Ever Heard of Salem, Arizona?

 

Transcription: 

"Sons of the Utah Pioneers

"SALEM

"THIS MONUMENT OVERLOOKS THE SITE OF THE FIRST MORMON SETTLEMENT IN ST. JOHNS

"The first Mormons (about 50 families) to settle in this area established the small community of Salem which was located about one-half mile north of here in November 1879. Upon the advice of church leaders, the decision was made on October 9, 1880, to move the settlement to higher ground which was the present site of St. Johns.

"Site No. 14 / Little Colorado River Chapter Sons of the Utah Pioneers / Dedicated July 25, 1987" 

The monument is located in the north end of the St. Johns Cemetery. It overlooks these fields north of St. Johns. Notice the clay hills (the "Blue Hills") in the distance.

"In August of 1880, the first Mormon settlement in St. Johns, Arizona was established with D. K. Udall as the first bishop. President John Taylor charged the settlers to keep proper accounts, organize the Priesthood, collect and account for tithing’s, and teach diligently. This settlement was named after the ancient biblical city of Salem where Abraham paid tithes to the great High Priest, later known as Jerusalem." -Pioneer Monuments site of Sons of the Utah Pioneers