Sketch of Sarah Jane Crowther Johnson

Sarah Jane Crowther and Charles Henry Johnson Family, about 1883
Maud Laurette Johnson, Sarah Jane (mother), Bessie May Johnson (baby),
Nellie Jane Johnson, Charles Henry (father), and Charles Franklin Johnson

"The Crowther's of Fountain Green, Utah"  Sketch of Sarah Jane Crowther Johnson:

             In a humble little home in Cedar City, Iron county, Utah, a little girl was born on the 19th day of October, 1856.  She was the first child born to Thomas Crowther and Jane Jewkes, Latter-day Saint parents.  Each parent had been married before and each had one living child by a former marriage.

She was given the name of Sarah Jane. Her mother was a deeply religious woman and she taught her daughter to be honest and upright, to seek companions of a high class and to look for good in every one.  Under instruction Sarah Jane grew up with fine ideals and a deep respect for culture and morality.

In 1860, the family moved to Ephraim, Sanpete county, Utah, remaining there a year, then moving to Fountain Green, same county, where they made a more permanent home.  There Sarah Jane went through the experiences of pioneer life.  There were no public schools, nothing but private instruction requiring a fee.

Sarah Jane Crowther Johnson

She took an active part in community life, taking part in singing and dramatics.  An old memory of those who knew and loved her, was when Uncle Richard Jewkes used to come through the lot, sit down on the porch and call for Sarah Jane to come and sit by him and sing “Maggie Dear.”  In those days the people of this small town used to meet quite frequently, choose side and compete in a spelling match.  Sarah Jane was considered one of the best, and was seldom spelled down.

These little social gatherings became a wonderful way of education and recreation.  They would sing their multiplication table even in their Sunday School.  When about sixteen years old, Sarah Jane met a young man by the name of Charles Henry Johnson, the son of Bishop Robert L. Johnson and Polly Ann Guymon.  This young man was born 30th of May, 1849, at Council Bluffs, Iowa.  With his parents came to Utah in 1850.  They settled in Spingville, Utah county, Utah, where they lived until 1860, when they moved to Fountain Green.  They also suffered all the hardships of pioneer life.  It has been said that happiness comes to those who go in search of it, for it was at one of the Ward socials that Charles met the lovely Sarah Jane.  It was not surprising that the pleasant smile he gave this charming girl was returned.

Charles Henry Johnson

The friendship of Charles Henry and Sarah Jane ripened into love, and they were married 27 June, 1875. To this union of Sarah Jane, and Charles Henry Johnson, was born eleven children, six boys and five girls.  All except one boy grew to reach the age of maturity.

The young couple made their first home in Fountain Green.  It was a small brick house; also a good big barn for the stock.  Love is a great miracle worker and within a short time the little brick house was transformed into a comfortable home, where the refining touch of Sarah Jane’s hand was evident.  They took a prominent part in the activities of community life in Fountain Green.  Quite frequently the Indians were on the war path; Charles, being a stalwart young man, was called on to do his part in protecting the people against the Indians.

Due to his experience in pioneering, Charles was called to fill a mission to Arizona.  The call consisted of taking his family and moving to the Tonto Basin, which was about one hundred miles northeast of the Salt River valley.  It was at this place President Brigham Young had advised the Saints to establish settlements.  Charles Henry and Sarah Jane obedient to the call, set out on this perilous journey.  It required courage, strength and resourcefulness for the young couple to drive over rough canyon roads, a four-horse team hitched to a wagon loaded with a few of their household goods, and their four children:  Nellie Jane, age eight years; Charles Franklin, age six years; Maud Laurett, age five, and Bessie May, age two years.  To set out to find a new home, Charles did heroically the work of a frontiersman, and it will remain always to his credit.

The weary but happy family arrived at Tonto Basin, and again established their second home and well it was, for within a short time after their arrival, Sarah Jane gave birth to her fourth daughter, Minnie Frances, on September 19, 1884.  As Sarah Jane and Charles got acquainted with the people, their kindness and helpfulness won for them the love and confidence of every one in the community.  For two years, Charles helped in every way possible, but owing to the poor health of Sarah Jane, he was released from this mission the 1886, and they made preparations to go back to Utah.  The hardships of the trip were borne by the family with patience and faith.  The daughters Nellie and Bessie still remember the trip back from Arizona to Utah, of meeting with the Indians who were thought to be on the war path.  As the Indians came into view, their father stopped the wagon, and asked for the old gun, which he drew up along side of him in the spring seat.  What moments of suspense for Sarah Jane and the children, and what a relief, when their father, knowing the traits, saw the Indian women and children were driving the horses with the men.  Charles called out, put the gun back.  There is never any trouble with Indians when they have their women and children along.

