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-
-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Representative Women of Deseret, by
-Augusta Joyce Crocheron
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: Representative Women of Deseret
- A Book of Biographical Sketches
-
-Author: Augusta Joyce Crocheron
-
-Release Date: January 18, 2016 [EBook #50958]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF DESERET ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by the Mormon Texts Project
-(MormonTextsProject.org), with thanks to Renah Holmes and
-Villate Brown McKitrick for proofreading.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-</pre>
-
-<p>
-<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Representative Women of Deseret">
-</p>
-<h1><br>REPRESENTATIVE
-<br>WOMEN OF DESERET,
-<br><br>
-<small><small>A BOOK OF
-<br>BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
-<br>TO ACCOMPANY THE PICTURE BEARING THE SAME TITLE.
-</small></small></h1>
-
-<p class="centered">COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY
-<br>
-<br>AUGUSTA JOYCE CROCHERON,
-<br>
-<br><em>Author of "WILD FLOWERS OF DESERET;"</em>
-<br>
-<br>AND DEDICATED TO
-<br>
-<br><em>The originals of this Picture and Book, their co-laborers in the
-<br>Church, and every true heart that will receive
-<br>their testimonies.</em><br><br><br>
-</p><blockquote>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;O, Spirits dear! Ye light the path<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;That else were lone and dim;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;I follow where your sainted feet<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Lead onward, up to Him,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And hear above life's discords, still,&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Your heav'n inspired hymn.<br>
-<br><br></p></blockquote>
-<p class="centered">SALT LAKE CITY:
-<br>PRINTED BY J. C. GRAHAM &amp; CO.
-<br>1884.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="INTRODUCTORY"></a>INTRODUCTORY.
-</h2>
-<p>In presenting this picture, REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF DESERET, before
-the public, an explanation may be appropriate that the object may be
-rightly understood. The picture is intended to represent the Latter Day
-Saints Women's Organizations rather than to draw attention to those
-intellectual gifts and acquirements which in this connection are but
-secondary to the spiritual or missionary labors of those represented.
-As in Salt Lake City is the head of these organizations, so these
-spiritual laborers were selected by the precedence they hold.
-</p>
-<p>Throughout our Territory, indeed beyond, are many as sincere and
-faithful, noble women, well deserving of every honor contained herein,
-but there is of necessity a limit in the present work and that which
-would have been a pleasure to the author became an impossibility at
-this time, but it is the purpose in due season to present another work
-which will be of interest to our people.
-</p>
-<p>It is not the purpose of the compiler of these sketches to present a
-complete history of the subjects of the picture, to which this book is
-merely an accompaniment to acquaint the many who are strangers to them
-with their labors and their virtues, to show as it were, what manner
-of people these "Mormons" are. To do full justice to the originals
-would require more space and ability than are mine. But if the eyes
-of the stranger may thereby be opened to a knowledge of their purity,
-integrity and faith in God, their heroic firmness and the trials they
-have endured without wavering in allegiance to their cause; if any may
-be convinced that this people are in earnest and in the right, and
-that God is with them; if they can realize that for men, Mormonism is
-not a cloak, a subterfuge and a selfish system; that our women are not
-from the dregs of civilization, led and controlled by stronger minds
-without a knowledge within themselves for their course, it will prove a
-joy and delight, a sweet return for my humble but earnest efforts. O,
-that these truthful testimonies falling upon hearts that are as blocks
-of ice toward us, might, like burning bullets melt their way therein,
-until, like Joseph's brethren, they should weep for injuries these have
-borne!
-</p>
-<p>And to the young of our people, if this work shall cause them to
-appreciate their honored parents more by the nobility they have proven;
-if it shall cause them to weigh the object for which these sacrifices
-were endured against the poor temptations of the present time; if they
-shall question themselves, shall my parent's sacrifices count for
-naught? shall their example and their labors be lost on me? their hopes
-meet disappointment? If that command, "honor thy father and thy mother"
-shall prevail, and the sweet testimony of the Holy Spirit convince and
-strengthen them in the same service and faith unto their God, still
-sweeter and richer shall be the reward.
-</p>
-<p>That this work may go forth from my humble home as a missionary, a
-silent worker of great good is my fervent hope.
-</p>
-<p>A. J. C.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.
-</h2>
-<p>In presenting the picture and book, REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF DESERET, to
-the public, I desire to first express my thanks to the ladies of the
-picture for their kindness and confidence.
-</p>
-<p>I thank Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith for her approval and sanction;
-Sister Emmeline B. Wells for her steadfast encouragement, and Bishop
-Hiram B. Clawson for his kind interest and advice. Published, as it has
-been, in part by subscription, I thank also my generous patrons.
-</p>
-<p>Through a disappointment, so many embarrassments occurred that at one
-time I felt that no inducement, however beautiful, could again tempt me
-to so great (in my circumstances) an undertaking; but for me the Lord
-in His goodness opened the way; and towards James R. Miller, Dr. A.
-Farr and Zina D. H. Young, each, my heart thus expresses itself:
-</p><blockquote>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;As Hagar in her lone despair<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Gazed hopeless o'er the desert drear,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Nor saw until her steps were led,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The living waters, sweet and clear;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;So I who strove through tedious days<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;'Mid hopes that fled and fears that frowned&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Turned at thy name, and in thy heart,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The boon I sought so long was found.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;Not hers alone the story old&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The earth is thronged with hearts distressed<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;That little dream how close beside<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The angel walks&mdash;to save and bless.<br>
-</p></blockquote>
-<p>In compiling the brief sketches of Eliza R. Snow Smith, Zina D.
-H. Young, M. I. Horne and Prescendia L. Kimball, I am indebted to
-the editor of the <em>Woman's Exponent</em>, their biographer. Several
-autobiographies follow, and looking it all over, the thought
-rises&mdash;<em>how little I have done after all!</em> I have scarcely more than
-furnished the thread on which their gems were strung. Often I have
-paused, sorrowful that this work must be so brief: so much remains to
-be told. I have had sincerest joy in this labor, and if my efforts
-should be regarded as conferring any honor upon these ladies, it has
-been a greater honor to me to be accorded the privilege of tendering
-it, and of enjoying their acquaintance and friendship.
-</p>
-<p>In conclusion, I would again refer to our First Lady, E. R. S.
-Smith; in a short time will appear her latest and largest book, an
-autobiography and history with genealogical record of her family, and
-dedicated to her noble brother, Apostle Lorenzo Snow. On her eightieth
-birthday, January 21, 1884, Sister Eliza was the recipient of a large
-surprise party given in honor of the day, in appreciation, love and
-respect of herself and labors, in the Social Hall, a building of
-histrionic association in the annals of Salt Lake City. It is wonderful
-indeed to contemplate the still youthful spirit, energy and ability of
-this lady; ever serene, gentle, forbearing with others; so carefully
-hiding her own weariness and leaving unmentioned whatever might trouble
-her; that the idea would never suggest itself to those not <em>intimately</em>
-associated with her, that she has anything to do but preside, receive
-and enjoy the loving expressions from her friends.
-</p>
-<p>Hoping this volume may entertain and benefit the reader, and that all
-errors in <em>book-making</em> may be graciously pardoned, I will subscribe
-myself, dear public&mdash;Your Servant and Friend, AUGUSTA JOYCE CROCHERON.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2>INDEX.
-</h2>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#ELIZARSNOWSMITH">Eliza R. Snow Smith
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#ZINADHYOUNG">Zina D. H. Young
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#MARYISABELLAHORNE">Mary Isabella Horne
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#SARAHMKIMBALL">Sarah M. Kimball
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#PRESCENDIALKIMBALL">Prescendia L. Kimball
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#PHOEBEWWOODRUFF">Phoebe W. Woodruff
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#BATHSHEBAWSMITH">Bathsheba W. Smith
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#ELIZABETHHOWARD">Elizabeth Howard
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#ELMINASTAYLOR">Elmina S. Taylor
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#MARYAFREEZE">Mary A. Freeze
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#LOUIEFELT">Louie Felt
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#ELLENCCLAWSON">Ellen C. Clawson
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#EMMELINEBWELLS">Emmeline B. Wells
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#ROMANIABPRATT">Romania B. Pratt
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#ELVIRASBARNEY">Elvira S. Barney
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#EMILYHILLWOODMANSEE">Emily Hill Woodmansee
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#HANNAHTKING">Hannah T. King
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#AUGUSTAJOYCECROCHERON">Augusta Joyce Crocheron
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#HELENMARWHITNEY">Helen Mar Whitney
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#ZINAYWILLIAMS">Zina Y. Williams
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#LOUISEMWELLS">Louise M. Wells
-</a></p>
-<p class="centered"><a href="#EXPLANATORY">Explanatory
-</a></p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="ELIZARSNOWSMITH"></a>ELIZA R. SNOW SMITH,
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">PRESIDENT OF THE WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF
-LATTER DAY SAINTS.
-</p>
-<p>"Eliza R. Snow was born in Becket, Berkshire Co., Mass. Her parents
-were Oliver Snow of Mass., and Rosetta L. Pettibone, of Conn. They
-were of English descent, their parents having emigrated to America
-at an early period. In 1806, the family removed to Mantua, Portage
-Co., Ohio." Mr. and Mrs. Snow bestowed great care upon the education
-of their daughter, intellectual and domestic. She began her literary
-labors when quite young, her contributions over a <em>nom de plume</em>
-receiving much admiration.
-</p>
-<p>Her grandfather was a revolutionary soldier, and his reminiscences
-created impressions upon her youthful mind that became part of her
-nature, developing into an intense national devotion.
-</p>
-<p>"Two volumes of her 'Religious, Historical, Political' poems have been
-published, the First in Liverpool, England, in 1856, the Second in
-Salt Lake City." Her poems are life like and embody most of our Church
-history. To select her best poems would make a volume. The one by which
-she is best known, perhaps, is, "O, My Father, thou that dwellest,"
-and ranks in its individuality and popularity as a Latter Day Saints'
-doctrinal hymn, with "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning." It is
-safe to say that these two hymns have wielded an influence beyond our
-power to estimate, in conveying the spirit of the Gospel to the hearts
-of the hearers. I have witnessed throngs of people standing outside a
-"Mormon" place of worship, listening to the singing forgetful for the
-time of their own personal affairs. They have fixed themselves upon the
-memory of all who ever heard them. "O My Father" contains doctrine that
-was new to the world, it was the essence of Mormonism. Every Mormon
-child is familiar with it and would recognize it in any country. It has
-been sung to many tunes, several have been composed for it. Of these, I
-once heard Pres. Brigham Young, in the St. George Temple, designate his
-preference thus: "Will the Parowan choir please sing 'O My Father,' to
-that sweet, gentle air I love so well?" The air was "Gentle Annie," a
-strange choice it sounded, but the effect proved the correctness of his
-taste.
-</p>
-<p>"Sister Eliza early devoted her attention to the Scriptures and in her
-girlhood formed the acquaintance of the famous preacher and scholar,
-Alexander Campbell, and other noted divines. In 1835, she went to
-Kirtland, Ohio, and boarded in the family of the Prophet Joseph,
-teaching a select school for young ladies. Miss Snow returned home to
-visit her parents but on the 1st of January, 1837, bade farewell to her
-paternal home, to share the joys or the afflictions of the Latter Day
-Saints.
-</p>
-<p>"She became a governess to the children of the Prophet, and was a
-companion for Emma, his wife, for a number of years.
-</p>
-<p>"From means she brought with her, Miss Snow gave freely toward building
-the Kirtland Temple. Persecution soon arose and raged so that, with
-her family who had now joined the Church, she left Kirtland, going
-to Davies Co., Mo. On the 10th of December, 1838, Miss Snow with her
-father's family, left Davies Co., the Mormons in that locality having
-been ordered by the Governor to leave the county within ten days.
-</p>
-<p>"They passed through almost unendurable sufferings, and reaching Far
-West found the Prophet and many others had been dragged to jail leaving
-their families destitute. March 1839, they left Far West leaving much
-of their property behind. Eliza and her sister stopped in Quincy, Ill.,
-awhile. In July 1839, Miss Snow went to Commerce, (since called Nauvoo)
-to teach school. During her seven years' residence there she wrote much
-and advanced rapidly in her knowledge of the principles of the Gospel.
-Here, the Relief Society was organized by Joseph, March, 1842, and
-Sister Eliza was chosen for secretary." There are now three hundred
-branches of the Relief Society. "Eliza was at this time the wife of
-the Prophet. In the latter part of July 1842, Mrs. Smith, President
-of the Relief Society, proposed a petition to Governor Carlin, asking
-his protection of Joseph. Sister Eliza, as secretary, wrote the
-petition which was signed by several hundred ladies, and in company
-with President Emma and Mrs. Warren Smith visited the Governor at his
-residence in Quincy, Adams Co., Ill., where they were most cordially
-received by the Governor. He replied to them, 'I believe Mr. Smith is
-innocent.' Soon after their return home they learned that the Governor
-in connection with Missouri officials was plotting the destruction of
-the lives of those noble men.
-</p>
-<p>"The Prophet and Patriarch were massacred! For awhile, thought of all
-else was forgotten but this overwhelming woe. But God gave them his
-sustaining love, and Eliza, widowed, turned again to the work Joseph
-had established, consecrating even her life to its service. The Temple
-was at length finished, and Sister Eliza then began another era,
-ministering in the Temple in the holy rites that pertain to the House
-of the Lord, as Priestess and Mother in Israel to hundreds of her sex.
-</p>
-<p>"In Feb., 1846, she left Nauvoo, on her way to the Rocky Mountains.
-At the middle Fork of Green River they stopped at one of the resting
-places. Here Sister Eliza and friends with whom the latter traveled,
-lived in a log house laid up like children's cob houses, with cracks
-from one to four inches wide. A tent cloth stretched over the top,
-blankets and carpets hung up inside as protection against the inclement
-weather. On the 19th of August when they were leaving here, they were
-minus a teamster. Sister Eliza undertook to drive ox team, and after
-some experience became an adept. August 27th they crossed the Missouri
-river, and on the 28th, arrived at Winter Quarters. From constant
-exposure and continued hardships Sister Eliza broke down. Fever set in,
-chills and fever followed; heavy rains came on and she was wet nearly
-from head to foot. She felt that she stood at the gates of death, it
-was but a step beyond, and once inside the portals she would be free
-from pain and suffering. But the great lifework lay before her, and
-she summoned courage and supreme faith to her aid. They moved into a
-log house partly finished, no chinking, no chimney. The fire was built
-on one side, and the room which had no floor was always filled with
-smoke. The cooking had to be done out of doors, the intense cold being
-preferable to the smoke." About the close of the year she received the
-sad news of the death of her mother.
-</p>
-<p>"April 7th, 1847, the pioneers under the direction of President Brigham
-Young started to find a gathering place for the Pilgrim Saints. In June
-Sister Eliza resumed her journey westward. Nursing the sick in tents
-and wagons, and burying the dead by the wayside in the wild desert
-were indeed mournful, yes, pitiful. On the 4th of August, several of
-the Mormon Battallion returning to Winter Quarters, met the Pilgrim
-Companies, and joyful indeed was the meeting for they were husbands,
-fathers, brothers and sons of women who were in those companies. They
-soon met the returning pioneers and heard of the resting place found,
-and arrived safely in the valley in October. Here Sister Eliza took
-up her abode with Mrs. Clara Decker Young. Shortly after, the Saints
-numbering six hundred arrived in the valley, a pole was erected and the
-<em>flag</em> which had been preserved with the greatest care, was raised. *
-* As time passed on a place was selected and consecrated in which holy
-ordinances might be administered. Sister Eliza was called upon to take
-part, in which calling she has officiated up to the present. When the
-wards and settlements were pretty generally systematized, Pres. Young
-re-organized the Relief Society. He called on Sister Eliza to assist,
-and associate with her in the labor, Zina D. Young; this gave to them
-the precedence which they have since held.
-</p>
-<p>"At a Mass Meeting held in this city January 13th, 1870, in the Old
-Tabernacle, (where the Assembly Hall now stands) by about 6,000 women
-to protest against the 'Cullom Bill,' Sister Eliza made a strong
-and brilliant speech. Politically this was the turning point in the
-history of the women of Utah. A few weeks later and the women of Utah
-received the right of franchise. They will ever hold Governor S. A.
-Mann in special grateful remembrance. * * In 1854-5, the Lion House
-was completed and Sister Eliza has ever since resided there. It was
-some years later before the domestic spinning, dyeing and weaving were
-discontinued, in these things Sister Eliza also excelled.
-</p>
-<p>"In 1869, the Retrenchment Meetings were by the counsel of Pres. Young,
-organized. An association with a presiding board of seven officers.
-These meetings are still held in the Fourteenth Ward Assembly Rooms
-semi-monthly, at the same hour, the same ladies presiding, excepting
-Sister M. T. Smoot since removed to Provo. Here good instructions are
-given, and here the Junior Associations' secretaries bring the minutes
-of their respective Wards' Meetings, also the secretaries of the
-Primary Associations, (girls under twelve years of age, generally,)
-thus bringing together for mutual benefit an interchange of ideas,
-experience and suggestions, the aged veterans, the younger matrons and
-maidens, and little children.
-</p>
-<p>"October 26th, 1872, Sister Eliza left Salt Lake City on a journey
-to the Holy Land, her brother, Apostle Lorenzo Snow, joining her in
-Ogden. Pres. George A. Smith and party met them in New York. They took
-the steamer for Liverpool November 5th. In Rome Sister Eliza spent
-five days, visited Naples, Corfu, Alexandria, Cairo, Suez, Joppa,
-the plains of Sharon, the Valley of Ajelon became realized, and in
-due time they beheld Jerusalem. This tour through the Holy Land was
-a mission pertaining to the Latter Day Work. An account of the trip
-was published in book form, entitled 'Palestine Tourists.' Sunday,
-March 2nd, 1873, they ascended the Mount of Olives, and held service
-there after the manner of the Holy Priesthood as revealed in this
-dispensation. March 25th, embarked for Constantinople. Sister Eliza had
-been enduring twenty-nine days of tent life, and twenty-one of riding
-on horseback. And this in her seventieth year! At Athens they took
-tea with the American Minister, and met the American Consul General
-to Constantinople. They visited Munich then went to Vienna and thence
-to Hamburg. May 16th, 1873, they took steamer for London, and met the
-Saints in their Conference, May 25th. Embarked for home on the 28th.
-Returning early in July, she visited many old scenes and friends of her
-early life, received with honors from place to place. So quiet was her
-return to Utah, that four days elapsed before her many friends became
-aware of it. A brief rest sufficed, Sister Eliza could not be idle. She
-visited Ogden and Provo in August, Cache Valley in September, holding
-meetings in these and many other places.
-</p>
-<p>"Just after the October Conference of 1876, Sister Eliza entered
-upon the superintendency of the 'Woman's Store,' a Commission House
-for Utah home made goods. Officers and employees were women. During
-this year she prepared her second volume of poems for the press, also
-assisted in selecting and preparing the manuscript for the 'Women of
-Mormondom,' and in raising funds for its publication, and not least of
-all, gave the proof her attention. Also still continued her labors in
-the House of the Lord." At this time occurred the death of President
-Brigham Young. To one so disciplined in order, with such continuity
-of purpose, such adhesiveness to principle and friends, it would
-seem that to ordinary persons, the loss of one in whose house she
-had her place, and whose friendship and counsels she had shared for
-over twenty-five years, would be an overwhelming shock. But the same
-strength of mind which had risen from the martyrdom of the Prophet
-and Patriarch supported her again, and she "renewed her diligence, if
-it were possible, in her broad field of labor." Political events and
-duties occupied her attention during December and January 1878. During
-the ensuing summer she traveled hundreds of miles, holding generally
-two meetings a day wherever they stopped. While attending a meeting at
-Farmington, Davis Co., the efforts of Sister Aurelia Spencer Rogers
-received her consideration and the Primary Associations, for children,
-became part of our system. "The first Organization at Farmington dates
-from September 7th, 1878; about this time an Association was organized
-in the Eleventh Ward of this city, taking the lead." This new feature
-so suggestive of great benefit to the children so enlisted her feelings
-that she has visited most of the settlements and wards in this matter
-organizing Associations. Sister Eliza returned from a long tour of
-missionary labor just in time to preside at a grand Mass Meeting of
-15,000 women, held in the Theatre, November 16th, 1878, in reply to
-representations of the Anti-Polygamic Society. The year 1880 was spent
-visiting the L. D. S. Women's Organizations, and the production of the
-Childrens Primary Hymn Book, soon followed by a tune book to accompany
-the above. On Saturday, July 17th, Fourteenth Ward Assembly Rooms,
-President John Taylor ordained Sister Eliza to the office to which she
-had been elected; President of Latter Day Saints' Women's Organizations
-throughout the world, wherever our people are; also, Sister Zina D. H.
-Young as her First Counselor, Elizabeth A. Whitney (since deceased)
-Second Counselor, Sarah M. Kimball as Secretary, and Mary Isabella
-Horne as Treasurer.
-</p>
-<p>"In August Sister Eliza visited Sanpete Co., and in Thistle Valley
-assisted the Bishop in organizing a Relief Society, with an Indian
-sister as a counselor; the first Indian woman ordained and set apart to
-an office in this dispensation. November 8th, Sister Eliza accompanied
-by Sister Zina D. Young, left home for St. George to do a work in the
-Temple. They traveled over one thousand miles in carriages and wagons,
-doing missionary work among the Saints. In St. George the anniversary
-of Sister Eliza's birthday was publicly celebrated, and on the same day
-the people of Weber Stake paid a delicate tribute to the honorable lady
-by a similar celebration at Ogden City.
-</p>
-<p>"Sisters Eliza and Zina returned from St. George March 31st, and were
-met at the depot by a party of thirty ladies who escorted them to the
-Lion House, where a reception, a welcome home, awaited them. In 1881,
-during the intervals of her many public duties, she prepared her new
-book Bible Questions and Answers. In September, visited Thistle Valley,
-organizing a Primary Association with ten little Indian children
-enrolled as members. April 1883, the Relief Society was organized
-among the Indians at Washakie, an Indian village in Box Elder Co.
-After duly considering the long-felt necessity among our own people
-of an institution for the sick and injured, where the ordinances of
-faith might be administered freely and without restraint, in fact, one
-that we might term our own, and as one of the links in our system of
-organizations, the sisters took a course that led to the establishment
-of the Deseret Hospital, at which institution the dedication services
-were held, July 17th, 1882, by the First Presidency, Stake Presidency,
-Apostles Wilford Woodruff and F. D. Richards; Mayor William Jennings,
-C. W. Penrose, Editor <em>Deseret News</em>, L. John Nuttall and Joseph Horne
-being present. Eliza R. S. Smith, President, E. B. Wells, Secretary."
-</p>
-<p>I will conclude this brief sketch with one of her latest poems:
-</p><blockquote>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;BURY ME QUIETLY WHEN I DIE.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;When my spirit ascends to the world above,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;To smile with the choirs in celestial love,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Let the finger of silence control the bell,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;To restrain the chime of a funeral knell,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Let no mourning strain&mdash;not a sound be heard,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;By which a pulse of the heart is stirred&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;No note of sorrow to prompt a sigh;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Bury me quietly when I die.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;I am aiming to earn a celestial crown&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;To merit a heavenly; pure renown;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And, whether in grave or in tomb I'm laid,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Beneath the tall oak or the cypress shade;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether at home with dear friends around;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Or in distant lands upon stranger ground&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Under wintry clouds or a summer sky;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Bury me quietly when I die.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;What avail the parade and the splendor here,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;To a legal heir to a heavenly sphere?<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;To the heirs of salvation what is the worth,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;In their perishing state, the frail things of earth?<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;What is death to the good, but an entrance gate<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;That is placed on the verge of a rich estate<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Where commissioned escorts are waiting by?<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Bury me quietly when I die.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;On the "iron rod" I have laid my hold;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;If I keep the faith, and like Paul of old<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Shall have "fought the good fight" and Christ the Lord<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Has a crown in store with a full reward<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Of the holy priesthood in fulness rife,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;With the gifts and the powers of an endless life,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And a glorious mansion for me on high;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Bury me quietly when I die.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;Like a beacon that rises o'er ocean's wave,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a light&mdash;there's a life beyond the grave;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The future is bright and it beckons me on<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Where the noble and pure and the brave have gone;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Those who have battled for truth with their mind and might,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;With their garments clean and their armor bright;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;They are dwelling with God in a world on high:<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Bury me quietly when I die.<br>
-</p></blockquote>
-
-
-<h2><a name="ZINADHYOUNG"></a>ZINA D. H. YOUNG,
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">FIRST COUNSELOR TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE L. D. S. WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS.
-</p>
-<p>"And he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the
-hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the
-earth with a curse." How fitting are these sacred words to the subject
-of this sketch and her family. In obedience to this command renewed in
-this dispensation, searching through their genealogical records for ten
-generations back, they have brought forth to light, and to eternal life
-in the celestial kingdom of God, the forgotten and unknown ancestry of
-their family, finding now and then some noble representative of their
-race linked with even a kingdom's honor, and at last, far back, upon
-the throne of England.
-</p>
-<p>Sister Zina's career of religious devotion and service is not a new
-feature in the Huntington family, nor America a new field of labor to
-them. One hundred years ago Lady Salina Huntington, saving to herself
-only sufficient for the real needs of life, devoted a great portion
-of her vast fortune to missionary service, for the introduction of
-Christianity among the North American Indians, by the founding of
-schools for the natives and the support of ministers and teachers.
-"She allowed herself but one dress a year. Lady Salina Huntington was
-the second daughter of the Earl of Ferrars. She was born in 1707, and
-was the co-laborer of Whitefield and Wesley. 'The pedigree of Lady
-Huntington and her husband, and of George Washington, first President
-of the United States, (as traced by Mapleson in his researches) meet in
-the same parentage.' 'Lady Huntington and her chaplains often journeyed
-during the summer, making their presence a means of religious revivals
-wherever they went. A church needed. With her, to resolve was to
-accomplish. Her jewels she determined to offer to the Lord. They were
-sold for six hundred and ninety-eight pounds, and with this she erected
-a house of worship in 1760. Her daughter, Lady Salina, was one of the
-six earls daughters chosen to assist the Princess Augusta to bear the
-train of Queen Charlotte on her coronation day." Did it foreshadow an
-era of revelations dawning upon the world, when she prayed "that God
-would give us new bread, not stale, but what was baked in the oven that
-day." Lady Huntington built seven chapels, her private property, beside
-aiding sixty others. At the age of eighty-four a few hours before
-the last struggle she whispered joyfully, "I shall go to my Father
-tonight," and so she went home, June 17th, 1791.
-</p>
-<p>Thus by birthright and by heritage is the land of Freedom the
-Huntingtons' field of religious labor. The mantles of Lady Huntington
-and remoter noble ancestors have at last been lifted from the silence
-and the shadows of departed centuries to the shoulders of worthy
-descendants and representatives, who are doing works of greater
-magnitude than they ever comprehended. Superintended by Dimock B.
-Huntington, and assisted by the family, Zina and her sister Prescinda
-have been baptized for ten generations, numbering nearly five thousand.
-</p>
-<p>By permission I select from matter collected and published by Emmeline
-B. Wells, in <em>Woman's Exponent</em> the following portions of biography:
-</p>
-<p>"Zina Diantha Huntington was born January 31st, 1821, at Watertown. Her
-father was William Huntington, her mother Zina Baker, whose father was
-one of the first physicians in New Hampshire. Her grandmother on the
-mother's side was Dorcas Dimock, 'descended from the noble family of
-Dimocks, whose representatives held the hereditary knight-championship
-of England; instance: Sir Edward Dymock, Queen Elizabeth's champion.'
-</p>
-<p>"The father of Mrs. Zina D. H. Young was also a patriot and served
-in the war of 1812. Samuel Huntington, one of the signers of the
-Declaration of Independence, was the uncle of this old revolutionary
-soldier. She says: 'My father's family is directly descended from
-Simon Huntington, the Puritan immigrant who sailed for America in
-1633. He died at sea, but left three sons and his widow, Margaret.
-The church records of Roxbury, Mass., contain the earliest record of
-the Huntington name known in New England, and is in the handwriting
-of the Rev. John Elliot himself, the pastor of that ancient church.
-This is the record: 'Margaret Huntington, widow, came in 1633, her
-husband died by the way of small pox. She brought children with her.'
-'My grandfather, Wm. Huntington, the revolutionary soldier, married
-Prescinda Lathrop, and was one of the first settlers in the Black River
-Valley, Northern New York. The Huntingtons and Lathrops intermarried,
-and my sister Prescinda Lathrop Huntington, bears the family name
-of generations.' The Huntingtons embraced the Gospel at Watertown,
-New York, and Zina D., when only fifteen years old was baptized by
-the Patriarch Hyrum Smith, August 14th, 1835, and soon after went to
-Kirtland with her father's family. In this year she received the gift
-of tongues. On one occasion in the Kirtland Temple she heard a whole
-invisible choir of angels singing, till the house seemed filled with
-numberless voices. At Kirtland she received the gift of interpretation.
-She was also at the memorable Pentecost when the spirit of God filled
-the house like a mighty, rushing wind. Zina was also a member of the
-Kirtland Temple Choir, of whom but few are now living.
-</p>
-<p>Sister Zina experienced the persecutions in Missouri, during which the
-mother died from fatigue and privation, and only two of their family
-were able to follow her remains to their resting place. She says; "Thus
-died my martyred mother."
-</p>
-<p>Sister Zina was married in Nauvoo, and had two sons, but this not
-proving a happy union, she subsequently separated from her husband.
-Joseph Smith taught her the principle of marriage for eternity, and she
-accepted it as a divine revelation, and was sealed to the Prophet for
-time and eternity, after the order of the new and everlasting Covenant.
-</p>
-<p>Sister Zina was a member of the first organization of the Relief
-Society at Nauvoo, and when the Temple was ready for the ordinances to
-be performed, received there her blessings and endowments. After the
-martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph and Hyrum, she was united in marriage
-for time to Brigham Young, and with the Saints left Nauvoo in the month
-of February, crossing the Mississippi on the ice. Arriving at Mt.
-Pisgah, a resting place for the exiles, Father Huntington was called
-to preside and Zina D., with her two little boys remained with him
-temporarily. Sickness visited the camp, and deaths were so frequent
-that help could not be obtained to make coffins. Many were buried with
-split logs at the bottom of the grave and brush at the sides, that
-being all that could be done by mourning friends. Her father was taken
-sick, in eighteen days he died. After these days of trial she went to
-Winter Quarters, and was welcomed into the family of Brigham Young.
-With them, she in May 1848, began the journey to this valley, walking,
-driving team, cooking beside camp-fires, and in September arrived here,
-living in tents and wagons until log houses could be built. Here, April
-3rd, 1850, was born Zina, daughter of Brigham Young and Zina D. Young.
-</p>
-<p>When the Relief Society was reorganized in Utah by President Brigham
-Young, Sister Zina was one of the first identified with that work, as
-Treasurer, and when Sister Eliza was called to preside over all the
-Relief Societies, she chose Zina as her Counselor.
-</p>
-<p>One of the most useful fields of her labor, has been sericulture. She
-has raised cocoons, attending to them with her own hands, and had
-charge of a large cocoonery and mulberry orchard belonging to President
-Young. When the Silk Association was organized, June 15th, 1876, she
-was chosen President. Great good was accomplished, mulberry trees were
-planted and cocoons raised in every part of the Territory where the
-climate would permit. A good article of silk was manufactured with
-home machinery." Sister Zina also took a course of medical studies,
-being perhaps the first to adopt the wish of President Young, for
-as many of the sisters as would be useful for the practice in the
-many settlements, among their own sex; to qualify themselves. Ladies
-came from different settlements, stimulated by her example. "In all
-departments of woman's labor for the public good, Sister Zina had been
-found at her post doing her share of active work in the best manner
-possible. She has traveled among the different settlements visiting
-organized societies, or assisting Sister Eliza or the local authorities
-in organizing. "At a Mass Meeting of ladies held in this city, November
-16th, 1878, Sister Zina delivered a very eloquent impromptu address."
-I was one of the reporters on that occasion, and noting the increasing
-earnestness in her voice and words, raised my eyes to her standing just
-before the table we were using. Suddenly, as though her words struck
-home like an electric shock, several gentlemen sitting at my right
-hand, clutching the arms of their chairs, started as though they would
-rise to their feet; their faces burning with the truths they heard,
-their eyes fixed upon her fearless face and uplifted hands. I can never
-forget that moment. It was more than eloquence, it was inspiration. I
-will quote that portion of her address.
-</p>
-<p>"The principle of our religion that is assailed is one that lies
-deep in my heart. Could I ask the heavens to listen; could I beseech
-the earth to be still, and the brave men who possess the spirit of
-a Washington to hear what I am about to say. I am the daughter of a
-Master Mason! I am the widow of a Master Mason, who, when leaping from
-the window of Carthage Jail pierced with bullets, made the Masonic sign
-of distress; but, gentlemen, (addressing the representatives of the
-press that were present) those signs were not heeded except by the God
-of heaven. That man, the Prophet of the Almighty, was massacred without
-mercy! Sisters, this is the first time in my life that I have dared to
-give utterance to this fact, but I thought I could trust my soul to
-say it on this occasion; and I say it now in the fear of Israel's God,
-and I say it in the presence of these gentlemen and I wish my voice
-could be heard by the whole brotherhood of Masons throughout our proud
-land. That institution I honor. If its principles were practiced and
-strictly adhered to would there be a trespass upon virtue? No indeed.
-Would the honorable wife or daughter be intruded upon with impunity?
-Nay, verily. Would that the ladies of America, with the honorable Mrs.
-Hayes at their head; would that the Congress of the United States,
-the law makers of our nation, could produce a balm for the many evils
-which exist in our land through the abuse of virtue, or could so
-legislate that virtue could be protected and cherished as the life
-which heaven has given us. We in common with many women throughout
-our broad land would hail with joy the approach of such deliverance,
-for such is the deliverance that woman needs. The principle of plural
-marriage is honorable; it is a principle of the Gods, it is heaven
-born. God revealed it to us as a saving principle; we have accepted it
-as such, and we know it is of him for the fruits of it are holy. Even
-the Saviour, Himself, traces his lineage back to polygamic parents.
-We are proud of the principle because we know its true worth, and we
-want our children to practice it, that through us a race of men and
-women may grow up possessing sound minds in sound bodies, who shall
-live to the age of a tree." "During the summer of 1879, Sister Zina
-decided to take a trip to the Sandwich Islands for her health, and was
-accompanied by Miss Susa Young. She had the opportunity of meeting many
-persons of note to whom she imparted correct information regarding
-our people; distributing tracts and books. Great respect was paid her
-and many ovations. She assisted the native members of our church in
-getting an organ for their meetings, and contributed liberally for
-other benevolent purposes." "On her return she spent most of her time
-attending meetings of the various organizations. Sericulture was not
-forgotten or neglected. She also continued her labors in the House
-of the Lord. In the fall of 1880, Sisters Zina and Eliza went to St.
-George, to labor in the Temple, and visit the organizations of the
-women and children, wherever practicable. They held meetings by the
-way, often camped out over night, and traveled thus over one thousand
-miles. Returning March 31st, 1881, they were met at the depot by a
-party of thirty ladies, in carriages, who escorted them to the Lion
-House where a reception of welcome home awaited them.
-</p>
-<p>August 20th, 1881, Sister Zina, accompanied by her foster son, Lieut.
-Willard Young, started for New York to gather up the records of her
-relatives. Dr. E. B. Ferguson was going to pursue her medical studies
-further in some branches, to be of greater service among the people.
-Previous to their going, they were blest and set apart by the First
-Presidency of the Church, to speak upon the principles of our faith if
-opportunity presented.
-</p>
-<p>Sister Zina was cordially received by her relatives, and invited to
-speak in Sunday School and Temperance Meetings. Visited New York City,
-and listened to many celebrated divines. Attended the Woman's Congress
-at Buffalo, N. Y., but was refused five minutes to represent the women
-of Utah. Visited Watertown, N. Y., then to Vermont, and thence to
-Albany Co., and spoke in several meetings. Sister Zina returned to
-New York to attend the N. W. S. A. Convention, without opportunity
-of addressing them. She however assisted the brethren in organizing
-a Relief Society in New York. With Lieut. Willard Young she visited
-West Point. Mrs. Young returned to this city March 7th, received by
-her daughters and many friends, the return being the occasion for a
-most delightful party. On the Friday following, the Relief Society
-Conference convened, and her many friends had the opportunity of
-welcoming her home.
-</p>
-<p>Picture and words are alike powerless to convey the beauty of her
-face, her spirit and her life. Each succeeding year adds a tenderer
-line to her face, a sweeter, gentler intonation to her voice, a more
-perceptible power to her spirit from the celestial fountains of faith;
-widens the circle of her friends, strengthens and deepens their love
-for her, and brings a richer harvest of noble labors to her name. Could
-I say more? I could not say less of her who has for eighteen years been
-my most intimate friend, my counselor, my second mother. A mother, not
-to me alone, to her belongs in its sweetest, widest sense, the name&mdash;a
-"mother in Israel."
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="MARYISABELLAHORNE"></a>MARY ISABELLA HORNE,
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">TREASURER OF THE PRESIDING BOARD OF THE L. D. S. WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS.
-</p>
-<p>"I was born November 20th, 1818, in the town of Rainshaw, County
-of Kent, England. I am the daughter of Stephen and Mary Ann Hales,
-and the eldest daughter of a large family. My parents were honest,
-industrious people. I was taught to pray when very young, to be honest
-and truthful, to be kind to my associates, and to do good to all around
-us. My early years were spent in attending school and in assisting my
-mother in domestic duties."
-</p>
-<p>"Mrs. Horne's father was a Methodist, and her mother a member of the
-Church of England. Mrs. Horne as a child, had very strong religious
-tendencies, and when requested by her Sabbath School teacher to commit
-to memory two or three verses from the Bible, she would learn a whole
-chapter or perhaps two, and recite without being prompted.
-</p>
-<p>"When only in her eleventh year, she became so fascinated with the
-Bible that her leisure hours after the labors of the day were over,
-were employed in reading and studying the history and incidents,
-the sublime parables and teachings contained in that sacred work;
-thus prepared to receive in due time the Gospel of the new and last
-dispensation. In 1832, Mrs. Horne's parents decided to emigrate, and
-concluded to go to upper Canada. April 6th, they left England with a
-family of five sons and two daughters.
-</p>
-<p>"One little boy died upon the way. On the 16th of June, they arrived in
-York, strangers in a strange land, where the cholera was making fearful
-ravages, but the Lord preserved them all in health. The following
-spring, 1833, the family removed to the country, about eight miles from
-York. Mrs. Hales' health was delicate and the care of the whole family
-devolved upon Mary Isabella, only fifteen years of age.
-</p>
-<p>"In the spring of 1834, she attended a Methodist camp meeting in the
-neighborhoood, where she first met Mr. Joseph Horne, and two years
-afterward, Joseph Horne and Mary Isabella were united in marriage on
-the 9th of May, 1836."
-</p>
-<p>Only about one month of their wedded life had passed when they heard a
-rumor that a man professing to be sent of God, to preach to the people
-would hold a meeting about a mile distant.
-</p>
-<p>Mr. and Mrs. Horne attended this meeting and there they first heard
-the Gospel, proclaimed by Elder Orson Pratt, but little knew how the
-course of their life would be changed by receiving this great light.
-Mrs. Horne was baptized in July, 1836, by Elder Orson Hyde, and ever
-after her house was a home for the elders, and a place where meetings
-were held. In the latter part of the summer of 1837, she first saw the
-Prophet Joseph, also Sidney Rigdon and Thomas B. Marsh." She says: "On
-shaking hands with the Prophet Joseph Smith, I received the holy spirit
-in such great abundance that I felt it thrill my whole system from the
-crown of my head to the soles of my feet. I had never beheld so lovely
-a countenance, nobility and goodness were in every feature. I said to
-myself, 'O Lord, I thank thee for granting the desire of my girlish
-heart in permitting me to associate with prophets and apostles.'" "In
-March 1838, while the weather was still wintry, Mr. and Mrs. Horne
-bade farewell to their home, and with a few saints started for the
-gathering-place of the people of God.
-</p>
-<p>"At Huntsville, Mrs. Horne was introduced to Father and Mother Smith;
-Father Smith was the Patriarch of the church, and under his hands she
-received a patriarchal blessing. In August, with a babe less than a
-month old, they removed to Far West, and were obliged to go into a
-log house without doors or windows. It was about this time that the
-excitement in Missouri raged, and persecution was at its height. Mrs.
-Horne was alone much night and day, her husband being on guard. In the
-spring of 1839, Mrs. Horne and family left Missouri as exiles, and
-sought an asylum in Quincy, Ill., where for awhile they had peace.
-While in Quincy, Mrs. Horne was one of those favored ones who had the
-privilege of entertaining and waiting upon the Prophet Joseph and
-Hyrum, the Patriarch. In the month of March, Mr. and Mrs. Horne moved
-to Nauvoo by wagon, over the then wild prairies. They lived in a lumber
-shanty for eight months, and in November Mr. Horne moved his family
-into his own house, still unfinished. Here in 'Nauvoo the beautiful,'
-Mr. Horne through diligent labor at last succeeded in establishing a
-flourishing business and his family were looked upon by the Saints as
-quite well situated. On the 2nd of April, 1844, Mrs. Horne received a
-patriarchal blessing under the hands of Hyrum Smith, the patriarch of
-the Church." On the 27th of the June following, occurred the martyrdom
-of Joseph and Hyrum. Mrs. Horne says, "On the 28th day of June, I took
-my last look on earth of Joseph and Hyrum Smith! May I never experience
-another day similar to that. I do not wish to recall the scene." On the
-9th of July was born her fifth son. In January, 1846, Mrs. Horne went
-into the Nauvoo Temple, receiving the ordinances of the House of the
-Lord, and assisted in administering to others. In February Mr. Horne
-closed his business and bade adieu to their home and camped with the
-Saints on Sugar Creek, Iowa.
-</p>
-<p>In March moved on to Garden Grove, and then to Mt. Pisgah. Here, Mrs.
-Horne had born to her a daughter, born in a wagon. When the babe was
-three days old, Mrs. Horne started again on her way, arriving at
-Council Bluffs about the last of June, moving into a log cabin. Here
-she was so sick it was feared she would not recover. Elder Orson Pratt
-administered to her and prophesied she would do a good work in Israel.
-In June of the same year, she left with the first company across the
-plains that followed the pioneers to the valley of Salt Lake. That
-was indeed a remarkable journey and all those who traveled hither
-at that time deserve the title of pioneers. They opened the way and
-braved the perils of the desert and the experience of living in this
-sterile land. They ploughed and planted and fought against the fearful
-odds of crickets, grasshoppers and death. The company in which Mrs.
-Horne traveled, arrived here October 6th, 1847, and as soon as the
-Fort was completed she moved into it, and lived in a log cabin two
-years, enduring all the exigencies incident to the settling of a new
-Indian country, among which were living on short rations, a part of
-which was roots and thistles. On the 16th of January, 1849, another
-daughter was added to the family. As soon as possible after arriving
-in a new and destitute country, Mr. and Mrs. Horne made themselves a
-home in the Fourteenth Ward, which they still retain. "In speaking of
-her first knowledge of the order of celestial marriage, she says, she
-has had strong testimony for herself that it is of God. Mrs. Horne has
-borne herself nobly in all the different phases of plural domestic
-relations." Mrs. Horne was a member of the Relief Society in Nauvoo,
-and in the first organization of the Fourteenth Ward in this city, was
-a counselor to President Phoebe W. Woodruff.
-</p>
-<p>In May, 1858, Mrs. Horne moved as far south as Parowan, her husband
-being called on a mission still further south, in "Dixie." Against
-every disadvantage, Mrs. Horne performed this journey of two hundred
-and fifty miles, this mother with her ten children, the youngest a
-babe of six months. In September their mission was fulfilled and Mrs.
-Horne returned home, Mr. Horne returning from his mission soon after.
-December 12th, 1867, Mrs. Horne was chosen by Bishop A. Hoagland, of
-the Fourteenth Ward, to preside over the Relief Society in that ward.
-It was a great surprise to her, she was at that time very timid.
-</p>
-<p>Under the wise management of the President, the society increased in
-numbers, great good was accomplished in the relief of the poor and
-afflicted, and means multiplied in the Treasury. A two story brick
-building has been erected by the society, part of which is rented for
-a store, and the upper story used for meetings. The society also own
-a good granary and a quantity of wheat. Mrs. Horne's success as a
-leader was so apparent and her course so consistent, President Young
-had such confidence in her, he gave her a very important mission among
-the sisters; this was called Retrenchment. In due time a meeting was
-held in the Fifteenth Ward Schoolhouse, and from there adjourned to the
-Fourteenth Ward Assembly Rooms, and from that time until the present,
-Mrs. Horne has presided at these regular semi-monthly meetings of
-the Ladies' General Retrenchment Associations. When President Young
-instructed Sister Eliza to go through the Territory and organize the
-young ladies into associations for mutual improvement, Mrs. Horne
-was called to assist. She has organized many of the Young Ladies
-Associations, also Primary Associations. At the time of the passage
-of the Cullom Bill in January, 1876, a grand Mass Meeting was called
-to convene in the Old Tabernacle, Salt Lake City. Mrs. Horne took an
-active part in the proceedings, being one of the committee to draft
-resolutions. In February following, the bill was passed, granting
-suffrage to the women of Utah. Mrs. Horne was one of a committee of
-ladies who waited upon Governor S. A. Mann to express the gratitude of
-Mormon women for his signing of the document. December 1877, Mrs. Horne
-was chosen to preside over the Relief Societies of this stake of Zion.
-She was elected a delegate from Salt Lake County, to the Territorial
-Convention held in this city, commencing October 9th, and was called
-upon to address them. Mrs. Horne was one of the committee appointed to
-wait upon the delegate nominated at the Convention, and inform him of
-the honor conferred upon him.
-</p>
-<p>When Mrs. Horne was sixty years of age, upon the demise of her
-daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lydia Weiler Horne, she took the babe six weeks
-old to raise. This after rearing a family, and seeing each take honored
-places in the world.
-</p>
-<p>Mrs. Horne has been an officer and worker in the silk industry from the
-beginning. At the organization of the board of officers for the Deseret
-Hospital, May 1882, Mrs. Horne was elected Chairman of the Executive
-Committee.
-</p>
-<p>November 20th, 1882, was the forty-sixth anniversary of Mr. and Mrs.
-Horne's wedding day. At the reception they held, an elegant photograph
-album was presented from lady friends, each of whom was to contribute
-her picture. Congratulations from children, Mayor Jennings and Judge
-Miner, with loving and sincere good wishes from all, for the future,
-made this a day long to be remembered."
-</p>
-<p>I am indebted to the pen of Emmeline B. Wells, editor of the "Woman's
-Exponent," for the points I have selected for this sketch, to whom
-the original referred me as possessing all I would wish to obtain.
-Perhaps, it would be no more than justice to the author, to quote
-also from the same source, the record her family have so far, made,
-thereby reflecting credit upon their noble parents. It will also give
-to the world the history in brief of <em>one</em> Mormon family, reared in the
-teachings, examples and associations of Mormonism, not omitting the
-system of celestial marriage.
-</p>
-<p>"By their fruits ye shall know them."
-</p>
-<p>"Henry, the eldest son, was for eleven years Bishop in Paris, Idaho, in
-1880, moved to Arizona, to assist in colonizing there.
-</p>
-<p>"Joseph, when about twenty years of age, was called on a mission to
-Switzerland, where he obtained a thorough knowledge of the German
-language. Returned, and was for ten years Bishop of Gunnison, Sanpete
-Co., again called to Switzerland to preside over the Swiss and German
-missions and edit the <em>Stern</em>. In 1878, he was called to the Bishopric
-in Richfield, Sevier Co., is also mayor of that city.
-</p>
-<p>"Richard is a teacher; was superintendent of Sunday-schools in Beaver,
-and has filled several home missions.
-</p>
-<p>"John, the youngest son, was the first President of the Young Men's
-Mutual Improvement Association in the Fourteenth Ward. Her eldest
-daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Webb, lives in Millard Co., a lady who might
-grace any society.
-</p>
-<p>"Nora married George, son of Orson Spencer, somewhat famous in Church
-history for his valuable writings and great missionary work in America
-and Europe.
-</p>
-<p>"Julia married Wm. Burton, and died one year after marriage, leaving a
-baby daughter. She was the first President of the Young Ladies Mutual
-Improvement Association of the Fourteenth Ward.
-</p>
-<p>"Cornelia was later made the President. Miss Cornelia was also for
-three or four years business manager of the <em>Woman's Exponent</em>. She is
-the wife of James Clayton.
-</p>
-<p>"Minnie, her twin sister, was for several years Secretary of the Young
-Ladies Mutual Improvement Association and the Sunday-school. Since her
-marriage with Wm. James, she is President of the Seventh Ward Primary
-Association.
-</p>
-<p>"Mattie is a counselor to the President of all the Young Ladies Mutual
-Improvement Associations of the Church. When the <em>Woman's Exponent</em> was
-first published, Miss Mattie was the first girl to go into the printing
-office and learn type setting.
-</p>
-<p>"Clara, the youngest, is accomplished, gifted spiritually, and an
-active worker. As her mother is often called from home by public
-duties, the charge of the home rests much of the time with her, a
-position she fills with dignity and ability."
-</p>
-<p>Three babes died in infancy. And the mother of these children now
-honored among men and women, drove team hundreds of miles, not one
-journey, but many, and nearly always with a babe in her arms.
-</p>
-<p>Resting now in the afternoon of life with comforts, honors and love
-surrounding her, Mrs. Horne must look back with satisfaction and
-gratitude upon her life. A few years ago, when I, a timid Secretary of
-the Fourteenth Ward Meetings, used to steal a look at her noble face,
-I used mentally to compare it to that of Washington, and I think still
-I was not mistaken; we, to-day, are struggling for "liberty to worship
-God according to the dictates of our own consciences," and the spirit
-of such as he and his co-laborers are with us and are ours, to counsel
-and to lead, through difficulties unto victory.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="SARAHMKIMBALL"></a>SARAH M. KIMBALL,
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">SECRETARY OF THE L. D. S. WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS.
-</p>
-<p>"I am the daughter of Oliver Granger and Lydia Dibble Granger, was born
-December 29th, 1818, in the town of Phelps, Ontario Co., New York.
-Of my parents, eight children, only myself and two younger brothers,
-Lafayette and Farley, remain. My father, Oliver Granger, had an
-interesting experience in connection with the coming forth of the Book
-of Mormon. He obtained the book a few months after its publication,
-and while in the city of New York, at Prof. Mott's Eye Infirmary he
-had a 'heavenly vision.' My father was told of a personage who said
-his name was Moroni, that the Book of Mormon, about which his mind was
-exercised, was a true record of great worth, and Moroni instructed
-him (my father) to testify of its truth and that he should hereafter
-be ordained to preach the everlasting Gospel to the children of men.
-Moroni instructed my father to kneel and pray; Moroni and another
-personage knelt with him by the bedside. Moroni repeated words and
-instructed my father to repeat them after him. Moroni then stepped
-behind my father, who was still kneeling, and drew his finger over
-the three back seams of my father's coat, (which my father felt very
-perceptibly) and said, 'A time will come when the Saints will wear
-garments made without seams.' Moroni told my father that he might
-ask for what he most desired and it would be granted. He asked for
-an evidence by which he might know when he was approved of God. The
-evidence or sign was given, and remained with him until his dying hour,
-being more particularly manifest when engaged in prayer and meditation.
-I love the memory of my father. He died in Kirtland, Ohio, August 1843,
-aged forty-seven.
-</p>
-<p>I was married in Kirtland, Orange Co., Ohio, by Warren Cowdery, Esq.,
-September 23rd, 1840, to Hiram Kimball, eldest son of Phineas and
-Abigail Kimball, of West Fairley, Orange Co., Vermont. My parents had
-previously spent a year in Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Ill.; their present
-stay in Ohio was considered only temporary; my father sickened and
-died there the next year. I returned with my husband to his home in
-Nauvoo, Ill., three weeks after my marriage. We boarded six months in
-the family of Dr. Frederick Williams, then went to housekeeping. My
-eldest son was born in Nauvoo, November 22nd, 1841; when the babe was
-three days old a little incident occurred which I will mention. The
-walls of the Nauvoo Temple were about three feet above the foundation.
-The Church was in need of help to assist in raising the Temple walls.
-I belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; my
-husband did not belong to the Church at that time. I wished to help on
-the Temple, but did not like to ask my husband (who owned considerable
-property) to help for my sake. My husband came to my bedside, and as
-he was admiring our three days' old darling, I said, "What is the
-boy worth?" He replied, "O, I don't know, he is worth a great deal."
-I said, "Is he worth a thousand dollars?" The reply was, "Yes, more
-than that if he lives and does well." I said, "Half of him is mine,
-is it not?" "Yes, I suppose so." "Then I have something to help on
-the Temple." He said pleasantly, "You have?" "Yes, and I think of
-turning my share right in as tithing." "Well, I'll see about that."
-Soon after the above conversation Mr. Kimball met the Prophet Joseph
-Smith, President of the Church, and said, "Sarah has got a little the
-advantage of me this time, she proposes to turn out the boy as Church
-property. "President Smith seemed pleased with the joke, and said,
-"I accept all such donations, and from this day the boy shall stand
-recorded, <em>Church property</em>." Then turning to Willard Richards, his
-secretary, he said, "Make a record of this, and you are my witness."
-Joseph Smith then said, "Major, (Mr. Kimball was major in the Nauvoo
-Legion) you now have the privilege of paying $500 and retaining
-possession, or receiving $500 and giving possession." Mr. Kimball asked
-if city property was good currency, President Smith replied that it
-was. Then said Mr. Kimball, "How will that reserve block north of the
-Temple suit?" President Smith replied, "It is just what we want." The
-deed was soon made out and transferred in due form. President Smith
-said to me, "You have consecrated your first born son, for this you
-are blessed of the Lord. I bless you in the name of the Lord God of
-Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob. And I seal upon you all the blessings
-that pertain to the faithful. Your name shall be handed down in
-honorable remembrance from generation to generation.
-</p>
-<p>"Your son shall live and be a blessing to you in time, and an honor and
-glory to you throughout the endless eternities (changes) to come. He
-shall be girded about with righteousness and bear the helmet and the
-breast-plate of war. You shall be a blessing to your companion, and the
-honored mother of a noble posterity. You shall stand as a savior to
-your father's house, and receive an everlasting salvation, which I seal
-upon you by the gift of revelation and by virtue and authority of the
-holy priesthood vested in me, in the name of Jesus Christ."
-</p>
-<p>"Early in the year 1842, Joseph Smith taught me the principle of
-marriage for eternity, and the doctrine of plural marriage. He said
-that in teaching this he realized that he jeopardized his life; but God
-had revealed it to him many years before as a privilege with blessings,
-now God had revealed it again and instructed him to teach it with
-commandment, as the Church could travel (progress) no further without
-the introduction of this principle. I asked him to teach it to some
-one else. He looked at me reprovingly, and said, 'Will you tell me who
-to teach it to? God required me to teach it to you, and leave you with
-the responsibility of believing or disbelieving.' He said, 'I will not
-cease to pray for you, and if you will seek unto God in prayer you will
-not be led into temptation.'"
-</p>
-<p>"In the summer of 1843, a maiden lady (Miss Cook) was seamstress for
-me, and the subject of combining our efforts for assisting the Temple
-hands came up in conversation. She desired to be helpful but had no
-means to furnish. I told her I would furnish material if she would
-make some shirts for the workmen. It was then suggested that some of
-our neighbors might wish to combine means and efforts with ours, and
-we decided to invite a few to come and consult with us on the subject
-of forming a Ladies' Society. The neighboring sisters met in my parlor
-and decided to organize. I was delegated to call on Sister Eliza R.
-Snow and ask her to write for us a constitution and by-laws, and submit
-them to President Joseph Smith prior to our next Thursday's meeting.
-She cheerfully responded, and when she read them to him he replied that
-the constitution and by-laws were the best he had ever seen. 'But,'
-he said, 'this is not what you want. Tell the sisters their offering
-is accepted of the Lord, and He has something better for them than a
-written constitution. I invite them all to meet me and a few of the
-brethren in the Masonic Hall over my store next Thursday afternoon,
-and I will organize the sisters under the priesthood after the pattern
-of the priesthood.' He further said, 'The Church was never perfectly
-organized until the women were thus organized.'" He wished to have
-Sister Emma Smith elected to preside in fulfillment of the revelation
-which called her an Elect Lady.
-</p>
-<p>"In the wanderings and persecutions of the Church I have participated,
-and in the blessings, endowments and holy anointings and precious
-promises I have also received. To sorrow I have not been a stranger;
-but I only write this short sketch to instruct and happify, so I will
-skip to Salt Lake City, September, 1851, with my two sons, Hiram and
-Oliver, my widowed mother, Lydia Dibble Granger, Anna Robbins, a girl
-that lived with me nine years and married my youngest brother, and my
-two brothers, Lafayette and Farley B. Granger. My husband was detained
-in New York City, and had become financially much embarrassed. The next
-year he came to me financially ruined and broken in health. I engaged
-in school teaching in the Fourteenth Ward to sustain and educate my
-family. My salary was only $25.00 per month, but that was much to us at
-that time.
