Life sketches of Orson Spencer and others : and history of Primary work

BANCROFT
LIBRARY

THE LIBRARY

OF

THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA

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LIFE SKETCHES

—OF—

ORSON SPENCER AND OTHERS,

HISTORY OF PRIMARY WORK.

— BY —

Hurelta Spencer IRogers.

Uake C^^ 3

PRINTED BY

GEO. Q. CANNON & SONS COMPANY.
1898.

R-7?

COPYRIGHT APPLIED FOR.

LIBRARY

PREFACE.

THE desire to write a sketch of my own and
my father's life, including the genealogy of his
family, first prompted the writing of this book.
My thought was, thereby to begin a chain to
which other links might be added by future
workers. A chain bj7 which our family connec-
tions might be drawn closer together, and be-
come in some degree at least, better acquainted
with each other. Yet, up to this time, my
father's posterity has become so numerous that
it is considered best not to have their names re-
corded in this book. But in another book,
material for which is already being gathered,
our family records will be traced, where the
names of those coming after may be added. In
the genealogical work, here mentioned, I am
being assisted by my nephew, H. B. Clawson,
Jr., sister Ellen's eldest child.

Again, I have thought it proper to explain to

11 PREFACE.

the people and children of the Latter-day
Saints, the origin and intent of Primary work ;
and this explanation will be found in Part
Second of this volume. For very kind and
able assistance in the editing of this book, I am
deeply indebted to my faithful friend and co-
laborer, Sister Lula Greene Richards.

The writings of this book will probably not
escape criticism; but I trust that my critics will
be charitable, and consider the motives which
have prompted such an undertaking by

THE AUTHOR.

DEDICATORY.

THIS book is affectionately dedicated to my
children; to the descendents of Orson and
Catherine Spencer; their immediate relatives
and the children of the Latter-day Saints.

Our children are our jewels; we have counted well the

cost;
May their angels ever guard them, and not one child be

lost.

A. S. BOGERS.*

DEDICATION.

BY JOSEPHINE SPENCER.

"In lives however humble there oft gleams

Some truth or lesson — some bright light that streams

Through all the troubled seeming, and dim ways,

*The family name, Rogers, was originally spelled Rodgers;
but for many years the d has been omitted by our branch of the
family, and for this reason is not inserted in this work.

IV DEDICATORY.

To 'lumine earth's dark problems with its rays.

The greatest heroes are not always those
Whose names are blazoned, or whose life-page glows
With tales of martial glory, public pride,
And titled honor — ; in earth's spaces wide,
And through all ages there have dwelt unsung
A multitude of souls with life chords strung
To noblest music; — uncrowned lords of earth, —
Brave men and women — kings and queens of worth —
Princes of principle — knight-errants born
' To battle for the truth from earliest morn
To latest even — and whose life-deeds make
Such perfect poems as only martyr's wake.

And could these lives be written and their days,
Care-crossed, and trial-chastened — crowned with rays
Of light from victories whose struggle brought
More anguish than earth 's battle-fields have wrought —
Be given that glory which gilds oft the life
•That wrecks an empire, or stirs souls to strife —
The earth would ring with paeans, and heaven's bar
Thrill at the mighty jubilance afar!

The world has set false beacons for our aim —
Has set such weight on earthly power and fame
That the true value of the lives that run
In humble channels till time's hour is done,

DEDICATORY. V

Glide all unnoted midst swift tides that roll
To swell the surging deep — life's mighty whole —
Whose sum is writ in Heaven's great record-book; —
Yet when time's veil is rent, and we shall look
Upon the mighty scroll with view wide-ranged,
Then shall the place of precedence be changed —
And over highest names of earth shall stand
The humblest of her noble martyr-band.

Though in the simple story of this book,

One shall in vain for pomp or prowess look,

Yet there are hearts, perchance, which viewing deep

The steadfast patience, and high faith which keep

Their purpose at the helm of life-barks frail

That float along the current of this tale —

Shall gain some help and courage from the sight

To guide their life course truer by its light.

If not for this yet shall its pages live

To serve the aim which fostered them, and give

To kindred hearts a record of past days;

Of happy childhood hours — of old home ways

Their feet oft trod together — and shall wreathe

A garland of these memories to breathe

Now, and in future years, some fragrance sweet

To old — and newer kindred — who shall greet

With praise and pleasure all the loving thought

With which the author of its pages wrought."

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I. — Parentage and Birth of the Author 9

CHAPTER II. — Childhood days 12

CHAPTER III. — Memories of Nauvoo 22 ;

CHAPTER IV. — Persecution and Death of Joseph and

Hyrum Smith 31

CHAPTER V. — Uncle Hyrum's Brave Death 42

CHAPTER VI. — Sister Ellen, the "Little Mother.".... 47
CHAPTER VII. — Letters from Orson Spencer to his

Children 52

CHAPTER VIII. — Journey across the Plains 76

CHAPTER IX. — Orson Spencer in England 82

CHAPTER X. — Extracts from Articles and Letters 106

CHAPTER XI. — Father's Return 120

CHAPTER XII. — Marriage and Home in Farmington. 123
CHAPTER XIII. — My Father's Last Mission — Letters

to His Family 130

CHAPTER XIV. — Death of Elder Orson Spencer 142

CHAPTER XV. — A few Months in Salt Lake City 153

CHAPTER XVI. — Salmon River Tragedy — The move

South 159 V

CHAPTER XVII.— The Trial of Sickness and Death-
Words of Pres. Heber C. Kimball 163

CHAPTER XVIII.— Marriage and Death of Sister

Lucy 166

CHAPTER XIX.— A Trying Ordeal— Mission of Elder

Thomas Rogers to England 169

CHAPTER XX. — Duty and Affection of Children —

Sorrow Again 174

Vlll CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXI. — Brother Howard 181

CHAPTER XXII. — Brother George 189

CHAPTER XXIII. — Mission to Arizona — A Romantic

Incident — Face to Face with a Bear 194

PART SECOND.

CHAPTER I. — History of Primary Work — Letter from

E. R. Snow 205

CHAPTER II. — Primary Work Continued 212

CHAPTER III. — Quarterly Meetings — Planting Beans 218
CHAPTER IV. — Sister Eliza's Work in Organizing —

Louie B. Felt's Calling 221

CHAPTER V. — Primary Fairs — Martial Music 224

CHAPTER VI. — Discouragement — Happy Result 230

CHAPTER VII. — Co-Laborers — Pleasant Surprises 234

CHAPTER VIII. — Extracts from my Journal 243

CHAPTER IX. — Visits to Summit County, Utah, and

to Cassia County, Idaho 247

CHAPTER X. — Bible References — Another Surprise... 255
CHAPTER XI. — Members of the First Primary Asso-
ciation— Reflections 266

CHAPTER XII. — A Dream — Further Testimonies of

Appreciation 276

CHAPTER XIII. — Loved Ones Gone Before 283

CHAPTER XIV. — Primaries in Box Elder and Cache

Stakes 298

CHAPTER XV. — Visits to Atlanta, Georgia, and

Washington, D. C 301

CHAPTER XVI.— The White House— The Washington
Monument — Council Meetings — Mount Vernon

— Home Again 312

CHAPTER XVII. — Crowning Evidences of Love 322

CHAPTER XVIII.— Concluding Testimonies— Tribute

by Lula 329

LIFE SKETCHES.

CHAPTER L

PARENTAGE AND BIRTH OF THE AUTHOR.

MY father, Orson Spencer, was born on the
14th of March, 1802 in the town of West Stock-
bridge, Berkshire County, Massachusetts. He
was the son of Daniel Spencer and Chloe Wil-
son Spencer; next to the youngest of eleven
children and one of twins, the other twin being
a girl. My grandmother not being able to take
care of both the children, gave the little girl in-
to the care of the nurse, who, while sleeping
very soundly one night, laid upon the babe and
caused its death.

At the age of fourteen my father had a seri-
ous sickness which nearly cost him his life. It
was caused by bathing when too warm in cold
water. Being an adept at running and jump-
ing, he had been engaged in those exercises,

10 LIFE SKETCHES.

and at that time failed to use the precaution of
cooling off before entering the cold water. In
that way he contracted a severe cold, which
brought on typhus fever, from which he did not
recover for nine months. This fever ultimately
settled in his right leg, causing lameness for
life.

Thus unfitted for any active pursuit, he was
educated for the ministry. Proving an apt
scholar, he graduated with honors, first at Union
College, State of New York, in 1824; and again
in the Theological College at Hamilton, New
York, in 1829.

On the 13th of April, 1830, he married Catha-
rine Curtis, who was born in Canaan Center,
New York, March 21. 1811. She was the
daughter of Samuel and Patience Smith Curtis,
the youngest of thirteen children. After their
marriage, my parents moved to the town of Deep
River, in Connecticut, where my father labored
as a Baptist Minister, receiving a salary which
kept his family comfortably.

While living there, three children were born
to them. Catharine the eldest, was named for

LIFE SKETCHES. 11

my mother, and died when two years old. The
second was named Ellen Curtis. The third
child, (the writer of this humble narrative,)
was named Aurelia Bead, for a young lady friend
of the parents. (I still have in my possession, a
little red covered Testament, which she gave me
as a keep-sake.)

Sometime after my birth, my parents moved
into the suburbs of the town of Middlefield,
Hampshire Co., Mass., my father continuing to
labor in the ministry.

While we lived there, three more children
were added to the family. The first of these,
Catharine, was named for Catharine Read, sister
of Aurelia. The fifth child was named Howard
Orson. The sixth child and second son, George
Boardman, was named in honor of a missionary
friend. Sister Ellen wanted him named Ed-
ward, but father objected saying he would be
called "Ed.'' He did not like nick-names, and
would never allow us children to nick-name
each other.

NOTE — For dates of birth of my father's children, see
end of part first, this book.

12 LIFE SKETCHES.

CHAPTER IL

CHILDHOOD DAYS.

My earliest recollections are of living in Mid-
dlefield in a large-two, story house, facing east.
The ground on the north side of the house rose
gradually. And when one of those terrific snow-
storms, prevalent there in the winter season,
came on, the snow would drift so high that we
could step from the upper window out on to the
frozen snow bank. Afterwards, when a thaw
came, the streets would be flooded with water.

When the roads were in this condition, a man
who lived at our house would take Ellen and me,
one on each arm, and carry us to the school
house, which was in the town, about half a mile
from our home.

Children in those days were sent to school at
an earlier age, I think, than they are now. For
Ellen, when seven years old could "spell down"
a whole school of nearly grown boys and girls.

We went to school through the week, and on
Sunday the horse was hitched to the buggy, or

LIFE SKETCHES. 13

sleigh, and we were carried to church, where
we must sit very quiet during the services.

I remember having been told that God lived
in Heaven, above us. So one day I went out
doors and looked up into the sky, thinking I
might see Him walking among the clouds. And
I was quite disappointed, that He did not make
Himself visible.

One thing I remember very distinctly; that
although my father could not work at hard
physical labor, as most men could, he would
saw and split up wood, partly for exercise, as
his time was mostly taken up in studying and
writing. I can remember seeing the nice shed
filled with wood, expressly for my mother's use.
This convenience father always managed to have
wherever we moved.

Children are apt to notice what "father and
mother'' do, thinking they are about perfect.
This is, perhaps, what often causes a young
man, after marriage, to tell the wife how "mother
did," thinking no other way half so good. This
course, however, is very unwise unless done in
great kindness.

14 LIFE SKETCHES

I have often thought, when remembering my
father's way, if boys were taught when a load of
wood is brought home, to use their spare time
in sawing, splitting and piling it up in some con-
venient place, secure from storm, it would save
many a woman much work and worry over get-
ting a meal of victuals.

While we lived in Middlefield, I used to get
up in my sleep, so I was told, and walk around
the house. Sometimes I would go and sit on a
bench behind the stove as if warming myself.
My parents did not care to waken me, not know-
ing what the consequence might be; so would
lead me back to bed as quietly as possible. This
occasional sleep walking continued until I was
twelve years old, when I was cured of it entirely;
how, will be explained farther on.

Among my early recollections, one thing
comes distinctly to my mind. While playing iii
the barn with other children, I happened to fall
through' an opening in the hay -loft, to the
ground. Striking on my stomach, the breath was
knocked out of me. I was picked up and car-
ried to the house, where I soon recovered. But

LIFE SKETCHES. 15

I was petted that night in particular and placed
in baby's high chair at the supper table. That
fall might have been partly the cause of my
stomach trouble in later years.

In the year 1840, my uncle, Daniel Spencer,
came from West Stockbridge, which was about
one day's journey, to make us a visit, and preach
Mormonism, or, more properly speaking, the
true gospel of salvation, which he had received,
and unto which he had been Baptized. Like
every true Latter-day Saint, he wanted others
to know about it, as well as himself.

In talking with my father and mother, he
must have told them of the youthful Prophet,
Joseph Smith, of his seeing the Father and the
Son in vision; of the A.ngel Moroni, who told
him where he was to find the records from which
the Book of Mormon was translated; and many
other things which agreed with the doctrines of
Christ in former days.

My parents could not reject the Truth, al-
though father held back a little at first perhaps
for the sake of argument. They sat up late
every night during the few days my uncle

16 LIFE SKETCHES.

stayed, conversing upon the principles of this
new doctrine which was to make such a change
in their future lives; when one evening my
mother said looking at my father, "Orson, you
know this is true!" He felt to acknowledge it,
and they both shed tears, feeling the influence
of the Holy Spirit in their midst. Soon after,
they were both baptized.

The next consideration was, how to gather
with the Saints, who were then settling in Nau-
voo, Illinois. Father must give up his means
of making a livelihood, meet the scorn and de-
rision of old friends, etc. But once convinced
that he was right, nothing could turn him from
his purpose.

He accordingly took steps to dispose of his
private property, in which was a library of
choice books. He settled up all business ac-
counts, and in the Spring of 1841, started for
West Stockbridge, the place of his birth, and
where his parents still lived.

While stopping at Grandfather Spencer's,
Ellen and I went one day with some little girls
to visit their school,' which was about a mile off.

LIFE SKETCHES. 17

It seemed that on this day our parents had con-
cluded to go to Uncle Hyrum Spencer's, four
miles farther on their journey. They waited
until after the usual hour for .school to close,
then went without us, leaving word that we
should be sent on in the morning. We had
been persuaded to stop and play by the way,
coming from school. After reaching home,
however, and finding that we were left, no words
can describe my feelings. Grandmother could not
make me understand that we were to go to our
parents in the morning, for I supposed that they
had gone out west, the place they had told us
so much about; so I cried as if my heart would
break, and nothing could pacify nor quiet me,
until I fell asleep through exhaustion. Ellen
being older and having more judgment, did
not feel so badly; but I learned a lesson from
that experience, which was, to go straight home
from school. We were sent to my uncle's
the next day, where my parents stayed for a
few months, preparing for their journey to
Nauvoo.

Uncle Hyrum had also joined the Church. He

18 LIFE SKETCHES.

had a large family, mostly girls; the eldest of
whom took charge of the house, as his wife had
died some time previous.

I hope my readers will bear with me, in re-
lating some incidents of my younger days, which
although they may seem of little interest to
others, made lasting impressions on my mind.

There is a saying, that "the boy is the father
of the man," then why not "the girl, the mother
of the woman?" It is certain that children of-
ten show out in childhood what occupation would
be most natural for them to follow when they
come to years of maturity.

I think my forte would be to teach children,
if I could have been educated for it; for while
staying at Uncle Hy rum's, I used to go into
his wood shed, which was a little way from the
house, and play school, having sticks of wood
for my scholars.

I would arrange them in classes, then get my
rod of correction and commence going through
the exercises the best I knew how.

On one of these occasions, while busily en-
gaged drilling my pupils, I happened to look

LIFE SKETCHES. 19

through an opening in the boards, at the back
of the shed; when, O, horror! I saw my cousin
Charles standing close to the corner, listening to
my oratory, and ready to burst with laughter,
He did not know that he had been seen, but
school was dismissed rather suddenly, and I
ran for the house.

Canaan Center, my mother's birth place,
was only a few miles from West Stockbridge;
she therefore had the opportunity of visiting her
relatives, the most of whom lived in the neigh-
borhood of Canaan. And a happy reunion it
was. All that were left at the old homestead,
were my Grandfather and Grandmother Curtis,
and Aunt Esther who took care of them. She was
their eldest child, but had not married on ac-
count of some disappointment in her youth. She
loved my mother, as did all the rest of the family,
and they made everything of her children; so
much so, that Aunt Esther insisted on my sister
Catharine and myself living with her while we
were in Canaan. But Catharine used to get home-
sick, and only stayed part of the time. Ellen
lived with Aunt Lucy, whose home was in Chat-

20 LIFE SKETCHES.

ham, N. Y., about five miles from Canaan.
This lightened the labor of my parents, and gave
them a better chance to prepare for their journey.
I was sent to school, and when Catharine was
there she went with me. We never forgot the
quaint little bonnets Aunt Esther made for us,
to save our others- The peculiar cut of these
bonnets we did not like; yet it was very kind of
her to make them, and she little thought of their
not being appreciated. But when we would get
nearly to the school house we would take them
off and put them under our arms till we got in-
to the entry, then hang them up.

Grandfather Curtis was a tanner by trade,
yet carried on farming at the same time. The
tannery was just across the road from the house;
well do I remember walking around the vats,
and the fear I had of falling in. Also when the
dinner hour arrived, how my aunt would go
out on the porch or stoop as they called it and
blow the horn for the men to come in from the
field to dinner.

I will relate an incident which occurred while
we were in Canaan, to show the power of im-

LIFE SKETCHES. 21

agination. One evening Aunt Esther happened
to see me taking a drink of water, and said, "You
should always look into the water before drink-
ing, for there might be snakes or bugs in it.''
If she had only told me before, it would have
saved us both a great deal of trouble; for I im-
agined directly that I had swallowed a snake,
and could even feel it in my throat. Therefore
aunt was kept up half the night working with and
trying to convince me that nothing was there,
it was only my imagination.

It had been decided in the council of the
Spencer brothers, that my father should gotoNau-
voo first and look out places to locate; while my
uncles should stay until they could sell their
property; which they did, and emigrated the next
year. Strange to relate, not one of my mother's
relatives ever joined the Church, and they felt
•quite bitter toward my father for taking their
beloved one away, fearing they might never see
her again; and so it was proved, although father
visited them afterward.

22 LIFE SKETCHES.

CHAPTER IIL

MEMORIES OF NAUVOO.

At length the time arrived when we were to
leave the home of our childhood, and cast our
lot with the Latter- Day Saints.

Father hired a team which carried us to Al-
bany; then we went on a canal-boat to Buffalo;
from Buffalo to Chicago on a steam-boat; then
teams again until we reached Nauvoo.

This city was situated in a bend of the Miss-
issippi Biver, which bordered the west and south
sides. The land extending eastward from the
river was quite level for about half a mile; then
arose a bench of land, which again was pretty
much on a level for miles around. This was the
site of Nauvoo City. After arriving in Nauvoo
father rented an unfurnished room of Mrs.
Mercy Thompson, sister-in-law to Brother Hy-
rum Smith. This house was within a few blocks
of the river, in the southern part of the city on
the flat or bottom land. While staying there

LIFE SKETCHES. 23

another little sister caine to us, who was called
Lucy. The Prophet Joseph Smith, who lived
close by, often came in, and when he saw the
baby, he exclaimed, "Oh, what a little black
head!" for she had so much hair; then he laid
his hand upon her head and blessed her.

The Temple was built upon the hill, facing
west. A little northeast of the Temple was a
public square, which at the time of our arrival
was mostly covered with trees and shrubbery.
On the north side of this square was our home
for a few years, father having bought a lot there
and built a brick house, one story and a half
high with one room below and two above. He
also engaged lots on the east side of the square
for his brothers Daniel and Hyrum. Among our
neighbors were Brother James Hendricks and
family; he had been wounded by the mob in
Missouri and was crippled so that he could not
dress himself without assistance. For more
than thirty years Brother Hendricks lived on
in that condition — a living martyr for the sake
of his religion.

In the second house east of us, lived Sister

24 LIFE SKETCHES.

Warren Smith, one of the heroines of the
Kami's Mill massacre, where her husband and
one son were slain, and another son was
frightfully wounded. Sisters Hendricks and
Smith were dear friends of my mother; in fact
she had many friends, and every one was very
kind to us.

One thing which seemed very odd to me was the
queer talk of some of the children, and no doubt
our language was just as strange to them. We
were regular Yankees, and used to say "stun"
for stone; while they being southerners would
say, "I reckon", and, "quit that" instead of
"stop that." In calling the cows they would
say, "sook bossy;" and what we called uhasty
pudding," they called "mush;" It took me years
to get used to the word mush, and even now it
sounds out of place.

In the fall of 1842, father added two rooms
to the back of our house, into which we moved,
using the front part for a store, which he at-
tended to himself; he had no salary now to de-
pend upon, therefore had to manage as best he
could to make a living.

LIFE SKETCHES. 25

In the meantime, my uncles had emigrated
and were installed in their new homes.

Father and mother went over to Uncle Hyrum's
one evening, to spend an hour or two, leaving
Ellen and myself home to look after the younger
children. They had not been gone long, when we
heard the front door open and some one come
in. Ellen and Howard went to the door that led
to the store, opened it and peeping into the
room which was quite dark, asked, who was
there. No one answered. There could have
been seen some scared children then. I can tell
you.

I was rocking the cradle by the stove and
speechless with fear. The breathless silence was
at length broken by one of our little neighbors
coming out from behind the counter and mak-
ing herself known, laughing heartily at our ex-
pense. But, to tell the truth, it was no laughing
matter; for according to my way of thinking,
scaring children is one of the worst things in
the ^orld.

I have seen mothers try to enforce obedience,
by telling their little ones, "the black man would

26 LIFE SKETCHES.

get them," or the "Indians would carry them off,"
if they did not mind; so that when they saw an
Indian they were afraid for their lives- I al -
ways deeply deplore such things as serious mis-
takes.

Father only kept the store through the winter
months, as he had other business to attend to in
the spring, having been elected Alderman of the
City. He sold his stock of goods which was not
very extensive, and we moved back into the
front part of the house; after that father taught
school in the larger of the rooms just vacated.
The school only occupied a portion of his time,
enabling him to attend to his public duties as
well. In this school I became acquainted with
Mary Ann Stearns, stepdaughter to Parley P.
Pratt. Brother Pratt had just returned with
his family, from a mission to Europe. I also
formed the acquaintance of Ellen Pratt, daughter
of Addison Pratt. Ellen's father at that time
was on a five years' mission to the Sandwich
Islands. I mention these girls, as we became
very dear friends, which friendship has remained
up to the present time. Soon after that my

LIFE SKETCHES. 27

father was sent on a short mission to the East-
ern States during the time of which he visited
my mother's relatives. The most of them were
friendly, but one aunt would not receive him,
and shut the door in his face-

Upon his return home, he brought Grand-
father and Grandmother Spencer with him.
They lived in our house, and died within a year
of each other, at the ages of eighty-three and
eighty four years.

It was quite common in those days for old
people to smoke, and my grandmother indulged
in this habit; she would often ask me to light
her pipe for her; in doing so I learned to smoke
and liked it so much that whenever I saw any-
one smoking, I had a craving desire to take a
few whiffs myself. This was innocently indulg-
ed in at intervals, for a number of years, until
at length I was awakened to a sense of the
danger of the habit.

There was a monitor within that told me
it was wrong, and what it would lead to if per-
sisted in; I should be, if I lived, an old lady
smoker. This thought disgusted me, for I never

28 LIFE SKETCHES.

did like to see women smoke, or men either as
for that matter, so the habit was broken off
entirely,although it was hard for me to drop it.

I mention this because at present I am a
teacher in the Primary Associations and desire
in any way I can to discourage the use of to-
bacco with its attendant evils. My experience
in regard to the habit, with the will power it
took to overcome it was quite a lesson to me.

My mother's parents lived until the year
1851, and died within a few months of each
other, in their home at Canaan. Grandmother
Curtis passed away in April at the advanced age
of eighty-four years. My grandfather lingered
until June, when he died being eighty-seven
years old. They had lived together in wedlock
sixty-four years.

In the meantime the Saints were moving into
Nauvoo from all directions, which caused the
city to spring up like magic. Stores were being
erected, printing offices established, and all
kinds of business necessary for the welfare of a
community going on. The Temple was also be-
ing built. A music hall had been put up, about

LIFE SKETCHES. 29

a block away from us, which was used in the
day time for school purposes, and in the even-
ings for concerts, social gatherings, etc.

One night when there was to be a concert,
Mary A. Pratt, (as we called her,) Ellen Pratt
and myself were £oing to the house of the former
to spend the evening.

When opposite the hall we saw Brother
Pratt in company with two ladies coming to the
concert. Mary Aim said, "Let us follow on
behind father and perhaps we can get in with
them." Arriving at the door, we had to go
single file, each holding on to the other's dress,
for fear of being separated in the crowd. As
soon as Brother Pratt stepped inside the door,
Mary Ann attempted to follow; but the door-
keeper stopped her and asked who she was; she
said, "1 am Parley Pratt's daughter," and passed
in. Ellen said, "I am her cousin,'' (meaning
Mary A.) But when it came my turn, I did not
know what to say as I had not thought of an
answer. Bo, afraid of being left out, I said, "I am
some relation, I don't know what.'' The door
keeper smiled, but let me in. We walked on

30 LIFE SKETCHES

behind Brother Pratt up to the front seat when
he, happening to see us, got us a seat behind
him.

I remember Brother Edmund Elsworth sing-
ing, "The Indian Hunter," and we enjoyed the
exercises all through.

When I went home and told father and mother
of my adventure, they laughed heartily at my
not knowing any relationship to Brother Pratt ;
but warned me against ever using unfair means,
for the sake of a little amusement.

Those were happy days, and I love to dwell up-
on them, for the change came too soon. Then
we had parents to love and care for us, and
help us with our lessons while going to school.
Father would some times have a good romp
with us in the evening, or would tell us some
very interesting story. Mother being a sweet
singer, would sing snatches of a hymn, or some
of her old songs.

One thing can be said of my parents, I never
heard them say a cross word to each other; they
.tried as much as possible to make their home
pleasant and happy.

LIFE SKETCHES. 31

CHAPTER

PERSECUTION AND DEATH OF JOSEPH AND
HYRUM SMITH.

The Temple on Fire — Death and Obituary of the

Author's Mother.

IT is not worth while repeating history here.
It is generally known that our enemies, seeing
the prosperity of the Saints, began to hunt up
excuses for serving writs on the leading mem-
bers of the Church; and that this was the cause
of some of the brethren going to prison, while
others hid themselves to keep out of their en-
emies' way, similar to what they have been doing
of late years, with this difference, polygamy was
not the offence at that time, but hatred toward
the Prophet Joseph because of the religion
the Lord had revealed to him. This perse-
cution lasted until the massacre of Joseph and
Hyrum Smith, after which there was compara-
tive peace for over a year. Well do I re-
member the morning after the martyrdom of

32 LIFE SKETCHES.

those noble men. A gloom was cast over
the whole city of Nauvoo; men women and chil-
dren wept for their departed Prophet and Pa-
triarch. I witnessed the long procession that
followed the bodies of our beloved Leaders, as
they were taken to Joseph's mansion, where
they laid in state until the people could take a
last look at them, and say farewell. My father
lifted me through one of the windows of the
mansion, as the door- ways were thronged with
people, when after viewing the bodies I was
passed back again and taken home.

During the before mentioned time of peace,
the upper rooms of the Temple were finished,
and were used for attending to the ordinances of
the Church including baptism for the dead. My
parents spent part of their time in assisting to
carry no this work.

At one time, through oversight or carelessness,
a fire started from one of these upper rooms and
the blaze was soon through the roof. The cry
of "fire!" was heard, men were seen on top of the
building swinging their hats for assistance; the
people turned out in mass, even women and

LIFE SKETCHES. 33

children ran with buckets. Wells close by were
nearly drained, and teams were sent to the river
for water. I with the rest ran with a pail and
gave it to some one to use; in doing so, I went up
the steps of the Temple to the first landing.
On each side of this landing were winding stairs
which led from one story to another until the
top of the building was reached. Rows of men
were stationed on these stairs, to pass the
buckets fall of water up on one side, then pass
them back empty on the other side. This was
continued until the fire was put out, for it seemed
that it could not withstand such a united effort.

Child as I was, I could not help noticing the
order that prevailed and the calmness of the men
that superintended the work.

In after years, that beautiful structure was
burned down by incendiary; the stones were
hauled away, and at present, not a trace of it
can be seen. The ground where it stood has
been converted into a vineyard.

In July, 1844, my mother had a little girl
born, who was named Chloe, She died of
whooping cough when thirteen months old.

34 LIFE SKETCHES.

Our enemies not being satisfied with what
they had already done, were determined that the
Saints should leave Nauvoo. And in the winter
of 1845-46 my parents, in company with many
others, began to make preparations to move.

Corn was parched arid ground ; and rusk was
made of light bread, by putting it into a mod-
erate oven, and letting it remain until it was
thoroughly dried and toasted a light brown.
This was put into sacks and packed away, to be
pounded in morters when needed, Bread so
prepared will keep good any length of time, al-
most, if not exposed to the damp, and is very
wholesome and palatable with milk, as we used
to eat it. Many crusts and crumbs which are
now thrown away might be preserved in the
same manner.

Our clothes were packed and, with a few
other necessaries, we started for the west about
the middle of February. Going to the Missis-
sippi River in the evening, we waited our turn to
cross over, as the ferry boat was running night
and day.

My mother had scarcely recovered from a spell

LIFE SKETCHES. 35

of sickness, which followed the death of little
Chloe, and was illy prepared to stand the cold
weather and rough roads we had to travel over
in the fore part of the journey. She therefore
gradually sank from the effects of a severe cold
and soon died. As we had only traveled a dis-
tance of thirty miles, her body was taken back to
Nauvoo and buried. I will here insert her Ob-
ituary copied from Spencer's Letters, first
edition :

Catherine Curtis Spencer, died on the 12th
of March, 1846, at Indian creek, near Keosaqua,
Iowa Territory, at the age of thirty-five years,
wanting nine days.

In one month from the time of her departure
from Illinois to the wilderness, she fell a victim
to the cares and hardships of persecution. The
youngest daughter of a numerous family, brought
up in affluence and nurtured with fondness and
peculiar care as the favorite of her father's
house; her slender, yet healthy frame, could
not withstand the inclemency of the winter
season, (the thermometer below zero for
ten days.) The change from the warm rooms

36 LIFE SKETCHES.

of brick and plastered walls, to that of mere can-
vass ceiling and roof, floored with snow and icy
earth, was too much for her fragile form to en-
dure. When, through unforeseen hindrances
in travelling, there was no place where sleep
could visit, or food suited to the demands of
nature be administered to her or her six little
children from the age of thirteen and under,
she would cheer her little innocents with the
songs of Zion. The melody of her rare voice,
like the harmony and confluence of many vir-
tues in her mind, contributed on that memor-
able epoch of the Church, to render her the
glory of her husband, and the solace and joy of
her children. When asked if she would go to
her distant friends that were not in the Church
who had proffered comfort and abundance to
her and her children, she would reply, "No, if
they will withhold from me the supplies they
readily granted to my other sisters and brothers,
because I adhere to the Saints, let them. I
would rather abide with the Church, in poverty
even in the wilderness, without their aid, than
go to my unbelieving father's house, and have

LIFE SKETCHES. 37

all that he possesses." Under the influence of
a severe cold, she gradually wasted away, tell-
ing her children, from time to time, how she
wanted them to live and conduct themselves,
when they should become motherless, and pil-
grims in a strange land. To her companion
she would sometimes say, "I think you will
have to give me up and let me go." As her little
ones would often inquire at the door of the
wagon, "How is ma? is she any better?" she
would turn to her husband, who sat by her side
endeavoring to keep the severities of rain and
cold from her with, "Oh, you dear little chil-
dren, how I do hope you may fall into kind
hands when I am gone!" A night or two before
she died, she said to her husband, with unwonted
animation, "A heavenly messenger has appeared
to me to-night, and told me that I had done and
suffered enough, and that he had now come to
convey me to a mansion of gold."

Soon after, she said she wished her husband
to call the children and other friends to her bed-
side, that she might give them a parting kiss;
which being done, she said to her companion,

38 LIFE SKETCHES.

"I love you more than ever, but you must let me
go. I only want to live for your sake, and that of
our children." When asked if she had anything
to say to her father's family, she replied em-
phatically, "Charge them to obey the gospel. "

The rain continued so incessantly for many
days and nights, that it was impossible to keep
her bedding dry or comfortable, and, for the
first time, she uttered the desire to be in a
house. The request might have moved a heart
of adamant. Immediately a man by the name
of Barnes, living not far from the camp, con-
sented to have her brought to his house, where
she died in peace, with a smile upon her counte-
nance, and a cordial pressure of her husband's
hand.

Many tributes to her memory, from the
Twelve and other distinguished friends, ex-
pressive of her worth and the amiableness of her
life, have been communicated to the writer,
which conjugal relationship forbids him to
insert, but which are still a comfort to the be-
reaved in his pilgrimage through mortality.

Though prepossessing in her manner, her

LIFE SKETCHES. 39

confiding and generous mind always made per-
mament the friendship that she once obtained.
Her unceasingly affectionate and dutiful bear-
ing to her husband, and her matronly diligence
in infusing the purest and loftiest virtues into
the minds of her children, not only exempli-
fied the beautiful order of heaven, but made
the domestic circle the greatest paradise of
earth. Said a member of the High Council
after her death, one who had often observed
her in the Temple of the Lord, where she loved
to linger and feast on the joys of that holy place,
"I never saw a countenance more inexpressibly
serene and heavenly, than hers."

0! she was young who won my yielding heart;
No power of genius, nor the pencils' art
Could half the beauties of her mind portray,
E'en when inspired; and how can this my lay?
Two eyes that spoke what language ne'er can do,
Soft as twin violets, moist with early dew.

In sylph-like symmetry her form combin'd
To prove the fond endearment of the mind,
While on her brow benevolence and love
Sat meekly, like two emblems from above;
And every thought that had creation there,
But made her face still more divinely fair.

40 LIFE SKETCHES.

Her remains were conveyed to the city of Nau-
voo, and there, after a few neighbors had wept
and sung, "Come to me; will ye come to the
Saint that have died," and expressed their con-
dolence to the deeply affected husband, buried
in the solitude of the night, by the side of her
youngest child, that had died near six months
before.

The writer does not mourn for his dead as
those without hope, knowing they are taken
from many evils to come.

He desires to dedicate the above faint sketch
to his children, now in the wilderness, for the
testimony of Jesus, lest time should obliterate
from their young and tender minds the recol-
lections of their mother's person and some of her
virtues; thereby would he perpetuate the mem-
ory of the just. He desires the prayers of all
Saints for himself and his children; and may
the blessing of Almighty God rest upon all who
love our Lord Jesus Christ, in sincerity.

At the time my mother was moved into a
house, my brother George was ill, having taken
a severe cold which caused a gathering in his

LIFE SKETCHES. 41

head and it was thought best not to leave him
in cainp.

Ellen having to see after the other children
and the tent work (as we were then living in a
tent,) it fell to my lot to be nurse, so I went
along to take care of George, and was with ma
when she died.

•This was my first great sorrow. We missed
her very much, but did not fully realize our loss
until afterwards, for father seemed to take the
place of both parents, looking after and caring
for us faithfully.

The journey was continued as soon as the
weather would permit. The company traveled
on until they came to Garden Grove, where they
stopped a few weeks to rest and recruit their
teams, also stopped at Mount Pisgah and Coun-
cil Bluffs.

42 LIFE SKETCHES.

CHAPTER V.

UNCLE HYRUM'S BRAVE DEATH,

WHILE a portion of the Saints were camped
at Garden Grove, my Uncle Hyruin Spencer
and Uncle Daniel's son Claudius V. went back
to Nauvoo to try to sell the valuable farms of
the Spencer brothers. While returning Uncle
Hyrum died before reaching camp, and was
buried at Mount Pisgah. When we arrived at
Council Bluffs, Sister Daniel Hendricks and
Cousin Mary, one of Uncle Hy rum's daughters
also died- These sad losses cast a gloom over
the whole camp.

