Ephraim Settlement

Ephraim Settlement

Isaac Behunin and his family came to Pine Creek in 1852. By 1854, 77 families had arrived.

As the Ephraim settlement grew, a branch of the LDS church was established there, with Reuben W. Allred as the first bishop. Fort Ephraim was incorporated as a city in 1868.

The first mayor was George Taylor Sr. The leader of the militia was Reddick N. Allred. And Agnes Armstrong was the first schoolteacher.

When the Indian raids finally ended, each man was given 20 acres of land to settle outside the fort.

There is a historical marker for the settlement that was built by Ferald Anderson and Paul Mortenson. Ferald’s wife Macel Anderson was captain of the Ephraim DUP Camp at the time. It marks the place where the first house was built. A lentil from the doorway, which read “Peter Madsen”, has been preserved and added to the marker. The dedicatory prayer for the monument was given by Leslie L. Madsen, a grandson of Peter Madsen. The monument is located at 300 East 100 North.