-</p>
-<p>"April 1st, 1854, my youngest son was born. I discontinued school three
-months, then opened school in my home. I taught eight years. I should
-have stated that on arriving here I sold our fitout (team, etc.) for a
-comfortable little home, this I have always considered providential.
-The Indian agent gave me a nine-year-old wild Indian girl, whom I
-educated and raised. She died at nineteen. I named her Kate.
-</p>
-<p>"My mother who had lived with me twenty years, died in 1861, aged
-seventy-three. My husband was drowned March 1st, 1863, in the Pacific
-Ocean by the wreck of the steamer, <em>Ada Hancock</em>, off the coast of San
-Pedro, on his way to the Sandwich Islands; aged sixty-two.
-</p>
-<p>"I was elected President of the Fifteenth Ward Relief Society February
-7th, 1857. In December, 1865, a little girl was brought to me whom I
-adopted.
-</p>
-<p>"November 13th, 1868, a silver trowel and mallet were furnished me and
-assisted by a Master Mason, and surrounded by an assemblage of people,
-I had the honor of laying the corner stone of the first Relief Society
-building erected in this dispensation."
-</p>
-<p>Sister Sarah M. Kimball possesses a tall, commanding figure, a face of
-remarkable dignity and sincerity in expression. Her manner of speaking
-is original in its strength of reason, rare in its eloquence, precise
-and delicate in selection of words and tone of voice. A phrenologist
-once said of her, that "if she were seated in a railway carriage with
-parties on one hand discussing fashions, and politics to be heard on
-the other, she would turn to the discussion on politics." A statesman,
-a philanthropist, a missionary, in her very nature, she is none the
-less the noble mother and true, fond friend, to those who have known
-her longest and best.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="PRESCENDIALKIMBALL"></a>PRESCENDIA L. KIMBALL.
-</h2>
-<p>In attempting a brief sketch of this noble woman's life, it is not
-necessary for me to state in regard to her ancestry, more than to say
-she is the elder sister of Mrs. Zina D. Young, the same genealogical
-references will suffice for both.
-</p>
-<p>"Prescendia Lathrop Huntington was the fourth child of her parents,
-and was born in Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, September
-10th, 1810. Mrs. Kimball is said to be the exact counterpart of the
-Eliza Huntington whose likeness is in the book, the record of the
-Huntingtons, as a type of the race. Sister Prescendia is a woman to
-see once, is to remember always. She reminds one of the dames of olden
-times, large, tall, grand and majestic in figure, dignified in manner,
-yet withal so womanly and sympathetic that she seems the embodiment of
-the motherly element to a degree that would embrace all who came under
-her influence."
-</p>
-<p>"Prescendia Huntington was married at the age of seventeen to Mr.
-Norman Buell. Their first child, George, was born in Mannsville,
-December 12th, 1823. Soon after they moved to Pinbury, Lewis County,
-where they made a comfortable home. Here their second son was born,
-December 25th, 1831, and in November 1833, by an accident was so
-severely burned that he died. In 1835, her mother came to visit her,
-and brought her the first intelligence of the Prophet Joseph and the
-record from the hill Cumorah. They sold their property the following
-winter and by spring reached Kirtland, Ohio. June 1st, 1836, Sister
-Prescendia was baptized and confirmed by Oliver Cowdery, and on the
-9th her husband received the same ordinance. April 24th, 1838, her
-first daughter was born in a tumble-down dwelling on the Fishing River,
-Clay County, Mo., but lived only four hours. Here on two occasions
-she without protection, encountered an armed mob, but was saved from
-their hatred; they left her. Her husband had by this time apostatized.
-The Huntingtons were obliged to leave Far West at the time of the
-driving of the Saints from Missouri in the spring of 1839, and Sister
-Prescendia felt entirely alone and forsaken. She says, 'there was not
-at this time, one Saint in Missouri, to my knowledge.' About this time
-was born her son Oliver, just after the dreadful outrages perpetrated
-against the Saints in Missouri. In the fall of 1840 Mrs. Buell moved
-from Missouri and settled between Quincy and Nauvoo. During the ensuing
-five or six years she made frequent visits to the Saints, among others
-the families of Joseph and Hyrum, and Father and Mother Smith. Joseph
-himself taught her the principle of plural marriage. The sisters who
-had entered into these covenants were in one sense separate and apart
-from all others. No tongue can describe, or pen portray the peculiar
-situation of these noble, self-sacrificing women, who through the
-providence of God helped to establish the principle of celestial
-marriage. The crisis came when the Prophet and Patriarch were foully
-murdered.
-</p>
-<p>"The time came for the performances of the ordinances in the Temple
-at Nauvoo. Sister Prescendia availed herself of the privilege to go
-and receive her blessings. Hereafter we recognize her as the wife of
-the Apostle, Heber C. Kimball. The next great event in the history of
-this people was the exodus from Nauvoo. The Saints had nearly all left
-for the West; Sister Prescendia felt as if she were at the mercy of
-the mob, and indeed, plans were laid to destroy her. As if in answer
-to her prayers, her brother, William, sent her a messenger telling
-her to leave all and come. On the 2nd of May, 1846, she walked out
-of her house leaving all behind her, taking her little boy who was
-sick and not able to be up but she was flying for her life. With the
-help of her son, George, she got away. She traveled all night, and
-reached a friend, Dr. Spurgeon, by daybreak. Took some refreshment
-and went into the woods with her little boy, staying all day, fasting
-and praying for deliverance. She says: 'I picked flowers for him and
-gave him water from the running stream. At night I went back to the
-doctor's, sleeping with my sick boy on a little bed on the floor.
-Next day I hid in a wagon. When we arrived at Nashville, I saw a man
-whom I knew, looking for me. I learned afterward he intended taking
-my child from me. My brother, Dimick, sent his sons to see me safely
-out of Illinois. I stayed in a deep ravine while some things were
-brought to me, and slept on a buffalo robe on the ground at night
-with my little child. No tongue can tell my feelings in those days of
-trial; but I had considered well, and felt I would rather suffer and
-die with the Saints, than live in Babylon as I had lived before. We
-arrived at Bonaparte. The excitement and exposure brought on fever and
-I was very ill. We at last arrived at Mt. Pisgah; there I found my
-father, my sister, Zina, and her children. They were in a log house
-without chimney or floor; sickness prevailed. Very soon men were sent
-by the Government to get volunteers to march to Mexico; to fight for
-a Government that had suffered us to be driven out at the point of
-the bayonet. * * I saw the five hundred men enrolled as volunteers to
-take up the line of march to Mexico. My brother, Dimick, brave-hearted
-and strong, with his family, among the number. His wife, Fanny, had a
-daughter born under most trying and painful circumstances. I was left
-behind at what was then called Cutler's Park. My father and Zina were
-at Mt. Pisgah. My brother, Dimick, in Mexico, my brother, William,
-in St. Louis, my brother, Oliver, on a mission in Europe; then came
-the news that my father had died at Pisgah; my friend, my counselor,
-my own dear parent, to whom I had looked for counsel for the future
-that stretched out before me like a great, unknown desert, unrelieved
-and barren. I had only my Heavenly Father left, and I reached out in
-faith to the One above to open the heavens for me and aid me in my
-loneliness. I was in a new, wild country without means. Joseph and
-Henry Woodmansee wanted me to keep house for them. As soon as I was
-settled their father wrote for them, and I was left in charge of their
-house. I started a school which was a great blessing to the children.
-The house was built of logs and covered with dirt and straw, with a
-little straw upon the floor.'
-</p>
-<p>"Here Sister Prescendia toiled with scanty fare, teaching the children,
-and when school was closed for the night her voice would leave her,
-from weakness, but she loved the children and gained their affection.
-It was an ague country, provisions were scarce, lack of vegetables and
-fruit caused sickness. After a painful and dangerous illness, Sister
-Prescendia recovered her health. About this time three brethren who
-went with the Mormon Battallion, came back to Winter Quarters, having
-been sent on special business from Pueblo. Says Sister Prescendia,
-'I never saw such a pitiful sight before as these poor, worn-out
-travelers presented. Their clothing hung in rags, their faces burned,
-and with sun and snow they were nearly blind. Their feet were wrapped
-in rawhide from the buffalo. I sat and heard them tell how fearfully
-they had suffered crossing the prairies in the dead of winter, and
-all this in defence of a Government that had driven us defenceless
-women and children into a strange wilderness. I could not refrain from
-weeping when I looked upon these my brethren and realized how they had
-suffered.'
-</p>
-<p>"Early in the spring a few pioneers left to search out a haven of
-refuge for the Saints. The sisters left almost alone, lived near to
-God. They used often to meet together and pray. The gifts of tongues,
-interpretation and prophecy were given them at this time for their
-consolation. In May, 1846, Sister Prescendia and her little son,
-Oliver, left Winter Quarters. She, like many others, had to drive team,
-yoke cattle, &amp;c., though in delicate health. She arrived in Salt Lake
-Valley September 22nd, and moved into the old Fort. January 6th, 1848,
-Sister Prescendia had born to her a daughter. The baby was a great
-comfort to the lonely mother who had left her home and come thousands
-of miles away. No daughter was ever more fondly loved than this little
-one.
-</p>
-<p>"She was named Prescendia Celestia, and was rightly named Celestia,
-for she was more like a celestial being than a mortal one. President
-Young once asked her name; quick as thought, he said, <em>'Celestial
-Prescendia.'</em> Coming here as the Saints did provided with only the
-barest necessities, there was much privation to contend against. The
-families of Brigham and Heber shared in these respects equally with
-the others. When Sister Prescendia's babe was quite small, she had to
-put up an umbrella over them in bed to protect them from the rain.
-Sister Prescendia was patient and thanked her Father in heaven that he
-had permitted her to gather to the Rocky Mountains, and also that she
-had been permitted to become a mother under the new and everlasting
-covenant of marriage." Nothing could be more affecting than her story
-of the loss of this lovely child. She dressed her for a visit, and gave
-her in charge of her brother, while she finished her preparations. He
-took her to the family of President Young, and as they were seated at
-table, each gave her a kiss, admiring her beauty, President Young last.
-</p>
-<p>"Returning to the mother, he sat her down a moment to cut a willow from
-the water's edge, and turning to her&mdash;she was gone. The sweet face,
-that going out smiled such a tender good-bye, was brought in cold in
-death. Vilate, the first wife of Heber, said, "The flower of the flock
-is gone." Years have passed since then, but the beauty of that little
-face is undimmed in her mother's memory."
-</p>
-<p>Sister Prescendia was for fifteen years secretary of the Sixteenth Ward
-Relief Society.
-</p>
-<p>Sister Prescendia's labors have been in the House of the Lord, and
-annointing and administering to the sick. Hundreds have asked for her
-presence at their bedside&mdash;the name, Prescendia&mdash;has been almost like
-that sweet word, <em>mother</em>. I reflect upon the lonely, trial path that
-she has trod, the wounds her heart has borne; and listening to the
-tender pathos of her voice, the sublimity of her words; the nobility of
-her life commanding my love and reverence.
-</p>
-<p>If I could choose the picture which should be historical, it should
-be as I have seen her; standing, her grand figure becomingly wrapped
-in a large, circular cloak, a handsome, large black bonnet shielding
-her venerable and beloved face from the falling flakes of snow.
-Looking upon her I thought her the very picture of a Puritan exile, a
-revolutionary ancestress, and a Latter-Day Saint veteran and pioneer.
-I shall always remember her thus, it is an ineffaceable picture in my
-memory.
-</p>
-<p>Since writing the above, the following appears in the <em>Deseret News</em> of
-September 11th:
-</p>
-<p class="centered">"MANIFESTATION OF RESPECT.
-</p>
-<p>"Yesterday being the anniversary of the birthday of Sister Prescendia
-L. Kimball, a party of ladies numbering about thirty, of her personal
-friends, mostly of very long standing, assembled at her residence.
-A lunch was partaken of about noon, and subsequently the gathering
-took the form of a meeting, at which all present expressed themselves
-appropriately to the occasion. The sisters also presented the venerable
-and respected lady, a handsome black satin cloak, trimmed with fur and
-lined with crimson plush, for winter wear. We are pleased to be able to
-state that Sister Kimball's health has considerably improved during the
-last few days."
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="PHOEBEWWOODRUFF"></a>PHOEBE W. CARTER WOODRUFF.
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">WIFE OF WILFORD WOODRUFF, PRESIDENT OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES, OF THE
-CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
-</p>
-<p>"I, Phoebe W. Carter, wife of Apostle Wilford Woodruff, was born
-in Scarboro, in the State of Maine, March 8th, 1807. My father was
-of English descent, coming to America at about the close of the
-seventeenth century. My mother, Sarah Fabyan, was also of England, and
-of the third generation from England. The name of Fabyan is ancient,
-and of a noble family. My father's family, also, much of the old
-Puritan stamp.
-</p>
-<p>"In the year 1834, I embraced the Gospel, as revealed through the
-Prophet Joseph Smith, and, about a year after, I left my parents and
-kindred, and journeyed to Kirtland, Ohio, a distance of one thousand
-miles, a lone maid, sustained only by my faith and trust in Israel's
-God. My friends marvelled at my course, as did I, but something within
-impelled me on. My mother's grief at my leaving home was almost more
-than I could bear; and had it not been for the spirit within I should
-have faltered at the last. My mother told me she would rather see me
-buried than going thus alone into the heartless world, and especially
-was she concerned about my leaving home to cast my lot among the
-Mormons. 'Phoebe,' she said, impressively, 'will you come back to me if
-you find Mormonism false?' I answered thrice, 'Yes, mother, I will.'
-These were my words well remembered to this day; she knew I would keep
-my promise. My answer relieved her trouble; but it cost us all much
-sorrow to part. When the time came for my departure I dared not trust
-myself to say farewell, so I wrote my good-bye to each, and leaving
-them on my table, ran down stairs and jumped into the carriage. Thus I
-left my beloved home of childhood to link my life with the Saints of
-God.'
-</p>
-<p>"When I arrived in Kirtland I became acquainted with the Prophet Joseph
-Smith, and received more evidence of his divine mission. There in
-Kirtland I formed the acquaintance of Elder Wilford Woodruff, to whom
-I was married in 1836. With him I went to the 'Islands of the Sea' and
-to England, on missions. Here I will bear my testimony to the power of
-God which I have often seen manifested among the Latter-Day Saints. The
-following is one notable instance:
-</p>
-<p>"When the Saints were settling Nauvoo, the unhealthy labor of breaking
-new land on the banks of the Mississippi for the founding of the city,
-invited pestilence. Nearly everyone was attacked with fever and ague.
-The Prophet had the sick borne into his house and dooryard until the
-place was like a hospital. At length even he succumbed to the deadly
-contagion and for several days was as helpless as the rest of our
-people, who were all nearly exhausted by their extermination from
-Missouri. But the spirit of the Lord came down upon Joseph, commanding
-him to arise and stay the pestilence. The Prophet arose from his bed
-and the power of God rested upon him. He commenced in his own house
-and dooryard, commanding the sick in the name of Jesus Christ to arise
-and be made whole; and they were healed according to his word. He then
-continued to travel from house to house, and from tent to tent, upon
-the bank of the river, healing the sick as he went, until he arrived at
-the upper stone house, where he crossed the river in a boat accompanied
-by several of the Quorum of the Twelve, whom he had bade to follow him,
-and landed in Montrose. He walked into the cabin of Brigham Young, who
-was lying sick, and commanded him in the name of Jesus Christ to arise
-and be made whole, and follow him, which he did. They came to our house
-next, and Joseph bade Mr. Woodruff, also, to follow, and then they went
-to the house of Brother Elijah Fordham, who was supposed by his family
-and friends to have been dying, for two weeks. The Prophet stepped to
-his bedside, took him by the hand, and commanded him in the name of
-Jesus Christ to arise from his bed and be made whole. His voice, Joseph
-Smith's, was as the voice of God. Brother Fordham instantly leaped from
-his bed, called for his clothing and dressed himself, and followed
-the Apostles into the street. They then went into the house of Joseph
-B. Nobles, who lay very sick, and he was healed in like manner. And
-when by the power of God granted unto him, Joseph had healed all the
-sick, he recrossed the river and returned to his own house. Thousands
-of witnesses bear testimony of the miracle. It was a day never to be
-forgotten. Hearing of the case of Brother Fordham, whom I with the rest
-had believed to be dying, I thought I would go and see with my own
-eyes. I found him very happy, sitting in his chair. He told me he had
-been out to work in his garden. This was only a few hours after the
-miracle. From that day I never doubted that this was the work of God.
-</p>
-<p>"It will be expected that I should say something on polygamy. I have
-this to say. When the principle of plural marriage was first taught,
-I thought it was the most wicked thing I ever heard of; consequently
-I opposed it to the best of my ability, until I became sick and
-wretched. As soon, however, as I became convinced that it originated as
-a revelation from God through Joseph, knowing him to be a prophet, I
-wrestled with my Heavenly Father in fervent prayer, to be guided aright
-at that all-important moment of my life. The answer came. Peace was
-given to my mind. I knew it was the will of God; and from that time to
-the present I have sought to faithfully honor the patriarchal law.
-</p>
-<p>"Of Joseph, my testimony is that he was one of the greatest prophets
-the Lord ever called, that he lived for the redemption of mankind and
-died a martyr for the truth. The love of the Saints for him will never
-die.
-</p>
-<p>"It was after the martyrdom of Joseph that I accompanied my husband to
-England in 1845. On our return the advance companies of the Saints had
-left Nauvoo under President Young and others of the Twelve. We followed
-immediately and journeyed to Winter Quarters. The next year my husband
-went with the pioneers to the mountains while the care of the family
-rested on me. After his return and the re-organization of the First
-Presidency, I accompanied my husband on his mission to the Eastern
-States. In 1850 we arrived in the Valley and since that time Salt Lake
-City has been my home.
-</p>
-<p>"Of my husband, I can truly say I have found him a worthy man with
-scarcely his superior on earth. He has built up a branch of the Church
-wherever he has labored. He has been faithful to God and his family,
-every day of his life. My respect for him has increased with our years,
-and my desire for an eternal union with him will be the last wish of my
-mortal life."
-</p>
-<p>At the first organization of the Relief Society in the Fourteenth
-Ward, in the spring of 1857, Mrs. Woodruff was chosen by Bishop A.
-Hoagland as President, which position she held until by the "move"
-south, the society was discontinued. After their return she was invited
-to resume her position, but so much of the family care and management
-of business devolved upon her as her husband's faithful partner, that
-she felt she could not do justice to that object, and Bishop Hoagland
-asked her to nominate her successor. She chose her first counselor,
-Mary Isabella Horne. Mrs. Woodruff is also one of the presiding board
-of six, over the General Retrenchment Meetings, held semi-monthly in
-the Fourteenth Ward. In May, 1882, Mrs. Woodruff was elected one of
-the Executive Board of the Deseret Hospital. She often accompanies
-Apostle Wilford Woodruff on his visits among the settlements, holding
-meetings with the sisters, who look upon her as one of the wisest
-women in the knowledge of the Scriptures and in her counsels among her
-sisters in the <em>Church</em>. The record of her life and labors would make
-a deeply interesting volume which could not fail to inspire the youth
-of Zion with a desire to emulate her worthy example, and the hearts of
-older ones with admiration and reverence. The eighteen years of our
-acquaintance have served to strengthen and beautify my friendship for
-Phoebe W. Woodruff, as wife, mother and Saint. It seems but fitting, to
-record here that the mother and father of Sister Woodruff were baptized
-by Apostle Wilford Woodruff. Thus ended all the fears of the Puritan
-mother.
-</p>
-<p>Quoting an historian of note (himself an occupant of part of the
-Woodruff residence for a long period): "Sister Phoebe W. Woodruff is
-one of the noblest examples of her sex,&mdash;truly a mother in Israel; and
-in her strength of character, consistency and devotion, she has but few
-peers in the Church."
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="BATHSHEBAWSMITH"></a>BATHSHEBA W. SMITH.
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">WIFE OF APOSTLE GEORGE A. SMITH, OF REVERED MEMORY, WHO WAS ONE OF THE
-FIRST PRESIDENCY OF THE CHURCH OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
-</p>
-<p>Bathsheba W. Smith is the daughter of Mark and Susannah Bigler, and
-was born at Shirnsten, Harrison Co., West Virginia, on May 3rd, 1822.
-Her father was from Pennsylvania, her mother from Maryland. The school
-facilities in her vicinity were limited. The county of Harrison was
-hilly, and the roads of primitive character; the mode of travel was
-chiefly on horseback riding, in which few could excel her.
-</p>
-<p>In her girlhood she was religiously inclined, loved virtue, honesty,
-truthfulness and integrity; attended secret prayers, studied to be
-cheerful, industrious and happy, and was always opposed to rudeness.
-</p>
-<p>During her fifteenth year some Latter-Day Saints visited the
-neighborhood, she heard them preach and believed what they taught. She
-knew by the spirit of the Lord, in answer to her prayer, that Joseph
-Smith was a prophet of the Lord, and that the Book of Mormon was a
-divine record. On the 21st of August, 1837, Bathsheba W. Bigler was
-baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ, and the most of her father's
-family also, about the same time. They soon felt a desire to gather
-with the rest of the Saints in Missouri, her sister, Nancy, and family
-sold their property, intending to go in the fall, and Bathsheba was
-very anxious to go with them. Her father having not yet sold out his
-property, she was told she could not go. This caused her to retire very
-early, feeling very sorrowful. While weeping, a voice said to her,
-"Weep not, you will go this fall." She was comforted and perfectly
-satisfied, and the next morning testified to what the voice had said to
-her.
-</p>
-<p>Soon after, her father sold his home and they all went to Missouri, to
-her great joy, but on their arrival there found the State preparing to
-war against the Saints. A few nights before they reached Far West, they
-camped with a company of eastern Saints, but separated on account of
-each company choosing different ferries. The company Sister Bathsheba
-and her family were in, arrived safely at their destination, but the
-others were overtaken by an armed mob; seventeen were killed, others
-were wounded, and some maimed for life. In a few days after their
-arrival there was a battle between the Saints and the mob, in which
-David W. Patten (one of the first Twelve Apostles,) was wounded, and
-he was brought to the house where they were stopping. Sister Bathsheba
-witnessed his death a few days after, and saw thousands of mobbers
-arrayed against the Saints, and heard their dreadful threats and savage
-yells, when our Prophet Joseph and his brethren were taken into their
-camp. The Prophet, Patriarch and many others were taken to prison;
-and the Saints had to leave the State. In the spring they had the joy
-of having the prophet and his brethren restored to them at Quincy,
-Illinois.
-</p>
-<p>In the spring of 1840, the family of Sister Bathsheba moved to Nauvoo,
-where she had many opportunities of hearing the Prophet Joseph preach,
-and tried to profit by his instructions, and also received many
-testimonies of the truths which he taught.
-</p>
-<p>On the 25th of July, 1841, Bathsheba W. Bigler was married to George
-A. Smith, the then youngest member of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Don
-Carlos Smith (brother of the prophet) officiating. George A. Smith
-was own cousin to the Prophet Joseph. When Sister Bathsheba first
-became acquainted with George A. Smith he was the junior member of the
-First Quorum of Seventies. On the 26th of June, 1838, he was ordained
-a member of the High Council of Adam Ondi Ahman, in Davis County,
-Missouri. Just about the break of day on the 26th of April, 1834, while
-kneeling on the corner stone of the foundation of the Lord's House at
-Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri, he was ordained one of the Twelve
-Apostles, and from thence started on a mission to Europe, from which he
-returned ten days previous to their marriage.
-</p>
-<p>As the 4th of July, 1842, came on the Sabbath day, they celebrated the
-anniversary on Monday the 5th. There was a military display of the
-Nauvoo Legion, and a sham battle fought. George A. Smith was in the
-general's staff in the uniform of a chaplain. Sister Bathsheba watched
-the proceedings with great interest. On the 7th of July a son was born
-to them; they named him George Albert. Two months after, George A., as
-the Saints loved to call him, went on a mission to the Eastern States.
-On his previous mission (to England,) he injured his left lung, causing
-hemorrhage. In the fall of 1843, George A. and Bathsheba received their
-endowments and were united under the holy order of celestial marriage.
-Sister Bathsheba heard the Prophet Joseph charge the Twelve with the
-duty and responsibility of the ordinances of endowments and sealing,
-for the living and the dead. Sister Bathsheba met many times with her
-husband, Joseph and others who had received their endowments, in an
-upper room dedicated for the purpose, and prayed with them repeatedly
-in those meetings. In the spring of 1844, Mr. Smith went on another
-mission, and soon after he left persecution began in the city of Nauvoo
-which ended in the martyrdom of our beloved prophet and patriarch. Mr.
-Smith returned about the 1st of August, and on the 14th a daughter was
-born, and they named her Bathsheba.
-</p>
-<p>Having become thoroughly convinced that the doctrine of plurality of
-wives was from God, and firmly believing that she should participate
-with him in all his blessings, glory and honor, Sister Bathsheba gave
-to her husband different wives during the year of his return home. She
-says of this; "Being proud of my husband and loving him very much,
-knowing him to be a man of God, and having a testimony that what I had
-done was acceptable to my Father in heaven, I was as happy as I knew
-how to be."
-</p>
-<p>It would be in vain to describe how they traveled through snow,
-wind and rain, how roads had to be made, bridges built and rafts
-constructed, how our poor animals had to drag on day after day with
-scanty food; nor how we suffered from poverty, sickness and deaths, but
-the Lord was with us, His power was made manifest daily. Quoting from
-her, "My dear mother died on the 11th of March, 1844, and on the 4th of
-April I had a son born who lived but four hours." They arrived in Salt
-Lake Valley (now city) in October, 1849, after traveling over sterile
-deserts and plains, over high mountains and through deep canyons,
-ferrying some streams and fording others, but all was joy now. Sister
-Bathsheba went to her sister's house, and O, how delightful it did
-seem to be once more in a comfortable room with a blazing fire on the
-hearth, where the mountain's rude blasts nor the desert's wild winds
-could not reach them.
-</p>
-<p>In March, 1850, Sister Bathsheba moved into their own house. In
-December, 1850, George A. Smith was called to go south to found a
-settlement in Little Salt Lake Valley, two hundred and fifty miles
-from home. In 1851, he returned, having been elected a member of the
-Legislature from Iron Co. In 1856, he was sent to Washington to ask for
-the admission of Utah as a State. In May, 1857, he returned to Utah. In
-1858, they went south, bidding farewell to their home, feeling as they
-did on leaving Nauvoo; that they should never see it again, fleeing as
-they were, before the approaching army.
-</p>
-<p>However, President Buchanan sent out his Peace Commissioners who
-brought his Proclamation, declaring a general amnesty to all offenders.
-Peace being restored, they returned to Salt Lake City in July, having
-been gone three months. When they entered the city it was almost
-sundown; all was quiet, every door was boarded up. From only two or
-three chimneys smoke was rising. How still and lonely, yet the breath
-of peace wafted over the silent city, and it was home! They had left
-a partly finished house, and resuming work upon it, by October it was
-finished. Sister Bathsheba says: "It was so comfortable and we were so
-happy! We had plenty of room. My son and daughter took great pleasure
-in having their associates come and visit them frequently. They would
-have a room full of company, and would engage in reading useful books,
-singing, playing music, dancing, &amp;c. My son played the flute, flutina
-and was a good drummer. My son and daughter were good singers, they
-made our home joyous with song and jest." In 1860, this son was sent
-on a mission to the Moquois Indians. He was interested in this and apt
-in learning the language. After being set apart by the authorities for
-that mission, he started on the 4th of September, and had traveled
-about seven hundred miles, when on the 2nd of November he was killed by
-Navajo Indians. On the 3rd of January the daughter was married.
-</p>
-<p>In 1873, Sister Bathsheba made a tour with her husband and President
-Young and party, to the Colorado and up the Rio Virgin as far as
-Shonesberg. In 1872, they made another tour with President Young and
-party, visiting at St. George, Virgen City, Long Valley and Kanab. In
-1873, went again with her husband, President Young and company and
-spent the winter in St. George, going by way of San Pete and Sevier
-counties. During this journey Sister Bathsheba attended several
-meetings with the sisters, returning home April, 1874. She has visited
-the Saints as far south as the junction of the Rio Virgen with the
-Colorado, has visited the settlements on the Muddy River, and also the
-Saints as far north as Bear Lake and Soda Springs. On their travels
-they have often been met by bands of music, and thousands of children
-bearing banners and flags; and singing songs of welcome. Sister
-Bathsheba has enjoyed these tours very much. She has accompanied many
-explorations down into deep gulches to see the water pockets, over
-beautiful plains in carriages or cars, and over mountains and deserts.
-</p>
-<p>In reference to her position in duties of a public and spiritual
-character, we find the following: Returning from a tour, February 19th,
-1878, they arrived in Salt Lake City, finding all safe at home. I quote
-again from Sister Bathsheba's journal, written in her own hand:
-</p>
-<p>"My dear husband was not well; I thought I could soon nurse him up to
-health, but my efforts were all in vain, he expired on the first of
-September after a long sickness." The departure was a shock to many.
-For many months prayers had been offered up through all parts of the
-Territory, for the restoration to health of this great and good man.
-Seated in his chair, his faithful wife beside him, he turned from his
-conversation with President Young and others who constantly attended
-him, and leaning upon her devoted heart breathed his last.
-</p>
-<p>Sister Bathsheba W. Smith belonged to the first Relief Society which
-was organized at Nauvoo, and was present when it was organized, the
-Prophet Joseph presiding. Officiated as Priestess in the Nauvoo Temple.
-Was Secretary in the Seventeenth Ward Relief Society, Salt Lake City;
-had been First Counselor to President Rachel Grant in the Relief
-Society of the Thirteenth Ward, Salt Lake City, for many years. Is
-a Counselor to M. I. Horne in the General Retrenchment Association,
-Fourteenth Ward, and is also Treasurer of the Relief Society of the
-Salt Lake Stake. Has officiated in the holy ordinances of the House of
-the Lord in Salt Lake City for many years. Is also one of the Board
-of Directors in the Deseret Hospital. She says, "I have attended many
-meetings of the sisters and had many seasons of rejoicing."
-</p>
-<p>Sister Bathsheba is often reverently spoken of as "the beloved wife
-of George A. Smith." To her, in one sense, this would be the dearest
-praise that could be spoken. But yet a loftier, holier, than even the
-earth-love seems to hover around her very presence. A little child
-once said, "When I look at Sister Bathsheba, I do not see her with her
-bonnet on, I see her as she will look when she wears that crown that is
-waiting for her." Such is the impression her face, her gentle voice and
-manner convey. To the record of her life, and this, I could add nothing.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="ELIZABETHHOWARD"></a>ELIZABETH HOWARD.
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">SECRETARY OF THE RELIEF SOCIETIES OF THE SALT LAKE STAKE OF ZION.
-</p>
-<p>Mrs. Howard furnishes a very brief sketch for one whose life and labors
-among the people and faith of her adoption, have been so extended,
-important and interesting, to all who have ever come within the
-influence of her noble, generous spirit; who have received the stimulus
-to failing spirits and energy which emanated from her animated face, so
-good and motherly, her voice so cheerful and sympathetic, and her every
-movement like an inspiration of strength, happiness and life.
-</p>
-<p>She writes she was "descended from Scotch parentage on her father's
-side, Irish on her mother's, Websters and Wards. Was born on July
-12th, 1823, at Carlow, Carlow County, Ireland." Was the first child
-of her parents and says she "had a glorious childhood and girlhood,"
-which can be easily believed, judging by her ever buoyant spirits. She
-was "married to William Howard, the eldest son of Stott and Catherine
-Howard, June 9th, 1841. Heard the Gospel in 1851, and came to America
-in 1853, with husband, two sons, four daughters, two hired girls and
-two hired men." They arrived in Utah, September, 1853.
-</p>
-<p>At the organizations of the Relief Society in 1867-68, she was
-appointed Secretary of the Big Cottonwood Ward, which office she filled
-until she accompanied her husband to England in 1868, returned in 1869
-and resumed the same office. During their mission in England, Mrs.
-Howard was often called upon to explain the principles of our doctrines
-and answer many questions regarding our people, etc. Divines and others
-found Mrs. Howard quite ready and able to meet and answer them on
-every point. In fact her part of the mission has often been referred
-to as something exceptionally creditable and important. It was at a
-time, too, when woman had scarcely been heard to speak upon our faith,
-outside the home circle.
-</p>
-<p>About 1871, when Mrs. M. A. Smoot removed to Provo, Mrs. Howard was
-chosen Counselor to Mrs. M. I. Horne in the General Retrenchment
-Association, which position she still holds. When the Relief Societies
-were organized into Stakes, Mrs. Howard was appointed Secretary of the
-Salt Lake Stake of Zion, which position she holds at the present time.
-Mrs. Howard has traveled much throughout our Territory in company with
-other sisters, visiting the different societies and associations in
-a missionary capacity, giving instructions and infusing cheerfulness
-and energy by her whole-souled and genial manner. There is something
-wonderfully earnest and sincere in all she says and does, and it has
-a most convincing effect upon the hearers who delight to welcome her
-visits, who is herself a most delightful entertainer and hostess at her
-own beautiful country home a few miles ride out from the city.
-</p>
-<p>Mrs. Howard is the mother of ten children, eight living; and
-thirty-seven grand-children.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="ELMINASTAYLOR"></a>ELMINA S. TAYLOR.
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">PRESIDENT OF THE YOUNG LADIES' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS, OF THE
-CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
-</p>
-<p>I was born at Middlefield, Otsego County, State of New York, September
-12th, 1830. My parents are Daniel Shepard and Rozita Bailey Shepard.
-Three daughters were all the children that were born to them, I being
-the eldest. My parents were staunch Methodists, and I was brought up
-in that faith. I united myself with that church when about twenty
-years of age, and during some six years was a zealous and consistent
-member of the same. At the time I joined the Church I was desirous to
-be baptized by immersion as I considered that the pattern set by our
-Savior; although I had always been taught that baptism was not a saving
-ordinance, but only to answer a good conscience, otherwise, an outward
-sign of an inward grace. To this my many friends were so much opposed
-that after some time elapsed I consented, and was admitted a member of
-the church, by sprinkling; but there were many doctrines and tenets
-with which I never was satisfied, and when I went to my minister to
-have them explained I was more beclouded and found myself more in the
-dark than before; though I sought to the Lord earnestly to be guided
-aright.
-</p>
-<p>"In the year 1854, circumstances induced me to go to Haverstraw, a
-large town situated in southern New York, on the banks of the beautiful
-Hudson River, to engage in teaching. One of the trustees, John Druce,
-was a Mormon elder, who had a very interesting and intelligent family.
-My cousin and I frequently visited there, but for a long time they
-never mentioned religion to us, fearing to frighten us away, but one
-night, just as I was leaving, he asked me if I would read some Mormon
-books. I answered, 'O, yes! You know the Bible says prove all things
-and hold fast that which is good.' His earnestness impressed me. Before
-opening the books I bowed before the Lord and fervently implored Him to
-give me His spirit that I might understand if they were true or false.
-My interest was awakened, and the more I investigated and compared the
-doctrines with the Scriptures, the more I was convinced of their truth.
-I fought against my convictions, for I well knew how it would grieve
-my dear parents to have me unite myself with that despised people; and
-I also thought I should lose my situation which was a very lucrative
-one. However, I could not silence my convictions, and as the promise
-was given, 'If you will obey the doctrine, you shall know whether it is
-of God or man;' I went forth and was baptized July 5th, 1856. When I
-was confirmed by the laying on of hands I received the testimony of its
-truth which I have never lost from that day to this.
-</p>
-<p>"I was united in marriage to George Hamilton Taylor, August 31st, 1856,
-by Apostle, now President, John Taylor, and in 1859, April fifteenth,
-we left New York for Utah, where we arrived September 16th of the same
-year, after a long tedious journey with ox teams. In the spring of
-1860 we located in the Fourteenth Ward, where we have since resided,
-and where our first child, a son, was born July 16th of the same year.
-While in the States we were never blessed with children, but it was
-prophesied upon my head that I should go to Zion and should there be
-blessed with them, which has been fulfilled, for I am now the mother of
-seven.
-</p>
-<p>"Through the gift of tongues, it was also promised that all my family
-should come to me, which was verified after we had been here nearly
-fifteen years, and my father is still with us, having reached the
-advanced age of seventy-nine years, but none of them ever received the
-Gospel.
-</p>
-<p>"At the organization of the Relief Society of the Fourteenth Ward,
-December 12th, 1867, I was elected Secretary, an office which I still
-occupy. September 23rd, 1874, by request of Sister E. R. S. Snow, I
-was appointed Superintendent of the Young Ladies' Association of the
-same ward. I was chosen First Counselor to Sister M. I. Horne, Stake
-President of Salt Lake County, December 22nd, 1879, and have traveled
-considerably in that capacity.
-</p>
-<p>"At a Conference held in the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, June 19th,
-1880, was appointed President of the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement
-Association of Zion.
-</p>
-<p>"July 4th, 1877, we entered into the celestial order of marriage, and
-have since all lived under the same roof, and eaten at the same table,
-ever in the enjoyment of peace and harmony."
-</p>
-<p>All who are acquainted with the writer of the above autobiographical
-sketch, can cheerfully add testimony to its concluding paragraph. "Love
-at Home" might be graven upon a tablet of stone within their door, so
-indelibly seems that sacred principle to have been impressed upon the
-hearts within that household.
-</p>
-<p>By example, by attainments, and the spiritual refinement and elegance
-in bearing which would denote the Christian lady, under any or all
-circumstances, it seems peculiarly appropriate that Mrs. Elmina S.
-Taylor was called to preside over the young ladies of Zion. May they
-emulate their standard, spiritually and socially. The simplicity and
-modesty of her sketch cannot convey to the mind of the reader those
-delicate attributes of character, so well understood by those who, like
-myself, have been recipients of her kindly counsels and encouragement,
-and recognized in a wider sense by those who have listened to her
-addresses, dictated by the spirit of our sacred and holy religion.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="MARYAFREEZE"></a>MARY A. FREEZE.
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">PRESIDENT OF THE Y. L. M. I. A. OF THE SALT LAKE STAKE OF ZION.
-</p>
-<p>Mary A. Freeze is the daughter of James Lewis Burnham and his wife,
-Mary Ann, who were born in Vermont. In 1837, with their one child
-they emigrated to McHenry County, Illinois, where they made them a
-home, leaving there in 1843 for Beauro County in the same State. In
-the latter place they heard and obeyed the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
-Mr. Burnham was a minister of the Church called Christians, but after
-hearing the elders explain the principles of this Gospel, could not but
-acknowledge that he had no legal authority to preach, and consequently
-was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,
-whose doctrines he preached and advocated faithfully until the day of
-his death, from bleeding of the lungs, caused by preaching in the open
-air. In 1843, Mr. and Mrs. Burnham had moved to Nauvoo. They there had
-four children, the youngest, a little girl, died in 1844. Mr. Burnham
-labored as much as his failing strength would permit, quarrying rock
-for the Temple. In the summer of 1845 he grew worse. Mrs. Freeze says,
-"This was four days previous to my birth. This was a trying time for
-my mother, being left in sorrow and very destitute of worldly goods,
-with no relatives near to help her; but the Saints were very kind to
-her in her affliction. Her relatives in the East would gladly have
-sent means to take her back, but she had cast her lot with the Saints
-of God and preferred to remain with them in the depths of poverty than
-to have the wealth of the whole world, elsewhere. After the Temple was
-finished she entered therein, partaking of the ordinances, and was
-sealed to President Joseph Young, (brother of President Brigham Young,)
-he performing this ordinance for my father, who had died before the
-opportunity of this privilege. She afterwards had two daughters who are
-now the wives of Robert N. Russell and Jasper Conrad.
-</p>
-<p>"In February, 1846, the famous exodus began, but my mother had no way
-of going so remained until after the battle took place and the Saints
-were driven out on pain of losing their lives. Mother received a wagon
-for her city property and was lent a yoke of oxen, that she might begin
-that memorable, toilsome journey with her four little children. I have
-heard her tell of the mobs searching the wagons for arms, the obscene
-language they used, and how terribly she suffered from fear. She
-arrived at Winter Quarters late in the fall, where she remained a year
-and a half, when they were compelled by the Government to move back on
-the east side of the river, because they were on Indian Territory. Soon
-after this she let her second and third sons, Wallace and George, go
-on to the valley with Brother Daniel Woods. This was a severe trial to
-my loving mother, but there seemed to be no other way for them to be
-taken care of as the Saints were in the deepest poverty. I have often
-heard her and Brother Luther also, rehearse the want and distress they
-endured, sometimes nearly amounting to starvation. We were compelled to
-remain there until 1852, when through the kindness of the brethren we
-were enabled in June to cross the plains, arriving in Salt Lake City,
-October 8th, last day of Conference. I was too young to remember much
-about the journey, but one circumstance impressed itself upon my mind.
-While climbing into the wagon I fell, and was run over by both wheels
-and very badly hurt, but through the administration of the elders
-was almost instantly healed and felt no bad effects from the injury
-afterward.
-</p>
-<p>"We located in Bountiful, Davis County, ten miles north of Salt Lake
-City, where we lived until I was sixteen years old. I was baptized
-when nine years of age and felt happy in the assurance that I was a
-'Mormon' in very deed. At the time of the Reformation, I was full
-of the inspiration of the times although only eleven years old, and
-was very much in earnest in repenting of my sins, and making new
-covenants to serve the Lord more faithfully in the future. During my
-early years I attended school the entire season, until old enough to
-assist my mother, when I attended during the winter only. Being very
-assiduous I acquired a good common school education. In 1861 we moved
-to Richmond, Cache Valley, my brothers having taken up land and made a
-home there. It was there I became acquainted with James Perry Freeze,
-whom I assisted in teaching school six months, not dreaming of the
-relationship I was destined to sustain to him. My girlhood days were
-not as happy as might have been, on account of our exceeding poverty,
-but I have many times since thought that it was for my greatest good
-that I was reared in want and loneliness; that it was a means of
-keeping me humble, the good spirit thereby finding a receptacle in
-my heart, giving me a desire to seek after truth and learn of the
-things of God. Had I possessed wealth and my mind been filled with the
-follies and fashions of the world, I might not have had such a desire
-to make the Lord my friend. At an early age I read in the Doctrine and
-Covenants, that God is no respecter of persons, but in all countries
-those who fear Him and work righteousness are accepted of Him. This was
-a great comfort to me, a guiding star to my whole future life; that
-by leading a righteous life I should be loved of my Father in heaven
-equally with the richest and most highly born; that possessing His love
-and favor I possessed everything worth caring for.
-</p>
-<p>"In March, 1863, I was married to James P. Freeze, whom, I felt assured
-was a noble man, one that I could trust as the guardian of my life.
-I am the mother of eight children. We resided in Richmond six months
-after our marriage, when we came to Salt Lake City, where he has since
-followed the mercantile business. In 1864, we became identified with
-the Eleventh Ward where we still live. In 1871, I was called to preside
-over the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association of this Ward,
-accepting it with great reluctance, feeling my incapability, but have
-filled it to the best ability which God has given me, and have proven
-that all who seek the Lord in humility, will surely receive a blessing
-at His hand. Through the blessing of the Almighty, I have now the love
-and confidence of the members who have manifested the same in various
-ways.
-</p>
-<p>"In the spring of 1871, my husband, a faithful man, desirous of keeping
-all the commandments of God, saw fit, with my full consent, to take
-to himself another of the daughters of Eve, a good and worthy girl,
-Jane Granter by name. It tried my spirit to its utmost endurance, but
-I always believed the principle to be true, and felt that it was time
-we obeyed that sacred order. The Lord knew my heart and desires, and
-was with me in my trial and assisted me to overcome the selfishness and
-jealousy of my nature. With his help, added to the great kindness of
-my husband, who has ever stood at the head of his family as a wise and
-just man, I soon obtained peace. While undergoing the severest trial to
-my feelings, I was inspired with the following lines which the Lord was
-not slow to answer:
-</p><blockquote>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Father, help me to do Thy will,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Command my troubled heart be still;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Cause my soul with peace to flow,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;While I sojourn here below,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Help me still to realize<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Thou'rt the giver of the prize<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;That I would win through faithfulness.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Then, Father, O look down and bless<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Thine erring child that cries to Thee<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;For help, amid life's stormy sea.'<br>
-</p></blockquote>
-<p>"My husband has since taken two other wives, and I praise the Lord that
-I had so far overcome, that instead of feeling it to be a trial, it
-was a source of joy and pride that we were counted worthy to have such
-noble girls enter our family. The two last were my Counselors in the
-Young Ladies' Improvement Association of our Ward. I have loved the
-wives of my husband as I would have my own sisters, realizing that the
-power of the Holy Priesthood that has bound us together for time and
-eternity is stronger than kindred ties. Sophia lived with me nearly
-seven years; she died December, 1879, which was one of the greatest
-trials of my life. I could as willingly have parted with one of my own
-daughters. She left me a beautiful boy who seems as near to me as my
-own. I wish to bear testimony to my descendants, and to all who may
-read this sketch, that I know by the power of the Holy Ghost which
-bears testimony to my spirit, that the Patriarchal Order of Marriage is
-from God and was revealed for the exaltation and salvation of the human
-family, also that I have had peace, joy and satisfaction in living in
-that Order such as I had never known before; and have had many proofs
-that God will pour out His blessings upon those who keep His laws,
-seeking Him with full purpose of heart, for He will be sought after by
-His children.
-</p>
-<p>"September 14, 1878, the authorities having considered it necessary to
-institute a Stake Organization of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement
-Association, I was chosen as President of these Associations in this
-Salt Lake Stake of Zion. I chose Louie Felt, and Clara Y. Conrad, my
-half-sister, as my Counselors. We have visited the Associations as far
-as practicable, have enjoyed the spirit of our mission and feel assured
-we have been instrumental in the hands of God of doing much good.
-</p>
-<p>"I am striving to purify myself, and keep all of the commandments of
-God, to be diligent in the performance of every duty assisting to roll
-forth the great work our Father has established in the last days, that
-I may be worthy to receive the blessings which have been pronounced
-upon my head; for they are great and many, and I know I shall receive
-them if found worthy. I know the fruits of this Gospel are peace, joy
-and happiness, and all who obey its precepts will have in this life
-that peace which passeth all understanding, that which the world cannot
-give nor take away, and having finished their labors, and are called
-to another sphere, will be crowned with life eternal, which is the
-greatest of all gifts. It has been the greatest desire of my life that
-my children should become bright and shining lights in the church of
-God, and knowing that much depends upon parents, I have ever striven to
-set them an example worthy of imitation, teaching them true principles,
-that I might not come under condemnation for my neglect of duty.
-</p>
-<p>"I realize that heaven would not be heaven to me if my children,
-through sin and transgression, could not have a place there; that my
-glory would be dimmed forever.
-</p>
-<p>"I will now say good-bye, until we meet where there is neither sorrow
-nor mourning, but our joy will be perfect; and trust my descendants may
-all keep the laws of God, and be worthy to sit down with Abraham, Isaac
-and Jacob, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and all the faithful in the
-kingdom of God, to go no more out."
-</p>
-<p>Mrs. Freeze says, "We have traced our lineage back to the year 1200,
-and have the record of the same. We descended from the Normans. Our
-family was at one time very wealthy and numerous in England; there
-is a town which bears their name. Three brothers came to America at
-an early date, one settled in Vermont, and two in Massachusetts.
-Their descendants took part in the Revolutionary War, and among them
-according to the 'Burnham Record' were many Doctors of Divinity,
-Doctors of Law, and one Mary Burnham, writes of the 'service of gold,
-their equipages and household appointments, of that grandeur brought
-with them from their ancient and noble halls of England.' Several of
-the Burnham descendants were officers in the late Civil War in America."
-</p>
-<p>Mrs. Freeze is of that class of spirits that (in religion or justice)
-opposition would animate, persecution, inspire her. I have often
-thought, looking into her eyes, that in their depths slumbered the
-embers (scarcely covered by the ashes of dead years) of the fires of
-patriot's and martyr's souls.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="LOUIEFELT"></a>LOUIE FELT.
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">PRESIDENT OF THE PRIMARY ASSOCIATIONS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF
-LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
-</p>
-<p>Louie Felt was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Bouton, was born in
-South Norfolk, Conn., May 5, 1852. Was baptized when eight years old
-and came to Utah in September, 1866. On December 29th of same year was
-married to Joseph H. Felt. At the October Conference of 1867, they
-were called to go on the Muddy River Mission and started the 9th of
-November following. They remained there between two and three years,
-enduring many hardships; the heat in summer being particularly trying
-to those used to a Northern clime. "Ninety degrees in the shade" is
-considered high in our eastern cities, but at the Muddy, for months it
-would rise above one hundred degrees at midnight. The buildings were
-new, low adobe houses, lumber scarce, and often the wife was asked,
-"where would you prefer to have the boards, over your head or under
-your feet?" Those who had babies to rock took the choice of a floor,
-and put up with a thatched roof. The winds blew with great violence,
-and the tender shoots of the trees, vines, and other things they
-planted were often cut off clean by the sharp sand in the driving wind.
-They were surrounded by friendly Indians who were willing to work and
-learn civilization, but who were so hungry they could not resist the
-temptation to pluck the young watermelons and squashes planted by the
-missionaries, as fast as they approached the size of walnuts. Once,
-when visiting the Muddy settlement of St. Joseph, the Indian visitors
-were delighted with the rice my mother was preparing to cook. They
-called it the "snow-white wheat" and begged for some, saying they would
-plant and cultivate it with great care. She humored them, but showed
-them how the germ was destroyed, and advised them to cook it, and plant
-corn and melons.
-</p>
-<p>In a brief time the Missionaries were short of the good things they
-had provided; there were no stores, freight trains seldom came that
-way, and they were a long distance, three day's travel from St.
-George, itself a pioneer settlement in an alkali desert. President
-Erastus Snow, with fatherly kindness, sent beef, cattle and flour to
-the Indians, to stay their increasing instincts for self-preservation
-by way of appropriation. Another misfortune befell the Missionaries;
-their dwellings were as dry as tinder, and in some way a fire started,
-and some lost their all, everyone lost something. President Erastus
-Snow called upon the people of St. George, and if I remember right,
-of Washington and Santa Clara also and with all possible haste sent
-the willing contributions of their brethren and sisters. President
-Brigham Young had two daughters, a son and a niece on the same mission.
-He visited them and was filled with compassion for their situation,
-and as it seemed vain to hope for an amelioration of some of their
-disadvantages, the Mission was broken up. Mrs. Felt's health was
-poor but, she says, "I never felt to murmur, but to stay as long
-as required." In 1869, Mrs. Felt went on a visit to her father in
-Connecticut, as he was not expected to live. He had gone back for the
-recovery of his health but was no better. She remained with him three
-months, then returned to Utah. In 1872 they moved to the Eleventh Ward,
-"and then," she says, "began some of the happiest days of my life.
-I soon became a member of the Y. L. M. I. A., and thereby received
-a better understanding of my religion, which brought me peace and
-happiness, such as I had never known before. I also became thoroughly
-convinced of the truth of the principle of celestial marriage, and
-having no children of my own was very desirous my husband should take
-other wives that he might have a posterity to do him honor, and after
-he took another wife and had children born to him, the Lord gave me a
-mother's love for them; they seemed as if they were indeed my own, and
-they seem to have the same love for me they do for their own mother."
-I have witnessed the real mother in this family, rocking her babe to
-sleep, and the other mother&mdash;Louie&mdash;would sit beside her and hold one
-little hand, or lay her own upon its little head, and it would quietly
-resign itself to sleep, so closely were all these three true hearts
-united in love. "In September, 1878, I was appointed to the position
-of President of the P. A. of the Eleventh Ward, which position I still
-hold. In December of the same year. Mrs. Freeze chose me as her First
-Counselor, in the stake organization of the Young Ladies' Association,
-and I immediately started with President Freeze, visiting these wards,
-and I enjoyed my labor. In September, 1879, I was appointed to fill
-the position of Territorial President of the Primary Improvement
-Associations, and have visited the different stakes of Zion as much as
-circumstances would permit, and now feel more firm in my religion, and
-more determined to magnify my calling whereunto I have been appointed,
-hoping thereby to bring honor to the cause of Zion and also to myself."
-</p>
-<p>In person, Mrs. Felt is very tall and slender, her health always
-being very delicate. Her face is pale, refined and spiritual in its
-expression; her spirit buoyant and cheerful, and her animated manner
-and smile as frank as a child's; the beholder would never take her for
-"a sorrowing Mormon woman," such as we read about. Whether presiding
-in gentle dignity over a conference of several thousands of parents
-and children, whether happily mingling in a reunion of cherished and
-appreciative friends, or whether in that closer, dearer circle of which
-she is not the least the builder, her face is that of innocence and
-purity; her heart is an altar to her God; her life a monument to all.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="ELLENCCLAWSON"></a>ELLEN C. S. CLAWSON.
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">PRESIDENT OF THE PRIMARY ASSOCIATION OF THE SALT LAKE STAKE OF ZION.
-</p>
-<p>Ellen Curtis Spencer Clawson was born in Saybrook, Conn., Nov. 1,
-1832. She is the eldest daughter of Spencer Clawson, A. B., and
-Catherine Curtis, and grand daughter of Daniel Spencer, who fought
-in the Revolutionary War. Her father graduated at Union College,
-Schenectady, New York, and also at the Theological College at Hamilton,
-as a minister of the Baptist denomination. He received the gospel when
-his daughter was seven years old. He immediately sold his effects and
-went to Nauvoo, where he became intimately associated with the Prophet
-Joseph. At the age of nine years, she was baptized in the Mississippi
-river. During the exodus from Nauvoo her mother died from exposure
-and exhaustion, through leaving a comfortable house to camp out in
-mid-winter. Six months later her father was sent to Great Britain to
-take charge of the mission there. It was there he wrote the celebrated
-"Spencer's Letters," a little volume well known among the church works.
-He also became editor of the <em>Millennial Star</em>, which position he held
-for three years. He was obliged to leave his five remaining children
-in Ellen's care, she being now only thirteen years of age. During
-his absence the little family crossed the plains with ox teams, in
-President Brigham Young's company, taking five months to complete the
-journey, and suffering all the privations and hardships with the rest
-of the Saints.
-</p>
-<p>Miss Ellen C. Spencer was married in March 1850, by President Brigham
-Young, to Hiram B. Clawson, who soon after became to President
-Young, business manager, a position he held for a number of years;
-subsequently superintendent of the Z. C. M. I., and is at present
-Bishop of the Twelfth Ward, Salt Lake City. Mrs. Clawson is the mother
-of fourteen children, four sons and ten daughters, seven daughters
-and two sons of whom are now living. In April, 1879, Mrs. Clawson was
-called to preside over the Primary Association of the Twelfth Ward,
-Salt Lake City, and later was ordained to preside over all the Primary
-Associations of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion.
-</p>
-<p>Think of this noble girl, hardly more than a child, taking upon her
-young life the duties and cares of a loved and lost, a martyred mother!
-Surely she was precious in God's sight; and his arm must have sustained
-her through that long and lonely journey through the wilderness. That
-same strength of character, that same sweet patience of spirit, gentle
-manner, have upborne her through later eventful periods. A prominent
-and beautiful feature in her life, one that has won to her the truest
-respect, the unperishable love of her friends is the position she has
-maintained amid her husband's family, like a loving queen mother, in
-his home circle.
-</p>
-<p>Mrs. Clawson's two sons, H. B. and Spencer Clawson, are in the
-mercantile business, the latter a wholesale merchant, both men of high
-social and business standing, and an honor to their parents.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="EMMELINEBWELLS"></a>EMMELINE B. WELLS.
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">EDITOR OF "WOMAN'S EXPONENT."
-</p>
-<p>This lady, like most of our representative women, was born in
-New England, February 29, 1828, at Petersham, Worcester County,
-Massachusetts. Her maiden name was Woodward. The forefathers of
-her family came in 1830, settled in and around Boston, were large
-landowners, and by profession were mathematicians, surveyors, etc. Mrs.
-Wells' ancestry, both on the father and mother's side, were purely of
-English extraction, and fought for freedom in the Revolutionary War,
-as well as that of 1812, some of them being officers of high rank.
-Her brothers and other relations fought in the late Civil War also.
-Mrs. Wells has had an eventful history in many respects, and somewhat
-romantic; were it to be published as a story and strictly true, it
-would be stranger than fiction.
-</p>
-<p>In her early life she gave promise of unusual talent, her memory was
-quite wonderful, storing up the many incidents and points of beauty
-around her to be brought forth in after years in faithful portraiture
-amid far off valleys and places then unbuilt and undiscovered. It was
-the expectation of her family and friends that she would make a mark
-in the world and do them honor; this was to be verified, but in a way
-undreamed of by them. The place and work God had chosen for her had
-not in her childhood, even a name. The child of destiny, straying
-alone yet not lonely, with her busy fancies finding companionship
-in fields, woods and brooks, the haunts of nature in their rudest,
-wildest form; listening to the songs of birds and sighing of the forest
-leaves, touching with caressing hand the flowers and moss-grown rocks,
-searching through shrubbery and tangled vines, or looking up through
-alcoves green and dim, feasted her eyes upon the wondrous sky where
-moving clouds passed on in endless changes 'neath that world, where she
-was taught the home and throne of God forever are. These surroundings
-and influences developed and moulded that individuality of character
-during her childhood to the degree, that at eight years of age she
-commenced composing in rhyme, choosing instinctively the beautiful and
-harmonious method of expression which is poetry. This element cannot
-be possessed by anyone, old or young, but that it casts an influence
-recognized at once, and men and women gray haired now, say, that
-watching the thoughtful child they knew there was a special destiny for
-her, undefined, but nevertheless felt as something grand and great. So,
-hovered the spirit of her mission around her through her childhood, and
-at ten years of age she became a member of the church choir, happy in
-lifting her full heart in hymns of worship and of praise.
