REPRESENTATIVE
WOMEN OF DESERET,
A BOOK OF
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
TO ACCOMPANY THE PICTURE BEARING THE SAME TITLE.
COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY
AUGUSTA JOYCE CROCHERON,
_Author of "WILD FLOWERS OF DESERET;"_
AND DEDICATED TO
_The originals of this Picture and Book, their co-laborers in the
Church, and every true heart that will receive
their testimonies._
O, Spirits dear! Ye light the path
That else were lone and dim;
I follow where your sainted feet
Lead onward, up to Him,
And hear above life's discords, still,--
Your heav'n inspired hymn.
SALT LAKE CITY:
PRINTED BY J. C. GRAHAM & CO.
1884.
INTRODUCTORY.
In presenting this picture, REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF DESERET, before
the public, an explanation may be appropriate that the object may be
rightly understood. The picture is intended to represent the Latter Day
Saints Women's Organizations rather than to draw attention to those
intellectual gifts and acquirements which in this connection are but
secondary to the spiritual or missionary labors of those represented.
As in Salt Lake City is the head of these organizations, so these
spiritual laborers were selected by the precedence they hold.
Throughout our Territory, indeed beyond, are many as sincere and
faithful, noble women, well deserving of every honor contained herein,
but there is of necessity a limit in the present work and that which
would have been a pleasure to the author became an impossibility at
this time, but it is the purpose in due season to present another work
which will be of interest to our people.
It is not the purpose of the compiler of these sketches to present a
complete history of the subjects of the picture, to which this book is
merely an accompaniment to acquaint the many who are strangers to them
with their labors and their virtues, to show as it were, what manner
of people these "Mormons" are. To do full justice to the originals
would require more space and ability than are mine. But if the eyes
of the stranger may thereby be opened to a knowledge of their purity,
integrity and faith in God, their heroic firmness and the trials they
have endured without wavering in allegiance to their cause; if any may
be convinced that this people are in earnest and in the right, and
that God is with them; if they can realize that for men, Mormonism is
not a cloak, a subterfuge and a selfish system; that our women are not
from the dregs of civilization, led and controlled by stronger minds
without a knowledge within themselves for their course, it will prove a
joy and delight, a sweet return for my humble but earnest efforts. O,
that these truthful testimonies falling upon hearts that are as blocks
of ice toward us, might, like burning bullets melt their way therein,
until, like Joseph's brethren, they should weep for injuries these have
borne!
And to the young of our people, if this work shall cause them to
appreciate their honored parents more by the nobility they have proven;
if it shall cause them to weigh the object for which these sacrifices
were endured against the poor temptations of the present time; if they
shall question themselves, shall my parent's sacrifices count for
naught? shall their example and their labors be lost on me? their hopes
meet disappointment? If that command, "honor thy father and thy mother"
shall prevail, and the sweet testimony of the Holy Spirit convince and
strengthen them in the same service and faith unto their God, still
sweeter and richer shall be the reward.
That this work may go forth from my humble home as a missionary, a
silent worker of great good is my fervent hope.
A. J. C.
PREFACE.
In presenting the picture and book, REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF DESERET, to
the public, I desire to first express my thanks to the ladies of the
picture for their kindness and confidence.
I thank Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith for her approval and sanction;
Sister Emmeline B. Wells for her steadfast encouragement, and Bishop
Hiram B. Clawson for his kind interest and advice. Published, as it has
been, in part by subscription, I thank also my generous patrons.
Through a disappointment, so many embarrassments occurred that at one
time I felt that no inducement, however beautiful, could again tempt me
to so great (in my circumstances) an undertaking; but for me the Lord
in His goodness opened the way; and towards James R. Miller, Dr. A.
Farr and Zina D. H. Young, each, my heart thus expresses itself:
As Hagar in her lone despair
Gazed hopeless o'er the desert drear,
Nor saw until her steps were led,
The living waters, sweet and clear;
So I who strove through tedious days
'Mid hopes that fled and fears that frowned--
Turned at thy name, and in thy heart,
The boon I sought so long was found.