At Lee’s Ferry, where they crossed the Colorado river, the water was very high, the horses and wagon were taken across on the boat without any mishap.  Usually there was a fairly large charge for taking the wagon across, but on this occasion the ferry man refused to take anything from the Johnson family, but made a request that when they arrived in Utah and were able, they should contribute five dollars toward the building of the Manti Temple.  Just after the river had been crossed and the family were all on the wagon, the journey continued.  The road was so rough, one wheel struck a boulder, throwing Sarah Jane from the spring seat, breaking her wrist and bruising the baby Minnie that she was holding in her arms.  In spite of the broken wrist, the trip was continued, Sarah Jane doing most of the cooking around the camp fir.  The tired family arrived in Fountain Green, September 17, 1886.  A baby boy, Robert Ray, was born in October, 1886, but died in infancy, living six weeks.

In spit of having such hard experiences in journeying from Arizona back to Utah, Sarah Jane and Charles decided to move to Colorado, where relatives of Sarah Jane (the Crowther family) were located.  They were fortunate in exchanging their home in Arizona with Peter Cheney for a house in Sanford, Colorado.  They shipped their stock and belongings by railroad to Myers Junction just north of the San Luis valley.  The family came by train to Alamosa, Colorado, arriving in the San Luis valley in the spring of 1887.  What a time of rejoicing for Sarah Jane to meet her dear ones.  And what a warm welcome the family received from the aunts, uncles and cousins.  Before long the Johnson family were settled in their surroundings in Sanford which was to be their permanent home.  Sarah Jane’s health was much improved.  And what an interest the happy family took in the building of the new town.  Charles was a very useful man serving as a member of the Sanford Town Company and helping to survey the town and fields surrounding the town.  He purchased land and was soon busy planting a crop and garden, shrubbery and trees were also set out.

Sarah Jane Johnson

The capable hands of Sarah Jane transformed the humble little house into a home where love made every task light.  She had many accomplishments, one of which was her love for reading.  She would spend the long winter evenings reading good books, not only to her own children; but the neighbors young folks would gather at her home.  They all enjoyed to hear her read.  She learned when very young to cord and spin wool for her own, and her mother’s family.  They used to have spinning bees, where quite a number of the neighbor girls would bring their spinning wheels and spend the afternoon in helping one another.  One of the pleasant memories of one of Sarah Jane’s nephews was when Grandmother Crowther, Aunt Sarah Jane, Aunt Em Kirby, Aunt Laura Morgan, Uncle Will Crowther’s wife, Aunt Mary, Aunt May Jensen, Aunt Rozilla Mortensen, Aunt Mary Tomy, Aunt Mary Frank, and Aunt Nellie Mortensen all met quite often at someone of their homes, and have a quilting party and dew carpet rags to make carpets.  What happy times for all of the relatives to meet together as one big family.

Three more sons came to bless the Johnson home:  Ross, Gilbert, and Edgar.  Through the industry and thrift of the father and mother, they were beginning to enjoy the comforts of life.  In the fall of 1894, Charles received a call to fill a mission to the Southern States.  He accepted the call and left in December, 1894.  He was assigned to labor in the state of Mississippi.  During the father’s absence, Sarah Jane and the older children cared for the home and farm.  Love and devotion for the Gospel enabled them to make many sacrifices that their father might continue his mission.  And while he was away, the mother gave birth to a son, Renold Crowther Johnson, July, 1895.  In May, 1897, Charles received an honorable release.  He had accomplished a splendid work among the good people of Mississippi.  Many people received the Gospel, became members of the Church because of his faithful work as a missionary.  There was great rejoicing in the Johnson home when their father returned.  And although he was released from the missionary labors, he continued to work in the Church, serving as a member of the Stake board of Sunday School of the San Luis Stake, as president of the Elders’ Quorum and other Ward activities.

Again the Johnson  family were made happy by the birth of their eleventh child, a girl, Nina Zatell, 22 May, 1898.  The devotions of Sarah Jane to her family was manifest at all times.  She taught her girls to sew, cook and become good homemakers.

Charles was a lover of sports and was very fleet on foot, taking many prizes at holiday and fair celebrations.  This good athletic trait seems to be inherited by his sons.  His family were very proud of their father when he would ride a horse and appear as marshal of the day in town celebrations.  He was a man of good judgment, would suffer wrong rather than do wrong.  Kind and lovable, he was beloved by all who knew him.  At the age of fifty-eight years, he passed to the Great Beyond May 31, 1907.  He was buried in the Sanford cemetery.  Sarah Jane lived twelve years after Charles left her, then she too passed on 22 October, 1919.  She was buried beside her husband whom she had loved so well.

The deeds which will be remembered the longest and shine the brightest in the affection of Sarah Jane’s children and those who knew her best will be her devotion to her family and loved ones.  And in her quiet way she accomplished a work that will never be forgotten.  All of their children were good, loyal citizens of both Church and state.