As very little is known in history about Uncle
Hyrum, on account of his early death, I feel
that a few words in regard to his character are
due. The following are extracts from an art-
icle published in the Deseret News some years
ago.

"Hyrum Spencer was a man of large stature
and great physical power; and as void of fear

LIFE SKETCHES. 43

as men are made. In 1838 a marvelous vision
was given him, in which was shown the South-
ern Rebellion, and other troubles that were
to come; with which manifestation he re-
ceived an assurance of the truth of the Latter-
day work, of which, from that time, he was en-
abled to testify. He embraced the gospel and
moved to Nauvoo.

The day that Joseph and Hyrum Smith were
martyred he was on his farm six miles east of
Nauvoo, and was so influenced that he could not
work; and he three times saddled his horse to go
to Carthage, but rebuked himself for nervous-
ness. He was among the first in that memor-
able exodus of the winter of 1836.

At the time he left the camp at Garden
Grove the weather was very unfavorable. He
rode fourteen days on horseback through that,
then wilderness country, and not one twenty-
,four hours but what it rained. Arriving in
Nauvoo he disposed of one farm for a hundred
and ten head of cattle, and some wagons, to a
citizen at Alton. A mob resident of Nauvoo
hearing this, procured writs of attachment to

44 LIFE SKETCHES.

the stock, until the second mob could arrive in
Nauvoo, and give him a confiscation benefit,
although at the time this man, Tod, owed the
Spencers seventeen hundred dollars. Here was
an issue which with the large families of the
three brothers in the wilderness, plundered
and measurably destitute, required tact and
nerve. Through an honorable Gentile, Tod
was made to believe that on a certain day the
stock would cross the Mississippi at Hannibal,
forty miles south of Nauvoo, and he was there
with sheriff and posse.

That same day the stock crossed sixty miles
above Nauvoo, and it was a race (from that to
the first Mormon camp) of what might be star-
vation and nakedness for the women and chil-
dren in the wilderness, or comparative comfort.

Six days and a half, and six nights, in the
heat and flies of early August, were these cattle
driven and guarded by him, and his nephew
Claudius, with only six hours sleep, except on
horseback. The strain was too much; he rode
until 4 o'clock on the afternoon of his death,
when his nephew seeing him reel, rode to his

LIFE SKETCHES. 45

side asking him what was the matter. The re-
ply was, "Not much, only I cannot last through;
help me down and I will die here."

That night at 11 o'clock his labors were ended
and he lay, with the peaceful smile of a child,
a few feet from the trail, with only one relative
to hear his last words, to witness the heroism of
a voluntary martyr's death.

There was not a groan or a murmur, "Say to
my family, live and die with this work. Take
Daniel's (his brother's) council." These were
among his last words.

He left eight children by the wife of his
youth, and two by his then living wife, for-
merly Miss Emily Thompson, whom he married
in Nauvoo.

The two sons of Uncle Hy rum's now living,
are Charles and Hyrum Sheron Spencer. The
latter is now Bishop of Pleasant Green, Salt
Lake County.

After Uncle Hyrum died, two or three men
from a camp near by assisted Claudius in pre-
paring for the burial. This was done by tak-
ing some boards from a wagon -box and form-

46 LIFE SKETCHES

ing a rude coffin, in which he was taken to
Mount Pisgah, and interred in the burial
ground of the Saints.

Cousin Claudius managed himself to drive
the cattle on, the remainder of the distance to
the camp of the Saints. The fatigue, exposure
and great strain of nerves which Claudius had
endured was followed by a long*- and severe
illness.

My Uncle Daniel Spencer, being among the
pioneers of Utah, held several important posi-
tions of public trust. For a number of years he
presided over the Salt Lake Stake of Zion. -A.t
his death, he left a large family. One of his
daughters is the well known authoress, Jose-
phine Spencer.

At Council Bluffs, I remember hearing of
the call for the Mormon Battalion, to be made
up of 500 of our most able bodied men, who
were to march as soldiers to Mexico. President
Young talked of it to the people in the bowery
where our meetings were held. I saw the Bat-
talion making preparations to march, and knew
that some of our dear friends were in deep sor-

LIFE SKETCHES. 47

row over the long separation, with increased
trials and hardships, which those preparations
meant.

CHAPTER VL

SISTER ELLEN, THE "LITTLE MOTHER/'

BEFORE leaving Nauvoo, father had been called
to go on a mission to England to edit the Mill-
ennial Star; but on account of the persecutions
his departure had been postponed.

While at the Bluffs he was notified to be in
readiness to start late in the fall. He there-
fore made arrangements to fill the appointment
and went with us across the Missouri Eiver to
Winter Quarters, where he put up a log cabin,
into which we moved before it was finished
there being no floor nor door. Soon after a
door was put in, but the floor, which was made
of hewed logs, was not laid until the next
spring.

Catharine and I were just recovering from a

48 LIFE SKETCHES.

spell of sickness when our father bade us fare-
well and started on a three years' mission,
leaving us in charge of a good man and his wife
by the names of James and Mary Bullock, who
looked after our interest the same as their own.
They also had a family of children.

The door of Brother Bullock's cabin faced
our's and was only a few feet from it, so if any-
thing went wrong they could hear 'us. We kept
house by ourselves, Ellen acting the part of a
little mother. She had just turned fourteen, and
was small of her age, but had the judgment of
one older. It was well for us that we had been
taught to knit and sew, for we had our own
clothes to mend and look after. A lady by the
name of Jane Dudson, who lived across the
street from us, used to cut out our dresses and
then we helped to make them. From her I took
my first lessons in dress cutting, which were
gained by observation, and were of great use to
me afterwards.

We got through the first part of the winter
pretty well, as father had provided for our
wants, having left us with eight cows and one

LIFE SKETCHES. 49

horse; the horse was to be sold for provisions.
We went to school to Sister Addison Pratt,
(mother of Ellen Pratt) who felt obliged to
do something to earn a livelihood for herself
and four daughters. She was an excellent
lady and we .spent most of our spare time
at her house.

When the weather was cold or stormy so
we could not go out, the game of mumble-peg
was introduced, which was all the rage among
the children at that time. This we used to play
on our dirt floor, which rather marred its smooth-
ness but afforded us considerable amusement.
In the evening Brother Bullock's children some-
times came in, when we would have a spelling
school, or sit around the fire telling riddles and
stories until bed time.

It was while living in our floorless log cabin
that I was cured of walking in my sleep. We
had two beds in the room, while our clothes
and other goods were piled up in boxes. On
the top of one of these boxes was placed a writ-
ing desk that was not very solid; in one of my
midnight rambles, I happened to knock this

50 LIFE SKETCHES.

desk off its resting place to the floor; it fell with
such a crash that the noise awakened me. I
was so bewildered that I could not find my way
to the bed. Ellen's voice which sounded in
the distance was no guide for me, for I went
straight for the door, and she had to get up and
lead me back to bed. I not only had a good
scare, but was never known to get up in my sleep
afterwards.

The winter finally passed as all winters do,
and every one felt to welcome the coming of
spring. There had been considerable sickness
during the cold months; a disease called Scur-
vy had come among us, and was the cause of
many a loved one being laid away in the grave.

The wife of Brother Archibald Hill was one
of the victims. Brother Bullock and wife parted
with two of their children, Genette and Isabel.
Our family had escaped having this horrible
disease but in the spring we all took the meas-
les, myself being the first to come down with it.

The winter having been uncommon in its se-
verity, our horse and all our cows but one had
died, therefore we had no milk nor butter; our

LIFE SKETCHES. 51

provisions had also nearly given out, so that in
the spring and summer following, we really suf-
fered for something to eat; part of the time
having nothing but corn-meal, which was stir-
red up with water and baked on a griddle.
Many a night I have gone to bed without sup-
per having to wait until I was hungry enough to
eat our poor fare. Many others as well as our-
selves had very little to eat, and those who did
fare better, knew nothing of our destitute con-
dition. Some months after, Apostle Wilford
Woodruff, hearing about our circumstances vis-
ited us, and relieved our wants for the time
being. The Saints had to send to a place called
St. Joseph, which was some miles below Winter
Quarters, for provisions that consisted mainly
of corn-meal and pork. There was no need of
our family suffering for food, if the money
father sent us had been received; but although
the money failed to reach us, the letters re-
ceived from our dear parent were a great com-
fort to us; some of which I will copy, showing
the love and anxiety he had for his children.

52 LIFE SKETCHES.

CHAPTER VIL

LETTERS FROM ORSON SPENCER TO HIS
CHILDREN.

NOTE — These letters do not follow one after another in regular
succession as they were written and received; although, for con-
venience, they are numbered i, ii, iii, etc.

LETTER I.

THIS letter was written before my father had
received any word from us, and is copied partly
to show the condition of the people in Europe
at that time.

STAR OFFICE. LIVERPOOL, APR. 17, 1847.

"My DEAR CHILDREN: — In the midst of the
bustle and throng of business, that at this time is
greater even than usual, I snatch a passing mo-
ment, lo write to you. I did not know until just
now that Brother Candland would go to America
quite so soon. I am constrained to write to Presi-
dent Young, informing him of the state of things
in this country. The spiritual prospect of the

LIFE SKETCHES. 53

saints in this country is good. The saints
abound in faith and hope and an earnest desire
to emigrate to America. In fact their temporal
prospects are alarming if the great God were not
their friend and support. But they are mostly
contented and obedient to counsel, and I feel
anxious to see them gathered and safely gar-
nered in the land of 'Zion- I see men, wo-
men and children standing and sometimes sit-
ting in the streets, bare-footed and bare-headed
and crying for food; and they will often follow
me eight or ten rods begging and praying for
food. Ninety thousand people have come from
Ireland to this city of Liverpool alone, to get
food and employment. The multitudes that
die from starvation are so numerous in places
in Ireland that they are not even buried at all,
but straw and grass are thrown over them and
they rot above ground. More factories are stop-
ping every day, and more and more people are
thrown out of employment, and emigration is
so great that there are not ships enough to take
the emigrants. Freight and passage are very
high and rising. Universal fear and conster-

54 LIFE SKETCHES.

nation pervade England, Ireland, Scotland and
France, and many other parts of Europe. They
expect some dreadful calamities are coming on
the nations of the earth. The cloudy tempest
darkens every day and threatens soon to spend
its desolating power upon all flesh save those
who are hid in the mountains in cities of refuge
till the indignation be passed over. There are
some in high places that are so stupified with
gluttony, sensuality and the love of oppression
that they have not sense enough to fear. But
the great body of the people are full of fearful
anxiety. I am glad my children and friends are
thus far removed to the wilderness. You may and
must probably pass through troubled and strait-
ened circumstances, and scarcely be saved, but
fear not nor be dismayed, for the God of Israel
is your God and will strengthen and preserve
you, if your faith fail not. Now my beloved
children, love one another and strive to please
each other and don't mind little offences, but for-
give and bear with each other's faults; pray of-
ten and be not angry or contentious with any-
body. I know you will economize, to live in the

LIFE SKETCHES. 55

cheapest way you can. And I say to you again
and again, strive to preserve your health in the
way I have always recommended. When you
are not well fast and eat light food; wear flannel
and warm clothes in all seasons as much as pos-
sible. Wash your bodies of ten in pure water, and
comb your heads, that from the head to the
feet you may be clean and healthy. Go to
school as much as you can, all of you, in your
present circumstances. Strive to have the good
will of all around you. Trust to the counsel of
those who are set over you in the Lord. 1 have
not received a syllable from your pen since I left
your cabin. How much I want you to tell me in
your own simple, plain way, all about your con-
dition and feelings, and how the younger chil-
dren behave themselves.

uMy health and strength are so good that I
am well able to accomplish more labor than I
have been in any time for twenty years previous.
My mind is clear and ready for the multiplied
duties and cares that rest upon me. I find the
'Lord God is a sun and shield. ' He is wis-
dom and salvation to me the very moment I

56 LIFE SKETCHES.

need it. I say this that you may learn to trust
in Him for health, food and wisdom, and all
things at all times.

"There is no lack to them that trust in God.

"Finally, may the God of all consolation keep
you all in health and prosperity, both temporal
and spiritual, unto everlasting life and blessed-
ness, is the prayer of

Your Affectionate Father,

ORSON SPENCER."

In the same month that the above letter was
written, my father married a lady by the name
of Martha Knight, of Lancaster, England; and
some wedding cake was sent to us with the next
letter.

LETTER II.

"LIVERPOOL ENG., AUG. 9th, L847.

"DEARLY BELOVED CHILDREN: The last and
only letter which I have had from you, was dated
Feb. 1st. I have looked wishfully, but in vain
for letters from you. Perhaps you think that
you have not much to write, and therefore delay.

LIFE SKETCHES. 57

But be assured that I would gladly pay post-
age fourfold for the simple knowledge that you
are well, as of tea as once a month. Bat I have
no doubt you can find enough to write about,
even such things as you would tell me about if
I were there. You will perceive that I know no-
thing from you, of what you have received from
me, either in money or clothing. Indeed I am
pained to think that I cannot hear from your
own pen, what has been, and now is your con-
dition, but I must be content. Elder Hyde wrote
me the 30th of May, that he had been to see you
and that you were all well. This gave me great
happiness indeed. But he said you had seen
rather straitened circumstances, which made me
weep with sorrow.

"But I knew that you were suffering for
Christ's sake, which gave me some comfort.
But still I thought of your tender and parent-
less condition, and could but earnestly entreat
my Heavenly Father to preserve and bless you.
I know you have the best of friends in Brother
and Sister Bullock, who will spare no pains for
your comfort. And I trust I shall never for-
5

68 LIFE SKETCHES.

get them, either in word or deed. I fear that
Brother - - did not pay you the fifty dollars
that I sent by him. I trust you will get five
sovereigns promised by Sister Harker on her
arrival. I also sent twelve sovereigns by Elder
L. N. Seavil, five or six of which I told him he
might expend for groceries in St. Louis for you.
I also sent six sovereigns by Elder Jacobs. These
brethren may reach you the last of September.
I shall send you more the first opportunity,
which may be by Brother Martin.. If you get
the money which I send, I trust you will be
somewhat comfortable till I come. I will in-
form you that I am nearly recovered from the
most severe sickness that I have experienced
for thirty years past. I do not walk out much
yet, but am gaining very fast, I am now but a
skeleton as to flesh. After Elder Hyde left the
office, Brother Richards, my assistant, being
sick, or absent very much, I was closely con-
fined to the office, and early in June felt the
beginning of poor health which increased upon
me until the first of July. But still, as I had
no time to spare for being sick, I kept fast to

LIFE SKETCHES. 59

my office, my better judgment teaching me all
the while to desist and recruit my health. How-
ever, the 7th of July, after having had two or
three chills, I concluded that I must yield.
Accordingly I selected a healthy residence of one
of the Saints, a Brother Ennion, a short dis-
tance from Liverpool. I told them I wanted
the privilege of being sick at their house, in-
stead of my own in Liverpool, which they
readily granted, I immediately laid down, and
with constipation of my bowels, and occasional
chills, was soon too weak to even turn myself in
bed. Some thought that I must die, but I told
them not to fear, for I should not die then. In
the beginning I told Brother K. to notify many
Saints abroad that I was very sick; this I did
lest I should be snatched away before their
prayers could take effect in my behalf. After
that notice I had no further concern, although
I went nigh to the gates of death. I took no
medicine worth naming. I think that I shall
not lose my hair, although I may turn grey.
After a few days spent in the country, I hope
to take the field again as strong as ever. In-

60 LIFE SKETCHES.

deed I have contributed something to every Star
yet, and generally given counsel except in my
worst sickness. 1 was confined to the house
about three weeks. Now I bless the God of
heaven as my Savior and restorer. I have great
solicitude for you during the sickly season, take
good care before being sick; trust in God and
if you are taken quite sick, let the Saints around
you, and in the public congregations know it
speedily.

"Auo 15th. — I am still gaining health, al-
though I have not been into the country yet
owing to bad weather.

" Yesterday's steamer brought the cheering,
heart gladdening letter from Ellen and Aurelia.
Be assured that I rejoiced and thanked God,
but I felt sad to think you were so scanted for
the comforts of life. I suppose you must have
written other letters that contain many particu
lars of interest which I have not received, by
what Aurelia wrote. I hope Brother Bullock
will not be discouraged, for better days are
coming. Your not receiving any more than a
sovereign from Elder must have been a

LIFE SKETCHES. 61

great disappointment to you, as it was to me.
I think the other brethren will not fail in pay-
ing the money sent by them. I am afraid there
will be no opportunity to send any more till
next spring.

"ORSON SPENCER."

LETTER III.

"LIVERPOOL, SEPT. 29th, 1847.
"My DEARLY BELOVED CHILDREN: On my
return from Scotland last night I was happy to
find a .letter from my dear daughters Ellen and
Aurelia. But I was most deeply affected when
I heard that Genette and Isabell Bullock were
dead. Dear precious children, have I seen
them for the last time this side of the grave?
They have gone to rest in the Kingdom of God,
with my beloved Catherine and her two chil-
dren. She will know them when they enter
heaven and love them and look after their
happiness. Tell my dear James and Mary that
I deeply mourn with them for their serious loss.
I hope that they will not be discouraged nor

62 'LIFE SKETCHES.

murmur at the dealings of God, or rather what
He suffers to take place. Though He slay us
we should trust in Him, and all will be right.
Most gladly would I sit down with them in their
cabin and try to comfort them. I know what
it is to be separated from wife and children by
death. But I feel that God is good, though
you, my children, have lost the best of mothers
and I have lost the best wife ever given to man.
I want you, my children, to strive to live by
pleasing God, and keeping His commandments.
Do not be discouraged at what you have to
suffer, but be stout hearted and trust in God,
and you will live and reign in life eternal. You
say that Brother Bullock works hard and does
all he can for you, and that you and Brother
Bullock's family live on terms of peace. This
comforts me very much, and I hope you will
do all you can for them. I know it is a great
charge that he has upon him, but the faithful
man shall not lose his reward. I have perfect
confidence that James will .manage all your
affairs well, and counsel you in the best manner.
My health is pretty good and my labors are

LIFE SKETCHES. 63

very great. After ray sickness I began to
preach before I could walk many rods, and in
one or two instances I have preached while
sitting down through weakness; but my strength,
through the goodness of God, has increased all
the time, and for the last four or five weeks I
have preached from two to five times a week,
and sat up often as late as two or three o'clock
at night in conversation with Saints.

"Wherever I go, the Saints gather around me
as though they would worship me. They often
walk ten or twenty miles to see me and hear me
preach. In the meantime. I write on an average
about five or six pages, one-third of the Star as
original matter lately, and select and arrange
other matter for the Star, besides answering
numerous letters of correspondence daily. There-
fore you may judge if I am very busy. I get some
presents very frequently, for my children, which
I shall bring or send in due time. One sister gave
me a shawl in Edinburgh and a very pretty dress
pattern for Lucy. Another sister in Glasgow
gave me a handsome dress pattern for Ellen.
A brother in Manchester has promised me a

6-t LIFE SKETCHES.

dress for each of the children, and for Sister
Bullock, as soon as I can have a chance to send
them. Another man in Scotland says he shall
send a fancy dress to some of you. Be good
children and the Lord will raise up friends for
you. I want very much to see you all, but
don't know yet whether they will counsel me
to come home next spring or not. Business
is very bad in this country universally. Many
of the Saints will probably have to go to the
poor-house for want of employment. They are
very anxious to emigrate to America; and I
hope they will have the privilege soon. But
the gospel is spreading wonderfully, probably
not less than five thousand will be added to the
Church this year. I enjoy the work of preach-
ing and writing very much ; that which grieves
me most is the suffering of my children in the
wilderness, and the Saints in America. I hope
that President Young has found a location for
a Stake of Zion where we may soon go and
dwell in peace. For this I labor and pray
daily. Brother Andrew Cahoon went with me
to Scotland, this climate does not suit his

LIFE SKETCHES 65

health very well; he now presides over Clith-
eroe Conference; he is very industrious and
faithful. * * I have got three new

hymn books handsomely bound, with the name
of each of my three oldest girls on the outside
in gold letters, and gilt edges, etc. I will
endeavor to find some good books for Ellen,
and also a pretty primer for Lucy. I am glad
that Lucy is such a good girl and learns so well.
I want Catharine to learn to write, and Howard
is probably old enough to write a little. I am
very sorry that Aurelia has sick spells and I
hope that she will take good care of herself. I
thank her for attending to George so faithfully
and he must be a good boy and love Aurelia and
Ellen for their kindness. I am glad that How-
ard is also a good boy and don't quarrel with
other boys. I want him to harken to Brother
Bullock, and be kind to Alexander.* Tell
Alexander I mean to bring him something when
I come, which will be next spring if the council
permit, in time to go with you to the mountains.

*Alexander was Brother Bulkck's eon.

66 LIFE SKETCHES.

I feel very thankful that you have such good
neighbors and friends. May God bless them for
their kindness to my motherless children, But
I must bring my letter to a cl6se for want of time
to say more.

"Your ever affectionate and loving father,

"ORSON SPENCER."

As can be seen by the above, my father an-
ticipated returning to Winter Quarters, in time
to go with us over the mountains; but later on
he received a letter from President Young re-
questing him to stay another year. Therefore
in the spring of 1848, we were preparing for
our journey across the plains without him.
Brother Andrew Cahoon had returned from his
mission to Scotland, and by him father had sent
money and clothing to fit us out for the journey*

.He also sent the following letter:

LETTER IV.

LIVERPOOL, MARCH 25th, 1848.
"MY DEAR CHILDREN: Having a few leisure
moments, (which is a rare thing for me,) it gives

LIFE SKETCHES. 67

me very great pleasure to write to you, whom I
love with the most inexpressible fondness. You
are my dearest treasures upon the earth. Your
mother was one of the loveliest of her sex; gen-
erous and open hearted in love to all our race.
Under all circumstances I always found a wel-
come asylum in her breast, and she character-
ized her whole life by those admirable virtues,
which secured the spontaneous delight and good
will of all who knew her. In you, my dear chil-
dren, I see many traits of her lovely spirit, and
also her features. From her, my own mind has
received many a beautifying grace and virtue:
and few could live with her as long as I did with-
out being enriched and ennobled by such as-
sociation. Thus far, your lives are full of prom-
ise, your minds are all intelligent and your hearts
innocent and pure. The spirit of God can dwell
with you, and assist you to emulate celestial wor-
thies. I desire so to live that my example and
teaching shall tend to give you a mould and pol-
ish which will make heave a happier at your ap-
proach, and angels to rejoice over you as in the
acquisition of the richest of pearls. Dear chil-

68 LIFE SKETCHES.

dren, for my own sake then, don't be discour-
aged or impatient, but try to live through your
appointed days, for your lot is cast in an age of
sorrow mingled indeed with the sweet solace of
redeeming triumphs. Deprived of your mother
by death, and your father by obedience to the
counsels of the church, your pathway is peril-
ous and stormy.

"Sometimes without shoes to your feet and
sometimes without bread, surrounded with sav-
age foes, without any assurance that I will be
restored to you for a long time yet to come, you
may indeed often wonder why your lot is thus;
and why want and orphanage and peril and a
homeless pilgrimage should all come upon you
at once, and that, while you are at an age so
tender.

"While I am writing, I suppose you are strug-
gling with all the energy and diligence your ten-
der minds are capable of to escape to the mount-
ains; being required to leave the little cabin and
garden and field, that I hoped would shield you
till I could come to comfort you. But you must
recross the river and build anew, or flee to the

LIFE SKETCHES. 69

mountains, the latter I prefer, as the country is
sickly and the times perilous. Still your means
are very scanty for such a journey to a land where
you must make the only home you will have,
without me to counsel or accompany you. If
you go over the mountains I may not hear from
you or you from me for nearly a year and a half.
My dear children, I trust that God, who coun-
sels us to walk the narrow way, will be your shield
and defence, and provide for your wants and
keep you all alive till we meet again, where the
fury of the oppressor cannot overtake us, and
the storms of heavenly] indignation may pass us
by in the day of great distress. If I am counseled
to endure this long separation and to expose you
to such privations, my prayer shall be the more
fervent in your behalf, and with strength of
heart and soul, I shall plead for your lives to be
spared, and your minds kept unpolluted. Love
one another and bear each other's faults. Cher-
ish the spirit of God by patience and kindness.
Never yield to sin or do anything that you would
be ashamed to ask God about or tell me of. Let
no one entice you to do wrong, whoever it

70 LIFE SKETCHES.

may be. Keep together, live together and do
not separate. Be friends to one another, and
caution the younger sisters and brothers against
accidents, against bad conduct and bad company.
Believe that God can hear and help you when
you need it, and tell you many things which are
necessary for you to know and do. Learn to
trust in God for all good things, and to be
thankful for all favors. And if God should not
allow me to return any more on the earth, you
will be visited from heaven when it is requisite.
Be cheerful and happy and cherish virtue and
truth and strive to be an ornament to my family
forever. Contract no alliance incompatible
with the interest of the family. And if you
maintain a blameless life you will survive all
discouragements, and those that bless you shall
be blesesd, and they that harm you shall be
cursed, and God and angels will be your friends
and your parents shall never slumber over your
condition, worlds without end.

"Your journey will be long and tedious, you
will need to be very careful not to get lost from
your camp on the journey; and also be cautious

LIFE SKETCHES. 71

in regard to the hostile Indians, serpents or
dangerous roots and herbs. Do not walk out at
night away from the camp while on the journey.
You will scarcely be saved with the utmost faith,
diligence and economy. My anxieties about
you from the time you leave till I see you will
be unceasingly great.

"My oldest daughters; on you is rolled a
great responsibility, seemingly beyond your
years. Be womanly, kind and patient, act the
part of mother to the younger children. Teach
them good principles and instruct them how to
act. Avoid in yourselves the weakness and
folly of youth as much as possible. Never for-
get or slight my counsel, for this is the com-
mandment of God. I think I write to you
according to the mind of God. I am not per-
mitted to speak face to face, but I write unto
you as a father with soberness and godly fear.
Treasure up my sayings and teach them to the
younger children and read this letter to them,
at least, three or four times a year till I come
to you. Teach George to stand by Howard as
his counselor and right hand man. George

72 LIFE SKETCHES.

shall be distinguished for shrewdness and quick
discernment and a great help to Howard and to
you all. Watch over Lucy, for she is the choic-
est emblem of peace, and you shall have the
honor of bringing her up to womanhood.
Howard and George: — be good boys, yea, more
than this, be -manly and very kind to your sis-
ters. They have taken care of you as a mother
should do, they have counseled you, provided
for your wants and taken charge of you in sick-
ness and in health, and you ought to love them
and strive to please them in all things. Be
obedient to them in my absence till you are
grown up, then honor and protect them till the
day of your death. Counsel with them in all
difficult matters, and never lift your hand
against them in anger or strife, and know that
your prosperity lies in your union. Strive to
get knowledge. Study well when you have an
opportunity.

"Spread your feelings freely before one an-
other and let your most secret plans and designs
be entrusted to each other, but keep them to
yourselves and divulge them not abroad. And

LIFE SKETCHES. 73

whatever you all unite in, will almost invariably
be right. Let the boys not waste their strength
in wrestling or scuffling, although a little of
these exercises are good, but godliness will prof-
it them more. Go and hear preaching when
you can, and talk about what you hear. If you
go over the mountains before I do, you will use
your best judgment in selecting a lot. Adhere
to Brother Bullock and his wife, for I want
them to go with you wherever you go, or stay
and never desert you. You will not have means
probably to assist anybody but Brother Bullock,
with what I send you in money and clothes.
Don't listen to any false tales against Brother
Bullock. He is good and faithful.

"I should like to have the girls and also
Howard pay particular attention to arithmetic.
This is more important than geography or
grammar.

"You will need good oil cloth covers to your
wagons, and a good tent I think. Have as
many cows as your means will permit; but if you
should not go over the mountains this spring,
you will still need all the means you can get.

74 LIFE SKETCHES.

"The prospect is very good for a great] in-
gathering of converts in England, during the
coming season; but business just now is worse
than ever. Revolutions are going forward in
Europe, and Monarchs are trembling on their
thrones. The people almost universally de-
mand a change of government and of rulers.
The agitation is so very great that business is
kept very much in suspense. Almost every paper
brings news of the overthrow of some kingdom
and the flight of some king* Commerce and
trade are consequently at a stand. The people
are looking for general war.

"My health at present is only tolerably good.
I am very thin in flesh in consequence of many
labors and cares. Since I have been here, I
have spared no pains whatever to keep the work
of God rolling forth with success and power;
and prosperity has attended my labors thus far
beyond my utmost anticipations. I have had
no time for play or rest, but think when Elder
Orson Pratt comes that I shall have a little
respite. Your last letter was three months and
a half coming. Send your letters by mail in

LIFE SKETCHES. 75

the quickest conveyance. If you don't go over
the mountains, write once a month without fail.
You will have enough to write about; tell me
about all little matters. Write the last thing,
and tell me particularly all about your outfit. It
will be my constant desire to live in order to do
you good, and provide for your wants* I want
you all to be very good children. I am very
anxious to see you once more, but I will not
disobey my lawful counselors. George is now
eight years old; if he has not been baptized yet
I want to have him baptized soon. Do the
boys learn well at school?

"The Boston steamer has not arrived, conse-
quently I must send this letter without hearing
anything from you. In haste. God bless you
my children. Farewell!

"Your Ever Affectionate Father,

"ORSON SPENCER."

76 LIFE SKETCHES.

CHAPTER VIIL

JOURNEY ACROSS THE PLAINS.

We left Winter Quarters about the. first of
May, 1848, traveling in President Young's com-
pany. He had made the trip across the plains
the year before, as the leader of the Pioneers,
and had returned for the rest of his family, and
to see after the poor Saints who could not help
themselves,

On this journey I met and became acquainted
with Thomas Rogers, who afterwards became
my husband. He drove a team for Andrew Ca-
hoon, who was captain of our ten; the company
was divided into tens and fifties.

There were many ups and downs in our
travels; when the weather was pleasant we en-
joyed ourselves very much, although having to
walk over the roughest part of the road, as the
wagons were heavily loaded. In camping at
night, the wagons of the company were formed
in a circle, with the tongues inside. The cattle

LIFE SKETCHES. 77

(for our teams consisted mostly of oxen and
cows,) were either herded or tied, to prevent
any surprise by the Indians, who were often
seen prowling around, watching their chance
to stampede our animals. During the journey
the company would stop once in awhile for a
few days to recruit their teams and give the
women a chance to wash, iron, bake, etc.

On one of these occasions, we camped on
Looking- glass ^ Creek, whick emptied into the
Platt Eiver about a mile below. The people
had been counseled not to go far from camp;
but either forgetting or not heeding the counsel,
about a dozen girls, myself included, took it in-
to our heads, one bright moonlight night, to go
to the mouth of the creek and bathe in the river,
thinking the distance wo aid make us safe from
interruption. The Platt River was very wide
in places and the water quite shallow, being in-
terspersed with sand-bars. The company forded
it many times in the course of their travels.

One elderly lady, namely Sister Mima Young,
generally called Aunt Mima, went with us as a
protector, or to stand guard while we should

78 LIFE SKETCHES

take our bath. A nice place was selected and
we were soon splashing around in the water as
happy as could be. Presently one of the girls
said, "Let us play baptize." Some of the rest
consented and were soon ducked under the water
although I don't remember that any ceremony
was used. We were soon interrupted in our
sport, however, by some one exclaiming, "See!
what is that? what is that coming?" All looked
in the direction pointed out, and sure enough
something white and strange looking was com-
ing, right towards us across the river, and only
a short distance away. Then such a screaming
and rushing for the shore, was perhaps never
witnessed before nor since, some of the girls al-
most falling down in the water from fright. I
was like one paralyzed, could not speak or move
for a few seconds, and was nearly the last one
out of the water. But all gained the shore in
safety; looking back we saw the object which had
so frightened us go up the creek, and disappear.
Our conjectures were varied in regard to what
it might have been ; some thought it much larger
than it seemed to others. But whatever it was

LIFE SKETCHES. 79

it floated towards us until we started for the
shore, then turned and went up the creek. All
agreed that it was a warning, and felt that we
had done wrong in playing baptize. We had
also disobeyed counsel by going so far away
from camp, and harm might have come to us.
We wended our way back to the wagons quite
sobered, reflecting and talking these things over
as we went along; but the mystery of what we
had seen was never solved.

Sometimes in our travels there was much pic-
turesque scenery to enjoy; many grand looking
rocks,one in particular was called Chimney Rock ;
so named on account of its great height, and
peculiar shape. There was a number of names
written on this rock, by those who preceded us
to the Valley, which made us rejoice, for it was
like a guide post in the desert.

In the course of nearly a five months' journey
we arrived in Salt Lake Valley, having traveled
over a thousand miles. It was a happy time
as we merged from Emigration Canyon and took
a view of the Valley that was to be the future
home of the Saints. Then as we neared the

80 LIFE SKETCHES.

Fort, we passed through large corn-fields which
looked inviting and quite home like. The Fort
consisted of log rooms joined together until a
square was formed, with gateways to enter. We
occupied one of these rooms which Uncle Dan-
iel had put up for our use, he having come to
the valley the year before. There was no floor
in the house we lived in, and only one six lighted
window. Our stove was put up in one corner,
in this we baked biscuit, and when they were
done we would sit around the stove and eat them.
Once in awhile Aunt Emily, or Cousin Antoi-
nette would send us some vegetables.

The reader must bear in mind that this was
only a desert land the year before, having been
condemned by mountaineers, who offered $1000
for the first bushel of corn that could be raised
here ; and that no one but people inspired of God,
would ever have made the attempt to raise any-
thing in these valleys here.

The winter passed very pleasantly; we at-
tended meetings, and occasionally a dancing
party, as those parties were indulged in to help
pass the time away. Ellen and I also attended

LIFE SKETCHES. 81

writing school two evenings a week, which was
taught by Hiram B. Clawson.

I was naturally of an independent disposition,
and found ways to get a little money of my own
by taking in sewing and making bracelets and
necklaces out of hair, some of which I sold for a
trifle. The hair work I had learned while in
Nauvoo.

A city had been laid out in the valley of the
Great Salt Lake, with wide streets and a number
of public squares.

A ten acre lot was reserved for the Temple
and other public buildings. The people had
many trials in the early settling of Utah, losing
their crops the first year by drought and crickets.
Still they persevered, and by the blessings of
God, in a short time towns and villages were in-
terspersed throughout the Territory. The
waterin the creeks, which at first were but tiny
streams, increased until there was plenty for all
purposes.

Our city lot was on what is now called main
street, and fronting emigration street on the
south. We had one small adobe room put up,

82 LIFE SKETCHES.

into which we moved, and thought ourselves
quite comfortable

In the summer of 1849, the welcome news
reached us that our father was coming home
with a company of emigrants, and would be here
by the latter part of September.

jT -Jl j*

CHAPTER IX.

ORSON SPENCER IN ENGLAND.

,

I WILL now go back to the time when my
father left us in our log cabin at Winter Quar-
ters, and follow him to England.

Previous to his arrival in Liverpool, news
had preceded him that "Orson Spencer was
dead. " This mistake was supposed to have oc-
curred through some one's hearing of the death
of my uncle Hyrum Spencer. The news went
across the water in a letter written by Brother
John Parker, of St. Louis, to Elder Franklin D.
Richards, who was at that time presiding over a
conference in Glasgow, Scotland.

LIFE SKETCHES. 83

The letter with an obituary notice was soon
after published in the Star. On account of the
news of my father's death, Brother Franklin D.
was called to England to take the presidential
chair and attend to the duties of the press-
From which duties, however, he was soon re-
lieved, as my father arrived in Liverpool safe
and sound on the 23rd of January L847. For
further information, I will copy an address,
which was published in the Millennial Star, No
3, Vol. 9.

ADDRESS.

