Large Burr Oak Tree which is listed on the “National Register of Historic Trees.” – Part of Heritage Oak Subdivision Amendment
1887, 1894
STORY OF THE BURR OAK TREE
John and Sarah Emily Dabb arrived in Ogden, Utah, in May 1882, “two months and nine days” after joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Erie, New York. As the story goes, John had a difficult time adjusting to the arid conditions in Utah, having loved the wooded areas in upper New York State, his previous home. When they first arrived, they tried to farm a dry, sandy, 12 acre-parcel in Ogden while dealing with inadequate water, issues over water rights, and devouring insects. In one instance, a hard east wind covered their growing garden with a foot of dirt! (“Biography of John Dabb and Sarah Emily Barrow”). John got so discouraged that he sold the place for “anything he could get” and moved.
The Dabbs’ move to Harrisville was much more positive. Their twenty-acre farm was “very uneven,” however, John explained, “Everywhere there is a hollow, there is a hill to fill it with!”
In March 1894, John left on a mission for the Church to the Eastern States. Upon his return (October 1894), he brought with him seeds and seedlings of many plants and trees nonindigenous to the area and planted these on his property. It is believed that it was John who planted the large Burr Oak tree that still blesses the Harrisville community with its beauty.
1887
The home in Harrisville was bought from Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Warner, in the fall of 1887. They lived in this two-room adobe house for four years and later added additional rooms. Throughout John’s life he was a successful veterinary surgeon, and for several years he was appointed postmaster of Harrisville. Sarah was a counselor in the Primary Association, and later she served as recorder, one of the directors, and then President of the Relief Society.
1930
When Sarah Emily died in 1930 and John in 1931, it is believed that the next owners of the property were emigrants Jacob Smit, born in Holland in 1884, and wife JiJke Boekway, born in 1887. The 1930 Census shows the Boekways living in the home with their family.
There was a large, well-constructed barn set back east of the home, and they usually planted a lovely vegetable garden in front.
When Jacob passed away at age 85 in August 1969, he had spent 67 years in Ogden and Harrisville. They had four children, who Americanized their last name by changing it from Smit to Smith. Jacob divided his property into lots along West Harrisville so his posterity could locate their homes here. (604 West, 664 West, 670 West, 686 West)
Smit’s family eventually removed the home at 604 West Harrisville, and for a few years, the plot was vacant except for the iconic old early hay barn.
In 2018, new owners built a home behind the Burr Oak Tree. The barn was removed, and the property was incorporated into Heritage Oak Subdivision as Parcel B.
1972 0011 George Smith
2002 0011 Brad C. Smith trustee
2004 0011 Marvin Smith
2008 0011 Douglas R. Openshaw Living Trust
2016 0011 Byron C. Mortensen
2019 114350002 parcel B Heritage Oak Subdivision
2020 0002 Shad D. Hansen & Kalston Knight
2021 0002 Charlie & Caroline Brunsen
2023 0002 Toby & Joanne K. Hazelbaker
2026 0002 C & S Sheets Jr Family Trust
604 West Harrisville Road – 2026
