When Christian Wittwer and Magdalena Pfister were married, they lived in the mountains in Switzerland, in the village, Shangnau, surrounded with beautiful mountains. They had a farm. They raised cattle, cows. They made much cheese.
He had a sister named Elisabeth, born 28 April 1825. She Samuel Egli, a nice, quiet man, religious. Elisabeth died 2 April 1868. Christian and Magdalena’s only child Samuel, was born 10 March 1847 in Shangnau.
They joined the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when Samuel was about 11 years old. After they joined the church, they did whish to be with the Saints in Utah. They sold their property seemed to have considerable means therefrom. Early in 1860 they came with others, the Swiss company and landed in New York City. On the train to the Missouri River, they were with John Stucki, and wife, daughter, Mary Ann, son John S. and daughter Rose. Christian had an accordian and harmonica and played them on the way.
Near Omaha, Nebraska, they got a good ox team and wagon and crossed the plains with others Swiss. They did entertain themselves, singing playing and praying. Grandfather and grandmother slept at night in the covered wagon. When they came to Utah, for some time they were in Payson.
They were called to settle in Southern part of Utah. Arrived in Santa Clara 28 November 1861. They had two lots, across the street north and west of the public square. Built their rock house, Christian was a farmer, got land at several places. They tried oat in New Harmony and Rockville, bat settled for good in Santa Clara and enjoyed being busy. He helped cradle grain and bound it with his hands. He was a strong man and could work hand.
In the ward, he helped play the hand organ. Holidays they would go serenading with it thru town. The young people were interested in going in their home to enjoy the music. His wife baked egg bread, gritters, etc.. She did treat the visitors.
Did not nave a sewing machine. She did good sewing by hand. They were interested in going to the temple. Had a team of horses and a buggy and whoever wished to go, they were always welcome. They thought so much of their son, Samuel, Grandfather did wish to be and to work together with him. Christian and his wife once went with a covered wagon and team to Salt Lake City. On the way up, a widow, Sister Carpenter and her son, Alfred, five years old, rode with them from Richfield. Grandmother was especially considerate with them. Little Alfred would try to drive the teams some of the way so he could have a chance that way paying way going and coming back.
In 1874, Brigham Young was in St. George. He told the people to live the United Order in a different place. It was formed in Santa Clara. Crops were raised and harvested and shared in common. Lasted but a short time. Lack of cooperation. Should have been more prayerful and humble.
Grandfather, grandmother, father (Samuel), mother (Anna Maria Gubler), two sons, Samuel and Harmon, and daughter Mary, Born 20 January, 1875, Sam Reber with second wife and family, with teams and wagons left for Price, a few miles south of St. George. Others were there from other places. The men did share their work; for some time had a good spirit with them. They tried to work together. Mother was appointed to take change of the cooking. Ate at the same big table. But difficulties arose and not continued. Grandfather hand considerable means but did not receive any back, but they were just as strong in faith.
On 24 November 1873, Christian Wittwer and widow Anna Elizabeth Frehner went to Salt Lake City with a team and wagon outfit with John Hafen and Mary Ann Stucki, both couples for plural marriage. in the Endowment House. On the way Elizabeth (Lizie) did make a dress for Mary Ann. She was very handy making dresses. Grandmother died 10 January 1884, Grandfather stayed with us, his son Samuel and family. Later on he had trouble with rheumatism He had to use crutches. He died in our home in Santa Clara 12 January 1894. He was not with Anna Elizabeth and her two sons Henry and Alfred Frehner, whom he felt were brothers, after grandmother died.
Source:Brent Bunker
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