"It now becomes our duty and privilege to
address a few words to the Saints in the British
Isles, through the medium of the Star. On
account of the supposed decease of our worthy
brother, Orson Spencer, we were called from
our field of labor in Scotland, to act in our
present calling and station, as appointed and
published by our beloved president, Orson Hyde,
in the last number of the Star. Bat it affords us
superlative pleasure to advise our readers, that

84 LIFE SKETCHES.

Elder Spencer is alive and in our midst enjoying
excellent health and buoyant spirits, as is also
cmr beloved brother Elder Andrew Cahoon, who
accompanied Brother Spencer from the camps of
the Saints to this island. They landed in Liver-
pool on Saturday evening, the 23rd instant,
after a protracted voyage of about forty days,
encountering storms and gales; by the kindness
of the Father's care, they were preserved from
any serious disaster. Few men in the nine-
teenth century possess that degree of longevity
which enables them to read in the public prints
their own obituary notice, but it has been Elder
Spencer's privilege to read the feelings of his
brethren concerning him, when they never ex-
pected to see him again in mortality; and we
speak with great confidence, when we say, that
he enjoys an ardent and a faithful place in the
affections of thousands upon these islands, that
can say of him, 'Whom not having seen, we love;'
and we feel that all faithful Saints will bestow
upon him their confidence and most cordial and
hearty support and co-operation, giving diligent
heed to his counsels in all things. For ourselves

LIFE SKETCHES. 85

we have to say, (and we speak knowingly,) that
Elder Spencer's appointment was by the coun-
sel of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the
land of Zion, to take the presidency of the
Church and charge of the publishing depart-
ment in this country, and we gladly surrender
to him the responsibility and honor of that im-
portant trust, for we are deeply sensible that
where much is given, much is required; and we
feel to say, let the rich blessings which Presi-
dent Hyde so freely bestowed upon ourselves
in the last number of the Star rest in all their
richness and fullness upon our beloved Brother
Spencer, and may he realize joy and blessing in
the performance of those duties which are be-
fore him; and have great satisfaction in seeing
the work of the Lord prosper under his hands;
and it will still be our studious aim to render to
the uttermost our mite of influence and exer-
tion, subservient to the cause of our Lord Jesus
Christ, under the directions, and according to
the dictation of him, and them, who are ap^
pointed to preside over the Church, in the king-
dom, ever mindful that

86 LIFE SKETCHES.

'Honor or fame, not from condition rise,
Act well your part, there all the honor lies.'

"We feel to tender to the Saints our thanks
and blessings, in the name of the Lord, for the
kindness and favors which we have at any time
experienced at their hands, especially our breth-
ren in Scotland, among whom our labors have
hitherto been for the greater part bestowed, and
remain, your brother in Christ, and fellow-ser-
vant in the kingdom of God,

"FRANKLIN D. KICHARDS,"

January 27, 1847.

Father had been in England one year when
the following was addressed to him:

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG TO
ORSON SPENCER.

"WINTER QUARTERS, Jan, 23, 1848.
"DEAR BROTHER :— Yours of the 1st of No-
vember, 1847, came to hand on the llth instant.
I was much pleased to hear of the prosperity of
the work in the British Islands — of your good

LIFE SKETCHES. 87

health and your desires to labor in the vine-
yard. Brother Heber and myself called upon
your family, read your letter, found them all
well and in lively spirits ; the house and the
children were clean and neat, and they pre-
sented a comparatively comfortable aspect.

"The difficulty of getting grinding this winter,
in a great measure prevents us from being as com.
fortable as we otherwise might be, but another
grist mill starts tomorrow, which will be the
fourth run of the stones in the city. 1 asked
the children how they would like me to send
you word to stay another year, as I thought it
was best to do so, and take them and Brother
Bullock's family over the mountains in the
spring. Ellen replied, u If it is thought best,
we would like it so, for we want to do for the
best," and they all said amen to it. I told El-
len to buy a good milch cow, and I would pay
for it, and reminded her of my saying last win-
ter, that if she lacked anything she was to let
me know. It is thought advisable for you to
stay another year, and I will take your family
on in the spring. We anticipate sending

88 LIFE SKETCHES.

Brother Orson Pratt and several other Elders
to England, who will leave here when we leave
for the mountains, and of sending Brother Wood-
ruff to Nova Scotia, Canadas, etc., at the same
time. Brother George A. Smith is having some
log cabins built on the other side of the river,
and intends in a few days to remove over there,
and stay for a year or two amongst the
brethren, as those who do not go onward must
vacate this place and go over to the Pottowato-
mie purchase.

"Orson Hyde will stay there also, and with
Brother George will take care of the branches
and push the Saints onward.

"In December last we appointed a day to hold
a conference on the other side of the river, in
a large double block house, occupied by one of
the brethren, where the Saints congregated in
such large numbers that we found it impracti-
cable to continue our conference, the house be-
ing so crowded and many shouting at the win-
dows to get in, so we adjourned for three weeks
to build a house capable of holding the Saints.
Accordingly, on the 24th, we convened again at

LIFE SKETCHES. 89

the "Log Tabernacle," which they erected in a
short time, during the severest weather we have
had this winter. It is a well-constructed, capa-
cious log house, sixty by forty feet inside and
will seat one thousand persons, with a recess or
stand twenty by ten feet for the priesthood and
a clerk's bench ; it is certainly an ornament to
this new country, and shows a little of Mormon-
ism. I told them at the conference that the
brethren had built, fenced and made as many
improvements in the short time they had been
here (about a year) as they would in Missouri
in about ten years; and it is a fact; and they
have raised a crop equal to any we raised in
Illinois.

At this conference we suggested to the breth-
ren the propriety of organizing the Church
with a First Presidency and a Patriarch, as
hinted at in our general epistle; and the exped-
iency of such a move at this time was so clearly
seen by the brethren that they hailed it as an
action which the state of the work at present
demanded, and as a means to liberate the hands
of the quorum of the Twelve, who now feel at
7

90 LIFE SKETCHES.

liberty to go abroad and herald the truth to the
ends of the earth, and build up the kingdom in
all the world. Accordingly, Brigham Young
was nominated to be the First President of the
Church, and he nominated Heber C. Kim ball
and Willard Eichards to be his two counselors,
which nominations were seconded and carried
without a dissentient voice.

" Father John Smith as then nominated to be
Patriarch of the whole Church — in the same
capacity as Father Joseph Smith was, also
Brother Hyrum — seconded and carried unani-
mously. The Spirit of the Lord at this time
rested upon the congregation in a powerful
manner, insomuch that the Saints' hearts were
filled with joy unspeakable; every power of their
mind and nerve of their body was awakened and
absorbed; a dead stillness reigned in the con-
gregation while the President spoke. He said :
' This is one of the happiest days of my life ;
it is according as Heber prophesied yesterday,
our teachings today have been good* I never
heard better. Is not the bliss of heaven and
the breezes of Zion wafted here? Who feels

LIFE SKETCHES. 91

hatred, malice or evil ? If you come to the door
with a bad spirit, it would not come in with
you: no, it could not mingle here; but when
you enter, your feelings become as calm and
gentle as the zephyrs of paradise; and I feel
glory, hallelujah! Nothing more has been done
today than what I knew would be done when
Joseph died.

"'We have been driven from Nauvoo here,
but the hand of the Lord is in it, — visible as the
sun shining this morning ; it is visible to my
natural eyes; it's all right; and I expect when
we see the result of all we pass through in this
probationary state, we will discover the hand of
the Lord in it all, and shout Amen, it's all right!
We shall make the upper courts ring; we have
something to do before then. I don't calculate
to go beyond the bounds of time and space
where we will have no opposition, —no devils to
contend with; and I have no fault to find with
the providences of the Lord, nor much fault to
find with the people; and if the devils will keep
out of my path I will not quarrel with them.
As the Lord's will is my will all the time, as He

92 LIFE SKETCHES.

dictates so I will perform. If He don't guide
the ship, we'll go down in the whirlpool. Jos-
eph told the Twelve, the year before he died,
'There is not one key or power to be bestowed
on this Chureh to lead the people into the celes-
tial gate, but I have given you, showed you, and
talked it over to you; the kingdom is set up,
and you have the perfect pattern, and you can
go and build up the kingdom and go in at the
celestial gate, taking your train with you.'

"The instrumental band was then called upon
to perform, when its heavenly vibrations fell
upon the tender nerve of the ear, accompanied
by the Spirit of God, and the Saints shouted,
'Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna to God and the
Lamb, Amen, Amen, and Amen ! ' led by George
A. Smith. The conference lasted four days.
We had indeed an excellent time; and on the
16th of January attended another meeting, con-
vened by the Seventies, which they called a
Jubilee, but I told them it could not be consid-
ered a Jubilee spoken of in Revelations, for all
bands were not broken, and I called it Jubilo,—
when the Saints assembled and spent the Sab-

LIFE SKETCHES. 93

bath in preaching and exhortation; and on Mon-
day, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, had
preaching and teaching concerning the organiza-
tion of companies for traveling westward, — music
and other recreations. We had a blessed meet-
ing—all hearts were comforted and lifted up
above our trials and persecutions, and we went
home rejoicing in the benefits and privileges of
the liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and
I pray they may thereby be stimulated to pur-
sue the path of righteousness, and fill up the
remainder of their days in promoting the king-
dom of peace and happiness on the earth,

" We learn from Mr. Glenday, who has been
to Oregon City, Willamette Valley, this year,
from Missouri, and who came into camp on the
14th current, that he saw some of our brethren
at Fort Call on the 15th of November last, that
had been there buying meat and flour. He also
saw three brethren working at Fort Bridger,
(115 miles from the valley,) at which place he
learned that the Mormons, in the valley, had got
between 200 and 300 acres of fall wheat sown,
and that there was a company going to San

94 LIFE SKETCHES.

Francisco Bay for seed wheat to sow in the
spring, and there was plenty of provisions in
the valley.

"The brethren in this region of country have
been much more healthy this summer and fall
than ever in Nauvoo, and this has been a great
blessing, as you know disease and sickness have
been a heavy tax on the Saints. The weather
this winter has been very mild indeed; these
two weeks past have been like the opening
spring, which favors us greatly, especially those
who have to leave their farms and improve-
ments here, recross the Missouri, and begin
anew on the Pottowatamie lands.

" The brethren are busy fixing up their wag-
ons and making preparations for their journey,
and having a plenty of corn and fodder, their
teams are doing well.

"The Omahas have been peaceable this win-
ter, and have not killed any cattle, and our cir-
cumstances, in comparison with last winter, are
very prosperous and good.

"Your Brother in the Lord,

"BRIGHAM YOUNG."

LIFE SKETCHES. 95

LETTER FROM WILFORD WOODRUFF.

WINTER QUARTERS, OMAHA NATION,

April 24, 1848.

"DEAR BROTHER ORSON SPENCER: —While im -
pressed with a deep sense of duty I owe you as
a brother, a friend and fellow workman in the
great cause of God, I seat myself to acknow-
ledge the reception of your kind letter to me,
under date of January 18, 1848; and while I
view letter writing as one of the choicest bless-
ings of God to man, I feel thankful that I can
exchange thoughts and words with my dear
friends from whom I am separated by seas, tide
and distance, yet it is almost painful to reflect
that while I have a desire to converse freely
with Brother Spepcer, Brother Jones, and
thousands of good Saints that surround you,
and unbosom my feelings unto you upon a va-
riety of subjects, that I am confined, as it were
to the narrow limits of a sheet of paper. But
as I cannot at present speak face to face with
you I will content myself, as well as I can, by
saying a few words with my pen. Men of God,
who possess the spirit and power of the Holy

96 LIFE SKETCHES.

Ghost, can form a good idea what element
they are moving in — what spirits surround
them; and they have only to behold a man's
face, feel of his spirit, read the productions of
his pen, in order to know what port his ship is
bound for. And I can say of a truth, with
every feeling and sentiment of my heart, that
whenever I have read, or heard read, any of the
letters or productions of Brother Spencer's pen
either addressed to myself, President Young, or
any of the Twelve, or his own family, or pub-
lished in the Star, I feel perfectly satisfied that
they were dictated by the spirit and power of
God, and spoke in language, not to be misunder-
stood, that all was right at head quarters in
Liverpool, and that the Lord was guiding
Brother Spencer; and the same spirit was mani-
fest in the writings of our worthy Brother Dan
Jones, of Wales, and the Brothers Richards, and
I may say the Elders in general throughout
your field of labors. You may rest assured that
these things have caused much joy in our hearts,
and when I express my feelings upon this sub-
ject I believe I speak the sentiments of all the

LIFE SKETCHES. 97

Presidency in this land. Yes, Brother Spencer,
we know the Lord is with you, and with your
fellow-laborers in that land, and you have done
a great and glorious work, and brought much
good to pass ; and for all these things you will
have your reward. We have felt a deep interest
in your field of labor, and the labor and field of
Captain Dan Jones. I rejoice much in the pro-
gress he has made in Wales, and in the
fruit of the labors of the faithful Elders
throughout the 'British dominions. And I
feel to say, Brother Spencer, Brother Jones,
and all the faithful laborers in the vine-
yard with you, be not weary in well-doing,
for if you continue faithful in your tribulations
and sacrifices, the day will come, and perhaps
it may not be far distant, when you will rejoice
before God and all the holy ones. Because of
the missions you are now filling, the labors you
are performing among the nations of the earth
you will be satisfied with the goodness of the
Lord, and your reward in the hour of the holy
resurrection. And when the Lord cometh,
bringing his reward with him, yea, it will be a

98 LIFE SKETCHES.

source of consolation to you through all eternity
to know that you have been a messenger of sal-
vation to many, that your garments are clear of
the blood of the generation in which you live ;
that you have stood with your garments un-
spotted ; that your tabernacle has not been de-
filed ; that no man has taken your crown ; that
you have kept the celestial law; and, in fine, that
you have filled the measure of your creation.
You will have the blessings of the Lord with
you, and the prayers of the Saints in your be-
half. I have watched with deep interest the
progress of the work throughout England, Scot-
land and Wales. President Young received
your letter under date of March. We also re-
ceived an account of the French revolution, and
the signs of the times throughout Europe, which
was read with interest.

" As concerning matters with us, I will begin
with the time we last parted in Winter Quarters.
You know my situation then. But I was
greatly blessed of the Lord, for in twenty days
from the time I received my serious injury I
again commenced work of the hardest kind in

LIFE SKETCHES. 99

building and preparing for winter. I continued
to labor hard with my hands until the departure
of the pioneers' camp, in the following spring,
without feeling any serious effects from my hurt.
I performed my journey with the tents and camp
of the pioneers over two thousand miles, making
the road entirely new over five hundred miles,
and performed much hard labor in the valley;
and this was accomplished in less than seven
months' time. And it was clearly visible to
every discerning mind that the Lord was with
us, for though many of the pioneers were sick
when we left Winter Quarters, yet with all our
sickness and exposures of such a journey,
buffalo stampedes, grizzly bear frights, Indian
attacks, not a soul was lost, bat all returned safe
to our homes ; and, what was more remarkable
still, we used ox, mule and horse teams through
the whole journey, and not a hoof was lost of
any beast belonging to the pioneer camp of
Israel, except in two or three instances horses
were shot accidentally, or killed, by not hearken-
ing to counsel. But an account of our journey,
and a description of the valley, have already

100 LIFE SKETCHES.

been sent you, and I need not repeat it here.
The Spirit and power of God was with us on
that journey, was with us in that valley, and
has been with us since we returned home. We
also found on our return that the Lord had
blessed the Saints at Winter Quarters and the
region round about, in our absence. The earth
had brought forth in its strength, and the
laborer had been well rewarded. Winter Quar-
ters on our return presented one of the most
novel scenes I ever beheld. While standing
upon the ridge west of the city it appeared al-
most a dense mass of corn stalks, hay stacks,
covered wagons and log cabins, and apparently
.a spark of fire in the combustibles would soon
present ;to the eye, as did Moscow, a sea of fire.
But notwithstanding our exposure, we have thus
far been delivered from the ravages of that ele-
ment. Three messengers arrived a few days
since from the City of the Great Salt Lake.
They left the middle of January, came through
the mountains in the dead of winter. They
brought many letters with them, all bringing
the most cheering news of matters in that place.

LIFE SKETCHES. 101

Population 3,000 ; sickness and death seldom
known. Letters stated one death during the
winter. The coldest day known, the 1st of No-
vember ; very little snow. Winter supposed to
have broke early in January. Valley green
with grass four inches high 15th of January.
Horses, mules, oxen, sheep, and all stock
wintered well in the open valley. One flouring
mill and three saw mills in operation; and plenty
of the best quality of lime, and clay for the best
quality of brick, tile, and for earthen crockery
and queens ware ; good slate quarries and
grindstones; salt and saltpetre. The brethren
had built near 1,000 dwellings, had sown about
1,500 acres of wheat, expected to put in as much
more, and 3,000 or 4,000 acres of corn. Wheat
looked well. No disturbance from the natives
that surrounded them. We are now looking for
other arrivals from there daily, who will start
the last of February or 1st of March. It is a
general time of health through the camps of
Israel in Winter Quarters ; but few deaths
through the winter. The first camp or company
who go west this spring expect to start in a few

102 LIFE SKETCHES.

days in company with Presidents Brighain
Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Kichards,
and others of the Apostles. Winter Quarters
will be evacuated ; all who remain settle in
Pottowatamie County, Iowa. Orson Hyde and
George A. Smith will preside there ; Orson
Pratt in England ; Wilford Woodruff the East-
ern States, Canada, Nova Scotia, New Bruns-
wick and adjacent islands. We are expecting a
boat daily, upon which Orson Pratt is calculat-
ing to take passage for St. Louis, and continue
his journey to Liverpool with as little delay as
possible. I expect to start for Boston as soon
as the first company leaves, and trust I shall be
able to correspond with my friends in England
from that point. We had quite an interesting
conference on the 6th inst. , at the log tabernacle.
"There are many things I would like to speak
of that my limits will not allow at this time ;
however, I should do injustice to my own feel-
ings, and neglect a duty towards you, should I
close without touching upon one subject that
deeply interests you, that is your family. A re-
mark in your letter to me, and more especially

LIFE SKETCHES. 103

those made in the address to President Young
concerning your children, planted in my mind a
determination to visit them. Accordingly, last
evening Mrs. Woodruff and myself walked down
to your house; and, to my surprise, instead of
finding Sister Spencer (with whom we had
spent many precious moments in holy places) at
the head of her family, I found she was sleeping
in the dust, and your eldest daughter, who was
only thirteen years of age when you left, stood
in the place of a mother and counselor to her
five younger brothers and sisters. I enquired
into all their circumstances and difficulties since
you left, which they had been called to pass
through ; and while they related past events to
me, and read their file of letters from their
father, I was filled with sensations better imag-
ined than described.

" When I considered what they had passed
through, their young and tender ages, the share
they had taken in the sufferings of the Saints, I
regarded them not only a company of young
pilgrims, but a company of young martyrs ; and
although in childhood, their faith, patience,

104 LIFE SKETCHES.

forbearance and long-suffering and wisdom in

•

the midst of all their trials, was such as would
have done honor to a Saint of thirty years in
the strength and power of his days, or been a
crown of glory upon the grey hairs of him
of riper years. A parent may well consider
such a family of children a blessing from God.
I believe they have honored you in your absence.
Ellen said she had received a letter within a
few days from you, and had answered it.

" Your children were all well yesterday, I
enquired into their present circumstances. They
said they had plenty of meal but no flour. I
told them to come to my house and I would
divide with them. The eldest son came down
today, and I gave him some flour and pork. I
would have been glad to have divided with them
a long time before had I but known their cir-
cumstances. You may think it strange why I
have not known ; but our affairs for the last year
or two have been like the rolling billows, and
each sea has brought as much weight upon every
faithful man's back as he was able to carry, un-
less he by chance might meet with a calm for a

LIFE SKETCHES. 105

moment, and give him a chance to look around
to see if any man had a heavier load than him-
self, and if so, to stretch out his hand and help
to carry it. Ellen told me she expected the
family would go on with the first company this
season to the mountains.

" I must close. Mrs. Woodruff, with myself,
sends respects, love and blessings to Brother and
Sister Spencer, and wish to be remembered to
Brother and Sister Enion, Brother and Sister
Hall, and all who enquire after us.

" Yours in the bonds of the Priesthood,
" WILFOED WOODRUFF."

106 LIFE SKETCHES.

CHAPTER X.

EXTRACTS FROM ARTICLES AND LETTERS.

FROM AN ARTICLE WRITTEN FOR THE STAR,
BY THOMAS D. BROWN.

"SHREWSBURY, JUNE 1st, 1848.
* * * "On the Good Friday afternoon
about 4 o'clock, nearly one hundred Saints as-
sembled from Poolquay, Ellesmere, and other
branches in North Wales, belonging to the
Liverpool Conference, and sat down to a com-
fortable tea. Elder Thomas, who presided over
the Shrewsbury Branch, called upon Elder T.
D Brown to preside, who addressed the Saints
on the great and good work of the Lord in which
they were engaged, and congratulated them on
the auspicious events of that day — their assembl-
ing to open a large room to preach in, and to a
branch of the Church now numbering twenty-
four, who, but a few short months ago were in
darkness. * * * * *

LIFE SKETCHES. 107

" Elder Thomas then followed, and gave a.
short history of the work in that region. * *

" Elder Orson Spencer, the President of the
Church in Europe, then addressed the Saints.
He was a stranger to them in person, and
though many of them were intimate with his
writings, they now, hearing his voice for the
first time, seemed to hang upon his lips ; and as
the glorious principles of salvation were de-
veloped, for upwards of two hours a breathless
silence pervaded the meeting, and the Spirit of
God like a fire was burning ; yea, truly, all felt,
and many exclaimed, ' It is good to be here,'
and one sister said, 'Arduous as has been our
journey, I would travel fifty miles again to
share the intelligence and joys in such another
meeting'. * * * * *

;' Elder Caleb Parry, next addressed the meet-
ing and sang a song of Zion ; and we remem-
bered that though he was in a strange land he
had not'hung his harp upon a willow. We had
heard that he cheered the Saints in these regions
by his melodies and by the truths of God. * *
" At nine o'clock we separated, rejoicing in the

108 LIFE SKETCHES.

hope that we should meet again in the heights
of Zion, and rejoice even more than we had this
day done as the sons and daughters of God.

" Elder Spencer retired to the country to
recruit and invigorate his health, and a constitu-
tion not strong at best, but at present much
drawn upon by the arduous duties of the presi-
dency in these lands. We feel to say, God bless
and strengthen him, and let all the faithful say
amen."

Apostle Orson Pratt had been appointed by
the First Presidency of the Church to preside
over the British mission. My father speaks of
his safe arrival, in the editorial of the Star, Aug.
1st, 1848.

The first General- Epistle of President Orson
Pratt (after his arrival) to the Saints in Great
Britain :

* * * « The Saints in this land have been
highly favored and extensively benefited by the
indefatigable and praiseworthy labors of our
much esteemed and dearly beloved brother,
Elder Orson Spencer, whose wise and judicious
course in his presidential administration over the

LIFE SKETCHES. 109

Saints in this land will ever live in remembrance
of all the faithful. His integrity and sterling
virtues have erected for h-im an enduring monu-
ment that can never perish. The eloquent and
powerful reasonings displayed in all his writings,
the bold, energetic and beautiful style diffused
through every part, and the meek and humble
spirit which seems to pervade almost every
sentence, clearly indicate a sound mind, en-
lightened by the Spirit of Truth, and filled with
wisdom by the inspiration of the Almighty.
The inestimable truths which he has so ably
developed in his writings, will prove an invalu-
able treasure to thousands, and live in the
memory of all future generations. We are
happy to' inform the Saints that Brother
Spencer will, if his health permits, tarry in this
land yet a few months, and we hope to see many
articles from his pen upon various subjects,
feeling assured that they will be hailed with
delight by the anxious multitudes, many of
whom have already tasted the soul cheering
knowledge he has formerly communicated,
which has served to greatly sharpen their appe-
tites for more."

110 LIFE SKETCHES

"LIVERPOOL, Sunday, 10th Sept., 1848.

"BELOVED PRESIDENT ORSON PRATT : — I have
this day spent an hour at the bedside of our
afflicted brother, Orson Spencer, and at this
moment feel moved to suggest, if you approve,
that the British Saints testify by their works as
they do by their faithful prayers, that they love
him indeed and of a truth, for his labor and
works for the kingdom of God among them. I
am sure I express but faintly the feelings of my
brethren and sisters in these lands when I say
we do love him, and feel so grateful to him that
we wish him to carry to the heights of Zion
some lasting token of our affection, to cheer his
own soul, and in a measure to reward his young
and numerous family for their valor in permit-
ting him so long to absent himself from them,
and that, too, so soon after the death of their
loving mother.

" If one penny from each of the 17,000 Saints
in these lands would scarcely be felt, even by
the poorest, how much good would this do to
Elder Spencer and his family? And if this
would do so much good, surely sixpence from

LIFE SKETCHES 111

those who felt so and could spare it, would do
more.

" As there are but three months to do this
small but good work, I leave the modus operandi
with you to suggest to the conferences.

"THOMAS D. BROWN."

" The suggestions in the foregoing letter meet,
my approbation, and if they meet the approba-
tion of the conferences, they can appoint their
agents to receive collections for our beloved
Brother Spencer. These agents can forward
the amounts by post-office orders or otherwise
as they shall please. In blessing Brother
Spencer they shall be blessed. — ED."

A PRAYER.

In behalf of Brother Orson Spencer.

" EAMSEY, ISLE OF MAN, Oct. 9, 1848.

"DEAR BROTHEB PRATT: — I send the follow-
ing prayer for insertion in the Star, if it meets
your approbation; and I assure you whatever be
its merits or demerits as a metrical composition,
that it breathes the real and sincere sentiments

112 LIFE SKETCHES.

of my heart, and of thousands more. Will you
have the kindness to give my love to Brother
Spencer. (Years before I saw him I loved him
on account of his great advocacy of the truth ;
and I feel that he possesses the Spirit of God,
and a highly intelligent mind.)

"By so doing you will oblige yours in the re-
newed covenant,

"W. G. MILLS."

Eternal Father, by whose skill

Our mortal frames from dust were made;

Who speak'st and at thy sovereign will
We in the dust again are laid !

And on the earth at thy command

We have our being, live and move.
Who dare arrest thy mighty hand

That rules among the hosts above?

We own thy power, with humble hearts,

And bow submissive at thy throne;
Yet claim the gift thy grace imparts;

We can approach thee through thy Son.

In Jesus' name our prayers ascend
To thee, who do'st our sorrows know;

For Brother Spencer's health contend —
Beloved by Saints and angels too.

LIFE SKETCHES. 113

A noble champion in thy cause,

Preserve him for the sons of men ;
A lover of thy holy laws,

Restore him to our midst again.

Send down thy Spirit's cleansing aid

To guide the motions of his heart;
Let it his system now pervade,

To heal in each diseased part.

Oh ! seal on his* devoted head

The gift of health, we do implore ;
And raise him from his weary bed,

To tread again his native shore.

Far as the east is from the west

Bid the afflicting power to move;
Oh ! let our fervent, pure request

In his behalf effectual prove.

As when of old the prophet prayed,

The vapoury clouds withheld their rain ;

So when he sought thy promised aid
They pour'd their cheering draughts again.

As when the sick and feeble felt

Thy Son His healing Spirit pour;
So we believe that, if thou wilt,

Thou canst our brother now restore.

114 LIFE SKETCHES.

Thy promises are, gracious Lord,
"Whate'er ye ask, I will supply."

And we believe the unerring word —
Thou art a God that canst not lie.

We leave him in thy care, with faith,
That thou wilt heal his suffering frame;

Preserve him yet awhile from death,
We humbly ask in Jesus' name.

Subsequently my father's health having im-
proved, preparations were made for his return
to his native land, with a company of English
Saints, and on the 1st of January, 1849, his
farewell address was published, a part of which
I will copy:

FAREWELL ADDRESS BY ORSON SPENCER, LATE
PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN CHURCHES.

"BELOVED SAINTS:— The time is at hand
when, by the permission of the First Presidency
in Zion, I shall be fully discharged from the
duties of my mission to the British nation. I
shall return to the bosom of my family, and to
the Priesthood in Zion, after an absence of
nearly three years. I go to the place of gather-

LIFE SKETCHES. 115

ing for all nations, pointed out by nearly all the
prophets which have spoken since the world
began. I go to the Saints' hiding place, there
to contemplate from the heights of the moun-
tains of Israel the glory of that kingdom which
is the Lord's with the saviors thereof; and also
the consummation that is decreed upon the whole
earth. There shall be a priesthood of saviors
stand up in holy places and judge the nations oH
the earth. From thence shall the word of
the Lord go forth, and the kingdom shall be
given to the people of the Saints of the Most
High God. Lively sensations thrill through
my bosom, in view of the day when I shall greet
the nobles of Israel in the heights of the earth,
and once more press my little ones to the pa-
ternal breast. * * * The language of the
General Epistle of the Twelve requires the
Saints throughout the British dominions to
make all diligence to effect a prompt and speedy
emigration to Zion. Great fixedness of purpose
and contempt of difficulties must nerve up your
efforts, or many will never reach the city of
refuge. But let not the poor be discouraged

116 LIFE SKETCHES.

who are laboring with their might to build up
ihe kingdom. The Lord knows their works,
their patience and their sufferings, and their
salvation is continually in remembrance before
Him. Your deliverance from this land, where
perils hang in portentious darkness over your
heads, will often come under the serious con-
sideration of the Council in Zion; and your
humble servant will not be forgetful to plead
your cause in that Council where he has for
years had the honor to act a humble part. Your
kindness to me during my residence among you
will not only oblige me to be your unflinching
friend in Zion, but continually enhance my de-
light in contributing my best efforts for your
well-being to the day of my death. I have en-
deavored during my presidency among you, to
treat all Saints without partiality or hypocrisy,
and with courtesy and unfeigned love. And
your reciprocal bearing towards me has em-
balmed you in my memory so long as truth
and gratitude are my light and my way -mark.
•'If I have erred in discipline, I think it has
been on the side of excessive forbearance. The

LIFE SKETCHES. 117

cloak of charity has sometimes been stretched
in order to hide folly and save a soul from
death.

" It has been my happy lot to see the British
churches enjoy great prosperity in the most ex-
citing and eventful part of the nineteenth cen-
tury. Famine and cholera, insurrection and
revolution, and depression of trade, have para-
lyzed the growth of the sectarian churches; but
the power of godliness has been strikingly mani-
fest in the enlargement of the Kingdom of God
and His Saints. About 10,000 have been added
to Christ by baptism, and nearly 30,000 souls
have been brought to adhere to the Kingdom of
God during the last two years. The Presidents
of conferences and Priesthood generally, have
wrought diligently and in perfect union with
counsel, and the result has been a great harvest
of souls. With little exception, I have never
had occasion to reprove a President o£ a con-
ference, but their co-operation with me has
been spontaneous, free, and liberal; and I have
the satisfaction to add that my own labors have
received the explicit approbation of the first

118 LIFE SKETCHES.

Presidency in Zion, by whose faith and prayers
in common with those of all Saints, I have been
continually sustained, and trust in God that I
shall be able to stand without rebuke unto the
end, through your faith and prayers in my be-
half. The fellowship of the Saints is better to
me than gold and silver; and a good name
among the faithful is more precious than
rubies. Better may I sleep untimely in death
than forfeit the confidence of those who are
faithful and chosen.

" Beloved Saints, suffer a little exhortation be-
fore I leave you. Keep the fellowship of the
faithful, lest being alone you are beguiled from
your steadfastness in Christ, and are cast out
with the fearful and unbelieving. Let not the
things that you cannot understand prevent you
from maintaining, unitedly with your brethren
the truths that you do understand.

" Walk in the light so far as you comprehend
it, and you will never be in darkness — worlds
without end. Keep your bodies in subjection
to the law of righteousness, lest being defiled you
become a prey to Satan. While there is a great

LIFE SKETCHES. 119

prize before you worthy of your loftiest ambi-
tion, strive for it, but strive 'lawfully.' What
is lawful for one, is not necessarily so for an-
other. Let every man walk in his own light
and not in another's. The spirit is given to
every man to profit withal, and the spirit will
not lead men to commit folly and wickedness,
or indulge in surfeiting and drunkenness, or
wantonness, envy, and evil surmising.

" The Spirit will not lead men to condemn a
matter or principle in contrariety to those who
are set in the Church to perfect it. Seducing
spirits will be let loose in order to sift men as
wheat, practicing all deceivableness of unright-
eousness in and through them that perish.

"Beware of such, for their reward is from be-
neath. Best assured, also, that sincerity alone
is no proof of rectitude. Persons who have a
standing in the church may be deeply and truly
sincere, while they are at the same time rotten
with the spirit of apostasy. The engine of
sincerity may drag the car of ignorance, blind-
ness, and self-righteonsness into the abyss of
destruction. The doctrine of devils are des-

120 LIFE SKETCHES.

tined, before many years shall pass away, to be
confirmed by lying wonders; and the false mir-
acles of 'the beast' will bewilder and confound
those who know not God and obey not His
Gospel. * * *

" Brethren farewell. That grace, mercy, and
peace maybe multiplied unto you all, through
Jesus Christ, is the prayer of

" Your humble servant,

"ORSON SPENCER."

CHAPTER XL

FATHER'S RETURN.

IT would be utterly impossible for me to de-
scribe the gladness which filled the hearts of
my brothers and sisters and myself, when
the welcome news reached us that our father
was coming home with a company of emi-
grants and would be here by the latter part
of September, 1849. As the time drew near
we anxiously awaited his coming, and finally
the day was set that he was expected to arrive.

LIFE SKETCHES. 121

We were very happy that day, and counted
the hours, until evening set in, still no father
came. Finally thinking he would not come
until the next day, we went to bed, but not to
sleep, for we felt the disappointment so keenly.

All at once the sound of wheels was heard and
in listening we noticed that they stopped at our
gate. We were up in an instant, when a man came
to the door and inquired if we knew where Dr.
Eichards lived. I was thrown off my guard
entirely and began telling him the direction
to take, but Ellen who had been listening to
his step and voice, said, "Pa, is that you?"
He then made himself known, for it was indeed
our dear father, who had been belated and used
this little ruse, to see if we would know him.
We were in the dark when he came to the door
and it was amusing to hear sister Lucy, who
was seven years old, caper around on the bed
in high glee, until the candle was lit, and then
see her curl up in the corner and not say a
word.

Oh! what a joyful time, to see the only parent
we had, after so long an absence. Father did

122 LIFE SKETCHES.

not look very natural, for he had always worn
spectacles when at home; but while in Eng-
land he had a. severe spell of sickness, and upon
recovering, his eyesight returned to him, so
that he never needed to wear glasses again. This
made him look a little odd to us. He explained
that the company would not be in until tomor-
row, he having come ahead in a one horse bug-
gy. The next day we were introduced to our
new mother, Martha Knight Spencer, and little
sister Martha who was nearly two years old,
and a lovely child. I can imagine how new and
strange everything must have appeared to my
stepmother, in leaving England for a home in
Utah, where we had to live in one little room,
and sleep in wagons until father could build,
which he did the same fall. The English saints
who came with my father were very nice people.
They soon went to other settlements, mostly to
Big Cotton wood, making homes there.

The next spring Ellen was married to Hiram
B Clawson, on the 18th of March. The follow-
ing winter father was appointed Chancellor of
the University of Deseret, which school was

LIFE SKETCHES. 123

held in the building known as the Council
House, located opposite the south-east corner
of the Temple Block. He was principal of the
school, assisted by Judge W. "W. Phelps. That
was the last school I ever attended.

CHAPTER XIL

MARRIAGE AND HOME IN FARMINGTON.

ON the 27th of March, 1851,1 was married to
Thomas Eogers. And the ensuing week we
moved to Farmington, Davis Co., sixteen miles
north of Salt Lake City, which has been my home
ever since. We were among the early settlers,
there being only a few families scattered here
and there, upon our arrival. I remember how
lovely and romantic the place looked, with high
mountains on the east and the Great Salt Lake
on the west.

