Three weeks ago our dear family in Brigham city were victims of a horrible fire. The 150 year old Mill was burned uncontrollably to complete loss.
The Grist Mill was the first industrial building constructed in Brigham City, it was completed in 1856 and began operating in 1857. In 1877 my Great, Great, Great grandpa, John H. Bott purchased the whole city block for $300 where the building stood. IN 1890, he operated a stone-cutting and monument business until his death in 1914. This family business is a Four generation family business, it is owned and operated by three Bott Brothers, my cousins, D.J. , Mike, & Justin.
My sweet Cousin Shaleena, who lived upstairs, was on the 3rd floor with her son Gabe asleep Luckily they were awakened and were able to get out unharmed. They did suffer some smoke inhalation but were treated there that night on the scene along with an officer who helped with their escape. Along with Shaleena and Gabe, my cousin's (D.J., Mike, & Justin) who ran and worked at the shop have suffered a great loss. Everything!
The shop was an amazing building, I used to love going up to visit and walk thru and see the old pictures and the old writings on the wall (which are all gone now). All the old tools and unique stair cases are gone. It was hard to go and see the devastation and walk the grounds with my dad. He said, "I could just cry seeing this" I told him to do it, so many memories are in that old place and now that is all they are, memories! I am so sad for my family, i wish i could do more.
Zions Bank is currently taking donations for the families in the name of D.J. Bott Family Fund to help them recover from this great loss. Donations can be made at any Zion's Bank location.
The building was considered one of the best pre-served mills in the sate of Utah. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
How sad we are, We love you Bott'S!
3 comments:
That is so terrible!!! I'm glad nobody was hurt. That had to be so scary for Shaleena!!!
Love your blog!!!
Hi,
My name is Dan Paschal, My Great Grandfather was Moroni R Bott one of John H Bott's son's. My Grandparents used to take us up to visit my Great Grandparents at thier home on Bott Ave and I would beg them to drive me by the old "headstone factory". I never got inside and I always have regretted it. Sad that its gone now.
Hi, my name is Linda Allen. My grandfather, Nephi J. Bott, was one of John Henry's sons. I was looking on the internet for things about John Henry and found this. I'd love to learn more. I have to go to a baptism right now, but will contact you again. Thanks
ricello42@yahoo.com
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