Bohn, Joseph, House
355 S. 200 West, Beaver, UTThe original black rock cottage was probably built for Joseph Bohn by Thomas Frazer sometime c. 1872, though Mr. Bohn lived across the street and to the north in an adobe house that is still extant. Bohn sold the property to David Levi in 1876, and Levi's second wife in polygamy - Christina Gillis Levi- lived there part-time and raised her family. Circa 1885, Christina and David had the pink rock section of the house built.
Jane Gillies, Christina's mother, also lived in the home, apparently taking care of it when Christina was residing and working at her farm just west of Beaver(there was also a house on this farm). In her book, Butch Cassidy, My Brother, Lula Parker Betenson (Butch's sister) states that her brother was born in Beaver, in 1866, at the home of his maternal grandmother, Jane Gillies. If Butch was born on this property, as many Beaver residents believe he was, it must have been in an early log or adobe cabin that is no longer extant. The earliest possible date of construction for the black rock section (original) would be 1869 when Thomas Frazer first arrived in Beaver According to Butch Cassidy's sister, he was born in 1866, thus pre-dating the earliest possible date for the existing stone house by three years.
The fact that the property was owned by Joseph Bohn until 1876 does not automatically rule out the possibility of the Gillies or Levi family living there earlier. Joseph Bohn lived across the street in an early adobe home and it was not uncommon in Beaver for someone other than the legal owner to be living on a piece of property especially if they were related to the owner in some way.
In conclusion, this author has researched three other homes that were thought by some to be the birthplace of Butch Cassidy. None of those three were likely candidates once even a superficial amount of research was done. This property though probably not this house, has encouraging abstracts, but all in all the documentable facts still remain too sketchy at this time for any definitive conclusions.
Local significance of the building:
Jane Gillies, Christina's mother, also lived in the home, apparently taking care of it when Christina was residing and working at her farm just west of Beaver(there was also a house on this farm). In her book, Butch Cassidy, My Brother, Lula Parker Betenson (Butch's sister) states that her brother was born in Beaver, in 1866, at the home of his maternal grandmother, Jane Gillies. If Butch was born on this property, as many Beaver residents believe he was, it must have been in an early log or adobe cabin that is no longer extant. The earliest possible date of construction for the black rock section (original) would be 1869 when Thomas Frazer first arrived in Beaver According to Butch Cassidy's sister, he was born in 1866, thus pre-dating the earliest possible date for the existing stone house by three years.
The fact that the property was owned by Joseph Bohn until 1876 does not automatically rule out the possibility of the Gillies or Levi family living there earlier. Joseph Bohn lived across the street in an early adobe home and it was not uncommon in Beaver for someone other than the legal owner to be living on a piece of property especially if they were related to the owner in some way.
In conclusion, this author has researched three other homes that were thought by some to be the birthplace of Butch Cassidy. None of those three were likely candidates once even a superficial amount of research was done. This property though probably not this house, has encouraging abstracts, but all in all the documentable facts still remain too sketchy at this time for any definitive conclusions.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The state's official bird is the California gull, which was declared the state bird in 1955. The gull is credited with helping early Mormon settlers by eating the insects that were destroying their crops.
About Beaver County
Beaver County Timeline
Beaver County, Utah has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was home to the Paiute Indian Tribe, who lived off the land and utilized the resources of the region. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1850s, led by Mormon pioneers seeking new opportunities and a place to practice their faith.
The town of Beaver, which would become the county seat, was established in 1856. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, drawn by the fertile soil and ample water sources. Agriculture became the mainstay of the local economy, with crops such as wheat, corn, and fruit thriving in Beaver County's mild climate. Early settlers also raised livestock and operated small-scale mining operations, primarily for gold and silver.
In the late 1800s, transportation became a major factor in Beaver County's development. The Union Pacific Railroad extended its line to the region, opening up new markets and opportunities for the residents. The railroad brought an influx of tourists and businessmen, leading to the growth of hotels, businesses, and services in Beaver and other towns.
Throughout the 20th century, Beaver County continued to thrive through agriculture, mining, and tourism. The county experienced the boom and bust cycles associated with these industries, but managed to adapt and remain resilient. Today, Beaver County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its friendly community. It is a testament to the perseverance and hard work of its early pioneers and the generations that followed.
The town of Beaver, which would become the county seat, was established in 1856. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, drawn by the fertile soil and ample water sources. Agriculture became the mainstay of the local economy, with crops such as wheat, corn, and fruit thriving in Beaver County's mild climate. Early settlers also raised livestock and operated small-scale mining operations, primarily for gold and silver.
In the late 1800s, transportation became a major factor in Beaver County's development. The Union Pacific Railroad extended its line to the region, opening up new markets and opportunities for the residents. The railroad brought an influx of tourists and businessmen, leading to the growth of hotels, businesses, and services in Beaver and other towns.
Throughout the 20th century, Beaver County continued to thrive through agriculture, mining, and tourism. The county experienced the boom and bust cycles associated with these industries, but managed to adapt and remain resilient. Today, Beaver County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its friendly community. It is a testament to the perseverance and hard work of its early pioneers and the generations that followed.
Beaver County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Beaver County, Utah.
- 1776 - Spanish explorers from California pass through the area
- 1826 - American trapper and explorer Jedediah Smith visits the region
- 1856 - Mormon pioneers settle in Beaver County
- 1861 - Beaver County is officially established
- 1872 - Railroad reaches Beaver, providing economic boost
- 1895 - Beaver County Courthouse is built in Beaver
- 1906 - Tintic Mining District is established, bringing mining boom
- 1931 - Completion of historic Beaver Dam Lodge and Golf Course
- 1970 - Completion of Beaver Mountain Ski Resort
- 1985 - Completion of Minersville Reservoir