Charles Franklin, their eldest son, was superintendent of M.I.A. of the Sanford Ward, also took an active part in the educational activities of Sanford.  He died 10 Nov., 1915, leaving his wife, Mary Whitney Johnson, and their young son, Frank.  She and Frank have carried on ;the work as leaders in the Mutual Improvement work.  Mary also served as counselor to the Relief Society president of the Sanford Ward, and as a Sunday School teacher.

Nellie Jane Johnson Hutchins

Nellie Jane, the eldest daughter, has taken an active part in the church, serving as a member of the Stake Board of Primary of the San Luis Stake; later as counselor in the Sanford Ward Relief Society; at the present time is holding the position as counselor in the Stake Relief Society of San Luis Stake.  Her husband, Jess C. Hutchins, served as superintendent of the Sunday School for thirteen years; as a member of the High Council of the San Luis Stake for twelve years and is a member of the High Priest’s Presidency at the present time.  Their son, Donald, filed a mission in Missouri.

Maud Laurette Johnson Reed

Maud Laurette, Sarah Jane’s second daughter, held a position of Secretary of Mutual Improvement Association of Sanford Ward; stake board member of M.I.A. San Luis Stake; was a teacher in the Sanford Ward Sunday School, also took an active part in club work, and was dearly beloved by all who knew her.  She passed away 4 January, 1942.  Her husband, John B. Reed, served as Bishop of the Sanford Ward several years, later becoming a member of the Stake Presidency.  At the present time he is serving as President of the San Luis Stake.

Bessie May Johnson Shawcroft

Besse, the third daughter, has labored in the presidency of the Primary and Relief Society organizations of the Richfield Ward, also as teacher of Sunday School and Mutual Improvement Association.  Her husband, James N. Shawcroft, filled a mission to the Northern States.  Upon his return home he served as counselor of the Bishop of Richfield Ward for twelve years and later as Bishop of Richfield Ward for twelve years and later as Bishop of the Richfield Ward for four years.  Was a member of the High Council and Patriarch of the San Luis Stake.

Minnie, the fourth daughter, also worked as the President of the Primary organization, later served as counselor to the President of the Relief Society of the Richfield Ward, taking an active part in the community affairs.  Especially was she a good cook, serving suppers each week for years for the Rotary club of La Jara, Colorado up to the time of her death, 11 Feb. 1938.  Her husband Murrill Shawcroft, assisted his wife in performing her duties.  He and their sons taking part in the social life of the Richfield Ward.

Lymon Ross, the third son of Sarah Jane, filled positions of High Council member, President of the Stake M.I.A. and as superintendent of the Richfield Sunday School.  His wife, Laura Jones Johnson also held position of President Y. L. M. I. A. and Stake President of the San Luis Stake Primary Association.  Their son, Perry, filled a mission to the Northern States.

Edgar Lawrence Johnson

Edgar, the fourth son, with his mother, Sarah Jane, performed a great work for their dead relatives in the Manti Temple.  His first wife, Dottie Dalton Johnson, helped to introduce the Bee Hive work of the Young Ladies’ M. I. A. in the San Luis Stake.  She lived only a few years after her marriage.  After her death, Edgar filled a mission to California.  Upon returning home, he married Elgiva Allen, who had filled a mission to California, but their happiness lasted only a short time as he passed away in 1932 at the age of 41 years.

Gilbert Raphael "Bert" Johnson

Gilbert, the fifth son, took part in Ward activities of the Sanford and later in the Richfield Ward.  He was a good husband, father and friend to all who knew him.  He died in 1931 at the age of 38 years, leaving his young wife, Louie Davis Johnson, and five children.  She continues to help in the different auxiliary organizations of the Richfield Ward and to encourage their children to do their part in church activities.

Renold Crowther Johnson, the tenth child, served his country in the first World War.  Upon returning home, he worked in both Stake and Ward M. I. A., served as a counselor to the Bishop of Sanford Ward for two years.  At the present time he is serving his third year as bishop of the Sanford Ward.  His first wife, Eva Jones, worked in Ward organizations up to the time of her death.  Their son, Jerome, is filling a mission in the Central States.  his second wife, Clara Rasmussen Johnson, has worked in both Stake and Ward organizations as president of the Stake Primary San Luis Stake; counselor to the Sanford Ward Primary; and a member of the Relief Society Stake board of the San Luis Stake.

Nina Zetell Johnson Coombs
with nieces, Onie & Maggie Hutchins

Nina, the youngest daughter, has held positions as counselor in the Sanford Ward Primary.  Has been a teacher in different auxiliary organizations. of the Richfield Ward.  Her husband, Roy Coombs, served his country in the first World War.  Filled a mission in the Central States, held position as president of the M. I. A. of Richfield Ward.  Thus the posterity of Sarah Jane and Charles Henry Johnson are carrying on the work begun and upheld by their noble parents.

Charles Henry and Sarah Jane Crowther JOHNSON

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