquicentennial celebration of the first Icelanders arriving in Utah, in 2005.

The Icelandic Association of Utah holds several events each year to celebrate our Icelandic culture and heritage. Þorrablót is held the last Saturday in February each year. We have Iceland Days on the fourth weekend in June. This includes workshop sessions on Friday evening, Iceland Day at the park on Saturday, and an Icelandic Heritage Fireside on Sunday. The association maintains the Icelandic Memorial in Spanish Fork and supports the Family History Center in Spanish Fork. There have been other things that that association has been involved with that have gone away in the last four years.

The Utah Icelanders created the Icelandic Association of Utah in 1897, an association that provides a time to gather annually and celebrate our Icelandic heritage. The association continues to provide the instrument for descendants of the Icelandic immigrants to Utah to maintain a cultural sense of Iceland. Our ancestors left us a legacy: belonging to the Icelandic Association of Utah means belonging to something that has a history of over one hundred years and has accomplished a few great things.

It is remarkable that 150 plus years after the first Icelanders arrived in Utah, and there remains a strong cultural sense of Iceland among the descendants of the Icelandic pioneers. We have a need to continue to honor our Icelandic ancestors and the land of our forebears, as we have been shown to do by those that have gone before. The Icelandic emigrants to Utah and other places in North America have left us a rich heritage that we all can be proud of. We, who have descended from great and faithful forebears, have the right to say “I’m proud of my Icelandic heritage”.

Tyler Shepherd was appointed president for the next two years. He needs all the members and other descendants and friends of Iceland support to make sure this association continues as it has in the past. Krege Christensen an attorney in Salt Lake City and of Icelandic descent wrote the bylaws that were adopted by the association in 2000, the president and members of the board of directors needs to follow and have elections and follow the other rules and regulations set forth in the bylaws. I feel this would help make the association stronger and a more valid organization.

Pylsur

Icelanders are nearly fanatical about their hot dogs, and once you taste one, it’s easy to see why. The hot dogs are made mostly with lamb and traditionally topped with mustard, ketchup, fried onion, raw onion and remolaði, a mayonnaise-based sauce with sweet relish. And in a country known for being exorbitantly expensive, they are a delightfully low cost way to fill up and try a local specialty.
The Icelandic hot dog is available all over the country, at hot dog stands, convenience stores and even gas stations. In Reykjavik, the best hot dog stand is generally believed to be found at Bæjarins beztu pylsur (English: The best hot dog in town) and (pylsur is the Icelandic word for hot dog), which has been around for over 60 years. Bæjarins beztu pylsur often shortened to simply “Bæjarins beztu”, is a popular hot dog stand in central Reykjavík, Iceland. The stand is located down by the harbor on Tryggvagata. There’s no address, but you can’t miss it. Just look for the little red building, and the crowd gathered around it. There’s nearly always a line, which can be quite long, but service is quick. If you want one with everything, just ask for it “eina með öllu”. Hot dogs costs 300 ISK or $2.62 USD as of March 2011, and believe me, you’ll want two.
Click here for more Icelandic cooking, recipes and food  http://icecook.blogspot.com/

Emigrant of the Month, Gísli Eggertsson

Gísli was Born 4 August 1882. His parents are Eggert Gudmundur Olafsson, born 1 November 1855, died 2 December 1918; and Gudrun Arnadottir, born 26 August 1854, died 24 August 1882. Gisli immigrated to Utah with his father in 1887. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized in 1903.
He married Emma Wilhelmina Hansen on 7 December 1904. Emma was born 17 March 1884 in Vissenbjerg, Odense, Denmark. Gisli died 10 September 1961 in Salt Lake City and is buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. He was known as Gill Olson.

GUÐRÚN EINARSDÓTTIR

Gudrun was born 5 October 1875 in Vestmannaeyjar, the daughter of Einar Jonsson, born 16 August 1839 at Samastadir, Breidabolstadir i Fljotshlid, Rangarvalla and died 25 May 1900 in Vestmannaeyjar; and Gudrun Jonsdottir, born 24 July 1849 at Stora-Mork Storidalur undir Eyjafjollum, Rangarvalla, died 8 May 1931 in Spanish Fork, Utah.
In 1880 Gudrun immigrated to Utah with her parents. They traveled from Liverpool on the steamship Wisconsin leaving on 1 May 1880; they arrived in New York about 12 May. They crossed the continent by railroad and arrived in Spanish Fork about 21 May 1880. Just before arriving at New York, Gudrun’s mother gave birth to a baby boy named Nicholas Wisconsin Johnson. Gudrun died 2 November 1889 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