Not hers alone the story old--
The earth is thronged with hearts distressed
That little dream how close beside
The angel walks--to save and bless.
In compiling the brief sketches of Eliza R. Snow Smith, Zina D.
H. Young, M. I. Horne and Prescendia L. Kimball, I am indebted to
the editor of the _Woman's Exponent_, their biographer. Several
autobiographies follow, and looking it all over, the thought
rises--_how little I have done after all!_ I have scarcely more than
furnished the thread on which their gems were strung. Often I have
paused, sorrowful that this work must be so brief: so much remains to
be told. I have had sincerest joy in this labor, and if my efforts
should be regarded as conferring any honor upon these ladies, it has
been a greater honor to me to be accorded the privilege of tendering
it, and of enjoying their acquaintance and friendship.
In conclusion, I would again refer to our First Lady, E. R. S.
Smith; in a short time will appear her latest and largest book, an
autobiography and history with genealogical record of her family, and
dedicated to her noble brother, Apostle Lorenzo Snow. On her eightieth
birthday, January 21, 1884, Sister Eliza was the recipient of a large
surprise party given in honor of the day, in appreciation, love and
respect of herself and labors, in the Social Hall, a building of
histrionic association in the annals of Salt Lake City. It is wonderful
indeed to contemplate the still youthful spirit, energy and ability of
this lady; ever serene, gentle, forbearing with others; so carefully
hiding her own weariness and leaving unmentioned whatever might trouble
her; that the idea would never suggest itself to those not _intimately_
associated with her, that she has anything to do but preside, receive
and enjoy the loving expressions from her friends.
Hoping this volume may entertain and benefit the reader, and that all
errors in _book-making_ may be graciously pardoned, I will subscribe
myself, dear public--Your Servant and Friend, AUGUSTA JOYCE CROCHERON.
INDEX.
Eliza R. Snow Smith
Zina D. H. Young
Mary Isabella Horne
Sarah M. Kimball
Prescendia L. Kimball
Phoebe W. Woodruff
Bathsheba W. Smith
Elizabeth Howard
Elmina S. Taylor
Mary A. Freeze
Louie Felt
Ellen C. Clawson
Emmeline B. Wells
Romania B. Pratt
Elvira S. Barney
Emily Hill Woodmansee
Hannah T. King
Augusta Joyce Crocheron
Helen Mar Whitney
Zina Y. Williams
Louise M. Wells
Explanatory
ELIZA R. SNOW SMITH,
PRESIDENT OF THE WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF
LATTER DAY SAINTS.
"Eliza R. Snow was born in Becket, Berkshire Co., Mass. Her parents
were Oliver Snow of Mass., and Rosetta L. Pettibone, of Conn. They
were of English descent, their parents having emigrated to America
at an early period. In 1806, the family removed to Mantua, Portage
Co., Ohio." Mr. and Mrs. Snow bestowed great care upon the education
of their daughter, intellectual and domestic. She began her literary
labors when quite young, her contributions over a _nom de plume_
receiving much admiration.
Her grandfather was a revolutionary soldier, and his reminiscences
created impressions upon her youthful mind that became part of her
nature, developing into an intense national devotion.
"Two volumes of her 'Religious, Historical, Political' poems have been
published, the First in Liverpool, England, in 1856, the Second in
Salt Lake City." Her poems are life like and embody most of our Church
history. To select her best poems would make a volume. The one by which
she is best known, perhaps, is, "O, My Father, thou that dwellest,"
and ranks in its individuality and popularity as a Latter Day Saints'
doctrinal hymn, with "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning." It is
safe to say that these two hymns have wielded an influence beyond our
power to estimate, in conveying the spirit of the Gospel to the hearts
of the hearers. I have witnessed throngs of people standing outside a
"Mormon" place of worship, listening to the singing forgetful for the
time of their own personal affairs. They have fixed themselves upon the
memory of all who ever heard them. "O My Father" contains doctrine that
was new to the world, it was the essence of Mormonism. Every Mormon
child is familiar with it and would recognize it in any country. It has
been sung to many tunes, several have been composed for it. Of these, I
once heard Pres. Brigham Young, in the St. George Temple, designate his
preference thus: "Will the Parowan choir please sing 'O My Father,' to
that sweet, gentle air I love so well?" The air was "Gentle Annie," a
strange choice it sounded, but the effect proved the correctness of his
taste.