-</p>
-<p>How many have found sweet joy in singing; that expression of
-supplication, faith and gratitude, which in any and every religion is,
-we feel, true and acceptable adoration.
-</p>
-<p>In November, 1841, the Gospel was preached in her native village; and
-her mother believed and was baptized. Immediately a branch of the
-Church was organized and some excitement in regard to Mormonism sprang
-up among the worldly-wise and learned. Mrs. Wells' mother persuaded her
-to go and hear the Mormon elders, and told her she knew it was the true
-Gospel that the ancient Apostles taught, and that she had been looking
-forward to such a dispensation. She was a woman of very strong mind, of
-practical capabilities, yet withal very spiritual in her nature, had
-been for many years a staunch Congregationalist, and had her children
-brought up in that church. Ministers, lawyers, judges and influential
-men came with their profound learning and logic to convince Mrs. Wells'
-mother that Mormonism was a delusion, but all in vain. On the young and
-inexperienced daughter they expected to be able to make an impression,
-and no means was left untried. Everything that could be said or done
-was brought to bear, and when she had decided to receive the ordinance
-of baptism all the powers of darkness seemed to conspire to hinder it.
-She affirms that a power she had no knowledge of heretofore, seemed
-to possess her at this momentous time to help her to withstand the
-intercessions and pleadings of those who had been her friends, and who
-now so vigorously sought to keep her from going down into the waters of
-baptism.
-</p>
-<p>On the 1st day of March, 1842, when a little group of Latter-Day Saints
-was assembled to perform the ordinance of baptism on her mother's own
-ground, just near her home, zealous friends sent messengers down to ask
-her if she was <em>sure</em> she was acting of her own free will and choice,
-otherwise they would take her by force and she should never lack for
-means of a higher education, but if she accepted the Mormon faith and
-gathered at Nauvoo she <em>must</em> renounce not only her friends but also
-all the advantages of literary culture she had so ardently hoped to
-attain, and be forever disgraced. Not knowing but that it was true that
-her hopes for further advancement must be resigned, she laid them on
-the altar of her faith, willing to yield up her future entirely to the
-will and care of her Creator. Some power potent indeed buoyed her up
-and she went through this trying ordeal and though her delicate nerves
-were somewhat shaken yet she told her mother and friends then what
-proved true afterwards, that the crisis was past, she had renounced all
-she had before looked forward to, henceforth she desired to dedicate
-herself entirely to the work in which she had enlisted.
-</p>
-<p>During the year after her coming into the Church she pursued her
-studies at the same school, yet she had to endure a great deal of
-ridicule on account of being a Mormon, and her teacher never wearied
-of persuading and entreating her to give up such foolish ideas, and
-resume her place among her associates. But though she was as one alone,
-for there was not another in the school that believed in the peculiar
-faith she had embraced, and she understood very little herself, still
-she had an innate conception of the entire consecration necessary for a
-Latter-Day Saint. The next year she taught a country school, receiving
-her certificate as readily as any of the other young ladies; and early
-in the spring of 1844, in the month of April, she went up to Nauvoo,
-where she had the privilege of hearing Joseph Smith preach his last
-discourses. After reaching Nauvoo she received strong testimony, not by
-any spiritual manifestations, but that which convinced her reason and
-intelligence.
-</p>
-<p>We cannot attempt to give in detail the changes and trials of Nauvoo,
-but suffice it to say that through sickness, sorrow and severe trial
-she kept the faith.
-</p>
-<p>In the winter of 1844-45, she was taught the principle of celestial
-marriage by Bishop Newel K. Whitney and his wife, whose acquaintance
-she had formed through having been introduced to the family by a cousin
-of Sister Whitney's. This cousin was one of the company in which she
-had traveled to Nauvoo, and who because of her delicate health, her
-youth and inexperience, had been attracted towards her.
-</p>
-<p>She accepted the principle in its sacred phase and entered into the
-order or covenant of celestial marriage with the same purity of motive
-that had influenced her in going down into the waters of baptism. The
-ceremony was performed by Brigham Young in one of the upper rooms
-of the Bishop's house in Nauvoo, in the evening of the 14th day of
-February, 1845, the only witness being the Bishop's first wife, who
-not only had consented but actually urged the matter, and gave her to
-her husband; and the most sincere friendship existed forever afterward
-between the two, who really lived like mother and daughter, and though
-so intimately associated in the same family, and sometimes under
-circumstances the most trying, yet no jar or contention ever marred
-their true friendship for each other. To those who doubt the fact of
-women living happily together no better illustration can be given
-than such practical ones as these. Here were two refined, sensitive
-natures in harmony with that condition of marriage, but it was from
-the fact that they accepted it from divine authority as a part of
-their religion, and a higher law which would secure to them a future
-exaltation; never losing sight of the exalted nature of their mission,
-having undertaken to live lives of self-sacrifice and purity. The
-false assertion made by the world that women of marked character and
-attainments would never submit to live in the order of plural marriage
-is disproved by such instances as this one. Both were women of high
-social attainments, and possessing superior qualities of mind and heart.
-</p>
-<p>It is the higher nature that must be aroused to inspire women to carry
-out practically this exalting, refining principle, and through this
-crucible many have come forth like gold seven times purified, tried as
-by fire yet without the smell upon their garments.
-</p>
-<p>Mrs. Wells received the ordinances and the blessings of the Temple with
-her husband in Nauvoo, and came out in the month of February, crossing
-the Mississippi River on the ice. Her mother, who had been a staunch
-Latter-Day Saint from her first hearing the Gospel preached, died of
-hardships and fatigue when the Saints were driven from Nauvoo.
-</p>
-<p>In Winter Quarters she taught school and came with the Bishop and his
-family to the valley, leaving the Missouri River towards the last of
-May, 1845, and arrived in the valley early in October. On the 2nd day
-of November, after, her eldest daughter was born in a wagon, during one
-of those cold piercing wind and sleet storms that often occur at that
-season. September 23, 1850, Bishop Whitney died, leaving her a widow at
-twenty-two with two children, the eldest not then two years of age, the
-youngest a babe five weeks old. Many of her friends feared she would
-sink beneath her trials, but she rallied those forces of her nature,
-which under a husband's care had never been called into requisition,
-and turned to the ways and means of providing for her little ones. Left
-as it were alone, bereft and so helpless, the young mother was like one
-in a dream, she had trusted to her husband so entirely, and knew so
-little herself of the practical realities of life; she had not thought
-he could die. He was one to lean upon, and she had looked up to him as
-a little child looks up to a true loving parent with a reverence almost
-more than human. To her he had shown the utmost tenderness, helping
-and encouraging in times of severe trial, making every burden lighter
-because of the intense sympathy of his spiritual nature. This was one
-of the eventful epochs of her life. She awakened to know that for her,
-duty must be first, and she became in course of time accustomed to
-acting for herself instead of leaning upon another.
-</p>
-<p>It was a hard lesson, but she studied it carefully, and sought
-earnestly for divine help upon her efforts; but we are simply giving
-a few facts and not minute details, therefore suffice it to say after
-something more than two years of widowhood she married again.
-</p>
-<p>During the Bishop's life, he frequently prophesied to her of the future
-and what her work would yet be, and although she could not then imagine
-how such changes could possibly be wrought, (as much on account of the
-condition of the country and the circumstances of the people,) yet
-looking back over it now, she realizes how prophetic his words were,
-and the promises made concerning her future have many of them been
-fulfilled.
-</p>
-<p>Mrs. Wells often says she was born a woman's rights advocate,
-inheriting it from her mother, who was a staunch advocate for woman's
-emancipation, and when left a widow with a large family, realized more
-fully the injustice of the laws in regard to women, their property
-rights and guardianship of children. Mrs. Wells has been the mother of
-six children, one son and five daughters, and during their childhood
-devoted herself almost exclusively to their care and education.
-</p>
-<p>Mrs. Wells has always had a great desire to see others advance, and in
-her home before she entered upon public duties ever sought to stimulate
-those around her to efforts of development of the higher nature. She
-has given much genuine encouragement to those who would shrink from
-criticism and would consequently, unless aroused, bury their talents or
-fold them away in a napkin. She is exceedingly frank in her nature and
-generous to a fault, and possesses an admirable faculty of entertaining
-those with whom she is from time to time associated. She has drawn
-around her people of taste, ability and culture; the secret of her
-winning friends is perhaps in her almost total forgetfulness of self,
-and her intense wish to make others happy. Perhaps, among her friends,
-few are fonder or more sincere than those who have received both
-sympathy, encouragement and advice from her who has not feared that
-other lights might dim her own, she has rejoiced in the progress and
-victories of others as though they were her own achievements.
-</p>
-<p>It is truly wonderful to contemplate the public work accomplished by
-Mrs. Wells in the comparatively brief opportunity of time since her
-labors began. In the Eastern States prominent women have pursued these
-objects for nearly fifty years, but the women of Utah have stood afar
-and alone with no part in matters of a political nature until about
-thirteen years ago. They have exercised their privileges with respect,
-caution and wisdom, holding neither lightly or boastfully the freedom
-of the ballot. Many have read law and studied parliamentary rules,
-and have on occasions of public character endeavored to profit by
-observation in the presentation and discussion of such matters.
-</p>
-<p>Mrs. Wells has traveled much among our people, speaking and assisting
-in organizing. She has good executive ability and is well adapted to
-this kind of work.
-</p>
-<p>In political matters she takes great interest, and since the women
-of Utah have had the ballot she has taken a prominent part in that
-direction and done much active work.
-</p>
-<p>Mrs. Wells went to Washington as a delegate from the women of Utah in
-January, 1879, to attend the Convention of the National Woman Suffrage
-Association, accompanied by Mrs. Zina Young Williams and while there
-they had the opportunity of speaking before committees of House and
-Senate, and also had an audience with President Hayes and several
-of the leading men of the nation on the Mormon question. They also
-prepared a memorial to Congress and succeeded in getting it presented.
-</p>
-<p>In November, 1874, Mrs. Wells went into the office of the <em>Woman's
-Exponent</em> to assist the editor, Mrs. Lula Greene Richards, a little
-in her labors, and gradually grew interested in the work, and in May,
-1875, her labors became regular and constant, continuing so until in
-July, 1877, when she assumed the entire responsibility, Mrs. Richards
-withdrawing on account of increased domestic cares. Mrs. Wells never
-seems to tire of journalistic duty.
-</p>
-<p>In November, 1876, she was chosen President of the Central Grain
-Committee for the storing of grain by women, against a day of famine.
-At the Mass Meeting in the Theatre to protest against the Woman's
-Anti-Polygamic Association she took an active part in the proceedings.
-In September, 1882, Mrs. Wells went to Omaha with Mrs. Zina D. H.
-Young, to attend the convention of the National Woman's Suffrage
-Association again. Mrs. Wells was appointed Secretary of the Deseret
-Hospital Association; in fact her time is almost constantly employed in
-the performance of public duties and benevolent work.
-</p>
-<p>Looking retrospectively upon the life of Emmeline B. Wells and
-noting the constant upward progress she has made through the adverse
-circumstances common to a pioneer life, and the establishing of a new
-order of religion and social life amid the opposition and persecution
-of our own nation; the result is calculated to testify strongly
-against the assertions made that, in our isolation and subservience
-to religious authority, woman is repressed in her abilities and
-privileges; for it is in that mental atmosphere which is the very
-essence of Mormonism, that hers have been developed and brought into
-prominence as an exemplar to the young. If in the very stronghold of
-Mormonism the standard of progress is upheld by woman's hand as well
-as man's, the inference is that the next generation will show a marked
-advance. Knowledge is power, and this with virtue and wisdom united,
-guided by inspiration, ignorance and tyranny will alike be impotent
-against the growing hosts of Israel. And, knowing this, all excellences
-of acquirements and attainments are stimulated and promoted among
-the old and young by our leaders, misrepresentation to the contrary
-notwithstanding.
-</p>
-<p>The quality of statesmanship is of high order and rare among women, but
-it has been declared by the lips of prophecy that positions of power
-would await the women of Zion faster than they would be qualified for
-them. Mrs. Wells is by nature one of those prepared for the advent of
-such an era.
-</p>
-<p>And still, the songs whispered from nature to the heart of the child
-chime on, and the woman repeats them in clear, sweet utterances to the
-world; the intuitions of the Deity and his work she may now declare
-in knowledge, and the maiden that with timid feet went down at the
-Gospel's call into the waters of baptism, has become a strength, an
-inspiration and a guide to women in the same path.
-</p>
-<p>President Young gave Mrs. Wells a mission to record in brief the
-biographies of the most prominent women of our Church, in the <em>Woman's
-Exponent</em>. A part of this work has already been performed, which is an
-important addition to our home literature.
-</p>
-<p>I give below one selection from the lady's many beautiful poems:
-</p><blockquote>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;REAL AND IDEAL.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;At times, sweet visions float across my mind,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And glimpses of the unknown bright and fair,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Where all the objects seem so well defined&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Tasteful in color, and in beauty rare,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;That I must pause and think if they be real,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Or only what the poets call ideal.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;I well remember when a little child,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;I had these same strange, wand'ring fancies;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And I was told my thoughts were running wild,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;That I must not indulge in such romances.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Wasting in idle dreams the precious hours,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Building air castles and gazing from the towers.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;E'en then I seemed to see familiar friends,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Pertaining to a dim, uncertain past;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And to my recollection faintly clings,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;A sense of something which the shadows cast,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;That showed me what my future life would be,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;A prophecy, as 'twere, of destiny.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;There was an intuition in my heart,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;An innate consciousness of right and wrong,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;That bade me choose a wiser, better part,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Which, in rough places helped to make me strong:<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And though my path was oft bereft of beauty,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Still urged me on to fulfill ev'ry duty.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;O, happy childhood, bright with faith and hope;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Enchantment dwells within thy rosy bowers,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And rainbow tints gild all within thy scope;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And youth sits lightly on a bed of flowers,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;His cup of happiness just brimming o'er,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Unconscious of what life has yet in store.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;What glowing aspirations fill the mind&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Of noble work designed for man to do!<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;What purity of purpose here we find&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;What longing for the beautiful and true;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Ere know we of the toil, and grief and woe;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Or dream that men and women suffer so.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;Though all along life's toilsome, weary way,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;We meet with disappointments hard to bear;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet strength is given equal to our day,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And joy is of'nest mixed with pain or care;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;But let us not grow weary in well-doing,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Still persevere, the upward path pursuing.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus ever struggle on, 'mid doubts and fears;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;While changing scenes before our gaze unfold,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Till, through the vista of long weary years,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;We see Heaven's sunshine thro' its gates of gold;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And feel assured it is an answering token,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Aye! though our earthly idols have been broken.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;Tho' those we've cherished most have been untrue,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And fond and faithful ones have gone before,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Still let us keep the promises in view,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Of those who're pleading on "the other shore,"<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Whose tender messages are with us yet,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The words of love, we never can forget.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;And while we muse and ponder, shadows fall,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And a sweet spirit whispers, "Peace, be still;"<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;What of the past&mdash;'tis now beyond recall:<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The future, we with usefulness may fill.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet sometime we shall find in regions real<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Those dreams fulfilled we only term ideal.<br>
-</p></blockquote>
-
-
-<h2><a name="ROMANIABPRATT"></a>MRS. ROMANIA B. PRATT, M. D.
-</h2>
-<p>Romania Bunnell Pratt, daughter of Luther B. and Esther Mendenhall
-Bunnell, was born August 8, 1839, in Washington, Wayne County, Indiana.
-In her seventh year she went with her parents to Nauvoo, and had the
-privilege of visiting the Temple, and went with the Church to Winter
-Quarters. She says: "While there I well remember being present when
-the martial band was marching round and the call was made for the
-Mormon Battallion for Mexico. Although too young to appreciate the
-severe ordeal our devoted and persecuted people were subject to, I can
-never forget the feeling of grief which oppressed my little heart, as
-one after one the brave-hearted men fell into the ranks." From Winter
-Quarters her parents moved to Ohio where her whole time was spent in
-attending school, the last year and a half at the Crawfordsville Female
-Seminary. In 1855, her mother then being a widow, with her family of
-two girls and two boys and their worldly effects, again joined the
-Saints at Atchison, now Omaha, where she was first baptized into the
-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, on the last of May, 1855,
-just before commencing their journey with ox teams across the plains
-to Salt Lake City, where they arrived September 3d of the same year.
-The summer journey of these months was a series of changing panoramic
-scenes as enchanting to the free, careless heart of a child, as it was
-arduous to those of maturer years. Their arrival in the city of the
-Saints was during the grasshopper famine, when flour was twenty-five
-dollars per hundred weight, sugar forty cents per pound and everything
-in proportion, and although they had left plenty behind them, in the
-hands of guardians who refused to allow them any money, (the children
-all being minors) to come away among the Mormons, saying; "They
-will rob you of it all as soon as you get there." In consequence of
-this prejudice they arrived in Salt Lake City penniless and at a
-time when they with thousands of others had to learn the sweetness
-of the coarsest kind of bread. Romania taught day school and gave
-music lessons on the piano at intervals until she entered the medical
-profession. This lady was married to Parley P. Pratt, son of the
-Apostle, Parley P. Pratt, by President Brigham Young, and has had seven
-children; Parley P. Pratt, Luther B., Louis L., Corinne T., Mark C.,
-Irwin E. and Roy B. Pratt. Her second son died in infancy, and her
-lovely daughter died when twenty months old.
-</p>
-<p>Through a love of literary pursuit and surrounding circumstances her
-attention was turned to the medical profession which she entered in
-1873 and graduated in the Woman's Medical College of Philadelphia in
-March, 1877. After graduating she remained in Philadelphia and took
-special courses on the eye and ear at Wills' Hospital and a dispensary
-on Chestnut Street, conducted by Dr. George Strawbridge. Leaving
-Philadelphia she spent a few weeks visiting Hydropathic institutions to
-learn something of the mode of administration and especially of water
-treatment.
-</p>
-<p>Immediately on her arrival home she by request commenced giving
-lectures to ladies and agitated the question of a hospital for women
-and children, and by counsel on account of great demand of obstetrical
-aid needed in the numerous settlements, soon instituted a school of
-midwifery, and has taught two classes a year since, except when absent
-for special study in the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary where she spent
-eight months in 1881-2.
-</p>
-<p>In 1874, when Eliza R. S. Smith organized the Young Ladies' Mutual
-Improvement Association of the Twelfth Ward, Mrs. Pratt was appointed
-President, which position she held though absent a portion of the time,
-until professional work compelled her resignation. She now holds the
-office of Treasurer of the Salt Lake Stake organization of the Young
-Ladies Mutual Improvement Association, and is also one of the Board
-of Executors and medical attendant of the Deseret Hospital, organized
-1882, beside having a busy practice. Luther B. Bunnell, her father,
-was the inventor of a repeating fire arm, and at a critical period in
-the persecutions of the Saints, donated to them five hundred dollars
-in arms and ammunition. Tracing her family record a few years back,
-we find in her mother's line the names of Bayard Taylor and Benjamin
-West among her relatives. About the year 1837, a small pamphlet was
-published in Philadelphia giving the genealogy of her family, tracing
-them back to a Russian nobleman. Captain Mendenhall was the grandson
-of Benjamin, brother to John Mendenhall, the Puritan emigrant. Colonel
-Richard Thomas, brother to her great grandmother, was a member of
-Congress from Chester County, Pa., for many years. Of medical members,
-Dr. Pratt's family certainly has had a goodly number, and of these we
-select&mdash;Dr. Mendenhall, of Richmond, Indiana, her mother's cousin,
-Dr. Marmaduke Mendenhall, of North Carolina, her cousin, Dr. Paris
-Mendenhall, her brother, Dr. James R. Mendenhall, of Richmond, Indiana,
-her cousin, Nereus Mendenhall, professor in New Garden Quaker College,
-also George D. and William Mendenhall, physicians. Beside these,
-many others of note occur, too many for less than a special volume.
-Her eldest son, Parley P. Pratt, also entered the New York School of
-Pharmacy, from which he expects to graduate in the spring of 1885.
-</p>
-<p>Dr. Pratt is in appearance the very embodiment of health and happiness,
-her blooming cheeks, abundant loose ringlets without a line of gray,
-her dark eyes inspiring the dispirited with cheerfulness and hope, the
-cordial clasp of hand, a hand gentle, but somehow suggestive of the
-nerve, firmness, self-possession and power the true healer holds, the
-intuition one receives of her sympathy and benevolence, if needed; all
-these are conveyed as upon an open page by the very presence of Dr.
-Pratt. Also, that other influence is felt that she too leans upon a
-higher power than human skill, the same Giver of life and health as the
-tenderest child looks up to.
-</p>
-<p>Dr. Romania B. Pratt was the first "Mormon" woman graduate. Following
-her return as graduate, next came Dr. Ellis R. Shipp, 1878, Mattie
-Paul Hughes, M. D., 1883, Elvira S. Barney, M. D., 1883, and Margaret
-C. Shipp, M. D., 1883. Drs. R. B. Pratt, Ellis R. Shipp and Elvira S.
-Barney are connected with the Deseret Hospital, founded in 1882.
-</p><blockquote>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;THE LADY DOCTOR.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;For her, from darkened rooms<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;What blessings softly rise,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Who brings relief to pain and fear<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And soothes the watcher's cries.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;On her, the skies look down<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;As fearless, swift she goes<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Through lonely paths, past rude alarms,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And oft through blinding snows.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;'Tis hers, to see the smile<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The new blest mother gives;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And hers to hear their answering joy&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hush all thy fears, he lives."<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;The record of her works<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;In volumes ne'er is known,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;'Tis written as on marble carved<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;In grateful hearts alone.<br>
-</p></blockquote>
-
-
-<h2><a name="ELVIRASBARNEY"></a>ELVIRA S. BARNEY.
-</h2>
-<p>Although in this book Dr. Barney is classed among the medical
-fraternity her labors and history have been interwoven with those of
-the Latter Day Saints from her childhood, in so many varied and useful
-fields of labor, that I am compelled to pause at the very beginning
-of this sketch, (necessarily brief) knowing I must omit so many
-particulars, both valuable and instructive.
-</p>
-<p>If Dr. Barney had, in her childhood, possessed the advantages of
-obtaining a thorough education, and opportunities for the best
-development of those many abilities which have manifested themselves
-under the most dispiriting surroundings, it would be difficult at
-present to estimate what she might have accomplished. She represents
-the practical, domestic, experience of a Latter Day Saint; orphaned,
-and almost alone, but possessing that indomitable spirit that rises
-above every obstacle, and turns to account every available means no
-matter how humble, that cultivates every inherent power to its best
-uses; an upbuilder in everything pertaining to the interests of her
-people, ready to aid on the right and on the left, forgetful of self.
-</p>
-<p>Elvira S. Barney was born March 17, 1832, in Gerry, Chawtawque County,
-New York, being the daughter of Samuel C. Stevens, a merchant, and his
-wife, Minerva Althea Field, a school teacher. Her great grand-father,
-Joseph Stevens, took an active part in the Revolutionary War; her
-grand-father, Simon Stevens, was a doctor; her uncles were doctors
-and lawyers. When twelve years old Elvira heard the gospel preached
-by a Mormon Elder, and from that time daily prayed in secret till the
-Lord gave her a testimony that satisfied her heart. She was baptized
-in 1844, and went with her parents to Nauvoo, where her father died
-after a brief illness, on October 4th. In the January following Elvira
-and her mother were preparing for the journey across the wilderness,
-parching corn, etc.; but her mother, overcome by toil, grief and
-exhaustion, died on the 6th of the month. Their farm, household goods,
-etc., were sold, and the five children received ten dollars each to fit
-them out for a western journey. Elvira parted with her twin brother,
-fourteen years old, with tears in his eyes, and she never saw him
-again. He died six years after. Elvira was taken some twenty-five miles
-across the prairie among strangers, and there spent the winter. There
-were no children for her to mate with, no one to feel tenderly for the
-lonely, quiet aching heart of this orphan girl. When spring approached
-she rejoined her married sister to wait upon her, traveling west with
-her, sometimes living in a brush-house (while recruiting) and sleeping
-under a wagon while traveling, and once awoke to find several inches
-of snow covering them. Exposure brought her to death's door, but she
-lived after long suffering. She witnessed the solemn separation of the
-"Mor-Battallion" from their families and friends. During one winter
-she lived in a dug-out in a side hill on the Missouri River, and was
-forced to live on corn bread and water; their tallow candles they could
-not afford to burn, but used them to grease their bake-kettles. Here,
-however, willing to be useful she helped to teach school, studying
-nights by a chip-fire to keep in advance of her pupils. Many of our
-public speakers of today, can date their first lessons in elocution and
-arithmetic to her training.
-</p>
-<p>Elvira crossed the mountains in the first company in 1848, and arrived
-in this valley by the side of two yoke of oxen, with a sick sister
-and a brother-in-law with a broken arm, in her care. Her first lesson
-in surgery was the helping to set this arm, and her first practice in
-medicine was the breaking up of her sister's fever. Soon after this
-Elvira made herself a pair of buck-skin moccasins. The first meeting
-she attended was in a bowery, and her best calico dress had patches
-on the elbows. Before the next winter she worked six weeks for a pair
-of leather shoes. There was not much aristocracy here in those days.
-They held meetings in tents, sang praises to God, and danced with as
-much sincerity and purity of heart as even King David did before the
-Lord, for they knew God was with them. Said her sister, who afterward
-turned from the faith: "If God had not been with us when we were
-driven out at the battle of Nauvoo, we should have perished, but when
-we were starving he sent quails, and they were so tame they came into
-our tents where the sick were lying, and they even took them in their
-hands." Thousands witnessed the miracle. After they arrived in the
-valley, crickets large and numerous threatened their crops, (their only
-recourse) but the Lord in answer to prayers sent sea-gulls in such
-flocks that the air was darkened, and they destroyed the crickets. The
-heavens were not as brass above their heads; they helped and loved each
-other, and God heard and loved them. Their laws were few and simple; in
-a Bishop's court a brother forgave his brother.
-</p>
-<p>In the summer of 1849, Elvira earned fifty dollars at different kinds
-of work, and making straw hats for the emigrants going to California
-to get gold the Battallion boys were the first to find. In the spring
-of 1849, Elvira had been appointed to go on a mission to the Society
-Islands; this was postponed, and in the spring of 1851, with her
-husband, she started in the company of Apostle Parley P. Pratt on his
-mission to Chili. They were harassed by Indians while crossing the
-deserts, and Elvira arrived in Los Angelos sick with a fever, and laid
-sixteen days in a tent made of sheets. Her sister here buried her
-babe; took steamer and landed in San Francisco, Elvira contracting
-inflammatory rheumatism on the voyage, and was stiff and helpless four
-days. Parley P. Pratt administered to her, and the next morning she
-helped to get breakfast. Through some trouble between the Islanders
-and the French the Mission was changed to the Sandwich Islands. Having
-been left behind to recruit her health, Sister Elvira went to work in
-a hotel as waiter at one hundred dollars a month, and soon was able
-to pay her passage to the Sandwich Islands, besides having means to
-support her while there. On arriving at Lahaiva, on the island of
-Mai, the captain gave her his arm and they walked through the streets
-in quest of her husband followed by the natives, old and young, they
-to admire and be friendly, the strangers feeling mortified with such
-honors. Remained a month there then embarked on the ship Hulumann.
-The previously mentioned captain came on board and treated them to a
-Christmas dinner. After four days sail landed at Kawhow, Hawaii, in
-the fall of 1851. Sister Elvira lived six months among the natives
-on their island food, mostly of taro and sweet-potatoes made into a
-batter and soured, short rations at that, yet attained the weight of
-one hundred and fifty pounds. Says she: "Don't smile when I tell you
-I often thought of Alexander Selkirk who said he was 'Monarch of all
-he surveyed.' Here months passed, living on the lava strewn island, no
-ships came to bring tidings, I was left to view the rolling billows
-that separated me from all I held dear, country and friends. Fancy
-the loneliness of those long months, not a white woman to speak to in
-my own tongue. Here I was studying a foreign language and teaching
-the natives to speak my own." In the mean time sister Elvira acquired
-the art of swimming, which means enabled her afterwards, to all
-appearances, to save one of the ladies of this book from drowning in a
-bottomless spring in Utah. During eleven months spent on four islands,
-Sister Elvira wrote a letter to a native lawyer in his own tongue,
-and although over thirty years have elapsed she is able to converse
-fluently with the natives who have gathered to this city.
-</p>
-<p>Leaving all her means but five dollars with her husband, she arrived
-penniless at Honolulu <em>en route</em> for San Francisco, by counsel of
-Phillip B. Lewis, President of the Sandwich Islands Mission. Here, in
-answer to prayer, after all other efforts had failed to procure means,
-a stranger she never saw before nor since, called upon her. In answer
-to his few questions he learned her situation as a missionary's wife
-preaching the Gospel without purse or scrip. He handed her the money,
-eighty dollars, to pay her passage to San Francisco, and she gave him
-her note for it, and embarked. Three times she escaped shipwreck, the
-last time, just outside the Golden Gate of the Bay of San Francisco. On
-her arrival there she borrowed the money of a friend and returned it
-to the stranger, and repaid this by making fine shirts at ten dollars
-apiece. The wife of the gentleman for whom she made them presented her
-with a complete set of clothing, the outer garment being a new silk
-dress. Sister Elvira says: "The Lord knew I needed them and I thanked
-Him and the giver also." Of the San Francisco Saints she says, "The
-welcome I received by the remaining Saints there, and the heavenly
-influence we enjoyed together is the one most marked oasis of my life,
-for truly they blessed me and God blessed them." Sister Elvira wasted
-no time, but in various ways earned means, part of which she sent to
-assist the Sandwich Islands Mission. In 1856 she returned to Salt Lake
-City, riding seven hundred miles on horseback, and here resumed school
-teaching. In 1859, she assisted in the amputation of a dear friend's
-arm. In 1860, traveled east to visit kindred and rode sixteen days by
-stage. In 1864, went to Wheaton College and returned home after nearly
-two years absence. From 1859 to 1863 had taught school in ten different
-places, generally four terms a year. Had during these previous years
-taken at different times four homeless children into her care until
-other ways opened for them. In 1873 adopted a boy whom she schooled
-and provided for for ten years. In this year also began writing up her
-genealogical record which she has traced back to the year 1600. In
-1876 wrote a pamphlet on seri-culture, and suggested the appointment
-of a meeting on that subject. Advanced as a loan the first fifty
-dollars to establish the "home made straw hat industry." Canvassed the
-Thirteenth Ward and traveled in the interest of the <em>Woman's Exponent</em>.
-Was appointed agent for and canvassed the city for the <em>Women of
-Mormondom</em>, and raised fifty shares ($25.00 each) in one day. Was
-appointed a committee for purchasing grain for the Grain Association
-(President E. B. Wells). In 1876 traveled south and held forty-five
-meetings in twenty-seven days, in the interest of Women's Work in
-Utah. In 1878 attended the Deseret University. Up to date of February,
-1879, had earned over nine thousand dollars by her own labors, and
-built a good commodious house, her home. October, 1879, started East
-to continue her medical studies which she had prosecuted at home for
-several years, and attended three complete courses; returning home in
-the spring of 1883, prepared to pursue this her chosen vocation after a
-long and eventful experience in many fields of usefulness.
-</p>
-<p>Realizing her own early desires for knowledge and the inconvenience of
-limited privileges, Dr. Barney fitted up her large house to accommodate
-lady boarders, thus affording them the convenience of home and college
-under one roof, with the privilege of boarding themselves, and
-receiving gratuitous medical instructions for one year.
-</p>
-<p>She has crossed the Pacific Ocean twice, the western deserts twice, the
-eastern plains five times: has wrought at different humble occupations
-belonging to a new country, learning later fine embroidery, pencil
-work, draughting in architecture, delivering lectures, &amp;c., one tenth
-cannot be told in these pages. Sister Barney also has received the
-gifts of prophecy, tongues and interpretation of tongues, as the writer
-can testify.
-</p>
-<p>Her step is as quick as ever, her carriage erect; she says; "My life
-has been real, my life has been earnest, and now if any of my works
-praise me then truly I am praised. If any one has done better I should
-be happy to read their chapter; yet I realize many of our Mormon
-ladies' lives have been similar, and it is such women that will teach
-and train sons for the nation."
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="EMILYHILLWOODMANSEE"></a>EMILY HILL WOODMANSEE.
-</h2>
-<p>Emily Hill Woodmansee, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Slade Hill, was
-born in the south-west of England, near Warminster, Wilts, March 24,
-1836. Quoting her own words:
-</p>
-<p>"Of my pedigree I will simply say that my parents were honorable,
-hard-working people, too independent in spirit to stoop to mean
-actions, much less to sully their conscience to curry favor. The
-youngest living of eleven children, I fully enjoyed the privileges
-often accorded the youngest member of a family, (ie) of having things
-my own way. My parents as well as my brothers and sisters were very
-kind to me, and I can truly say&mdash;slightly reversing a word in the lines
-of one of our poets, that,
-</p><blockquote>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;'I never knew what trouble was<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Till I became a Mormon.'<br>
-</p></blockquote>
-<p>"When but a mere child I was much concerned about my eternal salvation
-and felt that I would make any sacrifice to obtain it. I asked all
-kinds of questions of my mother and sisters, seeking how to be saved,
-but could get no satisfaction from them nor from the religious body
-(Wesleyans) to which they belonged.
-</p>
-<p>"Hungry and thirsty for truth, I searched the Scriptures, invariably
-turning to the lives of ancient apostles or to the beautiful writings
-of the Prophet Isaiah. I was never weary of reading his prophecies, the
-glory of a Latter-Day Zion that burthened his inspirations possessed
-for me a charm irresistible. Truly I was waiting for something, I knew
-not what, that came to me sooner than I expected.
-</p>
-<p>"When I was about twelve years old, my cousin, Miriam Slade,
-(afterward the wife of Edward Hanham,) came to visit us; she was very
-merry-hearted and we had anticipated her visit, expecting a good deal
-of fun; but she was too full of a 'new religion' to do anything but
-preach. 'God,' she said, 'had spoken from the heavens to a man named
-Joseph Smith; the Gospel was restored to the earth, the honest in heart
-were commanded to gather to the land of Zion for safety, for this was
-the last Dispensation, and the hour of God's judgment had come!'
-</p>
-<p>"Right faithfully she testified to her knowledge of these things,
-much to the surprise of our family, who were considerably amused
-at her earnestness as well as at the novelty of her belief, and
-notwithstanding I listened attentively, I thought her assertions
-too good to be true. The next Sunday my cousin informed us that the
-Latter-Day Saints had appointed a meeting for that day at an adjoining
-village called Chalford, and invited us to go. As it was a distance
-of five or six miles, making a long walk there and back, none of my
-brothers cared to go, and my elder sisters considered themselves
-altogether too respectable (?) to attend an outdoor meeting of such a
-primitive sect, therefore they declined to go, and no one thought of
-sending me till I suggested it. Turning to my father, my sisters said,
-(laughingly,) 'Yes, send Em, she will tell us all about it.'
-</p>
-<p>"In five minutes Miriam Slade and myself were on the road, accompanied
-by Mr. Wm. Bowring, (brother to Henry E. Bowring of Brigham City,) and
-by Edward W. Tullidge, then a youth, but now well-known as a talented
-writer and also as the proprietor and editor of <em>Tullidge's Quarterly
-Magazine</em>. Never, never shall I forget that day, surely it was the
-turning point of my whole life. A few devoted worshippers of truth met
-together in a small house, to bear their testimony to one another and
-to worship God! And He was in their midst and that to bless them. Even
-as in the Day of Pentecost, they spake in tongues and prophesied, which
-prophecy I have seen fulfilled. Unlike the Jews who were 'pricked in
-their hearts,' I did not even ask, 'What shall I do to be saved.' 'The
-way' was open before me, and simple and young as I was I instinctively
-knew that 'I could not err therein.'
-</p><blockquote>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;The Eternal! spake, and honest hearts discerning<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The voice and message of the holiest One!<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Hail it as though their souls had e'en been yearning<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;For light and truth, e'en since their lives begun.<br>
-</p></blockquote>
-<p>"It was indeed as though I had been brought 'out of darkness into
-marvelous light,' and I could not shut my eyes against it.
-</p>
-<p>"In the evening I attended an out door 'Mormon Meeting,' and though
-naturally sensitive to ridicule, I did not care the least for the
-sneers of the crowd but joined in the songs of the Saints as well as
-I could, for in my childish way I wanted it understood that I was not
-ashamed to count one with the peculiar people called Latter-Day Saints.
-</p>
-<p>"Many a time since, when 'offences' have come in my way, over which
-with mortal weakness I have almost stumbled, the testimony of that
-eventful day has been to me a precious recollection which nothing could
-obliterate. I was so overjoyed at finding what I had so long desired,
-and so eager to convince my friends that I could hardly wait to get
-home. As soon as I was inside the house and almost before anyone else
-could speak, I astounded them all by the emphatic declaration that I
-knew the Latter-Day Saints were the right people; and I would join them
-as soon as I was big enough. I was never sent to 'take notes' of the
-'Mormons' again, but on the contrary was closely watched lest I should
-be led away by a 'sect that was everywhere spoken against.' My early
-study of the Scriptures now stood me in good stead, and I searched the
-Bible more diligently than ever, so that I might give a good reason
-for my faith to the hosts that assailed me, (right reverends among the
-number,) who, finding it easier to cry 'delusion' than to prove it,
-generally wound up by informing me that I wasn't old enough to know my
-own mind, and was altogether too young to judge of so grave a matter.
-Meantime my persistent faith invoked such a tempest of wrath over my
-head, that I could not even get an opportunity to be baptized, and the
-elders did not think it wisdom (because of my tender years) to perform
-the ceremony without my parents' consent. I well remember looking
-forward to a period when I should be old enough to act for myself, and
-it seemed a lifetime.
-</p>
-<p>"About this time one of the elders brought Brother John Halliday
-(brother to Bishop Halliday of Santaquin) to our house, who bore such
-a powerful testimony to the divine mission of Joseph Smith, that my
-sister, Julia, (now Mrs. Ivins of St. George) exclaimed, 'If ever
-there was a man of God I'm sure he is one, and I'll be a Latter-Day
-Saint, too!' From that time I had a friend in the family, and we were
-both determined that cost what it might we would be true to the light
-within us. Only once in a great while could we steal away and meet with
-the Saints, but although we were not yet baptized we partook of the
-sacrament and paid out our pocket money to the Church funds like actual
-members.
-</p>
-<p>"On one of these occasions Brother Halliday blessed me and confirmed
-upon me the promise that I should write in prose and in verse and
-thereby comfort the hearts of thousands. After this I was baptized
-March 25, 1858, I was then sixteen, but had virtually been a Latter-Day
-Saint for four years.
-</p>
-<p>"Denied the privilege of freely meeting with the Saints, I all the more
-earnestly desired to gather to Zion; but fearing I might be forcibly
-detained if I attempted to leave home directly for America, I obtained
-my parents' consent to visit my sister, Julia&mdash;who had already gone to
-Northampton (quite a long distance from home) hoping that the way would
-open up, so we might earn enough to emigrate. There for the first time
-I enjoyed religious freedom and there also I took my lessons of hard
-times; preparing me for greater hardships in store.
-</p>
-<p>"In the month of May, 1856, we sailed for America on the ship,
-<em>Thornton</em>, Captain Collins, commander; Brother James G. Willie had
-charge of the Saints, (a company of eight hundred) and a good captain
-he was. We had a pleasant trip with the exception of one heavy storm
-which I would not have missed for a great deal.
-</p>
-<p>"From New York we traveled by rail and by way of Lake Erie to the
-camping ground in the neighborhood of Iowa City; there we were obliged
-to wait till the companies were ready to start, and surely if we had
-been natural or unnatural curiosities we could not have been commented
-on or stared at any more by the people surrounding us. 'Mormons, men,
-women and children, and worse, a lot of young girls, bound for Salt
-Lake and going to pull 'hand carts!' Shocking!'
-</p>
-<p>"Yet, for the potent reason that no other way seemed open, and on the
-principle of 'descending below all things,' I made up my mind to pull
-a hand cart. 'All the way to Zion,' a foot journey from Iowa to Utah,
-and pull our luggage, think of it! Anonymous letters, and warnings
-from sympathizing outsiders were mysteriously conveyed to us, setting
-forth the hardships and impossibilities of such a journey, and offering
-us inducements to stay. Many who started out with us backed out in a
-few days; my sister broke down and was unable to walk and I remember
-asking myself (footsore and weary with the first week of walking and
-working) if it was possible for me, faith or no faith, to walk twelve
-hundred miles further. The flesh certainly was weak but the spirit
-was willing, I set down my foot that I would try, and by the blessing
-of God I pulled a hand cart a thousand miles and never rode one step.
-Some thrilling scenes I could relate incident to that journey, but must
-forbear for want of space. Suffice it to say that after a long and
-wearisome journey, being entirely out of provisions, we halted for want
-of strength to proceed, and never should I have beheld (with mortal
-eyes) 'the city of the Saints' had not the compassionate people of Utah
-sent out a number of brave-hearted brethren with food and clothing to
-our relief. May they all be everlastingly blessed.
-</p>
-<p>"In the month of June, 1857, firmly believing in the principle of
-plural marriage I entered into it. The result of this marriage was one
-child only, for a little more than three years after said marriage,
-my husband went on a mission to England, and after I had worked for
-upwards of four years to maintain myself and little one, my husband
-himself sent me word that he never intended to set foot in Utah again.
-And here I must be allowed to say in behalf of myself and other true
-women who have endured such separations, and to whom, perhaps, it is
-counted as nothing, no one can realize what such an ordeal is, unless
-they have passed through it. All that I had hitherto suffered seemed
-like child's play compared to being deserted by the one in whom I
-had chosen to place the utmost confidence, who himself had fixed an
-impassable gulf between us by ignoring the very principles by which he
-had obtained me, leaving myself and my little one (for all he knew) to
-sorrow and destitution. Harder still, was it for me to believe that
-this abandonment had been deliberately planned. I could not accept the
-fact till President Young, (speaking to me of my husband), emphatically
-said, 'Don't you know he asked for his mission? If he hadn't I wouldn't
-have sent him till the day of his death!' That was enough for me, I
-comprehended all that it meant, and independent of Brigham Young's word
-I was forced to believe it.
-</p>
-<p>"I had striven hard to keep out of debt,&mdash;determined to do my part
-as a missionary's wife, that when my husband came back he might not
-be hampered on my account. Nevertheless 'hard times' stared me in
-the face, and I was almost overwhelmed by circumstances beyond my
-control. During the winter season of 1863-4, (owing to the war and many
-circumstances combined) provisions and other necessaries commanded
-almost fabulous prices, and I could not see how I should ever be able
-to keep 'the wolf from the door.' To add to my trouble, the house I
-occupied (and to which I had been led to believe I had some claim,) was
-sold over my head and thus I had the prospect of being homeless, at a
-time when rents were going up double and treble. One night when I was
-so weary with overwork and anxiety, pondering what to do, these words
-impressed me as if audibly spoken, TRUST IN GOD AND THYSELF. Instantly
-I arose and composed the following lines:
-</p><blockquote>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;A priceless boon! is a friend indeed<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Greet him as such when his face you see;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;But those who fail thee in time of need&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Shun them, as false friends should shunned be.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;They proffer this, and they promise that,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;But promise, alas, is a doubtful elf.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;So would'st thou weather the storms of life&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Trust thou in God! and thyself.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;Keep a brave heart, though the waves roll high,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Let thine aim be true as the magnet's steel;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Look unto God! with a steadfast eye,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And trust Him always, in woe or weal.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Man may deceive, but God! is true;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Mortals may pander to love of pelf,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Like "Angel's visits" firm friends are few,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Trust thou in God! and thyself,<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;Should friends, nor fortune, nor home be thine&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Cringe not for this, nor beg for that;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The earnest seekers will surely find<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Something to thoroughly labor at.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;'Tis a cheering maxim to keep in view&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;That diligence leads to plenty's shelf;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And whatsoever thy hands pursue&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Trust thou in God! and thyself.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;What! though thy flesh and thy strength should fail?<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Surely 'were better to wear than rust;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Than never to try, 'twere better to die,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;In striving bravely to fill our trust,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;But fear not thou, for God! is good&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;He is the giver of strength and wealth.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;When faithless feelings or friends intrude&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Trust thou in God! and thyself.<br>
-</p></blockquote>
-<p>"Immediately after this my way opened up before me, almost within the
-week I secured another home, which if not very commodious had for me
-the satisfying charm of being <em>my own</em>.
-</p>
-<p>"On May 7, 1864, I again entered into plural marriage, and was sealed
-by Heber C. Kimball to Joseph Woodmansee, to whom I have borne four
-sons and four daughters. Two of these died in infancy, leaving me a
-family of seven, including my first born.
-</p>
-<p>"Nearly twenty years have rolled by since my second marriage, during
-which time I have seen many changes of fortune which I cannot now
-relate, but I will say this much of my children's father. Misfortunes
-that have befallen him have never affected his faith, he has proven
-his allegiance to the principles and priesthood of God at considerable
-sacrifice to himself and family, enduring reverses uncomplainingly.
-</p>
-<p>"Of my children I need say but little, but I fervently hope that each
-and all of them may seek and obtain for themselves a knowledge of
-the truth, (called Mormonism) for I know it can make them wise unto
-salvation, and may they be willing if needs be to endure reproach and
-privation for principle's sake. I doubt not that all my troubles have
-been for my good, and to-day I am more than thankful for my standing in
-the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints."
-</p><blockquote>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;And wherefore should I cease to sing<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Of Zion and the Latter Day?<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;I could not find a nobler theme,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Nor choose a lovelier, loftier lay.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Too insignificant is my praise&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Too feeble is my lyre and tongue,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;For of these longed for, Latter Days<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Have royal bards and prophets sung.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;Ne'er shall our hearts ungrateful be;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Ne'er shall our songs be void of praise,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;For God has suffered us to see<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;"The Zion" of the Latter Days.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Though all the world in scorn deride&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Our numbers shall not cease to flow;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Our soul's sincerest, purest love<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Thrills unto Zion's weal or woe.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;When she is sad, then I am sad;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;When she is bound I am not free;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;When she is glad then I am glad<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And all things prosper well with me.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;I love to see her power extend,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Her influence and her reign increase&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Then wonder not, "for Zion's sake&mdash;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Will I not hold my peace."<br>
-</p></blockquote>
-<p>"I desire to live to make up for past short-comings by future
-diligence, that I may help (in my humble way) to build up 'the kingdom
-whose dominion, power and greatness shall be given to the Saints of the
-most High! who shall possess it forever and ever.'"
-</p><blockquote>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;The faith of the Saints shall astonish the world<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And puzzle the wise to explain it;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Hosannah! hosannah! Truth's flag is unfurled,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.<br>
-</p></blockquote>
-
-
-<h2><a name="HANNAHTKING"></a>HANNAH T. KING.
-</h2>
-<p>"The University town of Cambridge, England, I am proud to say, is the
-place of my nativity. I was reared among its classic shades and bowers.
-For the last thirty years America has been my adopted country, and I
-love her with a loyal and devoted appreciation, but the home and the
-haunts of childhood and youth leave on every mind indelible impressions
-and when brought to a focus upon the past as at the present moment,
-'The distant spires and antique towers' rise up before me in all their
-vividness by the power of that most wonderful faculty, MEMORY.
-</p>
-<p>"I was born and reared in the High Church of England, and nothing but
-the high Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints could have caused
-me to secede from its high tenets and truly liberal principles; it
-stands second to none of the churches of the world.
-</p>
-<p>"Any son or daughter might have been proud of such parents as mine,
-they were fine in person, highly moral, and intellectual, were
-descended from a highly born family, and were honored and respected
-by all who knew them; they reared their children with great care and
-watchfulness, giving them such an education as would fit them for all
-good society of whatever grade. Blessed be their memory!
-</p>
-<p>"I was married at the early age of seventeen, but in my mind and
-character I was older than many girls at twenty. I have lived long
-enough to authorize the woman to sit in judgment on the girl.
-</p>
-<p>"I had a sweet, happy home, for I had the faculty to make it so; I
-had ten beautiful children but death robbed me of several. We gave
-the surviving ones a liberal education with accomplishments; as
-they grew up they repaid us in being all we desired. From a child I
-had been accustomed to write much&mdash;keeping a journal and a book for
-choice extracts, etc. My father was unavoidably much away from home
-on business, but he enjoined me to write frequently to him, and to
-do <em>his</em> bidding was my delight, for he was my <em>beau ideal</em> of all
-that was good. Since at nine or ten I became a letter writer, and the
-thousands I have written in my long life would form a towering paper
-pillar. After some years of my married life I became a writer for the
-local papers and also wrote two books, one for my girls and the other
-for the boys, 'The Toilet' and the 'Three Eras,' dedicating them to
-each. These books were patronized by the aristocracy of England. I also
-wrote considerable poetry all my life.
-</p>
-<p>"In 1849, 'a change came o'er the spirit of my dream.' I had a young
-woman who had worked for me eleven years as dressmaker, she was highly
-respectable, conscientious and good. In September, 1849, she was in the
-house at work, and on the evening of the 4th, when work was laid aside,
-she told me she wished to speak to me privately, as she had something
-she wished to communicate to me. I at once gave her the audience she
-requested and she then laid before me the organization of the Church
-of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with the first principles of the
-same. Of course I was startled! But the spirit of God witnessed to my
-spirit that she spoke <em>truth</em>! I compared all she told me by the Bible
-which had ever been my standard of truth&mdash;it <em>endorsed</em> all she said! I
-studied, I prayed,&mdash;she gave me to read 'Spencer's Letters'&mdash;they made
-me a willing convert. I read many other prominent works with which my
-teacher furnished me. Fifteen months passed, and yet I had not attended
-the Latter-Day Saint Meetings, or seen a single member, but this young
-woman, yet even at that time I was a confirmed Latter-Day Saint. I then
-was introduced to an elder from America, and after his first sermon I
-was baptized by him in the classic waters of the Camm, my native river.
-</p>
-<p>"Soon I began to see the antagonisms I had to meet. I, a member of the
-Church of England. My grandfather a rector in the same, my father and
-my mother, my family and friends! All had to be met, could I bring
-the gray hairs of my parents in sorrow to the grave? Could I reduce
-my family to comparative poverty and reverses of every kind? Could
-I <em>so</em> lay my all upon the altar of my God? Could I like Abraham of
-old, arise and go to a far country&mdash;even the wilds of America? It
-would take more than I have space to elaborate this subject&mdash;suffice,
-strength was given me&mdash;I passed under 'the car of Juggernaut,' which is
-no <em>overstrained</em> flower of language but a veritable simile. Suffice,
-the votary lived! and I came out <em>convinced</em>, <em>determined</em>, and the
-calm, as it were, of a summer morning was upon me! A conviction had
-been given me that it was indeed the work of the last days, when all
-dispensations should be gathered in one, when that people I had all
-my life prayed for in the Church of England should be 'prepared for
-the second coming of the Savior,' were indeed organized upon the earth
-by the voice of God Himself and His Son, Jesus Christ, appearing to a
-youth, even Joseph Smith, and appointing him as the prophet of the last
-dispensation, under the immediate direction of the Lord Jesus Himself.
-The Church was organized with six members, on the 6th of April, 1830.
-</p>
-<p>"Of this Church I became a member by the requisite act of baptism by
-immersion, under the hands of the American missionary. From that time
-I had the spirit of 'gathering,' and in June, 1853, I left my home and
-many that were dear to me, my own immediate family accompanying me&mdash;and
-as I stood on the deck of the <em>Golconda</em> I said, 'My native land, good
-night.' Ox teams conveyed us over the prairies, and on the 19th of
-September, 1853, we entered Salt Lake City. Here we built a home which
-has been my sanctuary. I <em>know</em> God was with me, and my loved ones also
-were with me. The union of my family was remarkable, that, and the
-Spirit of God enabled us to 'remove mountains.'
-</p>
-<p>"In a brief sketch like this it is impossible to give even the outline,
-but could I place in a book, first our <em>antecedents</em>, and then the
-marvelous events of those three years, the laying aside our Lares and
-Penates, surely the skeptic would agree that there was a power with
-us that the world knows nothing of! for even though we <em>knew</em> we were
-the agents it was 'marvelous in our eyes.' Perhaps I have filled the
-brief space allotted me for the purpose for which I was called upon to
-write, surely my few words will be a testimony that I rejoice I am a
-Latter-Day Saint. I have passed through many reverses and tribulations,
-but in my darkest hours the Gospel has been a light upon my path and a
-lamp for my feet, and I realize day by day the smile and approbation of
-God upon me.
-</p>
-<p>"It has been my delight to write for the Saints since I have lived in
-Salt Lake City, and my reward has been their love and rich appreciation
-of my writings. I have been a constant writer for the <em>Woman's
-Exponent</em>, a paper got up and entirely carried on by the women of our
-people. President Young desired me to write for it and I have done so
-with pleasure to the best of my ability, both in prose and in verse.
-</p>
-<p>"For two years I had a school in my own house, and it promised
-to be a success, but my health failed, and to my sorrow I had to
-relinquish it. I was appointed to preside over the Young Ladies Mutual
-Improvement Association of the Seventeenth Ward, which position I held
-for one year, but resigned from feeble health. I was then appointed
-First Counselor to Marinda Hyde, President of the Relief Society of
-the Seventeenth Ward, which office I still have the honor to hold.
-My desire has ever been to be useful 'in my day and generation,'
-especially in the work of the last days, for in that I have joy and
-ample satisfaction.
-</p>
-<p>"The history of the people of God as we read it in the Bible, repeats
-itself in a remarkable manner in the Church of Jesus Christ upon the
-earth to-day, and those who need a testimony of its truth, I advise
-them to compare and observe the workings of the self-same spirit of
-antagonism, and they will hardly need another."
-</p>
-<p>I select a portion of one of Mrs. King's poems; her prose and verse
-are alike, always lofty in character; her prose writings would form
-more than one valuable volume for the libraries of the Saints, or
-indeed those not of our faith. Historical and character sketches seem
-a peculiar gift with her. Among the many admirers of her poems the
-English Saints regard her with special fondness, for is she not their
-own? and they anticipate her contributions, as we look forward to
-flowers of spring, to summer's wealth of fruits, to autumn's harvest
-time.
-</p><blockquote>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;REST.<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;"I've fought the battle all my life<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Of outward foes and inward strife;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The strife which flesh and spirit feel<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;As keenly as the barbed steel;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;For ah! my soul has longed to be<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;A perfect thing for God to see!<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And feels impatient for the time<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;When I the heavenly heights shall climb,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The good, in all the ages past,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;My eyes in love I've ever cast,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Would imitate, admire, and aim<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Their glorious pinnacles to gain;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;A pedestal to call my own,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;One which my form might rest upon;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;My spirit feet cannot yet stand<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon the platform they command,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;But well I know I have been blest,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And shall, in time, attain the rest;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And I have sometimes felt ere while<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;I moved 'neath God's effulgent smile<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;That shed around me warmth and peace,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And gave my captive mind release.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The earth and every living thing<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Did tribute to my spirit bring;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And then my soul was born anew,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Begotten by the warmth and dew<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Which God's own spirit cast around,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And placed my feet on holy ground.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;All things seemed tinged with light of heaven,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;My friends most loved, my foes forgiven!<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The fountain in my heart, to me<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Brought 'living water,' ecstacy!<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;* * * * * * * * * *<br>
-</p>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;A little Goshen was my home,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;For joy and peace around it shone;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And labor's self became delight,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Making all healthy, strong and bright;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And loving spirits gathered there<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;As angels faithful, fond and fair.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Was I not blest? Yes, I WAS blest,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And truly 'twas a time of rest;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes, rest from sorrow I had known,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;In youth, my sun but rarely shone,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;But, oh! I fought for joy and peace,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And God, in mercy, sent release.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And blest me with so bright a time<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;That's rarely known in earthly clime!<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And grateful did my soul arise<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;To Him who gave this paradise.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;But, oh! this picture! its reverse!<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;A mighty contrast did disperse;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The light and warmth would be withdrawn<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And I left freezing and forlorn;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The heavens seemed brass above my head,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The earth looked dark as molten lead;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;My God was hid beneath a cloud<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And I, like corse within its shroud!<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Alone, forsaken, desolate thing<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Hoarding my sorrows like a sting<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;That probed and barbed my stranded soul,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And well-nigh crushed all self-control;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The loved and loving were away,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And I to foes was left a prey;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;It seemed all blessings were withdrawn,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And I left stranded and forlorn,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;To see if I would faithful stand<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And still hold on to virtue's hand.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes, many such ordeal I've passed,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;And know I have not seen the last.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh! Father! take my shrinking soul<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Beneath Thy love and sweet control;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Thy feeble, trembling child, oh spare!<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Lay on no more than I can bear.<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;May I endure unto the end,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Whatever trials may portend;<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;But Thou alone must bear me up,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;Or I shall fail to drain the cup."<br>
-</p></blockquote>
-
-
-<h2><a name="AUGUSTAJOYCECROCHERON"></a>AUGUSTA JOYCE CROCHERON.