GUÐRÍÐUR ÚLFSDÓTTIR

GUÐRÍÐUR ÚLFSDÓTTIR

Gudridur was born 26 April 1858 in Vestmannaeyjar; her parents are Ulfur ___ and Valgerdur Jonsdottir, born 20 August 1832, died 7 October 1897. Gudridur married Markus Vigfusson, born 25 December 1851 in Kobenhavn, Denmark. He is the son of Vigfus Jonsson, formadur at Holshus, Vestmannaeyjar, born 6 October 1822 at Rimakoti, Vestmannaeyjar, died in April 1867; and Margret Skuladottir, born 11 November 1824 in Kornholl, Vestmannaeyjar, died 16 October 1859 at Holshus, Vestmannaeyjar.
Gudridur was baptized by Elder Einar Eiriksson 13 April 1886. Also baptized on the same date were Markus Vigfusson and Gudridur’s mother Valgerdur Jonsdottir.
Gudridur and Markus had three children: Margret Jonina 1879-1925, Sigridur Ingibjorg, born 21 July 1883 and Valdimar Einar 1885-1886. Markus and Gudridur and their three children and Gudridur’s mother Valgergur immigrated to Utah in 1886. Their baby Valdimar died two days before their arrival.
Markus worked on the railroad, as a farmer and at the Utah-Idaho Sugar Company factory. He and Gudridur became the parents of eight more children. Gudridur died 8 December 1933 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. In Utah she was known as Gudridur W, Johnson and Gudridur Wolfsdottir.

Guðný Árnadóttir

Guðný Árnadóttir was born 26 December 1834 in Vestmannaeyjar. Her parents were Arni Haflidason, born 5 August 1795 and died 26 July 1848; and Gudny Erasmusdottir, born 10 October 1794 and died 14 June 1888. Her mother, Gudny Erasmusdottir, was one of the first Icelanders to come to Utah, in 1857. Gudny Arnadottir married Gudmundur Arnason, born 25 September 1824, died in 1879. She had become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1881. She immigrated to Utah with her daughter Karolina Gudrun Gudmundsdottir in 1882, arriving on 10 August.
Gudny was the mother of nine children, three of whom died in infancy. Two of her daughters stayed in Iceland, Margret and Jorunn. Three of her daughters followed her to Utah, Johanna, Jonina Helga and Kristin.
Gudny was a modest and humble woman, and she spent the first years of her life in Utah helping in the homes of her Icelandic friends. When Petur Valgardsson was called on a mission to Iceland, Gudny became the companion of Mrs. Valgardsson. Her first twenty-two years were spent at the home of her daughter, Johanna (Hannah Johnson), who married Sigurdur Jonsson, where she was lovingly cared for until her death 7 December 1916.

GUÐMUNDUR EYJÓLFSSON

Gudmundur was born 15 August 1862, the son of Eyjolfur Gudmundsson, born 11 October 1829 in Illugastadir, Tjorn i Vatnsnesi, Vestur Hunavatn, died 19 October 1913; and Valgerdur Bjornsdottir, born 9 September 1828 in Litlaborg, Breidabolstadit i Vestur Hunavatn, died 11 December 1916.
Gudmundur married Ingibjorg Margaret Jonatansdottir. Ingibjorg was born 20 April 1857; her parents are Jonatan Davidsson, born 1824 at Hvarfi, died 17 March 1873; and Sigurros Hjalmarsdottir, born 13 October 1834 in Haga, Thingi, died 24 December 1924. They were married on the ship as they immigrated to America in 1883 with his parents, Eyjolfur and Valgerdur, who had joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They first stopped in North Dakota and then Helena, Montana. When his parents and siblings left Helena for Spanish Fork, Utah, Gudmundur worked in the mines for a while before he joined his family in Spanish Fork.
Gudmundur built a home on the northwest corner of 300 South and 900 East in Spanish Fork. He was a good carpenter, brick mason and cement man. His home reflected his skills as a builder. He worked as bricklayer on the Central School, located on 100 North and 300 East in Spanish Fork.
Gudmundur and Ingibjorg had six children: Jonatan Tony, about 1884-1950, Ellen 1886-1950, Albert 1888-1917, Walter Rosamund 1891-1917, Ingibjorg Sigurros, born 1894, and Paul Vidalin, born 1898. Gudmundur changed his name to James E. Jameson. All the children used Jameson as their surname.
Gudmundur and Ingibjorg moved to California after he retired. They stayed with their son Paul, who was a doctor. Gudmundur died 20 March 1955 in Lynnwood, California. He is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. In Utah he went by James E. Jameson.