"Sister Eliza early devoted her attention to the Scriptures and in her
girlhood formed the acquaintance of the famous preacher and scholar,
Alexander Campbell, and other noted divines. In 1835, she went to
Kirtland, Ohio, and boarded in the family of the Prophet Joseph,
teaching a select school for young ladies. Miss Snow returned home to
visit her parents but on the 1st of January, 1837, bade farewell to her
paternal home, to share the joys or the afflictions of the Latter Day
Saints.
"She became a governess to the children of the Prophet, and was a
companion for Emma, his wife, for a number of years.
"From means she brought with her, Miss Snow gave freely toward building
the Kirtland Temple. Persecution soon arose and raged so that, with
her family who had now joined the Church, she left Kirtland, going
to Davies Co., Mo. On the 10th of December, 1838, Miss Snow with her
father's family, left Davies Co., the Mormons in that locality having
been ordered by the Governor to leave the county within ten days.
"They passed through almost unendurable sufferings, and reaching Far
West found the Prophet and many others had been dragged to jail leaving
their families destitute. March 1839, they left Far West leaving much
of their property behind. Eliza and her sister stopped in Quincy, Ill.,
awhile. In July 1839, Miss Snow went to Commerce, (since called Nauvoo)
to teach school. During her seven years' residence there she wrote much
and advanced rapidly in her knowledge of the principles of the Gospel.
Here, the Relief Society was organized by Joseph, March, 1842, and
Sister Eliza was chosen for secretary." There are now three hundred
branches of the Relief Society. "Eliza was at this time the wife of
the Prophet. In the latter part of July 1842, Mrs. Smith, President
of the Relief Society, proposed a petition to Governor Carlin, asking
his protection of Joseph. Sister Eliza, as secretary, wrote the
petition which was signed by several hundred ladies, and in company
with President Emma and Mrs. Warren Smith visited the Governor at his
residence in Quincy, Adams Co., Ill., where they were most cordially
received by the Governor. He replied to them, 'I believe Mr. Smith is
innocent.' Soon after their return home they learned that the Governor
in connection with Missouri officials was plotting the destruction of
the lives of those noble men.
"The Prophet and Patriarch were massacred! For awhile, thought of all
else was forgotten but this overwhelming woe. But God gave them his
sustaining love, and Eliza, widowed, turned again to the work Joseph
had established, consecrating even her life to its service. The Temple
was at length finished, and Sister Eliza then began another era,
ministering in the Temple in the holy rites that pertain to the House
of the Lord, as Priestess and Mother in Israel to hundreds of her sex.
"In Feb., 1846, she left Nauvoo, on her way to the Rocky Mountains.
At the middle Fork of Green River they stopped at one of the resting
places. Here Sister Eliza and friends with whom the latter traveled,
lived in a log house laid up like children's cob houses, with cracks
from one to four inches wide. A tent cloth stretched over the top,
blankets and carpets hung up inside as protection against the inclement
weather. On the 19th of August when they were leaving here, they were
minus a teamster. Sister Eliza undertook to drive ox team, and after
some experience became an adept. August 27th they crossed the Missouri
river, and on the 28th, arrived at Winter Quarters. From constant
exposure and continued hardships Sister Eliza broke down. Fever set in,
chills and fever followed; heavy rains came on and she was wet nearly
from head to foot. She felt that she stood at the gates of death, it
was but a step beyond, and once inside the portals she would be free
from pain and suffering. But the great lifework lay before her, and
she summoned courage and supreme faith to her aid. They moved into a
log house partly finished, no chinking, no chimney. The fire was built
on one side, and the room which had no floor was always filled with
smoke. The cooking had to be done out of doors, the intense cold being
preferable to the smoke." About the close of the year she received the
sad news of the death of her mother.