-</h2>
-<p>"In the original design of the picture Representative Women of Deseret,
-I did not include myself, but by the request of those whose wishes
-I have always endeavored to fulfill, now do so, although there are
-several to whom I would prefer giving place.
-</p>
-<p>"I was born in Boston, Massachusetts, October 9, 1844. My father was
-John Joyce, from St. John, New Brunswick&mdash;his parents were both from
-England. I have heard my mother say that my uncle, Oliver Joyce,
-planted the English flag on the Chinese wall at the time of the war
-(about 1840) between those countries. I do not know whether he was an
-officer, color bearer or ordinary private.
-</p>
-<p>"My mother, Caroline A. Joyce, was the eldest daughter of John
-Perkins, a sea captain, and his wife, Caroline Harriman. The Perkins
-and Harriman families were among the early Puritan emigrants, the
-property they first built upon still being in the possession of their
-descendants. I have heard my mother speak of the oak stairs and floors
-being so worn with age that they bent beneath the tread even when
-she was a child. My mother's mother was the daughter of Elder John
-Harriman, well known in New Hampshire as the occasional traveling
-companion of Lorenzo Dow, but more particularly as the founder of a
-sect called the 'New Light Christian Baptists.' He was the son of John
-Harriman and the daughter of a Penobscot chief who was friendly to the
-white people, and permitted his only daughter to receive Christian
-baptism, and she was afterwards married to him publicly in church.
-This union afforded peace and security to the settlers and gave them
-the alliance if needed, of a powerful tribe. The son of this marriage
-received an education and married. A few weeks after, and at the age of
-twenty-one, he 'received a visit from a personage who gave him a new
-doctrine to preach to the children of men.' He awoke his wife, Ruth,
-told her the vision and she believed him. In the morning he began to
-arrange his worldly affairs so as not to interfere with his call and
-began to preach, accompanied by his young wife, who rose when he had
-done speaking and bore her testimony to what he had said. He traveled
-a certain circuit, holding two and three days' meetings wherever he
-stopped, building up quite a large church in his locality. He preached
-seventy-one years and died at the age of ninety-two. He never cut his
-hair from the time of his call to the ministry, and sometimes wore it
-braided in a queue, sometimes flowing in waves upon his shoulders,
-as in his portrait. His wife, Ruth, lived beyond her one hundredth
-birthday. His son, John, became a minister, but his daughter (my
-grandmother) was more worldly minded. Once when he entered the room she
-was standing before a mirror surveying her appearance, being attired
-for some special occasion. He quietly stepped up to her and with a pair
-of scissors cut off the long black ringlets that fell like a mantle
-upon her bare shoulders, saying; 'These come between you and your God.'
-This did not, however, quench the worldly spirit within her, for she at
-the age of sixteen eloped with and was married to John Perkins, a young
-sea captain, a God-fearing man but not a church member then or ever
-afterwards in this life. She was very industrious, however, and had
-at that age spun all her bed and table linen, etc. She became quite a
-politician and used to write articles of that character, and the young
-men of the town used to gather round her hearth and ask her opinion
-on political matters. She also composed for them campaign songs, both
-words and music. My mother has told me the only dancing she ever saw
-in her childhood was when her mother, inspired by the patriotic songs
-she would be singing, would dance to and fro at her spinning, instead
-of stepping&mdash;improvising step and figure. She had eight sons that she
-said she was 'raising for her country.' Sure enough two of them went
-to the war (twenty years ago) and laid down their lives; Warren and
-Andrew Jackson, (so named because he was born on the day of President
-Jackson's second inauguration.) Grandma was an Andrew Jackson Democrat,
-he was her very <em>beau ideal</em> of a man. Charles served two terms and
-returned safe. Lawrence, my patriot grandmother's youngest boy,
-enlisted at seventeen and was sent back; 'Too young,' they told him,
-but he waited one year and went again and this time they took him, and
-he too was spared to return home.
-</p>
-<p>"Thaddeus sailed to Labrador through many years, and John to the West
-Indies. Her eldest daughter was my mother. When my mother heard and
-received the Gospel in Boston, she hastened home to bear the good
-tidings and obtain their permission for her baptism. She found them
-bitterly opposed to this, her father reticent, her mother reproachful.
-Just at this time Elder John Harriman arrived to hold a three days'
-meeting. Preparations had been made for his coming, and on his arrival
-my grandmother received him in her best parlor and after the usual
-salutations were over, unfolded to him the story of my mother's
-conversion, that she had gone insane and wanted to join the Mormons.
-He asked, 'Where is Caroline?' adding, reflectively, 'if the Lord has
-any more light for the children of men, I for one am willing to receive
-it.' His grandchild, overhearing this, was filled with joy. Her mother
-came out and told her to put on her bonnet and shawl. Not knowing what
-was wanted of her to perform she obeyed, and by the time she was ready,
-found her brother, John, waiting with a horse and sleigh, and seating
-herself therein was rapidly whirled away to some relatives several
-miles distant, to remain there until sent for. Said she, 'I never saw
-my grandfather again.' This was a specimen of my grandma's executive
-ability; no circumlocution about her.
-</p>
-<p>"I will give her own account of her receiving the Gospel, from a
-portion of her manuscripts:
-</p>
-<p>"'In the year 1842, I was living in the city of Boston, State of
-Massachusetts. One day I heard that a strange sect were preaching in
-Boylston Hall, they professed to believe in the same Gospel as taught
-by Jesus Christ and the ancient Apostles. I went to hear them. As we
-entered the hall they were singing a new song&mdash;the words were:
-</p><blockquote>
-<p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;'The Spirit of God like a fire is burning,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The Latter Day Glory begins to come forth,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The visions and blessings of old are returning,<br>
-&nbsp;&nbsp;The angels are coming to visit the earth.' &amp;c.<br>
-</p></blockquote>
-<p>"After the song a young man [A] arose and taking for his text these
-words&mdash;'And in the last days it shall come to pass that the Lord's
-House shall be established in the tops of the mountains and all
-nations shall flow unto it,' said the time for the fulfillment of this
-prophecy was near at hand, an angel had appeared unto a man named
-Joseph Smith, having the keys of the Everlasting Gospel to be preached
-to this generation, that those who obeyed it would gather out from the
-wicked, and prepare themselves for the coming of the Son of Man. He
-spoke of the great work already commenced in these the last days, and
-while I listened, his words were like unto a song heard in my far off
-childhood, once forgotten but now returning afresh to my memory, and I
-cried for very joy. I went home to tell my father the good news, but my
-words returned to my own heart, for both my parents thought me insane,
-and talked to each other sadly of my condition and what to do with me.
-My heart was filled with sorrow and disappointment. I asked for the
-privilege of being baptized but was answered with these words by my
-father: 'You must leave home if you join those Mormons.' I went away
-and was baptized for the remission of my sins, but still with regret
-and an uncertainty as to the <em>right</em> to disobey my parents. Soon after,
-my father left the city, and my mother came and took me with her, to
-care for me, as she was fearful I would be 'ruined by those deceivers.'
-One night I had been to meeting where the Spirit of God seemed to
-fill the house, and returned home thankful to my Heavenly Father that
-I ever heard the Gospel. I laid down to rest beside my mother who
-commenced upbraiding me, and instantly I was filled with remorse that
-I was the cause of her unhappiness. I did not know what to say, and
-was hesitating, when, just over my head, a <em>voice</em>, not a whisper, but
-still and low, said these words: 'If you will leave father and mother,
-you shall have Eternal Life,' I asked, 'Mother, did you hear that?'
-She answered, '<em>You are bewitched!</em>' I knew then <em>she</em> had not heard
-the voice, but my mind was at rest and I went to sleep. I have heard
-the same voice since, not in dreams, but in daylight, when in trouble
-and uncertain which way to go; and I <em>know God lives</em> and guides this
-people called 'Mormons,' I know also the gifts and blessings are in the
-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and that same faith once
-delivered to the Saints is also ours, if we <em>live</em> for it.
-</p>
-<p>[Footnote A: Elder Erastus Snow. He afterward married her to her
-husband, and blessed her children's children.]
-</p>
-<p>"'In the month of February, 1845, I left home, my native land and all
-the friends of my youthful days, and sailed in the ship, <em>Brooklyn</em>,
-for California. Before starting I visited my parents, then living in
-New Hampshire. I told them of my determination to follow God's people,
-who had already been notified to leave the United States, that our
-destination was the Pacific Coast, and we should take materials to
-plant a colony.
-</p>
-<p>"'When the hour came for parting, my father could not speak. My mother
-asked, 'When shall we see you again, my child?' I answered, '<em>When
-there is a railroad across the continent</em>.' God grant that prophecy may
-be fulfilled and her life be spared to see it. I <em>knew</em> it would be
-there, even the 'highway cast up that the eagle's eye had never seen,
-nor the lion's foot had ever trod.'
-</p>
-<p>"'I turned my back on all once dear, for the memory of that voice
-was in my ears&mdash;'If you will leave father and mother, you shall have
-eternal life,' and selling my household treasures, wrapped my child
-in my cloak (for the weather was bitter cold) and started on my long
-journey around the Horn.
-</p>
-<p>"'Of all the unpleasant memories, not one half so bitter as that dreary
-six months' voyage in an emigrant ship. We were so closely crowded
-that the heat of the Tropics was terrible, but 'mid all our trials the
-object of our journey was never forgotten. The living faith was there
-and was often manifested. I remember well one dreadful storm during
-which we had to be hatched below, as the waves broke over the ship, and
-filled our staterooms.
-</p>
-<p>"'While the elements were raging above, and we below were being tossed
-about like feathers, the good old captain came down among us wearing a
-solemn countenance. We tried to gather around him; he said to us: 'My
-friends, there is a time in a man's life when it is fitting to prepare
-to die, and that time has come to us; I have done all I <em>can do</em>, but,
-unless God interposes <em>we must go down</em>.' A good sister answered,
-'Captain, we <em>were sent to California and we shall go there</em>.' He went
-up stairs, saying, '<em>These people have a faith I have not</em>.' And so
-it proved. We outrode the storm, we endured another off Cape Horn; we
-stopped and buried one of our dear sisters, a mother of seven children,
-(Mrs. Goodwin) at Juan Fernandez, and at last reached our new home,
-the last day of July, 1846, to find a country at war with our own
-government, a country barren and dreary, so unlike the California of
-to-day, but we trusted in God and he heard our prayers; and when I
-soaked the mouldy ship bread purchased from the whaleships lying in
-the harbor, (returned from a four years' cruise) and fried it in the
-tallow taken from the rawhides lying on the beach, God made it sweet to
-me and to my child, for on this food I weaned her. I used to think of
-Hagar and her babe, and of the God who watched over them, and again I
-remembered the voice and the words it spoke unto me&mdash;and took courage.
-</p>
-<p>"'From that day to this, I can bear my testimony to all the world that
-I have known, and still know, this is the work of God and will exalt us
-if we seek to know His will, and knowing it, do it.'
-</p>
-<p>"My mother's testimony, written at my request, was the last work
-performed by her hand. After finishing, she accompanied a caller to
-the gate, the chill night air penetrated her frame and morning found
-her sick with pneumonia. From that bed she was borne seven days later,
-from the earthly gaze of children and friends forever. They called it
-death, but to her it was the reward promised, and recorded by her own
-hand&mdash;'Eternal Life.'
-</p>
-<p>"My mother had kept a daily journal on the ship, <em>Brooklyn</em>, also the
-first five or six years in San Francisco, calling it 'The Early Annals
-of California.' This I considered invaluable from the reliability and
-the fullness of its historic matter and data, and after her demise I
-searched for it but it was gone. This I thought strange indeed, for she
-had assured me of its preservation about eighteen months before her
-last illness. I have heard her relate many incidents of those times.
-Once when nearly famished, (hostilities not yet being concluded between
-Mexico and the United States,) two men ventured outside the town to
-lasso one of the cattle browsing so near them, but were themselves
-caught by cruel Mexicans in ambush, and killed and quartered, their
-bodies left lying on the sand in view of the wretched inhabitants.
-At another time a Mexican was intercepted and searched. In one boot
-was found an order from General Castro, to attack by night and kill
-everything above four years old that could speak English. The messenger
-was buried in the sand. After awhile the native women became curious,
-and some of them ventured past the guard after dark, and being touched
-with compassion, returned in the same cautious manner, with bottles of
-<em>leche</em> (milk) slung around their waists under their flounced dress
-skirts, and <em>tortillas</em> (flour and water cakes) concealed beneath their
-<em>revosas</em> (mantles,) for the women and children. Soon after the landing
-the brethren strayed around, glad to be on land and looking to see what
-they could find. 'Any fruit?' asked one of a returning comrade. 'Yes,'
-said he, 'grape, lots of 'em.' There was a rush off in that direction
-and a fruitless search. Being sharply questioned, he pulled a handful
-of grape shot out of his pocket, which he had picked up from the scene
-of a recent engagement. The same day a gentleman passenger, traveling
-for pleasure, brought a bouquet of wild flowers to me, saying: 'Little
-lady, I herewith present you the first bouquet ever offered by a white
-man to a white woman in Yerba Buena.' Yerba Buena was the original name
-of San Francisco, and means 'good herb'&mdash;from a kind of pennyroyal
-growing wild there at that time. My mother kept the flowers many years
-and told me the story over their odorless ashes. My father and mother
-with many of the Saints, (sixteen families) moved from the ship into
-the 'old adobie,' partitioned off with quilts. Soon after he rented a
-house, but the largest room was required of him as a hospital for the
-wounded soldiers; the next largest for a printing office. The press
-was an old Spanish press, and there being no W in that alphabet, they
-used to turn the M upside down. My mother used to help decipher the
-dispatches, many of them being written on the battlefield with a burnt
-stick or coal.
-</p>
-<p>"Her first Christmas dinner in San Francisco consisted of a quart of
-beans and a pound of salt pork, which the hospital steward brought
-to her; he told her he would be flogged if it became known. In after
-days he became her steward. One day Dr. Poet, surgeon of the navy,
-brought my mother a slice of ham, a drawing of tea and a lump of butter
-about the size of a walnut. Dr. Poet had told my father where he could
-purchase half a barrel of flour. After baking some flour and water
-cakes between two tin plates in the ashes, my mother brought her dear
-friend, Mrs. Robbins, (now in this city,) to share the repast. Said
-Mrs. Robbins: 'Mrs. Joyce, isn't this like Boston?' This was just after
-living for six months on mouldy shipbread. I have heard her say that
-often she was so hungry she would willingly have walked ten miles to
-obtain a slice of bread. Soon after this my mother helped to take care
-of the 'Donner Party,' who were found partly frozen and so famished
-that they were eating their dead companions. The girl she tended, told
-her that they grew to like it, and she had helped eat her brother. The
-true stories they told are too dreadful to repeat, particularly as
-some of them are still living. The Mormon Battallion came; peace was
-declared, the gold mines were discovered, and the circumstances of the
-Saints were changed from isolation and famine to wealth and grandeur.
-My father became very wealthy, but prosperity caused his apostacy. My
-grandfather, and uncle, John Perkins, both sea captains, came to see
-my mother. I well remember sitting on grandpa's knee and learning my
-alphabet from the large family Bible spread before him, he being my
-teacher. I often recall also the long evenings when Uncle John held me
-on his knee and sang the strange, pathetic, old-fashioned sea songs of
-which he knew so many and sang them so sweetly; I used to nestle closer
-to him, half frightened, and at last fall asleep. I remember one was,
-''Twas down in the lowlands a poor boy did wander,' and I have never
-heard it since.
-</p>
-<p>"In Boston my mother was called 'The Mormon nightingale.' Strangers
-indifferent to the Gospel would say, 'Let us go to Boylston Hall and
-hear the singing.' A gentleman of fortune offered to take her to Italy
-and educate her in singing, at the same time that Adelaide Philips
-(his protege) went, but her destiny was upon another stage, to sing
-the hymns of the newly-restored Gospel; and many have thought that
-she sang them as one inspired. Her rendering of Wm. Clayton's hymn,
-'The Resurrection Day,' will be remembered by all who ever heard it.
-She purchased the first melodeon brought to San Francisco, (by a Mr.
-Washington Holbrook,) thereby causing a sensation among the wives of
-the ministers of five denominations, who each wanted it for their
-church. She went, during the ravages of the cholera, in San Francisco,
-and gathered together sixty orphan children, providing for them until
-a building spot, material and means were collected by subscription;
-and was one of the Board of managers of the Protestant Orphan Asylum
-thus originated and founded. I remember going with her and hearing
-the children sing, 'The Watcher,' a song of poverty and death. At the
-expiration of one year some of the ladies objected to having a Mormon
-officer among them, 'not considering Mormonism a religion at all,'
-although quite willing to accept the continuance of her contributions.
-She however found a larger and more congenial field of labor; brethren
-going on their missions, their families left behind in Utah, received
-her prompt remembrance. Also seeds, trees, &amp;c., she sent to Utah spring
-and fall, through more than twenty years. My only sister was born in
-San Francisco, August, 1847, and died in St. George, Mrs. Helen F.
-Judd, one of the truest Saints I ever knew. In San Francisco Parley
-P. Pratt was a guest at my mother's house. She had loaned the Book of
-Mormon to a gentleman belonging to the Custom House; Colonel Alden A.
-M. Jackson. He had been in the Mexican War, at the battle of Buena
-Vista, and was with General Scott and Zachary Taylor through that
-campaign. He had two horses killed under him and received injuries
-that lasted throughout his life. When he returned the book he said he
-had read it day and night until finished, and wished to know where he
-could find a minister of the Mormon Church. She invited him to come
-that evening and meet the Apostle, author and poet, Parley P. Pratt.
-The gentlemen became so interested in their theme that my mother left
-the room without disturbing them, and giving a servant instructions to
-attend to Mr. Pratt's room, etc., retired. Descending the stairs next
-morning she heard Brother Pratt conversing, the lamp still burning.
-'Good morning, gentlemen,' said she; Brother Pratt looked up&mdash;'Is
-it morning?' Colonel Jackson walked to the window&mdash;'Yes,' said he,
-'another day has dawned, and another day has dawned for me&mdash;a beautiful
-one.' Brother Pratt looked out upon the garden and said significantly,
-'It only needs water to complete the picture.' Colonel Jackson replied,
-'I understand you, I am ready.' Turning to my mother Brother Pratt
-asked, 'Sister Joyce, have you renewed your covenants? A number are
-going to the North Beach to-morrow, will you go?' and she answered
-thoughtfully, 'Ten years ago last night I was baptized in the Atlantic
-at midnight; to-morrow I will be baptized in the Pacific.'
-</p>
-<p>"My own parents had been separated since my father's apostacy. A few
-months after her baptism she moved to San Bernardino and there began
-building a beautiful home. Colonel Jackson, on his way to Utah was
-delayed, waiting for a train to cross the deserts, and my mother
-being his only acquaintance, he often sought her society, and at last
-determined to win her if possible, and some three years after their
-first acquaintance they were married. Never was a kinder father than
-he. Years added to years drew us all nearer to each other.
-</p>
-<p>"In 1856, at the time of the Utah War, an armed mob of twenty-two men
-visited the four remaining Mormon families in San Bernardino, and
-calling father out from breakfast, ordered him to leave town with
-his family by nine o'clock. He replied he would not do it, prefacing
-and concluding the reply in language more forcible than elegant.
-They planted an old cannon on the public square, fired it off, rode
-around and threatened a great deal. Father's law office fronted the
-square; he went as usual to it, and in the afternoon they made a
-bonfire outside and coming in to him told him they intended to burn
-him alive. He continued writing, only telling them if they disturbed
-his papers he would send daylight through them. They left. When we
-were all ready to start for Utah, enemies obtained a writ from the
-court prohibiting my sister and I from leaving the State before we
-were of age. We were among enemies and powerless. My mother said, 'If
-we can't go, our property shall,' and with father's consent divided
-goods, provisions, arms and ammunition with the poor who could go. In
-1864, my mother, sister and I came to Utah on a visit, returned here
-in 1867. In 1868 I was appointed Secretary of the Relief Society in
-St. George. In 1869 our parents brought us 'to the city' to receive
-our endowments, for which our joy and gratitude was beyond expression.
-I remained here, they returned to St. George where my sister married.
-In 1870 I became the second wife of George W. Crocheron. I believed I
-should better please my Heavenly Father by so doing than by marrying
-otherwise. Any woman, no matter how selfish, can be a first and only
-wife, but it takes a great deal more Christian philosophy and fortitude
-and self-discipline to be a wife in this order of marriage; and I
-believe those who choose the latter when both are equally possible,
-and do right therein, casting out all selfishness, judging self and
-not another, have attained a height, a mental power, a spiritual plane
-above those who have not. To do this is to overcome that which has its
-roots in selfishness, and it can be done if each will do what is right.
-In November, 1870, I was appointed Secretary of the Young Ladies Mutual
-Improvement Association of the Ninth Ward, which position I filled
-till home duties compelled my resignation. At times during thirteen
-years I have reported, in the sisters' meetings, chiefly those of the
-Fourteenth Ward. In 1876 our father died, and in five weeks after our
-mother followed him. Their graves are side by side in the valley of St.
-George, as beautiful as we could make them.
-</p>
-<p>"In 1878 I was appointed, and later, set apart and blessed to labor
-as Secretary of the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association for
-the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, which position I strive to honorably
-fill. In 1880, by the advice and aid of my friends I published a
-volume of poems, 'Wild Flowers of Deseret,' which was kindly received,
-the entire edition being sold within two years. The design of the
-picture Representative Women of Deseret, appeared to me one night
-as I rose from family prayers. I had not thought of it before. This
-book of biographical sketches to accompany it was an after thought.
-Many suppose that Mormon women are not encouraged in their abilities,
-are perhaps repressed. This has not been so in my case, or in my
-observations of others. Both encouragement and help have been given me
-by friends, by those in authority, and my husband has also encouraged
-and assisted me in every way in his power.
-</p>
-<p>"I am the mother of three boys and two girls, born in the New and
-Everlasting Covenant, and consecrated to my Creator before I ever held
-them in my arms or pressed a mother's kiss upon their little faces.
-Myself and all that are mine to give are dedicated to the service of
-God, praying that He will help us to be worthy of His acceptance."
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="HELENMARWHITNEY"></a>HELEN MAR WHITNEY.
-</h2>
-<p>Helen Mar Whitney was the third child of Heber Chase Kimball and his
-wife, Vilate Murray, and was born in Mendon, Munro County, New York,
-August 22, 1828. Their ancestors were among the Pilgrims and her
-kindred prided themselves that they were descended from a noble stock.
-Though they cared little for nobility and rank, they were proud to know
-that their grandsires who would not submit to tyranny and oppression,
-helped to gain them independence, and that their descendants were
-noble, hard working, self-sacrificing and conscientious people, who
-believed in rising by their own merits. Many of her ancestors died
-fighting for the liberty which is denied to some of their children,
-by men who have usurped authority and become oppressors. She was five
-years old when her parents removed to Kirtland, Ohio. In the winter of
-1837, she was baptized by Brigham Young, her father cutting the ice for
-that purpose.
-</p>
-<p>She inherited a reverence for the Supreme Being and always received the
-best teachings from her parents. Her father's time was mostly spent in
-the ministry. On his return from a European mission, he heard Joseph
-teach the principle of celestial marriage, and was commanded by Joseph
-to take a certain lady for his second wife. He felt as though he could
-not obey this and live in it, and must be released from the command,
-and he expressed the same to Joseph, who went and inquired of the
-Lord, and receiving an answer, commanded him the third time before he
-obeyed. Her mother bore testimony that she also went to the Lord and
-plead with Him to show her the cause of her husband's trouble, which
-his haggard face and wretched days and nights betrayed and he dared
-not tell her. He told her to go to the Lord and she did so, and He
-answered their prayers. She saw a vision and the principle was revealed
-to her in all its glory. She saw the woman that he had taken, and she
-went to him and told him what the Lord had shown her. She said she
-never saw him so happy, and he cried for joy. She took the second wife
-to her bosom, and from that time an unkind word never passed between
-them. Helen knew nothing of the order till June, 1843, when her father
-revealed it to her. She says of this: "Had I not known he loved me too
-tenderly to introduce anything that was not strictly pure and exalting
-in its tendencies, I could not have believed such a doctrine. I could
-have sooner believed that he would slay me, than teach me an impure
-principle. I heard the Prophet teach it more fully, and in the presence
-of my father and mother.
-</p>
-<p>"On the 3rd of February, 1846, I was married to H. K. Whitney, eldest
-son of N. K. Whitney, by Brigham Young. We were the last couple sealed
-in the Temple at Nauvoo. We were among the exiles who crossed the
-river on the 16th of the same month, intending to go over to the Rocky
-Mountains that year. But when the government demanded the strength of
-our companies to fight for them, we had to seek a place to quarter
-for the winter. I was sick most of the time while there. Some of the
-journey we had to walk, and our food being poor and scant, the infant
-and the aged, all classes, were swept off by death&mdash;the latter by
-scurvy and sheer exhaustion. The next year my husband was one of those
-chosen to go as a pioneer, and he had to go though the day of trial was
-upon me.
-</p>
-<p>"Our first born, a lovely girl baby, was buried there&mdash;we could not
-both live; but during those dark hours I had friends and the Lord was
-there. We had but few men, mostly aged and disabled, but to see the
-union of the sisters; the fasting and prayers for the preservation
-of our battallion and the pioneers; and for the destroyer to be
-stayed; the great and marvelous manifestations, even the power of the
-resurrection, experienced there&mdash;proved that they were encircled by a
-mighty power, and that 'the prayers of the righteous availeth much.' I
-will mention one circumstance to show the heavenly spirit that dwelt
-with us there, and also the power of the destroyer, which none who
-witnessed could misunderstand.
-</p>
-<p>"We were struggling with the evil one who had laid his grasp upon the
-babes&mdash;one was my mother's, the other, Sarah Ann's, (one of my father's
-wives). We all felt that we must part with one, as one would no sooner
-get relief than the other would be worse, and after a time mother asked
-the Lord, if agreeable to His will, to take hers and spare the other,
-as she had other children, and Sarah Ann had but this one. But He chose
-to take the latter. Should not this teach us a lesson? and where could
-such love be found, only in the hearts of <em>Saints?</em>
-</p>
-<p>"Many weeks I remained feeble, but I had received the promise that I
-should be healed, and one morning Sister Perris Young, on whom the
-spirit had rested all night, to come and administer to me; came and
-under her administration, with my mother, I was made whole.
-</p>
-<p>"Those were trying days, when one meal was eaten we knew not where
-we were to get the next, but we neither wanted for food nor raiment.
-We had not heard from the pioneers since they left till they were
-returning, and the news was that they were short of teams and without
-breadstuff, and a long way from home. Our feelings can better be
-imagined than described, for we had little enough ourselves, but
-we lifted our hearts to God, and I can call it nothing less than
-miraculous, a supply was soon furnished and men and teams started
-to meet them. The next spring all were preparing to move, and as I
-was helping to put on my wagon cover I came near fainting and was
-prostrated on my bed from that time. I had a baby boy born on the 17th
-of August, but he was buried on the 22nd, my twentieth birthday. This
-was the worst part of our journey, the roads being rough and rocky. I
-mourned incessantly, and that with my intense bodily sufferings soon
-brought me to death's door, but it was shorn of its sting. I was cold,
-but oh, how peaceful, as I lay there painless and my breath passing so
-gently away; I felt as though I was wafting on the air and happy in the
-thought of meeting so soon with my babes where no more pain or sorrow
-could come. I had talked with my husband and father who were weeping
-as I took a parting kiss from all but my poor mother, who was the last
-one called and had sunk upon her knees before me. This distressed me,
-but I bade her not mourn for she would not be long behind me. My words
-struck father like a sudden thunderbolt, and he spoke with a mighty
-voice and said&mdash;'Vilate, Helen <em>is not dying!</em>" but my breath which by
-this time had nearly gone, stopped that very instant, and I felt his
-faith and knew that he was holding me; and I begged him to let me go as
-I thought it very cruel to keep me, and believed it impossible for me
-to live and ever recover. The destroyer was then stirred up in anger at
-being cheated out of his victim and he seemed determined to wreak his
-vengeance upon us all. No one but God and the angels to whom I owe my
-life and all I have, could know the tenth part of what I suffered. I
-never told anybody and I never could. A keener taste of misery and woe,
-no mortal, I think, could endure. For three months I lay a portion of
-the time like one dead, they told me; but that did not last long. I was
-alive to my spiritual condition and dead to the world. I tasted of the
-punishment which is prepared for those who reject any of the principles
-of this Gospel. Then I learned that plural marriage was a celestial
-principle, and saw the difference between the power of God's priesthood
-and that of Satan's and the necessity of obedience to those who hold
-the priesthood, and the danger of rebelling against or speaking lightly
-of the Lord's annointed.
-</p>
-<p>"I had, in hours of temptation, when seeing the trials of my mother,
-felt to rebel. I hated polygamy in my heart, I had loved my baby
-more than my God, and mourned for it unreasonably. All my sins and
-shortcomings were magnified before my eyes till I believed I had sinned
-beyond redemption. Some may call it the fruits of a diseased brain.
-There is nothing without a cause, be that as it may, it was a keen
-reality to me. During that season I lost my speech, forgot the names of
-everybody and everything, and was living in another sphere, learning
-lessons that would serve me in future times to keep me in the narrow
-way. I was left a poor wreck of what I had been, but the Devil with
-all his cunning, little thought that he was fitting and preparing my
-heart to fulfill its destiny. My father said that Satan desired to
-clip my glory and was quite willing I should die happy; but when he
-was thwarted he tried in every possible way to destroy my tabernacle.
-President Young said that the mountains through which we passed were
-filled with the spirits of the Gadianton robbers spoken of in the Book
-of Mormon. The Lord gave father faith enough to hold me until I was
-capable of exercising it for myself. I was so weak that I was often
-discouraged in trying to pray, as the evil spirits caused me to feel
-that it was no use: but the night after the first Christmas in this
-valley, I had my last struggle and resolved that they should buffet me
-no longer. I fasted for one week, and every day I gained till I had won
-the victory and I was just as sensible of the presence of holy spirits
-around my bedside as I had been of the evil ones. It would take up too
-much room to relate my experience with the spirits, but New Year's eve,
-after spending one of the happiest days of my life I was moved upon to
-talk to my mother. I knew her heart was weighed down in sorrow and I
-was full of the holy Ghost. I talked as I never did before, I was too
-weak to talk with such a voice (of my own strength), beside, I never
-before spoke with such eloquence, and she knew that it was not myself.
-She was so affected that she sobbed till I ceased. I assured her that
-father loved her, but he had a work to do, she must rise above her
-feelings and seek for the Holy Comforter, and though it rent her heart
-she must uphold him, for he in taking other wives had done it only in
-obedience to a holy principle. Much more I said, and when I ceased, she
-wiped her eyes and told me to rest. I had not felt tired till she said
-this, but commenced then to feel myself sinking away. I silently prayed
-to be renewed, when my strength returned that instant.
-</p>
-<p>"New Year's day father had set apart to fast and pray, and they
-prepared a feast at evening. I had prayed that I might gain a sure
-testimony that day that I was acceptable to God, and my father, when
-he arose to speak, was so filled with His power, that he looked
-almost transfigured! He turned to me and spoke of my sufferings and
-the blessings I should receive because of the same. He prophesied of
-the great work that I should do, that I should live long and raise
-honorable sons and daughters that would rise up and call me blessed,
-and should be a comfort to my mother in her declining years, and many
-more things which I have fulfilled. Many who knew me then have looked
-at me and seen me working with my children around me, with perfect
-amazement and as one who had been dead and resurrected.
-</p>
-<p>"I lost three babes before I kept any, (two boys and girl). My first
-to live was Vilate, she grew to womanhood and was taken. Orson F. was
-my next, who has been appointed Bishop of the Eighteenth Ward. I had
-four more daughters, then a son, my last a little girl who died at
-five years of age; being eleven in all. My parents have left me and my
-heart has been wrung to the utmost, yet I have said&mdash;<em>Thy will O God,
-be done</em>. Persons have sometimes wondered at my calmness and endurance,
-but I think they would not had they passed through the same experience.
-</p>
-<p>"I have encouraged and sustained my husband in the celestial order of
-marriage because I knew it was right. At various times I have been
-healed by the washing and annointing, administered by the mothers in
-Israel. I am still spared to testify to the truth and Godliness of this
-work; and though my happiness once consisted in laboring for those
-I love, the Lord has seen fit to deprive me of bodily strength, and
-taught me to 'cast my bread upon the waters' and after many days my
-longing spirit was cheered with the knowledge that He had a work for me
-to do, and with Him, I know that all things are possible.
-</p>
-<p>"Almost my first literary effort was inspired by the reading of
-the various opinions of men published in our dailies, upon woman's
-disabilities, etc.; and my continuing is due to the advice and urgent
-wishes of many of my sisters.
-</p>
-<p>"On March 10, 1882, I was chosen by Sister M. I. Horne and nominated
-to act as her Counselor in the Relief Society of this stake of Zion
-in place of Sister S. M. Heywood (deceased) and God grant that I may
-come up to her standard and be able to labor faithfully with my sisters
-yet many years, in relieving and comforting the tried and afflicted,
-and enlightening the minds of those who are in darkness concerning the
-things of God and His people."
-</p>
-<p>It is but appropriate and just to add to the brief sketch of Helen Mar
-Whitney's life, a brief record of her son, the eldest of her living
-children.
-</p>
-<p>Orson F. Whitney was born in Salt Lake City, July 1, 1855. Was called
-on his first mission during the October Conference of 1876. Left home
-for Pennsylvania November 6th following. Remained in Pennsylvania about
-five months, laboring with Elder A. M. Musser, and visited Washington
-just prior to the inauguration of President Hayes. Early in the spring
-of 1877 went alone down to Ohio, where he remained about one year,
-preaching and baptizing, and visiting relatives in and around Kirtland,
-(his father's birthplace). Was released from his mission in the spring
-of 1878, and returned home early in April. Was appointed a home
-missionary immediately on his return, and also obtained a situation in
-the <em>Deseret News</em> office.
-</p>
-<p>July 14th, was ordained a High Priest, (previously was a Seventy)
-and set apart to preside as bishop of the Eighteenth Ward, being the
-youngest bishop in the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, succeeding Bishop L.
-D. Young, resigned. August 10th of same year succeeded Elder John
-Nicholson as city editor of the <em>Deseret News</em>, he having been called
-to Europe on a mission. Before this he had labored as a collector and
-under-clerk in the business office of that establishment. During his
-sojourn in the States he had corresponded with the <em>Salt Lake Herald</em>,
-the <em>Woman's Exponent</em> and the <em>News</em>, to the latter by the direct
-invitation of President Brigham Young, who had noticed his writings
-to the other papers and urged him to cultivate his literary ability.
-Previously he had scarcely dared to hope he possessed any. He says of
-this; "I owe much to the kind encouragement of President Young for what
-little I have yet achieved in that direction."
-</p>
-<p>December 18, 1879, was married to Zina B. Smoot, daughter of President
-A. O. and Mrs. Emily Smoot. In February, 1880, was elected to the
-City Council and held the office of a Councilor until called on his
-second mission, whither he went before his office term had expired.
-In July, 1880, was appointed by a committee having in charge the
-arrangement of a programme to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of
-the Church (year of jubilee,) to write a poem for the occasion. The
-poem&mdash;"Jubilee of Zion," was read in the Tabernacle by Colonel David
-McKenzie, on the 24th of July, the Jubilee Celebration and the regular
-Pioneer Day Celebration being blended. Prior to this he had published a
-pamphlet containing two poems, "Land of Shinehah" and the "Women of the
-Everlasting Covenant," and had contributed various efforts in verse to
-our local papers, besides other articles in prose to the <em>Contributor</em>
-and <em>Herald</em>, at the same time laboring regularly upon the <em>News</em> as
-local editor. April, 1880 (antedating the above), the Home Dramatic
-Club was organized with O. F. Whitney as President.
-</p>
-<p>October, 1880, the first child of Bishop Whitney, a son, was born. June
-20, 1881, at a meeting of the General Committee on celebration of the
-4th of July, Bishop Whitney was chosen Orator of the Day, and prepared
-the oration, the assassination of President Garfield on the 2nd of July
-put a stop to the celebration, and consequently to the carrying out of
-the programme. October Conference, 1881, was called on a mission to
-England and left October 24th; sailed from New York November 1st, and
-landed on the 10th. Appointed to the London Conference, labored there
-four months; then called to Liverpool to succeed Elder C. W. Stayner
-in the editorial department of the <em>Millennial Star</em>. Labored there
-nearly a year, then was released to travel in the ministry. Released to
-return home with the June company, 1883. Visited Scotland and France
-and sailed for home June 20th. Landed in New York Sunday, July 1st,
-the very day and date of his birth, twenty-eight years before. Reached
-home July 7, 1883, and has resumed his position as city editor of the
-<em>Deseret Evening News</em>.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="LETTERSOFHEBERCKIMBALL"></a>LETTERS OF HEBER C. KIMBALL.
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">For the consideration of those unacquainted with him, who through
-misreport have been led to regard Heber C. Kimball as a man of stern
-rule and cold nature, I append two letters written by him to his
-beloved first wife, Vilate, (a name that is revered in our people's
-remembrance) showing in true light his own feelings upon the principle
-of plural marriage and vindicating and honoring him by this testimony
-from his own secret heart and lips, better than the words of another,
-no matter how faithful or true or ardent that friend might be. Thus
-will be shown to the world three generations of a family who are
-representatives of our people and faith; Heber, one whom God chose
-as one of the first to aid in founding and upbuilding His Church and
-Kingdom in the last dispensation; Helen, his cherished and heroic
-daughter, and Orson, her son, worthy representative of his mother
-and grandfather. The inspiration in Heber's life has not died out in
-theirs, the work has not slackened, the line of march is still onward
-and upward. The first copy bears date of
-</p>
-<p>"OCTOBER 23, 1842. "<em>My Dear Vilate:</em>
-</p>
-<p>"I am at Brother Evan Green's. We have held all our conferences, have
-had two meetings to-day, it being the Sabbath. Some have been added to
-the Church and prejudice is considerably laid. Monday we shall go to
-Jacksonville, then on to Springfield. I shall be home in two or three
-weeks if the Lord wills it so. Since I left you it has been a time of
-much reflection. I felt as though I was a poor weak creature in and of
-myself, and only on God can I rely for support. I have been looking
-back over my past life before I heard the Gospel. It makes me shrink
-into nothing and to wish I had always been a righteous man from my
-youth, but we have an advocate with the Father, and I can look back
-since I came into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with
-a degree of pleasure, but I can see if I had more knowledge I could
-have done better in many points. * * I feel as though I had rather die
-to-day than be left to transgress one of His laws, or to bring disgrace
-upon the cause which I have embraced, or a stain upon my character; and
-my prayer is day by day that God would take me to Himself rather than I
-should be left to sin against Him, or betray my dear brethren who have
-been true to me and to God the Eternal Father, and I feel to pray to
-Thee, O Lord, to help thy poor servant to be true to Thee all the days
-of my life, that I may never be left to sin against Thee or against Thy
-annointed, or any that love thee, that I may have wisdom and knowledge
-how to gain Thy favor at all times, for this is my desire, and that
-these blessings may rest upon my dear companion, and when we have done
-Thy work on this Thy footstool, that Thou wouldst receive us into that
-kingdom where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the holy prophets have
-gone, that we may never be separated any more, and before I should be
-left to betray my brethren in any case, let Thy servant come unto Thee
-in Thy Kingdom and there have the love of my youth, and the little
-ones Thou has given me. * * Now, my dear Vilate, stand by me even unto
-death, and when you pray, pray that I may hold out to the end. * * My
-heart aches for you and sometimes I can hardly speak without weeping,
-and that before my brethren: for I have a broken heart and my head is a
-fountain of tears. My life in this world is short at the longest, and
-I do not desire to live one day only to do good and to make you happy
-and bring up our little children in the ways of the Lord, and my prayer
-is that they may be righteous from the least to the greatest. * * The
-world has lost its charms for me, and I want to seek for that rest
-which remains for the people of God. I never had a greater desire to be
-a man of God than at the present, that I may know my acceptance with
-Him."
-</p>
-<p>"SPRINGFIELD, October 25th. "<em>My Dear Companion:</em>
-</p>
-<p>"I have just returned from the office where I found a letter from you,
-and I need not tell you that it was a sweet morsel to me. I could weep
-like a child if I could get away by myself, to think that I for one
-moment have been the means of causing you any sorrow; I know that you
-must have many bad feelings and I feel to pray for you all the time,
-I assure you that you have not been out of my mind many minutes at a
-time since I left you. My feelings are of that kind that it makes me
-sick at heart, so that I have no appetite to eat. My temptations are
-so severe it seems sometimes as though I should have to lay down and
-die, I feel as if I should sink beneath it. I go into the woods every
-chance I have, and pour out my soul before God that He would deliver
-me and bless you, my dear wife, and the first I would know I would be
-in tears, weeping like a child about you and the situation I am in;
-but what can I do but go ahead? My dear Vilate, do not let it cast you
-down, for the Lord is on our side; this I know from what I see and
-realize and I marvel at it many times. You are tried and tempted and I
-am sorry for you, for I know how to pity you. I can say that I never
-suffered more in all my life than since these things came to pass; and
-as I have said so say I again, I have felt as if I should sink and die.
-Oh my God! I ask Thee in the name of Jesus to bless my dear Vilate and
-comfort her heart and deliver her from temptation and sorrow, and open
-her eyes and let her see things as they are, for Father Thou knowest
-our sorrow; be pleased to look upon Thy poor servant and handmaid, and
-grant us the privilege of living the same length of time that one may
-not go before the other, for Thou knowest that we desire this with all
-our hearts. * * * And then, Father, when we have done with our career
-in this probation, in the one to come may we still be joined in one
-to remain so to all eternities, and whatever we have done to grieve
-Thee be pleased to blot it out, and let us be clean and pure before
-Thee at all times, that we may never be left to sin or betray anyone
-that believes on Thy name; save us from all this and let our seeds be
-righteous; incline their hearts to be pure and virtuous, and may this
-extend from generation to generation, let us have favor in Thy sight
-and before Thine angels that we may be watched over by them and have
-strength and grace to support us in the day of our temptation that we
-may not be overcome and fall. Now my Father, these are the desires of
-our hearts, and wilt Thou grant them to us for Jesus' sake and to Thy
-name will we give all the glory forever and ever."
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="ZINAYWILLIAMS"></a>ZINA Y. WILLIAMS.
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">DAUGHTER OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.
-</p>
-<p>It would be strange indeed, if after the life and labors of Brigham
-Young, a work of this character should appear, lacking the name
-and record of his descendants. The sons of noble men have greater
-opportunities of adding lustre to their father's name by reason of the
-advantages which sons possess over daughters; yet among our people,
-women have their acknowledged province in which they may distinguish
-themselves, in which their position is not borrowed from the other
-sex, or an infringement upon them; and yet may adorn the memory of
-even Brigham Young. Such a daughter is Zina Y. Williams, the original
-of this sketch. Born in plural or celestial marriage, and with an
-understanding of this condition, as much as any young girl can possess,
-a wife in the same order of marriage.
-</p>
-<p>Some have said, "Let us see the workings of this system, let us see
-how the next generation will receive it." The time has come when they
-can see, and learn that those who understand it best fear it least.
-The words of the daughter herself, it seems to me, should go farther
-in effect than mine could for her. Here is a true picture in the home
-life of the earliest advocates of that ancient principle, restored
-through Joseph Smith, the prophet. I have known Mrs. Williams beneath
-her father's roof and in her own married home, intimately, for eighteen
-years, and knew the union and love of the band of sisters.
-</p>
-<p>"I was born April 3rd, 1850, in Salt Lake City. My mother, Zina H.
-Young, was made glad by my presence, her only daughter. My father,
-President Brigham Young, made me welcome; though he was the father of
-many others he was as much pleased as many men are over their only
-girl. My childhood was clouded with sickness, and one of my earliest
-recollections is of my loving mother holding me in her arms, singing a
-sweet song; with the moonlight streaming over me and gazing out upon
-the full moon I sank to sleep, soothed from suffering by her magic
-care. I was the pet of my two brothers and of all my mother's friends.
-I knew nothing of want or care till the year of famine, (1856) which
-gave me a faint idea of what want was. (All through the Territory
-families were on short rations.)
-</p>
-<p>"My father's family lived in a world of their own, there being ten
-girls with not more than four years' difference in their ages. Our
-father affectionately called us his 'big ten,' and nowhere on the
-earth could be found a happier, merrier set of children. We attended
-school and were instructed in music and dancing on our own premises.
-Our mothers taught us to respect each other's rights, as they always
-set the example by treating one another according to the golden rule.
-A person entering the room where we were assembled would be at a loss
-to tell which were the own children of the sisters present. We carried
-out the proverb&mdash;'Love thy neighbor as thyself,' literally. When the
-memorable exodus of 1858 took place, my mother was the first woman who
-left Salt Lake City. In company with another of my father's wives,
-Lucy B., (as she is called,) we started south. This was my first trip
-from home, it seemed like a pleasure trip to me and it was a matter of
-surprise that my dear mother and auntie were not as much delighted with
-the change as we children were; but the subsequent discomforts we were
-subjected to, and our lonely hours spent away from our dearly loved
-sisters caused many a heart pang and we began to realize something of
-the sacrifices made by our people when our enemies came and invaded
-our homes. My mother was the last of father's family to leave Provo,
-after the return of the people to their former homes. On our arrival,
-after a year's absence, father asked mother to take charge of four of
-his little ones whose mother was dead. She consented, and this event
-entirely changed my after life; from being the pet and only child I
-now had to share with these motherless children. It was a trial in
-many ways, but my precious mother taught me to be unselfish and thank
-God for all His blessings and not complain, and I am thankful to say,
-following her advice without once alluding to the fact that my mother
-was not their own. Thus it proved to be the best lesson of my life, and
-a great blessing.
-</p>
-<p>"My life flowed on in peaceful current, going to school, but going upon
-the stage when quite young greatly impaired my health. I married when
-eighteen. My husband, Thomas Williams, had been in my father's employ
-in his office, for several years; then in the Theatre, where I saw him
-frequently, but, as he was much older than I, it never occurred to me
-to fall in love with him. 'None knew him but to love him,' the bard
-wrote, which is true of my husband. I was his second wife, and here let
-me testify that in entering into the order of plural marriage, both
-my husband and myself did so from the purest and holiest motives. For
-six years I was his loving wife, bearing two sons, Sterling and Thomas
-Edgar. In July, 1873, my dear husband was called home. None but those
-who are called upon to pass through similar circumstances can know
-the sorrow and anguish it is to part from a loving, noble husband and
-father.
-</p>
-<p>"My time now was given principally to my Church duties and to the
-support of my dear children. In all my trials my dear mother was my
-comfort and support. By the advice of my father, I went to Sevier
-County and took up a quarter section of land. I went to St. George at
-the completion of the Temple, and met many dear friends and relatives;
-my father was there, and those who were present, will, I believe,
-never forget the heavenly intercourse enjoyed by the Saints while thus
-convened. Shortly after our return to the city, our honored father was
-stricken down with his last sickness. Never was there a more solemn
-scene than that witnessed at his death, his family were there, also
-the head men of the Church. Physicians with their futile skill were
-standing round, the faith and anxiety of the whole Church were centered
-around that dying form and departing soul of God's Prophet at that
-trying hour. His body unconscious now to pain, was there before us,
-but his noble spirit already saw behind the veil which screens from us
-the immortal spheres. 'Joseph! Joseph!' were his last words, and when
-he breathed his last his face became radiant as if molten sunbeams
-had been poured into his veins, giving him an unearthly and celestial
-appearance never to be forgotten by those who surrounded his dying
-couch. After a settlement of our father's estate I removed to Provo in
-order to give my dear children and myself the advantages of attending
-the Brigham Young Academy. In January of this same year, President
-Taylor sent me, in company with Sister Emmeline B. Wells, to visit
-the Woman's Suffrage Convention held in Washington. After my return
-I began teaching in the Brigham Young Academy, taking charge of the
-young ladies and organizing a work class; also the primary department
-in which position I have been actively engaged ever since. The
-Brigham Young Academy was endowed by inspiration by him whose name it
-bears. Professor Karl G. Maeser was called to act as principal at the
-commencement, and when he asked for instruction from its noble founder,
-he received only this: 'Ask God to guide you in all things and carry it
-on under His directions; this is all I have to say.'
-</p>
-<p>"From that time Professor Maeser has faithfully lived to fulfill the
-wishes of its founder. How he has succeeded is demonstrated every year
-by the hundreds of young men and women who there receive for the first
-time a knowledge and testimony of this Gospel. Too much praise cannot
-be bestowed upon the Honorable Board: President A. O. Smoot, Harvey
-Cluff, Wilson H. Dusenberry, Bishop Myron Tanner, Bishop Harrington,
-Bishop Bringhurst and Sister Coray for their energy and labor to make
-this school all that Brigham Young intended it should be.
-</p>
-<p>"In the deeds bestowing a grant upon this institution it is plainly
-stated that the young men be taught mechanism, and the young ladies
-domestic duties. In accordance with this a young ladies' department
-has been organized and we have endeavored to carry out this peculiar
-feature desired by President Young, my beloved father.
-</p>
-<p>"I have occupied the position of advisor and director to the young
-ladies for the past four years. I have now the advantage of a fine
-large room built expressly for this branch of education. Was called to
-preside over the Primary Associations of Provo, am a Counselor to the
-President of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association also; and
-an officer in the Provo Silk Association."
-</p>
-<p>While living in Salt Lake City, Mrs. Zina Y. Williams was one of the
-committee superintending the decoration of the great Tabernacle. Large
-classes were taught artificial flower making, and thousands of yards
-of festoons and hanging baskets, interspersed with appropriate mottoes
-and flags made the vast ceiling a bower of beauty for many months. She
-has taught decorative work of different kinds in several towns of our
-Territory, possessing a special gift in this direction.
-</p>
-<p>An energetic spiritual laborer, a loving daughter and faithful wife
-and mother, she has also a wide circle of sincere friends. She was
-the first of President Young's daughters to manifest prominently
-in the face of opposition, her willingness to unite with the
-associations organized for the repression of extravagance in dress,
-table expenditure and frivolity, and for the cultivation of spiritual
-knowledge, and mutual improvement. These meetings were regarded with
-aversion and even ridicule, by many, as tending to bring women into too
-great publicity. This proved to be an incorrect idea. Sister Williams
-was one of the earliest spiritual laborers and has never faltered or
-deviated from her line of duty. President Young has other daughters
-also, who have later become officers and actively interested in the
-Women's Organizations among this people; and they will without doubt,
-develop many of those abilities, which, combined and made subservient
-to the will of God made the name of Brigham Young immortal in history.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="LOUISEMWELLS"></a>LOUISE M. WELLS.
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">SECRETARY OF CENTRAL ORGANIZATION OF THE YOUNG LADIES' MUTUAL
-IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS.
-</p>
-<p>The fact that most of the ladies of this work are of mature, and
-some even advanced years, suggests the thought&mdash;what of the "rising
-generation" of this people? How have the practical workings of this
-system which the world can judge of only from report and occasional
-glimpses into its operations, but which with the youth of the people is
-a literal and sole experience&mdash;affected their ideas and purposes?
-</p>
-<p>Time, steadfast determination and spiritual progress have adjusted all
-mingled and varied elements of individualities and nationalities in
-those who received the Gospel in scattered homes in different parts
-of the earth, have overcome those obstacles (which were such through
-inexperience in newly restored truths and laws,) and brought all to
-the proper level of their individual sphere of action and usefulness.
-What a piece of master-work has this been! Order out of confusion,
-brotherhood created between stranger races.
-</p>
-<p>It has been often said, "that when the old stock dies out," the world
-can better judge the worth of our doctrines; if they survive and grow
-in the hearts of the succeeding generation their parents did not plant
-the spiritual tree in lack of wisdom, and it will after this test of
-years prove worthy of the serious consideration of those who now deem
-it beneath their thoughtful attention.
-</p>
-<p>More than fifty years have passed since the glorious message was first
-proclaimed to the world; many of those true, noble Saints who toiled
-as builders of their Master's Kingdom have finished their work, and
-with years filled with honors have passed on to their rest and reward.
-A few years more, and the witnesses who lived in the days of Joseph
-and Hyrum will be gone, we shall be left to ourselves, their record
-and our God. Who will replace them? Are their posterity following in
-their footsteps? Yes, beneath the seeming swift current of youthtime's
-careless indifference runs an undercurrent of earnestness, integrity
-and&mdash;yes&mdash;royalty of soul. There can be found many of our young people
-who bear the impress of their destiny in their daily lives, their
-numbers are increasing, their works assuming prominence and recognition.
-</p>
-<p>In connection with the young people's organizations it is due to Miss
-Louise M. Wells, that a brief record of her history and position form
-part of this work.
-</p>
-<p>This young lady was born in Salt Lake City, August 27, 1862. On both
-her father and mother's side she is descended from families of the old
-Puritan stock. General Wells' record in Church history is one that
-earth's greatest men might be proud to possess, and he has received
-such a tribute of respect and love from our people as has rarely been
-recorded. Her mother is the editor of the <em>Woman's Exponent</em>, but
-has during her lifetime written constantly, amounting indeed to many
-volumes were her writings published; and is exceptionally gifted as a
-poetic writer. With such parents it may be reasonably expected that
-with her inherent endowments trained in the influence of the Gospel,
-with a fine spiritual nature, conscientious principles, an amiable
-disposition and quiet, gentle manner, Miss Wells will do credit to her
-parents and her people.
-</p>
-<p>Of Louie, as she is familiarly called, it is said that when she was
-very young she gave evidence of musical talent by rendering in an
-original style, plaintive melodies admirably suited to her voice,
-and rich in that pathos that always touches the heart. With many,
-singing is an acquired accomplishment, with her it is as natural as
-to the nightingale. Also in her childhood she unconsciously disclosed
-artistic taste by gathering the autumn tinted leaves and grasses from
-the garden, which she arranged in quaint and pretty devices for home
-adornments. This talent was later cultivated under competent teachers,
-when she soon became qualified to give lessons privately and in
-classes, in drawing and painting. Already artists of distinction have
-pronounced her oil paintings of sufficient merit to entitle her to
-enter the Academy of Design in New York, and she has been advised to
-adopt art as a life vocation. On the occasion of the Church Jubilee,
-on Pioneer Day, 1880, Miss Wells was selected by the committee to
-represent Art. In 1882, in company with some of her relatives, she
-visited California, and there for the first time saw the ocean, one
-of nature's grandest pictures. During this visit she went through the
-art galleries of San Francisco. In 1883, she with her sister, Mrs.
-Sears, made a trip to the Eastern States, and visited the art galleries
-and museums of St. Louis, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Boston,
-Philadelphia and Washington. Also had the opportunity of attending the
-World's Exposition at Boston. While visiting in the East she attended
-a reunion of the Dickinson's held at Amherst, Massachusetts, as a
-representative of the name, from whom her father descended through his
-grandmother, Experience Dickinson. Arriving at College Hall, where
-the reunion was celebrated, she met many hundreds of her kindred. Of
-this family I quote: "It is now almost two hundred and fifty years
-since Nathaniel Dickinson landed at Boston, and prior to 1634 found a
-home at Wethersfield, forty or fifty miles below Amherst. In 1659 he
-planted the permanent seat of our family, and deeply rooted the name
-of Dickinson, and here nine succeeding generations have risen to call
-him blessed. Nathaniel Dickinson died at Hadley, June 16, 1676. No
-pencil or artist has preserved to us the semblance of his features, no
-gravestone marks his resting-place. We only know that he sleeps in the
-only burying-ground at Hadley."
-</p>
-<p>At this reunion, which was quite an elaborate affair, a congratulatory
-letter was read from her father, General D. H. Wells, which elicited
-considerable applause, and the President, who had seen the General when
-visiting Salt Lake City, spoke of him in the highest terms.
-</p>
-<p>Miss Wells was very cordially received by the hundreds of Dickinson's
-and succeeded in getting the names of many of the relatives of the
-family who are now sleeping in the old graveyard at Hadley, and from a
-"roll of honor" which hung upon the wall in the hall where the meeting
-was held, on which were inscribed the names of those who had made
-themselves distinguished. It was singular that this great meeting of
-the Dickinson's should have convened at the time when Miss Louie was
-visiting her mother's relatives only a few miles from Amherst, giving
-her an opportunity of meeting her father's kindred.
-</p>
-<p>Louie visited Nauvoo, also Kirtland, where she went through the Temple.
-She has also proved herself to be a most charming press correspondent,
-by contributions to the <em>Exponent</em> that touched the heart of every
-Saint; letters that were as beautiful, fresh and sweet as spring-time.
