Thomas Lauridsen
The News-Examiner, Thursday, March 1, 1956, page 1
PIONEER BEAR LAKE RANCHER DIES
Thomas Lauridsen, 94, prominent pioneer Bear Lake rancher, stockman and one of the county’s oldest citizens, died at his home in Montpelier about 5:50 am Tuesday. Mr. Lauridsen was born on April 23, 1861 at Darum, Denmark. When 18 years old he came to America. He lived for awhile in New Jersey, worked at lumbering in Michigan and came to Bear Lake in 1882. Shortly after arriving in Bear Lake county he homesteaded land near Ovid. He and Anna Jensen were married March 31, 1886 in Montpelier and in 1889 the family moved to South Montpelier. They lived there until moving to Montpelier in 1910.
Interested in fraternal and civic activities Mr. Lauridsen served as a school board member in South Montpelier, was a member of the Montpelier City Council 1931-1933 and for 59 years was a member of local lodge No 18 IOOF. He held many offices in the local lodge and was a past Noble Grand. He was a member of the Lutheran Church.
Mr. Lauridsen witnessed and participated in the development and growth of this western county from the time the railroad was constructed into Montpelier. He was active in stockmen’s organizations and founded the Lauridsen Land and Livestock Company, which has holdings in Bear Lake and Caribou counties. Until the past few years Mr. Lauridsen was active in ranching and stock raising operations.
Mr. Lauridsen was preceded in death by his wife November 22, 1926. Fourteen
children were born to this union, seven of whom survive; Annie Lauridsen, Mary
Lauridsen, Lewis Lauridsen all of Montpelier; Mr. Karl (Merinda) Horne of
Thornton Idaho; Sylvester, Bill and Melvin Lauridsen also of Montpelier. Also
surviving are 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren; and three nieces and
nephews in Denmark. Services will be held at 2 pm Friday in the Matthews
Mortuary Chapel.