A new life was opening up before me. I was
just merging from girlhood into womanhood,
being in my seventeenth year. I little realized

124 LIFE SKETCHES. -

the care and responsibility of looking after a
home of my own. Like many other new be-
ginners, there was nothing for me but the bright
side to look upon, and I imagined myself equal
to the emergency. To show you the contrast
between the times then and now, I will give a
description, in part, of my house and furniture.
We moved into a log house with two rooms,
the door of the one used as a kitchen, faced
west, and as the house was built on a rise of
ground, we had a good view of the lake in the
distance. A pure stream of water ran by the
foot of the hill below, and instead of having a
well close to the house, every pail of water that
was used had to be carried up this hill. The
roof of our house was made of willows and dirt,
as shingles were not very plentiful. My best
room had two six lighted windows; the floor was
covered with home made carpet, given to us by
my husband's mother. In those days there were
no lovely bed-room sets, which were both useful
and ornamental, but the furniture in general was
rather of a makeshift sort, and different things
were invented for convenience, among which

LIFE SKETCHES, 125

•

was the toilet. The one I owned was made by
boring two auger holes in one of the logs of the
house, then driving in pegs strong enough to
hold up a dry goods box. This box I covered
with a white cloth, hanging a curtain around
the outside, so that no one could see the trea-
sures kept underneath, which treasures consisted
mostly of clean clothes after they had been ironed
and put away. On the top of this toilet I put
some choice books, besides some presents and
other notions, which were in time badly soiled
for want of a better place. The kitchen had an
immense jam. In the fire place was a crane
with hooks to hang kettles on , andirons to hold
up the wood, a shovel and pair of tongs with
brass knobs, a bake kettle and skillet, to bake
bread and pies. Stoves were scarce in those days,
but as I had always been used to one, the cook -
ing -was quite a trial to me, especially in baking
custards and puddings, for they spilled so easily,
and many a cry I used to have over my fancied
poor success in cooking. None of our furniture
was painted, therefore once or twice a week I
had four chairs, a table, and cupboard, besides

126 LIFE SKETCHES

the floor to scour. Having no scrubbing brush
I had to use sand and a cloth. I must not for-
get to mention that my cupboard was filled with
lovely china dishes; a present from my father,
which china he had brought with him from
England.

When my broom g ave out and it was not con-
venient to send to the city for a new one I vtfould
go to the brook and get some nice willows that
grew on the bank and use them as a substitute.
With all these little hindrances in housekeeping.
I would not like the reader to imagine that I
was unhappy ; far from it; with the exception of
certain times of trial, some of which have been
mentioned, " I was happy as a bird." Our com-
ing to Farmington was through my husband's
step-father, Andrew L. Lamoreaux, who had a
share in a mill situated at the mouth of the can-
yon, about half a mile from where we lived; as
his family was not living there at the time, he
wished us to move up so he could board with us.
He was one of the best men I ever became ac-
quainted with, and I loved him next to my own
father.

LIFE SKETCHES. 127

Mother Lamoreaux and her youngest soi)r
Willie, aged five years, were with us most of the
time for the first two weeks. It may be neces-
sary to explain a little before proceeding farther.
When my husband was about a year old, hi&
parents, Archibald and Isabella Rogers, emi-
grated to America and settled in Canada. In
the course of time three daughters were added
to the family.

The father had not enjoyed good health for a
few years previous, and finally died, not having
the privilege of hearing Mormonism.

Later on Mrs. Rogers made the acquaintance
of Andrew L. Lamoreaux, to whom she was sub-
sequently married. They had joined the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and were
partakers in some of the many trials that came
upon the Saints; were in Kirtland, and present
at the dedication of the first temple reared to
the Most High in these latter days. They had
kept with the Church in their journeyings, and
at the time of my marriage were living in Salt
Lake City. As I stated previously, Brother

128 LIFE SKETCHES.

Lainoreaux, having an interest in the mill at
Farm ing ton, boarded with us.

We had good neighbors, which made it very
pleasant for me. Brother Daniel Miller's fam-
ily lived a little northwest of us, while Brother
Thomas Smith's folks lived on the South.

Then, over by the mill was Brother Lyman
Hinman's family, who had been intimate friends
of my parents; also Brother David Lamoreaux,
who lived at the mill.

On Sunday we went to meeting, which was
held in a log room, used both for a meeting-
house and school purposes. In a few months
my husband bought a farm close by what was
afterward the town site of Farmington. The
next spring a log house was built sixteen by
fourteen feet. In this house my eldest son,
Orson, was born.

When my babe was six weeks old I had an
attack of sickness which began with a terrible
distress in my stomach, spells of which I have
been subject to ever since, causing me to have
poor health the greater part of my life.

About this time, Andrew Lamoreaux was sent

LIFE SKETCHES. 129

on a mission to France, the land of his fathers.
In three years time he was released to come
home, but did not live to reach his destination,
for upon arriving in St. Louis he took the chol-
era and died, in a house owned by Brother
James H. Hart.

In the summer of 1852, my father, in company
with Brother Jacob Houtz, went on a mission to
Prussia. But the ruling authorities there would
not let them preach, and banished them immed-
iately; threatening their lives if they failed to
go. They managed to circulate a few tracts
secretly, but were warned in a dream to leave,
so they took their departure for England, where
they labored in the ministry, returning to Utah
in the summer of 1853. A short time before
father started on that mission, I made a visit to
the city, and after having supper at mother
Lamoreaux's, went over home, (as I always called
it\ in the evening. There I found that father
was blessing his children* It seemed providen-
tial, for I had come just in time to take my turn.
Hiram Clawson was acting as scribe, so the
blessings were written down, and a copy was

130 LIFE SKETCHES.

given to me afterward, which has been a great
comfort to me in connection with my patriarchal
blessings.

CHAPTER XIIL

MY FATHER'S LAST MISSION-LETTERS TO
HIS FAMILY.

IN 1854, father was called upon to take an-
other mission to the United States of America.
His health was not very good at the time, but
he did not complain, and as on former occasions
felt willing to do all he could for the Gospel's
sake. I will copy from letters written by him
to his wives and children; (for he had married
two more wives, Margaret Miller and Jane
Davis; and other children had been born to
him.) These extracts will further show his
faithfulness to God, his affection for his family
and how willing he was to lay down his life if
necessary, in the cause of Christ.

LIFE SKETCHES. 131

LETTER I.

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. AUG. 23, 1854.
MY EVER DEAR FAMILY: Last evening I arrived
here, after a journey of forty:five days across
the plains, I ain well and very thankful to
God, my Heavenly Father, for his guardian
care over me and the little company with me.
Elder — - proposed at the beginning of the
journey that we all take turns standing guard
at night. I told them that I was willing to
take my equal share, and I thought that God,
whom I seek to serve with a perfect heart and
a willing mind, would give me all necessary
strength to do it. I prayed that He would do
so most fervently, and surely He has done what
I asked Him to do. When I have stood guard
every third or fourth night, it has given me a
sweet opportunity to meditate and call upon
my great Father in Heaven to bless me and to
bless my mission; to bless my wives and all my
dear children, my animals, my fields, and my gar-
dens. I have long and greatly desired an oppor-
tunity to commune with my God, and my own
heart, and thoroughly examine myself and see-

132 LIFE SKETCHES.

whether I have much or little faith. Hence my
watch-nights have rarely seemed long to me.
You know how busy I used to be at home, and
how thoughtful; but now I have had a good
chance to ask your dear husband and father
about his faith and his hope, and whether he
could give up all — his dear family and life even
for the Gospel.

O! I have seen myself to be very small and
entirely dependent before the searching gaze of
God's eye; but I feel to hold fast to the Lord
with a stronger grasp than ever. My continued
and never failing cry to Him is, by night and
by day, 'O! Lord keep my heart from all error
and deception and transgression lest I fall as
many other men and woman also have done.'
Then my heart goes out in strong desires that
He will also keep my dear wives and children
that 1 may bring them all into the celestial
kingdom with me. * * * I hope you will
pray mightily for me as I do for you, that our
hearts may be so pure, that the evil one nor
cunning men and women cannot deceive us at
any time.

LIFE SKETCHES. 133

Tomorrow is the 24th of August; the day I
reached my home in Salt Lake, one year ago.
Then, when I entered the Yalley, I said in my
heart, shall I find my family all alive and well?
will they greet me fondly, shall I find them liv-
ing in peace and union? One year has rolled
away and I find myself far away again among
strangers; no fond looks to greet me, no soft
hands to sooth my brow, or to put the pillow
under my head when I lie down to rest. All
right, a better time is coming.

"Your ever loving husband and father

"ORSON SPENCER."

EXTRACTS.

CINCINNATI, Nov. 18th 1854.
* * * I never felt more deeply and con-
stantly the necessity of feeling habitually peni-
tent, humble, and diligent, in order to learn the
way of eternal life, I have realized to some
happy extent, the fulfillment of the blessings
pronounced by Brothers Hyde and Woodruff
upon my head. I see that all past attainments
look very small and I truly abhor myself be-

134 LIFE SKETCHES.

cause I am so imperfectly fitted to glorify Him
who is so rich1 in mercy to me. I daily and
hourly hope to please my Heavenly Father bet-
ter than I have in times past. Can I but be-
come pure in heart, I have the immutable prom-
ise that I shall see God and come back into His
presence and be acknowledged among His worthy
sons. This ^pleasing hope makes me contented
with my mission, and my absence from you and
others that I love. I know that my Heavenly
Father wants me to exercise unwavering faith in
Him with all my heart. But still I learn slowly
and am even slower to practice. But it appears

*

to me I do strive more diligently, and constantly
than ever I did before, both to know and do the
will of my Father in Heaven. I would not ask
Him to let me go home or lessen my privations
unless he should see it to be for my good. I have
realized that I never can be truly happy only in
doing His will, even though it be unto death.
Herein is the true happiness, riches, honor and
eternal glory of the Saints. I don't want my
dear, precious family to pray for me to come
home, unless my Heavenly Father shall be

LIFE SKETCHES. 135

pleased with my return; but pray that I may
know to a certainty what the will of the Lord is,
and joyfully and thankfully do it. I am very
anxious to publish a paper here if it should be
wisdom; but Elder Snow's counsel has delayed
me, and now Elder Taylor and Elder Snow wish
me to join and help them start their paper, and
then they tell me that they will give me a lift to-
wards starting mine. At present there is nobody
here to help me start a paper, nor even to pay
my board ; but still I hope to overcome all dif-
ficulties and get out a monthly periodical before
long. I am in no way discouraged, although
the Lord has taken peace from the earth and
withdrawn His spirit from the inhabitants; yet
the hearts and destinies are all in His hands,
and He can and will accomplish all His designs.
"There is a little band of Saints here, some
few of them begin to show the fondness and
friendship of the Saints. When I got back
from St. Louis last night, several young Saints
that I baptized had a little race to see who should
shake hands with me first. This seemed a little
like old times in England ; some of the same wept

136 LIFE SKETCHES.

when they saw me going away to St, Louis.
The Lord always has raised up friends for me,
and if I am faithful He always will do it in
times to come. * *

"ORSON SPENCER."

* * * I have been much blessed with the
revelations of the Holy Comforter, opening the
eyes of my understanding as they have never
before been opened. The Lord has enabled
me to call Him Father with a greater joy, and
a greater assurance than ever before. I have
seen the folly of earthly wisdom, and tasted the
true word of God with more satisfaction than
ever before. And it is the Lord alone that has
done it. And I marvel that He has done it un-
to me, while so many millions of people have
not tasted the power of the worlds to come. It
is this that makes me peaceful and happy though
in the midst of the wicked, and far away from
the objects of my love.

"I am daily looking for letters from you. Al-
though I am well contented with my mission,
and particular allotment, still neither my mission

LIFE SKETCHES. 137

nor my religion forbid me to indulge occasion-
ally in fond and tender recollections of my
home and the beloved ones that dwell there; no,
far from it. The Gospel sanctifies the affections
of husbands and wives and of parents and chil-
dren, and makes those affections purer and
stronger and more abiding; it enables us to con-
template the wide, endless, and soul enrapturing
consequences of conjugal ties. And we are sep-
arated, too, for a little season, in order that we
may better understand each other's value, and
love more fervently and serve one another more
patiently.

" When we have proved one another in pros-
perity and adversity, in a time of absence and
also of presence — in a time when we are spoken
evil of, and when we are spoken well of, then if
we are found true to God and our covenants,
nothing can separate us from God, or from each
other. Such a trial and probation is necessary
for both husbands and wives, in order that they
may know each other, and rejoice over each
other. My never ceasing prayer to God is that
we may be kept steadfast, and true to all that

138 LIFE SKETCHES.

will qualify us to have part with the faithful
sons and daughters in the first resurrection. I
continually strive to come up to the spirit of my
mission, and to fulfill all the designs of all those
who sent me. This is a reigning object with me
daily, and although you may be comfortably
situated at home, still I realize that you have
some trials and probably some temptations, yet
through faithfulness the Lord will deliver you
out of them all; and that which you most desire
in meekness and contrition of spirit you will
realize. But the God of all the earth, even our
Father in Heaven, will confer His favors only
in His own time and way. Holy men and wo-
men in all ages have always had to wait, in or-
der to get His favors, and such as He has loved
most He has also stretched their faith, and pa-
tience to the utmost, before He would confer
the desired blessings. The unity and peace
that is in your family and habitation show to
me that the Lord is with you, and does pour out
His blessings upon you. You all speak well
of each other, and this is a good sign that
the spirit of God abides with you. I suppose

LIFE SKETCHES. 139

that you have no tattling visitors to carry mis-
chief to and from your habitation. * * *

"My health is good, and I try to keep it so.
I spend considerable time in writing, some of
which is published in Elder Snow's paper, and
some in Elder Taylor's. Some time is used
in visiting, and some in reading, etc. Now
I bless you once more arid say farewell."

"Your ever affectionate h usband and father,

"ORSON SPENCER."
ST. Louis, JULY 17th, 1855.
* * "My own health has not been first-
rate for a few weeks past; still, I expect it to be
better, and hope that my journey to the Chero-
kee nation will improve it. The climate here
is hot and sultry and rather unhealthy to my
frame; but when cold weather comes I hope to
be strong and lively again. My feelings are
good and cheerful, and I rejoice much in my
mission to the states, as I have in all my missions
that were ever given me in the church. I feel
thankfulthat Brother Brigham has counted me
worthy to be entrusted with such an important
mission as that of visiting the Cherokee people.

140 LIFE SKETCHES.

I hope and pray continually that much good
will result from it. I rejoice that such a mighty
effort is being made to instruct the various tribes.
Tt seems to be just the right time to visit the red
men, and a critical time too, for all people, red and
white, saints and gentiles. But people are be-
ginning to see and feel that the Mormons are in
the best condition of anybody, and the most
likely to have peace, and union and prosperity.
They are also afraid of our growing power and
importance among the nations. I am well
satisfied that the missions to the United States
have done a great amount of good. They can-
not publish anything against us, or contrive
any plots to persecute us, but they find the Mor-
mon Elders and their publications greatly in
their way. Our church in Cincinnati numbers
over one hundred members and is in a pros-
perous condition at present.

"I expect to remain in St. Louis, after my Che-
rokee mission terminates, until Elder Snow re-
turns or until otherwise disposed of by Presi-
dent Young. Your letters breathe a most kind
and excellent spirit. The good feelings which

LIFE SKETCHES. 141

exist between you all in the family assure me
that the Lord is with you and will be while you
love one another and strive for peace. * *
How happy is that person who has one true
friend, and how much more happy those who
can call a large multitude their friends, true
unto death, bound together in one everlast-
ing covenant, never to bo broken. Such a
people is my people and the God of such a
people is my God for ever. Let me die many
deaths before I turn away from such a God or
from such a people; and whatever there is in my
disposition or habits that does not harmonize
with such a glorious people, I pray fervently
that it may be altered and put away, until I am
one with the faithful saints, and love those who
love God and His priesthood.

"I am surprised to find my sheet almost full,
while there are many things of family matters,
etc., that I want to say. I feel to bless you,
and hope that you will have many things next
winter that will make you comfortable."
"With undying love,

"Your affectionate husband,

"ORSON SPENCER."

142 LIFE SKETCHES

The next news we received from father was
written by another than his dear hand; and
told us of his being attacked with a severe ill-
ness, from which he never recovered. For
particulars of his death I will copy part of an
obituary from the Millennial Star, and finish
from one written at St. Louis.

CHAPTER XIV.

DEATH OF ELDER ORSON SPENCER.
FROM THE MILLENNIAL STAB.

****** *

Another of the mighty men of Israel has
fallen. Elder Orson Spencer departed this life
at three o'clock a. m., on Monday, Oct. 15, 1855,
in the city of St. Louis; after an illness of forty
days.

* * * His parents belonged to that vir-
tuous, industrious class of New Englanders of
the Puritan stock, which has produced so many

LIFE SKETCHES. 143

eminent men to figure on the stage of action in
all the various departments of life. *

At the age of fifteen, he entered the academy
at Lenox, in his native country, where he re-
ceived the highest honors of his class. There,
at a public examination, the high sheriff of the
county, Henry 0. Brown noticed his unusual
proficiency, and ascertaining that his father was
in very moderate circumstances, voluntarily
offered to loan the necessary means for his edu-
cation, and wait until he could pay it, after its
completion. He entered Union College, state of
New York, in 1819, and graduated with great
honor in 1824. The next year he obtained a
situation as teacher in an academy in Washing-
ton, Wilkes Co., Georgia. In addition to the
duties of his calling, he turned his attention to
the study of law. About that time, he had some
singular manifestations on the subjectof religion
and soon after joined the Baptist Church, and
left the study of law for that of theology. He
entered the Theological College at Hamilton,
State of New York, where he graduated in 1829.
He labored in the ministry about twelve years,

144 LIFE SKETCHES.

and received the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1841 .

*

He presided over the British Mission and
ably edited the Millennial Star about two years.
During his ministry here, he wrote the most of
a series of letters to the Eev. Mr. Crowel, which
were embodied and published as Spencer's
Letters. * * * *

FROM THE ST. LOUIS LUMINARY.

It becomes our melancholy duty to announce
the decease of our well beloved brother Orson
Spencer, late Editor of the Luminary, and Pres-
ident of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints in the Ohio and Mississippi valleys.
* * * He died without a groan or struggle
and could hardly be said to have tasted the
pangs of death. Peace and serenity have char-
acterized his whole life, and were manifestly
enjoyed during his illness, and sealed and en-
graven upon his placid countenance in the hour
of death; and all who saw him felt to wish that
their life might be the life of the righteous, and
their last end like his. It will be remembered

LIFE SKETCHES 145

that some time in July, or early in August,
185i, our deceased brother left his home in Salt
Lake City, being appointed by the First Presi-
dency on a mission to Cincinnati, where he re-
mained until July, 1855, when he was sent for
by President Erastus Snow to take the editorial
chair of the Luminary; he lost no time but left
his field of labor immediately, and arrived in St.
Louis on the 7th of July, and was forthwith in-
stalled in that position, which he filled with so
much ease and dignity. He remained but a
very short time in this city, being called to go
on a mission to the Cherokee Nation. He started
July 21, and remained in the camp at Atchison
until the last company of the emigration had
taken up their line of march for the valley,
when, in company of Elder James McGaw, on
the 5th of August, he proceeded on his mission
to the Cherokee Nation ; where he remained un-
til the 5th of September, when, having completed
his mission and finding himself attacked with
fever accompanied with chills, which prevailed
in the Nation at that time, he returned immed-
iately to St. Louis, where he arrived on the 17th

146 LIFE SKETCHES.

of September, fatigued, debilitated, and afflicted.
For about ten days after his return he was sub-
ject to the chills and fever with more or less in-
tensity, and when finally broken up the disease
assumed a mild stage of typhoid fever, and the
general symptoms discoverable through his ill-
ness were torpidity, lassitude, and debility, from
which he found it impossible to rally. He was
attended during his illness by Dr. White of this
city, and later by Dr. Clinton of Philadelphia,
who was sent for expressly to attend him. The
Doctor arrived here on Thursday, the llth inst.
He found Brother Spencer in the very last stage
of his illness; he had that morning given up
hopes of life, and had resigned himself, and com-
mitted his family into the hands of the Lord.
When he first saw Brother Clinton he felt re-
vived and encouraged, and almost sorry he had
shown signs of weakness in giving up. But not-
withstanding he was so anxious to see the Doc-
tor, and expressed such faith in his prescriptions
and ministrations, no inducements were suffi-
cient to get him to take anything calculated to
restore him. He therefore gradually declined

LIFE SKETCHES. 147

and finally expired, fully satisfied with life, and
rejoicing in the hope of glory beyond the tomb.
Dr. Clinton had no hope for his recovery from
the first. It appeared evident that his earthty
course was run and that he had finished the
work given him to do and he could say with
full assurance, "I have fought the good fight,
finished my course and kept the faith, henceforth
there is laid up for me a righteous crown which
God, the righteous judge, will give unto me, and
not to me only, but unto all who love His
appearing. "

Between three and four o'clock on Tuesday
afternoon, the brethren and sisters commenced to
gather around the house of Brother Swales —
where the remains of our respected brother lay
awaiting interment — anxious to obtain a last
look at him they so much loved, and when Dr.
Clinton stood o'er the lifeless form, after address-
ing the mournful spectators in praise of the
noble and generous character of the deceased, he
fixed his eyes upon him, and exclaimed pathetic-
ally: "Brother Orson, farewell; we shall soon
meet with you again. " Every heart responded

148 LIFE SKETCHES.

to the sentiment, "Amen!" The scene was sol-
•emn and imposing. The Doctor's heart was too
full for further utterance, and he was relieved
by Brother John Banks, who offered to our
Father in Heaven a most beautiful and appro-
priate prayer. Soon after four o'clock the fun-
eral procession was seen moving towards the
cemetery, where, after a short address from
Elder James H. Hart, the earthly tabernacle of
our brother was interred (for a season) with a
sure and certain hope of a resurrection to eternal
life. Although but little notice had been given,
and consequently but little opportunity offered
the Saints to prepare, yet there were not fewer
than twenty, or twenty-two carriages, filled with
brethren and sisters who followed the remains
of Brother Spencer to their temporary resting

place, as a last token of -esteem and affection.

* *

The next summer my father's body was taken
up and sent on to the valley, and interred in the
cemetery of Salt Lake City.

The hardest thing for me to bear, was the
thought of my father dying away from home,

LIFE SKETCHES. 1491

with none of his family near to comfort him in
his last moments; although he had kind friends
to minister to his wants, which was quite a sat-
isfaction.

My father could be counted as one who had
left father and mother, wives and children
and all that he held dear, for the gospel's sake.

On the 15th of November, following, my sis-
ter Catharine was married to Brigham Young,
Junior. It was one month to the day since
my father had died, but as yet no word had
reached us to that effect; it being impossible for
the mail coaches to travel a thousand miles in
so short a time. Another full month passed be-
fore the sad news came.

It seems appropriate to here insert those im-
mortal lines of E. R. Snow's, entitled

"EVENING THOUGHTS,

OB
WHAT IT IS TO BK A SAINT."

Suggested on reading Orson Spencer's first letter in the series
known as "Spencer's Letters."

"My heart is fixed — I know in whom I trust.
'Twas not for wealth — 'twas not to gather heaps
Of perishable things — 'twas not to twine

150 LIFE SKETCHES.

Around my brow a transitory wreath,

A garland deck'd with gems of mortal praise,

That I forsook the home of childhood; that

I left the lap of ease — the halo rife

With friendship's richest soft and mellow tone,

Affection's fond caresses, and the cup

O'er flowing with the sweets of social life,

With high refinement's golden peals enriched,

Ah no! a holier purpose fir'd my soul —
A nobler olject prompted my pursuit-
Eternal prospects open'd to my view
And hope celestial in my bosom glowed.

God who commanded Abraham to leave

His native country, and to offer up

On the lone altar where no eye beheld

But that which never sleeps, an only son,

Is still the same; and thousands who have made

A covenant with Him by sacrifice,

Are bearing witness to the sacred truth,

Jehovah speaking has revealed His will.

The proclamation sounded in my ear —
It reached my heart — I listened to the sound,
Counted the cost, and laid my earthly all
Upon the altar; and with purpose fix'd
Unalterably, while the spirit of
Elijah's God within my bosom reigns,
Embraced the "Everlasting Covenant,"
And am determined now to be a Saint,

LIFE SKETCHES. 151

And number'd with the tried and faithful ones

Whose race is measured with their life; whose prize

Is everlasting, and whose happiness

Is God's approval; and to whom 'tis more

Than meat and drink to do His righteous will.

It is no trifling thing to be a Saint

In very deed — to stand upright, nor bow,

Nor bend beneath the weighty pressure of

Oppressiveness: to stand unscath'd amid

The bellowing thunders and the raging storm

Of persecution, when the hostile pow'rs

Of darkness stimu'ate the hearts of men

To warfare: to besiege, assault, and, with

The heavy thunderbolts of Satan, aim

To overthrow the kingdom God has rear'd. —

To stand unmov'd upon the withering rock

Of vile apostasy, when men depart

From the pure principles of righteousness —

Those principles requiring man to live

By every word proceeding from the mouth

Of God: to stand unwavering, undismay'd,

And unseduc'd, when the base hypocrite

Whose deeds take hold on hell, whoso face is garbed

With saintly looks, drawn out by sacrilege

From the profession, but assum'd and thrown

Around him for a mantle to enclose

The black corruption of a putrid heart.

To stand on virtue's lofty pinnacle

Clad in the heav'nly robes of innocence,

162 LIFE SKETCHES.

Amid that worse than every other blast —

The blast that strikes at moral character,

With floods of falsehood foaming with abuse. —

To stand with nerve and sinew firmly steel'd,

When in the trying scale of rapid change,

Thrown face to face and side by side with that

Foul hearted spirit, blacker than the soul

Of midnight's darkest shade — the traitor,

The vile wretch that feeds his sordid selfishness

Upon the peace and blood of innocence;

The faithless, rotten hearted wretch, whose tongue

Speaks words of trust and fond fidelity,

While treachery, like a viper, coils behind

The smile that dances in his evil eyes:

To pass the fiery ordeal, and to have

The heart laid open, all its contents strew'd

Before the bar of strictest scrutiny:

To have the finest heart-strings drawn unto

Their utmost length, to prove their texture:

T'abide, with principle unchanged, the rack

Of cruel, torturing circumstances, which

Ride forth on revolution's blustering gale.

But yet, altho' to be a Saint, requires
A noble sacrifice — an arduous toil —
A persevering aim; the great reward
Awaiting the grand consummation will
Repay the price, however costly ; and
The pathway of the Saint the safest path
Will prove; tho' perilous: for 'tis foretold,

LIFE SKETCHES. 153

All things that can be shaken, God will shake.
Kingdoms and governments and institutes,
Both civil and religious, must be tried —
Tried to the core, and sounded to the depth.

Then let me be a Saint, and be prepar'd
For the approaching day, which like a snare
Will soon surprise the hypocrite — expose
The rottenness of human schemes— shake off
Oppressive fetters — break the gorgeous reins
Usurpers hold, and lay the pride of man, —
The pride of nations low in dust."

CHAPTER XV.

A FEW MONTHS IN SALT LAKE CITY

Grasshopper War — A Trip to Big Cottonwood Canyon*

My second child, Andrew Lo'ce (we call him
Locy), was born in Salt Lake City, Dec. 19,
1854. He was named for Andrew L. Lamor-
eaux, whose mother's maiden name was Lo'ce,
which is French. My husband had engaged to
assist in herding some stock, on what was called
ii

154 LIFE SKETCHES.

the range, some miles above Farmington ; there-
fore I was taken to the city for a few months,
and lived with Mother Lamoreaux, who gave
me the best of care, assisted by her daughters,
Mary and Caroline. My husband's family were
all as good and kind to me as my own sisters
could be; and when my health was poor, one of
the girls would come and help me with my work.
A married sister, Mrs. Isabel Sewell, came one
time and nursed me. Another sister, Mrs. Ann
Dewey, who was a milliner, often helped me
with a hat or bonnet free of charge, which was
duly appreciated.

Early in the spring we returned to Farming-
ton, living through the summer with Edwin and
Ann Walker, their house being only a short
distance from ours, and thus our two small
families were company for each other.

A town had been laid out, and my husband
having taken a lot, he built an adobe house with
two rooms. We moved in before they were
finished, but were happy to be under the shelter
of a shingle roof, this being the first time we
had owned such a luxury. In our log cabins

LIFE SKETCHES. 155

every time after a hard rain we would have a
certain amount of plaster to clean up, so of
course we appreciated the change.

In the summer of 1855, grasshoppers came in
swarms, destroying the crops and gardens.
They took us by surprise at first, but finally the
people rallied and waged war with the enemy;
ditches were dug, into which the grasshoppers
were driven, and afterwards covered with dirt
or drowned with water. Still they came and
swept the land, till scarcely a vestige of any-
thing green could be seen; at times they were
so thick in the air that we could hardly see the
sun. This caused much suffering. Flour was
scarce, and many of the people lived on bran
bread. My husband sold a horse for $20, with
which he bought a little flour; but for a short
time we fared no better than those who lived on
the bran diet.

Having a desire to assist my husband, and
being handy at cutting and fitting dresses, I
used to take in sewing, which was done by hand,
as there were no sewing machines in Farmington
at that time. I also taught school two or three

156 LIFE SKETCHES.

terms in my own house. The grasshoppers
came again the next year, but did not do so
much damage.

On the 24th of July, 1857, when my third
child, Ella, was a little over three weeks old,
there was an excursion to Big Cottonwood
Canyon, which is twelve miles below Salt Lake
City; but the excursionists had to go about ten
miles up the canyon before they arrived at the
place appointed for their day's 'enjoyment. My
husband was called to go as one of the guards,
or minute men. A company of these men had
been selected from different settlements, and
they were expected to be ready at a moment's
warning, as there was often trouble with the
Indians. This made it necessary for them to
have their clothing and firearms in readiness.
President Young, and quite a company from
Salt Lake City, were going on this excursion,
my sisters being among the number; also some
of our neighbors in Farmington were going.
This made me have a desire to go too. So, not
listening to the advice of those having better
judgment, who said my babe was too young, I

LIFE SKETCHES. 157

went along, leaving my little boys in the care of
Sister Knowles.

Thinking there would be very little to do, I
supposed it would be nice to ride up there and
back; but having to travel over some pretty
rough road, the jolting of the wagon affected
me, and by the time we got half-way up the
canyon, where we camped for the night, I felt
quite sick, and repented having left home; but
it was too late to think of returning. With the
kind care of Sisters Sariah Tyler and Ann
Walker, who camped with us, I got along very
well; felt much better the next day, and en-
joyed in a measure the beautiful scenery at the
top of the mountains, or rather the little basin
of land among the crags that had been chosen
for the occasion. In this basin there was a
lake, where many of the excursionists went fish-
ing, while others took walks through the hills or
engaged in the dance. On the 25th all returned
to their homes in safety.

It was that Twenty -fourth, while in the tops
of the mountains, that President Young received
word that a company of soldiers called John-

158 LIFE SKETCHES

son's Army, were on the road to Utah, with the
intention of killing the Mormon men and occu-
pying their homes. President Young prophe-
sied in the name of the Lord that they would
never enter the Valley of the Great Salt Lake
until the Latter-day Saints permitted them to.
His words were fulfilled, for the army was kept in
the mountains all winter. Our men were inter-
spersed through the canyons and ravines, and
their numbers were perhaps magnified in the
eyes of the enemy, as in days of old, when the
Lord made a few men to appear like a multi-
tude. The soldiers of the army were afraid to
come any farther, and it was learned afterward
that many of them suffered from cold and
hunger. President Young, hearing that they
had no salt, sent them some from Salt Lake,
which they refused at first, but finally took it,
as there was no other chance of getting any.
My husband and many others were in the moun-
tains standing guard in their turn from the
middle of August until January, when they
returned home.

LIFE SKETCHES. 159

CHAPTER XVI.

SALMON RIVER TRAGEDY.— THE MOVE SOUTH.

In March, 1858, word came to us that the
Indians had made a raid on the settlers at
Salmon River (at a place over 400 miles north
of Farmington,) and that help was needed imme-
diately. Some two years previous a few families
from Farmington had been sent there to make a
settlement, with Brother Thomas Smith as
president of the mission. They were living in a
fort which they had built to protect themselves
from the Indians, who at this particular time
were quite hostile. The Indians in trying to
steal and drive off the stock of the settlers
(which they succeeded in doing) killed two
men, George McBride and James Miller, and
wounded six others, namely, Thomas Smith,
Oliver Robinson, Andrew Quigley, Fountain
Welch, Orson Rose, and a man by the name of
Shurtliff. The Indians had surrounded the

160 LIFE SKETCHES.

fort, and for days the inmates lived in fear of
their lives, not knowing what the end might be.
Yet by watching their opportunity, two men
managed to leave the fort in the night and go
for help. Traveling day and night, they only
stopped to rest their horses until they reached
the settlements of our people. My husband
was among the number who went to their assist-
ance. The families were moved back to their
former homes, and the mission was broken up.
It was never President Young's way to en-
courage hostile measures with the Lamanites,
but to show them the better way of life by
treating them with forbearance and brotherly
kindness. He therefore considered it best to re-
call those whom he had sent there, and wait a
more favorable time for building up that portion
of the country.

Soon after that, negotiations were entered
into by the leaders of our people and the officers
of Johnson's Army, by which the soldiers were
allowed to pass through Salt Lake City and
camp in the western part of the valley. Not
knowing how well they would carry out the

LIFE SKETCHES. 161

treaty, President Young sent word to all the
northern settlements of Utah to gather up their
effects and move to the south. By the middle
of May every town and village north, and
nearly all the homes in Salt Lake City, were
vacated. A few men were left to stand guard
and to apply the torch'to their houses if neces-
sary ; for they had made preparations to burn
their dwellings rather than let their enemies in-
habit them. Never was such a thing known in
modern history, such union among a people in
listening to the call of one man. But this was
by reason of the same Spirit inspiring the
people of God as that by which His Prophet
spoke. The sheep knew the voice of the good
shepherd.

The sacrifice was made and accepted of God,
The people were saved through faith and their
obedience to counsel-

Our family went as far as Springville, fifty-six
miles from Salt Lake City, and camped on a lot
owned by John Pine. His family were very
kind indeed; they gave us vegetables, and
helped us in different ways. It was the same

162 LIFE SKETCHES.

throughout the entire community; there was a
general feeling to assist.

In the meantime the army came into the
valley, passed through Salt Lake City very
quietly, and took up their abode west of the
Jordan River and south of Salt Lake Valley, at
a place called Cedar Valley. Their settlement
they named Camp Floyd. Soon after the
soldiers had passed through the city word was
sent from head- quarters that the people were at
liberty to return to their homes, which most of
them did as speedily as possible.

When we arrived in Farmington, it was the
very picture of a deserted village. Having been
gone two months, the gardens and yards were
over-run with weeds and grass. A few potatoes
that had been left in our house had withered and
dried up; but I soaked some of them out and
cooked them. Some of the farmers had sowed
considerable wheat in the spring before leaving
their homes, and had returned at different times
to water it, thereby saving enough for their
bread.

LIFE SKETCHES. 163

CHAPTER XVIL

THE TRIAL OF SICKNESS AND DEATH.-WORDS
OF PRES. HEBER C KIMBALL.

MY fourth child, Howard was born July 27th,
1859, He was a bright healthy baby, but was
taken sick and died, when fourteen months old.
I had been so happy previous to this; the trials
of poverty and sickness that we had passed
through were nothing compared to this great
sorrow that had overtaken me; and I mourned
for my babe incessantly. Perhaps being feeble
in body made me feel the loss more than if I
had been healthy and strong. I was ill most of
the next winter, and came near to death a num-
ber of times; yet notwithstanding I longed to
see my babe, I did not wish to die, but wanted
to live to rear my other children, realizing
what it was to be left motherless at an early age.
I prayed to the Lord constantly, and told Him
if He would spare my life, I would try to keep
His commandments and serve Him to the best

164 LIFE SKETCHES.

of my ability. My prayers were answered,
and I lived to have eight more children, but
-only raised four out of the eight; therefore
my life has been intermingled with joys and
sorrows.

It is not necessary for me to relate all the epi-
sodes that I have passed through, but I will
briefly touch upon some of the more important
ones.

On the 29th of March, 1861, my son George,
was born. My next child Clarence, died when
nineteen months old with the measles which dis-
ease at that time proved fatal to a great many
of the young children in our settlement. While
attending the funeral of little Clarence, Orson
who was just getting over the measles, took cold
in his eyes; inflammation set in, and for nearly
five years he was not able to do any work when
the sun shone bright, or when there was snow on
the ground. This was quite a trial to us, but I
had faith that some day his eyes would get well
and my hopes were realized. For after a num-
ber of years, he had occasion to go to Montana
as a teamster, and the change of air strength-

LIFE SKETCHES. 165

ened his sight, so that he could soon do with-
out using glasses.

