Highlights of a Pioneer’s Legacy: Frederick E. Eldredge
Just an note: Father and son shared the same proud name — Frederick Baker Eldredge and his son Frederick Elnathan Eldredge — their middle names help us tell these two outstanding pioneers and community leaders apart
Key Moments in the Life of Frederick Elnathan Eldredge (1869–1959)
Born September 18, 1869, the eldest son of two pioneer families who arrived in Utah with the second company of settlers in 1847.
As a baby, moved with his parents to help pioneer Laketown near Bear Lake, where he spent his boyhood herding cattle.
At age 12, helped drive 135 beef cattle from Laketown to Bountiful with his Nebeker cousins.
At 15, rode the same horse 128 miles to drive cattle for his uncle.
Survived a severe head injury in 1883 when kicked by a horse—required removal of 13 pieces of skull bone.
Family settled in Granger, Utah, in 1884, where he lived for the rest of his life.
Married Julia Druce Lambert in Granger on May 21, 1893; together they raised twelve children.
Hauled salt from Great Salt Lake to the city for five years, often trading fresh water for the salt pickers’ labor.
Delivered tax notices across the west side before post offices existed; helped pioneer the first road grading work in Salt Lake County in 1887.
Hauled gravel, sand, hay, and building materials for local churches, schools, roads, and the Garfield smelter.
Operated the community school wagon for many years, transporting up to 50 children daily to Monroe School—heated his winter sleigh with warm bricks and rocks to keep children comfortable.
Served as Registration Agent during the restoration of women’s suffrage, personally visiting every home to register local women to vote.
Helped secure Plymouth School’s location at Redwood Road and 48th South by gathering neighbors’ votes at the last minute—his own children attended there and three daughters later taught there.
Active in civic leadership as secretary of the West Side Commercial Club, which brought telephone, electric lights, and industry (sugar factory) to West Jordan and Granger.
Served ten years as director of the Utah Lake Distributing Company, overseeing irrigation for Granger and Hunter.
Held many church positions: Sunday School secretary, YMMIA secretary for 18 years, Elder’s Quorum secretary for 12 years, secretary of the 14th Quorum of Seventy for 23 years, then devoted later life to temple work.
Loved horse pulling contests, wrestling, baseball, hunting, and ballroom dancing with his community.
Renowned local historian, remembered for his remarkable memory and willingness to share stories and pioneer history—life member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers.
Retraced historic routes later in life, including the Mormon Battalion Trail and parts of the Mormon Trail back East.
Passed away August 31, 1959, in his Granger home, just weeks before his 90th birthday, leaving behind nine surviving children, 34 grandchildren, and 41 great-grandchildren.