-She has been connected with the <em>Exponent</em> for some time; is a writer
-for the <em>Contributor</em>, has been a member of the Tabernacle Choir for
-several years, and taught a department of Miss Cook's school in 1880
-and 1881.
-</p>
-<p>In June, 1880, Miss Wells was appointed Secretary to the Central
-Organization of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, Mrs.
-Elmina S. Taylor, President, a position of honor and importance, and
-which she fulfils with dignity and ability. As a Latter-day Saint, the
-young lady is worthy of her position and the love and confidence of her
-friends; and we look forward to her future with happy anticipations of
-beautiful works from her spirit and hand.
-</p>
-<p>As in this work are represented the venerable silver-haired matrons,
-and the younger wife and mother, it seems beautifully appropriate that
-Miss Louie, in her youth and purity, should represent the daughters of
-Israel, looking towards the future with eyes of faith and confidence.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="EXPLANATORY"></a>Explanatory of the Picture
-</h2>
-<p class="chapterHeading">REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF DESERET.
-</p>
-<p>The first portrait in the first group of the picture, is that of
-ELIZA R. SNOW SMITH, President of the Latter-Day Saints' Women's
-Organizations. The second, on the left-hand side of the same group,
-ZINA D. H. YOUNG, First Counselor. Third, on the right-hand side, MARY
-ISABELLA HORNE, Treasurer. Fourth, SARAH M. KIMBALL, Secretary.
-</p>
-<p>The above are the Presiding Board over all the Latter-Day Saints
-Women's Organizations.
-</p>
-<p>At the head of the "Association Group" is, first, ELMINA S. TAYLOR,
-President of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations. Second,
-MARY A. FREEZE, President of the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement
-Association of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion. Third, left-hand side, is
-LOUIE FELT, President of the Primary Associations. Fourth, ELLEN C.
-CLAWSON, President of the Primary Associations of the Salt Lake Stake
-of Zion.
-</p>
-<p>At the head of the picture, left-hand corner, PHOEBE W. WOODRUFF, wife
-of President Wilford Woodruff. At the right-hand corner, BATHSHEBA W.
-SMITH, wife of President George A. Smith. At the left-hand corner,
-PRESCENDIA L. KIMBALL, a veteran Saint and pioneer. At the right-hand
-lower corner, ELIZABETH HOWARD, Secretary of the Relief Society of the
-Salt Lake Stake of Zion.
-</p>
-<p>At the head of the fourth group is, EMMELINE B. WELLS, editor of
-<em>Woman's Exponent</em>. At the right-hand, same group, is ROMANIA B. PRATT,
-M. D.
-</p>
-<p>Turning now to the four ladies on the left-hand side of the picture,
-the first is EMILY HILL WOODMANSEE, poet. Second, right-hand side,
-HANNAH T. KING, poet and prose author. Third, on the left, AUGUSTA
-JOYCE CROCHERON, author, and Secretary of the Young Ladies' Mutual
-Improvement Association of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion. Fourth, HELEN
-MAR WHITNEY, daughter of Heber C. Kimball, and writer of Church history
-and biographies; also First Counselor of the Relief Society of the Salt
-Lake Stake of Zion.
-</p>
-<p>Returning to the fourth group: third portrait on the left, ZINA Y.
-WILLIAMS, daughter of Brigham Young, and President of the Primary
-Associations of the Utah Stake of Zion. Fourth, is LOUIE M. WELLS,
-daughter of President D. H. Wells; Secretary of Central Organizations
-of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations. Vocalist and
-artist.
-</p>
-<p class="centered">FINIS.
-</p>
-
-
-<h2><a name="TRANSCRIBER'SNOTE"></a>Transcriber's Note
-</h2>
-<p>Various obvious typographical errors have been corrected as seemed
-reasonable, e.g. "coronatiion" for "coronation" and various similar
-spelling issues, missing periods, and so forth.
-</p>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<pre>
-
-
-
-
-
-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Representative Women of Deseret, by
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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Representative Women of Deseret, by
-Augusta Joyce Crocheron
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: Representative Women of Deseret
- A Book of Biographical Sketches
-
-Author: Augusta Joyce Crocheron
-
-Release Date: January 18, 2016 [EBook #50958]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ASCII
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF DESERET ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by the Mormon Texts Project
-(MormonTextsProject.org), with thanks to Renah Holmes and
-Villate Brown McKitrick for proofreading.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-REPRESENTATIVE
-
-WOMEN OF DESERET,
-
-A BOOK OF
-
-BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
-
-TO ACCOMPANY THE PICTURE BEARING THE SAME TITLE.
-
-
-COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY
-
-AUGUSTA JOYCE CROCHERON,
-
-_Author of "WILD FLOWERS OF DESERET;"_
-
-AND DEDICATED TO
-
-_The originals of this Picture and Book, their co-laborers in the
-Church, and every true heart that will receive
-their testimonies._
-
- O, Spirits dear! Ye light the path
- That else were lone and dim;
- I follow where your sainted feet
- Lead onward, up to Him,
- And hear above life's discords, still,--
- Your heav'n inspired hymn.
-
-SALT LAKE CITY:
-PRINTED BY J. C. GRAHAM & CO.
-1884.
-
-
-
-INTRODUCTORY.
-
-In presenting this picture, REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF DESERET, before
-the public, an explanation may be appropriate that the object may be
-rightly understood. The picture is intended to represent the Latter Day
-Saints Women's Organizations rather than to draw attention to those
-intellectual gifts and acquirements which in this connection are but
-secondary to the spiritual or missionary labors of those represented.
-As in Salt Lake City is the head of these organizations, so these
-spiritual laborers were selected by the precedence they hold.
-
-Throughout our Territory, indeed beyond, are many as sincere and
-faithful, noble women, well deserving of every honor contained herein,
-but there is of necessity a limit in the present work and that which
-would have been a pleasure to the author became an impossibility at
-this time, but it is the purpose in due season to present another work
-which will be of interest to our people.
-
-It is not the purpose of the compiler of these sketches to present a
-complete history of the subjects of the picture, to which this book is
-merely an accompaniment to acquaint the many who are strangers to them
-with their labors and their virtues, to show as it were, what manner
-of people these "Mormons" are. To do full justice to the originals
-would require more space and ability than are mine. But if the eyes
-of the stranger may thereby be opened to a knowledge of their purity,
-integrity and faith in God, their heroic firmness and the trials they
-have endured without wavering in allegiance to their cause; if any may
-be convinced that this people are in earnest and in the right, and
-that God is with them; if they can realize that for men, Mormonism is
-not a cloak, a subterfuge and a selfish system; that our women are not
-from the dregs of civilization, led and controlled by stronger minds
-without a knowledge within themselves for their course, it will prove a
-joy and delight, a sweet return for my humble but earnest efforts. O,
-that these truthful testimonies falling upon hearts that are as blocks
-of ice toward us, might, like burning bullets melt their way therein,
-until, like Joseph's brethren, they should weep for injuries these have
-borne!
-
-And to the young of our people, if this work shall cause them to
-appreciate their honored parents more by the nobility they have proven;
-if it shall cause them to weigh the object for which these sacrifices
-were endured against the poor temptations of the present time; if they
-shall question themselves, shall my parent's sacrifices count for
-naught? shall their example and their labors be lost on me? their hopes
-meet disappointment? If that command, "honor thy father and thy mother"
-shall prevail, and the sweet testimony of the Holy Spirit convince and
-strengthen them in the same service and faith unto their God, still
-sweeter and richer shall be the reward.
-
-That this work may go forth from my humble home as a missionary, a
-silent worker of great good is my fervent hope.
-
-A. J. C.
-
-
-
-PREFACE.
-
-In presenting the picture and book, REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF DESERET, to
-the public, I desire to first express my thanks to the ladies of the
-picture for their kindness and confidence.
-
-I thank Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith for her approval and sanction;
-Sister Emmeline B. Wells for her steadfast encouragement, and Bishop
-Hiram B. Clawson for his kind interest and advice. Published, as it has
-been, in part by subscription, I thank also my generous patrons.
-
-Through a disappointment, so many embarrassments occurred that at one
-time I felt that no inducement, however beautiful, could again tempt me
-to so great (in my circumstances) an undertaking; but for me the Lord
-in His goodness opened the way; and towards James R. Miller, Dr. A.
-Farr and Zina D. H. Young, each, my heart thus expresses itself:
-
- As Hagar in her lone despair
- Gazed hopeless o'er the desert drear,
- Nor saw until her steps were led,
- The living waters, sweet and clear;
- So I who strove through tedious days
- 'Mid hopes that fled and fears that frowned--
- Turned at thy name, and in thy heart,
- The boon I sought so long was found.
-
- Not hers alone the story old--
- The earth is thronged with hearts distressed
- That little dream how close beside
- The angel walks--to save and bless.
-
-In compiling the brief sketches of Eliza R. Snow Smith, Zina D.
-H. Young, M. I. Horne and Prescendia L. Kimball, I am indebted to
-the editor of the _Woman's Exponent_, their biographer. Several
-autobiographies follow, and looking it all over, the thought
-rises--_how little I have done after all!_ I have scarcely more than
-furnished the thread on which their gems were strung. Often I have
-paused, sorrowful that this work must be so brief: so much remains to
-be told. I have had sincerest joy in this labor, and if my efforts
-should be regarded as conferring any honor upon these ladies, it has
-been a greater honor to me to be accorded the privilege of tendering
-it, and of enjoying their acquaintance and friendship.
-
-In conclusion, I would again refer to our First Lady, E. R. S.
-Smith; in a short time will appear her latest and largest book, an
-autobiography and history with genealogical record of her family, and
-dedicated to her noble brother, Apostle Lorenzo Snow. On her eightieth
-birthday, January 21, 1884, Sister Eliza was the recipient of a large
-surprise party given in honor of the day, in appreciation, love and
-respect of herself and labors, in the Social Hall, a building of
-histrionic association in the annals of Salt Lake City. It is wonderful
-indeed to contemplate the still youthful spirit, energy and ability of
-this lady; ever serene, gentle, forbearing with others; so carefully
-hiding her own weariness and leaving unmentioned whatever might trouble
-her; that the idea would never suggest itself to those not _intimately_
-associated with her, that she has anything to do but preside, receive
-and enjoy the loving expressions from her friends.
-
-Hoping this volume may entertain and benefit the reader, and that all
-errors in _book-making_ may be graciously pardoned, I will subscribe
-myself, dear public--Your Servant and Friend, AUGUSTA JOYCE CROCHERON.
-
-
-
-INDEX.
-
-Eliza R. Snow Smith
-
-Zina D. H. Young
-
-Mary Isabella Horne
-
-Sarah M. Kimball
-
-Prescendia L. Kimball
-
-Phoebe W. Woodruff
-
-Bathsheba W. Smith
-
-Elizabeth Howard
-
-Elmina S. Taylor
-
-Mary A. Freeze
-
-Louie Felt
-
-Ellen C. Clawson
-
-Emmeline B. Wells
-
-Romania B. Pratt
-
-Elvira S. Barney
-
-Emily Hill Woodmansee
-
-Hannah T. King
-
-Augusta Joyce Crocheron
-
-Helen Mar Whitney
-
-Zina Y. Williams
-
-Louise M. Wells
-
-Explanatory
-
-
-
-ELIZA R. SNOW SMITH,
-
-PRESIDENT OF THE WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF
-LATTER DAY SAINTS.
-
-"Eliza R. Snow was born in Becket, Berkshire Co., Mass. Her parents
-were Oliver Snow of Mass., and Rosetta L. Pettibone, of Conn. They
-were of English descent, their parents having emigrated to America
-at an early period. In 1806, the family removed to Mantua, Portage
-Co., Ohio." Mr. and Mrs. Snow bestowed great care upon the education
-of their daughter, intellectual and domestic. She began her literary
-labors when quite young, her contributions over a _nom de plume_
-receiving much admiration.
-
-Her grandfather was a revolutionary soldier, and his reminiscences
-created impressions upon her youthful mind that became part of her
-nature, developing into an intense national devotion.
-
-"Two volumes of her 'Religious, Historical, Political' poems have been
-published, the First in Liverpool, England, in 1856, the Second in
-Salt Lake City." Her poems are life like and embody most of our Church
-history. To select her best poems would make a volume. The one by which
-she is best known, perhaps, is, "O, My Father, thou that dwellest,"
-and ranks in its individuality and popularity as a Latter Day Saints'
-doctrinal hymn, with "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning." It is
-safe to say that these two hymns have wielded an influence beyond our
-power to estimate, in conveying the spirit of the Gospel to the hearts
-of the hearers. I have witnessed throngs of people standing outside a
-"Mormon" place of worship, listening to the singing forgetful for the
-time of their own personal affairs. They have fixed themselves upon the
-memory of all who ever heard them. "O My Father" contains doctrine that
-was new to the world, it was the essence of Mormonism. Every Mormon
-child is familiar with it and would recognize it in any country. It has
-been sung to many tunes, several have been composed for it. Of these, I
-once heard Pres. Brigham Young, in the St. George Temple, designate his
-preference thus: "Will the Parowan choir please sing 'O My Father,' to
-that sweet, gentle air I love so well?" The air was "Gentle Annie," a
-strange choice it sounded, but the effect proved the correctness of his
-taste.
-
-"Sister Eliza early devoted her attention to the Scriptures and in her
-girlhood formed the acquaintance of the famous preacher and scholar,
-Alexander Campbell, and other noted divines. In 1835, she went to
-Kirtland, Ohio, and boarded in the family of the Prophet Joseph,
-teaching a select school for young ladies. Miss Snow returned home to
-visit her parents but on the 1st of January, 1837, bade farewell to her
-paternal home, to share the joys or the afflictions of the Latter Day
-Saints.
-
-"She became a governess to the children of the Prophet, and was a
-companion for Emma, his wife, for a number of years.
-
-"From means she brought with her, Miss Snow gave freely toward building
-the Kirtland Temple. Persecution soon arose and raged so that, with
-her family who had now joined the Church, she left Kirtland, going
-to Davies Co., Mo. On the 10th of December, 1838, Miss Snow with her
-father's family, left Davies Co., the Mormons in that locality having
-been ordered by the Governor to leave the county within ten days.
-
-"They passed through almost unendurable sufferings, and reaching Far
-West found the Prophet and many others had been dragged to jail leaving
-their families destitute. March 1839, they left Far West leaving much
-of their property behind. Eliza and her sister stopped in Quincy, Ill.,
-awhile. In July 1839, Miss Snow went to Commerce, (since called Nauvoo)
-to teach school. During her seven years' residence there she wrote much
-and advanced rapidly in her knowledge of the principles of the Gospel.
-Here, the Relief Society was organized by Joseph, March, 1842, and
-Sister Eliza was chosen for secretary." There are now three hundred
-branches of the Relief Society. "Eliza was at this time the wife of
-the Prophet. In the latter part of July 1842, Mrs. Smith, President
-of the Relief Society, proposed a petition to Governor Carlin, asking
-his protection of Joseph. Sister Eliza, as secretary, wrote the
-petition which was signed by several hundred ladies, and in company
-with President Emma and Mrs. Warren Smith visited the Governor at his
-residence in Quincy, Adams Co., Ill., where they were most cordially
-received by the Governor. He replied to them, 'I believe Mr. Smith is
-innocent.' Soon after their return home they learned that the Governor
-in connection with Missouri officials was plotting the destruction of
-the lives of those noble men.
-
-"The Prophet and Patriarch were massacred! For awhile, thought of all
-else was forgotten but this overwhelming woe. But God gave them his
-sustaining love, and Eliza, widowed, turned again to the work Joseph
-had established, consecrating even her life to its service. The Temple
-was at length finished, and Sister Eliza then began another era,
-ministering in the Temple in the holy rites that pertain to the House
-of the Lord, as Priestess and Mother in Israel to hundreds of her sex.
-
-"In Feb., 1846, she left Nauvoo, on her way to the Rocky Mountains.
-At the middle Fork of Green River they stopped at one of the resting
-places. Here Sister Eliza and friends with whom the latter traveled,
-lived in a log house laid up like children's cob houses, with cracks
-from one to four inches wide. A tent cloth stretched over the top,
-blankets and carpets hung up inside as protection against the inclement
-weather. On the 19th of August when they were leaving here, they were
-minus a teamster. Sister Eliza undertook to drive ox team, and after
-some experience became an adept. August 27th they crossed the Missouri
-river, and on the 28th, arrived at Winter Quarters. From constant
-exposure and continued hardships Sister Eliza broke down. Fever set in,
-chills and fever followed; heavy rains came on and she was wet nearly
-from head to foot. She felt that she stood at the gates of death, it
-was but a step beyond, and once inside the portals she would be free
-from pain and suffering. But the great lifework lay before her, and
-she summoned courage and supreme faith to her aid. They moved into a
-log house partly finished, no chinking, no chimney. The fire was built
-on one side, and the room which had no floor was always filled with
-smoke. The cooking had to be done out of doors, the intense cold being
-preferable to the smoke." About the close of the year she received the
-sad news of the death of her mother.
-
-"April 7th, 1847, the pioneers under the direction of President Brigham
-Young started to find a gathering place for the Pilgrim Saints. In June
-Sister Eliza resumed her journey westward. Nursing the sick in tents
-and wagons, and burying the dead by the wayside in the wild desert
-were indeed mournful, yes, pitiful. On the 4th of August, several of
-the Mormon Battallion returning to Winter Quarters, met the Pilgrim
-Companies, and joyful indeed was the meeting for they were husbands,
-fathers, brothers and sons of women who were in those companies. They
-soon met the returning pioneers and heard of the resting place found,
-and arrived safely in the valley in October. Here Sister Eliza took
-up her abode with Mrs. Clara Decker Young. Shortly after, the Saints
-numbering six hundred arrived in the valley, a pole was erected and the
-_flag_ which had been preserved with the greatest care, was raised. *
-* As time passed on a place was selected and consecrated in which holy
-ordinances might be administered. Sister Eliza was called upon to take
-part, in which calling she has officiated up to the present. When the
-wards and settlements were pretty generally systematized, Pres. Young
-re-organized the Relief Society. He called on Sister Eliza to assist,
-and associate with her in the labor, Zina D. Young; this gave to them
-the precedence which they have since held.
-
-"At a Mass Meeting held in this city January 13th, 1870, in the Old
-Tabernacle, (where the Assembly Hall now stands) by about 6,000 women
-to protest against the 'Cullom Bill,' Sister Eliza made a strong
-and brilliant speech. Politically this was the turning point in the
-history of the women of Utah. A few weeks later and the women of Utah
-received the right of franchise. They will ever hold Governor S. A.
-Mann in special grateful remembrance. * * In 1854-5, the Lion House
-was completed and Sister Eliza has ever since resided there. It was
-some years later before the domestic spinning, dyeing and weaving were
-discontinued, in these things Sister Eliza also excelled.
-
-"In 1869, the Retrenchment Meetings were by the counsel of Pres. Young,
-organized. An association with a presiding board of seven officers.
-These meetings are still held in the Fourteenth Ward Assembly Rooms
-semi-monthly, at the same hour, the same ladies presiding, excepting
-Sister M. T. Smoot since removed to Provo. Here good instructions are
-given, and here the Junior Associations' secretaries bring the minutes
-of their respective Wards' Meetings, also the secretaries of the
-Primary Associations, (girls under twelve years of age, generally,)
-thus bringing together for mutual benefit an interchange of ideas,
-experience and suggestions, the aged veterans, the younger matrons and
-maidens, and little children.
-
-"October 26th, 1872, Sister Eliza left Salt Lake City on a journey
-to the Holy Land, her brother, Apostle Lorenzo Snow, joining her in
-Ogden. Pres. George A. Smith and party met them in New York. They took
-the steamer for Liverpool November 5th. In Rome Sister Eliza spent
-five days, visited Naples, Corfu, Alexandria, Cairo, Suez, Joppa,
-the plains of Sharon, the Valley of Ajelon became realized, and in
-due time they beheld Jerusalem. This tour through the Holy Land was
-a mission pertaining to the Latter Day Work. An account of the trip
-was published in book form, entitled 'Palestine Tourists.' Sunday,
-March 2nd, 1873, they ascended the Mount of Olives, and held service
-there after the manner of the Holy Priesthood as revealed in this
-dispensation. March 25th, embarked for Constantinople. Sister Eliza had
-been enduring twenty-nine days of tent life, and twenty-one of riding
-on horseback. And this in her seventieth year! At Athens they took
-tea with the American Minister, and met the American Consul General
-to Constantinople. They visited Munich then went to Vienna and thence
-to Hamburg. May 16th, 1873, they took steamer for London, and met the
-Saints in their Conference, May 25th. Embarked for home on the 28th.
-Returning early in July, she visited many old scenes and friends of her
-early life, received with honors from place to place. So quiet was her
-return to Utah, that four days elapsed before her many friends became
-aware of it. A brief rest sufficed, Sister Eliza could not be idle. She
-visited Ogden and Provo in August, Cache Valley in September, holding
-meetings in these and many other places.
-
-"Just after the October Conference of 1876, Sister Eliza entered
-upon the superintendency of the 'Woman's Store,' a Commission House
-for Utah home made goods. Officers and employees were women. During
-this year she prepared her second volume of poems for the press, also
-assisted in selecting and preparing the manuscript for the 'Women of
-Mormondom,' and in raising funds for its publication, and not least of
-all, gave the proof her attention. Also still continued her labors in
-the House of the Lord." At this time occurred the death of President
-Brigham Young. To one so disciplined in order, with such continuity
-of purpose, such adhesiveness to principle and friends, it would
-seem that to ordinary persons, the loss of one in whose house she
-had her place, and whose friendship and counsels she had shared for
-over twenty-five years, would be an overwhelming shock. But the same
-strength of mind which had risen from the martyrdom of the Prophet
-and Patriarch supported her again, and she "renewed her diligence, if
-it were possible, in her broad field of labor." Political events and
-duties occupied her attention during December and January 1878. During
-the ensuing summer she traveled hundreds of miles, holding generally
-two meetings a day wherever they stopped. While attending a meeting at
-Farmington, Davis Co., the efforts of Sister Aurelia Spencer Rogers
-received her consideration and the Primary Associations, for children,
-became part of our system. "The first Organization at Farmington dates
-from September 7th, 1878; about this time an Association was organized
-in the Eleventh Ward of this city, taking the lead." This new feature
-so suggestive of great benefit to the children so enlisted her feelings
-that she has visited most of the settlements and wards in this matter
-organizing Associations. Sister Eliza returned from a long tour of
-missionary labor just in time to preside at a grand Mass Meeting of
-15,000 women, held in the Theatre, November 16th, 1878, in reply to
-representations of the Anti-Polygamic Society. The year 1880 was spent
-visiting the L. D. S. Women's Organizations, and the production of the
-Childrens Primary Hymn Book, soon followed by a tune book to accompany
-the above. On Saturday, July 17th, Fourteenth Ward Assembly Rooms,
-President John Taylor ordained Sister Eliza to the office to which she
-had been elected; President of Latter Day Saints' Women's Organizations
-throughout the world, wherever our people are; also, Sister Zina D. H.
-Young as her First Counselor, Elizabeth A. Whitney (since deceased)
-Second Counselor, Sarah M. Kimball as Secretary, and Mary Isabella
-Horne as Treasurer.
-
-"In August Sister Eliza visited Sanpete Co., and in Thistle Valley
-assisted the Bishop in organizing a Relief Society, with an Indian
-sister as a counselor; the first Indian woman ordained and set apart to
-an office in this dispensation. November 8th, Sister Eliza accompanied
-by Sister Zina D. Young, left home for St. George to do a work in the
-Temple. They traveled over one thousand miles in carriages and wagons,
-doing missionary work among the Saints. In St. George the anniversary
-of Sister Eliza's birthday was publicly celebrated, and on the same day
-the people of Weber Stake paid a delicate tribute to the honorable lady
-by a similar celebration at Ogden City.
-
-"Sisters Eliza and Zina returned from St. George March 31st, and were
-met at the depot by a party of thirty ladies who escorted them to the
-Lion House, where a reception, a welcome home, awaited them. In 1881,
-during the intervals of her many public duties, she prepared her new
-book Bible Questions and Answers. In September, visited Thistle Valley,
-organizing a Primary Association with ten little Indian children
-enrolled as members. April 1883, the Relief Society was organized
-among the Indians at Washakie, an Indian village in Box Elder Co.
-After duly considering the long-felt necessity among our own people
-of an institution for the sick and injured, where the ordinances of
-faith might be administered freely and without restraint, in fact, one
-that we might term our own, and as one of the links in our system of
-organizations, the sisters took a course that led to the establishment
-of the Deseret Hospital, at which institution the dedication services
-were held, July 17th, 1882, by the First Presidency, Stake Presidency,
-Apostles Wilford Woodruff and F. D. Richards; Mayor William Jennings,
-C. W. Penrose, Editor _Deseret News_, L. John Nuttall and Joseph Horne
-being present. Eliza R. S. Smith, President, E. B. Wells, Secretary."
-
-I will conclude this brief sketch with one of her latest poems:
-
- BURY ME QUIETLY WHEN I DIE.
-
- When my spirit ascends to the world above,
- To smile with the choirs in celestial love,
- Let the finger of silence control the bell,
- To restrain the chime of a funeral knell,
- Let no mourning strain--not a sound be heard,
- By which a pulse of the heart is stirred--
- No note of sorrow to prompt a sigh;
- Bury me quietly when I die.
-
- I am aiming to earn a celestial crown--
- To merit a heavenly; pure renown;
- And, whether in grave or in tomb I'm laid,
- Beneath the tall oak or the cypress shade;
- Whether at home with dear friends around;
- Or in distant lands upon stranger ground--
- Under wintry clouds or a summer sky;
- Bury me quietly when I die.
-
- What avail the parade and the splendor here,
- To a legal heir to a heavenly sphere?
- To the heirs of salvation what is the worth,
- In their perishing state, the frail things of earth?
- What is death to the good, but an entrance gate
- That is placed on the verge of a rich estate
- Where commissioned escorts are waiting by?
- Bury me quietly when I die.
-
- On the "iron rod" I have laid my hold;
- If I keep the faith, and like Paul of old
- Shall have "fought the good fight" and Christ the Lord
- Has a crown in store with a full reward
- Of the holy priesthood in fulness rife,
- With the gifts and the powers of an endless life,
- And a glorious mansion for me on high;
- Bury me quietly when I die.
-
- Like a beacon that rises o'er ocean's wave,
- There's a light--there's a life beyond the grave;
- The future is bright and it beckons me on
- Where the noble and pure and the brave have gone;
- Those who have battled for truth with their mind and might,
- With their garments clean and their armor bright;
- They are dwelling with God in a world on high:
- Bury me quietly when I die.
-
-
-
-ZINA D. H. YOUNG,
-
-FIRST COUNSELOR TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE L. D. S. WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS.
-
-"And he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the
-hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the
-earth with a curse." How fitting are these sacred words to the subject
-of this sketch and her family. In obedience to this command renewed in
-this dispensation, searching through their genealogical records for ten
-generations back, they have brought forth to light, and to eternal life
-in the celestial kingdom of God, the forgotten and unknown ancestry of
-their family, finding now and then some noble representative of their
-race linked with even a kingdom's honor, and at last, far back, upon
-the throne of England.
-
-Sister Zina's career of religious devotion and service is not a new
-feature in the Huntington family, nor America a new field of labor to
-them. One hundred years ago Lady Salina Huntington, saving to herself
-only sufficient for the real needs of life, devoted a great portion
-of her vast fortune to missionary service, for the introduction of
-Christianity among the North American Indians, by the founding of
-schools for the natives and the support of ministers and teachers.
-"She allowed herself but one dress a year. Lady Salina Huntington was
-the second daughter of the Earl of Ferrars. She was born in 1707, and
-was the co-laborer of Whitefield and Wesley. 'The pedigree of Lady
-Huntington and her husband, and of George Washington, first President
-of the United States, (as traced by Mapleson in his researches) meet in
-the same parentage.' 'Lady Huntington and her chaplains often journeyed
-during the summer, making their presence a means of religious revivals
-wherever they went. A church needed. With her, to resolve was to
-accomplish. Her jewels she determined to offer to the Lord. They were
-sold for six hundred and ninety-eight pounds, and with this she erected
-a house of worship in 1760. Her daughter, Lady Salina, was one of the
-six earls daughters chosen to assist the Princess Augusta to bear the
-train of Queen Charlotte on her coronation day." Did it foreshadow an
-era of revelations dawning upon the world, when she prayed "that God
-would give us new bread, not stale, but what was baked in the oven that
-day." Lady Huntington built seven chapels, her private property, beside
-aiding sixty others. At the age of eighty-four a few hours before
-the last struggle she whispered joyfully, "I shall go to my Father
-tonight," and so she went home, June 17th, 1791.
-
-Thus by birthright and by heritage is the land of Freedom the
-Huntingtons' field of religious labor. The mantles of Lady Huntington
-and remoter noble ancestors have at last been lifted from the silence
-and the shadows of departed centuries to the shoulders of worthy
-descendants and representatives, who are doing works of greater
-magnitude than they ever comprehended. Superintended by Dimock B.
-Huntington, and assisted by the family, Zina and her sister Prescinda
-have been baptized for ten generations, numbering nearly five thousand.
-
-By permission I select from matter collected and published by Emmeline
-B. Wells, in _Woman's Exponent_ the following portions of biography:
-
-"Zina Diantha Huntington was born January 31st, 1821, at Watertown. Her
-father was William Huntington, her mother Zina Baker, whose father was
-one of the first physicians in New Hampshire. Her grandmother on the
-mother's side was Dorcas Dimock, 'descended from the noble family of
-Dimocks, whose representatives held the hereditary knight-championship
-of England; instance: Sir Edward Dymock, Queen Elizabeth's champion.'
-
-"The father of Mrs. Zina D. H. Young was also a patriot and served
-in the war of 1812. Samuel Huntington, one of the signers of the
-Declaration of Independence, was the uncle of this old revolutionary
-soldier. She says: 'My father's family is directly descended from
-Simon Huntington, the Puritan immigrant who sailed for America in
-1633. He died at sea, but left three sons and his widow, Margaret.
-The church records of Roxbury, Mass., contain the earliest record of
-the Huntington name known in New England, and is in the handwriting
-of the Rev. John Elliot himself, the pastor of that ancient church.
-This is the record: 'Margaret Huntington, widow, came in 1633, her
-husband died by the way of small pox. She brought children with her.'
-'My grandfather, Wm. Huntington, the revolutionary soldier, married
-Prescinda Lathrop, and was one of the first settlers in the Black River
-Valley, Northern New York. The Huntingtons and Lathrops intermarried,
-and my sister Prescinda Lathrop Huntington, bears the family name
-of generations.' The Huntingtons embraced the Gospel at Watertown,
-New York, and Zina D., when only fifteen years old was baptized by
-the Patriarch Hyrum Smith, August 14th, 1835, and soon after went to
-Kirtland with her father's family. In this year she received the gift
-of tongues. On one occasion in the Kirtland Temple she heard a whole
-invisible choir of angels singing, till the house seemed filled with
-numberless voices. At Kirtland she received the gift of interpretation.
-She was also at the memorable Pentecost when the spirit of God filled
-the house like a mighty, rushing wind. Zina was also a member of the
-Kirtland Temple Choir, of whom but few are now living.
-
-Sister Zina experienced the persecutions in Missouri, during which the
-mother died from fatigue and privation, and only two of their family
-were able to follow her remains to their resting place. She says; "Thus
-died my martyred mother."
-
-Sister Zina was married in Nauvoo, and had two sons, but this not
-proving a happy union, she subsequently separated from her husband.
-Joseph Smith taught her the principle of marriage for eternity, and she
-accepted it as a divine revelation, and was sealed to the Prophet for
-time and eternity, after the order of the new and everlasting Covenant.
-
-Sister Zina was a member of the first organization of the Relief
-Society at Nauvoo, and when the Temple was ready for the ordinances to
-be performed, received there her blessings and endowments. After the
-martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph and Hyrum, she was united in marriage
-for time to Brigham Young, and with the Saints left Nauvoo in the month
-of February, crossing the Mississippi on the ice. Arriving at Mt.
-Pisgah, a resting place for the exiles, Father Huntington was called
-to preside and Zina D., with her two little boys remained with him
-temporarily. Sickness visited the camp, and deaths were so frequent
-that help could not be obtained to make coffins. Many were buried with
-split logs at the bottom of the grave and brush at the sides, that
-being all that could be done by mourning friends. Her father was taken
-sick, in eighteen days he died. After these days of trial she went to
-Winter Quarters, and was welcomed into the family of Brigham Young.
-With them, she in May 1848, began the journey to this valley, walking,
-driving team, cooking beside camp-fires, and in September arrived here,
-living in tents and wagons until log houses could be built. Here, April
-3rd, 1850, was born Zina, daughter of Brigham Young and Zina D. Young.
-
-When the Relief Society was reorganized in Utah by President Brigham
-Young, Sister Zina was one of the first identified with that work, as
-Treasurer, and when Sister Eliza was called to preside over all the
-Relief Societies, she chose Zina as her Counselor.
-
-One of the most useful fields of her labor, has been sericulture. She
-has raised cocoons, attending to them with her own hands, and had
-charge of a large cocoonery and mulberry orchard belonging to President
-Young. When the Silk Association was organized, June 15th, 1876, she
-was chosen President. Great good was accomplished, mulberry trees were
-planted and cocoons raised in every part of the Territory where the
-climate would permit. A good article of silk was manufactured with
-home machinery." Sister Zina also took a course of medical studies,
-being perhaps the first to adopt the wish of President Young, for
-as many of the sisters as would be useful for the practice in the
-many settlements, among their own sex; to qualify themselves. Ladies
-came from different settlements, stimulated by her example. "In all
-departments of woman's labor for the public good, Sister Zina had been
-found at her post doing her share of active work in the best manner
-possible. She has traveled among the different settlements visiting
-organized societies, or assisting Sister Eliza or the local authorities
-in organizing. "At a Mass Meeting of ladies held in this city, November
-16th, 1878, Sister Zina delivered a very eloquent impromptu address."
-I was one of the reporters on that occasion, and noting the increasing
-earnestness in her voice and words, raised my eyes to her standing just
-before the table we were using. Suddenly, as though her words struck
-home like an electric shock, several gentlemen sitting at my right
-hand, clutching the arms of their chairs, started as though they would
-rise to their feet; their faces burning with the truths they heard,
-their eyes fixed upon her fearless face and uplifted hands. I can never
-forget that moment. It was more than eloquence, it was inspiration. I
-will quote that portion of her address.
-
-"The principle of our religion that is assailed is one that lies
-deep in my heart. Could I ask the heavens to listen; could I beseech
-the earth to be still, and the brave men who possess the spirit of
-a Washington to hear what I am about to say. I am the daughter of a
-Master Mason! I am the widow of a Master Mason, who, when leaping from
-the window of Carthage Jail pierced with bullets, made the Masonic sign
-of distress; but, gentlemen, (addressing the representatives of the
-press that were present) those signs were not heeded except by the God
-of heaven. That man, the Prophet of the Almighty, was massacred without
-mercy! Sisters, this is the first time in my life that I have dared to
-give utterance to this fact, but I thought I could trust my soul to
-say it on this occasion; and I say it now in the fear of Israel's God,
-and I say it in the presence of these gentlemen and I wish my voice
-could be heard by the whole brotherhood of Masons throughout our proud
-land. That institution I honor. If its principles were practiced and
-strictly adhered to would there be a trespass upon virtue? No indeed.
-Would the honorable wife or daughter be intruded upon with impunity?
-Nay, verily. Would that the ladies of America, with the honorable Mrs.
-Hayes at their head; would that the Congress of the United States,
-the law makers of our nation, could produce a balm for the many evils
-which exist in our land through the abuse of virtue, or could so
-legislate that virtue could be protected and cherished as the life
-which heaven has given us. We in common with many women throughout
-our broad land would hail with joy the approach of such deliverance,
-for such is the deliverance that woman needs. The principle of plural
-marriage is honorable; it is a principle of the Gods, it is heaven
-born. God revealed it to us as a saving principle; we have accepted it
-as such, and we know it is of him for the fruits of it are holy. Even
-the Saviour, Himself, traces his lineage back to polygamic parents.
-We are proud of the principle because we know its true worth, and we
-want our children to practice it, that through us a race of men and
-women may grow up possessing sound minds in sound bodies, who shall
-live to the age of a tree." "During the summer of 1879, Sister Zina
-decided to take a trip to the Sandwich Islands for her health, and was
-accompanied by Miss Susa Young. She had the opportunity of meeting many
-persons of note to whom she imparted correct information regarding
-our people; distributing tracts and books. Great respect was paid her
-and many ovations. She assisted the native members of our church in
-getting an organ for their meetings, and contributed liberally for
-other benevolent purposes." "On her return she spent most of her time
-attending meetings of the various organizations. Sericulture was not
-forgotten or neglected. She also continued her labors in the House
-of the Lord. In the fall of 1880, Sisters Zina and Eliza went to St.
-George, to labor in the Temple, and visit the organizations of the
-women and children, wherever practicable. They held meetings by the
-way, often camped out over night, and traveled thus over one thousand
-miles. Returning March 31st, 1881, they were met at the depot by a
-party of thirty ladies, in carriages, who escorted them to the Lion
-House where a reception of welcome home awaited them.
-
-August 20th, 1881, Sister Zina, accompanied by her foster son, Lieut.
-Willard Young, started for New York to gather up the records of her
-relatives. Dr. E. B. Ferguson was going to pursue her medical studies
-further in some branches, to be of greater service among the people.
-Previous to their going, they were blest and set apart by the First
-Presidency of the Church, to speak upon the principles of our faith if
-opportunity presented.
-
-Sister Zina was cordially received by her relatives, and invited to
-speak in Sunday School and Temperance Meetings. Visited New York City,
-and listened to many celebrated divines. Attended the Woman's Congress
-at Buffalo, N. Y., but was refused five minutes to represent the women
-of Utah. Visited Watertown, N. Y., then to Vermont, and thence to
-Albany Co., and spoke in several meetings. Sister Zina returned to
-New York to attend the N. W. S. A. Convention, without opportunity
-of addressing them. She however assisted the brethren in organizing
-a Relief Society in New York. With Lieut. Willard Young she visited
-West Point. Mrs. Young returned to this city March 7th, received by
-her daughters and many friends, the return being the occasion for a
-most delightful party. On the Friday following, the Relief Society
-Conference convened, and her many friends had the opportunity of
-welcoming her home.
-
-Picture and words are alike powerless to convey the beauty of her
-face, her spirit and her life. Each succeeding year adds a tenderer
-line to her face, a sweeter, gentler intonation to her voice, a more
-perceptible power to her spirit from the celestial fountains of faith;
-widens the circle of her friends, strengthens and deepens their love
-for her, and brings a richer harvest of noble labors to her name. Could
-I say more? I could not say less of her who has for eighteen years been
-my most intimate friend, my counselor, my second mother. A mother, not
-to me alone, to her belongs in its sweetest, widest sense, the name--a
-"mother in Israel."
-
-
-
-MARY ISABELLA HORNE,
-
-TREASURER OF THE PRESIDING BOARD OF THE L. D. S. WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS.
-
-"I was born November 20th, 1818, in the town of Rainshaw, County
-of Kent, England. I am the daughter of Stephen and Mary Ann Hales,
-and the eldest daughter of a large family. My parents were honest,
-industrious people. I was taught to pray when very young, to be honest
-and truthful, to be kind to my associates, and to do good to all around
-us. My early years were spent in attending school and in assisting my
-mother in domestic duties."
-
-"Mrs. Horne's father was a Methodist, and her mother a member of the
-Church of England. Mrs. Horne as a child, had very strong religious
-tendencies, and when requested by her Sabbath School teacher to commit
-to memory two or three verses from the Bible, she would learn a whole
-chapter or perhaps two, and recite without being prompted.
-
-"When only in her eleventh year, she became so fascinated with the
-Bible that her leisure hours after the labors of the day were over,
-were employed in reading and studying the history and incidents,
-the sublime parables and teachings contained in that sacred work;
-thus prepared to receive in due time the Gospel of the new and last
-dispensation. In 1832, Mrs. Horne's parents decided to emigrate, and
-concluded to go to upper Canada. April 6th, they left England with a
-family of five sons and two daughters.
-
-"One little boy died upon the way. On the 16th of June, they arrived in
-York, strangers in a strange land, where the cholera was making fearful
-ravages, but the Lord preserved them all in health. The following
-spring, 1833, the family removed to the country, about eight miles from
-York. Mrs. Hales' health was delicate and the care of the whole family
-devolved upon Mary Isabella, only fifteen years of age.
-
-"In the spring of 1834, she attended a Methodist camp meeting in the
-neighborhoood, where she first met Mr. Joseph Horne, and two years
-afterward, Joseph Horne and Mary Isabella were united in marriage on
-the 9th of May, 1836."
-
-Only about one month of their wedded life had passed when they heard a
-rumor that a man professing to be sent of God, to preach to the people
-would hold a meeting about a mile distant.
-
-Mr. and Mrs. Horne attended this meeting and there they first heard
-the Gospel, proclaimed by Elder Orson Pratt, but little knew how the
-course of their life would be changed by receiving this great light.
-Mrs. Horne was baptized in July, 1836, by Elder Orson Hyde, and ever
-after her house was a home for the elders, and a place where meetings
-were held. In the latter part of the summer of 1837, she first saw the
-Prophet Joseph, also Sidney Rigdon and Thomas B. Marsh." She says: "On
-shaking hands with the Prophet Joseph Smith, I received the holy spirit
-in such great abundance that I felt it thrill my whole system from the
-crown of my head to the soles of my feet. I had never beheld so lovely
-a countenance, nobility and goodness were in every feature. I said to
-myself, 'O Lord, I thank thee for granting the desire of my girlish
-heart in permitting me to associate with prophets and apostles.'" "In
-March 1838, while the weather was still wintry, Mr. and Mrs. Horne
-bade farewell to their home, and with a few saints started for the
-gathering-place of the people of God.
-
-"At Huntsville, Mrs. Horne was introduced to Father and Mother Smith;
-Father Smith was the Patriarch of the church, and under his hands she
-received a patriarchal blessing. In August, with a babe less than a
-month old, they removed to Far West, and were obliged to go into a
-log house without doors or windows. It was about this time that the
-excitement in Missouri raged, and persecution was at its height. Mrs.
-Horne was alone much night and day, her husband being on guard. In the
-spring of 1839, Mrs. Horne and family left Missouri as exiles, and
-sought an asylum in Quincy, Ill., where for awhile they had peace.
-While in Quincy, Mrs. Horne was one of those favored ones who had the
-privilege of entertaining and waiting upon the Prophet Joseph and
-Hyrum, the Patriarch. In the month of March, Mr. and Mrs. Horne moved
-to Nauvoo by wagon, over the then wild prairies. They lived in a lumber
-shanty for eight months, and in November Mr. Horne moved his family
-into his own house, still unfinished. Here in 'Nauvoo the beautiful,'
-Mr. Horne through diligent labor at last succeeded in establishing a
-flourishing business and his family were looked upon by the Saints as
-quite well situated. On the 2nd of April, 1844, Mrs. Horne received a
-patriarchal blessing under the hands of Hyrum Smith, the patriarch of
-the Church." On the 27th of the June following, occurred the martyrdom
-of Joseph and Hyrum. Mrs. Horne says, "On the 28th day of June, I took
-my last look on earth of Joseph and Hyrum Smith! May I never experience
-another day similar to that. I do not wish to recall the scene." On the
-9th of July was born her fifth son. In January, 1846, Mrs. Horne went
-into the Nauvoo Temple, receiving the ordinances of the House of the
-Lord, and assisted in administering to others. In February Mr. Horne
-closed his business and bade adieu to their home and camped with the
-Saints on Sugar Creek, Iowa.
-
-In March moved on to Garden Grove, and then to Mt. Pisgah. Here, Mrs.
-Horne had born to her a daughter, born in a wagon. When the babe was
-three days old, Mrs. Horne started again on her way, arriving at
-Council Bluffs about the last of June, moving into a log cabin. Here
-she was so sick it was feared she would not recover. Elder Orson Pratt
-administered to her and prophesied she would do a good work in Israel.
-In June of the same year, she left with the first company across the
-plains that followed the pioneers to the valley of Salt Lake. That
-was indeed a remarkable journey and all those who traveled hither
-at that time deserve the title of pioneers. They opened the way and
-braved the perils of the desert and the experience of living in this
-sterile land. They ploughed and planted and fought against the fearful
-odds of crickets, grasshoppers and death. The company in which Mrs.
-Horne traveled, arrived here October 6th, 1847, and as soon as the
-Fort was completed she moved into it, and lived in a log cabin two
-years, enduring all the exigencies incident to the settling of a new
-Indian country, among which were living on short rations, a part of
-which was roots and thistles. On the 16th of January, 1849, another
-daughter was added to the family. As soon as possible after arriving
-in a new and destitute country, Mr. and Mrs. Horne made themselves a
-home in the Fourteenth Ward, which they still retain. "In speaking of
-her first knowledge of the order of celestial marriage, she says, she
-has had strong testimony for herself that it is of God. Mrs. Horne has
-borne herself nobly in all the different phases of plural domestic
-relations." Mrs. Horne was a member of the Relief Society in Nauvoo,
-and in the first organization of the Fourteenth Ward in this city, was
-a counselor to President Phoebe W. Woodruff.
-
-In May, 1858, Mrs. Horne moved as far south as Parowan, her husband
-being called on a mission still further south, in "Dixie." Against
-every disadvantage, Mrs. Horne performed this journey of two hundred
-and fifty miles, this mother with her ten children, the youngest a
-babe of six months. In September their mission was fulfilled and Mrs.
-Horne returned home, Mr. Horne returning from his mission soon after.
-December 12th, 1867, Mrs. Horne was chosen by Bishop A. Hoagland, of
-the Fourteenth Ward, to preside over the Relief Society in that ward.
-It was a great surprise to her, she was at that time very timid.
-
-Under the wise management of the President, the society increased in
-numbers, great good was accomplished in the relief of the poor and
-afflicted, and means multiplied in the Treasury. A two story brick
-building has been erected by the society, part of which is rented for
-a store, and the upper story used for meetings. The society also own
-a good granary and a quantity of wheat. Mrs. Horne's success as a
-leader was so apparent and her course so consistent, President Young
-had such confidence in her, he gave her a very important mission among
-the sisters; this was called Retrenchment. In due time a meeting was
-held in the Fifteenth Ward Schoolhouse, and from there adjourned to the
-Fourteenth Ward Assembly Rooms, and from that time until the present,
-Mrs. Horne has presided at these regular semi-monthly meetings of
-the Ladies' General Retrenchment Associations. When President Young
-instructed Sister Eliza to go through the Territory and organize the
-young ladies into associations for mutual improvement, Mrs. Horne
-was called to assist. She has organized many of the Young Ladies
-Associations, also Primary Associations. At the time of the passage
-of the Cullom Bill in January, 1876, a grand Mass Meeting was called
-to convene in the Old Tabernacle, Salt Lake City. Mrs. Horne took an
-active part in the proceedings, being one of the committee to draft
-resolutions. In February following, the bill was passed, granting
-suffrage to the women of Utah. Mrs. Horne was one of a committee of
-ladies who waited upon Governor S. A. Mann to express the gratitude of
-Mormon women for his signing of the document. December 1877, Mrs. Horne
-was chosen to preside over the Relief Societies of this stake of Zion.
-She was elected a delegate from Salt Lake County, to the Territorial
-Convention held in this city, commencing October 9th, and was called
-upon to address them. Mrs. Horne was one of the committee appointed to
-wait upon the delegate nominated at the Convention, and inform him of
-the honor conferred upon him.
-
-When Mrs. Horne was sixty years of age, upon the demise of her
-daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lydia Weiler Horne, she took the babe six weeks
-old to raise. This after rearing a family, and seeing each take honored
-places in the world.
-
-Mrs. Horne has been an officer and worker in the silk industry from the
-beginning. At the organization of the board of officers for the Deseret
-Hospital, May 1882, Mrs. Horne was elected Chairman of the Executive
-Committee.
-
-November 20th, 1882, was the forty-sixth anniversary of Mr. and Mrs.
-Horne's wedding day. At the reception they held, an elegant photograph
-album was presented from lady friends, each of whom was to contribute
-her picture. Congratulations from children, Mayor Jennings and Judge
-Miner, with loving and sincere good wishes from all, for the future,
-made this a day long to be remembered."
-
-I am indebted to the pen of Emmeline B. Wells, editor of the "Woman's
-Exponent," for the points I have selected for this sketch, to whom
-the original referred me as possessing all I would wish to obtain.
-Perhaps, it would be no more than justice to the author, to quote
-also from the same source, the record her family have so far, made,
-thereby reflecting credit upon their noble parents. It will also give
-to the world the history in brief of _one_ Mormon family, reared in the
-teachings, examples and associations of Mormonism, not omitting the
-system of celestial marriage.
-
-"By their fruits ye shall know them."
-
-"Henry, the eldest son, was for eleven years Bishop in Paris, Idaho, in
-1880, moved to Arizona, to assist in colonizing there.
-
-"Joseph, when about twenty years of age, was called on a mission to
-Switzerland, where he obtained a thorough knowledge of the German
-language. Returned, and was for ten years Bishop of Gunnison, Sanpete
-Co., again called to Switzerland to preside over the Swiss and German
-missions and edit the _Stern_. In 1878, he was called to the Bishopric
-in Richfield, Sevier Co., is also mayor of that city.
-
-"Richard is a teacher; was superintendent of Sunday-schools in Beaver,
-and has filled several home missions.
-
-"John, the youngest son, was the first President of the Young Men's
-Mutual Improvement Association in the Fourteenth Ward. Her eldest
-daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Webb, lives in Millard Co., a lady who might
-grace any society.
-
-"Nora married George, son of Orson Spencer, somewhat famous in Church
-history for his valuable writings and great missionary work in America
-and Europe.
-
-"Julia married Wm. Burton, and died one year after marriage, leaving a
-baby daughter. She was the first President of the Young Ladies Mutual
-Improvement Association of the Fourteenth Ward.
-
-"Cornelia was later made the President. Miss Cornelia was also for
-three or four years business manager of the _Woman's Exponent_. She is
-the wife of James Clayton.
-
-"Minnie, her twin sister, was for several years Secretary of the Young
-Ladies Mutual Improvement Association and the Sunday-school. Since her
-marriage with Wm. James, she is President of the Seventh Ward Primary
-Association.
-
-"Mattie is a counselor to the President of all the Young Ladies Mutual
-Improvement Associations of the Church. When the _Woman's Exponent_ was
-first published, Miss Mattie was the first girl to go into the printing
-office and learn type setting.
-
-"Clara, the youngest, is accomplished, gifted spiritually, and an
-active worker. As her mother is often called from home by public
-duties, the charge of the home rests much of the time with her, a
-position she fills with dignity and ability."
-
-Three babes died in infancy. And the mother of these children now
-honored among men and women, drove team hundreds of miles, not one
-journey, but many, and nearly always with a babe in her arms.
-
-Resting now in the afternoon of life with comforts, honors and love
-surrounding her, Mrs. Horne must look back with satisfaction and
-gratitude upon her life. A few years ago, when I, a timid Secretary of
-the Fourteenth Ward Meetings, used to steal a look at her noble face,
-I used mentally to compare it to that of Washington, and I think still
-I was not mistaken; we, to-day, are struggling for "liberty to worship
-God according to the dictates of our own consciences," and the spirit
-of such as he and his co-laborers are with us and are ours, to counsel
-and to lead, through difficulties unto victory.
-
-
-
-SARAH M. KIMBALL,
-
-SECRETARY OF THE L. D. S. WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS.
-
-"I am the daughter of Oliver Granger and Lydia Dibble Granger, was born
-December 29th, 1818, in the town of Phelps, Ontario Co., New York.
-Of my parents, eight children, only myself and two younger brothers,
-Lafayette and Farley, remain. My father, Oliver Granger, had an
-interesting experience in connection with the coming forth of the Book
-of Mormon. He obtained the book a few months after its publication,
-and while in the city of New York, at Prof. Mott's Eye Infirmary he
-had a 'heavenly vision.' My father was told of a personage who said
-his name was Moroni, that the Book of Mormon, about which his mind was
-exercised, was a true record of great worth, and Moroni instructed
-him (my father) to testify of its truth and that he should hereafter
-be ordained to preach the everlasting Gospel to the children of men.
-Moroni instructed my father to kneel and pray; Moroni and another
-personage knelt with him by the bedside. Moroni repeated words and
-instructed my father to repeat them after him. Moroni then stepped
-behind my father, who was still kneeling, and drew his finger over
-the three back seams of my father's coat, (which my father felt very
-perceptibly) and said, 'A time will come when the Saints will wear
-garments made without seams.' Moroni told my father that he might
-ask for what he most desired and it would be granted. He asked for
-an evidence by which he might know when he was approved of God. The
-evidence or sign was given, and remained with him until his dying hour,
-being more particularly manifest when engaged in prayer and meditation.
-I love the memory of my father. He died in Kirtland, Ohio, August 1843,
-aged forty-seven.
-
-I was married in Kirtland, Orange Co., Ohio, by Warren Cowdery, Esq.,
-September 23rd, 1840, to Hiram Kimball, eldest son of Phineas and
-Abigail Kimball, of West Fairley, Orange Co., Vermont. My parents had
-previously spent a year in Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Ill.; their present
-stay in Ohio was considered only temporary; my father sickened and
-died there the next year. I returned with my husband to his home in
-Nauvoo, Ill., three weeks after my marriage. We boarded six months in
-the family of Dr. Frederick Williams, then went to housekeeping. My
-eldest son was born in Nauvoo, November 22nd, 1841; when the babe was
-three days old a little incident occurred which I will mention. The
-walls of the Nauvoo Temple were about three feet above the foundation.
-The Church was in need of help to assist in raising the Temple walls.
-I belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; my
-husband did not belong to the Church at that time. I wished to help on
-the Temple, but did not like to ask my husband (who owned considerable
-property) to help for my sake. My husband came to my bedside, and as
-he was admiring our three days' old darling, I said, "What is the
-boy worth?" He replied, "O, I don't know, he is worth a great deal."
-I said, "Is he worth a thousand dollars?" The reply was, "Yes, more
-than that if he lives and does well." I said, "Half of him is mine,
-is it not?" "Yes, I suppose so." "Then I have something to help on
-the Temple." He said pleasantly, "You have?" "Yes, and I think of
-turning my share right in as tithing." "Well, I'll see about that."
-Soon after the above conversation Mr. Kimball met the Prophet Joseph
-Smith, President of the Church, and said, "Sarah has got a little the
-advantage of me this time, she proposes to turn out the boy as Church
-property. "President Smith seemed pleased with the joke, and said,
-"I accept all such donations, and from this day the boy shall stand
-recorded, _Church property_." Then turning to Willard Richards, his
-secretary, he said, "Make a record of this, and you are my witness."
-Joseph Smith then said, "Major, (Mr. Kimball was major in the Nauvoo
-Legion) you now have the privilege of paying $500 and retaining
-possession, or receiving $500 and giving possession." Mr. Kimball asked
-if city property was good currency, President Smith replied that it
-was. Then said Mr. Kimball, "How will that reserve block north of the
-Temple suit?" President Smith replied, "It is just what we want." The
-deed was soon made out and transferred in due form. President Smith
-said to me, "You have consecrated your first born son, for this you
-are blessed of the Lord. I bless you in the name of the Lord God of
-Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob. And I seal upon you all the blessings
-that pertain to the faithful. Your name shall be handed down in
-honorable remembrance from generation to generation.
-
-"Your son shall live and be a blessing to you in time, and an honor and
-glory to you throughout the endless eternities (changes) to come. He
-shall be girded about with righteousness and bear the helmet and the
-breast-plate of war. You shall be a blessing to your companion, and the
-honored mother of a noble posterity. You shall stand as a savior to
-your father's house, and receive an everlasting salvation, which I seal
-upon you by the gift of revelation and by virtue and authority of the
-holy priesthood vested in me, in the name of Jesus Christ."
-
-"Early in the year 1842, Joseph Smith taught me the principle of
-marriage for eternity, and the doctrine of plural marriage. He said
-that in teaching this he realized that he jeopardized his life; but God
-had revealed it to him many years before as a privilege with blessings,
-now God had revealed it again and instructed him to teach it with
-commandment, as the Church could travel (progress) no further without
-the introduction of this principle. I asked him to teach it to some
-one else. He looked at me reprovingly, and said, 'Will you tell me who
-to teach it to? God required me to teach it to you, and leave you with
-the responsibility of believing or disbelieving.' He said, 'I will not
-cease to pray for you, and if you will seek unto God in prayer you will
-not be led into temptation.'"
-
-"In the summer of 1843, a maiden lady (Miss Cook) was seamstress for
-me, and the subject of combining our efforts for assisting the Temple
-hands came up in conversation. She desired to be helpful but had no
-means to furnish. I told her I would furnish material if she would
-make some shirts for the workmen. It was then suggested that some of
-our neighbors might wish to combine means and efforts with ours, and
-we decided to invite a few to come and consult with us on the subject
-of forming a Ladies' Society. The neighboring sisters met in my parlor
-and decided to organize. I was delegated to call on Sister Eliza R.