In 1866, when my daughter Lucy was a few
months old, I had occasion to go to the city;,
and while on my way to Brother Savage's Art
gallery, where I had some business, met Pres-
ident Heber C. Kimball. He looked at me very
sharply for a few seconds, then after shaking
hands, walked with me to the gallery, talking
as we went. At the door we met my sister
Ellen and my brother Howard. President
Kimbali continued the conversation, which was
mostly directed to myself. He seemed to read
me like a book, and to understand my inmost
thoughts. In speaking of the future, he said it
was not best for us to know what was ahead of
us, or we might not be able to stand; said I did
not begin to know what was before me; but told
me to continue as faithful as I had been, and all
would be well, for there was a great work for
me to do. He cautioned me about telling what
I knew; said he knew things that he had never
told to a living soul. He gave me good counsel
and spoke words of encouragement, which sank

166 LIFE SKETCHES.

deep into my heart, words that I have pondered
over many times since and wondered what they
meant.

CHAPTER XVIIL

MARRIAGE AND DEATH OF SISTER LUCY.

ON the 2nd of January, 1867, my sister Lucy
was married to George W. Grant, Jr. In one
year from that time wanting three days, she died
and was buried on the anniversary of her wedding
day. Little did I think the year before, when
she came up to wait upon me in my sickness,
that she would be the first to go to the other
side. Yet it brought to my mind a saying of
my father, in one of his letters to us from Eng-
land; he told Ellen that she should have the
privilege of bringing Lucy up to womanhood,
which was verified.

OBITUARY.-
DESERET NEWS, DEC. 30, 1867.

"Died, in this city, in child bed, at noon yes-
terday, Lucy C. Spencer Grant, wife of Elder

LIFE SKETCHES. 16

George W. Grant, now south at Si. Thomas on
a mission.

"Sister Lucy C. Spencer was the daughter of
Orson and Catharine C. Spencer. She was born
October 9th, 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois, and was
at her death, twenty-five years, two months
and twenty days old. Brother Orson Spencer's
touching account of the circumstances under
which he left Nauvoo, and the death of his be-
loved wife, published in his Letters, has made all

*

the Saints familiar with his family. Every reader
of those Letters has felt a great interest in his
children. At the death of her mother, Lucy
was very young, her oldest sister, Ellen, (Mrs.
H. B. Clawson) though but a girl, acted the
part of mother to her.

"The deceased was married to Elder George
W. Grant about twelve months ago. The news
of her sudden death will be a heavy shock to
her husband; and also her brother George, who
started for the Muddy a few weeks ago. Her
death has cast a gloom over a wide circle of re-
latives and friends. Even now it can scarcely
be realized that she has been snatched away so

168 LIFE SKETCHES.

suddenly and unexpectedly by death. Every
one who knew her might well have anticipated for
her a prolonged life of happiness and usefulness.
On Saturday afternoon she went out riding with
her sister, Mrs. Clawson, and felt well all Sat-
urday evening and night. Her child was born at
9 a. m. on Sunday, and still survives; but at noon
she was a corpse. Her funeral will take place
at 2 p. m. tomorrow, from the Thirteenth Ward
Assembly Kooms, where the friends of the fam-
ily are invited to attend."

Brother George Grant upon hearing the sad
news of his wife's death, returned to Salt Lake
City, broken hearted and lonely. He survived
her only four years and a half, then passed
away. Sister Lucy's babe, a little girl, named
for its mother, was taken care of by her Grand
mother Grant, and is still living.

LIFE SKETCHES. 169

CHAPTER XIX.

A TRYING ORDEAL.— MISSION OF ELDER
THOMAS ROGERS TO ENGLAND.

MY next child after Lucy, a little girl, died
when three months old of .whooping cough.
The winter following, my health was worse than
usual, and in the spring I passed through an or-
deal that I think well to mention. The meas-
les had broken out again in Farmington, and
proved fatal to many. At that time I had a desire
to go to the city and visit my sisters, and not be-
ing able to do much work at home, it was
thought the change might do me good; so I
went. After stopping in the city nearly two
weeks, the time drew near for me to go home
but I was not able to go, having been prostrated
with those old distressed spells. About this
time Lucy, the only child I had with me, came
down with measles. It seemed she must have
been exposed before leaving home; scarlet-fever
set in which endangered her life. When the

170 LIFE SKETCHES.

disease was at its height, Ellen's baby, Ivy, al-
.so came down with measles. I was the cause
of all this trouble; I had brought sickness to
my sister's family and could not even wait on
myself or little girl. This wore on me until I
was almost beside myself with grief; my mind
became diseased, and I experienced the most
horrible feelings imaginable. One night they
thought Ivy was going to die, and if I ever
prayed fervently to the Lord, it was then, that
He would spare the lives of our children; but if
either child was to be taken it might be mine.
I could not endure the thought of my sister los-
ing her babe, for she had already buried four
children. While in the midst of this anxiety,
lying on my bed, wondering if the Lord had in-
deed forsaken us, all at once a change came
over me; everything seemed so lovely and beau-
tiful, and I was as happy as could b© for a few
minutes. I saw no person, heard no voice, yet
knew the Comforter was there, and accepted
it as such, feeling to thank the Lord for even a
glimmer of light.

The children were both spared, but the or-

LIFE SKETCHES. 171

deal was not over. For on the 7th of April I
gave birth to a son, which was premature and
only lived five hours, just long enough to be
named and blessed. There was not a man
about the place at the time; but a child was
sent out on the street to see if some one could
not be found coming from Conference. My sis-
ter Catharine's husband, Brigham Young, Jr.,
and another brother came in time to bless my
babe before it expired.

I asked sister Ellen if what I was then pass-
ing through, could be what Brother Kimball
meant when he talked with me that day by the
Art Gallery. She thought not.

I wish here to express my gratitude to those
who have befriended me in times of sickness and
sorrow. My sisters, Ellen and Catharine have
acted the part of mother to me; they being bet-
ter off as to this world's goods, have helped me
to many needed comforts; and my brothers-in-
law Hiram B .Clawson and Brigham Young, Jr. ,
have been just as kind; for I have had occasion
to stay at their houses weeks at a time, when
sick or troubled, mostly at their expense, and

172 LIFE SKETCHES.

never heard a word of complaint. They were
ever ready to get anything necessary to make
me comfortable.

At the time of which I have written in this
chapter, my recovery was slow; but after a time I
was able to return home to my family. Brother
John Leavitt and Brother James T. Smith of
Farmington, had both lost their wives of meas-
les during my absence.

At the spring conference my husband had
been called to go to Europe on a mission ; there-
fore after my return home he made preparatin
to leave, starting in June, 1869, in company with
Brother Lot Smith, of Farmington, and my
brother Howard Spencer, of Salt Lake City.
My boys Orson and Lo'ce, aged seventeen and
fifteen years, carried on the work of the farm,
getting up the wood, etc. There was no coal to
burn in those days, and all of our fuel had to be
hauled by going four or five miles up the can-
yon. My sons generally went along with other
men or boys and their teams; and sometimes
when they were late getting home, I would be
a little worried, but not much, for I always gave

LIFE SKETCHES. 173

them into the hands of the Lord, and felt quite
sure they would return safe at night.

The next year grasshoppers came again, and
threatened to destroy the crops, but through the
unceasing energy of the people and the mercies
of God, a little grain was saved. We had five
acres of wheat put in. This the hoppers did
not disturb very much until it was headed out
and being very anxious to save some of it, I went
with my children every day for two weeks and
drove grasshoppers, only stopping long enough
to get our meals, and do other necessary work.
By this means we saved twenty-four bushels of
wheat, although some persons had predicted
that we would not save a kernel.

After my husband arrived in Liverpool, he was
appointed to labor in the Leeds branch, England-
He was faithful as a missionary, and gained
many friends, but as the climate did not agree
with him, (after stopping one year) he was
honorably released, and returned home in July,
1870.

17 i LIFE SKETCHES

CHAPTER XX.

DUTY AND AFFECTION OF CHILDREN— SOR-
ROW AGAIN.

IN March, 1871, my son Orson was em-
ployed by the Z. C. M. I. Store, Salt Lake City.
This was on the recommendation of his uncle,
Hiram B. Clawson, Orson himself being un-
known to the firm. As young men generally
have to commence at the foot of the ladder my
son was no exception to the rule, but began by
driving a delivery wagon, which occupation he
followed for a number of years.

Being steady in his habits, by studying
nights to prepare himself for a better position,
he was afterwards received into the store. Later
on he traveled through the southern part of
Utah, selling goods for the company.

He married a young lady from Ephraim,
Sanpete County, by the name of Kate Madsen.

LIFE SKETCHES. 175

In the spring of '82, Spencer Clawson, sou of
H. B. Clawson, who was going into the mercan-
tile business for himself, engaged Orson's ser-
vices, and later admitted him as a partner in
the firm.

Although settled in life, and rearing a family
of his own, Orson does not forget the love and
duty he has ever shown his parents, but is still
thoughtful of their comfort, and always ready
to help them when necessary.

At one time I had need of means to replenish
my wardrobe and knew not where it was to
come from.

The spirit whispered "Ask Orson for help,
and he shall receive it back four-fold- " Accord-
ingly I wrote Orson a letter telling him that if
he could help me to what I needed, I felt to say
that he would get it back four-fold. As usual
he responded by sending the things required.
A few months after this, while Orson was going
from the Store to his home, something lying in
the road attracted his attention; he stooped
down and picked up what proved to be some
money tied up in a cloth.

176 LIFE SKETCHES.

The first thought was that a miner had
dropped it, 'for the cloth was quite dirty. He
therefore advertised it; but no owner came.
When he was telling me of the "find," I asked
him how much money there was. He answered
"four-fold."

My other children, both boys and girls, do
all in their power to make their father and
mother comfortable. Lo'ce at one time came
up from Arizona where he had been sent on a
mission, and with the help of his brother
George, made a number of trips to the canyon,
and hauled out logs and wood, which were turn-
ed into means to build us a new room. And
George, by working on the railroad, raised
means to help furnish the room. During one
of the above mentioned trips to the canyon, an
incident occurred which made such an impres-
sion on my mind, that I wrote a sketch of it,
and forwarded the same to The Juvenile Instruct,
or for publication, a copy of which is repro-
duced here. The editor gave the title to my
sketch:

LIFE SKETCHES. 177

MIKACULOUSLy SAVED.

The following is a true story, and shows that
the hand of God is over those who put their
trust in Him.

My two sons (botli young men) went into the
canyon for wood. They had loaded their carts
with logs and were ready to hitch on theii
horses preparatory to returning home.

The cart of the elder brother was on a steep
side hill, and not being in a good position for
him to hitch on the team, he thoughtlessly took
the blocks from under the wheels and tried to
twist the tongue a little, but it would not move.
He got hold of the single-tree, standing with
his back down hill, and pulled quite hard, when
all at once the cart started, and in an instant he
was caught between the load and a stump that
stood a few feet below.

The first thing he did was to call his brother,
who was a short distance from the hill. He
then exerted all his strength to free himself
from his perilous position, but to no purpose,
at the same time exclaiming: " My God ! my

178 LIFE SKETCHES.

God! my God!'' realizing that he was being
crushed to death.

His brother came quickly, but could render
no assistance, it being impossible, as they
thought, to either unload or cut away the stump
in time to save his life. And when it seemed
that he could stand it no longer and that he
must die, all at once he was lifted as it were by
some unseen power, so that he got out perfectly
easy, needing only a little help to extricate one
foot which was fast.

As soon as he was clear of the load, he said
"Thank God, I am free ! I am free !"

He was very weak, and came near fainting,
but that feeling passed off, and in a short time
he was on his way home.

His injuries were not serious; his back trou-
bled him some, and his limbs were bruised,
which caused him to limp for a few days, but he
was soon able to return to his work.

Words cannot express the thankfulness that I
felt when they returned home and related what
had occurred. The elder brother had always
been prayerful, and had great faith in God.

LIFE SKETCHES. 179

His faith was strengthened, and he always
looked upon it as being saved by a power from
on high, from a dreadful death. It was also a
witness to the younger brother, for when I asked
him what he thought about it, he said, "Mother,
some one helped him out."

My tenth child, which we named William,
was born on the 31st of May, 1871, and only
lived until the 17th of August, then died of
cholera infantum. I had lotted so much on
this child, and now he was taken; this making
three children that 1 had lost in succession.
Of t my ten children only five remained. It
seemed indeed as if my last hope was gone, as
I felt that I had no health or strength to have
any more family. And I almost lost faith in
God; for once in my life, I even doubted the
existence of a Supreme Being.

One day while reflecting on these things, one
of father's letters came to my mind, wherein he
said, "Trust in God though he slay you." I
caught at the suggestion, which had surely been

180 LIFE SKETCHES.

given by the Spirit of the Lord, and went to
Him in prayer, asking Him to forgive me for
my lack of faith, and to grant nnto me strength
to endure, feeling that I would put my trust in
Him henceforth and forever. After this I felt
better in spirit, was baptized for my health,
visited some of the good sisters and found com-
fort in conversing with them. Subsequently,
when pondering these .things over, I felt that
perhaps all the people of God would have to
pass through certain ordeals to prove whether
they would trust in Him to the end. Their con-
dition might be likened to those clinging to the
rod of iron, in the dream of Lehi, Book of
Mormon, I. Nephi, 8th chapter. They could
not see their way before them, but by holding
fast to the Word of God, which was the inter-
pretation of the rod of iron, they finally reached
the tree of life, partook of the fruit and were
happy. I felt willing to follow the counsel of
my father, and was well repaid for my trust; for
two more children were given me, Leone and
Curtis; and since that time I have been blessed
beyond my expectations.

LIFE SKETCHES. 181

On the 29th of November, 1871, 1 was chosen
to fill the office of Secretary in the Belief So-
ciety of Farmington; which position I held un-
til February, 1893.

CHAPTER XXL

BROTHER HOWARD.

BEFORE proceeding farther with my personal
account, I wish to relate a little of the experi-
ence of my two brothers, Howard and George
Spencer.

Howard was one of the fearless kind of men
who never think of danger, or shirking any
duty. Belonging to the company of minute
men spoken of previously, he was always on
hand to go out with scouting parties when the
Indians were troublesome, or for other causes.
Under the generalship of Daniel H- Wells, and
Hiram B. Clawson, in the fail of 1857, he went
into the mountains to assist in keeping John-
son's Army from entering the Valley; and with

182 • LIFE SKETCHES.

the others thus engaged, shared the dangers
and exposures of that memorable expedition.

In March, 1859, he was sent to Hush Valley
to move some cattle from a ranch owned by
Uncle Daniel Spencer and others, to another
place. Some of the soldiers of Camp Floyd,
were stationed near the ranch, and feeling en-
mity towards our people, showed their spite by
killing the stock occasionally. Howard and a
young man by the name of Clift, were selected
to go and assist in the removal of the stock.
Arriving about sundown, before eating his sup-
per, Howard went to the corral to feed the cat-
tle. A sergeant and some soldiers from camp
came into the yard and ordered Howard to drive
the cattle out. This he refused to do, saying he
had been sent there to feed them, and if the
stock were to be driven out they must do it them-
selves. At this the sergeant, who it seemed had
come there for the purpose of quarrelling, raised
his gun to strike. Howard seeing the move-
ment lifted his pitchfork to parry the blow,
which he saw descending upon his head; the
blow came nevertheless, breaking the pitchfork

LIFE SKETCHES. 183

"handle in three pieces and crushing his skull.
Howard fell insensible. The soldiers carried
him into a tent close by laying his head down-
hill, as if he were nothing more than a log. While
this was going on, Luke Johnson, a friend of
ours, was in another tent, conversing with the
officer in command. Hearing the commotion
they went to learn what the trouble was, and
saw the condition that Howard was in. Luke,
seeing the blood flowing from his ears, nose
and mouth, instantly raised his head, and placed
him in a better position. A physician was sent
for from Camp Floyd, and the wounds exam-
ined, which the doctor thought would prove fa-
tal. A rough couch was prepared upon which
the sufferer was placed; and the dear friend
Luke remained with him all that night and the
next day, until help came from Salt Lake City.
The doctor had left some medicine which was to
be given to the patient at intervals during the
night. Brother Johnson being somewhat of
a physician himself, examined the medicine and
found poison in the mixture; he therefore threw
it into the fire, substituting a soothing stimulant

184: LIFE SKETCHES.

in its place. When the doctor called the next
morning, he said the medicine had worked ad-
mirably.

I heard the particulars of this terrible affair
from Brother Johnson's own lips, and the facts
are as here stated.

It should be said of the officer in command
that he did not sanction the outrage committed T
but apparently regretted it very much and the
sergeant was arrested and dealt with. When
news reached the City, President Brigham
Young sent his carriage and things necessary
for Howard's comfort and Doctor Sprague,
Uncle Daniel and my brother George, rode a
distance of fifty or sixty miles, returning with
the sufferer in the night; stopping on the
way at Cousin Charles and Margaret Spen-
cer's. They lived at the point of the moun-
tain, near where Garfield, the well known bath-
ing resort is novv situated.

Howard was delirious for days after receiving
the injury. The motion of the carriage coming
to the city caused him great pain, and Cousin
Margaret came in with him, holding his head
and endeavoring to soothe his distress.

LIFE SKETCHES. 185

Doctors Anderson and France, of Salt Lake
City, attended him, and found it necessary to
perform two surgical operations, in which sev-
eral pieces of bone were removed from the skull.

His mind was seriously affected for sometime
and for mouths he was unable to leave the house.
But having a strong constitution, he gradually
improved, and finally regained his health.

Howard was married to Miss Louise Cross of
Salt Lake City, in April, I860.

At the time of the Civil War, 1862, a call was
made by President Abraham Lincoln on Presi^
dent Young, for a company of one hundred men
to go and protect the mail and telegraph lines
east, as the Indians were causing trouble by
tearing down the wires, and interfering with
mail coaches. Howard enlisted and was gone
three and a half months. The company trav-
eled as far as Sweetwater Bridge, below Devil's
Gate, repairing roads and putting the telegraph
lines in order.

When they were about to return home, the
Indians made a raid on a mountaineer's ranch
near Bridger, stealing a band of their horses.
13

186 LIFE SKETCHES.

Howard and most of the company packed up on
short notice, and under the command of Cap-
tain Lot Smith, with a few days' provisions
started in pursuit; following the Indians as far
as Snake Biver.

While swimming this river, one of their men
by the name of Donald McNickold, was drowned.
Some of their horses were also drowned. After
losing the man Donald, they came down between
the forks of the river, and made a raft to cross
over the south fork. Before the attempt was
made to cross, the boys who boarded the raft,
(eight in number) took off their clothing ready
to swim if occasion required. All went well
until they reached the opposite shore, when sud-
denly the raft gave a lurch and tipped the pas-
sengers off. Lot Smith, Andrew Bigler, Sey-
mour B. Young, James Sharp, and Howard
Spencer scrambled for shore; some of their num-
ber swam back to the shore they had left, Andrew
Bigler included. Believed of its burden, the
raft started down stream; when Captain Smith,
afraid of losing it, jumped into the water at the
risk of his life, swam to the raft, and providen-

LIFE SKETCHES. 187

tially reached the other side with it in safety.
Young, Sharp, and Spencer who had scrambled
onto the shore after being shipwrecked, passed
a terrible night among the brush and willows.
Almost destitute of clothing, they were attacked
by swarms of mosquitos, with no means of de-
fence, no way of lighting a fire, and with no
food to eat. In the morning they went up the
river quite a distance, loosened a log, cast it a-
float, and jumped aboard of it. With poles
they guided it to the other shore, landing it
near the camp of their companions. As the
log touched the bank, Howard being on the
front end and Seymour in the middle of the log
both jumped off, but could not hold it until
James could do likewise. The log wheeled
around with Sharp on the farther end and dart-
ing into an eddy, went with the current down
the river. Fortunately it struck a sandbar some
distance below, and James was rescued.

The party being pretty well worn out by this
time, and the Indians having gained the advan-
tage in distance, they thought best to return.
Traveling about two days' journey down the

188 LIFE SKETCHES.

river, they crossed over on the ferry, and arrived
home a used up lot of men, but thankful for
their lives. This is only one of the many hard-
ships experienced by the noble men who spent
much of their time in working for the benefit of
others, in the early days of Utah.

At one time Howard had occasion to go with
others to Bear Lake Valley, after Chief Washo-
kee, who was wanted at Bridger. There were
no settlements in the valley at that time. In
1864, he went again with President Young and
party, at which time settlers were moving in.

During the spring of '66, he with others an-
swered a call to go to Sanpete, to protect the
people from the Indians. In a fight that en_
sued, the company lost one man, and had some
of their horses killed.

Howard took a small contract in Echo Can-
yon, in 1868, helping to build the Union Pa-
cific railroad. In '69 he was called to go on a
mission to England, he labored in the London
Conference for about a year, returning home
in 1870. Part of the years of '73 and '74 he was
night watchman of Z. C. M. Institution. In

LIFE SKETCHES. 189

the fall of '74 he was called by President Young
to go to Long Valley in the southern part of
Utah and preside.

The next spring the people there commenced
to live in the United Order, from which the set-
tlement derived the name of Orderville. In
1877, he again went to England, laboring in the
London Conference for about two years and re-
turning home in '79.

j* & £

CHAPTER XXIL

BROTHER GEORGE,

ON the 6th of April, 1864, my brother George
was called to go on a mission to Switzerland;
and left home on the last of the month, crossing
the plains in company with Daniel H. Wells
and Brigham Young, Jr. , who were appointed
to preside over the British mission.

My sister Catherine accompanied her husband
and remained in Europe three and a half years.

George arrived in Geneva the llth of August,
and immediately commenced studying the

190 LIFE SKETCHES

French language. His companion missionary,
W. W. Eiter, in a short time was taken ill, and
as soon as he was able returned to England,
leaving George alone among strangers. On the
20th of November, my brother came down with
that most terrible disease, black small pox. The
people with whom he stopped were very poor,
but kind-hearted, and did the best they could
for him. Having only one or two rooms, they
put him into a very small room, or closet, under
the stairway; he could barely straighten his
limbs, and there he remained for over two
months, suffering the most intense agony. He
was blind and helpless for three weeks; could
only speak a few words of the language, and
doubtless in his feeble state forgot what he had
learned, and knew not how to ask for a drink of
water. While in that condition his spirit seemed
to leave his body, and the people around him
thought him dead. When word reached Eng-
land of what had befallen George, a good friend
and brother by the name of Hill, was immedi-
ately sent to his relief, and with good care
through the kind providence of our Heavenly

LIFE SKETCHES. 191

Father, he was restored to health, but disfigured
for years.

When he was able to converse, he told his
friend where his spirit had traveled on leaving
his body. He said, ''I thought I was going with
a multitude of people to the other world, not
realizing at the time that we were without bod-
ies. As we came to a gate or entrance many
who were with me passed in, but I was not per-
mitted to do so. And as I wandered along I
noticed the crowd scatter and go in different
directions. Again I found myself in Salt Lake
City, walking up and down the streets, and re-
member being in front of President Young's
house, and seeing many persons that I knew on
the sidewalk; but they did not recognize or pay
any attention to me. When I came to myself,
and found that I was upon this earth, it was
made known to me that my spirit had been
away, and that when I should die, it would go
to that same place and be admitted."

As soon as he had sufficiently recovered,
George began studying again, and became quite
proficient in both the French and German Ian-

192 LIFE SKETCHES.

guages. His mission to Switzerland lasted
about three and a half years.

In two weeks after returning from his Euro-
pean mission, George was called, at the October
conference, 1867, in connection with others, to
go and make a settlement in Nevada* He was
advised to get married, and take his wife with
him. Accordingly, on the 10th of November,
following, he was married to Leonora Home,
daughter of Joseph and M. Isabella Home.
And on the 20th of the same month, with pro-
visions, clothing, and household goods all put
into one wagon, drawn by two mules, they
started for the Muddy, four hundred and fifty
miles south of Salt Lake City. Arriving at
their destination on the 16th of December, after
a rough and tedious journey. The country
looked desolate and forbidding, but the new set-
tlers were not discouraged with the outlook, and
commenced to build houses, clear off land, dig
ditches, etc., under the most adverse circum-
stances. The country was noted for its sandy
soil, high winds, and in warm weather, an un-
usual quantity of flies and ants. Therefore the

LIFE SKETCHES. 193

reader can imagine some of the trials endured.
Leonora told me afterward what trouble she
had in trying to keep the ants out of the vic-
tuals, for put them where she would, they were
sure to find an entrance.

After a time the mission was broken up.
George remained three years and a half, then
was honorably released by President Young. He
left his house and improvements, without selling,
returned to Salt Lake City and commenced anew-
One child had been born to them while in the
south, a little girl named Lucy Isabella, but
none of us ever had the privilege of seeing her,
for she died in their southern home on the 16th
of January, 1870. The parents could not think
of leaving the earthly remains of their loved
one in such a far off place, so her body was
taken up, and they brought it with them to the
city. George got a situation in Zion's Co-oper-
ative Mercantile Institution, where he prospered
in business until the fall of 1874, when he
moved to Paris, Bear Lake. He was bishop of
the First Ward of Paris for a few years, also
held the office of sheriff of the county.

194 LIFE SKETCHES.

CHAPTER XXIIL

MISSION TO ARIZONA— A ROMANTIC INCIDENT
—FACE TO FACE WITH A BEAR.

EVER since the Latter-day Saints entered the
valley of the Great Salt Lake, companies have
been sent throughout Utah Territory and into
other territories and states to make homes, and
form new states, in order that there might be
places prepared for the hosts of people that
emigrated every year to these valleys.

In the winter of 1875-76 a number of families
were selected from different localities to go into
Arizona and make settlements. My son Lo'ce
was called upon to go, although at that time he
had no family, and was working for Z. 0. M. I.,
in Salt Lake City, and receiving a pretty fair
salary. He had worked there only a few months
and had but little means laid by, yet felt willing
to leave all, and accept the mission, when called
upon by the proper authority. Brother Lot

LIFE SKETCHES. 195

Smith, who lived near us, was made President
of the mission. The families who went from
Farmington, started on the 21st of February,
1876. Their aim in starting so early was to get
to their journey's end in time to put in a crop.
Arizona was a barren and desolate country, and
the emigrants had no success in raising anything
the first year, on account of failure in their ef-
forts to get out water from the Colorado Kiver
for irrigating purposes; the cause of the failure
was so much quicksand in the stream that the
dams would not hold. The people passed
through many hardships and privations for a
few years, yet with the perseverance usually
possessed by Latter-day Saints, settlements were
made, and some of them are in a flourishing
condition at the present time.

After having been gone over two years, Lo'ce
came home for a few months, and in August,
1879, was married to Clara Gleason of Farm-
ington, returning to Sunset, Arizona, late in the
fall.

At this time the families of Sunset were living
in the United Order, all eating in one large

196 LIFE SKETCHES.

dining room built for the purpose; the women
taking turns in cooking. The work for the
men was divided out to them, some plowing and
sowing, others herding, etc. This was supposed
to be a trial case, to see what could be accom-
plished by a few uniting together, and it was a
success.

This continued a few years, when at length it
was broken up, and their property, which con-
sisted mostly of horses, cattle and sheep, was
divided and each family went for itself.

Lo'ce bought a place in Snowflake, Arizona,
which has been his home ever since.

While living in Sunset, Lo'ce spent most of
his time herding sheep, changing their pasture
at times to get better feed. One day while
driving them through a wood, he found some
money, a notice of which circumstance I will
copy from the Deseret News:

"A ROMANTIC INCIDENT.

"Andrew Lo'ce Rogers finds over six thousand
dollars in gold and returns it to the owners,
who were robbed of it six years ago.

LIFE SKETCHES. 197

"We have been permitted to peruse a letter
from Brother Andrew L. Rogers, of Sunset,
Apache County, Arizona, to his brother, Orson
Rogers, of this city. We make the following
interesting extracts:

" 'I will explain how I found a mass of gold
and what came of it: You remember of your-
self finding some money once in an old book,
and for your honesty was rewarded with part of
it. Mine was a somewhat similar circumstance
only on a larger scale.

<( 'Six years ago Moses Casner and brother
had over six thousand dollars stolen from them,
all in twenty-dollar gold pieces. The thief in
his haste to get away, lost the money off the
hind part of his saddle in passing through the
timber. He was soon taken prisoner, and in
trying to make him tell where the money was,
the Casners hung him to a tree until he was
nearly dead. In order to save his life the thief
told them he had lost the money, but would tell
them all he knew about it, and went to help
them find it. They piled up rocks where the
money was supposed to be lost, and although

198 LIFE SKETCHES.

many men had hunted days for it, it never could
be found, so that they gave up all hopes and
stopped searching.

" ' On the 24th of July, 1882, six years after
the loss of the money, as I was following on the
track of my sheep, I saw something that I
thought consisted of curious looking yellow oak
leaves; but a second glance showed it was a pile
of gold. I commenced putting it in my pock-
ets but they would not hold it, so I took off my
coat tied one sleeve with a string and put it in.
I hastily picked up all I could find, and hurried
on after my sheep as they were out of sight.
Before I got back to camp I had to keep chang-
ing from one shoulder to the other. I knew
who were the owners of the lost money, as I
had heard of the circumstance of the stolen
gold. Not being able to leave my sheep, I told
Hube Burk to go and tell the Casners, as they
lived a number of miles away. They came, and
when they saw their lost treasure they could
hardly contain themselves for joy. They wanted
to know what I charged; I told them nothing.
But this would not do for them. Almost any

LIFE SKETCHES. 199

amount would have been given me had I named
it, but I did not choose to do this, knowing that
I had no more right to their money than if I
had never seen it- They said the Lord had a
hand in it, for it was not to be found till the
right person came along, 'for,' said they, 'if al-
most any one else had found it we never would
have seen it again.' They said it was like a gift
to them.

" 'As I had made no charges one of them
quickly picked up a pile of money and threw it
over to me, and a smaller pile to Brother Burk.
Mine was two hundred dollars and Brother
Burk's sixty dollars. The Casners then bade
us a heartfelt good day and rode for home. The
circumstance of my finding the money was a
little singular, for in their search for it the Cas-
ner's had piled up rocks within ten feet of where
it was lying. Thus ended a matter that had
caused a good deal of interest and wonder.
Twenty dollars of the two hundred I paid for
tithing; twenty dollars I keep as I wish to get
me a good gun. '

"We may add that one hundred dollars has

200 LIFE SKETCHES.

been forwarded by this honest, noble -hearted
young man to his parents, and the remaining
sixty dollars to his wife's mother. There is evi-
dently not only an entire absence of a shade of
dishonesty in his composition, but he displays a
most refreshing unselfishness.

"Brother Eogers is a native of Farmington,
Davis County, is the son of Thomas and Au-
relia Eogers. The late Orson Spencer was his
grandfather, and he is cousin to Mr. Spencer
Clawson of this city. He was born and reared
in the Church.''

The circumstance of his brother Orson find-
ing a sum of money, alluded to in the letter,
occurred in Z. C. M. I. When he handed it
over to General Eldredge, who was Superin-
tendent at the time, that gentleman gave him
some of it.

There is another incident in Lo'ce's life which
I think is worthy of note, and might be called

FACE TO FACE WITH A BEAR.

The following is given in his own words:
"On a pleasant afternoon in the latter part of

LIFE SKETCHES. 201

August, the sheep were feeding quietly on the
south slope of the Dairy Mountain, Yavapai
County, Arizona, when suddenly I saw them
rushing like a mighty avalanche, pell mell,
down the mountain, directly toward me. I
looked to see the cause of their great alarm, and
what was my surprise to see a huge bear right
at their heels.

"1 had nothing with me but a little stick and
a jack knife, but felt determined to save the
sheep if possible. So, hastily picking up a few
stones, I ran towards the bear, saying as I went,
'stop, you son of a gun, let those sheep alone,
or I'll kill you.'

"The bear stopped in his mad chase, set back
upon his haunches and looked at me. I also
had stopped, the sheep having passed me, and
there we stood face to face within a short dis-
tance of each other.

"The thought of danger had not at first en-
tered my mind, as I was thinking only of the
safety of the sheep, but as I neared the bear,
a feeling of fear came over me, and I gave a
quick side glance, for a suitable tree to climb,
14

202 LIFE SKETCHES.

in case of necessity. After looking at each
other a few moments the bear cast his eyes on
the sheep who were fast disappearing down the
slope, then got down on all fours and walked
slowly away in the opposite direction.

"The fact that I had mere nothing to defend
myself with, was almost laughable, but the say-
ing came to my mind, that ' the true shepherd
would die for his sheep."

CHILDREN OF ORSON AND CATHARINE CURTIS SPENCER.

Catharine Curtis, born October 6th, 1831; died Decem-
ber 24th, 1833.

Kllen Curtis, born November 21, 1832; died August 25,
1896.

Aurelia Read, born October 4, 1834.

Catharine Read, born October 2, 1836.

Howard Orson, born June 16, 1838.

George Boardman, born February 21, 1840.

Lucy Curtis, born October 9, 1842; died December 29,
1867.

Chloe, born July 26, 1844; died September 6, 1845.

LIFE SKETCHES. 203

CHILDREN OE ORSON AND MARTHA KNIGHT SPENCER.

Martha Emma, born January 30, 1848.
Albert James, born June 24, 1850.

William Collinson, born December 10, 1851; died No-
vember 12, 1853.
June Knight, born June 28, 1854.

DAUGHTER OF ORSON AND JANE DAVIS SPENCER.

Luna: born December 6, 1852.

Orson Spencer was the father of thirteen children.
His grandchildren, up to 1897 number ninety-two, and
great grandchildren, about one hundred and twenty-five-

PART SECOND.

CHAPTER L

HISTORY OF PRIMARY WORK— LETTER
FROM E. R. SNOW,

IN writing this sketch of the commencement
of our Primaries, it is my desire, and shall be
my aim to present it in a way that shall be plain
to the understanding of all.

In August, 1878, I was called upon to preside
over a Primary Association in Farmington. I
was always an earnest thinker, and naturally of
a religious turn of mind. And for some time pre-
vious to the organization of the children, I had
reflected seriously upon the necessity of more
strict discipline for our little boys.

Many of them were allowed to be out late at
night; and certainly some of the larger ones
well deserved the undesirable name of "hood-

206 LIFE SKETCHES

lum." It may seem strange that in a commun-
ity calling themselves Latter-day Saints, chil-
dren should be allowed to indulge in anything
approaching to rowdyism. But it must be re-
membered that the age in which we live is one
that tends to carelessness in the extreme, not
only in regard to religion, but 'also morality.
And not only this, but in many iiitances our
people have been driven about and persecuted
on every hand, until it has seemed to be all they
could do to make a living for their children;
and an apology might almost be made for neg-
ligence in training them up. Yet why should
anything be allowed to come before the most
sacred duty of parentage, that of looking after
the spiritual welfare of the children? was the
question which burdened my mind.

Our Bishop must have been similarly im-
pressed, for a meeting of the mothers of our
little ones was called by him, at which much
good advice and counsel was given.

The subject of training children was thor-
oughly discussed and the responsibility of guid-
ing their young minds was thrown almost en-

LIFE SKETCHES. 207

tirely upon the mothers. I had children of my
own, and was just as anxious as a mother could
be to have them brought up properly. But
what was to be done? It needed the united ef-
fort of the parents, and, as is often the case in
a community, some of them were careless. A
fire seemed to burn within me, and I had a de-
sire at one time to go to the Young Men's Mu-
tual Improvement Association meeting and talk
to them; but I did not yield to the impulse,
thinking too much, perhaps, of what people
might say. The query then arose in my mind
could there not be an organization for little boys
wherein they could be taught everything good,
and how to behave. This was in March; a few
weeks later Sister Eliza B. Snow Smith and
Sister Emmeline B. Wells, from Salt Lake
City, came to Farm ing ton to attend a Belief
Society Conference.

After meeting was over, and when on their
way to the depot, these sisters in company with
Sisters Mary S. Clark, Nancy Clark, and Lor-
inda Bobinson, stopped at my home for a short
call. The topic of our conversation was the

LIFE SKETCHES.

young people, and the rough, careless ways
many of the young men and boys had at the time.
I asked the question, "What will our girls do for
good husbands, if this state of things con-
tinues?" Sister Eliza seemed deeply impressed
with the question ; and then I asked.

