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Vearl James Manwill, known for discovering Timpanogos Cave, was born 15 November 1900 to John Vernon and Elizabeth Keele Manwill in Payson, Utah. A graduate of Brigham Young University, Manwill discovered Timpanogos Cave 13 August 1921. At the time, only Hansen Cave, the first of the three caves that compose Timpanogos Cave National Monument, had been discovered. Manwill came with the Payson Outdoors Club to explore the cave, and the group decided to split up to look for a rumored second cave. Manwill had separated from the group when he discovered the cave.
In 1920, Manwill started selling pipe and carbide lights door-to-door, installing the equipment for customers. In 1924 he married Iva Melissa Green and raised five children. Manwill worked on the pipeline crew for the first gas line in Salt Lake City, and shortly thereafter opened Manwill Plumbing and Heating with his wife. His son James took over the business in the mid-1950s. Manwill passed away 1 May 1966, and James Manwill passed away in 2004. As of 2007, the company is owned and operated by a third generation Manwill.
The collection includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, articles and brochures about Timpanogos Cave and Vearl J. Manwill's role in discovering the cave.
Vearl J. Manwill, Timpanogos Cave Manuscript Collection, 1921-1970, Utah State Historical Society.
Gift of James Vearl Manwill, 1990.
The Vearl J. Manwill, Timpanogos Cave Manuscript Collection is the physical property of the Utah Historical Society, Salt Lake City, Utah. Literary rights, including copyright, may belong to the authors or their heirs and assigns. Please contact the Historical Society for information regarding specific use of this collection.
Manwill, Iva Melissa Green. Obituary.
Manwill, James Vearl. Obituary.
Manwill Plumbing & Heating L.C. website, available at
Manwill, Vearl James. Obituary.
"Timpanogos Cave National Monument."
Photographs have been removed and filed as