Guðmundur Egilsson

Guðmundur was born 15 March 1851 at Eydi, Seltjarnarnesthing, Gullbringu. His parents are Egill Gunarsson, born 20 October 1811; and Ingveldur Egilsdottir, born 1811. He married Gudridur Gudmundsdottir 26 October 1873 in Reykjavik. They met Mormon missionaries and became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being baptized by Elder Jacob B. Jonsson 8 January 1881.
In July of 1881 Gudmundur, Gudridur and their son Eirikur left Iceland with Elders Jon Eyvindsson and Jacob B. Jonsson and a group of about twenty Icelandic Latter-day Saints. They arrived in Salt Lake City 7 August 1881. They then went to Spanish Fork, Utah. Gudmundur bought land in Spanish Fork. Gudmundur passed away 8 October 1889 and is buried in the Spanish Fork, City Cemetery. He is number 70 in Icelanders of Utah.

GUÐMUNDA JÓNSDÓTTIR

Gudmunda Jonsdottir was born 7 September 1883; her parents are Jon Jonsson and Gudrun Eiriksdottir, born 21 May 1848, died 17 November 1927, buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. Gudmunda emigrated to Spanish Fork, Utah with her mother in 1886. In Utah she was known as Minnie Gudrun Green. Gudmunda died 18 July 1959. She was also married to a McConnell.

Guðmunda Eyjólfsdóttir

Gudmunda Eyjolfsdottir or Gudmunda Minnie Eyjolfsdottir was born 6 November 1859 in Eyjabakka, Vestur Hunavatn. Her parents are Eyjolfur Gudmundsson, born 11 October 1829 at Illugastadir, Tjorn a Vatnsnesi, Vestur Hunavatn, died 19 October 1913 in Utah; and Valgerdur Bjornsdottir, born 9 September 1828, died 11 December 1916.
Gudmunda married Bjarni Jonsson 13 October 1893. Bjarni was born 19 April 1863 at Ketilsstadir; his parents are Jon Thorkelsson, born 1 March 1830, died 20 March 1871; and Ingiridur Einarsdottir, born 2 November 1832, died 18 January 1913. They had five children: Susan 1894-1972, Vigdis Dorothy 1897-1968, Enga about 1899-1987, and Bjarni 1901-1946. They also had a stillborn child born the same day as Bjarni.
Gudmunda was a tiny, attractive lady with red hair. She had a very sweet personality, known as kind, gentle person who was always hospitable to everyone. Their home was on 200 North and 950 East in Spanish Fork. She was a good mother and housekeeper. Gudmunda died 29 July 1929 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

GUÐBJÖRG GUÐMUNDSDÓTTIR

Gudbjorg Gudmundsdottir was born 13 November 1876 in Vestmannaeyjar. Her parents are Gudmundur Gudmundsson, born 22 January 1842, died 23 August 1919 in Mapleton, Utah; and Johanna Gudmundsdottir, born 1 October 1841 in Vestmannaeyjar, died 22 April 1935 in Mapleton, Utah.
Gudmundur and his wife Johanna joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, baptized by Elder Einar Eiriksson 9 June 1886. Gudmundur and Johanna and their three youngest daughters, Gudbjorg, Maria and Jonina, and Simundur Simundsson, Gudbjorg’s half brother left, Iceland 29 June 1886. They arrived in Spanish Fork, Utah 24 July 1886.
Gudbjorg married Jeremiah M. Davis 2 January 1897, and they moved Winter Quarters, near Scofield, Utah, where Jeremiah was employed in the coal mines. Jeremiah was born 6 June 1873 in Robertstown, Glamorgan, Wales. On 1 May 1900 an explosion occurred in the Number Four mine at Winter Quarters, and Jeremiah was one of those rescued. Gudbjorg and Jeremiah moved to Raymond, Alberta, Canada. Gudbjorg died 27 May 1962 in Raymond, Alberta, Canada. In America, Gudbjorg went by Rebecca Gudmundson.