"Could there not be an organization for little
boys, and have them trained to make better
men?"

She was silent a few moments, then said there
might be such a thing and that she would speak
to the First Presidency about it.

The death of President Brighani Young oc-
curred on the 29th of August, 1877: and at the
time of the beginning of the Primaries, Presi-
dent John Taylor with his quorum of the Twelve
Apostles, presided over the Church.

Sister Eliza consulted with Apostle John Tay-
lor and others of the Twelve, concerning this
new move, and it was approved of by them.
She accordingly wrote a lettter to Bishop Hess
and explained the matter to him. He visited
me soon after receiving her letter, and when we
had talked awhile on the subject, he asked me

LIFE SKETCHES. 209

if I would be willing to preside over an organ-
ization of the children. I felt willing, but very
incompetent. From that time my mind was
busy thinking how it was to be managed.

Up to this period the girls had not been men-
tioned; but my mind was that the meeting would
not be complete without them; for as singing
was necessary, it needed the voices of little girls
as well as boys to make it sound as well as it
should. After some consideration, a letter was
sent to Sister Eliza asking her ppinion in re-
gard to the little girls taking part.

The following letter was received in answer
to mine.

"SALT LAKE CITY, AUG. 4, 1878.
"My dear sister Kogers: The spirit and contents
of your letter pleased me much. I feel assured
that the inspiration of heaven is directing you,
and that a great and very important movement
is being inaugurated for the future of Zion.

"Your letter was waiting my return from
Provo. Valley on Thursday evening — yesterday
(Sat.) .1 read it in our general meeting in the
Fourteenth Ward Assembly Rooms.

210 LIFE SKETCHES.

"Soon after my return from Farmington I pro-
posed to Sister Mary J. Thompson to move for-
ward in the Sixteenth Ward and establish a presi-
dent, requesting her to suggest a whole souled
brother who would enter into the spirit of the
work; and last evening with her, I called on
Brother Perkins, whose feelings were fully en-
listed as soon as we informed him of the object
in question. He is in daily employment during
the week,* and although a constant attendant at
Sabbath service is willing' to devote the after-
noon to the benefit of the children, and for the
time being deprive himself the enjoyment of the
Sacrament. The importance of the movement,
and its great necessity is fully acknowledged by
all with whom I have conversed on the subject.

"President John Taylor fully approbates it,
and. Joseph E. Smith thinks we might better af-
ford what expense might be incurred in furnish-
ing uniform, musical instruments etc, for the cul-
tivation of the children in Zion, than what we
are expending in converting people abroad
where elders spend years in converting a very
few.

LIFE SKETCHES. 211

"We think that at present, it will be wisdom
to not admit any under six years of ago, except
in some special instances. You are right — we
must have the girls as well as the boys — they
must be trained together.

"I think your mind will be directed to a broth-
er who will unite with you in establishing this
movement. Brother Perkins thinks that plenty
of assistance will be forthcoming as the work
progresses. The angels and all holy beings, es-
pecially the leaders of Israel on the other side
the veil will be deeply interested.

"I wish to see and converse with you, but can-
not make it convenient at present. Tomorrow
is election— on the 6th, if the Lord wills I shall
go to Mendon — attend the sisters1 Quarterly
Conference in Ogden on the 15th and 16th— go
to West Porterville on the 17th and return home
sometime about the 20th. If I can so arrange
will see you on my return.

"That God will continue to inspire you in the
establishment and development of this great
movement, is the earnest prayer of

"Tour sister and fellow laborer,
"E. E. SNOW."

212 LIFE SKETCHES.

Sister Eliza in company with Sister M.
Isabella Home visited me soon after. Sister
Snow suggested that the organization be called
•" Primary."

CHAPTER IL

PRIMARY WORK CONTINUED.

While thinking over what was to be done for
the best good of the children, I seemed to be
carried away in the spirit, or at least I exper-
ienced a feeling of untold happiness which
lasted three days and nights. During that time
nothing could worry or irritate me; if my little
ones were fretful, or the work went wrong, I
had patience, could control in kindness, and
manage my household affairs easily. This was
a testimony to me that what was being done was
from God.

On Sunday, August llth, 1878, at a public
meeting, I was set apart by Bishop John W.

LIFE SKETCHES.

Hess and his Counselors Arthur Stayner and
Jacob Miller, to preside over a Primary Asso-
ciation in Farmington, with Mrs. Louisa Haight
and Mrs. Helen M. Miller as my counselors.
Soon after Mrs. Rhoda H. Richards was chosen
Secretary and Miss Clara A. Leonard, Treasurer.
Sister Richard's health being very poor her
daughter, Sarah E., assisted her, and in a short
time took her place as Secretary. Bishop Hess,
who was zealous in every good cause, suggested
that myself and counselors visit the ward and
get the names of all the children of a suitable
age, and see if the parents were willing for
them to attend meeting. This we did, visiting
every house, taking the name and age of each
child to the number of two hundred and twenty-
four. I have the record now and prize it very
much. We were counseled to find some good
brother to assist us in our labors at first, to in-
sure success, as the move was a new one.
Brother Mads Christenson was selected, and
proved to be a good help indeed. He made a
book-case to put our books in, also a table, giv-
ing us his labor free of charge.

214 LIFE SKETCHES.

It has been stated that just previous to the
organization I enjoyed a feeling of happiness
such as I had never known before. One thing
that seemed strange to me, was, that after the
organization I was nearly overcome by the oppo-
site power, and was sunken, as it were, into
the very depths of misery; I felt my unworthi-
ness so keenly that I could scarcely attend to
my duties; and went to my meetings weeping
by the way, being humbled to the very earth ; so
much so, that whatever any one said afterward
in my praise, did not make me feel exalted, or
lifted up in my own mind. I had been made
to feel my entire dependence on God the Eter-
nal Father.

The children were called together for the first
time on the 25th of August, 1878, the object of
the meeting was explained to them, and another
one appointed, which was duly held on the 7th
of September. And from that time on, our
meetings were held every Saturday at 2 p. m.
in the meeting house. (September 7, is a mem-
orable day with many of our sisters in Zion, as
the birthday of "Aunt Prescendia Kimball."

LIFE SKETCHES. 215

When the children came to understand the
motives which prompted the calling of their
little meetings, they seemed elated with what
was being done for them. We asked them if
they would try to be punctual and assist us by
keeping good order; they were willing to try to
do their best. My assistants and myself took
turns in presiding over the meetings.

It would be impossible for one who had never
experienced anything of the kind, to imagine
our feelings as we stood before an audience of
children who had come there to receive instruc-
tions from us. We were very weak indeed, but
felt to lean upon the Lord in all humility.

At first the children were very timid about
singing; Brother Joseph E. Robinson came in
a few times and assisted in starting them.
Finally their voices rang out sweet and clear,
and in some cases much talent was displayed.

Aside from the instructions we gave, there
were program and testimony meetings.

Obedience, faith in God, prayer, punctuality
and good manners were subjects oft repeated;
and we always endeavored to impress the chil-

216 LIFE SKETCHES.

clren with the fact that home is the place to be-
gin to- practice all good things. Sometimes we
would ask them how many would like to try for
one week, and see how much they could do for
father and mother without grumbling, and not
quarrel with their brothers and sisters. A good
many would try; and we heard from several
of the mothers afterwards, who had noticed
quite a change for the better in their children.
Among other things which we taught, were that
the Lord sees our actions, and knows everything
we do in secret; and that when sick we can be
healed if we have faith enough, without having
to call in a doctor.

We would ask the children before the open-
ing prayer of the meeting, if they knew of any
one who was ill and needed our special prayers,
if so aprayer was offered up to the Lord in their
behalf; and in a number of instances the sick
were helped immediately, which strengthened
the faith of the little ones. This taught them
to think of the sufferings of others, and to culti-
vate a desire to comfort and bless everyone-
The principle of honesty was a leading feature

LIFE SKETCHES. 217

in the instructions given; the children were en-
couraged in this, by having impressed upon their
minds that when they found anything, they were
to seek diligently to restore it to the owner. To
assist them in this they were told that they might
bring articles found to their meetings, and have
them advertized.

It was very gratifying and sometimes amus-
ing to see how readily the little ones took hold
of this suggestion, and how earnest they were
in working it out. Frequently articles were
brought to us and the owners found right there
at the meeting. In cases where the owner could
not be found, after every effort had been made
that could be, the finder of an article was allowed
to keep it.

At one time a dollar green-back was picked
up on the side walk, by a little girl on her way
to meeting; it was thoroughly advertised, but
the owner was never discovered. The little
girl felt very rich and happy, and well paid fo_
her honesty, when the money became lawfully
her own.

218 LIFE SKETCHES.

CHAPTER IIL

QUARTERLY MEETINGS— PLANTING BEANS.
Every three months a quarterly meeting was
held, and a special program arranged for the
occasion. The parents were invited, and some-
times we had visitors from Salt Lake City.
Sister Eliza came to our first quarterly meeting,
and spoke highly of the progress we were
making.

At these meetings, the whole association
would generally take part in the exercises. The
smaller children were seated on the front benches,
the rest according to size all the way through.
At the proper time the smallest would rise up
and, perhaps, recite a verse or two in concert,
then sit down and the next bench full take their
turn in answering Bible questions. Another
class would sing a song; another would repeat
sentiments or verses, one at a time, and so on.
Our larger boys and girls assisted us in training

LIFE SKETCHES. 219

these classes, which work they enjoyed very
much, and it also lightened our labors.

The Word of Wisdom, Section 89 of the Doc-
trine and Covenants, was talked upon in one of
our quarterly meetings, and explained as being
the word of God to us; the children were asked
how many would try to observe it for the next
three months.

At the end of the term, forty-three names
were recorded as having kept the Word of Wis-
dom for that length of time; and sixt57-five more
names were added at the end of the second
quarter. In later years we have heard some of
these children, who have since grown to man-
hood and womanhood, testify that they have
never tasted tea or coffee, neither used tobacco or
drank liquor of any kind, since that time.

The next spring we rented a town lot and the
Primary Association, with Brother Ohristensen
at the head, planted beans and pop-corn. The
plowing and watering of the lot were done by
our husbands and sons. The lot was divided into
twelve sections, and twenty-four of our largest
boys and girls took their portion of ground to

220 LIFE SKETCHES.

cultivate. When the beans and corn came out
of the ground they were expected to keep them
weeded and tended to, until ripe; then harvest
them, and after the tithing was paid, they were
to be put into the Primary treasury for safe
keeping. We have some of those beans now;
they are yellow with age, but perfectly sound.
Pop corn balls were made out of the corn thus
provided, for the children's party the next
Christmas. Our motive in raising beans was to
have beans to go with the Belief Society wheat,
in the time of famine which is to come-

At oar first annual meeting, sixteen yards of
carpet had been made by the members of the
Association; the girls sewing the rags, and the
boys donating five cents each, to buy the warp
and pay for the weaving. This carpet was
placed on exhibition by hanging it over the
stand in the meeting house, so that the children
could have a good view of it, and was afterwards
donated to help in building the Salt Lake
Temple. For a number of years in succession,
a carpet was made by the Association for the
same purpose.

LIFE SKETCHES, 221

At this, our first annual meeting, a concert
was held, and a happy lot of children took part
therein; it was free for every body, and many
of the parents came in and listened to the songs,
recitations and dialogues of the little folks.
This is a history in brief of the first year's
labor in the Primary.

CHAPTER

SISTER ELIZA'S WORK IN ORGANIZING— LOUIE
B. FELT'S CALLING.

THE interest manifested by Sister Eliza E.
Snow at the beginning of the Primary work
never slackened. She was truly a woman of
God, and may her name ever be remembered
and cherished by the children of the Latter-
day Saints. It was through her energy and
labor that Primaries were organized through-
out the Territory of Utah . The Lord had not
given her children of her own, but her loving
care was extended to all the dear children every-

222 LIFE SKETCHES

where. She went from place to place, in com-
pany with Sister Zina D. H. Young and others,
organizing with the assistance of the Bishops
until nearly every settlement had a Primary As-
sociation. It was Sister Eliza who arranged
the selections for the Primary hymn-book, al-
so the First and Second Speakers, and Bible
Questions and Answers. She engaged Mrs.
Doctor Ferguson to arrange the music for the
songs, which was called the Tune Book.

In April, 1879, my sister, Ellen Clawson, was
chosen to preside over a Primai*y in the Twelfth
Ward, Salt Lake City. While attending their
first annual meeting, Sister Eliza, being one of
the visitors, came to me and said it was thought
best to have some one appointed to preside, over
all the Primary Associations in the Territory.
She suggested that the person should reside in
Salt Lake City, as that was the center; and
asked me whom I would propose to fill the
office.

I said I could not tell on so short notice, but
would reflect a few moments. After doing so
the name of Sister Louie B. Felt came to my

LIFE SKETCHES. 223

inind. As soon as I told Sister Eliza, she said
that was her choice, and also Sister Clawson's.
This satisfied me that Sister Felt was the one to
hold that important office.

She was President of the Primary Associ-
ation in the Eleventh Ward, Salt Lake City,
which was the second one organized, following
close upon ours in Farmington; and she had
been a very interested visitor at one of our early
quarterly meetings. From the first time I ever
met Sister Felt, an unusually warm feeling of
sympathetic friendship seemed to draw me to-
wards her.

When she was chosen to preside over all the
Primary Associations, some persons thought it
was my place to hold that position. But I wish
to say here, that I never had a moment's jealousy
over anyone holding office; for no person will
ever take my honors from me; I shall have all
that I deserve.

On the 19th of June, 1880, Sister Louie B.
Felt was set apart to fill the responsible po-
sition of presiding over our Primary Asso-

224 LIFE SKETCHES.

ciations in all the world: At the same meeting
my sister Ellen Clawson was chosen and set
apart to preside over the Primary Associations
of Salt Lake Stake. My calling was to preside
over those in the Davis Stake ; having been duly
appointed on the 16th of July, 1880; with Sisterg
Julia Hess and Lucy A. Clark for my counselors,
Miss Sarah E. Hichards, secretary, and Sister
Anna M. Wilcox, treasurer.

CHAPTER V,

PRIMARY FAIRS-MARTIAL MUSIC

The children's Fairs commenced in 1880.
Mrs. Ann Dustin, President of East Bountiful
Primary, being the originator of the idea, the
first fair was held in that settlement. Much
credit was due both the officers and the little
folks for their perseverance in making so
many useful and ornamental articles. Our
first Primary fair in Farmington opened in

LIFE SKETCHES 225

June, a few days later than the one in East
Bountiful.

For our Fairs the boys contributed things
which they had made; hay-racks, ladders, rakes,
wheelbarrows, tables,c upboards, chairs, clothes-
racks, bee-hives, and numerous other articles.
They also brought samples of grain, vegetables
and fruit which they had helped to raise. Fine
specimens of drawing, painting and penman-
ship were presented both by boys and girls; and
the latter gave freely of their handiwork, in
sewing, knitting, straw-braiding, darning, mend-
ing, patch-work, fancy-work, bread -making and
pastry; they also brought fresh fruit put up in
bottles, and a variety of dried fruit. Our
Farmington Primary, and also other Associa-
tions in Davis County, donated of their sub-
stance to the Deseret Hospital. Following is a
sample of the receipts given.

SALT LAKE CITY, September, 1888.
Received of Farmington Primary Association,
32 bottles of fruit, 2 bottles of pickles, also 3

226 LIFE SKETCHES.

two quart bottles of fruit, and 20 ears of pop-
corn as a donation to the Deseret Hospital.

EOMANIA B. PRATT, Ees. Physician.

We do not mention having donated these
things wibh the desire to have our good deeds
"proclaimed upon the house tops,'' but to show
up a principle.

If there are no temples being built at the
present time, nor hospitals that we wish to
assist, the poor we have always with us, and we
can make a specialty of our coming fairs, in
helping those who are not so well off as our-
selves. To show that Sister Eliza Snow Smith
approved of holding fairs I will copy from one
of her letters.

SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 15, 1881.
"MRS. A. S. KOGERS,

" BELOVED SISTER: — A.t last I have
taken my pen, determined to write you, which
I have wished to do, and should have done long
since. You know how it is without my telling;
with the thousand and one things to do, what
can be deferred is most sure to be.

LIFE SKETCHES. 227

"I congratulate you and all other sisters who
energetically promoted or encouraged the move-
ment of Primary Fairs. I am thankful that
the Stake Fair in this City was kept open till
after my return from Sanpete. I had antici-
pated much, but it far exceeded my anticipa-
tions.

"I think great good will result from the
children's Fairs, not only in developing the in-
ventive powers of the childen; but in occupying
their minds usefully and preventing them run-
ning into folly. I hope you will find my little
book of Questions and Answers, to be an assist-
ant to the officers of the Primary Associations-
Praying that you and all the dear sisters may
have health and strength equal to your arduous
labors and noble desires,

"I am your loving sister,

"E. E. S. S."

There is danger of dishonesty being thought-
lessly encouraged in these fairs if we do not
guard against it. Children are apt to be quite
elated over making things to place on exhibi-

228 LIFE SKETCHES.

tion, and many times take the entire credit of
doing what some one else has helped them to
do. It is not expected that our boys and girls
can make all such articles as those previously
mentioned without the assistance or instruction
of father, mother, or others. Then why not
have the truth stated on the label? For in-
stance, "Hay-rack made by John Smith, assisted
by his father." After awhile he will be able to
do the work alone or with a little showing; then,
and not till then, should he take the honor of
having done the work by himself.

In January, 1882, a Primary Martial Band
was organized in Farmington. The instruments
used were flutes, piccolos, a triangle, and three
drums. Mr. Hedger from Salt Lake City, was
the teacher; he was proficient and thorough,
and although it was their first lessons in music,
with many of the boys, yet they learned fast,
and in two months could play several tunes.
Then was the time for serenading the town of
Farmington. A happy lot of boys (some of
them quite small) with Brother James Loyncl
for their captain, marched through the streets

LIFE SKETCHES. 229

making sweet music; stopping occasionally at
some of the houses, where they were treated to
cakes and lemonade, or candy and nuts. Quite
a little money was also received from the people,
which was used to help pay for their music
lessons. There have been other Primary bands
organized in our County, and we anticipate hav-
ing more of them : for we wish to encourage in
our children a love for music, also a love for all
things beautiful, which includes the cultivation
of flowers. We believe that the Lord is pleased
with lovely homes, and when they are made
beautiful with the workmanship of our own
hands, it is gratifying to behold or to reflect
upon them.

230 LIFE SKETCHES.

CHAPTER VL

DISCOURAGEMENT.— HAPPY RESULT.

1 OR the benefit of those who are engaged in
teaching children, I will relate an incident which
gave me quite an experience.

It was in the fall of 1885. I had presided
over the Primary Association of Farmington for
seven years, and with all my anxiety and labor
to get the boys to attend meeting, had, in a
measure, failed. This tried me very much, for
these Associations were instituted for the good
of the little boys especially, and when but few
came to meeting, and it seemed hard to interest
them, at times I was quite discouraged. I felt
to blame the parents, particularly the fathers,
and thought if they were more interested their
boys could be spared from work, and encouraged
to attend their meetings. With these feelings
I made up my mind not to worry any more, but
leave them in the hands of the Lord, and when
He saw fit to wake the people up things might
be different.

LIFE SKETCHES. 281

While in this state of mind, word was sent to
me from Salt Lake City, to see if I could go to
Utah County and visit the children's Associ-
ation. The invitation was accepted, and in
company with Mrs. Sarah M. Kimball and Mrs.
Elmina S. Taylor, I started south on the 19th
of October, 1885. Sisters Kimball and Taylor
were going in the interest of the Relief, and
Young Ladies' Societies.

At a young people's meeting in Payson, on the
21st of October, in the course of the evening, I
was called upon to speak; and although shrink-
ing within myself at the thought of facing so
many people, I arose and said a few words, in
which I expressed a desire to some day be able
to speak my thoughts; but knew this could not
be, without making an effort to help myself.
When I said these words, it came to my mind
that Oliver Cowdery atone time when called up-
on to translate, had an idea that the Lord would
dictate, and he would have nothing else to do but
write it down. The Lord told him by revela-
tion, this was not what He wanted; He expected
Oliver to think for himself, and if what came in-

232 LIFE SKETCHES.

to his mind was pleasing to the Lord, his bosom
would burn within him, and he would feel that
it was "right; and if it were not right, he would
have a stupor of thought, that would cause him
to forget all that was wrong; so I mentioned
this to the congregation.

It was the feeling I had afterwards that made
it so important to me; for in reflecting upon what
had been said at the meeting, I felt convinced
that what had been given me to say about Oli-
ver Cowdery was for my own particular benefit,
and I saw the course marked out for me to pur-
sue in regard to Primaries. I had felt to cease
my exertions to get the boys out to meeting
thinking the Lord would manage it for me, and
most assuredly He did in His own way.

This was a lesson; and it was made plain to
me that we must think for ourselves, and
if we fail in one thing, try another. I felt de-
termined to be more diligent in my duties ever
after, and upon returning home went to work
with a will and had good success with the Pri-
mary children. I arranged them in classes ac-
cording to their size, placing a larger boy or

LIFE SKETCHES. 233

girl, at the end of each bench as monitors,
letting these keep the roll of their classes in little
note books given them for the purpose. These
registers were afterwards recorded by the head
secretary.

* With all the difficulties encountered, I have
indeed had joy in my Primary labors; and feel
that it was this work that President Heber C.
Kimball saw when conversing with me at the
door of the Photograph Gallery.

His cautioning me not to tell everything I
knew was timely, for speaking too freely when
in conversation with others, was one of my
weaknesses; and I profited by the counsel given.

16

234 LIFE SKETCHES.

CHAPTER VI L

CO-LABORERS—PLEASANT SURPRISES.

While presiding over the Farmington Pri-
mary Association, I had occasion to have two
more counselors other than those before men-
tioned. Sister Louisa Haight who had been a
faithful help to me for a number of years, was
obliged to move north, her husband, Horton
D. Haight, having been called to preside over a
branch in Oakley, Idaho.

Soon after, Sister Miller was appointed to
take Sister Haight's place, as First Counselor,
and Miss Sarah E. Richards was chosen for my
Second Counselor. Up to this time, she held
the office of Secretary, keeping the books in
good order. She was afterward married to
Loren Eobinson, and in a few years they also
moved to Oakley. Miss Anna Clark was the
next one selected as a counselor, and held the
position for a short time, giving good satisfac-
tion.

LIFE SKETCHES. 235

Sister Helen M. Miller was ever by my side
in laboring with the children, until I was re-
leased from Primary duties in the Ward, (my
duties in the Stake being all that I could well
attend to.) This occurred in August, 1887, at
which time Sister Wealthy Clark took my place
as President over the Primary Association in
Farmington. She held the office one year,
when, on account of poor health and home cares,
she was released. Sister Jane Smith was the
next President, which office she held four years.

On the llth of' August, 1892, Miss Annette
Abbott was voted in as President, with Miss
Mary Millard, and Mrs. Minerva Knowltoii as
her counselors. In 1896, Miss Mary Millard
took the Presidency. I wish to thank the
Presidents of the Associations under my juris-
diction, with their counselors, the secretaries,
treasurers, and all the members, for their con-
fidence in me. They have expressed their love
for me in different ways. The first public
demonstration of the kind was a surprise by our
own Primary children in Farmington. The
members donated the means, and Sister Helen

236 LIFE SKETCHES.

M. Burns pieced the outside to a handsome
quilt, which with the lining, was presented to
me one Saturday afternoon at our Primary
meeting. I had not language to express my
feelings at the time, but wish to make a memo-
randum of the event in my history, so if any
who were at the meeting that day should ever
read this book, the incident will come back,
fresh to their minds.

On another occasion, September 26th, 1885, at
a Primary Conference held in Farmington, the
children of our Association presented me with a
nice plush covered album; also presented Sister
Helen Miller with a likeness of President John
Taylor, encased in a plush frame. Sister Miller
at that time was my only counselor.

At the time of the presentation I remember
Mabel Walker handing me a note which should
have been read, but in my surprise, and con-
fusion it was omitted, therefore to make amends
I insert it here to be read now.

LIFE SKETCHES. 237

NOTE FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE PRIMARY.

"SISTER ROGERS AND SISTER MILLER:

"The children of your Association, whom you
both for so long a time have instructed, wish to
show their appreciation and gratitude for your
services. We have thrown our little mites to-
gether and purchased for you, Sister Rogers,
this Album, and for you, Sister Miller, this
picture, and wish you to accept them as a token
of our esteem and love."

There are other instances of the kind which I
wish to mention, as it is all that I can do to
show my appreciation of the honors conferred.
The first was under the management of the
Presidency of the East Bountiful Primary Asso-
ciation; namely, Ann Dustin, President; Mary
Evans, Sarah Eastrope, Margaretta Call, Coun-
selors; in connection with the following names
from East Bountiful, Olive Sessions Corbridge,
and baby, Lucina Sessions, Jr. , Byrena Dustin,
and Brother Day, teamster. Also Ortentia
Leonard, Helen M. Miller, Sarah E. Richards,
Jnlia Hess, Lucy A. Clark, and twin girls three

238 LIFE SKETCHES

weeks old, Mary S. Clark, and Lizzie Cotterell,
from Farmington gave me a surprise by coming
to my house October 17th, 1881, bringing their
baskets full of good things to eat. Little did I
think what was coming, when Sister Ortentia
Leonard, President of the Belief Society, came
in that morning to Spend a few hours with me,
as she said. A short time after, a team drove
up to the door, and I wondered how it was that
the sisters from Bountiful should happen to
come on that day; but when my neighbors
came also, 1 began to see through the mystery.

We did indeed have a pleasant interview,
during which time I was presented with a loving
Testimonial in fancy penmanship, nicely framed,
from the Presidency of the East Bountiful
Association. Also some dishes, a lovely glass
set, and other things from the sisters of Farm-
ington. Brother Ezra T. Clark, Brother Day
and my husband, joined us in the enjoyment of
the luxuries of the baskets.

Another time, on the 28th of December, 1888,
I was just recovering from a severe spell of
sickness, which had lasted seven weeks, and was

LIFE SKETCHES. 239

not able to sit up all day; had lain down to rest
when the door opened and Sister Maria Hatch,
(President of the South Bountiful Primary)
came in; this surprised me some; but soon after
as other dear faces kept making their appear-
ance, one after another . until the room was nearly
full, I learned that the Primary Officers of Davis
Stake had met here, as they said, to show their ap-
preciation of my labors in the past. I remember
how heavenly the countenances of the sisters
looked as they came in at the door; it was indeed
like the visit of angels come to rest and soothe my
wearied body and mind. Sister Julia Hess, my
first counselor, was unanimously chosen to take
charge of the exercises, to which she responded ,
in her original, happy way with brief but
pointed remarks. She thought it would be well
to open the meeting with singing and prayer.
Sister Wealthy Clark was nominated to take
minutes of the proceedings. After which, all
stood up and sang "Love at home," accompanied
on the organ by Miss Yiola Chase, (for through
the management of Miss Kate Chase, an organ
had been brought to the house, we did not own

240 LIFE SKETCHES.

one.) Prayer was offered by Elder Thomas
Kogers. Singing, "O, My Father, Thou That
JDwellest."

Sister Hess then made a few remarks, followed
by Counselor Lucy A. Clark, who recited an
original poem on friendship.

The other sisters present also expressed their
love and esteem for me in a few appropriate
words, hoping that I would soon be restored to
health.

The speakers were Sisters Anna Rock wood,
Kate Chase, (who also read letters from some
of the Presidents not present, expressing their
regrets at not being able to come,) Elizabeth
Ford, Jane Smith, Wealthy Clark, Maggie
Grant, Lucy Muir, Maria Hatch, Jane Pack,
Eveline Benson, Mamie Lamb Robinson, Mamie
Stevenson, and Monica Secrist. During the
meeting I sat up in bed and thanked the Sisters
in my feeble way for their visit. Saying that
words could not express my gratitude, and
although some of the Presidents were absent, I
thought of them, and they all seemed very dear
to me; and I cherished their love and good

LIFE SKETCHES. 241

wishes more than gold or silver. Made other
remarks, then closed by asking the blessing of
God upon all.

Between the speeches the hymn, "Nay Speak
No 111,'' had been sung.

I was then presented with a beautiful plush
wrap, which was indeed a surprise, and was re-
ceived with gratitude. "The Spirit of God Like
a Fire is Burning," was sung.

The tables were then spread, and about
twenty-five persons sat down to a bounteous re-
past. The President of the Stake, William E.
Smith, his First Counselor, John W. Hess,
Bishop Secrist and others, had been invited in
at the close of the Priesthood meeting. After
supper, the brethren administered to me, when
the company dispersed.

It was during this illness that I was strongly
impressed to write a sketch of my life. These
thoughts had come to my mind at different times
previously, but I had banished them, not feeling
capable to undertake such a task. Now it
could not be put off; something seemed to urge
me on, and I resolved if my life were spared, to

242 LIFE SKETCHES.

commence writing immediately, or so soon as
I was able.

In two weeks after coming down with this
illness, I was much better, so much so that I
could dress myself and sit up in my rocking
chair. On this day, the 28th of November, 1888,
I wrote the first page of my book. The same
evening something I ate for supper disagreed
with me ; a relapse ensued, and for five weeks I
kept my room. The writing of my book was
thus delayed; nevertheless it had been com-
menced, and was continued at intervals, as cir-
cumstances would permit.

LIFE SKETCHES. 243

CHAPTER VIIL

EXTRACTS FROM MY JOURNAL.

IN the Summer of 1882, I received a letter
from my brother-in-law, Brigham Young. En-
closed was an order on Cutler's Store; a hand-
some present, sent by request of sister Catherine,
which was duly appreciated. Cutler's Store in
Salt Lake City, is a place where they keep home
made goods; that is, cloth and other articles
made in Utah; and I thus had the privilege of
testing the qualities of some of those fabrics.

In the fall of 1882, by invitation of my sister
Ellen, and through the courtesy of her husband,
H. B. Clawson, I visited the Temple at St.
George in the southern part of Utah, in com-
pany with President John Taylor and others.
While there, met my brother Howard from
Orderville, who had come for the purpose of
assisting in doing work for our dead kindred.

The Temple is a grand structure, built of

244 LIFE SKETCHES.

white granite. I enjoyed the sight very much,
especially in going upon the roof and taking a
view of the surrounding country.

On our way to St. George, while stopping at
Scipio, Millard Co. , we stayed over night with
an elderly couple by the name of Wasden, who
were very nice people indeed. In the course of
the evening, Sister Wasden happened to men-
tion the name of Orson Spencer; we asked her
if she was acquainted with him, and told her
we were his daughters. Her surprise was great;
she then related an incident which was full of
interest to us- Said while living in Cincinnati,
Ohio, she had sickness among her children, and
one of them died; they were at that time in
poor circumstances, and had no means to buy
a coffin to bury their dead. It was then that
Orson Spencer came to their relief; (this hap-
pened when my father was on his last mission,)
he bought a coffin, and helped them to some
little comforts besides. When Brother and
Sister Wasden asked how they could repay him
for his kindnes, he said "I want nothing, only
if you should be prospered and go to the Valley

LIFE SKETCHES. 245

of the Great Salt Lake, and ever meet any of
my children, and can do them a favor, that will
be pay enough." We thought it providential,
our being led to their house.

July 20th, 1883, I went to Kaysville to attend
a Belief Society Conference. After meeting
was out, a few of the sisters, namely, Eliza B.
Snow Smith, Zina D. Young, Mary S- Clark,
Nancy Clark, Mary Richards, Ada Williams,
Anna Clark and myself, went with Sister Lay-
ton, President of the Belief Society in Kays-
ville, to her home; where we had a good visit in
talking over the things of the Kingdom.

I had often wondered whether Jesus could
know anything about the pains of women. Sister
Eliza happened to say at that time, that God in
order to be God, must know the suffering of
woman as well as man. Why had I not thought
of this before? It opened up a new train of
thought. Was not the Creator greater than the
creature! In making machinery, does not the
machinist understand every minutiae of his work ?
Then does not God understand our organization,
and could He not heal a wound, or mend a

246 LIFE SKETCHES.

broken limb, as well as a machinist could re
pair anything he had made? The Lord in-
structs us in the Doctrine and Covenants, and
tells us what to do for our sick. All that is
wanting is faith sufficient. If we have faith, we
will keep the commandments of God, and
observe the laws of health and life ; and by keep-
ing His commandments, our faith is always
strengthened.

November 12th, 1884, received a picture,
"The representative women of Deseret. " Pre-
sented by Brother Frank and Sister Minerva
Knowlton.

November 24th, my son Curtis was accidentally
shot by some boys who were shooting off a small
cannon. He received six duck shot in his head
and body, but was not permanently hurt.

I saw Wilford Stevenson and Don Walker
lead Curty in at the gate, and noticed their pale
faces. They had washed the blood off Curty 's
face, and pulled his hat over his forehead, so I
could not see the wound, for Curty had told
them it would scare me so to see the blood.
Brave, thoughtful little boys! They had used

LIFE SKETCHES. 247

this precaution, thinking if they did not, it might
give me a shock, and make me sick. This was
a warning to them, for some of the boys had
been in the habit of playing with fire-arms,
against their parents wish, and more serious
harm might have come of it.

During the year of '85, and until '87, I taught
the Buddington dress cutting with good success.
But gave up the business as I found it interfered
with my Primary duties.

CHAPTER IX.

VISITS TO SUMMIT COUNTY, UTAH, AND TO
CASSIA COUNTY, IDAHO.

I WENT to Kamas, Summit County, in Sep-
tember '87, with Sister Zina D. H. Young, to
attend the conference of the Relief Society and
the Young Ladies' and Primary Associations.

1 was invited through the kindness of Sister
Louisa Boundy, an old friend of mine, who pre-
sided over the Primaries in that Stake.

248 LIFE SKETCHES.

We left Salt Lake City on the 28th ; went as
far as Wanship by train, where we took dinner
at the house of Bishop E. E. Young, his wife
kindly making us welcome. Bishop Samuel
Atwood of Kamas, met us at Wanship, and after
a ride of fifteen miles, we arrived at his house,
where for the first time I saw his wife and
family, who spared no pains to make us com-
fortable. On Thursday, September 30th, at-
tended the Belief Society Conference in a hall
built for the recreation of the young people.

President Cluff, Bishop Atwood and other
brethren met with us. On Friday the Young
Ladies held their Conference. In the evening,
went home with Sister John Pack, where we
stayed all night.

Saturday, the children had their meeting,
which was very interesting; there were quite a
number of the parents in attendance. Satur-
day night, went home with Sister Eoundy, who
lived in Peoa, about eight miles from Kamas.

Had a good visit, in talking over old times,
for we were girls together, and companions.
Sister Zina went a mile or two farther on to

LIFE SKETCHES. 249

stay with Sister Gibbons, a friend of hers.
Held meetings on Sunday afternoon and even-
ing. Stayed with Sister Gibbons all night.
Early on Monday morning, October 3rd, Brother
Gibbons took us in his carriage to Wanship,
where we took train for home, having spent
a most enjoyable time, never to be forgotten.

In September, 1891, I took a trip to Oakley,
Idaho, by invitation of Sisters Louisa Haight,
and Sarah E. Robinson, my former counselors
in the Primary. They wished me to visit
Oakley, in company with Sister Zina D. H.
Young and Sister Jane S. Richards, to attend
the Conferences of the Relief Society and
young people, which were to commence on the
19th of September. Accordingly on the even-
ing of the 15th, I went as far as Ogden and
stopped over night at the house of Apostle
Franklin D. Richards, who had arranged to go
with us to Oakley, to visit his daughter, Mrs.
Sarah E. Robinson. The next evening Elder
F. D. Richards and wife, Sister Young and my-
self started North, taking the train as far as
Kelton Station, ninety miles from Ogden. We
17

250 LIFE SKETCHES.

arrived at Kelton about ten o'clock at niglit.
Here we met Brother Horton D. Haight, (Presi-
dent of Cassia Stake,) who had come seventy-
five miles in a carriage to meet us. At Kelton
I met an old acquaintance by the name of
Emma Palmer Manfull, whom I was pleased to
see; she had been one of my first Primary girls.
The next day we traveled forty -five miles to
Almo, staying all night with the family of
Bishop Thomas King, who took particular
pains to make us comfortable. In the evening
some of the brethren and sisters came in and we
held a very interesting meeting.