"April 7th, 1847, the pioneers under the direction of President Brigham
Young started to find a gathering place for the Pilgrim Saints. In June
Sister Eliza resumed her journey westward. Nursing the sick in tents
and wagons, and burying the dead by the wayside in the wild desert
were indeed mournful, yes, pitiful. On the 4th of August, several of
the Mormon Battallion returning to Winter Quarters, met the Pilgrim
Companies, and joyful indeed was the meeting for they were husbands,
fathers, brothers and sons of women who were in those companies. They
soon met the returning pioneers and heard of the resting place found,
and arrived safely in the valley in October. Here Sister Eliza took
up her abode with Mrs. Clara Decker Young. Shortly after, the Saints
numbering six hundred arrived in the valley, a pole was erected and the
_flag_ which had been preserved with the greatest care, was raised. *
* As time passed on a place was selected and consecrated in which holy
ordinances might be administered. Sister Eliza was called upon to take
part, in which calling she has officiated up to the present. When the
wards and settlements were pretty generally systematized, Pres. Young
re-organized the Relief Society. He called on Sister Eliza to assist,
and associate with her in the labor, Zina D. Young; this gave to them
the precedence which they have since held.
"At a Mass Meeting held in this city January 13th, 1870, in the Old
Tabernacle, (where the Assembly Hall now stands) by about 6,000 women
to protest against the 'Cullom Bill,' Sister Eliza made a strong
and brilliant speech. Politically this was the turning point in the
history of the women of Utah. A few weeks later and the women of Utah
received the right of franchise. They will ever hold Governor S. A.
Mann in special grateful remembrance. * * In 1854-5, the Lion House
was completed and Sister Eliza has ever since resided there. It was
some years later before the domestic spinning, dyeing and weaving were
discontinued, in these things Sister Eliza also excelled.
"In 1869, the Retrenchment Meetings were by the counsel of Pres. Young,
organized. An association with a presiding board of seven officers.
These meetings are still held in the Fourteenth Ward Assembly Rooms
semi-monthly, at the same hour, the same ladies presiding, excepting
Sister M. T. Smoot since removed to Provo. Here good instructions are
given, and here the Junior Associations' secretaries bring the minutes
of their respective Wards' Meetings, also the secretaries of the
Primary Associations, (girls under twelve years of age, generally,)
thus bringing together for mutual benefit an interchange of ideas,
experience and suggestions, the aged veterans, the younger matrons and
maidens, and little children.
"October 26th, 1872, Sister Eliza left Salt Lake City on a journey
to the Holy Land, her brother, Apostle Lorenzo Snow, joining her in
Ogden. Pres. George A. Smith and party met them in New York. They took
the steamer for Liverpool November 5th. In Rome Sister Eliza spent
five days, visited Naples, Corfu, Alexandria, Cairo, Suez, Joppa,
the plains of Sharon, the Valley of Ajelon became realized, and in
due time they beheld Jerusalem. This tour through the Holy Land was
a mission pertaining to the Latter Day Work. An account of the trip
was published in book form, entitled 'Palestine Tourists.' Sunday,
March 2nd, 1873, they ascended the Mount of Olives, and held service
there after the manner of the Holy Priesthood as revealed in this
dispensation. March 25th, embarked for Constantinople. Sister Eliza had
been enduring twenty-nine days of tent life, and twenty-one of riding
on horseback. And this in her seventieth year! At Athens they took
tea with the American Minister, and met the American Consul General
to Constantinople. They visited Munich then went to Vienna and thence
to Hamburg. May 16th, 1873, they took steamer for London, and met the
Saints in their Conference, May 25th. Embarked for home on the 28th.