GUNNAR ÞÓRARINSSON

Gunnar Thorarinsson was born 25 April 1881 at Skalmarbaer, Thykkvabaerjarklaustur, Vestur Skaftafell, the son of Thorarinn Bjarnason, born 17 June 1849 at Hruni Kalfafell i Fljotshverfi, Vestur Skaftafell, died 21 February 1924 in Spanish Fork, Utah; and Brynhildur Jonsdottir, born 9 December 1849, died 4 March 1885 in Spanish Fork, Utah. Gunnar immigrated to Spanish Fork, Utah with his parents in 1883.
Gunnar moved to Cleveland, Utah in Emery County with his family. He married Isabelle Muir 8 February 1900 at Richfield, Utah. Isabelle was born 16 December 1880 at Richfield, Utah, died 28 July 1966 at Smithfield, Utah; she is buried in Richfield, Utah.
Gunnar worked at the Winter Quarters Mine near Scofield, Utah. 1 May 1900 was the day the Winter Quarters Mine blew up, killing at least 200 men. Gunnar was one of these miners. It was the worst single loss of life in Utah history and one of the five worst mining disasters in U.S. history. The Winter Quarters Mine record lists him as Gunnar Bjarnason from Richfield, Utah.

GRÓA ÞORLÁKSDÓTTIR

Groa Thorlaksdottir was born 3 May 1865 at Neshol, Asar i Skaftartunga, Vestur Skaftafell, the daughter of Thorlakur Benediktsson, born 23 November 1814, died 11 June 1866; and Ragnhildur Bodvarsdottir, born 7 August 1828, died 10 July 1916. Groa immigrated to Spanish Fork, Utah in 1874 with Gudrun Jonsdottir. Groa joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized 2 August 1883.
Groa married Julius Jonsson, born 1 July 1861, the son Jon Bjarnason, born 11 November 1823; and Steinunn Jonsdottir, born 22 February 1824. Julius was known as Julius Jon Bearnson. They were married 12 January 1887 in Logan, Utah. Groa and Julius had two children: Julius Bendikt, born 20 October 1887, died 17 October 1959; and Joseph, born 6 February 1890, died 7 March 1890. Groa died ten days after Joseph was born on, 16 February 1890. She is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. She was known as Gran Bearnson in Utah.