On leaving Almo, President Haight called
our attention to a place where some emigrants
had been murdered by the Indians before the
country was settled, with the exception of a
ranch or two.

We saw where they had piled up the dirt as a
defense, and where they no doubt had struggled
and fought for dear life. Only two or three
persons had escaped to tell the story, and they
nearly perished before being picked up by some
of the ranch men. Farther on we passed

LIFE SKETCHES. 251

through what is called the City of Bocks, situ-
ated in the Goose Creek range of mountains.
It was indeed a grand sight, so many rocks in
such curious shapes. In imagination, one could
see the ruins of palaces, and houses of all kinds
down to the Indian wickeup. On one rock we
saw the form of a woman sitting down; farther
on, a man standing; also animals of different
kinds, at another place, what resembled two girls
standing together, and in the distance a ceme-
tery with shrubs and small trees interspersed
among the tombs. The huge rocks that stood
out in open relief, might have been likened to
business houses, or hotels in a city. I have
heard of people going to Italy or Switzer-
land to take a view of the beautiful scenery, but
"our own mountain home" furnishes much of
interest to look at, if we could only find oppor-
tunities of visiting, and then appreciate the
grandeur of nature near us. About three o'clock
in the afternoon, we arrived at President
Haight's dwelling, where we met my dear friend
Louisa and her family; also Apostle F. D.
Richards who had gone from Kelton to Oakley

252 LIFE SKETCHES.

by stage. We were all weary from the effects
of the journey, but were soon rested, and able
to attend the conferences which convened the
two ensuing days.

Elder Richards was quite poorly on Saturday
and Sunday, yet was able to speak to the people,
and gave them much good instruction. Many
of the brethren and sisters from the different
settlements had left their work, and come to
the meetings, and a feeling of union seemed to
prevail among the people. I had the pleasure
of staying one night with my dear friend
Sarah, also of eating dinner with Sister Julia
Haight Smith, wife of Bishop John L. Smith,
and daughter of Brother and Sister Haight.
Our visit to Oakley was marred in a measure by
the illness of Sister Haight, who could not leave
her room the last two days of our stay. On
Monday morning, September 22nd, we started
for home. President Haight and Brother
Loreu Robinson took us in their carriages to
Elba, one day's journey from Oakley. Stopping
for dinner at the house of Counselor Brim who
lives in Albion. Thus taking a different route

LIFE SKETCHES. 253

on our return, for which we had reason to thank
President Haight, as he wished us to see all of
the country possible. An appointment was
made for a meeting to be held at Elba in the
evening, so the people of that place could have
the privilege of hearing from Apostle Richards
and the sisters. I met many of my old friends
at the meeting, who had once lived in Farming-
ton, which was quite a pleasing surprise to me-
We put up for the night with the family of
Bishop Taylor.

Some very painful incidents were called to
my mind upon entering the settlement of Elba.
The graves of Albert and Horton Smith were
pointed out to us, two nephews of President
Baight, who had lost their lives in one day
while working on a new saw-mill; leaving their
mother childless.

This was also the place where Sister Nancy
A. Clark, a dear friend of mine, had come to
minister to the wants of her son and his mother-
less children. Through exposure, and perhaps
over work, she was prostrated with a severe ill-
ness, from which she never recovered. These

254 LIFE SKETCHES

things caused a sad feeling to come over me;
but such is life. Some persons have much of
sorrow and suffering, while others pass through
life apparently in ease and comfort.

Brothers Haight and Kobinson left us at
Elba, and returned home. Brother Beecher
took us on to Kelton, where we again took the
cars. Arriving in Ogden Tuesday evening, we
repaired to the house of Sister Josephine West,
(daughter of Brother and Sister Richards,) and
partook of a nice warm supper which she had
provided. Wednesday the 24th, Sister Z. D.
Young, and myself took train for home, which I
reached at Farmington, feeling much benefitted
by the journey and visits.

LIFE SKETCHES. 255

CHAPTER X.

BIBLE REFERENCES,— ANOTHER SURPRISE.

THERE are chapters in the Bible which took
my particular attention when a little girl. The
first is where Moses was called of the Lord to
go into Egypt and deliver the children of Israel
from bondage. (Exodus, Chapters j and 4.)
His excusing himself on account of being slow
of speech and not eloquent, and asking the Lord
to send some one else, I used to wonder at.
Why had Moses not faith when the Lord told
him He would be with his mouth, and teach
him what he should say? Since then I have
been in places where I could understand the
feelings of Moses better, and could truly sym-
pathize with him.

The next place is where Elijah was about to
ascend into heaven. (Second Book oj Kings,
second chapter.) Elijah wanted Elisha who was
with him to tarry behind, but he would not, and

256 LIFE SKETCHES.

therefore he saw Elijah ascend into heaven,
thereby receiving what he desired, a double
portion of the spirit of God.

This seemed to me one of the greatest boons
that could be granted to man. And if any one
should ask me what I would desire above all
other things, if I could have my wish; the an-
swer would be without any hesitation, a fullness
of the Spirit of God, for that includes every-
thing my heart could desire. To my mind there
is nothing that can compare with the sweet and
Heavenly influence of the Holy Spirit. For this
Spirit brings peace and happiness, and gives
power to discern the thoughts and doings of
men, and to know their results; as Elisha did
when after healing the leper Naaman, his ser-
vant Gehazi told him a falsehood about the
presents received; and we read of the curse that-
followed Gehazi for so doing. There are other
passages that were equally important to my
mind; but I will let this suffice.

Another interesting event in my life occurred
on the 24th of June, 1892, which I feel it my
duty to mention in gratitude to my friends, even

LIFE SKETCHES. 257

though it refers to myself individually. Aii en-
tertainment was prepared for my especial bene-
fit. The young men and young women who
had been the first members in the Primary As-
sociations of Farmington were the leaders in
the movement, which came about in the shape
of another grand surprise. And this one ex-
celled all others that had taken place before.
Not that the workers were any more earnest, or
that it could be more appreciated by me than
those previously given, but it was on a grander
scale, the meeting house being the place of re-
sort. How well it was managed! Even the
leading authorities of the ward were present;
also the counselors of the Presidency of Davis
Stake, one of whom was John W. Hess, our
former Bishop. His face was one in particular
(in connection with that of his wife, Julia) that
I saw in one of the buggies as they drove up to
our gate about 7 o'clock p. m., preceded by the
Silver Band of Farmington, which was playing
some lively strains. I was sitting on the porch
and about to retire to my room, being feeble in
health, when the procession drove up and

258 LIFE SKETCHES.

George Palmer and Daniel T. Miller — the orig-
inators of the plot — John Clark, Anna Clark
Tanner, Kate Hinman Knowlton, Eva Clark and
others came inside and said this was all for me,
and they wished to escort me to the meeting
house. I was like one in a dream, and was
taken into the house, assisted by my daughters,
Lucy and Leone, to have my things put on,
where for a few moments I indulged in silent
weeping. My daughter Ella had come up from
Salt Lake City on the 4 o'clock train, to make
a short visit, as I supposed. Just before leaving
my room a greater surprise awaited me. Whom
should I see but my sisters Ellen and Catherine,
my son Orson, his wife and oldest daughter,
who had also come from the City to do me
honor. I rode to the meeting house with my
husband in Mrs. Lucy A. Clark's carriage which
was in waiting.

Upon arriving I was assisted by George
Palmer up the steps and through the aisles of the
meeting house, into the vestry, where tables
were set, and most of the people were seated.
I was placed beside Mrs. Helen M. Miller, one

LIFE SKETCHES. 259

of my counselors in the first Primary. After
supper was over we repaired to the main room
in the building, where a program, which had
been previously arranged, was carried out. Two
addresses were given in the course of the even-
ing, one by G- Palmer, and the other by D. T.
Miller. A song composed for the occasion by
Mrs. Lucy A. Clark, was read by Miss Eva
Clark, "and afterwards sung by herself and her
sister Mamie.

SONG.

GREETING TO S1STKR AURELIA S. ROGKRS, BY LUCY A. CLARK.

(Tune, "Home of Our Youth," Found in the Juvenile
Instructor, Sept., 1889, Vol. 24.)

A ship o'er life's ocean was sailing,

Which brought to us tidings of joy;
A message from heaven to greet us,

Glad tidings to each girl and boy.
It was brought by her whom we honor,

In whose presence we mingle today,
With hearts filled with love and devotion.

To cheer her on life's checkered; way.

260 LIFE SKETCHES.

CHORUS:

We honor thy dear name, thy works we revere,

Our memories gratefully twine
Round the children's bright anchor established by thee,

Which will now and eternally shine.

The Primary armies are marshalled in line,

"While they bless thee, Jehovah they praise,
The sweet songsters join in their anthems of joy

For the mercies of these latter days.
They are marching with step firm and fearless,

Bravely seeking the Lord in their youth,
The victory is theirs if they faithful remain

And continue to struggle for truth.

€HORUS:

The gold of the earth would be worthless,

Compared with the truths you have taught,
A statue we rear while you're living,

More sure than in marble well wrought.
If we heed the sweet counsel you've given,

And practice it ever with care,
We will meet with our biessed Redeemer,

And with love's tokens honor you there.

CHORUS:

LIFE SKETCHES. 261

An essay was read by Mrs. Anna C. TanneiV
which she had written for the occasion.

I had thought it unnecessary to give place to-
the essay here, as much of it would seem but a
repetition of Primary History. But upon re-
consideration, it seems to me a valuable testi-
mony, strengthening that which has appeared
before in behalf of the Primary cause. And
for this intent a portion of it is included in this
chapter.

ESSAY.

"In the year 1878, Sister Aurelia Rogersr
motherly sympathy for the little children of
Zion was so great that God inspired her with
the idea of organizing them into an association.
The first organization was effected in Farming-
ton, August llth, 1878. Many of us were
present on that occasion, and have participated
in the blessings and privileges derived there-
from. As children, we were very proud to have
our own little meetings, for even then did wf
know that the interesting moral stories and en-
couraging words of Sister Kogers and her co-

262 LIFE SKETCHES.

laborers made it easier for us to be obedient, to
resist temptation, control our tempers, and keep
the Sabbath day holy.

"The joy that we realized in becoming ac-
quainted with the Spirit of God, the simple but
honest resolutions that entered our minds, can-
not be too highly appreciated. I think that I
speak for all faithful members of the Primary,
when I say that much of our happiness and
prosperity, and ambition to become good and
useful, is due to the valuable instructions and
encouragement received in the Primary Asso-
ciation.

"Who of us have forgotten the impressive
lessons taught us on the Word of Wisdom? The
result of which is that whole families, grown,
half-grown, and little sons and daughters can
be found now, in which none use tea or coffee.
Some have never tasted it, nor any kind of
liquor; even in medicine it is refused. How
many of us received our first lesson in singing
in the Primary Association, and with what pride
did the little boys, dressed in uniform, show
their skill in playing the flute, etc.? No one

LIFE SKETCHES. 263

will forget the first carpet made by the patient
fingers of the little Primary girls. And the
lessons of industry that were taught us in the
bean patch will long be remembered with pride
and pleasure. The concerts and fairs were our
delight.

"What a broad field of usefulness was pre-
sented to us, but still so gradually was it opened
to our view that every new feature brought with
it renewed ambition."

Speeches were made by Brother Jacob Miller
and by Stake Counselor, Hyrum Grant. After
which a picture of flowers in a large frame was
presented to me from the committee, with ap-
propriate remarks.

I shall never forget the feeling of awe and
humility that came over me while being assisted
into the stand to express my thanks. The com-
mittee, who occupied the stand, were sitting as
I entered, but upon a given signal, they arose
to their feet and remained standing while I
spoke a few words. My presence of mind near-

264 LIFE SKETCHES.

ly deserted me at this last move, it was so un-
expected.

The honor given me was equal to that given
to a queen upon a throne, and the question arose
from my heart, have I deserved all this?

After the exercises were over, I was escorted
to the carriage by D. T. Miller, when, after a
few minutes' ride I was at my home again. My
mind was so full of what had transpired during
the evening, that I could not close my eyes in
sleep until nearly morning.

On the 27th I wrote the following, and for-
warded it to the head committee:

"To the Committee, and all those who took part
in effecting the surprise given me on the 21th of
this month.

"I have not words to express my feelings in
regard to the movement. It was indeed a com-
plete surprise, for the thought had not entered
my mind nor my heart, that such a thing could
ever come to pass. It gives me joy unspeaka-
ble to think that those who were once under my
charge as members in the first Primary Asso-

LIFE SKETCHES. 265

elation, and who have since grown to manhood
and womanhood, should remember me with so
much love and respect. Eventful day! A day
that will be spoken of in years to come. Not
that I desire to have homage paid me, nor to be
the center of all eyes, for I naturally shrink
from anything of the kind. But to know that
I have the love and good will of the people,
both old and young, is indeed a precious boon,
more to be prized than all the world besides.
One thing I felt to regret was the labor and ex-
pense which naturally comes in getting up any-
thing so grand, for it was indeed grand.

"The supper table in a room beautifully dec-
orated, the numerous flower-pots and bouquets,
the music of the band, the lovely present, a
picture of flowers encased in a beautiful frame;
a well-arranged program which was heaven -
inspired. Yes, was it not inspiration that caused
one or two persons (George Palmer and Daniel
T. Miller) to think of such a move, and others
join heart and hand with a united effort, in or-
der that one poor, weak human being, who had

266 LIFE SKETCHES.

been afflicted in body and mind for some time
past, might be made happy.

"Please accept my heartfelt thanks, and may
the blessings of heaven attend you every one;
and my prayers will continually ascend to the
Throne of Grace in your behalf.

"Yours Affectionately,

"AUBELIA S. KOGERS."

This surprise happened to take place on the
fortieth birthday of my oldest child, Orson.

CHAPTER XL

MEMBERS OF THE FIRST PRIMARY ASSOdA-
TION.-REFLECTION.

THE suggestion comes to my mind very forci-
bly to have the names of the members in the
first Primary copied into this book just as we
received them in our visit around the Ward.
Their names are set down according to the dis-
tricts they lived in; their ages I will omit. Some
persons may think it unnecessary to copy so

LIFE SKETCHES. 267

many names but I do not look at it so. Are
they not my children in one sense of the word?
Does not every President who is engaged in
Primary work have her heart drawn out with
love towards those under her care? Then are
we not all to be judged from the books? We
understand that we are; and are also instructed
to take great care in preserving our records.

DISTRICT NO. I.

Hyrum Christensen Nora E. Glover

Hyrum Rice Mena Lund

David Rice Sarah Floyd

John Rice Adelaide White

James Glover Joanna Kent

David Glover Martha Rice

Jefferson Kent Mary Rice

Hyrum S. Kent Ethelynn Rice

John S. White Harriet Rice

Schuyler White Emma Rice
Mena Christensen

DISTRICT NO. 2,

William Hardy Alice Smith

John E. Pierce Maggie Smith

Alonzo Pierce Susan Steed

Edward Pierce Vilate Steed

268 LIFE SKETCHES.

David Hughes Louna Rice

Solomon Hughes Nettie Sides

David Goodyear Flossie Sides

Truman Goodyear Josephine Oviott

Franklin Steed Nannie Oviott

D. Albert Oviott May Turner

George Stayner Hattie Hardy

Chancey Haight Julia Haight

Gertrude Stayner Alice L. Haight

Kate Stayner Alice Steed

DISTRICT NO. 3.

William Cotterell Mark E. Walker

Joseph Cotterell Charles Walker

James H. Robinson Frank Hinman
Charles Lewis Robinson Ann Maria Lamb

Heber Butters Lucy J. Lamb

Frank Lamb Eada Smith

Laban Smith Catherine Smith

Loren Walker Esther Smith

Joseph Walker Lucy A. Robinson

Don Carlos Walker Mamie Robinson
Kate Cotterell

DISTRICT NO. 4.

Ezra J. Smith Eugene Clark

Joseph D. Burnett Ezra Robinson

Samuel H. Burnett Anna Clark

LIFE SKETCHES.

John W. Steed Sarah Clark

William Steed Alice Clark

Joseph Steed Eva Clark

Levi Tippetts Mamie Clark

John J. Tippetts Rosabel Robinson

Amasa Clark Celia Smith

John Clark Martha Jones

DISTRICT NO. 5.

William Mil lard Lucy I. Rogers

Hyrum P. Workman Leone Rogers

John S. Workman Mary Haight

Hector Haight Anna Haight

Edward A. Stevenson Margaret Jones

Wilford Stevenson Sarah J. Robinson

Ernest Walker Anna Robinson
Fanny Workman

DISTRICT NO. 6.

Thomas H. Gleason William J. Coombs

Stanley Dallin James C. Coombs

Joseph Robinson Eliza Gleason

Oliver Wilcox Margaret R. Wilcox

David E. Wilcox Alice C. Glover

William H. Glover Rosa Walker

Seymour Miller Lucy M. Walker

Lyman Miller Eva Miller

Elmer Rose Agnes Coombs

Frederick Coombs Clarabel Rose

270 LIFE SKETCHES

DISTRICT NO. 7.

George Palmer Dueane Haight

Ambrose Palmer Isaac Haight

Ezra Palmer Minnie Palmer

Nephi Palmer Emma Palmer

William F. Grover Alcetta Burk

Enoch Grover Emma Grover

Edward Bigler Zernah Grover

James Bigler Polly Grover

Daniel T. Miller Athalia Miller

Edwin Smith Alice Smith

DISTRICT NO. 8.

Joseph H. Cotterell Rosabel Van fleet

James W. Cotterell Sylvia Vanfleet

Wiltord Richards Zina Vanfleet

Willard Vanfleet Hannah Wilson

Willard Peart Annetta Smith

Lewis E. Abbott . Laura L. Smith

Frederick W. Richards Beatrice Vanfleet

Lanson Vanfleet Martha Cotterell

Dewey Vanfleet Rebecca Cotterell

Rhumina Chaflfin

. DISTRICT NO. 9.

David C. Hess Clara A. Leonard

John W. Hess, Jr. Hattie A. Leonard

LIFE SKETCHES. 271

Wiltord Hess Mary E. Hess

Frank Hess Sarah J. Hess

John Preece Alice M. Hess

Scott Preece Adeline Hess

Leonidas Kennard Susie Vanfleet

May Kennard

DISTRICT NO. 10.

William Clawson Emmeline Hess

John Clawson Lucy White

Howard Hinman Katie White

Lewis M Hinman Kate Hinman

Henry Hollist May Hinman

John T. Hollist Jesse Mayfield
Sarah J. Tubbs

DISTRICT NO. II.

William Barrett Armond Moon

Peter Duncan Philip Moon

George M. Leonard Rose A. Williams

Truman J. Leonard Martha M. Barrett

Andrew Udy Mary Duncan

Charles A. Udy Jane Duncan

Henry Moon Anna Duncan

Edmund Moon Amy Leonard

Osron Moon Rowena Moon

DISTRICT NO. 12.
Jacob Workman Thomas Workman

272 LIFE SKETCHES.

David K. Manning Lucy A. Jeffs

William H. Manning Elizabeth Jeffs

Moroni Secrist Josephine Workman

Edwin Secrist Alice J. Workman

George Secrist Elizabeth Manning

Ursel S. Rose Alvita Welling

Armond Rose Eliza Jane Clark

Franklin D. Welling Eliza S. Clark

Joseph Welling Maria A Clark

John A. Bourne Anna Clark

George A. Bourne Esther Clark

One hundred and twelve boys and one hundred and
twelve girls. Total two hundred and twenty-four.

There may possibly have' been some* names
omitted or some misspelled; if so, it has not
been intentional. As far as 1 can learn, only
six deaths had occurred among this large
number of children, up to 1892. Yet very many
of them have moved away from Farmington.

In connection with Primary work, there are
certain things upon which I will offer a few of
my views. They are matters which I feel we
cannot be too diligent in teaching to the young
or in reflecting upon and holding to ourselves.

LIFE SKETCHES 273

My mind is drawn out, and I am perhaps
over anxious, (if such a thing could be,) for the
welfare of my children, and for all human
beings, desiring that they may live pure lives
and prepare themselves while here, for a better
life beyond. This is a preparatory state that
we are in, as I understand it, and our happiness
in the next world depends very much upon how
we conduct ourselves in this. These things are
clearly explained in the Book of Alma, chapter
forty-two, (Book of Mormon.)

In the first place we are not perfect beings ;
if we had no faults ourselves, we would perhaps
have- no charity for those who do have them.
I think the Lord permits us sometimes to do
things (fontrary to our better judgment that we
may have charity for others. We are passing
through an experience and have the good and
the evil placed before us so that we can choose
for ourselves which to accept. There are not
many persons probably, who think they are
choosing the evil; how are they to know? We
are told that there are two spirits that influence
our lives, the good and the bad. The good

274 LIFE SKETCHES.

spirit is from God, and brings peace and happi-
ness; makes us feel to love others as ourselves
and try to make them happy; while the bad
spirit tends to make people miserable. The
good spirit carries with it a feeling of forgive-
ness, so that if others injure us in any way, we
will hold no hard feelings but do them a good
turn when we can; thus showing the nobility of
the soul which does not stoop to do mean acts,
and return evil for evil. This good spirit assists
us when we are passing through trials or having
deep sorrow, which trials and sorrows are
necessary in order to prove whether we will
trust in God to the end. If this spirit is present
when death is in the house it brings a feeling of
peace so that you do not realize that death is
there. There are times when all is dark and
gloomy, and apparently nothing to look forward
to. Perhaps the husband or wife has been taken
away by death; or their darling children have
been snatched from them, in some cases three
or four in one week, until their heart strings
are wrung almost beyond endurance, and they
cannot see the hand of God in it, any more than

LIFE SKETCHES. 275

Job's friends could understand why he was so
afflicted. For the Lord permitted Satan to
tempt Job, as we read in the Book of Job,
(Bible.)

There are persons who have been afflicted
financially, their means have been swept away
from them through some cause, or other trouble
is weighing them down. At such times the evil
spirit may have such an influence that many
are tempted to take their own lives, and suicide
may be committed. In all trying cases there is
need to go to the Lord in mighty prayer, and if
your prayers are not answered speedily, con-
tinue your supplications; ask Him to help you
out of trouble; then have faith enough to believe
that He will, in His own time and way. And
if the Lord condescends to let His Holy Spirit
(which is the Comforter) rest upon you, your
heart will indeed be cheered. But if He seems
to withhold His blessings and your prayers are
not answered in the way you desire, can you feel
to acknowledge His hand even in this, and say
Thy will be done and not mine? This is what
I call trusting in God.

276 LIFE SKETCHES.

Many times I have been comforted in hearing
the hymn, "How firm a foundation, ye Saints
of the Lord," especially the 4th and 5th verses
which I will copy.

"When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o'erflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

" When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.''

CHAPTER XIL

A DREAM-FURTHER TESTIMONIES
OF APPRECIATION.

NEARLY four years ago this book was, as I
thought, ready for publication. But owing to
financial depression all through the country, I
was advised to wait until times were more fav-
orable; it was therefore laid aside.

About that time I had a singular dream, and
although I do not in a general way pay much

LIFE SKETCHES. 277

attention to dreams, this one impressed me
deeply.

I thought that my sister Ellen and myself
were on the side of a steep mountain trying to
ascend; but on account of its steepness, we
had to cling to the shrubbery for support.
When my dream opened I found myself in this
condition, with sister Ellen a little south of me.
I noticed that she grasped at the bushes on the
side hill, and struggled with all her might to
make some headway; yet our progress was
slow indeed. I turned my head and looked
back into the valley below; saw the houses
and fields, which looked peaceful in the distance
and I felt a longing to be there; when some-
thing seemed to whisper to me that I must stop
looking back, or I would never be able to reach
the top of the mountain. Not to look back was
hard at first, but I made the effort and succeeded
in overcoming the temptation. Glancing over
to my sister I found that she had stopped; the
last I saw of her she was straining every nerve
to advance, but to no purpose. After she stop-
ped, I went on fast and soon gained the top.

278 LIFE SKETCHES.

Looking around me I saw mountains and peaks
without end, but none of them were higher than
the one that I had climbed. I was viewing
these mountains with wonder, when I awoke.

What is the interpretation of the dream?
was the question I asked myself over and over
again.

At that time I was in considerable worry of
mind over things that had passed; did my
dream mean that I should not reflect on these
things, but look forward to the future? Why
did sister Ellen stop, and I go forward? I
thought that one of us would die; but which
one? My health was poor, while sister Ellen
was fairly well. She would perhaps stay and
I would go to the other side. A few years told
the story. Sister Ellen was soon taken ill, she
lingered and suffered for nearly three years,
and then died.

What does reaching the top of the mountain
mean? Can it be the publication of my book,
and Primary work? This interpretation only
came to my mind lately. My sisters, Ellen and
Catharine and myself had often talked over the

LIFE SKETCHES. 279

publishing of the book, trying to solve the prob-
lem of how it could be done. I thought pos-
sibly it might not be accomplished in my life-
time. Ellen said she believed it would ; and her
faith strengthened my own, which was some-
what wavering.

Again, Ellen and I were both engaged in Pri-
mary work, struggling to make progress, but
the advance was slow. The mountains and
peaks seen in my dream might be compared to
the Primary work without end.

When my book was nearly completed, I be-
gan to reflect as to whom I could find to assist
me in getting the manuscript ready for the
printers. Different persons came to my mind,
and finally the name of Sister Lula Greene
Eichards presented itself, and was accepted.
In starting out on my errand, going from my
son Orson's house on 3rd Street, to the home of
Sister Ktchards, which is only a few blocks far-
ther east, there was a steep hill to climb. In
ascending this hill my dream came to my mind
which confirmed my opinion that I was in the

280 LIFE SKETCHES.

right direction, and that Sister Richards was
the one to help me.

Since Sister Ellen's death the way seems to
be opening, and I feel that she is assisting me
on the other side.

When President Louie B. Felt first heard
that I had written a .book, the subject was
brought before the General Board of the Pri -
mary, and all the sisters present were anxious
to see it in print. Steps were taken as soon as
practicable to bring this about. Sister Felt
and her Counselors, Sisters, Lillie T. Freeze
and Josephine E. West and their Secretary,
Sister May Anderson were prompt, energetic,
and indefatigable in their united efforts to have
the work accomplished. Letters were sent
(without my knowledge) to every Primary As-
sociation, explaining the matter and asking
their assistance. Suggesting that the llth of
August, the day on which the first Primary
Presidents were set apart, be kept as the birth-
day of the Primary; and that on the coming
August, the Presidents were to get up some
kind of an entertainment. A program suitable

LIFE SKETCHES. 281

for the occasion was prepared by the General
Board and forwarded to each Association with
the request that they donate the means received
on that day after expenses were paid, as a pre-
sent to Sister Kogers, for the publishing of her
book. There was a hearty response in favor of
the request as shown by the many letters for-
warded to Sister Felt. And here, once more, I
desire to express my gratitude — to tell that my
heart goes out in thankfulness to my Heavenly
Father and to the dear sisters and children
who have been instruments in His hands of
bringing this book before the world. What-
ever good may come of it, my desire is that it
shall be for the furtherance of Primary inter-
ests, and to the honor and glory of God. That
the means so generously subscribed by the Pri-
maries may be "like bread cast upon the waters,"
which shall return unto them increased and en-
riched.

About three weeks after Sister Ellen's death,
my husband died suddenly of a paralytic stroke.

For a short time afterwards, I was prostrated

with weakness and an overtaxed mind. But
18

282 LIFE SKETCHES.

what surprised me greatly was that I soon ral-
lied, and was comforted in a great degree. I
knew Primary children were praying for me, but
not until a few weeks later did I receive par-
ticular testimony. Sister L. L. G. Richards had
taken a trip to the southern part of Utah, to
visit the Associations. She heard of my hus-
band's death and told them about it, and while in
Richfield, a special prayer was offered up in my
behalf in Primary Conference. This was no
doubt the case in other places, and I received the
benefit; and I thank the children everywhere
who remembered me in that way.

Little children, how I love them,

Pure, bright spirits from above;
What would heaven be without them?

Or this world, without their love?

Yet these little angel spirits,

Sometimes have been heard to say

Naughty words, use impure language,
While in anger at their play.

Little thinking of the Tempter,

Ever, ever, standing near,
Waiting, watching to mislead them,

From the ways of truth, I fear.

LIFE SKETCHES.

Then dear children be ye always

Pure and holy day by day;
Ask the Lord to guard and keep you,

In the straight and narrow way.

Never grieve your Heavenly Watchers,
By a coarse or impure word;

Nor forget to pray for loved ones,
For the children's prayers are heard.

CHAPTER XIII.

LOVED ONES GONE BEFORE.

THE following extracts are from the Woman's
Exponent, written by the Editor, Sister Emme-
line B. Wells.

ELLEN CURTIS SPENCER CLAWSON.
* * * * * * *

"The sister whose demise we now record was
a dear friend of bye-gone days, and her death
calls up many reminiscences and experiences of
the past. A true and sincere friend at all times
and in all places was Sister Ellen 0. Clawson ;
her life has been a noble example from her

284 LIFE SKETCHES.

childhood until her spirit took its flight from
earth to a brighter realm. Her last moments,
just previous to her departure, were singularly
calm and peaceful. One of her daughters re-
marked to the writer that she was quite sure
her mother had an escort to accompany her to
the spirit world.

"Sister Clawson's death occurred August 25th,
1896. Her husband and all her children were
gathered around her bedside, where she lay
perfectly conscious and, as ever during her life,
thoughtful of every one but herself. Her facul-
ties of mind were bright and active until the
last when her beautiful gentle spirit departed
from this world to join the innumerable hosts of
Saints who have gone before.

"Sister Clawson was of New England parent-
age. Her grandfather, Daniel Spencer, served

in the Revolutionary war.

*******

"As a child and a young girl Miss Spencer
endeared herself to a host of young people to
whom she has always been strongly attached'
though many of them have passed on before

LIFE SKETCHES. 285

her. She was baptized at nine years of age in
the Mississippi River at Nauvoo.

"In March 1850 Miss Spencer was united in
tnarriage to Hiram B- Clawson, a very popular
young man in Salt Lake at that time, and since
then well known here and elsewhere in mercan-
tile and other business affairs. He has been for
several years past bishop of the Twelfth ward
of this city. Mrs. Clawson has been the mother
of fourteen children, nine of whom are still
living, and she has numerous grandchildren.
She was almost idolized by her own family,
which cannot be wondered at when one con-
siders hovv particularly unselfish her whole life
has been. Although extremely diffident in all
public affairs, yet because of her intense devo-
tion to her religion, she accepted positions that
brought her into prominence in women's
organizations. In April, 1879, she was elected
to preside over the Primary Association in the
Twelfth ward, and June 19th, 1880, she was
called and set aparb at a Conference held in the
Assembly Hall in this city, to preside over the
Primary Association in the Salt Lake Stake.

286 LIFE SKETCHES

This office she has filled with honor and to the
entire satisfaction of all interested parties ever
since. She had a particular gift in this direc-
tion, and with her Counselors has traveled in
this Stake, organizing and encouraging the
labors of the sisters and the advancement of the
children as much as possible for sixteen years.
She is greatly beloved by the children all
through this Stake of Zion, and wherever she
is known.

"Her loss will be deeply felt in the community
where she has labored so faithfully, as well as
by her own particular friends and family. The
writer herself feels deeply the loss of her society
and friendship, but fully realizes that her lovely
character, her pure life and her integrity to the
Gospel, have entitled her to the exaltation for
which she lived and sacrificed, and that her joy
now is beyond expression. Jesus said 'It hath
not entered into the heart of man to conceive
the glory our Father hath in store for them that
love him.' "

LIFE SKETCHES. 287

"Thou art not with the dead

Whose earth in the earth we lay,
While the bearers softly tread,

And the mourners kneel and pray ;
From thy semblance dumb and stark,

The soul has taken its flight-
Out of the finite dark,

Into the infinite light/1

THOUGHTS, ON THE DEATH OF MRS. ELLEN C.
CLAWSON, BY LYDIA D. ALDER.

AUGUST 25th, 1896.

"At a gathering of the sisters in the home of
the writer on July 2 ad, 1896, while speaking,
Sister Clawson said, 'I sing in my heart all the
time, and sometimes I could shout for very joy,
I feel so happy; but I never was a singer.'

"On resuming her seat, Sister Zina D. H.
Young, the president of the Belief Society who
presided at the meeting, uttered the following
prophetic words, 'Sister Clawson, you shall
sing until your heart is satisfied; you shall be
one of the sweetest singers when you go beyond
the Veil."

288 LIFE SKETCHES.

"Sing, dear one sing, and shout for very joy!

In the world above the stars, where strife cannot annoy.

Thy heart so full of heavenly joy, shall now be satisfied;

And in His presence thou wilt bask, who for us bled and died,

And tho' we drop the tear of love, and sigh that thou art gone;

Yet joy is bubbling uppermost, that thou a crown hast won.

Faithful unto death! Thy Covenant vows unbroke;

And singinp; in thy heart the song the Gospel sound awoke;

0, who would shrink the burden, when the crown is sure to come?

'Who bears the cross, will wear the crown,' the prophets all

have sung:

Brave hearts, true hearts, who walk the way in tears,
And only trace the journey by the slowly changing years,
Be comforted! though strife and sorrow too, be rife;
Hear thro' the gloom and darkness, 'I am the Resurrection and

the Life.'

Dear one adieu! adieu! But 0! 'twill not be long,
Till we who mourn thee now, must learn the changing song;
For fairer in the East dawns the Resurrection morn —
The grave will yield its sleepers up, and of its power be shorn.
Thou in thy snowy robes, gems sparkling on thy brow, —
The past beneath thy feet, and only pleasure now, —
Wilt in thy shining mansion, that ever will be home,
Throw open wide the portals, and bid thy loved ones 'Come.' "

LIFE SKETCHES.
MOTHER.

289

Words and Mvsic by Georgie Clawson Foote.

Arranged by Spencer Cfawson_ Jr.
Andante. /IN

PIANO.

How sad the scene that's now be - fore us, Our
And on the morrow when she wak - ens, Her

_± | r_

_ —

*~

r:uziz:(:=^^:»i=^=^i=z=pz=z^:tii^_%iq

moth-er dear, to lay a - way; But

soul and bod-y will u - nite, And

290

LIFE SKETCHES:

oh how sweet will be the meet - ing, When
then 'twill seem but just an eve - ning, Since

— ~ — —

Je sus calls the res-ur - rec- tion day! Ah,
her sweet spirit took its heav'nward flight. Such

I m_: J —2— hi-** 5*^57 5 — ^~&~ -:

40-

i

well we know that Je-sus lives, As

scenes as this are ev'-ry day, God's

LIFE SKETCHES.

291

doth the lovely fragrant flow'rs; And
hand we mortals cannot stay; And

-fr— £-*-•-• — j""~'r" -_q"^— r: :

^i ^m s* _ • • _J__L. _i

Cis_u -_,;_3- « 2^ "1 ^ " ^ * i_*i €J"

3?t^Eb»i| ^g^EgSfcpFS'-SgSi

!£=&=il

when He comes again to earth,
no one knows the day or hour,

Our
When

^fET5:

mother will a-gain be ours.
He'll come forth in all His pow'r.

fe^^^E-;3£=^=i^^^

k- 5

f

-W ta- ^ _| ^ __ -

292 LIFE SKETCHES.

CHORUS.

Je-sus, dear Brother, Oh take, oh take our

^i^ •*-

moth - er To Thy glorious home, And

^S~^^^t=±=^^^ igZzrzilEE^

'• * « 0 'I «i 0 0— f «3 -1 J

^ .s

^2«. /TN /TN

seat her near un - to Thy throne I

LIFE SKETCHES. 293

DEATH OF ELDER THOMAS ROGERS.

FROM THE DAVIS COUNTY CLIPPER.

