1892: When Layton sought to be recognized on its own

BACK in the 1890s, before Layton had fully gained its independence from Kaysville, or had become an incorporated community, its identity was obscure.

“There are some people in the large surrounding cities that do not know there is a place as Layton, formerly known as Kays Creek, in Utah,” a story in the January 23, 1892 Ogden Standard newspaper reported.

“They do not know what a fine country we have here for agriculture and stock raising. The town is situated about fifteen miles south of Ogden, with seven hundred inhabitants, also three mercantile stores, a post office, two blacksmith shops, one meat market, a large steam roller mill, a saloon and two railroads running through the center,” the story stated.

The report also stated that there were 16 inches of snow on the ground and the weather was very cold.

“Sleigh riding and dancing is the chief sport of the people,” the story stated.

With three cases of diphtheria in town, that was the dreaded disease in town at the time.