GÍSLI BJARNASON

Gisli Bjarnason was born 10 October 1879, the son of Bjarni Jonsson, born 12 September 1854 died in Utah 16 August 1883; and Johanna Jonsdottir, born 10 March 1856 in Rangarvalla. Gisli’s father, Bjarni Jonsson, immigrated to Utah in 1881 leaving his fiancée Johanna Jonsdottir and their son Gisli in Iceland. Johanna and Gisli immigrated to Utah in 1883. His father died two weeks after he arrived in Utah. His mother Johanna married Erlendur Arnason.
At the age of seven Gisli went to live with Petur Valgardsson. Petur had baptized Gisli’s mother in Iceland 12 March 1883. Gisli lived and worked with Petur until he was able to be self-supporting. At a young age of 15 he went to work on the Rio Grande Railroad. He also worked in the mines at Scofield for three or four years, and was working there when the most tragic coal mine disaster, in terms of the number killed, in American history occurred, up until that time. The Scofield mine disaster occurred 1 May 1900, when an explosion ripped through the Winter Quarters Number Four mine located west of Scofield. Men working in the mine were killed outright by the explosion, which occurred when an excessive amount of coal dust ignited inside the mine. Gisli was not on shift when the disaster occurred, but he helped with the rescue effort. With the $805.00 in gold he earned he paid off his first ten acres of land he had contracted to buy at the age of seventeen. From that time on farming and raising stock, were his life.
Gisli married Sarah Ann Tilley 12 March 1902; she died 7 November 1903, when their daughter Sarah Ellen, was born. Gisli married Vilmina Christina Valgardson, born 3 September 1882 in Spanish Fork Utah the daughter of Petur Valgardsson (1842 -1918); and Gudrun Soffia Jonsdottir (1863-1893), 22 February 1905. Gisli and Christina had ten children: Fay, Bertha, Wilma, Elva, Mildred, Bernice, Geraldine, Perry (who died shortly after he was born), Sherman, and Norma. In addition to these children, Sarah Ellen, Gisli’s daughter, with Sarah Ann Tilley lived with them and Christina’s brother, Ephraim’s two children: Hannah and Paul Valgardson.
Gisli and Christina went to Roosevelt, Utah, where he homesteaded. There were no houses, and the family lived in a tent. He helped to bring the first water to Roosevelt. After improving upon his homestead he sold out and moved back to Spanish Fork. Gisli saw many changes in farm equipment; he always kept up on the latest. As a boy he walked to Leland to work on a horse- powered threshing machine. Later he and his partner, Arni Johnson, owned and operated three different steam-engine threshing machines. They were the first to thresh grain at Roosevelt; they threshed all over Utah, Idaho, and even into Canada. They later owned two different gas-tractor operated threshers. The last part of his life, he owned, along with his son Sherman, the latest models of combines used for harvesting grain, as well as other modern farming equipment.
Gisli was appointed to the Board of the East Bench Canal Company in 1931 and served in that capacity for forty years. He worked diligently to promote the business activities of the Spanish Fork River System. He gave progressive leadership and was untiring in his efforts to promote the growth and development of water resources and made great contributions to agriculture on lands served by the system in the State of Utah.
He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; he served in the bishopric of the Fifth Ward with Bishop Arthur T. McKell, and on the building committee when the church was built. He always actively supported the ward and stake farms. He is remembered as a man who helped shape the destiny of his children, and tried to instill in them the principles that were important to him: honesty, integrity, love of work, the will to help others, and the determination to keep going when things get tough.
Gisli donated a small corner of his property to the Icelandic Monument in Spanish Fork, Utah. The Lighthouse Monument was dedicated 2 August 1938. Gisli actively worked on his farm chores almost to the end of his life. At the age of 90 he could be found working on the haystack and doing other chores around the farm. When he could no longer drive he would have one of his children drive him around to check on the crops or the cattle. He died peacefully 4 August 1972 and is buried in the Spanish Fork Cemetery. In Utah he was known as Gill Bearnson and Gesli Bearnson. Gisli is number 190 in Icelanders of Utah.

EYJÓLFUR GUÐMUNDSSON

Eyjolfur was born 11 October 1829 at Illugastadir, Tjorn i Vatnsnesi, Vestur Hunavatn. His parents are Gudmundur Ketilsson, born 1791, died 24 June 1859; and Audbjorg Joelsdottir, born 26 January 1802, died 14 December 1884. Eyjolfur married Valgerdur Bjornsdottir 12 November 1853. Valgerdur was born 9 September 1828. Her parents are Bjorn Sveinsson, born 9 March 1795, died 25 November 1859; and Rosa Bjarnadottir, born in 1806.

Eyjolfur and Valgerdur had twelve children: Ogn Eyjolfsdottir 1854-1940, Eygerdur Eyjolfsdottir 1855-1885, Audrosa Eyjolfsdottir 1857-1941, Sigurbjort Eyjolfsdottir 1858-1859, Gudmunda Minnie Eyjolfsdottir 1859-1929, Bjarnlaug Eyjolfsdottir Anderson 1861-1942, Gudmundur Eyjolfsson Jameson 1862-1955, Frodi Eyjolfsson 1864-1864, Ketill Eyjolfsson (Kelly Jameson) 1865-1917, Numi Eyjolfsson 1867-1867, Eyjolfur Eyjolfsson 1870-1934 and Bjorn Eyjolfsson 1872-1884.

Eyjolfur was a farmer by trade, but he had other interests. He gathered eiderdown; he hunted and trapped gray foxes and seals and sold their hides. He was awarded a medal by the king of Denmark for improving the living standards of the people. This award is still in the little church near his old home in Eyjatbakki. He had his own personal seal or stamp, given him by the king of Denmark.

Eyjolfur and Valgerdur joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The missionaries were Elders Haldor Jonsson and Einar Eiriksson. In 1883 Eyjolfur and Valgedur and eight of their children emigrated to Spanish Fork, Utah via North Dakota and Helena, Montana. Their son Bjorn drowned in quicksand near the Red River in Pembina, North Dakota in 1884.

Eyjolfur was an unusually intelligent and talented person. He helped many of the Icelandic people in Spanish Fork with medical problems. He was not licensed to practice medicine, so he was not accepted by the American Medical Association. He was a talented singer and wrote poetry in Iceland as well as in Utah. He was also a good wood carver and carpenter.

