Morrison Charcoal Ovens 1882
These charcoal ovens are evidence of a historic man using the natural resources. Reminders, which once upon a
time formed the basis of a man’s industrial enterprise. In 1882, that man, George Morrison hired Nicolas Paul to build four charcoal
overns. Records indicate he was aided by Ole Hans Jacobson and Herman Lundahl. Records also indicate that Christian Overson at
one time was in charge of operations.
Wood in mountain canyons to the East was cut into four foot lengths, put on mules and horses and hauled to the mouth of
the canyon (one of which still has the name of Wood Canyon). Each mule carried approximately one-fourth cord of wood. Young 18
year old Mathias Caleb Dutson made three such trips each day. Total for the day, three cords. The wood was then brought to the
overns by wagon or cart. Records indicate that John Carson and Louis Nielson and other men from the area helped cut and haul the
wood and fire the Charcoal Ovens.
The wood was put through the charge door (the higher window), stacked on end, around and above a wooden fire place
which had been built in the center of the oven, filled with chips and wood shavings to provide tinder for the later fire. The wood
continued to be stacked until the overn was full, (about 25 cords.) A long torch was pushed through to the tinder box to light a fire.
The burning fires oxygen supply was controlled by placing or removing rocks in the two rows of holes, which can be seen around
the base of the ovens. Control of the burning wood was determined by the color of the smoke. After six to eight days all the air was
shut off, smothering the fire. The ovens and wood were then let cool. The charcoal was removed from the ovens and sold.
The charcoal was used by smelters in making steel. It was also used as insulation to keep foods an even temperature.
As charcoal burns with a hot, smokeless flame it was used on trains and other places as fuel for cooking. It was also used by
blacksmiths in their forges.
Exactly how long the ovens were used, the record is not clear. It seems their use overlapped one year the establishment of the Ibex Smelter (1895) two miles to the northwest. The smelter closed after one year of operation, because of the lack of ore.
This probably ended the use of the charcoal ovens. Standing inside the oven or outside looking to top of Wood Canyon, one can
almost hear the sound of axes, of men and mules, wagons and trains. The sounds of history are silently heard in our minds as we go
back to one upon a time.
Thanks to Utah State Historical Society—Utah Dept. of Transportation—Union Pacific Railroad—Descendants of these pioneers and individual contributors