Returning early in July, she visited many old scenes and friends of her
early life, received with honors from place to place. So quiet was her
return to Utah, that four days elapsed before her many friends became
aware of it. A brief rest sufficed, Sister Eliza could not be idle. She
visited Ogden and Provo in August, Cache Valley in September, holding
meetings in these and many other places.
"Just after the October Conference of 1876, Sister Eliza entered
upon the superintendency of the 'Woman's Store,' a Commission House
for Utah home made goods. Officers and employees were women. During
this year she prepared her second volume of poems for the press, also
assisted in selecting and preparing the manuscript for the 'Women of
Mormondom,' and in raising funds for its publication, and not least of
all, gave the proof her attention. Also still continued her labors in
the House of the Lord." At this time occurred the death of President
Brigham Young. To one so disciplined in order, with such continuity
of purpose, such adhesiveness to principle and friends, it would
seem that to ordinary persons, the loss of one in whose house she
had her place, and whose friendship and counsels she had shared for
over twenty-five years, would be an overwhelming shock. But the same
strength of mind which had risen from the martyrdom of the Prophet
and Patriarch supported her again, and she "renewed her diligence, if
it were possible, in her broad field of labor." Political events and
duties occupied her attention during December and January 1878. During
the ensuing summer she traveled hundreds of miles, holding generally
two meetings a day wherever they stopped. While attending a meeting at
Farmington, Davis Co., the efforts of Sister Aurelia Spencer Rogers
received her consideration and the Primary Associations, for children,
became part of our system. "The first Organization at Farmington dates
from September 7th, 1878; about this time an Association was organized
in the Eleventh Ward of this city, taking the lead." This new feature
so suggestive of great benefit to the children so enlisted her feelings
that she has visited most of the settlements and wards in this matter
organizing Associations. Sister Eliza returned from a long tour of
missionary labor just in time to preside at a grand Mass Meeting of
15,000 women, held in the Theatre, November 16th, 1878, in reply to
representations of the Anti-Polygamic Society. The year 1880 was spent
visiting the L. D. S. Women's Organizations, and the production of the
Childrens Primary Hymn Book, soon followed by a tune book to accompany
the above. On Saturday, July 17th, Fourteenth Ward Assembly Rooms,
President John Taylor ordained Sister Eliza to the office to which she
had been elected; President of Latter Day Saints' Women's Organizations
throughout the world, wherever our people are; also, Sister Zina D. H.
Young as her First Counselor, Elizabeth A. Whitney (since deceased)
Second Counselor, Sarah M. Kimball as Secretary, and Mary Isabella
Horne as Treasurer.
"In August Sister Eliza visited Sanpete Co., and in Thistle Valley
assisted the Bishop in organizing a Relief Society, with an Indian
sister as a counselor; the first Indian woman ordained and set apart to
an office in this dispensation. November 8th, Sister Eliza accompanied
by Sister Zina D. Young, left home for St. George to do a work in the
Temple. They traveled over one thousand miles in carriages and wagons,
doing missionary work among the Saints. In St. George the anniversary
of Sister Eliza's birthday was publicly celebrated, and on the same day
the people of Weber Stake paid a delicate tribute to the honorable lady
by a similar celebration at Ogden City.
"Sisters Eliza and Zina returned from St. George March 31st, and were
met at the depot by a party of thirty ladies who escorted them to the
Lion House, where a reception, a welcome home, awaited them. In 1881,
during the intervals of her many public duties, she prepared her new
book Bible Questions and Answers. In September, visited Thistle Valley,
organizing a Primary Association with ten little Indian children
enrolled as members. April 1883, the Relief Society was organized
among the Indians at Washakie, an Indian village in Box Elder Co.