Eyjolfur and Valgerdur became disenchanted with the Mormon Church. They and all of their children, except Audrosa, left the Church and joined the local Lutheran congregation. Eyjolfur was a deeply religious person. He was kind and compassionate, and people who knew him loved and appreciated him. He was a student of the Bible and its teachings.

Eyjolfur died 19 September 1913 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. He went by Eyjolfur Jameson in Spanish Fork. He is number 125 in Icelanders of Utah.

ERLENDUR ÁRNASON

Erlendur was born 11 August 1844 at Stor i Lambhagi, Leira, Borgarfjardar. His parents are Arni Bergthorsson, born 3 May 1798 at Hafthorsstadir, Hvammur i Nordurardal, Myra; and Malfridur Gudlaugsdottir, born 21 July 1804 at Kollslaekur, Stir i As, Bordarfjardar, died 2 June 1869. Erlendur immigrated to Canada in 1876, where he spent a couple of years in the settlement called “New Iceland” on the west shores of Lake Winnipeg. Like many others, he moved on and went to the Dakota Territory. About 1880 he came to Spanish Fork, Utah. He wanted to follow the trade of goldsmith and learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a great reader and writer. He owned an agency for selling men’s suits. He would fit them and then order from a catalog. He was a practicing calligrapher. He wrote such beautiful handwriting that people would have him prepare their important records.

Erlendur married Johanna Jonsdottir, born 10 March 1856 in Rangarvalla, the daughter of Jon Bjarnason. They had two children: Autna Julius and Steinunn (Stana). Their marriage ended in divorce. He then went to Scofield and Winter Quarters in Carbon County to work in the coal mines. About this time he started to correspond with Katrin Jonsdottir, who was living in Winnipeg and working as a nurse at the time. She came to Spanish Fork in 1893 and married Erlendur 19 August 1893. They made their home in Winter Quarters, where Erlendur worked in the mines. They had six children: Katie, John, Olga, Ella, Cornella and Elma. Erlundur and Katrin split, and she went to Blaine, Washington, where she died 17 January 1944. She is buried in the Blaine Cemetery. Erlundur never went to Blaine, Washington. He died in Salt Lake City 12 September 1918 and is buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Erlundur is number 7 in Icelanders of Utah.

ENGILBERT JÓNSSON

Engilbert Jónsson was born 4 May 1912, the son of Jonina Asgrimsdottir. Engilbert immigrated to Utah with his mother, Jonina, and his grandmother, Gudny Hrobjartsdottir. They settled in Cleveland, where his mother married Halldor Jonsson. Engilbert was raised with Halldor and Jonina’s family. Engilbert married and moved to Bicknell, Utah. He died 15 January 1990. He went by Engelbert Johnson in Utah; he is number 165 in Icelanders of Utah.

ELÍSABET EIRÍKSDÓTTIR

Elisabet was born 17 June 1849 in Kirkjubaer, Vestmannaeyjar. Her parents are Eirikur Hansson, born in 1815 at Vilborgarstadir in Vestmannaeyjar; and Kristin Jonsdottir, born in 1811 in Eystri-Klasabardi, Sigluvik, Rangarvalla.She married Isleikur Olafsson, born 15 July 1849 in Vodmulastadir, Rangarvalla. His parents are Olafur Isleiksson, born 23 January 1820, died 4 February 1884; and Katrin Jonsdottir, born 19 July 1823, died 3 November 1897. They were married 15 January 1888 in Vestmannaeyjar.

Isleikur and Elisabet had seven children born in Iceland, however only two survived: Sigurjon, born 18 September 1884, died 23 June 1916; and Karolina, born 17 September 1887, died 16 February 1981. The family immigrated to Spanish Fork, Utah in 1890. They first lived with Elisabet’s brother Eirikur. Isleikur worked for the Rio Grande Railroad at Colton in Spanish Fork Canyon. They moved their family to Colton, where they stayed for four years. Elisabet worked at Earl’s Cafe as well as taking in boarders and making bread and cakes for sale. They then returned to Spanish Fork, where they built a home on Fifth East and Second South. Elisabet died 27 August 1937 in Delta, Utah; she is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. She was known in Utah as Elizabeth Hanson, Elisabet E. Olson, and Ella Olson. She is number 298 in Icelanders of Utah.