*****

"THOMAS Kogers, whose death occurred on the
16th of September, 1896, was not only one of
the early settlers of Farmington, but one of the
old timers, and was intimately acquainted with
the Prophet Joseph Smith, having had the pri-
vilege of eating and sleeping with him, *
Deceased was born in October 1827, at Falkirk,
Scotland, and while very young moved with his
parents to Canada, and subsequently to Kirt-
land and Nauvoo. He shared with the Saints
in all their moves, arriving in Salt Lake City in
the fall of 1848. * * * Of the seven chil-
dren now living, all except his son Andrew L.,
who was called to settle in Arizona many years
ago, were present at his funeral. * * * The pall-
bearers were his half brother, William Lam-
oreaux, Spencer Clawson, B. S. Young and his
three SODS, Orson, George and Curtis." * * *

291 LIFE SKETCHES.

FROM THE DESERET NEWS-

"The funeral services over the remains of Eld-
er Thomas Rogers were held at the family resi-
dence, in Farmington, Friday morning. A large
concourse of friends and relatives were in attend-
ance. The deceased was one of the early set-
tlers of this country and many of the pioneers
were there to -pay their last respects to their old
friend and comrade.

"The services were presided over by Bishop
Secrist. The Farmington Ward choir rendered
the hymn, 'The Resurrection Day,' which was
followed by an invocation by Elder C. W. Stay-
ner. Mrs Dora Robinson sang Eliza R. Snow's
beautiful hymn, 'O my Father.' Bishop Se-
crist was the first speaker. He paid a tribute to
the integrity of Brother Rogers whom he had
known for many years, and whom he had al-
ways found ready to perform whatsoever was
asked of him. Elder John W. Hess addressed
remarks of consolation to the bereaved family and
paid further tributes to the departed one, whose
life here on earth had been one of "peace and

LIFE SKETCHES. 295

good will to all men. ' ' Elder Brigham Young of
the Council of the Apostles then addressed the
mourners and friends; he had been associated
with Brother Rogers in the earlier history of
the Church as a missionary to Europe and also
as an Indian fighter, Brother Rogers having
been one of the trusty minute men of Utah's
early days. In the course of his remarks Elder
Young set forth the hope of the Latter-day
Saints as regards their dead, and referred to
death as being rather the 'inception and not the
destruction of life.' In closing he said, 'Brother
Thomas Rogers has gone to meet his God; to
rest with the righteous and the faithful who
have gone before. The lesson we learn in this
is, 'Be ye also ready.' He closed his tribute to
the memory of the dead by invoking God's
choicest blessings upon the living.

"A quartette composed of Mrs Dora Robinson,
soprano, Miss Mamie Clark, contralto, Nephi
O. Palmer, Tenor, and Jos. E. Robinson, basso,
very artistically rendered 'I Need Thee Every
Hour. '

"The benediction was pronounced by Elder

296 LIFE SKETCHES.

Jacob Miller. The remains were taken to Salt
Lake City this afternoon for interment, where
the mother of Elder Kogers is buried." —

On the 20th of January following my hus-
band's death, little Eoger E. Avery, ten months
old, my daughter Lucy's only child, died after
an illness of five weeks. Lucy had been to.
Farmington to see her father in his last sick-
ness. When she came to the bedside, he notic-
ed the baby in her arms and put up his hand as
if to play with it. It seemed singular, we
thought, for previously he had paid very little
attention to any of us. The precious little one
following so soon after its grandfather, caused
us to think that there must have been a bond
between them which death was not long to
separate.

LINES BY L. L. GREENE RICHARDS.

AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED TO SISTER AURELIA S. ROGERS
ON THE DEATH OF HER HUSBAND, ELDER THOMAS ROGERS.

'"True until death!' Can mere be said?

Unto all those who weepeth,
May we not say of the blessed dead,

'He is not dead, but sleepeth?'

LIFE SKETCHES. 297

Sleepeth to waken, glad and young,

When the song of the blest redeemed is sung.

Though the vail of death to mortal view

Seemeth forever clouded,
The spirit home of the just and true

Cannot be darkly shrouded.
We should see, could the vail but be withdrawn,

A realm of light where our friend hath gone.

Husband and lather, gone before,

Thou leavest thy loved ones to mourn for thee:
Whilst thou preparesta place once more,

That where thou art they may also be;
Than earth home brighter and better far,

In the house where the many mansions are.

But God regard eth the widow's tear,
Our F^,her heareth the orphan's moan;

Oh! wife beloved, and children dear,
Look up in faith; ye are not alone!

May the Comforter guide ye safely o'er,
To the home of the loved ones gone before.

298 LIFE SKETCHES.

CHAPTER XIV.

PRIMARIES IN BOX ELDER AND CACHE STAKES.

DURING the few years that my manuscript was
laid away in a place of safety, my life work was
going on just the same. Many things occurred
to make me feel joyful and happy, while others
were of a sorrowful nature and are best not dwelt
much upon. Cheerfulness and pleasant thoughts
help to produce longevity, and* are traits that
should be cultivated. A favorite motto with me
is " Always look on the bright side of every-
thing," and if anything has been written in
these pages of an opposite nature, it was because
it seemed necessary.

In these years of waiting, I have had many
privileges; have attended Primary Conferences
in other stakes than our own; also visited the
City of Washington, the great Capitol of the
United States of America.

LIFE SKETCHES. 299

These trips I will touch briefly upon, as they
have filled niches in my life's history that can-
not well be passed over without notice. On the
12th of June, 1893, I visited a Primary Confer-
ence in Brigham City, Box Elder Co., which
was conducted under the able management of
President Alvira Keese and her assistants,
Nephena Madsen and Amelia Graehl; went to
the Opera House in the evening and listened to
an excellent program, rendered by the children
of the different wards. I stopped in Brigham
City a few days visiting relatives and friends,
among whom were the families of President
Eudger Clawson and Brother Nathan Cheney.
Also visited Willard City, after which I accom-'
panied Sister Lillie T. Freeze to Logan, Cache
County. Sister Freeze had come to Brigham
City to attend the Young Ladies' Conference
and was going to Cache in the interest of the
Primary. At the depot in Logan we were
met by Counselor Mattie Hansen, who took us
to her home where we enjoyed her hospitality.
The next day, on the 19th, attended the Stake
Primary Conference, where we met President

300 LIFE SKETCHES.

Jane Molen, and her other Counselor, Emma
Pike.

Went with Brother and Sister Molen, in the
evening to their home in Hiram. Brother
Simpson M. Molen is one of the Presidency
in the Cache Valley Stake. The brethren spared
no pains to make our visits through their val-
ley enjoyable, traveling with us from place to
place, and also attending our meetings.

While in Cache, I met many early acquaint-
ances. Elder Orson Smith, President of Cache
Stake, when quite young lived neighbor to us in
Farmington. Also Sister Anna Hansen, who
presides over the Wellsville Primary was born
*in Farmington, next door to us. Brother Will-
iam Hendricks and his wife Alvira of Rich-
mond, were our Nauvoo neighbors.

At the home of Sister Hansen in Wellsville,
where Sister Freeze and I stayed all night, I
was quite ill for a few hours, and retired early.
President Jane Molen was also there having
come so far, on her visit through the county.
In the evening I was startled with hearing the
sweetest singing and music imaginable, which

LIFE SKETCHES. 301

proceeded from another room of the house.
Brother Hansen and his wife, assisted by others
of his household, and the visitors, were the choir.
They sang several hymns, with organ accompa-
niment; but when the words "Nearer my God to
Thee," fell upon my ear, I felt that I was in a
realm like unto Heaven, and that I was indeed
near to my God.

CHAPTER XV.

VISITS TO ATLANTA, GEORGIA, AND WASH-
INGTON, D. C

IN endeavoring to touch briefly upon the inci-
dents connected with my visits to the above
named places, I find that two lengthy chapters
are the result. And yet it seems that little has
been said, for so much has been left out that is
of great interest to me.

In November, 1894, I was nominated and
elected delegate to a Woman's Suffrage Con-
vention, to be held in the City of Atlanta,

302 LIFE SKETCHES

Georgia. This honor was conferred at a con-
vention held ia Farmington, by the delegates of
the Woman's Suffrage Association of Davis
County. Not only did my friends sustain me
by their votes, but they generously provided
the necessary means to pay all the expenses of
the occasion.

Accordingly on the 2 (3th of January, 1895, I
left Salt Lake City, by train, for the East, in
company with Mrs, Emmeline B. Wells, of
Salt Lake City, President of the Woman's
Suffrage Association of Utah, and Mrs. Marilla
Daniels of Provo, delegate to the convention
from Utah County. Our trip across the plains
was a pleasant one, and quite different to the
one taken many years ago, when we came to the
Valley with ox teams. We passed through
cities, and saw many fine buildings; in other
places the country looked like a dense forest of
trees, among which were some little huts set
upon blocks for foundations; these huts were
mostly occupied by colored people. Memories
of the past were awakened as we crossed the
Mississippi Eiver on a bridge three -fourths of

LIFE SKETCHES 303

a mile long. This same riyer I had crossed
over on a ferry boat about fifty years ago, at the
time the Saints were driven from Nauvoo. As
we neared the Eastern States, the lay of the
country looked quite familiar, although I had
never been over the same ground before. The
hills, valleys and forests must have been similar
to those I had traversed when a child; for often
my little playmates and myself have taken our
baskets and gone berrying, as there were all
kinds of wild fruit growing in abundance; such
as blackberries, strawberries, whortleberries,
and wintergreen berries. Walnuts, hickory-
nuts, hazelnuts, etc., were also very plentiful.
Many a time in Middlefield I have gone into
the maple groves, after the trees had been
tapped, and with a dipper drank of the sap
before it was put into a kettle that hung over a
fire close by, to be boiled down into syrup, or
made into sugar.

After a journey of three days and a half, we
arrived in the City of Atlanta, where we were
met at the depot, by two ladies and a gentle-
man. (Previous to this our badges of yellow

304 LIFE SKETCHES.

ribbon had been put on.) One of the ladies
came up to me and asked if I were Susan B.
Anthony. She was informed to the contrary,
and I wondered if there could be a resemblance
between us, and whether I ought to feel com-
plimented. The same evening I met Miss
Anthony for the first time, in the Committee
room of the Aragon, the hotel to which our
escort had taken us upon our arrival. Miss
Anthony is tall and thin, wears glasses and is
not very handsome, so I thought I might look
like her; but when she smiled, and began talk-
ing to the ladies, the expression of her face was
lovely. And the next day at the Convention,
she walked with such grace, and presided with
such dignity, that I felt quite honored with the
possible resemblance.

The Committee meetings of the Woman's
Suffrage Association, held in the Aragon were
numerous. Mrs. Daniels was a member of the
Executive Committee and I of the Committee
on Eesolutions.

The Aragon hotel is a building six stories
high. Sister Daniels and myself took a room

LIFE SKETCHES. 305

on the fourth floor, Sister Wells taking one
adjoining ours, which she occupied alone. We
went to and from our room on the elevator.
There was one window but no outside view to
the room, and it was lit up with electric light.
The waiters, both men and women, were colored;
when we wanted hot water, we gave three rings
of the bell, two for ice water, and one if a boy
were wanted.

We attended two and three meetings in the
De Gives Opera House every day of the week
that we remained in Atlanta. Many of the
lady speakers were eloquent, and a spirit of
kindness and good will prevailed They were
advocating the cause of humanity, and wanted
the poor and suffering looked after. Among
the speakers were many distinguished women
of whom I had read and heard much, but had
never hoped to have the pleasure of seeing and
hearing personally.

Sunday forenoon I visited the Unitarian
Church. After the services the privilege was
given for any one to speak. A number of
gentlemen and ladies from other places re-

806 LIFE SKETCHES.

sponded. I also spoke and told them I was
from Utah. This immediately aroused curiosity,
and many questions were asked concerning our
people, which I answered to the best of my
ability. In the afternoon, heard the Rev.
Anna Shaw preach to an immense audience,
and was much interested. In the evening,
attended a reception in the parlors of the
Aragon, where there was a general time of in-
troducing and handshaking. Had the honor of
speaking to the Governor of Georgia.

On the 5th, visited Decator, a city seven
miles from Atlanta. Returning, passed by a
cemetery where hundreds of soldiers were
buried and a great battle fought at the time of
the Civil War. Saw a place where there had
been a skirmish, and a spy had been captured
and hung. I listened to the recital of these
things with peculiar feelings; to think I was
passing over ground where such terrible scenes
had been enacted.

The next day in the afternoon, took train for
Washington, D. C., where we arrived early on
the morning of the 7th; stopped at the depot

LIFE SKETCHES. 307

where President Garfield was shot. Saw the
very spot where he fell, which was marked by a
star on the floor.

Our business in Washington was to attend
the Second Triennial Congress of the National
Council of Women. On our way, in looking
for rooms for lodging, we passed through
Central Market which is one block long, and
full of everything imaginable to eat. Sister
Daniels and I engaged a room of Mrs. M. F.
Palmer, 710, llth Street; Sister Wells stopped
with some relations of hers, a Mr. and Mrs.
Hall. Our room was on the second floor, had
three windows, and was warmed by a register.
As the Congress would not open until the 18th
of February, we took advantage of the interven-
ing time to visit the most noted places in the
city. Every Sabbath we attended some Church.
The first one visited in Washington was the
Baptist Church Sunday School; the School was
graded the same as ours in Utah. There were
over six hundred in attendance. On our way
home, stopped at the Lutheran Church and

308 LIFE SKETCHES.

listened to the services; the singing in both
places was fine.

Since leaving home we had realized the hand
of Providence in our journeyings, and felt that
we were being watched over by an unseen
power. I myself had many evidences of this.
When going to our meeting one evening, my
hand bag which was on my arm, must have
slipped off and fallen to the pavement; for a
gentleman from behind walked up, and handing
me the bag, asked if it was mine? When I saw
it, my heart was in my mouth for a moment at
the thought of its probable loss, for the side-
walk was crowded with people. I thanked the
man for his kindness, and took good care not to
lose it again. Aside from what the bag con-
tained, it was a treasure in itself, and was
doubly precious, having been handed to me by
my dear niece, Lucy Grant, just before my
leaving Salt Lake City,

On Monday the llth of February we received
another evidence. Sister Daniels and I, had
put on our things with the intention of visiting
the Capitol, when the lady of the house came

LIFE SKETCHES. 309

in with a card from a gentleman below who
wished to see us. I went down stairs, and Mr.
Hall introduced himself; hearing of us from
Mrs. Wells, he had called to make our ac-
quaintance. Upon learning where we were go-
ing, he volunteered his services as pilot, which
were thankfully accepted. The street car took
us to the Congressional Library building, which
is unfinished inside. This building is next to
the Capitol and takes up one block of ground.
We went down into the lower rooms, and saw
the enormous pipes that heat the whole house;
also the furnaces with a clock arid thermometer
over each one, so the heat can be regulated.
The building is fire proof, everything is made
of brick, stone, iron and marble; the only bit of
wood we saw was the window sash; there were
thousands of little shelves in preparation for
books. From here we went to the Capitol,
Mr. Hall guiding us through the different rooms,
for he seemed to understand everything, and
pleasantly explained things to us. Upon enter-
ing the grand rotunda in the center of the
building, we sat down to rest, yet the gentleman,

310 LIFE SKETCHES.

who was over seventy years of age, did not ap-
pear weary with his walking. After resting,
Mr. Hall took us into the gallery that overlooks
the Senate Chamber, while the Senate was in
session; and we heard Mr. Blackburn, who had
the floor, discuss the railroad question. VVas
it not wonderful that we should have such a
privilege? If Mr. Hall had not been with us, we
never could have gained access to certain rooms,
especially a private library, where quite a num-
ber of persons were reading and none were per-
mitted to speak a loud word, or scarcely whisper.
In this room our attention was called to the
original Bible that Martin Luther translated
into German. A few day slater, we visited this
same building again, as we had a desire to enter
the House of Representatives, which was in the
south wing of the Capitol. When we called,
there was much confusion; quite different to the
Senate when we visited it. The man in the chair
kept rapping the gavel on the table for order,
but the men took little or no notice of it. I
afterward went within seventy feet of the top of
the dome, that being as far as we could go, I

LIFE SKETCHES. 311

was a little too late to make the ascent with a
company of ladies, and sister Daniels not feeling
able to go with me, I went alone rather than be
disappointed. In coming down the stairs I
missed the door I started from and kept on going
down till I reached the basement, when I was
piloted to the room above, feeling very weary,
having climbed three hundred and forty-eight
steps, making six hundred and ninety -six steps
going and coming.

A day or two after we called on Mr. and Mrs.
Hall, and had lunch with them. Afterwards
went to a large printing house, which is five
stories high. There are six hundred girls em-
ployed in this building, besides a large number
of men. I was informed that the machinery
that prints on both sides at once, cost $100,000.

312 LIFE SKETCHES.

CHAPTER XVL

THE WHITE HOUSE-THE WASHINGTON MON-
UMENT-COUNCIL MEETINGS-MOUNT
VERNON— HOME AGAIN.

AMONG the important buildings visited was
the White House. By starting early, Sister
Daniels and I had the privilege of going through
the main rooms of the house. The first one of
importance that we entered is the East room ; I
called it the golden room as the furniture and
painting are of that color. There are eight
large looking-glasses, and some lovely plants.
On the walls are portraits, most of them full
length, of General Washington, his wife Martha
and some of the other United States Presidents.
There are three windows at each end of the
room.

Our guide took us from here to the green room
parlor; the next is the blue room, in which
President Cleveland was married. The last one

LIFE SKETCHES. 313

is the red room, where the furniture, the carpets
and everything are of that hue. Portraits of
Presidents Cleveland, Garfield and others hang
on the walls.

Across the street from the White House is
the United States Treasury building. The
most of these buildings take up one block of
ground each. In this one a guide took us into
the vaults, and opened some massive iron doors
where we had a view through the grating, of
perhaps millions of dollars of gold and silver.
In the room above, there was a large number
of people, mostly ladies, counting paper money
at their desks; they ran it through their fingers
so swiftly that it seemed that they must make
mistakes; but we were told this seldom occurred.
Farther back we saw the large wheel that grinds
up the bills after they have been redeemed with
coin.

The Washington Monument, which we went
to see, is five hundred and fifty feet high, and is
built in the south west part of the city, near the
Potomac River. It is erected on an artificial
mound of earth, and shows off to good ad van -

20

314 LIFE SKETCHES.

tage. The only door or entrance faces east.
After going inside we take seats on a bench,
and wait for the elevator to return with the pas-
sengers who have just gone up, which takes
about fifteen or twenty minutes. Inside of the
monument, there is barely room for the elevator
and some narrow winding stairs, besides the
bench we sit upon. The elevator takes its
passengers within fifty feet of the top, when
they alight and go into a small room with win-
dows on the north, south, east and west; which
gives the tourist a view of the city and the
country, for miles around. In going up, and
coming down, the elevator moves very slowly,
therefore we have a chance to read the names of
the different states and territories in the Union
(Utah included) which are written on the stones
they have furnished to help to build the monu-
ment. These places of interest in Washington
are mostly free to visitors.

Thursday 14th, four more ladies arrived to at-
tend the National Council from Salt Lake City:
Mrs. Elmina S. Taylor, President of the Y. L.
M. I. A, Minnie J. Snow, Susa Y. Gates, and

LIFE SKETCHES. 315

Dr. Ellis K. Shipp. They had taken rooms in
the Lockwood House, and were anxious that we
should go there too, so we could be near them.
Consequently we moved the next Saturday,
happy to be with our friends from home. Mrs.
Belva A. Lockwood has visited Utah twice,
and has shown kindness to our people on diff-
erent occasions. While we were lodgers in her
house, we were invited to take dinner with her
one afternoon, the occasion being the birthday
of her aged mother.

On Sunday I visited a Sunday School of
colored children in Mount Carmel Church. I was
invited to speak and responded.

Monday, the meeting of the National Coun-
cil commenced in the Metzeratt Hall, which we
attended, wearing our blue badges; these en-
titled us to seats among the delegates. In the
evening went to a reception at the Ebbitt House,
Headquarters of the Council and one of the pop-
ular hotels in the City. Sister Wells had taken a
room there in connection with other prominent
ladies. The ladies from Utah, had part of two

316 LIFE SKETCHES.

evenings to deliver their speeches and read their
papers.

On the evening of the 20th, Mrs. Elmina S.
Taylor presided. Mrs. Minnie J. Snow, read
her paper, "The 'Ethical Side of Woman's Ed-
ucation." Mrs. Susa Young Gates, read her
paper, "What is Modern Education doing for
American Girls,1' and also a paper by Mrs. Lillie
T. Freeze, "The relative Importance of Pre-
ventive to Corrective Work in Moral Reform."

The next evening Mrs. Emmeline B. Wells
took the chair. I had the honor of offering the
opening prayer. The first reading was, "Her-
edity and Progressionism," by Dr. Ellis R.
Shipp; "The Sixth Sense," paper by Mrs. Sarah
M. Kimball was read by Mrs. Marilla Daniels.
"The Spirit of Reform Reduced to Practice,"
by Mrs. L. Lula Greene Richards, was a paper
which I should haATe read, but it was omitted
for want of time. Mrs. E. B. Wells had time
to read most of her article, "Forty Years in the
Valley of the Great Salt Lake."

Washington's birthday, February 22, was a
grand affair; companies of soldiers, with bands

UFE SKETCHES. 317

of music, marched through the city. We saw
them in the morning on our way to the Woman's
Council at the Metzeratt Hall. The Hall was
decorated with flags, and three banners, on
which were inscribed suitable mottoes, graced
the stage. The old original flag (so they said)
was placed beside one of modern date. Among
the exercises given, one in particular took my
attention, for it reminded me of home. It was
by a martial band composed of boys dressed in
uniform. Ked cap with black tassel, star in
front, red waist, blue jacket trimmed with red
braid and brass buttons; red knee pants with
white leggings, blue sash with red tassel on the
end. The captain wore a cap in imitation of
solid gold. They went upon the stage and
played some enlivening tunes, our country's
favorite airs. After which they came down and
stood in front, while sixteen girls with flags,
also dressed in uniform, took the stage, march-
ing to the music, and going through a drill,
"The Balch Salute," keeping the most perfect
time. The girl's uniform was a red and white
skirt in imitation of the flag; white blouse

318 LIFE SKETCHES

under waist, with blue over jacket trimmed with
gold braid, black stockings and shoes, caps of
red and white ribbon, or cloth. After the drill,
the boys went upon the platform again, and a
lovely picture was formed, typical of the union
of the sexes. Previously small flags had been
distributed among the congregation, to be
waved at given signals of the salute. I paid
for my flag, and brought it home with me.

March 5th we took the car for Mfc. Vernon,
which is some miles down the Potomac River.
This was one of the privileges of my life, to
visit the spot where George Washington retired,
after the Revolutionary War was over. We
saw his large plantation. The old house stands
on a rise of ground near the river, just where it
was built over a century ago. It is three stories
high including the attic, and well preserved, in
my opinion; the stairs are very narrow and
steep. We went into the room where Washing-
ton died, saw the old fashioned bedstead and
chairs, with a cushion that Martha Washington
made. Going out of the south door, which faces
the river, saw a steam -boat come in, landing a

LIFE SKETCHES. 319

few yards below the house, and near the tomb
of Washington. I could not help admiring
General Washington's choice in selecting a loca-
tion for his home.

After the council meetings were over, Sister
Wells having some visiting and business to
attend to, Sister Daniels and myself accepted
an invitation of Mrs. Ellen Powell Thompson,
who was an acquaintance of Sister Wells and
Sister Daniels, to stay at her house while we re-
mained in Washington. We found in her a
very dear friend. Her husband also extended
a hearty welcome. She spared no pains to have
us see as much of the city as possible.

Some of the places we visited of which much
might be told, were The Smithsonian Institute,
and Museum, The Corcoran Art Gallery,
Soldier's Home, Arlington Heights, and the
Zoological Gardens, or Park. In this Park,
we saw all kinds of animals of land and water,
beasts, birds, and reptiles of every description.
One thing that interested us very much was the
intelligence displayed by two monkeys in their
cage. The mother of the younger monkey had

320 LIFE SKETCHES.

died, and the father took the responsibility of
watching over his child. When we first went
up to the cage, the baby monkey was afraid of
us, and ran toward its father, who put his arms
around it, and hugged it up to him, as much as
to say, "You are safe here."

Sunday, the llth of March, 1895, we took train
for home. On the evening of the 12th arrived at
Chicago, where I met with some of my mother's
relatives whom 1 had informed by letter of the
time I should be there on my way home. My
cousin Edward C. Lovell, his daughter Gertrude,
and Miss Smith, another cousin, had come from
Elgin, Illinois, to see me, and we had a pleasant
visit for a few hours. Here we met Sister
Wells, who had taken another route to see some
of her friends. The depot where we waited was
a fine building, with every convenience for
travelers; my cousin ordered dinner for us all.

Mr. Lovell is a lawyer, and prominent in
other branches of business; he had visited Utah
a few years before, when I met him for the
first time.

Before leaving the depot, we went up a few

LIFE SKETCHES. 321

steps at the east end, where we had a good view
of Lake Michigan, whose waters came within a
few yards of the building we were in. This
might have been the place where the steamboat
landed, when my father was moving his family
from Massachusetts to Nauvoo. Be that as it
may, I remember as a child, when we neared
the shore, seeing some Indians sitting on the
bank eating crackers and cheese; and noticed
what a sensation it created among the passen-
gers. In fact these were the first Indians that
I had ever seen. Chicago at that time was not
thickly settled, but looked like a vast prairie
with a few houses scattered here and there.

After leaving Chicago, nothing requiring
particular notice occurred; and in a few days
we arrived at our homes in safety.

I felt loth to part with my traveling com-
panions, Sisters Daniels and Wells, who had
endeared themselves to me in our constant asso-
ciation with each other for a number of weeks.
There was a joyful time in meeting with my
family and friends, after an absence of nearly
seven weeks; during which time I had not real-

322 ' LIFE SKETCHES.

ized one day's sickness. The blessing pro-
nounced upon my head by President John W.
Hess, before leaving home, had verily been ful-
filled; he said that I should go in peace and re-
turn in safety; other blessings had also been
pronounced and realized. Oftentimes while in
Atlanta and Washington, my heart went out
with thankfulness that iny lot had been cast
among so good a people as those of Farmington,
and Davis County; for they had helped me to
this enjoyment.

CHAPTER XVIL

CROWNING EVIDENCES OF LOVE.

AN invitation to be present at a special meet-
ing of Primary Officers of all the Stakes of Ziou,
reached me in my home at Farmington, in the
latter part of September, 1897. As the General
Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints would open on the 3rd of
October, the semi-annual meeting of the Primary

LIFE SKETCHES. 323

Officers was appointed to be held on the evening
of the 4th.

When I received this notice, I felt conscious
that the time chosen for the meeting was to do
me honor. My sisters and co-laborers were
thoughtful of me, and were taking advantage of
the circumstance of the early opening of Con-
ference, to hold their meeting on the evening
of my birthday. How pleasant it would be,
indeed, to meet with so many of iny dear sisters
who faithfully carry on the Primary work, and
hear them talk over their experiences with the
children. These were thoughts that came to
my mind.

But when, at the appointed hour I entered
the 14th Ward Assembly Hall, the place selected
for the meeting, I was entirely unprepared for
the sight which met my view and the greetings
which I received.

Sister Louie B. Felt, with her Counselors and
Aids, had planned a most splendid entertain-
ment, and for my benefit!

A profusion of flowers, autumn leaves and
boughs, chastely arranged, made the hall appear

324 LIFE SKETCHES.

like an Eden of loveliness. This was all the
work of the Salt Lake Stake Board, under the
supervision of the Secretary, Mrs. Ella W.
Hyde, and Treasurer, Miss Kate Wells, so I
was informed. Instead of the business transac-
tions, listening to reports, etc., usual at our
officers' meetings, a choice program had been
arranged, the whole of which was rendered in a
delightful manner. The first was singing by
the congregation, "In our lovely Deseret. "
Prayer was offered by Bishop Geo. H. Taylor.
Singing, "Oh my Father!'' Address of welcome,
President Louie B. Felt. Historical sketch,
written by Sister Lillie T. Freeze and read by
Sister Maggie F. Basset. As this sketch con-
tains some important statistics, I will insert a
portion of it here.

"The amount of faith, courage and persis-
tence and patient determination required by
the sisters called to labor in the past can
scarcely be estimated, but a deep sense of re-
sponsibility and an abiding love for the children
of the Saints have inspired heroic efforts in the

LIFE SKETCHES. 325

paths of duty. All honor is due them, especially
the pioneer in this movement. What are the
results of this devotion for upwards of twenty
years? Only the angels can tell, but according
to the last annual report made by the General
board, which included a report from every Stake
in Zion, we can form a little idea of the good
being accomplished.

"There are 484 associations, 2,767 officers and
33,659 members. There has been held 13,946
meetings and conferences, representing the
spiritual and moral education; 412 entertain-
ments, showing the mental and social; 56 fairs,
showing the industrial. The Primary Fair is a
very interesting and important feature, origin-
ated with Sister Ann Dustin Woolley, of East
Bountiful, the first being held in the Association
over which she still presides.

"The nature of the exercises can briefly be told
from a few statistics. Readings from Church
works 24,454; readings and recitations from
miscellaneous works 30,259; testimonies borne
17,174; sentiments memorized and stories re-
lated 70,207; manuscript papers 294; essays,

326 LIFE SKETCHES.

dialogues, historical sketches and lectures 2,833;
musical exercises, vocal and instrumental 13,804.

"Financially hundreds of dollars annually are
devoted to charitable purposes, missionary work,
traveling expenses and the various enterprises
connected with the Church. Thus we see that
the opportunities for development are varied,
tending to the education of the children spirit-
ually, mentally, morally, physically and socially
—the spiritual growth taking the lead."

Song, "Papa, what would you take for me?"
by little Emma Taylor. Song composed by
Sister Lucy A. Clark; sung by Mrs. Maggie
Freeze Bassett, Miss Louie E. Felt, and
Messrs. James and Heber "Wickens, who were
members of the first Primary Association or-
ganized in Salt Lake City; Brother Henry A.
Tuckett accompanist. This song is the same
that appea.rs in the "Surprise" given at Farm-
ington.

At the conclusion of the song, I was presented
with a beautiful boquet of roses, by Master Roy
Taylor. Recitation, "There never was a grand-
ma half so good!" Master Shirly Jones. Hoop

LIFE (SKETCHES. 327

Drill, by a company of little girls from the west
branch of the 15th Ward, led by Miss Gertrude
Allen. Recitation, "The motherless Turkeys,"
Miss Viola Jones. t Recitation, "When I am
eight," Master Roy Taylor. Reading of Con-
gratulations from President Wilford Woodruff,
by Secretary May Anderson. Reading by
Brother Joseph H. Felt of a statement from the
Geo. Q. Cannon and Sons Publishing Co.,
announcing that arrangements had been made
with them, by the General Board of the Primary
Association for the publishing of Sister Aurelia
Spencer Rogers' book.

This program was interspersed by addresses
from Sisters M. I. Home, J. S. Richards, E. B.
Wells, E. S. Taylor, S. Y. Gates and Helen M.
Miller. Brother Barrell, who had organized a
Primary Band in early days, also spoke. The
speeches were all full of kind and loving words
for me, and appreciation of the Primary work.

Delicate refreshments were served, while
social chat was carried on, and many of my
sister-workers took the opportunity thus afforded
of coming to me with cheering smiles and en-

BANCROFT

1 IRRARY

328 LIFE SKETCHES.

clearing words. At the close of the entertain-
ment, benediction was pronounced by Brother
Jesse W. Crosby, President of Panguitch Stake;

his wife is also President of the Primaries in

•

that Stake of Zion.

The reading of the statement from the Cannon
Publishing Company, was a crowning surprise.
It is true the thought had occurred to me that
if the Primary Associations knew of my desire
to publish a book, they might possibly raise
means to assist me in the work. This thought
came to my mind in the Fall of 1896, when I
mentioned it to Sister Lula Richards. She
told me the same idea had presented itself to
her mind, and asked and received my permission
to lay the matter before the General Primary
Board. As to how well and thoroughly the
enterprise was being worked up I had not un-
derstood until the reading of that paper from
the Publishing Co.

It seemed to me then that the Lord had
opened up the way for the publishing of my
book in the most pleasing and satisfactory way
possible. How could the Primary Association

LIFE SKETCHES. 329

have better expressed great love for me than by
this ready and cheerful compliance with the re-
quest to aid in the accomplishment of this
work ?

CHAPTER XVIIL

CONCLUDING TESTIMONIES— A TRIBUTE BY
LULA.

THE entertainment described in the preced-
ing chapter, which was given on my sixty-third
birthday, finishes this record. Much more that
is of interest to me might have been added ; but
my aim has been to condense the sketches that
have been written, that the readers might not
weary with their perusal.

I do not wish to have anyone feel that in
mentioning the many joyful surprises given me,
it has been done boastfully; or with the inten-
tion of showing that I have been brought into
prominence before the people. But these things
are in my life's history; and if the lives of many

330 LIFE SKETCHES.

of my sisters were written, they would be
similar to mine in this respect.

By a careful reading of the pages I have
written, it will be seen that my blessings have-
exceeded all my trials. Yet of some of my
greatest blessings, I have said but little; per-
haps too little, I almost think, when I realize
my cause for gratitude. It has always been a
source of joy and comfort to me, that the Lord
gave me daughters as well as sons. My eldest
daughter, Ellen Aurelia, (we call her Ella)
'has ever been a trusty, faithful helper in
her father's household. Lucy Isabella, who
came so near dying in her infancy, we have
always felt was spared to us for some wise pur-
pose, through the mercies of God. And the
youngest, Esther Leone, given to me as if in
compensation, after the great trial of my life,
has been in my later years, and still is a special
consolation and support to me.

In the sad experiences related, the sacrifices
which have been made, I sincerely hope there
is nothing which might have a tendency to
weaken the faith of any Latter-day Saint, or

LIFE SKETCHES. 331

discourage those who may be investigating our
religion. And I wish to bear my testimony,
that with all that the members of our family
'have passed through, I have not doubted the
truth of the Gospel which I have embraced,
and feel that I have great cause to be zealous
in testifying that I do know that God lives, and
that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints is His true Church.

The one time in my life, which has been referred
to, when my children were taken from me by
death, and I did almost question the existence
of a God, was momentary. The words of my
father comforted me, and the seeming doubt
when cleared away never returned.

My sister Ellen's testimony has also strength-
ened my faith in the truth of Mormonism, and
it seems to me appropriate to give it here, as it
may prove a help to others. She was at a meet-
ing of the Saints, held in a grove west of the
Temple in Nauvoo, soon after the death of the
Prophet Joseph Smith. The question was
under consideration, who should take the
Prophet's place in presiding over the Church.

332 LIFE SKETCHES.

Sidney Kigdon, who had 'been one of Joseph's
Counselors, claimed the right to the posi-
tion; yet the spirit he manifested was not in
accord with the spirit of the Gospel. At this
meeting, Brigham Young, who was President
of the Quorum of Apostles, arose to speak,
when "The Mantle of Joseph" fell upon him,
and he was like one transformed; his counten-
ance, voice and form were like those of the late
Prophet. Many in the congregation, even
children saw this miracle; it satisfied the people,
and decided the question who was to be the
leader. Sister Ellen occasionally referred to
this circumstance, and said whenever she was
tried, or felt to doubt any of the principles of
the Gospel, this testimony came up before her.
Keferring once more to blessings with which
I have been favored, I will conclude these
sketches with this declaration; friends have
ever been raised up to me, as my father said
they would be to his children, if they were
faithful.

LIFE SKETCHES. 333

A TRIBUTE.

"With grateful interest and devoted thought,
I've read the contents of this volume through;

And found on every page some lesson taught,
Though grave or light, still valu'ble and true.

High morals, faith sublime and patient trust;

God's special care for children left alone;
The sure salvation of the faithful just —

All these, in pleasant style are tersely shown.

And many more; but one is well defined,
The Primary Work in Zion, its true source;

God's will and wisdom graciously combined,
To guide our little ones by love — not force.

Mothers in Zion, read, and offer thanks
To Him who thus one mother's soul impress'd

With the great thought of forming ail these ranks,
Through which our tender darlings are so blest.

Send for the book, love's message pure and sweet,
That better may be known and understood,

In all the world, where'er our Primaries meet,
Our children's gentle Prophetess of good."