John Y. Bearnson papers
Scope and Contents note
This collection contains the personal papers and business records of John Y. Bearnson. Collection includes political papers (on issues such as Communism, Voting, Christian Crusade, Civil Rights, etc.); Springville and Salt Lake City companies’ records; stocks; accountant records; and personal correspondence. The collection spans from circa 1920-1980, with bulk 1945-1970.
Dates
- 1920-1980
Creator
Conditions Governing Access note
Open for public research.
Conditions Governing Use note
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from the John Y. Bearnson papers must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators.
Biographical History
John Jack Young Bearnson (1899-1985) genealogist, accountant and President of the Icelandic Association.
John Jack
Young Bearnson was born February 22, 1899, at Winter Quarters (near the present town of Scofield), Utah, to Finnbogi and Josephine Marie Christen Jensen Bearnson. He married Birdella Reynolds in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on October 8, 1925. Bearnson served in both World War I and II. He was involved in many groups including the Federalized National Guard, the Kiwanis Club, the American Legion, and was general marshal of the Springville Days celebration in the spring of 1983. He was an active member of the LDS church and served as a bishop and a member of the high council.
An avid genealogist, Bearnson traced his own generations back to 239 AD. He was the President of the Icelandic Association. During his tenure, he organized a three-day centennial celebration to recognize 100 years since Icelandic immigrants established Spanish Fork. Icelanders from all over the US, Canada, and Iceland came to celebrate. He was given the Order of the Falcon by the President of Iceland for promoting good relations between Iceland and the US. He and his wife opened their home to more than 80 Icelanders, including the Nobel prize winner Hadler Laxnux.
Bearnson was an accountant by profession and owned Jack’s Toggery on Main Street in Springville. In 1977 he and his wife were called to preside over the Icelandic mission and helped to purchase the ground for the first chapel in Iceland. He died November 15, 1985, at his home in Springville.
Extent
22 cartons (22 linear ft.)
9 boxes (4.5 linear ft.)
1 oversize box (1 linear ft.)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Collection of personal papers and business records of John Y. Bearnson, 1920-1980.
Custodial History note
Donated by Cathy Hammon in 1992.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
Donated; Cathy Hammond; 1992.
Appraisal note
Utah and the American West (Collection development policy of 20th Century Western and Mormon Manuscripts, August 2007).
Processing Information note
Processed; Melissa Cowles; 4 December 2007.
- Title
- Register of John Y. Bearnson papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Melissa Cowles and Karen Glenn, student processors and John Murphy, curator
- Date
- 2009
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English in Latin script.
- Carton: 16 (Mixed Materials)
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- Box: 14 (Mixed Materials)
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- Carton: 20 (Mixed Materials)
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- Carton: 26 (Mixed Materials)
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- Box: 31 (Mixed Materials)
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- Carton: 12 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 11 (Mixed Materials)
Repository Details
Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States