Eiríkur Ingimundur Guðmundsson

Eirikur Ingimundur Gudmundsson born 13 February 1875 at Eydi, Seltjarnarnesthing, Gullbringu. His parents are Gudmundur Egilsson, born 15 March 1851 at Eydi, Seltjarnarnesthing, Gullbringu; and Gudridur Gudmundsdottir, born 15 February 1835 at Thorustadir, Mosfell i Grimsnesi, Arnes. At the age of six he emigrated from Iceland to Utah with his parents in 1881.
Eirikur married Emma Jane Boyle, born 19 July 1878 at Santaquin, Utah. They were married 4 February 1925 in Santaquin, Utah. Emma Jane died 4 May 1951. Eirikur died 28 October 1956 in Salt Lake City and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. He went by Erik Ingimar Egilson in Utah. He is number 72 in Icelanders of Utah.

EIRÍKUR EIRÍKSSON

Eirikur Eiriksson was born 12 May 1857 at Gjabakki, in Vestmannaeyjar; his parents are Eirikur Hansson, born in 1815 at Vilborgarstadir in Vestmannaeyjar; and Kristin Jonsdottir, born in 1811 in Eystri-Klasbardi, Sigluvik, Rangarvalla. Eirikur emigrated from Iceland to Spanish Fork, Utah in 1882. Jonina Helga Valgerdur Gudmundsdottir followed in 1885. Eirikur had known Jonina in Iceland. Eirikur joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints and was baptized on 8 April 1883; Jonina was baptized on 3 September 1885. They were married 11 September 1885.

Jonina Helga Valgerdur Gudmundsdottir was born 22 September 1867 in Vestmannaeyjar. Her parents are Gudmundur Arnason, born 25 September 1827 in Vestur Skaftafell; and Gudny Arnadottir, born 26 December 1834 in Vestmannaeyjar.

Eirikur and Jonina had eleven children: Rozetta Christine, born 10 November 1886, died 3 September 1959, married Lafael Hulet Royland 23 December 1908; Erick Elias, born 14 December 1888, died 21 May 1946, married Mary Ann Crump 18 December 1912; they were divorced and he married Ruth Koster; Hanna Jorun Vegalin, born 25 January 1891, died 3 January 1960, married George Swenson 10 December 1911; John Arthur, born 18 December 1892, died 16 October 1908; Nena Matilda, born 22 May 1895, married William C Beckstrom 24 October 1923; Lenard Goodman, born 2 February 1898, married Margaret Ann Griffith 23 April 1917; Lillian Ester, born 9 April 1900, died 8 August 1908; William Lawrence, born 2 May 1903, married Lyndall Huish 2 August 1924; Clara Mabel, born 27 August 1905, married Joseph Francis Redd 22 July 1926; Eldon W., born 18 January 1908, married Ruby Ludlow 10 February 1926; and Erma Lael, born 7 May 1910, married A. LeRoy Johnson 4 September 1929. Eirikur had changed his name to Erick Hanson, so all the children had the surname of Hanson.

Eirikur, a carpenter, made furniture, but he became known in Spanish Fork for his skill as a coffin maker; he was well known for the beauty and workmanship he put into this art. He learned to speak the English language and was an avid reader. He soon became known for his talent as a storyteller. He was the leader of the Icelandic choir in Spanish Fork and often played the organ and the accordion at their celebrations. He taught his fellow Icelanders at the Icelandic Church of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He would read the Book of Mormon and other church books in English and then explain in Icelandic what he had read.

Eirikur built a home in Spanish Fork, with his usual attention to detail and perfection. The home was lumber, painted light-blue with white trim. Stained glass windows and fancy scroll-work decorated the home. The scroll-work, or gingerbread trim, as it was often called, was made by Eirikur on an ingenious lathe that he had devised. The lathe, which was foot powered, along with his home-made planes, were donated to the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum by his son Len Hanson in 1978.

After the death of his beloved Nena 18 December 1932, Eldon and Ruby moved into the home to help care for him. Less than two years later, Eirikur died of a heart attack while working where he loved to be, in his well equipped carpenter shop that he had built next to his home. Eirikur died 11 September 1934 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. He was known in Spanish Fork as Erick Hanson and is number 98 in Icelanders of Utah.