-Snow and ask her to write for us a constitution and by-laws, and submit
-them to President Joseph Smith prior to our next Thursday's meeting.
-She cheerfully responded, and when she read them to him he replied that
-the constitution and by-laws were the best he had ever seen. 'But,'
-he said, 'this is not what you want. Tell the sisters their offering
-is accepted of the Lord, and He has something better for them than a
-written constitution. I invite them all to meet me and a few of the
-brethren in the Masonic Hall over my store next Thursday afternoon,
-and I will organize the sisters under the priesthood after the pattern
-of the priesthood.' He further said, 'The Church was never perfectly
-organized until the women were thus organized.'" He wished to have
-Sister Emma Smith elected to preside in fulfillment of the revelation
-which called her an Elect Lady.
-
-"In the wanderings and persecutions of the Church I have participated,
-and in the blessings, endowments and holy anointings and precious
-promises I have also received. To sorrow I have not been a stranger;
-but I only write this short sketch to instruct and happify, so I will
-skip to Salt Lake City, September, 1851, with my two sons, Hiram and
-Oliver, my widowed mother, Lydia Dibble Granger, Anna Robbins, a girl
-that lived with me nine years and married my youngest brother, and my
-two brothers, Lafayette and Farley B. Granger. My husband was detained
-in New York City, and had become financially much embarrassed. The next
-year he came to me financially ruined and broken in health. I engaged
-in school teaching in the Fourteenth Ward to sustain and educate my
-family. My salary was only $25.00 per month, but that was much to us at
-that time.
-
-"April 1st, 1854, my youngest son was born. I discontinued school three
-months, then opened school in my home. I taught eight years. I should
-have stated that on arriving here I sold our fitout (team, etc.) for a
-comfortable little home, this I have always considered providential.
-The Indian agent gave me a nine-year-old wild Indian girl, whom I
-educated and raised. She died at nineteen. I named her Kate.
-
-"My mother who had lived with me twenty years, died in 1861, aged
-seventy-three. My husband was drowned March 1st, 1863, in the Pacific
-Ocean by the wreck of the steamer, _Ada Hancock_, off the coast of San
-Pedro, on his way to the Sandwich Islands; aged sixty-two.
-
-"I was elected President of the Fifteenth Ward Relief Society February
-7th, 1857. In December, 1865, a little girl was brought to me whom I
-adopted.
-
-"November 13th, 1868, a silver trowel and mallet were furnished me and
-assisted by a Master Mason, and surrounded by an assemblage of people,
-I had the honor of laying the corner stone of the first Relief Society
-building erected in this dispensation."
-
-Sister Sarah M. Kimball possesses a tall, commanding figure, a face of
-remarkable dignity and sincerity in expression. Her manner of speaking
-is original in its strength of reason, rare in its eloquence, precise
-and delicate in selection of words and tone of voice. A phrenologist
-once said of her, that "if she were seated in a railway carriage with
-parties on one hand discussing fashions, and politics to be heard on
-the other, she would turn to the discussion on politics." A statesman,
-a philanthropist, a missionary, in her very nature, she is none the
-less the noble mother and true, fond friend, to those who have known
-her longest and best.
-
-
-
-PRESCENDIA L. KIMBALL.
-
-In attempting a brief sketch of this noble woman's life, it is not
-necessary for me to state in regard to her ancestry, more than to say
-she is the elder sister of Mrs. Zina D. Young, the same genealogical
-references will suffice for both.
-
-"Prescendia Lathrop Huntington was the fourth child of her parents,
-and was born in Watertown, Jefferson County, New York, September
-10th, 1810. Mrs. Kimball is said to be the exact counterpart of the
-Eliza Huntington whose likeness is in the book, the record of the
-Huntingtons, as a type of the race. Sister Prescendia is a woman to
-see once, is to remember always. She reminds one of the dames of olden
-times, large, tall, grand and majestic in figure, dignified in manner,
-yet withal so womanly and sympathetic that she seems the embodiment of
-the motherly element to a degree that would embrace all who came under
-her influence."
-
-"Prescendia Huntington was married at the age of seventeen to Mr.
-Norman Buell. Their first child, George, was born in Mannsville,
-December 12th, 1823. Soon after they moved to Pinbury, Lewis County,
-where they made a comfortable home. Here their second son was born,
-December 25th, 1831, and in November 1833, by an accident was so
-severely burned that he died. In 1835, her mother came to visit her,
-and brought her the first intelligence of the Prophet Joseph and the
-record from the hill Cumorah. They sold their property the following
-winter and by spring reached Kirtland, Ohio. June 1st, 1836, Sister
-Prescendia was baptized and confirmed by Oliver Cowdery, and on the
-9th her husband received the same ordinance. April 24th, 1838, her
-first daughter was born in a tumble-down dwelling on the Fishing River,
-Clay County, Mo., but lived only four hours. Here on two occasions
-she without protection, encountered an armed mob, but was saved from
-their hatred; they left her. Her husband had by this time apostatized.
-The Huntingtons were obliged to leave Far West at the time of the
-driving of the Saints from Missouri in the spring of 1839, and Sister
-Prescendia felt entirely alone and forsaken. She says, 'there was not
-at this time, one Saint in Missouri, to my knowledge.' About this time
-was born her son Oliver, just after the dreadful outrages perpetrated
-against the Saints in Missouri. In the fall of 1840 Mrs. Buell moved
-from Missouri and settled between Quincy and Nauvoo. During the ensuing
-five or six years she made frequent visits to the Saints, among others
-the families of Joseph and Hyrum, and Father and Mother Smith. Joseph
-himself taught her the principle of plural marriage. The sisters who
-had entered into these covenants were in one sense separate and apart
-from all others. No tongue can describe, or pen portray the peculiar
-situation of these noble, self-sacrificing women, who through the
-providence of God helped to establish the principle of celestial
-marriage. The crisis came when the Prophet and Patriarch were foully
-murdered.
-
-"The time came for the performances of the ordinances in the Temple
-at Nauvoo. Sister Prescendia availed herself of the privilege to go
-and receive her blessings. Hereafter we recognize her as the wife of
-the Apostle, Heber C. Kimball. The next great event in the history of
-this people was the exodus from Nauvoo. The Saints had nearly all left
-for the West; Sister Prescendia felt as if she were at the mercy of
-the mob, and indeed, plans were laid to destroy her. As if in answer
-to her prayers, her brother, William, sent her a messenger telling
-her to leave all and come. On the 2nd of May, 1846, she walked out
-of her house leaving all behind her, taking her little boy who was
-sick and not able to be up but she was flying for her life. With the
-help of her son, George, she got away. She traveled all night, and
-reached a friend, Dr. Spurgeon, by daybreak. Took some refreshment
-and went into the woods with her little boy, staying all day, fasting
-and praying for deliverance. She says: 'I picked flowers for him and
-gave him water from the running stream. At night I went back to the
-doctor's, sleeping with my sick boy on a little bed on the floor.
-Next day I hid in a wagon. When we arrived at Nashville, I saw a man
-whom I knew, looking for me. I learned afterward he intended taking
-my child from me. My brother, Dimick, sent his sons to see me safely
-out of Illinois. I stayed in a deep ravine while some things were
-brought to me, and slept on a buffalo robe on the ground at night
-with my little child. No tongue can tell my feelings in those days of
-trial; but I had considered well, and felt I would rather suffer and
-die with the Saints, than live in Babylon as I had lived before. We
-arrived at Bonaparte. The excitement and exposure brought on fever and
-I was very ill. We at last arrived at Mt. Pisgah; there I found my
-father, my sister, Zina, and her children. They were in a log house
-without chimney or floor; sickness prevailed. Very soon men were sent
-by the Government to get volunteers to march to Mexico; to fight for
-a Government that had suffered us to be driven out at the point of
-the bayonet. * * I saw the five hundred men enrolled as volunteers to
-take up the line of march to Mexico. My brother, Dimick, brave-hearted
-and strong, with his family, among the number. His wife, Fanny, had a
-daughter born under most trying and painful circumstances. I was left
-behind at what was then called Cutler's Park. My father and Zina were
-at Mt. Pisgah. My brother, Dimick, in Mexico, my brother, William,
-in St. Louis, my brother, Oliver, on a mission in Europe; then came
-the news that my father had died at Pisgah; my friend, my counselor,
-my own dear parent, to whom I had looked for counsel for the future
-that stretched out before me like a great, unknown desert, unrelieved
-and barren. I had only my Heavenly Father left, and I reached out in
-faith to the One above to open the heavens for me and aid me in my
-loneliness. I was in a new, wild country without means. Joseph and
-Henry Woodmansee wanted me to keep house for them. As soon as I was
-settled their father wrote for them, and I was left in charge of their
-house. I started a school which was a great blessing to the children.
-The house was built of logs and covered with dirt and straw, with a
-little straw upon the floor.'
-
-"Here Sister Prescendia toiled with scanty fare, teaching the children,
-and when school was closed for the night her voice would leave her,
-from weakness, but she loved the children and gained their affection.
-It was an ague country, provisions were scarce, lack of vegetables and
-fruit caused sickness. After a painful and dangerous illness, Sister
-Prescendia recovered her health. About this time three brethren who
-went with the Mormon Battallion, came back to Winter Quarters, having
-been sent on special business from Pueblo. Says Sister Prescendia,
-'I never saw such a pitiful sight before as these poor, worn-out
-travelers presented. Their clothing hung in rags, their faces burned,
-and with sun and snow they were nearly blind. Their feet were wrapped
-in rawhide from the buffalo. I sat and heard them tell how fearfully
-they had suffered crossing the prairies in the dead of winter, and
-all this in defence of a Government that had driven us defenceless
-women and children into a strange wilderness. I could not refrain from
-weeping when I looked upon these my brethren and realized how they had
-suffered.'
-
-"Early in the spring a few pioneers left to search out a haven of
-refuge for the Saints. The sisters left almost alone, lived near to
-God. They used often to meet together and pray. The gifts of tongues,
-interpretation and prophecy were given them at this time for their
-consolation. In May, 1846, Sister Prescendia and her little son,
-Oliver, left Winter Quarters. She, like many others, had to drive team,
-yoke cattle, &c., though in delicate health. She arrived in Salt Lake
-Valley September 22nd, and moved into the old Fort. January 6th, 1848,
-Sister Prescendia had born to her a daughter. The baby was a great
-comfort to the lonely mother who had left her home and come thousands
-of miles away. No daughter was ever more fondly loved than this little
-one.
-
-"She was named Prescendia Celestia, and was rightly named Celestia,
-for she was more like a celestial being than a mortal one. President
-Young once asked her name; quick as thought, he said, _'Celestial
-Prescendia.'_ Coming here as the Saints did provided with only the
-barest necessities, there was much privation to contend against. The
-families of Brigham and Heber shared in these respects equally with
-the others. When Sister Prescendia's babe was quite small, she had to
-put up an umbrella over them in bed to protect them from the rain.
-Sister Prescendia was patient and thanked her Father in heaven that he
-had permitted her to gather to the Rocky Mountains, and also that she
-had been permitted to become a mother under the new and everlasting
-covenant of marriage." Nothing could be more affecting than her story
-of the loss of this lovely child. She dressed her for a visit, and gave
-her in charge of her brother, while she finished her preparations. He
-took her to the family of President Young, and as they were seated at
-table, each gave her a kiss, admiring her beauty, President Young last.
-
-"Returning to the mother, he sat her down a moment to cut a willow from
-the water's edge, and turning to her--she was gone. The sweet face,
-that going out smiled such a tender good-bye, was brought in cold in
-death. Vilate, the first wife of Heber, said, "The flower of the flock
-is gone." Years have passed since then, but the beauty of that little
-face is undimmed in her mother's memory."
-
-Sister Prescendia was for fifteen years secretary of the Sixteenth Ward
-Relief Society.
-
-Sister Prescendia's labors have been in the House of the Lord, and
-annointing and administering to the sick. Hundreds have asked for her
-presence at their bedside--the name, Prescendia--has been almost like
-that sweet word, _mother_. I reflect upon the lonely, trial path that
-she has trod, the wounds her heart has borne; and listening to the
-tender pathos of her voice, the sublimity of her words; the nobility of
-her life commanding my love and reverence.
-
-If I could choose the picture which should be historical, it should
-be as I have seen her; standing, her grand figure becomingly wrapped
-in a large, circular cloak, a handsome, large black bonnet shielding
-her venerable and beloved face from the falling flakes of snow.
-Looking upon her I thought her the very picture of a Puritan exile, a
-revolutionary ancestress, and a Latter-Day Saint veteran and pioneer.
-I shall always remember her thus, it is an ineffaceable picture in my
-memory.
-
-Since writing the above, the following appears in the _Deseret News_ of
-September 11th:
-
-"MANIFESTATION OF RESPECT.
-
-"Yesterday being the anniversary of the birthday of Sister Prescendia
-L. Kimball, a party of ladies numbering about thirty, of her personal
-friends, mostly of very long standing, assembled at her residence.
-A lunch was partaken of about noon, and subsequently the gathering
-took the form of a meeting, at which all present expressed themselves
-appropriately to the occasion. The sisters also presented the venerable
-and respected lady, a handsome black satin cloak, trimmed with fur and
-lined with crimson plush, for winter wear. We are pleased to be able to
-state that Sister Kimball's health has considerably improved during the
-last few days."
-
-
-
-PHOEBE W. CARTER WOODRUFF.
-
-WIFE OF WILFORD WOODRUFF, PRESIDENT OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES, OF THE
-CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
-
-"I, Phoebe W. Carter, wife of Apostle Wilford Woodruff, was born
-in Scarboro, in the State of Maine, March 8th, 1807. My father was
-of English descent, coming to America at about the close of the
-seventeenth century. My mother, Sarah Fabyan, was also of England, and
-of the third generation from England. The name of Fabyan is ancient,
-and of a noble family. My father's family, also, much of the old
-Puritan stamp.
-
-"In the year 1834, I embraced the Gospel, as revealed through the
-Prophet Joseph Smith, and, about a year after, I left my parents and
-kindred, and journeyed to Kirtland, Ohio, a distance of one thousand
-miles, a lone maid, sustained only by my faith and trust in Israel's
-God. My friends marvelled at my course, as did I, but something within
-impelled me on. My mother's grief at my leaving home was almost more
-than I could bear; and had it not been for the spirit within I should
-have faltered at the last. My mother told me she would rather see me
-buried than going thus alone into the heartless world, and especially
-was she concerned about my leaving home to cast my lot among the
-Mormons. 'Phoebe,' she said, impressively, 'will you come back to me if
-you find Mormonism false?' I answered thrice, 'Yes, mother, I will.'
-These were my words well remembered to this day; she knew I would keep
-my promise. My answer relieved her trouble; but it cost us all much
-sorrow to part. When the time came for my departure I dared not trust
-myself to say farewell, so I wrote my good-bye to each, and leaving
-them on my table, ran down stairs and jumped into the carriage. Thus I
-left my beloved home of childhood to link my life with the Saints of
-God.'
-
-"When I arrived in Kirtland I became acquainted with the Prophet Joseph
-Smith, and received more evidence of his divine mission. There in
-Kirtland I formed the acquaintance of Elder Wilford Woodruff, to whom
-I was married in 1836. With him I went to the 'Islands of the Sea' and
-to England, on missions. Here I will bear my testimony to the power of
-God which I have often seen manifested among the Latter-Day Saints. The
-following is one notable instance:
-
-"When the Saints were settling Nauvoo, the unhealthy labor of breaking
-new land on the banks of the Mississippi for the founding of the city,
-invited pestilence. Nearly everyone was attacked with fever and ague.
-The Prophet had the sick borne into his house and dooryard until the
-place was like a hospital. At length even he succumbed to the deadly
-contagion and for several days was as helpless as the rest of our
-people, who were all nearly exhausted by their extermination from
-Missouri. But the spirit of the Lord came down upon Joseph, commanding
-him to arise and stay the pestilence. The Prophet arose from his bed
-and the power of God rested upon him. He commenced in his own house
-and dooryard, commanding the sick in the name of Jesus Christ to arise
-and be made whole; and they were healed according to his word. He then
-continued to travel from house to house, and from tent to tent, upon
-the bank of the river, healing the sick as he went, until he arrived at
-the upper stone house, where he crossed the river in a boat accompanied
-by several of the Quorum of the Twelve, whom he had bade to follow him,
-and landed in Montrose. He walked into the cabin of Brigham Young, who
-was lying sick, and commanded him in the name of Jesus Christ to arise
-and be made whole, and follow him, which he did. They came to our house
-next, and Joseph bade Mr. Woodruff, also, to follow, and then they went
-to the house of Brother Elijah Fordham, who was supposed by his family
-and friends to have been dying, for two weeks. The Prophet stepped to
-his bedside, took him by the hand, and commanded him in the name of
-Jesus Christ to arise from his bed and be made whole. His voice, Joseph
-Smith's, was as the voice of God. Brother Fordham instantly leaped from
-his bed, called for his clothing and dressed himself, and followed
-the Apostles into the street. They then went into the house of Joseph
-B. Nobles, who lay very sick, and he was healed in like manner. And
-when by the power of God granted unto him, Joseph had healed all the
-sick, he recrossed the river and returned to his own house. Thousands
-of witnesses bear testimony of the miracle. It was a day never to be
-forgotten. Hearing of the case of Brother Fordham, whom I with the rest
-had believed to be dying, I thought I would go and see with my own
-eyes. I found him very happy, sitting in his chair. He told me he had
-been out to work in his garden. This was only a few hours after the
-miracle. From that day I never doubted that this was the work of God.
-
-"It will be expected that I should say something on polygamy. I have
-this to say. When the principle of plural marriage was first taught,
-I thought it was the most wicked thing I ever heard of; consequently
-I opposed it to the best of my ability, until I became sick and
-wretched. As soon, however, as I became convinced that it originated as
-a revelation from God through Joseph, knowing him to be a prophet, I
-wrestled with my Heavenly Father in fervent prayer, to be guided aright
-at that all-important moment of my life. The answer came. Peace was
-given to my mind. I knew it was the will of God; and from that time to
-the present I have sought to faithfully honor the patriarchal law.
-
-"Of Joseph, my testimony is that he was one of the greatest prophets
-the Lord ever called, that he lived for the redemption of mankind and
-died a martyr for the truth. The love of the Saints for him will never
-die.
-
-"It was after the martyrdom of Joseph that I accompanied my husband to
-England in 1845. On our return the advance companies of the Saints had
-left Nauvoo under President Young and others of the Twelve. We followed
-immediately and journeyed to Winter Quarters. The next year my husband
-went with the pioneers to the mountains while the care of the family
-rested on me. After his return and the re-organization of the First
-Presidency, I accompanied my husband on his mission to the Eastern
-States. In 1850 we arrived in the Valley and since that time Salt Lake
-City has been my home.
-
-"Of my husband, I can truly say I have found him a worthy man with
-scarcely his superior on earth. He has built up a branch of the Church
-wherever he has labored. He has been faithful to God and his family,
-every day of his life. My respect for him has increased with our years,
-and my desire for an eternal union with him will be the last wish of my
-mortal life."
-
-At the first organization of the Relief Society in the Fourteenth
-Ward, in the spring of 1857, Mrs. Woodruff was chosen by Bishop A.
-Hoagland as President, which position she held until by the "move"
-south, the society was discontinued. After their return she was invited
-to resume her position, but so much of the family care and management
-of business devolved upon her as her husband's faithful partner, that
-she felt she could not do justice to that object, and Bishop Hoagland
-asked her to nominate her successor. She chose her first counselor,
-Mary Isabella Horne. Mrs. Woodruff is also one of the presiding board
-of six, over the General Retrenchment Meetings, held semi-monthly in
-the Fourteenth Ward. In May, 1882, Mrs. Woodruff was elected one of
-the Executive Board of the Deseret Hospital. She often accompanies
-Apostle Wilford Woodruff on his visits among the settlements, holding
-meetings with the sisters, who look upon her as one of the wisest
-women in the knowledge of the Scriptures and in her counsels among her
-sisters in the _Church_. The record of her life and labors would make
-a deeply interesting volume which could not fail to inspire the youth
-of Zion with a desire to emulate her worthy example, and the hearts of
-older ones with admiration and reverence. The eighteen years of our
-acquaintance have served to strengthen and beautify my friendship for
-Phoebe W. Woodruff, as wife, mother and Saint. It seems but fitting, to
-record here that the mother and father of Sister Woodruff were baptized
-by Apostle Wilford Woodruff. Thus ended all the fears of the Puritan
-mother.
-
-Quoting an historian of note (himself an occupant of part of the
-Woodruff residence for a long period): "Sister Phoebe W. Woodruff is
-one of the noblest examples of her sex,--truly a mother in Israel; and
-in her strength of character, consistency and devotion, she has but few
-peers in the Church."
-
-
-
-BATHSHEBA W. SMITH.
-
-WIFE OF APOSTLE GEORGE A. SMITH, OF REVERED MEMORY, WHO WAS ONE OF THE
-FIRST PRESIDENCY OF THE CHURCH OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
-
-Bathsheba W. Smith is the daughter of Mark and Susannah Bigler, and
-was born at Shirnsten, Harrison Co., West Virginia, on May 3rd, 1822.
-Her father was from Pennsylvania, her mother from Maryland. The school
-facilities in her vicinity were limited. The county of Harrison was
-hilly, and the roads of primitive character; the mode of travel was
-chiefly on horseback riding, in which few could excel her.
-
-In her girlhood she was religiously inclined, loved virtue, honesty,
-truthfulness and integrity; attended secret prayers, studied to be
-cheerful, industrious and happy, and was always opposed to rudeness.
-
-During her fifteenth year some Latter-Day Saints visited the
-neighborhood, she heard them preach and believed what they taught. She
-knew by the spirit of the Lord, in answer to her prayer, that Joseph
-Smith was a prophet of the Lord, and that the Book of Mormon was a
-divine record. On the 21st of August, 1837, Bathsheba W. Bigler was
-baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ, and the most of her father's
-family also, about the same time. They soon felt a desire to gather
-with the rest of the Saints in Missouri, her sister, Nancy, and family
-sold their property, intending to go in the fall, and Bathsheba was
-very anxious to go with them. Her father having not yet sold out his
-property, she was told she could not go. This caused her to retire very
-early, feeling very sorrowful. While weeping, a voice said to her,
-"Weep not, you will go this fall." She was comforted and perfectly
-satisfied, and the next morning testified to what the voice had said to
-her.
-
-Soon after, her father sold his home and they all went to Missouri, to
-her great joy, but on their arrival there found the State preparing to
-war against the Saints. A few nights before they reached Far West, they
-camped with a company of eastern Saints, but separated on account of
-each company choosing different ferries. The company Sister Bathsheba
-and her family were in, arrived safely at their destination, but the
-others were overtaken by an armed mob; seventeen were killed, others
-were wounded, and some maimed for life. In a few days after their
-arrival there was a battle between the Saints and the mob, in which
-David W. Patten (one of the first Twelve Apostles,) was wounded, and
-he was brought to the house where they were stopping. Sister Bathsheba
-witnessed his death a few days after, and saw thousands of mobbers
-arrayed against the Saints, and heard their dreadful threats and savage
-yells, when our Prophet Joseph and his brethren were taken into their
-camp. The Prophet, Patriarch and many others were taken to prison;
-and the Saints had to leave the State. In the spring they had the joy
-of having the prophet and his brethren restored to them at Quincy,
-Illinois.
-
-In the spring of 1840, the family of Sister Bathsheba moved to Nauvoo,
-where she had many opportunities of hearing the Prophet Joseph preach,
-and tried to profit by his instructions, and also received many
-testimonies of the truths which he taught.
-
-On the 25th of July, 1841, Bathsheba W. Bigler was married to George
-A. Smith, the then youngest member of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Don
-Carlos Smith (brother of the prophet) officiating. George A. Smith
-was own cousin to the Prophet Joseph. When Sister Bathsheba first
-became acquainted with George A. Smith he was the junior member of the
-First Quorum of Seventies. On the 26th of June, 1838, he was ordained
-a member of the High Council of Adam Ondi Ahman, in Davis County,
-Missouri. Just about the break of day on the 26th of April, 1834, while
-kneeling on the corner stone of the foundation of the Lord's House at
-Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri, he was ordained one of the Twelve
-Apostles, and from thence started on a mission to Europe, from which he
-returned ten days previous to their marriage.
-
-As the 4th of July, 1842, came on the Sabbath day, they celebrated the
-anniversary on Monday the 5th. There was a military display of the
-Nauvoo Legion, and a sham battle fought. George A. Smith was in the
-general's staff in the uniform of a chaplain. Sister Bathsheba watched
-the proceedings with great interest. On the 7th of July a son was born
-to them; they named him George Albert. Two months after, George A., as
-the Saints loved to call him, went on a mission to the Eastern States.
-On his previous mission (to England,) he injured his left lung, causing
-hemorrhage. In the fall of 1843, George A. and Bathsheba received their
-endowments and were united under the holy order of celestial marriage.
-Sister Bathsheba heard the Prophet Joseph charge the Twelve with the
-duty and responsibility of the ordinances of endowments and sealing,
-for the living and the dead. Sister Bathsheba met many times with her
-husband, Joseph and others who had received their endowments, in an
-upper room dedicated for the purpose, and prayed with them repeatedly
-in those meetings. In the spring of 1844, Mr. Smith went on another
-mission, and soon after he left persecution began in the city of Nauvoo
-which ended in the martyrdom of our beloved prophet and patriarch. Mr.
-Smith returned about the 1st of August, and on the 14th a daughter was
-born, and they named her Bathsheba.
-
-Having become thoroughly convinced that the doctrine of plurality of
-wives was from God, and firmly believing that she should participate
-with him in all his blessings, glory and honor, Sister Bathsheba gave
-to her husband different wives during the year of his return home. She
-says of this; "Being proud of my husband and loving him very much,
-knowing him to be a man of God, and having a testimony that what I had
-done was acceptable to my Father in heaven, I was as happy as I knew
-how to be."
-
-It would be in vain to describe how they traveled through snow,
-wind and rain, how roads had to be made, bridges built and rafts
-constructed, how our poor animals had to drag on day after day with
-scanty food; nor how we suffered from poverty, sickness and deaths, but
-the Lord was with us, His power was made manifest daily. Quoting from
-her, "My dear mother died on the 11th of March, 1844, and on the 4th of
-April I had a son born who lived but four hours." They arrived in Salt
-Lake Valley (now city) in October, 1849, after traveling over sterile
-deserts and plains, over high mountains and through deep canyons,
-ferrying some streams and fording others, but all was joy now. Sister
-Bathsheba went to her sister's house, and O, how delightful it did
-seem to be once more in a comfortable room with a blazing fire on the
-hearth, where the mountain's rude blasts nor the desert's wild winds
-could not reach them.
-
-In March, 1850, Sister Bathsheba moved into their own house. In
-December, 1850, George A. Smith was called to go south to found a
-settlement in Little Salt Lake Valley, two hundred and fifty miles
-from home. In 1851, he returned, having been elected a member of the
-Legislature from Iron Co. In 1856, he was sent to Washington to ask for
-the admission of Utah as a State. In May, 1857, he returned to Utah. In
-1858, they went south, bidding farewell to their home, feeling as they
-did on leaving Nauvoo; that they should never see it again, fleeing as
-they were, before the approaching army.
-
-However, President Buchanan sent out his Peace Commissioners who
-brought his Proclamation, declaring a general amnesty to all offenders.
-Peace being restored, they returned to Salt Lake City in July, having
-been gone three months. When they entered the city it was almost
-sundown; all was quiet, every door was boarded up. From only two or
-three chimneys smoke was rising. How still and lonely, yet the breath
-of peace wafted over the silent city, and it was home! They had left
-a partly finished house, and resuming work upon it, by October it was
-finished. Sister Bathsheba says: "It was so comfortable and we were so
-happy! We had plenty of room. My son and daughter took great pleasure
-in having their associates come and visit them frequently. They would
-have a room full of company, and would engage in reading useful books,
-singing, playing music, dancing, &c. My son played the flute, flutina
-and was a good drummer. My son and daughter were good singers, they
-made our home joyous with song and jest." In 1860, this son was sent
-on a mission to the Moquois Indians. He was interested in this and apt
-in learning the language. After being set apart by the authorities for
-that mission, he started on the 4th of September, and had traveled
-about seven hundred miles, when on the 2nd of November he was killed by
-Navajo Indians. On the 3rd of January the daughter was married.
-
-In 1873, Sister Bathsheba made a tour with her husband and President
-Young and party, to the Colorado and up the Rio Virgin as far as
-Shonesberg. In 1872, they made another tour with President Young and
-party, visiting at St. George, Virgen City, Long Valley and Kanab. In
-1873, went again with her husband, President Young and company and
-spent the winter in St. George, going by way of San Pete and Sevier
-counties. During this journey Sister Bathsheba attended several
-meetings with the sisters, returning home April, 1874. She has visited
-the Saints as far south as the junction of the Rio Virgen with the
-Colorado, has visited the settlements on the Muddy River, and also the
-Saints as far north as Bear Lake and Soda Springs. On their travels
-they have often been met by bands of music, and thousands of children
-bearing banners and flags; and singing songs of welcome. Sister
-Bathsheba has enjoyed these tours very much. She has accompanied many
-explorations down into deep gulches to see the water pockets, over
-beautiful plains in carriages or cars, and over mountains and deserts.
-
-In reference to her position in duties of a public and spiritual
-character, we find the following: Returning from a tour, February 19th,
-1878, they arrived in Salt Lake City, finding all safe at home. I quote
-again from Sister Bathsheba's journal, written in her own hand:
-
-"My dear husband was not well; I thought I could soon nurse him up to
-health, but my efforts were all in vain, he expired on the first of
-September after a long sickness." The departure was a shock to many.
-For many months prayers had been offered up through all parts of the
-Territory, for the restoration to health of this great and good man.
-Seated in his chair, his faithful wife beside him, he turned from his
-conversation with President Young and others who constantly attended
-him, and leaning upon her devoted heart breathed his last.
-
-Sister Bathsheba W. Smith belonged to the first Relief Society which
-was organized at Nauvoo, and was present when it was organized, the
-Prophet Joseph presiding. Officiated as Priestess in the Nauvoo Temple.
-Was Secretary in the Seventeenth Ward Relief Society, Salt Lake City;
-had been First Counselor to President Rachel Grant in the Relief
-Society of the Thirteenth Ward, Salt Lake City, for many years. Is
-a Counselor to M. I. Horne in the General Retrenchment Association,
-Fourteenth Ward, and is also Treasurer of the Relief Society of the
-Salt Lake Stake. Has officiated in the holy ordinances of the House of
-the Lord in Salt Lake City for many years. Is also one of the Board
-of Directors in the Deseret Hospital. She says, "I have attended many
-meetings of the sisters and had many seasons of rejoicing."
-
-Sister Bathsheba is often reverently spoken of as "the beloved wife
-of George A. Smith." To her, in one sense, this would be the dearest
-praise that could be spoken. But yet a loftier, holier, than even the
-earth-love seems to hover around her very presence. A little child
-once said, "When I look at Sister Bathsheba, I do not see her with her
-bonnet on, I see her as she will look when she wears that crown that is
-waiting for her." Such is the impression her face, her gentle voice and
-manner convey. To the record of her life, and this, I could add nothing.
-
-
-
-ELIZABETH HOWARD.
-
-SECRETARY OF THE RELIEF SOCIETIES OF THE SALT LAKE STAKE OF ZION.
-
-Mrs. Howard furnishes a very brief sketch for one whose life and labors
-among the people and faith of her adoption, have been so extended,
-important and interesting, to all who have ever come within the
-influence of her noble, generous spirit; who have received the stimulus
-to failing spirits and energy which emanated from her animated face, so
-good and motherly, her voice so cheerful and sympathetic, and her every
-movement like an inspiration of strength, happiness and life.
-
-She writes she was "descended from Scotch parentage on her father's
-side, Irish on her mother's, Websters and Wards. Was born on July
-12th, 1823, at Carlow, Carlow County, Ireland." Was the first child
-of her parents and says she "had a glorious childhood and girlhood,"
-which can be easily believed, judging by her ever buoyant spirits. She
-was "married to William Howard, the eldest son of Stott and Catherine
-Howard, June 9th, 1841. Heard the Gospel in 1851, and came to America
-in 1853, with husband, two sons, four daughters, two hired girls and
-two hired men." They arrived in Utah, September, 1853.
-
-At the organizations of the Relief Society in 1867-68, she was
-appointed Secretary of the Big Cottonwood Ward, which office she filled
-until she accompanied her husband to England in 1868, returned in 1869
-and resumed the same office. During their mission in England, Mrs.
-Howard was often called upon to explain the principles of our doctrines
-and answer many questions regarding our people, etc. Divines and others
-found Mrs. Howard quite ready and able to meet and answer them on
-every point. In fact her part of the mission has often been referred
-to as something exceptionally creditable and important. It was at a
-time, too, when woman had scarcely been heard to speak upon our faith,
-outside the home circle.
-
-About 1871, when Mrs. M. A. Smoot removed to Provo, Mrs. Howard was
-chosen Counselor to Mrs. M. I. Horne in the General Retrenchment
-Association, which position she still holds. When the Relief Societies
-were organized into Stakes, Mrs. Howard was appointed Secretary of the
-Salt Lake Stake of Zion, which position she holds at the present time.
-Mrs. Howard has traveled much throughout our Territory in company with
-other sisters, visiting the different societies and associations in
-a missionary capacity, giving instructions and infusing cheerfulness
-and energy by her whole-souled and genial manner. There is something
-wonderfully earnest and sincere in all she says and does, and it has
-a most convincing effect upon the hearers who delight to welcome her
-visits, who is herself a most delightful entertainer and hostess at her
-own beautiful country home a few miles ride out from the city.
-
-Mrs. Howard is the mother of ten children, eight living; and
-thirty-seven grand-children.
-
-
-
-ELMINA S. TAYLOR.
-
-PRESIDENT OF THE YOUNG LADIES' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS, OF THE
-CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
-
-I was born at Middlefield, Otsego County, State of New York, September
-12th, 1830. My parents are Daniel Shepard and Rozita Bailey Shepard.
-Three daughters were all the children that were born to them, I being
-the eldest. My parents were staunch Methodists, and I was brought up
-in that faith. I united myself with that church when about twenty
-years of age, and during some six years was a zealous and consistent
-member of the same. At the time I joined the Church I was desirous to
-be baptized by immersion as I considered that the pattern set by our
-Savior; although I had always been taught that baptism was not a saving
-ordinance, but only to answer a good conscience, otherwise, an outward
-sign of an inward grace. To this my many friends were so much opposed
-that after some time elapsed I consented, and was admitted a member of
-the church, by sprinkling; but there were many doctrines and tenets
-with which I never was satisfied, and when I went to my minister to
-have them explained I was more beclouded and found myself more in the
-dark than before; though I sought to the Lord earnestly to be guided
-aright.
-
-"In the year 1854, circumstances induced me to go to Haverstraw, a
-large town situated in southern New York, on the banks of the beautiful
-Hudson River, to engage in teaching. One of the trustees, John Druce,
-was a Mormon elder, who had a very interesting and intelligent family.
-My cousin and I frequently visited there, but for a long time they
-never mentioned religion to us, fearing to frighten us away, but one
-night, just as I was leaving, he asked me if I would read some Mormon
-books. I answered, 'O, yes! You know the Bible says prove all things
-and hold fast that which is good.' His earnestness impressed me. Before
-opening the books I bowed before the Lord and fervently implored Him to
-give me His spirit that I might understand if they were true or false.
-My interest was awakened, and the more I investigated and compared the
-doctrines with the Scriptures, the more I was convinced of their truth.
-I fought against my convictions, for I well knew how it would grieve
-my dear parents to have me unite myself with that despised people; and
-I also thought I should lose my situation which was a very lucrative
-one. However, I could not silence my convictions, and as the promise
-was given, 'If you will obey the doctrine, you shall know whether it is
-of God or man;' I went forth and was baptized July 5th, 1856. When I
-was confirmed by the laying on of hands I received the testimony of its
-truth which I have never lost from that day to this.
-
-"I was united in marriage to George Hamilton Taylor, August 31st, 1856,
-by Apostle, now President, John Taylor, and in 1859, April fifteenth,
-we left New York for Utah, where we arrived September 16th of the same
-year, after a long tedious journey with ox teams. In the spring of
-1860 we located in the Fourteenth Ward, where we have since resided,
-and where our first child, a son, was born July 16th of the same year.
-While in the States we were never blessed with children, but it was
-prophesied upon my head that I should go to Zion and should there be
-blessed with them, which has been fulfilled, for I am now the mother of
-seven.
-
-"Through the gift of tongues, it was also promised that all my family
-should come to me, which was verified after we had been here nearly
-fifteen years, and my father is still with us, having reached the
-advanced age of seventy-nine years, but none of them ever received the
-Gospel.
-
-"At the organization of the Relief Society of the Fourteenth Ward,
-December 12th, 1867, I was elected Secretary, an office which I still
-occupy. September 23rd, 1874, by request of Sister E. R. S. Snow, I
-was appointed Superintendent of the Young Ladies' Association of the
-same ward. I was chosen First Counselor to Sister M. I. Horne, Stake
-President of Salt Lake County, December 22nd, 1879, and have traveled
-considerably in that capacity.
-
-"At a Conference held in the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, June 19th,
-1880, was appointed President of the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement
-Association of Zion.
-
-"July 4th, 1877, we entered into the celestial order of marriage, and
-have since all lived under the same roof, and eaten at the same table,
-ever in the enjoyment of peace and harmony."
-
-All who are acquainted with the writer of the above autobiographical
-sketch, can cheerfully add testimony to its concluding paragraph. "Love
-at Home" might be graven upon a tablet of stone within their door, so
-indelibly seems that sacred principle to have been impressed upon the
-hearts within that household.
-
-By example, by attainments, and the spiritual refinement and elegance
-in bearing which would denote the Christian lady, under any or all
-circumstances, it seems peculiarly appropriate that Mrs. Elmina S.
-Taylor was called to preside over the young ladies of Zion. May they
-emulate their standard, spiritually and socially. The simplicity and
-modesty of her sketch cannot convey to the mind of the reader those
-delicate attributes of character, so well understood by those who, like
-myself, have been recipients of her kindly counsels and encouragement,
-and recognized in a wider sense by those who have listened to her
-addresses, dictated by the spirit of our sacred and holy religion.
-
-
-
-MARY A. FREEZE.
-
-PRESIDENT OF THE Y. L. M. I. A. OF THE SALT LAKE STAKE OF ZION.
-
-Mary A. Freeze is the daughter of James Lewis Burnham and his wife,
-Mary Ann, who were born in Vermont. In 1837, with their one child
-they emigrated to McHenry County, Illinois, where they made them a
-home, leaving there in 1843 for Beauro County in the same State. In
-the latter place they heard and obeyed the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
-Mr. Burnham was a minister of the Church called Christians, but after
-hearing the elders explain the principles of this Gospel, could not but
-acknowledge that he had no legal authority to preach, and consequently
-was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,
-whose doctrines he preached and advocated faithfully until the day of
-his death, from bleeding of the lungs, caused by preaching in the open
-air. In 1843, Mr. and Mrs. Burnham had moved to Nauvoo. They there had
-four children, the youngest, a little girl, died in 1844. Mr. Burnham
-labored as much as his failing strength would permit, quarrying rock
-for the Temple. In the summer of 1845 he grew worse. Mrs. Freeze says,
-"This was four days previous to my birth. This was a trying time for
-my mother, being left in sorrow and very destitute of worldly goods,
-with no relatives near to help her; but the Saints were very kind to
-her in her affliction. Her relatives in the East would gladly have
-sent means to take her back, but she had cast her lot with the Saints
-of God and preferred to remain with them in the depths of poverty than
-to have the wealth of the whole world, elsewhere. After the Temple was
-finished she entered therein, partaking of the ordinances, and was
-sealed to President Joseph Young, (brother of President Brigham Young,)
-he performing this ordinance for my father, who had died before the
-opportunity of this privilege. She afterwards had two daughters who are
-now the wives of Robert N. Russell and Jasper Conrad.
-
-"In February, 1846, the famous exodus began, but my mother had no way
-of going so remained until after the battle took place and the Saints
-were driven out on pain of losing their lives. Mother received a wagon
-for her city property and was lent a yoke of oxen, that she might begin
-that memorable, toilsome journey with her four little children. I have
-heard her tell of the mobs searching the wagons for arms, the obscene
-language they used, and how terribly she suffered from fear. She
-arrived at Winter Quarters late in the fall, where she remained a year
-and a half, when they were compelled by the Government to move back on
-the east side of the river, because they were on Indian Territory. Soon
-after this she let her second and third sons, Wallace and George, go
-on to the valley with Brother Daniel Woods. This was a severe trial to
-my loving mother, but there seemed to be no other way for them to be
-taken care of as the Saints were in the deepest poverty. I have often
-heard her and Brother Luther also, rehearse the want and distress they
-endured, sometimes nearly amounting to starvation. We were compelled to
-remain there until 1852, when through the kindness of the brethren we
-were enabled in June to cross the plains, arriving in Salt Lake City,
-October 8th, last day of Conference. I was too young to remember much
-about the journey, but one circumstance impressed itself upon my mind.
-While climbing into the wagon I fell, and was run over by both wheels
-and very badly hurt, but through the administration of the elders
-was almost instantly healed and felt no bad effects from the injury
-afterward.
-
-"We located in Bountiful, Davis County, ten miles north of Salt Lake
-City, where we lived until I was sixteen years old. I was baptized
-when nine years of age and felt happy in the assurance that I was a
-'Mormon' in very deed. At the time of the Reformation, I was full
-of the inspiration of the times although only eleven years old, and
-was very much in earnest in repenting of my sins, and making new
-covenants to serve the Lord more faithfully in the future. During my
-early years I attended school the entire season, until old enough to
-assist my mother, when I attended during the winter only. Being very
-assiduous I acquired a good common school education. In 1861 we moved
-to Richmond, Cache Valley, my brothers having taken up land and made a
-home there. It was there I became acquainted with James Perry Freeze,
-whom I assisted in teaching school six months, not dreaming of the
-relationship I was destined to sustain to him. My girlhood days were
-not as happy as might have been, on account of our exceeding poverty,
-but I have many times since thought that it was for my greatest good
-that I was reared in want and loneliness; that it was a means of
-keeping me humble, the good spirit thereby finding a receptacle in
-my heart, giving me a desire to seek after truth and learn of the
-things of God. Had I possessed wealth and my mind been filled with the
-follies and fashions of the world, I might not have had such a desire
-to make the Lord my friend. At an early age I read in the Doctrine and
-Covenants, that God is no respecter of persons, but in all countries
-those who fear Him and work righteousness are accepted of Him. This was
-a great comfort to me, a guiding star to my whole future life; that
-by leading a righteous life I should be loved of my Father in heaven
-equally with the richest and most highly born; that possessing His love
-and favor I possessed everything worth caring for.
-
-"In March, 1863, I was married to James P. Freeze, whom, I felt assured
-was a noble man, one that I could trust as the guardian of my life.
-I am the mother of eight children. We resided in Richmond six months
-after our marriage, when we came to Salt Lake City, where he has since
-followed the mercantile business. In 1864, we became identified with
-the Eleventh Ward where we still live. In 1871, I was called to preside
-over the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association of this Ward,
-accepting it with great reluctance, feeling my incapability, but have
-filled it to the best ability which God has given me, and have proven
-that all who seek the Lord in humility, will surely receive a blessing
-at His hand. Through the blessing of the Almighty, I have now the love
-and confidence of the members who have manifested the same in various
-ways.
-
-"In the spring of 1871, my husband, a faithful man, desirous of keeping
-all the commandments of God, saw fit, with my full consent, to take
-to himself another of the daughters of Eve, a good and worthy girl,
-Jane Granter by name. It tried my spirit to its utmost endurance, but
-I always believed the principle to be true, and felt that it was time
-we obeyed that sacred order. The Lord knew my heart and desires, and
-was with me in my trial and assisted me to overcome the selfishness and
-jealousy of my nature. With his help, added to the great kindness of
-my husband, who has ever stood at the head of his family as a wise and
-just man, I soon obtained peace. While undergoing the severest trial to
-my feelings, I was inspired with the following lines which the Lord was
-not slow to answer:
-
- "'Father, help me to do Thy will,
- Command my troubled heart be still;
- Cause my soul with peace to flow,
- While I sojourn here below,
- Help me still to realize
- Thou'rt the giver of the prize
- That I would win through faithfulness.
- Then, Father, O look down and bless
- Thine erring child that cries to Thee
- For help, amid life's stormy sea.'
-
-"My husband has since taken two other wives, and I praise the Lord that
-I had so far overcome, that instead of feeling it to be a trial, it
-was a source of joy and pride that we were counted worthy to have such
-noble girls enter our family. The two last were my Counselors in the
-Young Ladies' Improvement Association of our Ward. I have loved the
-wives of my husband as I would have my own sisters, realizing that the
-power of the Holy Priesthood that has bound us together for time and
-eternity is stronger than kindred ties. Sophia lived with me nearly
-seven years; she died December, 1879, which was one of the greatest
-trials of my life. I could as willingly have parted with one of my own
-daughters. She left me a beautiful boy who seems as near to me as my
-own. I wish to bear testimony to my descendants, and to all who may
-read this sketch, that I know by the power of the Holy Ghost which
-bears testimony to my spirit, that the Patriarchal Order of Marriage is
-from God and was revealed for the exaltation and salvation of the human
-family, also that I have had peace, joy and satisfaction in living in
-that Order such as I had never known before; and have had many proofs
-that God will pour out His blessings upon those who keep His laws,
-seeking Him with full purpose of heart, for He will be sought after by
-His children.
-
-"September 14, 1878, the authorities having considered it necessary to
-institute a Stake Organization of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement
-Association, I was chosen as President of these Associations in this
-Salt Lake Stake of Zion. I chose Louie Felt, and Clara Y. Conrad, my
-half-sister, as my Counselors. We have visited the Associations as far
-as practicable, have enjoyed the spirit of our mission and feel assured
-we have been instrumental in the hands of God of doing much good.
-
-"I am striving to purify myself, and keep all of the commandments of
-God, to be diligent in the performance of every duty assisting to roll
-forth the great work our Father has established in the last days, that
-I may be worthy to receive the blessings which have been pronounced
-upon my head; for they are great and many, and I know I shall receive
-them if found worthy. I know the fruits of this Gospel are peace, joy
-and happiness, and all who obey its precepts will have in this life
-that peace which passeth all understanding, that which the world cannot
-give nor take away, and having finished their labors, and are called
-to another sphere, will be crowned with life eternal, which is the
-greatest of all gifts. It has been the greatest desire of my life that
-my children should become bright and shining lights in the church of
-God, and knowing that much depends upon parents, I have ever striven to
-set them an example worthy of imitation, teaching them true principles,
-that I might not come under condemnation for my neglect of duty.
-
-"I realize that heaven would not be heaven to me if my children,
-through sin and transgression, could not have a place there; that my
-glory would be dimmed forever.
-
-"I will now say good-bye, until we meet where there is neither sorrow
-nor mourning, but our joy will be perfect; and trust my descendants may
-all keep the laws of God, and be worthy to sit down with Abraham, Isaac
-and Jacob, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and all the faithful in the
-kingdom of God, to go no more out."
-
-Mrs. Freeze says, "We have traced our lineage back to the year 1200,
-and have the record of the same. We descended from the Normans. Our
-family was at one time very wealthy and numerous in England; there
-is a town which bears their name. Three brothers came to America at
-an early date, one settled in Vermont, and two in Massachusetts.
-Their descendants took part in the Revolutionary War, and among them
-according to the 'Burnham Record' were many Doctors of Divinity,
-Doctors of Law, and one Mary Burnham, writes of the 'service of gold,
-their equipages and household appointments, of that grandeur brought
-with them from their ancient and noble halls of England.' Several of
-the Burnham descendants were officers in the late Civil War in America."
-
-Mrs. Freeze is of that class of spirits that (in religion or justice)
-opposition would animate, persecution, inspire her. I have often
-thought, looking into her eyes, that in their depths slumbered the
-embers (scarcely covered by the ashes of dead years) of the fires of
-patriot's and martyr's souls.
-
-
-
-LOUIE FELT.
-
-PRESIDENT OF THE PRIMARY ASSOCIATIONS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF
-LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
-
-Louie Felt was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Bouton, was born in
-South Norfolk, Conn., May 5, 1852. Was baptized when eight years old
-and came to Utah in September, 1866. On December 29th of same year was
-married to Joseph H. Felt. At the October Conference of 1867, they
-were called to go on the Muddy River Mission and started the 9th of
-November following. They remained there between two and three years,
-enduring many hardships; the heat in summer being particularly trying
-to those used to a Northern clime. "Ninety degrees in the shade" is
-considered high in our eastern cities, but at the Muddy, for months it
-would rise above one hundred degrees at midnight. The buildings were
-new, low adobe houses, lumber scarce, and often the wife was asked,
-"where would you prefer to have the boards, over your head or under
-your feet?" Those who had babies to rock took the choice of a floor,
-and put up with a thatched roof. The winds blew with great violence,
-and the tender shoots of the trees, vines, and other things they
-planted were often cut off clean by the sharp sand in the driving wind.
-They were surrounded by friendly Indians who were willing to work and
-learn civilization, but who were so hungry they could not resist the
-temptation to pluck the young watermelons and squashes planted by the
-missionaries, as fast as they approached the size of walnuts. Once,
-when visiting the Muddy settlement of St. Joseph, the Indian visitors
-were delighted with the rice my mother was preparing to cook. They
-called it the "snow-white wheat" and begged for some, saying they would
-plant and cultivate it with great care. She humored them, but showed
-them how the germ was destroyed, and advised them to cook it, and plant
-corn and melons.
-
-In a brief time the Missionaries were short of the good things they
-had provided; there were no stores, freight trains seldom came that
-way, and they were a long distance, three day's travel from St.
-George, itself a pioneer settlement in an alkali desert. President
-Erastus Snow, with fatherly kindness, sent beef, cattle and flour to
-the Indians, to stay their increasing instincts for self-preservation
-by way of appropriation. Another misfortune befell the Missionaries;
-their dwellings were as dry as tinder, and in some way a fire started,
-and some lost their all, everyone lost something. President Erastus
-Snow called upon the people of St. George, and if I remember right,
-of Washington and Santa Clara also and with all possible haste sent
-the willing contributions of their brethren and sisters. President
-Brigham Young had two daughters, a son and a niece on the same mission.
-He visited them and was filled with compassion for their situation,
-and as it seemed vain to hope for an amelioration of some of their
-disadvantages, the Mission was broken up. Mrs. Felt's health was
-poor but, she says, "I never felt to murmur, but to stay as long
-as required." In 1869, Mrs. Felt went on a visit to her father in
-Connecticut, as he was not expected to live. He had gone back for the
-recovery of his health but was no better. She remained with him three
-months, then returned to Utah. In 1872 they moved to the Eleventh Ward,
-"and then," she says, "began some of the happiest days of my life.
-I soon became a member of the Y. L. M. I. A., and thereby received
-a better understanding of my religion, which brought me peace and
-happiness, such as I had never known before. I also became thoroughly
-convinced of the truth of the principle of celestial marriage, and
-having no children of my own was very desirous my husband should take
-other wives that he might have a posterity to do him honor, and after
-he took another wife and had children born to him, the Lord gave me a
-mother's love for them; they seemed as if they were indeed my own, and
-they seem to have the same love for me they do for their own mother."
-I have witnessed the real mother in this family, rocking her babe to
-sleep, and the other mother--Louie--would sit beside her and hold one
-little hand, or lay her own upon its little head, and it would quietly
-resign itself to sleep, so closely were all these three true hearts
-united in love. "In September, 1878, I was appointed to the position
-of President of the P. A. of the Eleventh Ward, which position I still
-hold. In December of the same year. Mrs. Freeze chose me as her First
-Counselor, in the stake organization of the Young Ladies' Association,
-and I immediately started with President Freeze, visiting these wards,
-and I enjoyed my labor. In September, 1879, I was appointed to fill
-the position of Territorial President of the Primary Improvement
-Associations, and have visited the different stakes of Zion as much as
-circumstances would permit, and now feel more firm in my religion, and
-more determined to magnify my calling whereunto I have been appointed,
-hoping thereby to bring honor to the cause of Zion and also to myself."
-
-In person, Mrs. Felt is very tall and slender, her health always
-being very delicate. Her face is pale, refined and spiritual in its
-expression; her spirit buoyant and cheerful, and her animated manner
-and smile as frank as a child's; the beholder would never take her for
-"a sorrowing Mormon woman," such as we read about. Whether presiding
-in gentle dignity over a conference of several thousands of parents
-and children, whether happily mingling in a reunion of cherished and
-appreciative friends, or whether in that closer, dearer circle of which
-she is not the least the builder, her face is that of innocence and
-purity; her heart is an altar to her God; her life a monument to all.
-
-
-
-ELLEN C. S. CLAWSON.
-
-PRESIDENT OF THE PRIMARY ASSOCIATION OF THE SALT LAKE STAKE OF ZION.
-
-Ellen Curtis Spencer Clawson was born in Saybrook, Conn., Nov. 1,
-1832. She is the eldest daughter of Spencer Clawson, A. B., and
-Catherine Curtis, and grand daughter of Daniel Spencer, who fought
-in the Revolutionary War. Her father graduated at Union College,
-Schenectady, New York, and also at the Theological College at Hamilton,
-as a minister of the Baptist denomination. He received the gospel when
-his daughter was seven years old. He immediately sold his effects and
-went to Nauvoo, where he became intimately associated with the Prophet
-Joseph. At the age of nine years, she was baptized in the Mississippi
-river. During the exodus from Nauvoo her mother died from exposure
-and exhaustion, through leaving a comfortable house to camp out in
-mid-winter. Six months later her father was sent to Great Britain to
-take charge of the mission there. It was there he wrote the celebrated
-"Spencer's Letters," a little volume well known among the church works.
-He also became editor of the _Millennial Star_, which position he held
-for three years. He was obliged to leave his five remaining children
-in Ellen's care, she being now only thirteen years of age. During
-his absence the little family crossed the plains with ox teams, in
-President Brigham Young's company, taking five months to complete the
-journey, and suffering all the privations and hardships with the rest
-of the Saints.
-
-Miss Ellen C. Spencer was married in March 1850, by President Brigham
-Young, to Hiram B. Clawson, who soon after became to President
-Young, business manager, a position he held for a number of years;
-subsequently superintendent of the Z. C. M. I., and is at present
-Bishop of the Twelfth Ward, Salt Lake City. Mrs. Clawson is the mother
-of fourteen children, four sons and ten daughters, seven daughters
-and two sons of whom are now living. In April, 1879, Mrs. Clawson was
-called to preside over the Primary Association of the Twelfth Ward,
-Salt Lake City, and later was ordained to preside over all the Primary
-Associations of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion.
-
-Think of this noble girl, hardly more than a child, taking upon her
-young life the duties and cares of a loved and lost, a martyred mother!
-Surely she was precious in God's sight; and his arm must have sustained
-her through that long and lonely journey through the wilderness. That
-same strength of character, that same sweet patience of spirit, gentle
-manner, have upborne her through later eventful periods. A prominent
-and beautiful feature in her life, one that has won to her the truest
-respect, the unperishable love of her friends is the position she has
-maintained amid her husband's family, like a loving queen mother, in
-his home circle.
-
-Mrs. Clawson's two sons, H. B. and Spencer Clawson, are in the
-mercantile business, the latter a wholesale merchant, both men of high
-social and business standing, and an honor to their parents.
-
-
-
-EMMELINE B. WELLS.
-
-EDITOR OF "WOMAN'S EXPONENT."
-
-This lady, like most of our representative women, was born in
-New England, February 29, 1828, at Petersham, Worcester County,
-Massachusetts. Her maiden name was Woodward. The forefathers of
-her family came in 1830, settled in and around Boston, were large
-landowners, and by profession were mathematicians, surveyors, etc. Mrs.
-Wells' ancestry, both on the father and mother's side, were purely of
-English extraction, and fought for freedom in the Revolutionary War,
-as well as that of 1812, some of them being officers of high rank.
-Her brothers and other relations fought in the late Civil War also.
-Mrs. Wells has had an eventful history in many respects, and somewhat
-romantic; were it to be published as a story and strictly true, it
-would be stranger than fiction.
-
-In her early life she gave promise of unusual talent, her memory was
-quite wonderful, storing up the many incidents and points of beauty
-around her to be brought forth in after years in faithful portraiture
-amid far off valleys and places then unbuilt and undiscovered. It was
-the expectation of her family and friends that she would make a mark
-in the world and do them honor; this was to be verified, but in a way
-undreamed of by them. The place and work God had chosen for her had
-not in her childhood, even a name. The child of destiny, straying
-alone yet not lonely, with her busy fancies finding companionship
-in fields, woods and brooks, the haunts of nature in their rudest,
-wildest form; listening to the songs of birds and sighing of the forest
-leaves, touching with caressing hand the flowers and moss-grown rocks,
-searching through shrubbery and tangled vines, or looking up through
-alcoves green and dim, feasted her eyes upon the wondrous sky where
-moving clouds passed on in endless changes 'neath that world, where she
-was taught the home and throne of God forever are. These surroundings
-and influences developed and moulded that individuality of character
-during her childhood to the degree, that at eight years of age she
-commenced composing in rhyme, choosing instinctively the beautiful and
-harmonious method of expression which is poetry. This element cannot
-be possessed by anyone, old or young, but that it casts an influence
-recognized at once, and men and women gray haired now, say, that
-watching the thoughtful child they knew there was a special destiny for
-her, undefined, but nevertheless felt as something grand and great. So,
-hovered the spirit of her mission around her through her childhood, and
-at ten years of age she became a member of the church choir, happy in
-lifting her full heart in hymns of worship and of praise.
