Great grandpa Nielson, it’s said, was the first baby boy born in Hunter, Utah. He was born on July 15, 1878 to Rasmus and Anna Charlotte Johanson, who were both born in Denmark. John R is the first of my Nielson ancestors to be born in the USA. And I was raised within a mile or two of where he was born. The Nielsons put down some roots in Hunter.
In 1880, John Rasmus lived in Pleasant Green, UT with his mom, dad and older sister Emma.
On May 3, 1900, John married Hannah Walters Deakin, more commonly she was known as “Munzie.” Here’s the info from FamilySearch:
Here are a couple of pictures of them:
In 1900, John and Hannah lived in Hunter, UT, with John’s parents Rasmus and Charlotte and their 7 children. John R was listed as a “Farm laborer” on the census.
In 1910, John and Hannah lived in Hunter, UT with their 5 children. Oh, how life can change in 10 years!
In 1920, Dad (John Rasmus) and Munzie (switching to the names I’ve heard them called) lived in Hunter, UT, with their 4 unmarried children and also with their daughter Bertha, and her husband, Jim Newton. In 1920, John is listed as working on a “Farm” on his “Own Account.” (as opposed to being a “worker”) He also owned his home.
In 1930, Dad and Munzie lived in Hunter, Utah with their daughter Fay. They lived on a farm, owned their home and John was a farmer.
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In 1940, Dad and Munzie lived in Hunter, Utah with their grand-daughter Joyce Sutton, Lucile’s daughter. John is listed as a farmer, who worked 52 weeks in 1939 and worked 48 hours the week before the census was taken. Not much vacation time happening.
The census records are awesome! I so appreciate how they help me understand my ancestor’s stories.
In 1950, Dad and Munzie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. This picture was taken on May 15, 1955 at Aunt Bertha’s home:
On May 15, 1960, Munzie passed away, leaving John a widower.
On Nov 30, 1962, John passed away. Here is his obituary:
The text is difficult to read, here’s the transcription:
HUNTER- John Rasmus Nielson, 84, 5174 W 3500 S, Died Friday 2:30pm of causes incident to age at the home of a granddaughter, Mrs. Glyn B Peterson. Born July 15, 1872, Hunter, Utah, a son of Rasmus and Charlotte Johnson Nielson. Married Hannah Deakin May 2, 1900 in Hunter. Marriage later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She died May 15, 1960. Farmer; Salt Lake County road supervisor and had been a member of the Granite school board. High Priest in Hunter Ward. Survivors, one son and four daughters, J Willard, Hunter, Mrs James H (Bertha) Newton, serving a mission to England, Mrs. Evan (Fern) Thomas, Provo; Mrs. Bert R (Lucille) Sutton, Ogden, eight grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, one brother and three sisters, Hyrum D Nielson, Salt Lake City; Annie B Petersen, Hunter, Mrs. James (Vira) Fitches, Los Angeles, Mrs Melvin (Everean) Solomon, Granger. Funeral, Monday noon in the Hunter Second Ward chapel 3990 S 5200 W. Friends may call Sunday from 6 to 8 pm at 4330 S Redwood and Monday at the church one hour prior to services. Burial, Wasatch Lawn Cemetery.
I appreciate the contributions of Dad and Munzie. My parents have shared many memories of them with me. Munzie always looked fashionable and they were both extremely hard working. They gave me a heritage I’m very proud of. Hunter will always be my home, even though it’s part of West Valley City now. I like “Hunter” must better! And the area where Dad and Munzie lived and all the homes nearby will always be part of my fondest memories.
bingumm 
I love the first photo!