-
-How many have found sweet joy in singing; that expression of
-supplication, faith and gratitude, which in any and every religion is,
-we feel, true and acceptable adoration.
-
-In November, 1841, the Gospel was preached in her native village; and
-her mother believed and was baptized. Immediately a branch of the
-Church was organized and some excitement in regard to Mormonism sprang
-up among the worldly-wise and learned. Mrs. Wells' mother persuaded her
-to go and hear the Mormon elders, and told her she knew it was the true
-Gospel that the ancient Apostles taught, and that she had been looking
-forward to such a dispensation. She was a woman of very strong mind, of
-practical capabilities, yet withal very spiritual in her nature, had
-been for many years a staunch Congregationalist, and had her children
-brought up in that church. Ministers, lawyers, judges and influential
-men came with their profound learning and logic to convince Mrs. Wells'
-mother that Mormonism was a delusion, but all in vain. On the young and
-inexperienced daughter they expected to be able to make an impression,
-and no means was left untried. Everything that could be said or done
-was brought to bear, and when she had decided to receive the ordinance
-of baptism all the powers of darkness seemed to conspire to hinder it.
-She affirms that a power she had no knowledge of heretofore, seemed
-to possess her at this momentous time to help her to withstand the
-intercessions and pleadings of those who had been her friends, and who
-now so vigorously sought to keep her from going down into the waters of
-baptism.
-
-On the 1st day of March, 1842, when a little group of Latter-Day Saints
-was assembled to perform the ordinance of baptism on her mother's own
-ground, just near her home, zealous friends sent messengers down to ask
-her if she was _sure_ she was acting of her own free will and choice,
-otherwise they would take her by force and she should never lack for
-means of a higher education, but if she accepted the Mormon faith and
-gathered at Nauvoo she _must_ renounce not only her friends but also
-all the advantages of literary culture she had so ardently hoped to
-attain, and be forever disgraced. Not knowing but that it was true that
-her hopes for further advancement must be resigned, she laid them on
-the altar of her faith, willing to yield up her future entirely to the
-will and care of her Creator. Some power potent indeed buoyed her up
-and she went through this trying ordeal and though her delicate nerves
-were somewhat shaken yet she told her mother and friends then what
-proved true afterwards, that the crisis was past, she had renounced all
-she had before looked forward to, henceforth she desired to dedicate
-herself entirely to the work in which she had enlisted.
-
-During the year after her coming into the Church she pursued her
-studies at the same school, yet she had to endure a great deal of
-ridicule on account of being a Mormon, and her teacher never wearied
-of persuading and entreating her to give up such foolish ideas, and
-resume her place among her associates. But though she was as one alone,
-for there was not another in the school that believed in the peculiar
-faith she had embraced, and she understood very little herself, still
-she had an innate conception of the entire consecration necessary for a
-Latter-Day Saint. The next year she taught a country school, receiving
-her certificate as readily as any of the other young ladies; and early
-in the spring of 1844, in the month of April, she went up to Nauvoo,
-where she had the privilege of hearing Joseph Smith preach his last
-discourses. After reaching Nauvoo she received strong testimony, not by
-any spiritual manifestations, but that which convinced her reason and
-intelligence.
-
-We cannot attempt to give in detail the changes and trials of Nauvoo,
-but suffice it to say that through sickness, sorrow and severe trial
-she kept the faith.
-
-In the winter of 1844-45, she was taught the principle of celestial
-marriage by Bishop Newel K. Whitney and his wife, whose acquaintance
-she had formed through having been introduced to the family by a cousin
-of Sister Whitney's. This cousin was one of the company in which she
-had traveled to Nauvoo, and who because of her delicate health, her
-youth and inexperience, had been attracted towards her.
-
-She accepted the principle in its sacred phase and entered into the
-order or covenant of celestial marriage with the same purity of motive
-that had influenced her in going down into the waters of baptism. The
-ceremony was performed by Brigham Young in one of the upper rooms
-of the Bishop's house in Nauvoo, in the evening of the 14th day of
-February, 1845, the only witness being the Bishop's first wife, who
-not only had consented but actually urged the matter, and gave her to
-her husband; and the most sincere friendship existed forever afterward
-between the two, who really lived like mother and daughter, and though
-so intimately associated in the same family, and sometimes under
-circumstances the most trying, yet no jar or contention ever marred
-their true friendship for each other. To those who doubt the fact of
-women living happily together no better illustration can be given
-than such practical ones as these. Here were two refined, sensitive
-natures in harmony with that condition of marriage, but it was from
-the fact that they accepted it from divine authority as a part of
-their religion, and a higher law which would secure to them a future
-exaltation; never losing sight of the exalted nature of their mission,
-having undertaken to live lives of self-sacrifice and purity. The
-false assertion made by the world that women of marked character and
-attainments would never submit to live in the order of plural marriage
-is disproved by such instances as this one. Both were women of high
-social attainments, and possessing superior qualities of mind and heart.
-
-It is the higher nature that must be aroused to inspire women to carry
-out practically this exalting, refining principle, and through this
-crucible many have come forth like gold seven times purified, tried as
-by fire yet without the smell upon their garments.
-
-Mrs. Wells received the ordinances and the blessings of the Temple with
-her husband in Nauvoo, and came out in the month of February, crossing
-the Mississippi River on the ice. Her mother, who had been a staunch
-Latter-Day Saint from her first hearing the Gospel preached, died of
-hardships and fatigue when the Saints were driven from Nauvoo.
-
-In Winter Quarters she taught school and came with the Bishop and his
-family to the valley, leaving the Missouri River towards the last of
-May, 1845, and arrived in the valley early in October. On the 2nd day
-of November, after, her eldest daughter was born in a wagon, during one
-of those cold piercing wind and sleet storms that often occur at that
-season. September 23, 1850, Bishop Whitney died, leaving her a widow at
-twenty-two with two children, the eldest not then two years of age, the
-youngest a babe five weeks old. Many of her friends feared she would
-sink beneath her trials, but she rallied those forces of her nature,
-which under a husband's care had never been called into requisition,
-and turned to the ways and means of providing for her little ones. Left
-as it were alone, bereft and so helpless, the young mother was like one
-in a dream, she had trusted to her husband so entirely, and knew so
-little herself of the practical realities of life; she had not thought
-he could die. He was one to lean upon, and she had looked up to him as
-a little child looks up to a true loving parent with a reverence almost
-more than human. To her he had shown the utmost tenderness, helping
-and encouraging in times of severe trial, making every burden lighter
-because of the intense sympathy of his spiritual nature. This was one
-of the eventful epochs of her life. She awakened to know that for her,
-duty must be first, and she became in course of time accustomed to
-acting for herself instead of leaning upon another.
-
-It was a hard lesson, but she studied it carefully, and sought
-earnestly for divine help upon her efforts; but we are simply giving
-a few facts and not minute details, therefore suffice it to say after
-something more than two years of widowhood she married again.
-
-During the Bishop's life, he frequently prophesied to her of the future
-and what her work would yet be, and although she could not then imagine
-how such changes could possibly be wrought, (as much on account of the
-condition of the country and the circumstances of the people,) yet
-looking back over it now, she realizes how prophetic his words were,
-and the promises made concerning her future have many of them been
-fulfilled.
-
-Mrs. Wells often says she was born a woman's rights advocate,
-inheriting it from her mother, who was a staunch advocate for woman's
-emancipation, and when left a widow with a large family, realized more
-fully the injustice of the laws in regard to women, their property
-rights and guardianship of children. Mrs. Wells has been the mother of
-six children, one son and five daughters, and during their childhood
-devoted herself almost exclusively to their care and education.
-
-Mrs. Wells has always had a great desire to see others advance, and in
-her home before she entered upon public duties ever sought to stimulate
-those around her to efforts of development of the higher nature. She
-has given much genuine encouragement to those who would shrink from
-criticism and would consequently, unless aroused, bury their talents or
-fold them away in a napkin. She is exceedingly frank in her nature and
-generous to a fault, and possesses an admirable faculty of entertaining
-those with whom she is from time to time associated. She has drawn
-around her people of taste, ability and culture; the secret of her
-winning friends is perhaps in her almost total forgetfulness of self,
-and her intense wish to make others happy. Perhaps, among her friends,
-few are fonder or more sincere than those who have received both
-sympathy, encouragement and advice from her who has not feared that
-other lights might dim her own, she has rejoiced in the progress and
-victories of others as though they were her own achievements.
-
-It is truly wonderful to contemplate the public work accomplished by
-Mrs. Wells in the comparatively brief opportunity of time since her
-labors began. In the Eastern States prominent women have pursued these
-objects for nearly fifty years, but the women of Utah have stood afar
-and alone with no part in matters of a political nature until about
-thirteen years ago. They have exercised their privileges with respect,
-caution and wisdom, holding neither lightly or boastfully the freedom
-of the ballot. Many have read law and studied parliamentary rules,
-and have on occasions of public character endeavored to profit by
-observation in the presentation and discussion of such matters.
-
-Mrs. Wells has traveled much among our people, speaking and assisting
-in organizing. She has good executive ability and is well adapted to
-this kind of work.
-
-In political matters she takes great interest, and since the women
-of Utah have had the ballot she has taken a prominent part in that
-direction and done much active work.
-
-Mrs. Wells went to Washington as a delegate from the women of Utah in
-January, 1879, to attend the Convention of the National Woman Suffrage
-Association, accompanied by Mrs. Zina Young Williams and while there
-they had the opportunity of speaking before committees of House and
-Senate, and also had an audience with President Hayes and several
-of the leading men of the nation on the Mormon question. They also
-prepared a memorial to Congress and succeeded in getting it presented.
-
-In November, 1874, Mrs. Wells went into the office of the _Woman's
-Exponent_ to assist the editor, Mrs. Lula Greene Richards, a little
-in her labors, and gradually grew interested in the work, and in May,
-1875, her labors became regular and constant, continuing so until in
-July, 1877, when she assumed the entire responsibility, Mrs. Richards
-withdrawing on account of increased domestic cares. Mrs. Wells never
-seems to tire of journalistic duty.
-
-In November, 1876, she was chosen President of the Central Grain
-Committee for the storing of grain by women, against a day of famine.
-At the Mass Meeting in the Theatre to protest against the Woman's
-Anti-Polygamic Association she took an active part in the proceedings.
-In September, 1882, Mrs. Wells went to Omaha with Mrs. Zina D. H.
-Young, to attend the convention of the National Woman's Suffrage
-Association again. Mrs. Wells was appointed Secretary of the Deseret
-Hospital Association; in fact her time is almost constantly employed in
-the performance of public duties and benevolent work.
-
-Looking retrospectively upon the life of Emmeline B. Wells and
-noting the constant upward progress she has made through the adverse
-circumstances common to a pioneer life, and the establishing of a new
-order of religion and social life amid the opposition and persecution
-of our own nation; the result is calculated to testify strongly
-against the assertions made that, in our isolation and subservience
-to religious authority, woman is repressed in her abilities and
-privileges; for it is in that mental atmosphere which is the very
-essence of Mormonism, that hers have been developed and brought into
-prominence as an exemplar to the young. If in the very stronghold of
-Mormonism the standard of progress is upheld by woman's hand as well
-as man's, the inference is that the next generation will show a marked
-advance. Knowledge is power, and this with virtue and wisdom united,
-guided by inspiration, ignorance and tyranny will alike be impotent
-against the growing hosts of Israel. And, knowing this, all excellences
-of acquirements and attainments are stimulated and promoted among
-the old and young by our leaders, misrepresentation to the contrary
-notwithstanding.
-
-The quality of statesmanship is of high order and rare among women, but
-it has been declared by the lips of prophecy that positions of power
-would await the women of Zion faster than they would be qualified for
-them. Mrs. Wells is by nature one of those prepared for the advent of
-such an era.
-
-And still, the songs whispered from nature to the heart of the child
-chime on, and the woman repeats them in clear, sweet utterances to the
-world; the intuitions of the Deity and his work she may now declare
-in knowledge, and the maiden that with timid feet went down at the
-Gospel's call into the waters of baptism, has become a strength, an
-inspiration and a guide to women in the same path.
-
-President Young gave Mrs. Wells a mission to record in brief the
-biographies of the most prominent women of our Church, in the _Woman's
-Exponent_. A part of this work has already been performed, which is an
-important addition to our home literature.
-
-I give below one selection from the lady's many beautiful poems:
-
- REAL AND IDEAL.
-
- At times, sweet visions float across my mind,
- And glimpses of the unknown bright and fair,
- Where all the objects seem so well defined--
- Tasteful in color, and in beauty rare,
- That I must pause and think if they be real,
- Or only what the poets call ideal.
-
- I well remember when a little child,
- I had these same strange, wand'ring fancies;
- And I was told my thoughts were running wild,
- That I must not indulge in such romances.
- Wasting in idle dreams the precious hours,
- Building air castles and gazing from the towers.
-
- E'en then I seemed to see familiar friends,
- Pertaining to a dim, uncertain past;
- And to my recollection faintly clings,
- A sense of something which the shadows cast,
- That showed me what my future life would be,
- A prophecy, as 'twere, of destiny.
-
- There was an intuition in my heart,
- An innate consciousness of right and wrong,
- That bade me choose a wiser, better part,
- Which, in rough places helped to make me strong:
- And though my path was oft bereft of beauty,
- Still urged me on to fulfill ev'ry duty.
-
- O, happy childhood, bright with faith and hope;
- Enchantment dwells within thy rosy bowers,
- And rainbow tints gild all within thy scope;
- And youth sits lightly on a bed of flowers,
- His cup of happiness just brimming o'er,
- Unconscious of what life has yet in store.
-
- What glowing aspirations fill the mind--
- Of noble work designed for man to do!
- What purity of purpose here we find--
- What longing for the beautiful and true;
- Ere know we of the toil, and grief and woe;
- Or dream that men and women suffer so.
-
- Though all along life's toilsome, weary way,
- We meet with disappointments hard to bear;
- Yet strength is given equal to our day,
- And joy is of'nest mixed with pain or care;
- But let us not grow weary in well-doing,
- Still persevere, the upward path pursuing.
-
- Thus ever struggle on, 'mid doubts and fears;
- While changing scenes before our gaze unfold,
- Till, through the vista of long weary years,
- We see Heaven's sunshine thro' its gates of gold;
- And feel assured it is an answering token,
- Aye! though our earthly idols have been broken.
-
- Tho' those we've cherished most have been untrue,
- And fond and faithful ones have gone before,
- Still let us keep the promises in view,
- Of those who're pleading on "the other shore,"
- Whose tender messages are with us yet,
- The words of love, we never can forget.
-
- And while we muse and ponder, shadows fall,
- And a sweet spirit whispers, "Peace, be still;"
- What of the past--'tis now beyond recall:
- The future, we with usefulness may fill.
- Yet sometime we shall find in regions real
- Those dreams fulfilled we only term ideal.
-
-
-
-MRS. ROMANIA B. PRATT, M. D.
-
-Romania Bunnell Pratt, daughter of Luther B. and Esther Mendenhall
-Bunnell, was born August 8, 1839, in Washington, Wayne County, Indiana.
-In her seventh year she went with her parents to Nauvoo, and had the
-privilege of visiting the Temple, and went with the Church to Winter
-Quarters. She says: "While there I well remember being present when
-the martial band was marching round and the call was made for the
-Mormon Battallion for Mexico. Although too young to appreciate the
-severe ordeal our devoted and persecuted people were subject to, I can
-never forget the feeling of grief which oppressed my little heart, as
-one after one the brave-hearted men fell into the ranks." From Winter
-Quarters her parents moved to Ohio where her whole time was spent in
-attending school, the last year and a half at the Crawfordsville Female
-Seminary. In 1855, her mother then being a widow, with her family of
-two girls and two boys and their worldly effects, again joined the
-Saints at Atchison, now Omaha, where she was first baptized into the
-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, on the last of May, 1855,
-just before commencing their journey with ox teams across the plains
-to Salt Lake City, where they arrived September 3d of the same year.
-The summer journey of these months was a series of changing panoramic
-scenes as enchanting to the free, careless heart of a child, as it was
-arduous to those of maturer years. Their arrival in the city of the
-Saints was during the grasshopper famine, when flour was twenty-five
-dollars per hundred weight, sugar forty cents per pound and everything
-in proportion, and although they had left plenty behind them, in the
-hands of guardians who refused to allow them any money, (the children
-all being minors) to come away among the Mormons, saying; "They
-will rob you of it all as soon as you get there." In consequence of
-this prejudice they arrived in Salt Lake City penniless and at a
-time when they with thousands of others had to learn the sweetness
-of the coarsest kind of bread. Romania taught day school and gave
-music lessons on the piano at intervals until she entered the medical
-profession. This lady was married to Parley P. Pratt, son of the
-Apostle, Parley P. Pratt, by President Brigham Young, and has had seven
-children; Parley P. Pratt, Luther B., Louis L., Corinne T., Mark C.,
-Irwin E. and Roy B. Pratt. Her second son died in infancy, and her
-lovely daughter died when twenty months old.
-
-Through a love of literary pursuit and surrounding circumstances her
-attention was turned to the medical profession which she entered in
-1873 and graduated in the Woman's Medical College of Philadelphia in
-March, 1877. After graduating she remained in Philadelphia and took
-special courses on the eye and ear at Wills' Hospital and a dispensary
-on Chestnut Street, conducted by Dr. George Strawbridge. Leaving
-Philadelphia she spent a few weeks visiting Hydropathic institutions to
-learn something of the mode of administration and especially of water
-treatment.
-
-Immediately on her arrival home she by request commenced giving
-lectures to ladies and agitated the question of a hospital for women
-and children, and by counsel on account of great demand of obstetrical
-aid needed in the numerous settlements, soon instituted a school of
-midwifery, and has taught two classes a year since, except when absent
-for special study in the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary where she spent
-eight months in 1881-2.
-
-In 1874, when Eliza R. S. Smith organized the Young Ladies' Mutual
-Improvement Association of the Twelfth Ward, Mrs. Pratt was appointed
-President, which position she held though absent a portion of the time,
-until professional work compelled her resignation. She now holds the
-office of Treasurer of the Salt Lake Stake organization of the Young
-Ladies Mutual Improvement Association, and is also one of the Board
-of Executors and medical attendant of the Deseret Hospital, organized
-1882, beside having a busy practice. Luther B. Bunnell, her father,
-was the inventor of a repeating fire arm, and at a critical period in
-the persecutions of the Saints, donated to them five hundred dollars
-in arms and ammunition. Tracing her family record a few years back,
-we find in her mother's line the names of Bayard Taylor and Benjamin
-West among her relatives. About the year 1837, a small pamphlet was
-published in Philadelphia giving the genealogy of her family, tracing
-them back to a Russian nobleman. Captain Mendenhall was the grandson
-of Benjamin, brother to John Mendenhall, the Puritan emigrant. Colonel
-Richard Thomas, brother to her great grandmother, was a member of
-Congress from Chester County, Pa., for many years. Of medical members,
-Dr. Pratt's family certainly has had a goodly number, and of these we
-select--Dr. Mendenhall, of Richmond, Indiana, her mother's cousin,
-Dr. Marmaduke Mendenhall, of North Carolina, her cousin, Dr. Paris
-Mendenhall, her brother, Dr. James R. Mendenhall, of Richmond, Indiana,
-her cousin, Nereus Mendenhall, professor in New Garden Quaker College,
-also George D. and William Mendenhall, physicians. Beside these,
-many others of note occur, too many for less than a special volume.
-Her eldest son, Parley P. Pratt, also entered the New York School of
-Pharmacy, from which he expects to graduate in the spring of 1885.
-
-Dr. Pratt is in appearance the very embodiment of health and happiness,
-her blooming cheeks, abundant loose ringlets without a line of gray,
-her dark eyes inspiring the dispirited with cheerfulness and hope, the
-cordial clasp of hand, a hand gentle, but somehow suggestive of the
-nerve, firmness, self-possession and power the true healer holds, the
-intuition one receives of her sympathy and benevolence, if needed; all
-these are conveyed as upon an open page by the very presence of Dr.
-Pratt. Also, that other influence is felt that she too leans upon a
-higher power than human skill, the same Giver of life and health as the
-tenderest child looks up to.
-
-Dr. Romania B. Pratt was the first "Mormon" woman graduate. Following
-her return as graduate, next came Dr. Ellis R. Shipp, 1878, Mattie
-Paul Hughes, M. D., 1883, Elvira S. Barney, M. D., 1883, and Margaret
-C. Shipp, M. D., 1883. Drs. R. B. Pratt, Ellis R. Shipp and Elvira S.
-Barney are connected with the Deseret Hospital, founded in 1882.
-
- THE LADY DOCTOR.
-
- For her, from darkened rooms
- What blessings softly rise,
- Who brings relief to pain and fear
- And soothes the watcher's cries.
-
- On her, the skies look down
- As fearless, swift she goes
- Through lonely paths, past rude alarms,
- And oft through blinding snows.
-
- 'Tis hers, to see the smile
- The new blest mother gives;
- And hers to hear their answering joy--
- "Hush all thy fears, he lives."
-
- The record of her works
- In volumes ne'er is known,
- 'Tis written as on marble carved
- In grateful hearts alone.
-
-
-
-DR. ELVIRA S. BARNEY.
-
-Although in this book Dr. Barney is classed among the medical
-fraternity her labors and history have been interwoven with those of
-the Latter Day Saints from her childhood, in so many varied and useful
-fields of labor, that I am compelled to pause at the very beginning
-of this sketch, (necessarily brief) knowing I must omit so many
-particulars, both valuable and instructive.
-
-If Dr. Barney had, in her childhood, possessed the advantages of
-obtaining a thorough education, and opportunities for the best
-development of those many abilities which have manifested themselves
-under the most dispiriting surroundings, it would be difficult at
-present to estimate what she might have accomplished. She represents
-the practical, domestic, experience of a Latter Day Saint; orphaned,
-and almost alone, but possessing that indomitable spirit that rises
-above every obstacle, and turns to account every available means no
-matter how humble, that cultivates every inherent power to its best
-uses; an upbuilder in everything pertaining to the interests of her
-people, ready to aid on the right and on the left, forgetful of self.
-
-Elvira S. Barney was born March 17, 1832, in Gerry, Chawtawque County,
-New York, being the daughter of Samuel C. Stevens, a merchant, and his
-wife, Minerva Althea Field, a school teacher. Her great grand-father,
-Joseph Stevens, took an active part in the Revolutionary War; her
-grand-father, Simon Stevens, was a doctor; her uncles were doctors
-and lawyers. When twelve years old Elvira heard the gospel preached
-by a Mormon Elder, and from that time daily prayed in secret till the
-Lord gave her a testimony that satisfied her heart. She was baptized
-in 1844, and went with her parents to Nauvoo, where her father died
-after a brief illness, on October 4th. In the January following Elvira
-and her mother were preparing for the journey across the wilderness,
-parching corn, etc.; but her mother, overcome by toil, grief and
-exhaustion, died on the 6th of the month. Their farm, household goods,
-etc., were sold, and the five children received ten dollars each to fit
-them out for a western journey. Elvira parted with her twin brother,
-fourteen years old, with tears in his eyes, and she never saw him
-again. He died six years after. Elvira was taken some twenty-five miles
-across the prairie among strangers, and there spent the winter. There
-were no children for her to mate with, no one to feel tenderly for the
-lonely, quiet aching heart of this orphan girl. When spring approached
-she rejoined her married sister to wait upon her, traveling west with
-her, sometimes living in a brush-house (while recruiting) and sleeping
-under a wagon while traveling, and once awoke to find several inches
-of snow covering them. Exposure brought her to death's door, but she
-lived after long suffering. She witnessed the solemn separation of the
-"Mor-Battallion" from their families and friends. During one winter
-she lived in a dug-out in a side hill on the Missouri River, and was
-forced to live on corn bread and water; their tallow candles they could
-not afford to burn, but used them to grease their bake-kettles. Here,
-however, willing to be useful she helped to teach school, studying
-nights by a chip-fire to keep in advance of her pupils. Many of our
-public speakers of today, can date their first lessons in elocution and
-arithmetic to her training.
-
-Elvira crossed the mountains in the first company in 1848, and arrived
-in this valley by the side of two yoke of oxen, with a sick sister
-and a brother-in-law with a broken arm, in her care. Her first lesson
-in surgery was the helping to set this arm, and her first practice in
-medicine was the breaking up of her sister's fever. Soon after this
-Elvira made herself a pair of buck-skin moccasins. The first meeting
-she attended was in a bowery, and her best calico dress had patches
-on the elbows. Before the next winter she worked six weeks for a pair
-of leather shoes. There was not much aristocracy here in those days.
-They held meetings in tents, sang praises to God, and danced with as
-much sincerity and purity of heart as even King David did before the
-Lord, for they knew God was with them. Said her sister, who afterward
-turned from the faith: "If God had not been with us when we were
-driven out at the battle of Nauvoo, we should have perished, but when
-we were starving he sent quails, and they were so tame they came into
-our tents where the sick were lying, and they even took them in their
-hands." Thousands witnessed the miracle. After they arrived in the
-valley, crickets large and numerous threatened their crops, (their only
-recourse) but the Lord in answer to prayers sent sea-gulls in such
-flocks that the air was darkened, and they destroyed the crickets. The
-heavens were not as brass above their heads; they helped and loved each
-other, and God heard and loved them. Their laws were few and simple; in
-a Bishop's court a brother forgave his brother.
-
-In the summer of 1849, Elvira earned fifty dollars at different kinds
-of work, and making straw hats for the emigrants going to California
-to get gold the Battallion boys were the first to find. In the spring
-of 1849, Elvira had been appointed to go on a mission to the Society
-Islands; this was postponed, and in the spring of 1851, with her
-husband, she started in the company of Apostle Parley P. Pratt on his
-mission to Chili. They were harassed by Indians while crossing the
-deserts, and Elvira arrived in Los Angelos sick with a fever, and laid
-sixteen days in a tent made of sheets. Her sister here buried her
-babe; took steamer and landed in San Francisco, Elvira contracting
-inflammatory rheumatism on the voyage, and was stiff and helpless four
-days. Parley P. Pratt administered to her, and the next morning she
-helped to get breakfast. Through some trouble between the Islanders
-and the French the Mission was changed to the Sandwich Islands. Having
-been left behind to recruit her health, Sister Elvira went to work in
-a hotel as waiter at one hundred dollars a month, and soon was able
-to pay her passage to the Sandwich Islands, besides having means to
-support her while there. On arriving at Lahaiva, on the island of
-Mai, the captain gave her his arm and they walked through the streets
-in quest of her husband followed by the natives, old and young, they
-to admire and be friendly, the strangers feeling mortified with such
-honors. Remained a month there then embarked on the ship Hulumann.
-The previously mentioned captain came on board and treated them to a
-Christmas dinner. After four days sail landed at Kawhow, Hawaii, in
-the fall of 1851. Sister Elvira lived six months among the natives
-on their island food, mostly of taro and sweet-potatoes made into a
-batter and soured, short rations at that, yet attained the weight of
-one hundred and fifty pounds. Says she: "Don't smile when I tell you
-I often thought of Alexander Selkirk who said he was 'Monarch of all
-he surveyed.' Here months passed, living on the lava strewn island, no
-ships came to bring tidings, I was left to view the rolling billows
-that separated me from all I held dear, country and friends. Fancy
-the loneliness of those long months, not a white woman to speak to in
-my own tongue. Here I was studying a foreign language and teaching
-the natives to speak my own." In the mean time sister Elvira acquired
-the art of swimming, which means enabled her afterwards, to all
-appearances, to save one of the ladies of this book from drowning in a
-bottomless spring in Utah. During eleven months spent on four islands,
-Sister Elvira wrote a letter to a native lawyer in his own tongue,
-and although over thirty years have elapsed she is able to converse
-fluently with the natives who have gathered to this city.
-
-Leaving all her means but five dollars with her husband, she arrived
-penniless at Honolulu _en route_ for San Francisco, by counsel of
-Phillip B. Lewis, President of the Sandwich Islands Mission. Here, in
-answer to prayer, after all other efforts had failed to procure means,
-a stranger she never saw before nor since, called upon her. In answer
-to his few questions he learned her situation as a missionary's wife
-preaching the Gospel without purse or scrip. He handed her the money,
-eighty dollars, to pay her passage to San Francisco, and she gave him
-her note for it, and embarked. Three times she escaped shipwreck, the
-last time, just outside the Golden Gate of the Bay of San Francisco. On
-her arrival there she borrowed the money of a friend and returned it
-to the stranger, and repaid this by making fine shirts at ten dollars
-apiece. The wife of the gentleman for whom she made them presented her
-with a complete set of clothing, the outer garment being a new silk
-dress. Sister Elvira says: "The Lord knew I needed them and I thanked
-Him and the giver also." Of the San Francisco Saints she says, "The
-welcome I received by the remaining Saints there, and the heavenly
-influence we enjoyed together is the one most marked oasis of my life,
-for truly they blessed me and God blessed them." Sister Elvira wasted
-no time, but in various ways earned means, part of which she sent to
-assist the Sandwich Islands Mission. In 1856 she returned to Salt Lake
-City, riding seven hundred miles on horseback, and here resumed school
-teaching. In 1859, she assisted in the amputation of a dear friend's
-arm. In 1860, traveled east to visit kindred and rode sixteen days by
-stage. In 1864, went to Wheaton College and returned home after nearly
-two years absence. From 1859 to 1863 had taught school in ten different
-places, generally four terms a year. Had during these previous years
-taken at different times four homeless children into her care until
-other ways opened for them. In 1873 adopted a boy whom she schooled
-and provided for for ten years. In this year also began writing up her
-genealogical record which she has traced back to the year 1600. In
-1876 wrote a pamphlet on seri-culture, and suggested the appointment
-of a meeting on that subject. Advanced as a loan the first fifty
-dollars to establish the "home made straw hat industry." Canvassed the
-Thirteenth Ward and traveled in the interest of the _Woman's Exponent_.
-Was appointed agent for and canvassed the city for the _Women of
-Mormondom_, and raised fifty shares ($25.00 each) in one day. Was
-appointed a committee for purchasing grain for the Grain Association
-(President E. B. Wells). In 1876 traveled south and held forty-five
-meetings in twenty-seven days, in the interest of Women's Work in
-Utah. In 1878 attended the Deseret University. Up to date of February,
-1879, had earned over nine thousand dollars by her own labors, and
-built a good commodious house, her home. October, 1879, started East
-to continue her medical studies which she had prosecuted at home for
-several years, and attended three complete courses; returning home in
-the spring of 1883, prepared to pursue this her chosen vocation after a
-long and eventful experience in many fields of usefulness.
-
-Realizing her own early desires for knowledge and the inconvenience of
-limited privileges, Dr. Barney fitted up her large house to accommodate
-lady boarders, thus affording them the convenience of home and college
-under one roof, with the privilege of boarding themselves, and
-receiving gratuitous medical instructions for one year.
-
-She has crossed the Pacific Ocean twice, the western deserts twice, the
-eastern plains five times: has wrought at different humble occupations
-belonging to a new country, learning later fine embroidery, pencil
-work, draughting in architecture, delivering lectures, &c., one tenth
-cannot be told in these pages. Sister Barney also has received the
-gifts of prophecy, tongues and interpretation of tongues, as the writer
-can testify.
-
-Her step is as quick as ever, her carriage erect; she says; "My life
-has been real, my life has been earnest, and now if any of my works
-praise me then truly I am praised. If any one has done better I should
-be happy to read their chapter; yet I realize many of our Mormon
-ladies' lives have been similar, and it is such women that will teach
-and train sons for the nation."
-
-
-
-EMILY HILL WOODMANSEE.
-
-Emily Hill Woodmansee, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Slade Hill, was
-born in the south-west of England, near Warminster, Wilts, March 24,
-1836. Quoting her own words:
-
-"Of my pedigree I will simply say that my parents were honorable,
-hard-working people, too independent in spirit to stoop to mean
-actions, much less to sully their conscience to curry favor. The
-youngest living of eleven children, I fully enjoyed the privileges
-often accorded the youngest member of a family, (ie) of having things
-my own way. My parents as well as my brothers and sisters were very
-kind to me, and I can truly say--slightly reversing a word in the lines
-of one of our poets, that,
-
- 'I never knew what trouble was
- Till I became a Mormon.'
-
-"When but a mere child I was much concerned about my eternal salvation
-and felt that I would make any sacrifice to obtain it. I asked all
-kinds of questions of my mother and sisters, seeking how to be saved,
-but could get no satisfaction from them nor from the religious body
-(Wesleyans) to which they belonged.
-
-"Hungry and thirsty for truth, I searched the Scriptures, invariably
-turning to the lives of ancient apostles or to the beautiful writings
-of the Prophet Isaiah. I was never weary of reading his prophecies, the
-glory of a Latter-Day Zion that burthened his inspirations possessed
-for me a charm irresistible. Truly I was waiting for something, I knew
-not what, that came to me sooner than I expected.
-
-"When I was about twelve years old, my cousin, Miriam Slade,
-(afterward the wife of Edward Hanham,) came to visit us; she was very
-merry-hearted and we had anticipated her visit, expecting a good deal
-of fun; but she was too full of a 'new religion' to do anything but
-preach. 'God,' she said, 'had spoken from the heavens to a man named
-Joseph Smith; the Gospel was restored to the earth, the honest in heart
-were commanded to gather to the land of Zion for safety, for this was
-the last Dispensation, and the hour of God's judgment had come!'
-
-"Right faithfully she testified to her knowledge of these things,
-much to the surprise of our family, who were considerably amused
-at her earnestness as well as at the novelty of her belief, and
-notwithstanding I listened attentively, I thought her assertions
-too good to be true. The next Sunday my cousin informed us that the
-Latter-Day Saints had appointed a meeting for that day at an adjoining
-village called Chalford, and invited us to go. As it was a distance
-of five or six miles, making a long walk there and back, none of my
-brothers cared to go, and my elder sisters considered themselves
-altogether too respectable (?) to attend an outdoor meeting of such a
-primitive sect, therefore they declined to go, and no one thought of
-sending me till I suggested it. Turning to my father, my sisters said,
-(laughingly,) 'Yes, send Em, she will tell us all about it.'
-
-"In five minutes Miriam Slade and myself were on the road, accompanied
-by Mr. Wm. Bowring, (brother to Henry E. Bowring of Brigham City,) and
-by Edward W. Tullidge, then a youth, but now well-known as a talented
-writer and also as the proprietor and editor of _Tullidge's Quarterly
-Magazine_. Never, never shall I forget that day, surely it was the
-turning point of my whole life. A few devoted worshippers of truth met
-together in a small house, to bear their testimony to one another and
-to worship God! And He was in their midst and that to bless them. Even
-as in the Day of Pentecost, they spake in tongues and prophesied, which
-prophecy I have seen fulfilled. Unlike the Jews who were 'pricked in
-their hearts,' I did not even ask, 'What shall I do to be saved.' 'The
-way' was open before me, and simple and young as I was I instinctively
-knew that 'I could not err therein.'
-
- The Eternal! spake, and honest hearts discerning
- The voice and message of the holiest One!
- Hail it as though their souls had e'en been yearning
- For light and truth, e'en since their lives begun.
-
-"It was indeed as though I had been brought 'out of darkness into
-marvelous light,' and I could not shut my eyes against it.
-
-"In the evening I attended an out door 'Mormon Meeting,' and though
-naturally sensitive to ridicule, I did not care the least for the
-sneers of the crowd but joined in the songs of the Saints as well as
-I could, for in my childish way I wanted it understood that I was not
-ashamed to count one with the peculiar people called Latter-Day Saints.
-
-"Many a time since, when 'offences' have come in my way, over which
-with mortal weakness I have almost stumbled, the testimony of that
-eventful day has been to me a precious recollection which nothing could
-obliterate. I was so overjoyed at finding what I had so long desired,
-and so eager to convince my friends that I could hardly wait to get
-home. As soon as I was inside the house and almost before anyone else
-could speak, I astounded them all by the emphatic declaration that I
-knew the Latter-Day Saints were the right people; and I would join them
-as soon as I was big enough. I was never sent to 'take notes' of the
-'Mormons' again, but on the contrary was closely watched lest I should
-be led away by a 'sect that was everywhere spoken against.' My early
-study of the Scriptures now stood me in good stead, and I searched the
-Bible more diligently than ever, so that I might give a good reason
-for my faith to the hosts that assailed me, (right reverends among the
-number,) who, finding it easier to cry 'delusion' than to prove it,
-generally wound up by informing me that I wasn't old enough to know my
-own mind, and was altogether too young to judge of so grave a matter.
-Meantime my persistent faith invoked such a tempest of wrath over my
-head, that I could not even get an opportunity to be baptized, and the
-elders did not think it wisdom (because of my tender years) to perform
-the ceremony without my parents' consent. I well remember looking
-forward to a period when I should be old enough to act for myself, and
-it seemed a lifetime.
-
-"About this time one of the elders brought Brother John Halliday
-(brother to Bishop Halliday of Santaquin) to our house, who bore such
-a powerful testimony to the divine mission of Joseph Smith, that my
-sister, Julia, (now Mrs. Ivins of St. George) exclaimed, 'If ever
-there was a man of God I'm sure he is one, and I'll be a Latter-Day
-Saint, too!' From that time I had a friend in the family, and we were
-both determined that cost what it might we would be true to the light
-within us. Only once in a great while could we steal away and meet with
-the Saints, but although we were not yet baptized we partook of the
-sacrament and paid out our pocket money to the Church funds like actual
-members.
-
-"On one of these occasions Brother Halliday blessed me and confirmed
-upon me the promise that I should write in prose and in verse and
-thereby comfort the hearts of thousands. After this I was baptized
-March 25, 1858, I was then sixteen, but had virtually been a Latter-Day
-Saint for four years.
-
-"Denied the privilege of freely meeting with the Saints, I all the more
-earnestly desired to gather to Zion; but fearing I might be forcibly
-detained if I attempted to leave home directly for America, I obtained
-my parents' consent to visit my sister, Julia--who had already gone to
-Northampton (quite a long distance from home) hoping that the way would
-open up, so we might earn enough to emigrate. There for the first time
-I enjoyed religious freedom and there also I took my lessons of hard
-times; preparing me for greater hardships in store.
-
-"In the month of May, 1856, we sailed for America on the ship,
-_Thornton_, Captain Collins, commander; Brother James G. Willie had
-charge of the Saints, (a company of eight hundred) and a good captain
-he was. We had a pleasant trip with the exception of one heavy storm
-which I would not have missed for a great deal.
-
-"From New York we traveled by rail and by way of Lake Erie to the
-camping ground in the neighborhood of Iowa City; there we were obliged
-to wait till the companies were ready to start, and surely if we had
-been natural or unnatural curiosities we could not have been commented
-on or stared at any more by the people surrounding us. 'Mormons, men,
-women and children, and worse, a lot of young girls, bound for Salt
-Lake and going to pull 'hand carts!' Shocking!'
-
-"Yet, for the potent reason that no other way seemed open, and on the
-principle of 'descending below all things,' I made up my mind to pull
-a hand cart. 'All the way to Zion,' a foot journey from Iowa to Utah,
-and pull our luggage, think of it! Anonymous letters, and warnings
-from sympathizing outsiders were mysteriously conveyed to us, setting
-forth the hardships and impossibilities of such a journey, and offering
-us inducements to stay. Many who started out with us backed out in a
-few days; my sister broke down and was unable to walk and I remember
-asking myself (footsore and weary with the first week of walking and
-working) if it was possible for me, faith or no faith, to walk twelve
-hundred miles further. The flesh certainly was weak but the spirit
-was willing, I set down my foot that I would try, and by the blessing
-of God I pulled a hand cart a thousand miles and never rode one step.
-Some thrilling scenes I could relate incident to that journey, but must
-forbear for want of space. Suffice it to say that after a long and
-wearisome journey, being entirely out of provisions, we halted for want
-of strength to proceed, and never should I have beheld (with mortal
-eyes) 'the city of the Saints' had not the compassionate people of Utah
-sent out a number of brave-hearted brethren with food and clothing to
-our relief. May they all be everlastingly blessed.
-
-"In the month of June, 1857, firmly believing in the principle of
-plural marriage I entered into it. The result of this marriage was one
-child only, for a little more than three years after said marriage,
-my husband went on a mission to England, and after I had worked for
-upwards of four years to maintain myself and little one, my husband
-himself sent me word that he never intended to set foot in Utah again.
-And here I must be allowed to say in behalf of myself and other true
-women who have endured such separations, and to whom, perhaps, it is
-counted as nothing, no one can realize what such an ordeal is, unless
-they have passed through it. All that I had hitherto suffered seemed
-like child's play compared to being deserted by the one in whom I
-had chosen to place the utmost confidence, who himself had fixed an
-impassable gulf between us by ignoring the very principles by which he
-had obtained me, leaving myself and my little one (for all he knew) to
-sorrow and destitution. Harder still, was it for me to believe that
-this abandonment had been deliberately planned. I could not accept the
-fact till President Young, (speaking to me of my husband), emphatically
-said, 'Don't you know he asked for his mission? If he hadn't I wouldn't
-have sent him till the day of his death!' That was enough for me, I
-comprehended all that it meant, and independent of Brigham Young's word
-I was forced to believe it.
-
-"I had striven hard to keep out of debt,--determined to do my part
-as a missionary's wife, that when my husband came back he might not
-be hampered on my account. Nevertheless 'hard times' stared me in
-the face, and I was almost overwhelmed by circumstances beyond my
-control. During the winter season of 1863-4, (owing to the war and many
-circumstances combined) provisions and other necessaries commanded
-almost fabulous prices, and I could not see how I should ever be able
-to keep 'the wolf from the door.' To add to my trouble, the house I
-occupied (and to which I had been led to believe I had some claim,) was
-sold over my head and thus I had the prospect of being homeless, at a
-time when rents were going up double and treble. One night when I was
-so weary with overwork and anxiety, pondering what to do, these words
-impressed me as if audibly spoken, TRUST IN GOD AND THYSELF. Instantly
-I arose and composed the following lines:
-
- A priceless boon! is a friend indeed
- Greet him as such when his face you see;
- But those who fail thee in time of need--
- Shun them, as false friends should shunned be.
- They proffer this, and they promise that,
- But promise, alas, is a doubtful elf.
- So would'st thou weather the storms of life--
- Trust thou in God! and thyself.
-
- Keep a brave heart, though the waves roll high,
- Let thine aim be true as the magnet's steel;
- Look unto God! with a steadfast eye,
- And trust Him always, in woe or weal.
- Man may deceive, but God! is true;
- Mortals may pander to love of pelf,
- Like "Angel's visits" firm friends are few,
- Trust thou in God! and thyself,
-
- Should friends, nor fortune, nor home be thine--
- Cringe not for this, nor beg for that;
- The earnest seekers will surely find
- Something to thoroughly labor at.
- 'Tis a cheering maxim to keep in view--
- That diligence leads to plenty's shelf;
- And whatsoever thy hands pursue--
- Trust thou in God! and thyself.
-
- What! though thy flesh and thy strength should fail?
- Surely 'were better to wear than rust;
- Than never to try, 'twere better to die,
- In striving bravely to fill our trust,
- But fear not thou, for God! is good--
- He is the giver of strength and wealth.
- When faithless feelings or friends intrude--
- Trust thou in God! and thyself.
-
-"Immediately after this my way opened up before me, almost within the
-week I secured another home, which if not very commodious had for me
-the satisfying charm of being _my own_.
-
-"On May 7, 1864, I again entered into plural marriage, and was sealed
-by Heber C. Kimball to Joseph Woodmansee, to whom I have borne four
-sons and four daughters. Two of these died in infancy, leaving me a
-family of seven, including my first born.
-
-"Nearly twenty years have rolled by since my second marriage, during
-which time I have seen many changes of fortune which I cannot now
-relate, but I will say this much of my children's father. Misfortunes
-that have befallen him have never affected his faith, he has proven
-his allegiance to the principles and priesthood of God at considerable
-sacrifice to himself and family, enduring reverses uncomplainingly.
-
-"Of my children I need say but little, but I fervently hope that each
-and all of them may seek and obtain for themselves a knowledge of
-the truth, (called Mormonism) for I know it can make them wise unto
-salvation, and may they be willing if needs be to endure reproach and
-privation for principle's sake. I doubt not that all my troubles have
-been for my good, and to-day I am more than thankful for my standing in
-the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints."
-
- And wherefore should I cease to sing
- Of Zion and the Latter Day?
- I could not find a nobler theme,
- Nor choose a lovelier, loftier lay.
- Too insignificant is my praise--
- Too feeble is my lyre and tongue,
- For of these longed for, Latter Days
- Have royal bards and prophets sung.
-
- Ne'er shall our hearts ungrateful be;
- Ne'er shall our songs be void of praise,
- For God has suffered us to see
- "The Zion" of the Latter Days.
- Though all the world in scorn deride--
- Our numbers shall not cease to flow;
- Our soul's sincerest, purest love
- Thrills unto Zion's weal or woe.
-
- When she is sad, then I am sad;
- When she is bound I am not free;
- When she is glad then I am glad
- And all things prosper well with me.
- I love to see her power extend,
- Her influence and her reign increase--
- Then wonder not, "for Zion's sake--
- Will I not hold my peace."
-
-"I desire to live to make up for past short-comings by future
-diligence, that I may help (in my humble way) to build up 'the kingdom
-whose dominion, power and greatness shall be given to the Saints of the
-most High! who shall possess it forever and ever.'"
-
- The faith of the Saints shall astonish the world
- And puzzle the wise to explain it;
- Hosannah! hosannah! Truth's flag is unfurled,
- And the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
-
-
-
-HANNAH T. KING.
-
-"The University town of Cambridge, England, I am proud to say, is the
-place of my nativity. I was reared among its classic shades and bowers.
-For the last thirty years America has been my adopted country, and I
-love her with a loyal and devoted appreciation, but the home and the
-haunts of childhood and youth leave on every mind indelible impressions
-and when brought to a focus upon the past as at the present moment,
-'The distant spires and antique towers' rise up before me in all their
-vividness by the power of that most wonderful faculty, MEMORY.
-
-"I was born and reared in the High Church of England, and nothing but
-the high Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints could have caused
-me to secede from its high tenets and truly liberal principles; it
-stands second to none of the churches of the world.
-
-"Any son or daughter might have been proud of such parents as mine,
-they were fine in person, highly moral, and intellectual, were
-descended from a highly born family, and were honored and respected
-by all who knew them; they reared their children with great care and
-watchfulness, giving them such an education as would fit them for all
-good society of whatever grade. Blessed be their memory!
-
-"I was married at the early age of seventeen, but in my mind and
-character I was older than many girls at twenty. I have lived long
-enough to authorize the woman to sit in judgment on the girl.
-
-"I had a sweet, happy home, for I had the faculty to make it so; I
-had ten beautiful children but death robbed me of several. We gave
-the surviving ones a liberal education with accomplishments; as
-they grew up they repaid us in being all we desired. From a child I
-had been accustomed to write much--keeping a journal and a book for
-choice extracts, etc. My father was unavoidably much away from home
-on business, but he enjoined me to write frequently to him, and to
-do _his_ bidding was my delight, for he was my _beau ideal_ of all
-that was good. Since at nine or ten I became a letter writer, and the
-thousands I have written in my long life would form a towering paper
-pillar. After some years of my married life I became a writer for the
-local papers and also wrote two books, one for my girls and the other
-for the boys, 'The Toilet' and the 'Three Eras,' dedicating them to
-each. These books were patronized by the aristocracy of England. I also
-wrote considerable poetry all my life.
-
-"In 1849, 'a change came o'er the spirit of my dream.' I had a young
-woman who had worked for me eleven years as dressmaker, she was highly
-respectable, conscientious and good. In September, 1849, she was in the
-house at work, and on the evening of the 4th, when work was laid aside,
-she told me she wished to speak to me privately, as she had something
-she wished to communicate to me. I at once gave her the audience she
-requested and she then laid before me the organization of the Church
-of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with the first principles of the
-same. Of course I was startled! But the spirit of God witnessed to my
-spirit that she spoke _truth_! I compared all she told me by the Bible
-which had ever been my standard of truth--it _endorsed_ all she said! I
-studied, I prayed,--she gave me to read 'Spencer's Letters'--they made
-me a willing convert. I read many other prominent works with which my
-teacher furnished me. Fifteen months passed, and yet I had not attended
-the Latter-Day Saint Meetings, or seen a single member, but this young
-woman, yet even at that time I was a confirmed Latter-Day Saint. I then
-was introduced to an elder from America, and after his first sermon I
-was baptized by him in the classic waters of the Camm, my native river.
-
-"Soon I began to see the antagonisms I had to meet. I, a member of the
-Church of England. My grandfather a rector in the same, my father and
-my mother, my family and friends! All had to be met, could I bring
-the gray hairs of my parents in sorrow to the grave? Could I reduce
-my family to comparative poverty and reverses of every kind? Could
-I _so_ lay my all upon the altar of my God? Could I like Abraham of
-old, arise and go to a far country--even the wilds of America? It
-would take more than I have space to elaborate this subject--suffice,
-strength was given me--I passed under 'the car of Juggernaut,' which is
-no _overstrained_ flower of language but a veritable simile. Suffice,
-the votary lived! and I came out _convinced_, _determined_, and the
-calm, as it were, of a summer morning was upon me! A conviction had
-been given me that it was indeed the work of the last days, when all
-dispensations should be gathered in one, when that people I had all
-my life prayed for in the Church of England should be 'prepared for
-the second coming of the Savior,' were indeed organized upon the earth
-by the voice of God Himself and His Son, Jesus Christ, appearing to a
-youth, even Joseph Smith, and appointing him as the prophet of the last
-dispensation, under the immediate direction of the Lord Jesus Himself.
-The Church was organized with six members, on the 6th of April, 1830.
-
-"Of this Church I became a member by the requisite act of baptism by
-immersion, under the hands of the American missionary. From that time
-I had the spirit of 'gathering,' and in June, 1853, I left my home and
-many that were dear to me, my own immediate family accompanying me--and
-as I stood on the deck of the _Golconda_ I said, 'My native land, good
-night.' Ox teams conveyed us over the prairies, and on the 19th of
-September, 1853, we entered Salt Lake City. Here we built a home which
-has been my sanctuary. I _know_ God was with me, and my loved ones also
-were with me. The union of my family was remarkable, that, and the
-Spirit of God enabled us to 'remove mountains.'
-
-"In a brief sketch like this it is impossible to give even the outline,
-but could I place in a book, first our _antecedents_, and then the
-marvelous events of those three years, the laying aside our Lares and
-Penates, surely the skeptic would agree that there was a power with
-us that the world knows nothing of! for even though we _knew_ we were
-the agents it was 'marvelous in our eyes.' Perhaps I have filled the
-brief space allotted me for the purpose for which I was called upon to
-write, surely my few words will be a testimony that I rejoice I am a
-Latter-Day Saint. I have passed through many reverses and tribulations,
-but in my darkest hours the Gospel has been a light upon my path and a
-lamp for my feet, and I realize day by day the smile and approbation of
-God upon me.
-
-"It has been my delight to write for the Saints since I have lived in
-Salt Lake City, and my reward has been their love and rich appreciation
-of my writings. I have been a constant writer for the _Woman's
-Exponent_, a paper got up and entirely carried on by the women of our
-people. President Young desired me to write for it and I have done so
-with pleasure to the best of my ability, both in prose and in verse.
-
-"For two years I had a school in my own house, and it promised
-to be a success, but my health failed, and to my sorrow I had to
-relinquish it. I was appointed to preside over the Young Ladies Mutual
-Improvement Association of the Seventeenth Ward, which position I held
-for one year, but resigned from feeble health. I was then appointed
-First Counselor to Marinda Hyde, President of the Relief Society of
-the Seventeenth Ward, which office I still have the honor to hold.
-My desire has ever been to be useful 'in my day and generation,'
-especially in the work of the last days, for in that I have joy and
-ample satisfaction.
-
-"The history of the people of God as we read it in the Bible, repeats
-itself in a remarkable manner in the Church of Jesus Christ upon the
-earth to-day, and those who need a testimony of its truth, I advise
-them to compare and observe the workings of the self-same spirit of
-antagonism, and they will hardly need another."
-
-I select a portion of one of Mrs. King's poems; her prose and verse
-are alike, always lofty in character; her prose writings would form
-more than one valuable volume for the libraries of the Saints, or
-indeed those not of our faith. Historical and character sketches seem
-a peculiar gift with her. Among the many admirers of her poems the
-English Saints regard her with special fondness, for is she not their
-own? and they anticipate her contributions, as we look forward to
-flowers of spring, to summer's wealth of fruits, to autumn's harvest
-time.
-
- REST.
-
- "I've fought the battle all my life
- Of outward foes and inward strife;
- The strife which flesh and spirit feel
- As keenly as the barbed steel;
- For ah! my soul has longed to be
- A perfect thing for God to see!
- And feels impatient for the time
- When I the heavenly heights shall climb,
- The good, in all the ages past,
- My eyes in love I've ever cast,
- Would imitate, admire, and aim
- Their glorious pinnacles to gain;
- A pedestal to call my own,
- One which my form might rest upon;
- My spirit feet cannot yet stand
- Upon the platform they command,
- But well I know I have been blest,
- And shall, in time, attain the rest;
- And I have sometimes felt ere while
- I moved 'neath God's effulgent smile
- That shed around me warmth and peace,
- And gave my captive mind release.
- The earth and every living thing
- Did tribute to my spirit bring;
- And then my soul was born anew,
- Begotten by the warmth and dew
- Which God's own spirit cast around,
- And placed my feet on holy ground.
- All things seemed tinged with light of heaven,
- My friends most loved, my foes forgiven!
- The fountain in my heart, to me
- Brought 'living water,' ecstacy!
-
- * * * * * * * * * *
-
- A little Goshen was my home,
- For joy and peace around it shone;
- And labor's self became delight,
- Making all healthy, strong and bright;
- And loving spirits gathered there
- As angels faithful, fond and fair.
- Was I not blest? Yes, I WAS blest,
- And truly 'twas a time of rest;
- Yes, rest from sorrow I had known,
- In youth, my sun but rarely shone,
- But, oh! I fought for joy and peace,
- And God, in mercy, sent release.
- And blest me with so bright a time
- That's rarely known in earthly clime!
- And grateful did my soul arise
- To Him who gave this paradise.
- But, oh! this picture! its reverse!
- A mighty contrast did disperse;
- The light and warmth would be withdrawn
- And I left freezing and forlorn;
- The heavens seemed brass above my head,
- The earth looked dark as molten lead;
- My God was hid beneath a cloud
- And I, like corse within its shroud!
- Alone, forsaken, desolate thing
- Hoarding my sorrows like a sting
- That probed and barbed my stranded soul,
- And well-nigh crushed all self-control;
- The loved and loving were away,
- And I to foes was left a prey;
- It seemed all blessings were withdrawn,
- And I left stranded and forlorn,
- To see if I would faithful stand
- And still hold on to virtue's hand.
- Yes, many such ordeal I've passed,
- And know I have not seen the last.
- Oh! Father! take my shrinking soul
- Beneath Thy love and sweet control;
- Thy feeble, trembling child, oh spare!
- Lay on no more than I can bear.
- May I endure unto the end,
- Whatever trials may portend;
- But Thou alone must bear me up,
- Or I shall fail to drain the cup."
-
-
-
-AUGUSTA JOYCE CROCHERON.
-
-"In the original design of the picture Representative Women of Deseret,
-I did not include myself, but by the request of those whose wishes
-I have always endeavored to fulfill, now do so, although there are
-several to whom I would prefer giving place.
-
-"I was born in Boston, Massachusetts, October 9, 1844. My father was
-John Joyce, from St. John, New Brunswick--his parents were both from
-England. I have heard my mother say that my uncle, Oliver Joyce,
-planted the English flag on the Chinese wall at the time of the war
-(about 1840) between those countries. I do not know whether he was an
-officer, color bearer or ordinary private.
-
-"My mother, Caroline A. Joyce, was the eldest daughter of John
-Perkins, a sea captain, and his wife, Caroline Harriman. The Perkins
-and Harriman families were among the early Puritan emigrants, the
-property they first built upon still being in the possession of their
-descendants. I have heard my mother speak of the oak stairs and floors
-being so worn with age that they bent beneath the tread even when
-she was a child. My mother's mother was the daughter of Elder John
-Harriman, well known in New Hampshire as the occasional traveling
-companion of Lorenzo Dow, but more particularly as the founder of a
-sect called the 'New Light Christian Baptists.' He was the son of John
-Harriman and the daughter of a Penobscot chief who was friendly to the
-white people, and permitted his only daughter to receive Christian
-baptism, and she was afterwards married to him publicly in church.
-This union afforded peace and security to the settlers and gave them
-the alliance if needed, of a powerful tribe. The son of this marriage
-received an education and married. A few weeks after, and at the age of
-twenty-one, he 'received a visit from a personage who gave him a new
-doctrine to preach to the children of men.' He awoke his wife, Ruth,
-told her the vision and she believed him. In the morning he began to
-arrange his worldly affairs so as not to interfere with his call and
-began to preach, accompanied by his young wife, who rose when he had
-done speaking and bore her testimony to what he had said. He traveled
-a certain circuit, holding two and three days' meetings wherever he
-stopped, building up quite a large church in his locality. He preached
-seventy-one years and died at the age of ninety-two. He never cut his
-hair from the time of his call to the ministry, and sometimes wore it
-braided in a queue, sometimes flowing in waves upon his shoulders,
-as in his portrait. His wife, Ruth, lived beyond her one hundredth
-birthday. His son, John, became a minister, but his daughter (my
-grandmother) was more worldly minded. Once when he entered the room she
-was standing before a mirror surveying her appearance, being attired
-for some special occasion. He quietly stepped up to her and with a pair
-of scissors cut off the long black ringlets that fell like a mantle
-upon her bare shoulders, saying; 'These come between you and your God.'
-This did not, however, quench the worldly spirit within her, for she at
-the age of sixteen eloped with and was married to John Perkins, a young
-sea captain, a God-fearing man but not a church member then or ever
-afterwards in this life. She was very industrious, however, and had
-at that age spun all her bed and table linen, etc. She became quite a
-politician and used to write articles of that character, and the young
-men of the town used to gather round her hearth and ask her opinion
-on political matters. She also composed for them campaign songs, both
-words and music. My mother has told me the only dancing she ever saw
-in her childhood was when her mother, inspired by the patriotic songs
-she would be singing, would dance to and fro at her spinning, instead
-of stepping--improvising step and figure. She had eight sons that she
-said she was 'raising for her country.' Sure enough two of them went
-to the war (twenty years ago) and laid down their lives; Warren and
-Andrew Jackson, (so named because he was born on the day of President
-Jackson's second inauguration.) Grandma was an Andrew Jackson Democrat,
-he was her very _beau ideal_ of a man. Charles served two terms and
-returned safe. Lawrence, my patriot grandmother's youngest boy,
-enlisted at seventeen and was sent back; 'Too young,' they told him,
-but he waited one year and went again and this time they took him, and
-he too was spared to return home.
-
-"Thaddeus sailed to Labrador through many years, and John to the West
-Indies. Her eldest daughter was my mother. When my mother heard and
-received the Gospel in Boston, she hastened home to bear the good
-tidings and obtain their permission for her baptism. She found them
-bitterly opposed to this, her father reticent, her mother reproachful.
-Just at this time Elder John Harriman arrived to hold a three days'
-meeting. Preparations had been made for his coming, and on his arrival
-my grandmother received him in her best parlor and after the usual
-salutations were over, unfolded to him the story of my mother's
-conversion, that she had gone insane and wanted to join the Mormons.
-He asked, 'Where is Caroline?' adding, reflectively, 'if the Lord has
-any more light for the children of men, I for one am willing to receive
-it.' His grandchild, overhearing this, was filled with joy. Her mother
-came out and told her to put on her bonnet and shawl. Not knowing what
-was wanted of her to perform she obeyed, and by the time she was ready,
-found her brother, John, waiting with a horse and sleigh, and seating
-herself therein was rapidly whirled away to some relatives several
-miles distant, to remain there until sent for. Said she, 'I never saw
-my grandfather again.' This was a specimen of my grandma's executive
-ability; no circumlocution about her.
-
-"I will give her own account of her receiving the Gospel, from a
-portion of her manuscripts:
-
-"'In the year 1842, I was living in the city of Boston, State of
-Massachusetts. One day I heard that a strange sect were preaching in
-Boylston Hall, they professed to believe in the same Gospel as taught
-by Jesus Christ and the ancient Apostles. I went to hear them. As we
-entered the hall they were singing a new song--the words were:
-
- 'The Spirit of God like a fire is burning,
- The Latter Day Glory begins to come forth,
- The visions and blessings of old are returning,
- The angels are coming to visit the earth.' &c.
-
-"After the song a young man [A] arose and taking for his text these
-words--'And in the last days it shall come to pass that the Lord's
-House shall be established in the tops of the mountains and all
-nations shall flow unto it,' said the time for the fulfillment of this
-prophecy was near at hand, an angel had appeared unto a man named
-Joseph Smith, having the keys of the Everlasting Gospel to be preached
-to this generation, that those who obeyed it would gather out from the
-wicked, and prepare themselves for the coming of the Son of Man. He
-spoke of the great work already commenced in these the last days, and
-while I listened, his words were like unto a song heard in my far off
-childhood, once forgotten but now returning afresh to my memory, and I
-cried for very joy. I went home to tell my father the good news, but my
-words returned to my own heart, for both my parents thought me insane,
-and talked to each other sadly of my condition and what to do with me.
-My heart was filled with sorrow and disappointment. I asked for the
-privilege of being baptized but was answered with these words by my
-father: 'You must leave home if you join those Mormons.' I went away
-and was baptized for the remission of my sins, but still with regret
-and an uncertainty as to the _right_ to disobey my parents. Soon after,
-my father left the city, and my mother came and took me with her, to
-care for me, as she was fearful I would be 'ruined by those deceivers.'
-One night I had been to meeting where the Spirit of God seemed to
-fill the house, and returned home thankful to my Heavenly Father that
-I ever heard the Gospel. I laid down to rest beside my mother who
-commenced upbraiding me, and instantly I was filled with remorse that
-I was the cause of her unhappiness. I did not know what to say, and
-was hesitating, when, just over my head, a _voice_, not a whisper, but
-still and low, said these words: 'If you will leave father and mother,
-you shall have Eternal Life,' I asked, 'Mother, did you hear that?'
-She answered, '_You are bewitched!_' I knew then _she_ had not heard
-the voice, but my mind was at rest and I went to sleep. I have heard
-the same voice since, not in dreams, but in daylight, when in trouble
-and uncertain which way to go; and I _know God lives_ and guides this
-people called 'Mormons,' I know also the gifts and blessings are in the
-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and that same faith once
-delivered to the Saints is also ours, if we _live_ for it.
-
-[Footnote A: Elder Erastus Snow. He afterward married her to her
-husband, and blessed her children's children.]
-
-"'In the month of February, 1845, I left home, my native land and all
-the friends of my youthful days, and sailed in the ship, _Brooklyn_,
-for California. Before starting I visited my parents, then living in
-New Hampshire. I told them of my determination to follow God's people,
-who had already been notified to leave the United States, that our
-destination was the Pacific Coast, and we should take materials to
-plant a colony.
-
-"'When the hour came for parting, my father could not speak. My mother
-asked, 'When shall we see you again, my child?' I answered, '_When
-there is a railroad across the continent_.' God grant that prophecy may
-be fulfilled and her life be spared to see it. I _knew_ it would be
-there, even the 'highway cast up that the eagle's eye had never seen,
-nor the lion's foot had ever trod.'
-
-"'I turned my back on all once dear, for the memory of that voice
-was in my ears--'If you will leave father and mother, you shall have
-eternal life,' and selling my household treasures, wrapped my child
-in my cloak (for the weather was bitter cold) and started on my long
-journey around the Horn.
-
-"'Of all the unpleasant memories, not one half so bitter as that dreary
-six months' voyage in an emigrant ship. We were so closely crowded
-that the heat of the Tropics was terrible, but 'mid all our trials the
-object of our journey was never forgotten. The living faith was there
-and was often manifested. I remember well one dreadful storm during
-which we had to be hatched below, as the waves broke over the ship, and
-filled our staterooms.
-
-"'While the elements were raging above, and we below were being tossed
-about like feathers, the good old captain came down among us wearing a
-solemn countenance. We tried to gather around him; he said to us: 'My
-friends, there is a time in a man's life when it is fitting to prepare
-to die, and that time has come to us; I have done all I _can do_, but,
-unless God interposes _we must go down_.' A good sister answered,
-'Captain, we _were sent to California and we shall go there_.' He went
-up stairs, saying, '_These people have a faith I have not_.' And so
-it proved. We outrode the storm, we endured another off Cape Horn; we
-stopped and buried one of our dear sisters, a mother of seven children,
-(Mrs. Goodwin) at Juan Fernandez, and at last reached our new home,
-the last day of July, 1846, to find a country at war with our own
-government, a country barren and dreary, so unlike the California of
-to-day, but we trusted in God and he heard our prayers; and when I
-soaked the mouldy ship bread purchased from the whaleships lying in
-the harbor, (returned from a four years' cruise) and fried it in the
-tallow taken from the rawhides lying on the beach, God made it sweet to
-me and to my child, for on this food I weaned her. I used to think of
-Hagar and her babe, and of the God who watched over them, and again I
-remembered the voice and the words it spoke unto me--and took courage.
-
-"'From that day to this, I can bear my testimony to all the world that
-I have known, and still know, this is the work of God and will exalt us
-if we seek to know His will, and knowing it, do it.'
-
-"My mother's testimony, written at my request, was the last work
-performed by her hand. After finishing, she accompanied a caller to
-the gate, the chill night air penetrated her frame and morning found
-her sick with pneumonia. From that bed she was borne seven days later,
-from the earthly gaze of children and friends forever. They called it
-death, but to her it was the reward promised, and recorded by her own
-hand--'Eternal Life.'
-
-"My mother had kept a daily journal on the ship, _Brooklyn_, also the
-first five or six years in San Francisco, calling it 'The Early Annals
-of California.' This I considered invaluable from the reliability and
-the fullness of its historic matter and data, and after her demise I
-searched for it but it was gone. This I thought strange indeed, for she
-had assured me of its preservation about eighteen months before her
-last illness. I have heard her relate many incidents of those times.
-Once when nearly famished, (hostilities not yet being concluded between
-Mexico and the United States,) two men ventured outside the town to
-lasso one of the cattle browsing so near them, but were themselves
-caught by cruel Mexicans in ambush, and killed and quartered, their
-bodies left lying on the sand in view of the wretched inhabitants.
-At another time a Mexican was intercepted and searched. In one boot
-was found an order from General Castro, to attack by night and kill
-everything above four years old that could speak English. The messenger
-was buried in the sand. After awhile the native women became curious,
-and some of them ventured past the guard after dark, and being touched
-with compassion, returned in the same cautious manner, with bottles of
-_leche_ (milk) slung around their waists under their flounced dress
-skirts, and _tortillas_ (flour and water cakes) concealed beneath their
-_revosas_ (mantles,) for the women and children. Soon after the landing
-the brethren strayed around, glad to be on land and looking to see what
-they could find. 'Any fruit?' asked one of a returning comrade. 'Yes,'
-said he, 'grape, lots of 'em.' There was a rush off in that direction
-and a fruitless search. Being sharply questioned, he pulled a handful
-of grape shot out of his pocket, which he had picked up from the scene
-of a recent engagement. The same day a gentleman passenger, traveling
-for pleasure, brought a bouquet of wild flowers to me, saying: 'Little
-lady, I herewith present you the first bouquet ever offered by a white
-man to a white woman in Yerba Buena.' Yerba Buena was the original name
-of San Francisco, and means 'good herb'--from a kind of pennyroyal
-growing wild there at that time. My mother kept the flowers many years
-and told me the story over their odorless ashes. My father and mother
-with many of the Saints, (sixteen families) moved from the ship into
-the 'old adobie,' partitioned off with quilts. Soon after he rented a
-house, but the largest room was required of him as a hospital for the
-wounded soldiers; the next largest for a printing office. The press
-was an old Spanish press, and there being no W in that alphabet, they
-used to turn the M upside down. My mother used to help decipher the
-dispatches, many of them being written on the battlefield with a burnt
-stick or coal.
-
-"Her first Christmas dinner in San Francisco consisted of a quart of
-beans and a pound of salt pork, which the hospital steward brought
-to her; he told her he would be flogged if it became known. In after
-days he became her steward. One day Dr. Poet, surgeon of the navy,
-brought my mother a slice of ham, a drawing of tea and a lump of butter
-about the size of a walnut. Dr. Poet had told my father where he could
-purchase half a barrel of flour. After baking some flour and water
-cakes between two tin plates in the ashes, my mother brought her dear
-friend, Mrs. Robbins, (now in this city,) to share the repast. Said
-Mrs. Robbins: 'Mrs. Joyce, isn't this like Boston?' This was just after
-living for six months on mouldy shipbread. I have heard her say that
-often she was so hungry she would willingly have walked ten miles to
-obtain a slice of bread. Soon after this my mother helped to take care
-of the 'Donner Party,' who were found partly frozen and so famished
-that they were eating their dead companions. The girl she tended, told
-her that they grew to like it, and she had helped eat her brother. The
-true stories they told are too dreadful to repeat, particularly as
-some of them are still living. The Mormon Battallion came; peace was
-declared, the gold mines were discovered, and the circumstances of the
-Saints were changed from isolation and famine to wealth and grandeur.
-My father became very wealthy, but prosperity caused his apostacy. My
-grandfather, and uncle, John Perkins, both sea captains, came to see
-my mother. I well remember sitting on grandpa's knee and learning my
-alphabet from the large family Bible spread before him, he being my
-teacher. I often recall also the long evenings when Uncle John held me
-on his knee and sang the strange, pathetic, old-fashioned sea songs of
-which he knew so many and sang them so sweetly; I used to nestle closer
-to him, half frightened, and at last fall asleep. I remember one was,
-''Twas down in the lowlands a poor boy did wander,' and I have never
-heard it since.
-
-"In Boston my mother was called 'The Mormon nightingale.' Strangers
-indifferent to the Gospel would say, 'Let us go to Boylston Hall and
-hear the singing.' A gentleman of fortune offered to take her to Italy
-and educate her in singing, at the same time that Adelaide Philips
-(his protege) went, but her destiny was upon another stage, to sing
-the hymns of the newly-restored Gospel; and many have thought that
-she sang them as one inspired. Her rendering of Wm. Clayton's hymn,
-'The Resurrection Day,' will be remembered by all who ever heard it.
-She purchased the first melodeon brought to San Francisco, (by a Mr.
-Washington Holbrook,) thereby causing a sensation among the wives of
-the ministers of five denominations, who each wanted it for their
-church. She went, during the ravages of the cholera, in San Francisco,
-and gathered together sixty orphan children, providing for them until
-a building spot, material and means were collected by subscription;
-and was one of the Board of managers of the Protestant Orphan Asylum
-thus originated and founded. I remember going with her and hearing
-the children sing, 'The Watcher,' a song of poverty and death. At the
-expiration of one year some of the ladies objected to having a Mormon
-officer among them, 'not considering Mormonism a religion at all,'
-although quite willing to accept the continuance of her contributions.
-She however found a larger and more congenial field of labor; brethren
-going on their missions, their families left behind in Utah, received
-her prompt remembrance. Also seeds, trees, &c., she sent to Utah spring
-and fall, through more than twenty years. My only sister was born in
-San Francisco, August, 1847, and died in St. George, Mrs. Helen F.
-Judd, one of the truest Saints I ever knew. In San Francisco Parley
-P. Pratt was a guest at my mother's house. She had loaned the Book of
-Mormon to a gentleman belonging to the Custom House; Colonel Alden A.
-M. Jackson. He had been in the Mexican War, at the battle of Buena
-Vista, and was with General Scott and Zachary Taylor through that
-campaign. He had two horses killed under him and received injuries
-that lasted throughout his life. When he returned the book he said he
-had read it day and night until finished, and wished to know where he
-could find a minister of the Mormon Church. She invited him to come
-that evening and meet the Apostle, author and poet, Parley P. Pratt.
-The gentlemen became so interested in their theme that my mother left
-the room without disturbing them, and giving a servant instructions to
-attend to Mr. Pratt's room, etc., retired. Descending the stairs next
-morning she heard Brother Pratt conversing, the lamp still burning.
-'Good morning, gentlemen,' said she; Brother Pratt looked up--'Is
-it morning?' Colonel Jackson walked to the window--'Yes,' said he,
-'another day has dawned, and another day has dawned for me--a beautiful
-one.' Brother Pratt looked out upon the garden and said significantly,
-'It only needs water to complete the picture.' Colonel Jackson replied,
-'I understand you, I am ready.' Turning to my mother Brother Pratt
-asked, 'Sister Joyce, have you renewed your covenants? A number are
-going to the North Beach to-morrow, will you go?' and she answered
-thoughtfully, 'Ten years ago last night I was baptized in the Atlantic
-at midnight; to-morrow I will be baptized in the Pacific.'
-
-"My own parents had been separated since my father's apostacy. A few
-months after her baptism she moved to San Bernardino and there began
-building a beautiful home. Colonel Jackson, on his way to Utah was
-delayed, waiting for a train to cross the deserts, and my mother
-being his only acquaintance, he often sought her society, and at last
-determined to win her if possible, and some three years after their
-first acquaintance they were married. Never was a kinder father than
-he. Years added to years drew us all nearer to each other.
-
-"In 1856, at the time of the Utah War, an armed mob of twenty-two men
-visited the four remaining Mormon families in San Bernardino, and
-calling father out from breakfast, ordered him to leave town with
-his family by nine o'clock. He replied he would not do it, prefacing
-and concluding the reply in language more forcible than elegant.
-They planted an old cannon on the public square, fired it off, rode
-around and threatened a great deal. Father's law office fronted the
-square; he went as usual to it, and in the afternoon they made a
-bonfire outside and coming in to him told him they intended to burn
-him alive. He continued writing, only telling them if they disturbed
-his papers he would send daylight through them. They left. When we
-were all ready to start for Utah, enemies obtained a writ from the
-court prohibiting my sister and I from leaving the State before we
-were of age. We were among enemies and powerless. My mother said, 'If
-we can't go, our property shall,' and with father's consent divided
-goods, provisions, arms and ammunition with the poor who could go. In
-1864, my mother, sister and I came to Utah on a visit, returned here
-in 1867. In 1868 I was appointed Secretary of the Relief Society in
-St. George. In 1869 our parents brought us 'to the city' to receive
-our endowments, for which our joy and gratitude was beyond expression.
-I remained here, they returned to St. George where my sister married.
-In 1870 I became the second wife of George W. Crocheron. I believed I
-should better please my Heavenly Father by so doing than by marrying
-otherwise. Any woman, no matter how selfish, can be a first and only
-wife, but it takes a great deal more Christian philosophy and fortitude
-and self-discipline to be a wife in this order of marriage; and I
-believe those who choose the latter when both are equally possible,
-and do right therein, casting out all selfishness, judging self and
-not another, have attained a height, a mental power, a spiritual plane
-above those who have not. To do this is to overcome that which has its
-roots in selfishness, and it can be done if each will do what is right.
-In November, 1870, I was appointed Secretary of the Young Ladies Mutual
-Improvement Association of the Ninth Ward, which position I filled
-till home duties compelled my resignation. At times during thirteen
-years I have reported, in the sisters' meetings, chiefly those of the
-Fourteenth Ward. In 1876 our father died, and in five weeks after our
-mother followed him. Their graves are side by side in the valley of St.
-George, as beautiful as we could make them.
-
-"In 1878 I was appointed, and later, set apart and blessed to labor
-as Secretary of the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association for
-the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, which position I strive to honorably
-fill. In 1880, by the advice and aid of my friends I published a
-volume of poems, 'Wild Flowers of Deseret,' which was kindly received,
-the entire edition being sold within two years. The design of the
-picture Representative Women of Deseret, appeared to me one night
-as I rose from family prayers. I had not thought of it before. This
-book of biographical sketches to accompany it was an after thought.
-Many suppose that Mormon women are not encouraged in their abilities,
-are perhaps repressed. This has not been so in my case, or in my
-observations of others. Both encouragement and help have been given me
-by friends, by those in authority, and my husband has also encouraged
-and assisted me in every way in his power.
-
-"I am the mother of three boys and two girls, born in the New and
-Everlasting Covenant, and consecrated to my Creator before I ever held
-them in my arms or pressed a mother's kiss upon their little faces.
-Myself and all that are mine to give are dedicated to the service of
-God, praying that He will help us to be worthy of His acceptance."
-
-
-
-HELEN MAR WHITNEY.
-
-Helen Mar Whitney was the third child of Heber Chase Kimball and his
-wife, Vilate Murray, and was born in Mendon, Munro County, New York,
-August 22, 1828. Their ancestors were among the Pilgrims and her
-kindred prided themselves that they were descended from a noble stock.
-Though they cared little for nobility and rank, they were proud to know
-that their grandsires who would not submit to tyranny and oppression,
-helped to gain them independence, and that their descendants were
-noble, hard working, self-sacrificing and conscientious people, who
-believed in rising by their own merits. Many of her ancestors died
-fighting for the liberty which is denied to some of their children,
-by men who have usurped authority and become oppressors. She was five
-years old when her parents removed to Kirtland, Ohio. In the winter of
-1837, she was baptized by Brigham Young, her father cutting the ice for
-that purpose.
-
-She inherited a reverence for the Supreme Being and always received the
-best teachings from her parents. Her father's time was mostly spent in
-the ministry. On his return from a European mission, he heard Joseph
-teach the principle of celestial marriage, and was commanded by Joseph
-to take a certain lady for his second wife. He felt as though he could
-not obey this and live in it, and must be released from the command,
-and he expressed the same to Joseph, who went and inquired of the
-Lord, and receiving an answer, commanded him the third time before he
-obeyed. Her mother bore testimony that she also went to the Lord and
-plead with Him to show her the cause of her husband's trouble, which
-his haggard face and wretched days and nights betrayed and he dared
-not tell her. He told her to go to the Lord and she did so, and He
-answered their prayers. She saw a vision and the principle was revealed
-to her in all its glory. She saw the woman that he had taken, and she
-went to him and told him what the Lord had shown her. She said she
-never saw him so happy, and he cried for joy. She took the second wife
-to her bosom, and from that time an unkind word never passed between
-them. Helen knew nothing of the order till June, 1843, when her father
-revealed it to her. She says of this: "Had I not known he loved me too
-tenderly to introduce anything that was not strictly pure and exalting
-in its tendencies, I could not have believed such a doctrine. I could
-have sooner believed that he would slay me, than teach me an impure
-principle. I heard the Prophet teach it more fully, and in the presence
-of my father and mother.
-
-"On the 3rd of February, 1846, I was married to H. K. Whitney, eldest
-son of N. K. Whitney, by Brigham Young. We were the last couple sealed
-in the Temple at Nauvoo. We were among the exiles who crossed the
-river on the 16th of the same month, intending to go over to the Rocky
-Mountains that year. But when the government demanded the strength of
-our companies to fight for them, we had to seek a place to quarter
-for the winter. I was sick most of the time while there. Some of the
-journey we had to walk, and our food being poor and scant, the infant
-and the aged, all classes, were swept off by death--the latter by
-scurvy and sheer exhaustion. The next year my husband was one of those
-chosen to go as a pioneer, and he had to go though the day of trial was
-upon me.
-
-"Our first born, a lovely girl baby, was buried there--we could not
-both live; but during those dark hours I had friends and the Lord was
-there. We had but few men, mostly aged and disabled, but to see the
-union of the sisters; the fasting and prayers for the preservation
-of our battallion and the pioneers; and for the destroyer to be
-stayed; the great and marvelous manifestations, even the power of the
-resurrection, experienced there--proved that they were encircled by a
-mighty power, and that 'the prayers of the righteous availeth much.' I
-will mention one circumstance to show the heavenly spirit that dwelt
-with us there, and also the power of the destroyer, which none who
-witnessed could misunderstand.
-
-"We were struggling with the evil one who had laid his grasp upon the
-babes--one was my mother's, the other, Sarah Ann's, (one of my father's
-wives). We all felt that we must part with one, as one would no sooner
-get relief than the other would be worse, and after a time mother asked
-the Lord, if agreeable to His will, to take hers and spare the other,
-as she had other children, and Sarah Ann had but this one. But He chose
-to take the latter. Should not this teach us a lesson? and where could
-such love be found, only in the hearts of _Saints?_
-
-"Many weeks I remained feeble, but I had received the promise that I
-should be healed, and one morning Sister Perris Young, on whom the
-spirit had rested all night, to come and administer to me; came and
-under her administration, with my mother, I was made whole.
-
-"Those were trying days, when one meal was eaten we knew not where
-we were to get the next, but we neither wanted for food nor raiment.
-We had not heard from the pioneers since they left till they were
-returning, and the news was that they were short of teams and without
-breadstuff, and a long way from home. Our feelings can better be
-imagined than described, for we had little enough ourselves, but
-we lifted our hearts to God, and I can call it nothing less than
-miraculous, a supply was soon furnished and men and teams started
-to meet them. The next spring all were preparing to move, and as I
-was helping to put on my wagon cover I came near fainting and was
-prostrated on my bed from that time. I had a baby boy born on the 17th
-of August, but he was buried on the 22nd, my twentieth birthday. This
-was the worst part of our journey, the roads being rough and rocky. I
-mourned incessantly, and that with my intense bodily sufferings soon
-brought me to death's door, but it was shorn of its sting. I was cold,
-but oh, how peaceful, as I lay there painless and my breath passing so
-gently away; I felt as though I was wafting on the air and happy in the
-thought of meeting so soon with my babes where no more pain or sorrow
-could come. I had talked with my husband and father who were weeping
-as I took a parting kiss from all but my poor mother, who was the last
-one called and had sunk upon her knees before me. This distressed me,
-but I bade her not mourn for she would not be long behind me. My words
-struck father like a sudden thunderbolt, and he spoke with a mighty
-voice and said--'Vilate, Helen _is not dying!_" but my breath which by
-this time had nearly gone, stopped that very instant, and I felt his
-faith and knew that he was holding me; and I begged him to let me go as
-I thought it very cruel to keep me, and believed it impossible for me
-to live and ever recover. The destroyer was then stirred up in anger at
-being cheated out of his victim and he seemed determined to wreak his
-vengeance upon us all. No one but God and the angels to whom I owe my
-life and all I have, could know the tenth part of what I suffered. I
-never told anybody and I never could. A keener taste of misery and woe,
-no mortal, I think, could endure. For three months I lay a portion of
-the time like one dead, they told me; but that did not last long. I was
-alive to my spiritual condition and dead to the world. I tasted of the
-punishment which is prepared for those who reject any of the principles
-of this Gospel. Then I learned that plural marriage was a celestial
-principle, and saw the difference between the power of God's priesthood
-and that of Satan's and the necessity of obedience to those who hold
-the priesthood, and the danger of rebelling against or speaking lightly
-of the Lord's annointed.
-
-"I had, in hours of temptation, when seeing the trials of my mother,
-felt to rebel. I hated polygamy in my heart, I had loved my baby
-more than my God, and mourned for it unreasonably. All my sins and
-shortcomings were magnified before my eyes till I believed I had sinned
-beyond redemption. Some may call it the fruits of a diseased brain.
-There is nothing without a cause, be that as it may, it was a keen
-reality to me. During that season I lost my speech, forgot the names of
-everybody and everything, and was living in another sphere, learning
-lessons that would serve me in future times to keep me in the narrow
-way. I was left a poor wreck of what I had been, but the Devil with
-all his cunning, little thought that he was fitting and preparing my
-heart to fulfill its destiny. My father said that Satan desired to
-clip my glory and was quite willing I should die happy; but when he
-was thwarted he tried in every possible way to destroy my tabernacle.
-President Young said that the mountains through which we passed were
-filled with the spirits of the Gadianton robbers spoken of in the Book
-of Mormon. The Lord gave father faith enough to hold me until I was
-capable of exercising it for myself. I was so weak that I was often
-discouraged in trying to pray, as the evil spirits caused me to feel
-that it was no use: but the night after the first Christmas in this
-valley, I had my last struggle and resolved that they should buffet me
-no longer. I fasted for one week, and every day I gained till I had won
-the victory and I was just as sensible of the presence of holy spirits
-around my bedside as I had been of the evil ones. It would take up too
-much room to relate my experience with the spirits, but New Year's eve,
-after spending one of the happiest days of my life I was moved upon to
-talk to my mother. I knew her heart was weighed down in sorrow and I
-was full of the holy Ghost. I talked as I never did before, I was too
-weak to talk with such a voice (of my own strength), beside, I never
-before spoke with such eloquence, and she knew that it was not myself.
-She was so affected that she sobbed till I ceased. I assured her that
-father loved her, but he had a work to do, she must rise above her
-feelings and seek for the Holy Comforter, and though it rent her heart
-she must uphold him, for he in taking other wives had done it only in
-obedience to a holy principle. Much more I said, and when I ceased, she
-wiped her eyes and told me to rest. I had not felt tired till she said
-this, but commenced then to feel myself sinking away. I silently prayed
-to be renewed, when my strength returned that instant.
-
-"New Year's day father had set apart to fast and pray, and they
-prepared a feast at evening. I had prayed that I might gain a sure
-testimony that day that I was acceptable to God, and my father, when
-he arose to speak, was so filled with His power, that he looked
-almost transfigured! He turned to me and spoke of my sufferings and
-the blessings I should receive because of the same. He prophesied of
-the great work that I should do, that I should live long and raise
-honorable sons and daughters that would rise up and call me blessed,
-and should be a comfort to my mother in her declining years, and many
-more things which I have fulfilled. Many who knew me then have looked
-at me and seen me working with my children around me, with perfect
-amazement and as one who had been dead and resurrected.
-
-"I lost three babes before I kept any, (two boys and girl). My first
-to live was Vilate, she grew to womanhood and was taken. Orson F. was
-my next, who has been appointed Bishop of the Eighteenth Ward. I had
-four more daughters, then a son, my last a little girl who died at
-five years of age; being eleven in all. My parents have left me and my
-heart has been wrung to the utmost, yet I have said--_Thy will O God,
-be done_. Persons have sometimes wondered at my calmness and endurance,
-but I think they would not had they passed through the same experience.
-
-"I have encouraged and sustained my husband in the celestial order of
-marriage because I knew it was right. At various times I have been
-healed by the washing and annointing, administered by the mothers in
-Israel. I am still spared to testify to the truth and Godliness of this
-work; and though my happiness once consisted in laboring for those
-I love, the Lord has seen fit to deprive me of bodily strength, and
-taught me to 'cast my bread upon the waters' and after many days my
-longing spirit was cheered with the knowledge that He had a work for me
-to do, and with Him, I know that all things are possible.
-
-"Almost my first literary effort was inspired by the reading of
-the various opinions of men published in our dailies, upon woman's
-disabilities, etc.; and my continuing is due to the advice and urgent
-wishes of many of my sisters.
-
-"On March 10, 1882, I was chosen by Sister M. I. Horne and nominated
-to act as her Counselor in the Relief Society of this stake of Zion
-in place of Sister S. M. Heywood (deceased) and God grant that I may
-come up to her standard and be able to labor faithfully with my sisters
-yet many years, in relieving and comforting the tried and afflicted,
-and enlightening the minds of those who are in darkness concerning the
-things of God and His people."
-
-It is but appropriate and just to add to the brief sketch of Helen Mar
-Whitney's life, a brief record of her son, the eldest of her living
-children.
-
-Orson F. Whitney was born in Salt Lake City, July 1, 1855. Was called
-on his first mission during the October Conference of 1876. Left home
-for Pennsylvania November 6th following. Remained in Pennsylvania about
-five months, laboring with Elder A. M. Musser, and visited Washington
-just prior to the inauguration of President Hayes. Early in the spring
-of 1877 went alone down to Ohio, where he remained about one year,
-preaching and baptizing, and visiting relatives in and around Kirtland,
-(his father's birthplace). Was released from his mission in the spring
-of 1878, and returned home early in April. Was appointed a home
-missionary immediately on his return, and also obtained a situation in
-the _Deseret News_ office.
-
-July 14th, was ordained a High Priest, (previously was a Seventy)
-and set apart to preside as bishop of the Eighteenth Ward, being the
-youngest bishop in the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, succeeding Bishop L.
-D. Young, resigned. August 10th of same year succeeded Elder John
-Nicholson as city editor of the _Deseret News_, he having been called
-to Europe on a mission. Before this he had labored as a collector and
-under-clerk in the business office of that establishment. During his
-sojourn in the States he had corresponded with the _Salt Lake Herald_,
-the _Woman's Exponent_ and the _News_, to the latter by the direct
-invitation of President Brigham Young, who had noticed his writings
-to the other papers and urged him to cultivate his literary ability.
-Previously he had scarcely dared to hope he possessed any. He says of
-this; "I owe much to the kind encouragement of President Young for what
-little I have yet achieved in that direction."
-
-December 18, 1879, was married to Zina B. Smoot, daughter of President
-A. O. and Mrs. Emily Smoot. In February, 1880, was elected to the
-City Council and held the office of a Councilor until called on his
-second mission, whither he went before his office term had expired.
-In July, 1880, was appointed by a committee having in charge the
-arrangement of a programme to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of
-the Church (year of jubilee,) to write a poem for the occasion. The
-poem--"Jubilee of Zion," was read in the Tabernacle by Colonel David
-McKenzie, on the 24th of July, the Jubilee Celebration and the regular
-Pioneer Day Celebration being blended. Prior to this he had published a
-pamphlet containing two poems, "Land of Shinehah" and the "Women of the
-Everlasting Covenant," and had contributed various efforts in verse to
-our local papers, besides other articles in prose to the _Contributor_
-and _Herald_, at the same time laboring regularly upon the _News_ as
-local editor. April, 1880 (antedating the above), the Home Dramatic
-Club was organized with O. F. Whitney as President.
-
-October, 1880, the first child of Bishop Whitney, a son, was born. June
-20, 1881, at a meeting of the General Committee on celebration of the
-4th of July, Bishop Whitney was chosen Orator of the Day, and prepared
-the oration, the assassination of President Garfield on the 2nd of July
-put a stop to the celebration, and consequently to the carrying out of
-the programme. October Conference, 1881, was called on a mission to
-England and left October 24th; sailed from New York November 1st, and
-landed on the 10th. Appointed to the London Conference, labored there
-four months; then called to Liverpool to succeed Elder C. W. Stayner
-in the editorial department of the _Millennial Star_. Labored there
-nearly a year, then was released to travel in the ministry. Released to
-return home with the June company, 1883. Visited Scotland and France
-and sailed for home June 20th. Landed in New York Sunday, July 1st,
-the very day and date of his birth, twenty-eight years before. Reached
-home July 7, 1883, and has resumed his position as city editor of the
-_Deseret Evening News_.
-
-
-
-LETTERS OF HEBER C. KIMBALL.
-
-For the consideration of those unacquainted with him, who through
-misreport have been led to regard Heber C. Kimball as a man of stern
-rule and cold nature, I append two letters written by him to his
-beloved first wife, Vilate, (a name that is revered in our people's
-remembrance) showing in true light his own feelings upon the principle
-of plural marriage and vindicating and honoring him by this testimony
-from his own secret heart and lips, better than the words of another,
-no matter how faithful or true or ardent that friend might be. Thus
-will be shown to the world three generations of a family who are
-representatives of our people and faith; Heber, one whom God chose
-as one of the first to aid in founding and upbuilding His Church and
-Kingdom in the last dispensation; Helen, his cherished and heroic
-daughter, and Orson, her son, worthy representative of his mother
-and grandfather. The inspiration in Heber's life has not died out in
-theirs, the work has not slackened, the line of march is still onward
-and upward. The first copy bears date of
-
-"OCTOBER 23, 1842. "_My Dear Vilate:_
-
-"I am at Brother Evan Green's. We have held all our conferences, have
-had two meetings to-day, it being the Sabbath. Some have been added to
-the Church and prejudice is considerably laid. Monday we shall go to
-Jacksonville, then on to Springfield. I shall be home in two or three
-weeks if the Lord wills it so. Since I left you it has been a time of
-much reflection. I felt as though I was a poor weak creature in and of
-myself, and only on God can I rely for support. I have been looking
-back over my past life before I heard the Gospel. It makes me shrink
-into nothing and to wish I had always been a righteous man from my
-youth, but we have an advocate with the Father, and I can look back
-since I came into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with
-a degree of pleasure, but I can see if I had more knowledge I could
-have done better in many points. * * I feel as though I had rather die
-to-day than be left to transgress one of His laws, or to bring disgrace
-upon the cause which I have embraced, or a stain upon my character; and
-my prayer is day by day that God would take me to Himself rather than I
-should be left to sin against Him, or betray my dear brethren who have
-been true to me and to God the Eternal Father, and I feel to pray to
-Thee, O Lord, to help thy poor servant to be true to Thee all the days
-of my life, that I may never be left to sin against Thee or against Thy
-annointed, or any that love thee, that I may have wisdom and knowledge
-how to gain Thy favor at all times, for this is my desire, and that
-these blessings may rest upon my dear companion, and when we have done
-Thy work on this Thy footstool, that Thou wouldst receive us into that
-kingdom where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the holy prophets have
-gone, that we may never be separated any more, and before I should be
-left to betray my brethren in any case, let Thy servant come unto Thee
-in Thy Kingdom and there have the love of my youth, and the little
-ones Thou has given me. * * Now, my dear Vilate, stand by me even unto
-death, and when you pray, pray that I may hold out to the end. * * My
-heart aches for you and sometimes I can hardly speak without weeping,
-and that before my brethren: for I have a broken heart and my head is a
-fountain of tears. My life in this world is short at the longest, and
-I do not desire to live one day only to do good and to make you happy
-and bring up our little children in the ways of the Lord, and my prayer
-is that they may be righteous from the least to the greatest. * * The
-world has lost its charms for me, and I want to seek for that rest
-which remains for the people of God. I never had a greater desire to be
-a man of God than at the present, that I may know my acceptance with
-Him."
-
-"SPRINGFIELD, October 25th. "_My Dear Companion:_
-
-"I have just returned from the office where I found a letter from you,
-and I need not tell you that it was a sweet morsel to me. I could weep
-like a child if I could get away by myself, to think that I for one
-moment have been the means of causing you any sorrow; I know that you
-must have many bad feelings and I feel to pray for you all the time,
-I assure you that you have not been out of my mind many minutes at a
-time since I left you. My feelings are of that kind that it makes me
-sick at heart, so that I have no appetite to eat. My temptations are
-so severe it seems sometimes as though I should have to lay down and
-die, I feel as if I should sink beneath it. I go into the woods every
-chance I have, and pour out my soul before God that He would deliver
-me and bless you, my dear wife, and the first I would know I would be
-in tears, weeping like a child about you and the situation I am in;
-but what can I do but go ahead? My dear Vilate, do not let it cast you
-down, for the Lord is on our side; this I know from what I see and
-realize and I marvel at it many times. You are tried and tempted and I
-am sorry for you, for I know how to pity you. I can say that I never
-suffered more in all my life than since these things came to pass; and
-as I have said so say I again, I have felt as if I should sink and die.
-Oh my God! I ask Thee in the name of Jesus to bless my dear Vilate and
-comfort her heart and deliver her from temptation and sorrow, and open
-her eyes and let her see things as they are, for Father Thou knowest
-our sorrow; be pleased to look upon Thy poor servant and handmaid, and
-grant us the privilege of living the same length of time that one may
-not go before the other, for Thou knowest that we desire this with all
-our hearts. * * * And then, Father, when we have done with our career
-in this probation, in the one to come may we still be joined in one
-to remain so to all eternities, and whatever we have done to grieve
-Thee be pleased to blot it out, and let us be clean and pure before
-Thee at all times, that we may never be left to sin or betray anyone
-that believes on Thy name; save us from all this and let our seeds be
-righteous; incline their hearts to be pure and virtuous, and may this
-extend from generation to generation, let us have favor in Thy sight
-and before Thine angels that we may be watched over by them and have
-strength and grace to support us in the day of our temptation that we
-may not be overcome and fall. Now my Father, these are the desires of
-our hearts, and wilt Thou grant them to us for Jesus' sake and to Thy
-name will we give all the glory forever and ever."
-
-
-
-ZINA Y. WILLIAMS.
-
-DAUGHTER OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.
-
-It would be strange indeed, if after the life and labors of Brigham
-Young, a work of this character should appear, lacking the name
-and record of his descendants. The sons of noble men have greater
-opportunities of adding lustre to their father's name by reason of the
-advantages which sons possess over daughters; yet among our people,
-women have their acknowledged province in which they may distinguish
-themselves, in which their position is not borrowed from the other
-sex, or an infringement upon them; and yet may adorn the memory of
-even Brigham Young. Such a daughter is Zina Y. Williams, the original
-of this sketch. Born in plural or celestial marriage, and with an
-understanding of this condition, as much as any young girl can possess,
-a wife in the same order of marriage.
-
-Some have said, "Let us see the workings of this system, let us see
-how the next generation will receive it." The time has come when they
-can see, and learn that those who understand it best fear it least.
-The words of the daughter herself, it seems to me, should go farther
-in effect than mine could for her. Here is a true picture in the home
-life of the earliest advocates of that ancient principle, restored
-through Joseph Smith, the prophet. I have known Mrs. Williams beneath
-her father's roof and in her own married home, intimately, for eighteen
-years, and knew the union and love of the band of sisters.
-
-"I was born April 3rd, 1850, in Salt Lake City. My mother, Zina H.
-Young, was made glad by my presence, her only daughter. My father,
-President Brigham Young, made me welcome; though he was the father of
-many others he was as much pleased as many men are over their only
-girl. My childhood was clouded with sickness, and one of my earliest
-recollections is of my loving mother holding me in her arms, singing a
-sweet song; with the moonlight streaming over me and gazing out upon
-the full moon I sank to sleep, soothed from suffering by her magic
-care. I was the pet of my two brothers and of all my mother's friends.
-I knew nothing of want or care till the year of famine, (1856) which
-gave me a faint idea of what want was. (All through the Territory
-families were on short rations.)
-
-"My father's family lived in a world of their own, there being ten
-girls with not more than four years' difference in their ages. Our
-father affectionately called us his 'big ten,' and nowhere on the
-earth could be found a happier, merrier set of children. We attended
-school and were instructed in music and dancing on our own premises.
-Our mothers taught us to respect each other's rights, as they always
-set the example by treating one another according to the golden rule.
-A person entering the room where we were assembled would be at a loss
-to tell which were the own children of the sisters present. We carried
-out the proverb--'Love thy neighbor as thyself,' literally. When the
-memorable exodus of 1858 took place, my mother was the first woman who
-left Salt Lake City. In company with another of my father's wives,
-Lucy B., (as she is called,) we started south. This was my first trip
-from home, it seemed like a pleasure trip to me and it was a matter of
-surprise that my dear mother and auntie were not as much delighted with
-the change as we children were; but the subsequent discomforts we were
-subjected to, and our lonely hours spent away from our dearly loved
-sisters caused many a heart pang and we began to realize something of
-the sacrifices made by our people when our enemies came and invaded
-our homes. My mother was the last of father's family to leave Provo,
-after the return of the people to their former homes. On our arrival,
-after a year's absence, father asked mother to take charge of four of
-his little ones whose mother was dead. She consented, and this event
-entirely changed my after life; from being the pet and only child I
-now had to share with these motherless children. It was a trial in
-many ways, but my precious mother taught me to be unselfish and thank
-God for all His blessings and not complain, and I am thankful to say,
-following her advice without once alluding to the fact that my mother
-was not their own. Thus it proved to be the best lesson of my life, and
-a great blessing.
-
-"My life flowed on in peaceful current, going to school, but going upon
-the stage when quite young greatly impaired my health. I married when
-eighteen. My husband, Thomas Williams, had been in my father's employ
-in his office, for several years; then in the Theatre, where I saw him
-frequently, but, as he was much older than I, it never occurred to me
-to fall in love with him. 'None knew him but to love him,' the bard
-wrote, which is true of my husband. I was his second wife, and here let
-me testify that in entering into the order of plural marriage, both
-my husband and myself did so from the purest and holiest motives. For
-six years I was his loving wife, bearing two sons, Sterling and Thomas
-Edgar. In July, 1873, my dear husband was called home. None but those
-who are called upon to pass through similar circumstances can know
-the sorrow and anguish it is to part from a loving, noble husband and
-father.
-
-"My time now was given principally to my Church duties and to the
-support of my dear children. In all my trials my dear mother was my
-comfort and support. By the advice of my father, I went to Sevier
-County and took up a quarter section of land. I went to St. George at
-the completion of the Temple, and met many dear friends and relatives;
-my father was there, and those who were present, will, I believe,
-never forget the heavenly intercourse enjoyed by the Saints while thus
-convened. Shortly after our return to the city, our honored father was
-stricken down with his last sickness. Never was there a more solemn
-scene than that witnessed at his death, his family were there, also
-the head men of the Church. Physicians with their futile skill were
-standing round, the faith and anxiety of the whole Church were centered
-around that dying form and departing soul of God's Prophet at that
-trying hour. His body unconscious now to pain, was there before us,
-but his noble spirit already saw behind the veil which screens from us
-the immortal spheres. 'Joseph! Joseph!' were his last words, and when
-he breathed his last his face became radiant as if molten sunbeams
-had been poured into his veins, giving him an unearthly and celestial
-appearance never to be forgotten by those who surrounded his dying
-couch. After a settlement of our father's estate I removed to Provo in
-order to give my dear children and myself the advantages of attending
-the Brigham Young Academy. In January of this same year, President
-Taylor sent me, in company with Sister Emmeline B. Wells, to visit
-the Woman's Suffrage Convention held in Washington. After my return
-I began teaching in the Brigham Young Academy, taking charge of the
-young ladies and organizing a work class; also the primary department
-in which position I have been actively engaged ever since. The
-Brigham Young Academy was endowed by inspiration by him whose name it
-bears. Professor Karl G. Maeser was called to act as principal at the
-commencement, and when he asked for instruction from its noble founder,
-he received only this: 'Ask God to guide you in all things and carry it
-on under His directions; this is all I have to say.'
-
-"From that time Professor Maeser has faithfully lived to fulfill the
-wishes of its founder. How he has succeeded is demonstrated every year
-by the hundreds of young men and women who there receive for the first
-time a knowledge and testimony of this Gospel. Too much praise cannot
-be bestowed upon the Honorable Board: President A. O. Smoot, Harvey
-Cluff, Wilson H. Dusenberry, Bishop Myron Tanner, Bishop Harrington,
-Bishop Bringhurst and Sister Coray for their energy and labor to make
-this school all that Brigham Young intended it should be.
-
-"In the deeds bestowing a grant upon this institution it is plainly
-stated that the young men be taught mechanism, and the young ladies
-domestic duties. In accordance with this a young ladies' department
-has been organized and we have endeavored to carry out this peculiar
-feature desired by President Young, my beloved father.
-
-"I have occupied the position of advisor and director to the young
-ladies for the past four years. I have now the advantage of a fine
-large room built expressly for this branch of education. Was called to
-preside over the Primary Associations of Provo, am a Counselor to the
-President of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association also; and
-an officer in the Provo Silk Association."
-
-While living in Salt Lake City, Mrs. Zina Y. Williams was one of the
-committee superintending the decoration of the great Tabernacle. Large
-classes were taught artificial flower making, and thousands of yards
-of festoons and hanging baskets, interspersed with appropriate mottoes
-and flags made the vast ceiling a bower of beauty for many months. She
-has taught decorative work of different kinds in several towns of our
-Territory, possessing a special gift in this direction.
-
-An energetic spiritual laborer, a loving daughter and faithful wife
-and mother, she has also a wide circle of sincere friends. She was
-the first of President Young's daughters to manifest prominently
-in the face of opposition, her willingness to unite with the
-associations organized for the repression of extravagance in dress,
-table expenditure and frivolity, and for the cultivation of spiritual
-knowledge, and mutual improvement. These meetings were regarded with
-aversion and even ridicule, by many, as tending to bring women into too
-great publicity. This proved to be an incorrect idea. Sister Williams
-was one of the earliest spiritual laborers and has never faltered or
-deviated from her line of duty. President Young has other daughters
-also, who have later become officers and actively interested in the
-Women's Organizations among this people; and they will without doubt,
-develop many of those abilities, which, combined and made subservient
-to the will of God made the name of Brigham Young immortal in history.
-
-
-
-LOUISE M. WELLS.
-
-SECRETARY OF CENTRAL ORGANIZATION OF THE YOUNG LADIES' MUTUAL
-IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS.
-
-The fact that most of the ladies of this work are of mature, and
-some even advanced years, suggests the thought--what of the "rising
-generation" of this people? How have the practical workings of this
-system which the world can judge of only from report and occasional
-glimpses into its operations, but which with the youth of the people is
-a literal and sole experience--affected their ideas and purposes?
-
-Time, steadfast determination and spiritual progress have adjusted all
-mingled and varied elements of individualities and nationalities in
-those who received the Gospel in scattered homes in different parts
-of the earth, have overcome those obstacles (which were such through
-inexperience in newly restored truths and laws,) and brought all to
-the proper level of their individual sphere of action and usefulness.
-What a piece of master-work has this been! Order out of confusion,
-brotherhood created between stranger races.
-
-It has been often said, "that when the old stock dies out," the world
-can better judge the worth of our doctrines; if they survive and grow
-in the hearts of the succeeding generation their parents did not plant
-the spiritual tree in lack of wisdom, and it will after this test of
-years prove worthy of the serious consideration of those who now deem
-it beneath their thoughtful attention.
-
-More than fifty years have passed since the glorious message was first
-proclaimed to the world; many of those true, noble Saints who toiled
-as builders of their Master's Kingdom have finished their work, and
-with years filled with honors have passed on to their rest and reward.
-A few years more, and the witnesses who lived in the days of Joseph
-and Hyrum will be gone, we shall be left to ourselves, their record
-and our God. Who will replace them? Are their posterity following in
-their footsteps? Yes, beneath the seeming swift current of youthtime's
-careless indifference runs an undercurrent of earnestness, integrity
-and--yes--royalty of soul. There can be found many of our young people
-who bear the impress of their destiny in their daily lives, their
-numbers are increasing, their works assuming prominence and recognition.
-
-In connection with the young people's organizations it is due to Miss
-Louise M. Wells, that a brief record of her history and position form
-part of this work.
-
-This young lady was born in Salt Lake City, August 27, 1862. On both
-her father and mother's side she is descended from families of the old
-Puritan stock. General Wells' record in Church history is one that
-earth's greatest men might be proud to possess, and he has received
-such a tribute of respect and love from our people as has rarely been
-recorded. Her mother is the editor of the _Woman's Exponent_, but
-has during her lifetime written constantly, amounting indeed to many
-volumes were her writings published; and is exceptionally gifted as a
-poetic writer. With such parents it may be reasonably expected that
-with her inherent endowments trained in the influence of the Gospel,
-with a fine spiritual nature, conscientious principles, an amiable
-disposition and quiet, gentle manner, Miss Wells will do credit to her
-parents and her people.
-
-Of Louie, as she is familiarly called, it is said that when she was
-very young she gave evidence of musical talent by rendering in an
-original style, plaintive melodies admirably suited to her voice,
-and rich in that pathos that always touches the heart. With many,
-singing is an acquired accomplishment, with her it is as natural as
-to the nightingale. Also in her childhood she unconsciously disclosed
-artistic taste by gathering the autumn tinted leaves and grasses from
-the garden, which she arranged in quaint and pretty devices for home
-adornments. This talent was later cultivated under competent teachers,
-when she soon became qualified to give lessons privately and in
-classes, in drawing and painting. Already artists of distinction have
-pronounced her oil paintings of sufficient merit to entitle her to
-enter the Academy of Design in New York, and she has been advised to
-adopt art as a life vocation. On the occasion of the Church Jubilee,
-on Pioneer Day, 1880, Miss Wells was selected by the committee to
-represent Art. In 1882, in company with some of her relatives, she
-visited California, and there for the first time saw the ocean, one
-of nature's grandest pictures. During this visit she went through the
-art galleries of San Francisco. In 1883, she with her sister, Mrs.
-Sears, made a trip to the Eastern States, and visited the art galleries
-and museums of St. Louis, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Boston,
-Philadelphia and Washington. Also had the opportunity of attending the
-World's Exposition at Boston. While visiting in the East she attended
-a reunion of the Dickinson's held at Amherst, Massachusetts, as a
-representative of the name, from whom her father descended through his
-grandmother, Experience Dickinson. Arriving at College Hall, where
-the reunion was celebrated, she met many hundreds of her kindred. Of
-this family I quote: "It is now almost two hundred and fifty years
-since Nathaniel Dickinson landed at Boston, and prior to 1634 found a
-home at Wethersfield, forty or fifty miles below Amherst. In 1659 he
-planted the permanent seat of our family, and deeply rooted the name
-of Dickinson, and here nine succeeding generations have risen to call
-him blessed. Nathaniel Dickinson died at Hadley, June 16, 1676. No
-pencil or artist has preserved to us the semblance of his features, no
-gravestone marks his resting-place. We only know that he sleeps in the
-only burying-ground at Hadley."
-
-At this reunion, which was quite an elaborate affair, a congratulatory
-letter was read from her father, General D. H. Wells, which elicited
-considerable applause, and the President, who had seen the General when
-visiting Salt Lake City, spoke of him in the highest terms.
-
-Miss Wells was very cordially received by the hundreds of Dickinson's
-and succeeded in getting the names of many of the relatives of the
-family who are now sleeping in the old graveyard at Hadley, and from a
-"roll of honor" which hung upon the wall in the hall where the meeting
-was held, on which were inscribed the names of those who had made
-themselves distinguished. It was singular that this great meeting of
-the Dickinson's should have convened at the time when Miss Louie was
-visiting her mother's relatives only a few miles from Amherst, giving
-her an opportunity of meeting her father's kindred.
-
-Louie visited Nauvoo, also Kirtland, where she went through the Temple.
-She has also proved herself to be a most charming press correspondent,
-by contributions to the _Exponent_ that touched the heart of every
-Saint; letters that were as beautiful, fresh and sweet as spring-time.
-She has been connected with the _Exponent_ for some time; is a writer
-for the _Contributor_, has been a member of the Tabernacle Choir for
-several years, and taught a department of Miss Cook's school in 1880
-and 1881.
-
-In June, 1880, Miss Wells was appointed Secretary to the Central
-Organization of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, Mrs.
-Elmina S. Taylor, President, a position of honor and importance, and
-which she fulfils with dignity and ability. As a Latter-day Saint, the
-young lady is worthy of her position and the love and confidence of her
-friends; and we look forward to her future with happy anticipations of
-beautiful works from her spirit and hand.
-
-As in this work are represented the venerable silver-haired matrons,
-and the younger wife and mother, it seems beautifully appropriate that
-Miss Louie, in her youth and purity, should represent the daughters of
-Israel, looking towards the future with eyes of faith and confidence.
-
-
-
-Explanatory of the Picture
-
-REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF DESERET.
-
-The first portrait in the first group of the picture, is that of
-ELIZA R. SNOW SMITH, President of the Latter-Day Saints' Women's
-Organizations. The second, on the left-hand side of the same group,
-ZINA D. H. YOUNG, First Counselor. Third, on the right-hand side, MARY
-ISABELLA HORNE, Treasurer. Fourth, SARAH M. KIMBALL, Secretary.
-
-The above are the Presiding Board over all the Latter-Day Saints
-Women's Organizations.
-
-At the head of the "Association Group" is, first, ELMINA S. TAYLOR,
-President of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations. Second,
-MARY A. FREEZE, President of the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement
-Association of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion. Third, left-hand side, is
-LOUIE FELT, President of the Primary Associations. Fourth, ELLEN C.
-CLAWSON, President of the Primary Associations of the Salt Lake Stake
-of Zion.
-
-At the head of the picture, left-hand corner, PHOEBE W. WOODRUFF, wife
-of President Wilford Woodruff. At the right-hand corner, BATHSHEBA W.
-SMITH, wife of President George A. Smith. At the left-hand corner,
-PRESCENDIA L. KIMBALL, a veteran Saint and pioneer. At the right-hand
-lower corner, ELIZABETH HOWARD, Secretary of the Relief Society of the
-Salt Lake Stake of Zion.
-
-At the head of the fourth group is, EMMELINE B. WELLS, editor of
-_Woman's Exponent_. At the right-hand, same group, is ROMANIA B. PRATT,
-M. D.
-
-Turning now to the four ladies on the left-hand side of the picture,
-the first is EMILY HILL WOODMANSEE, poet. Second, right-hand side,
-HANNAH T. KING, poet and prose author. Third, on the left, AUGUSTA
-JOYCE CROCHERON, author, and Secretary of the Young Ladies' Mutual
-Improvement Association of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion. Fourth, HELEN
-MAR WHITNEY, daughter of Heber C. Kimball, and writer of Church history
-and biographies; also First Counselor of the Relief Society of the Salt
-Lake Stake of Zion.
-
-Returning to the fourth group: third portrait on the left, ZINA Y.
-WILLIAMS, daughter of Brigham Young, and President of the Primary
-Associations of the Utah Stake of Zion. Fourth, is LOUIE M. WELLS,
-daughter of President D. H. Wells; Secretary of Central Organizations
-of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations. Vocalist and
-artist.
-
-FINIS.
-
-
-
-Transcriber's Note
-
-Various obvious typographical errors have been corrected as seemed
-reasonable, e.g. "coronatiion" for "coronation" and various similar
-spelling issues, missing periods, and so forth.
-
-
-
-
-
-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Representative Women of Deseret, by
-Augusta Joyce Crocheron
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