After duly considering the long-felt necessity among our own people
of an institution for the sick and injured, where the ordinances of
faith might be administered freely and without restraint, in fact, one
that we might term our own, and as one of the links in our system of
organizations, the sisters took a course that led to the establishment
of the Deseret Hospital, at which institution the dedication services
were held, July 17th, 1882, by the First Presidency, Stake Presidency,
Apostles Wilford Woodruff and F. D. Richards; Mayor William Jennings,
C. W. Penrose, Editor _Deseret News_, L. John Nuttall and Joseph Horne
being present. Eliza R. S. Smith, President, E. B. Wells, Secretary."
I will conclude this brief sketch with one of her latest poems:
BURY ME QUIETLY WHEN I DIE.
When my spirit ascends to the world above,
To smile with the choirs in celestial love,
Let the finger of silence control the bell,
To restrain the chime of a funeral knell,
Let no mourning strain--not a sound be heard,
By which a pulse of the heart is stirred--
No note of sorrow to prompt a sigh;
Bury me quietly when I die.
I am aiming to earn a celestial crown--
To merit a heavenly; pure renown;
And, whether in grave or in tomb I'm laid,
Beneath the tall oak or the cypress shade;
Whether at home with dear friends around;
Or in distant lands upon stranger ground--
Under wintry clouds or a summer sky;
Bury me quietly when I die.
What avail the parade and the splendor here,
To a legal heir to a heavenly sphere?
To the heirs of salvation what is the worth,
In their perishing state, the frail things of earth?
What is death to the good, but an entrance gate
That is placed on the verge of a rich estate
Where commissioned escorts are waiting by?
Bury me quietly when I die.
On the "iron rod" I have laid my hold;
If I keep the faith, and like Paul of old
Shall have "fought the good fight" and Christ the Lord
Has a crown in store with a full reward
Of the holy priesthood in fulness rife,
With the gifts and the powers of an endless life,
And a glorious mansion for me on high;
Bury me quietly when I die.
Like a beacon that rises o'er ocean's wave,
There's a light--there's a life beyond the grave;
The future is bright and it beckons me on
Where the noble and pure and the brave have gone;
Those who have battled for truth with their mind and might,
With their garments clean and their armor bright;
They are dwelling with God in a world on high:
Bury me quietly when I die.
ZINA D. H. YOUNG,
FIRST COUNSELOR TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE L. D. S. WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS.
"And he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the
hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the
earth with a curse." How fitting are these sacred words to the subject
of this sketch and her family. In obedience to this command renewed in
this dispensation, searching through their genealogical records for ten
generations back, they have brought forth to light, and to eternal life
in the celestial kingdom of God, the forgotten and unknown ancestry of
their family, finding now and then some noble representative of their
race linked with even a kingdom's honor, and at last, far back, upon
the throne of England.
Sister Zina's career of religious devotion and service is not a new
feature in the Huntington family, nor America a new field of labor to
them. One hundred years ago Lady Salina Huntington, saving to herself
only sufficient for the real needs of life, devoted a great portion
of her vast fortune to missionary service, for the introduction of
Christianity among the North American Indians, by the founding of
schools for the natives and the support of ministers and teachers.
"She allowed herself but one dress a year. Lady Salina Huntington was
the second daughter of the Earl of Ferrars. She was born in 1707, and
was the co-laborer of Whitefield and Wesley. 'The pedigree of Lady
Huntington and her husband, and of George Washington, first President
of the United States, (as traced by Mapleson in his researches) meet in
the same parentage.' 'Lady Huntington and her chaplains often journeyed
during the summer, making their presence a means of religious revivals
wherever they went. A church needed. With her, to resolve was to
accomplish. Her jewels she determined to offer to the Lord. They were
sold for six hundred and ninety-eight pounds, and with this she erected
a house of worship in 1760. Her daughter, Lady Salina, was one of the
six earls daughters chosen to assist the Princess Augusta to bear the
train of Queen Charlotte on her coronation day." Did it foreshadow an
era of revelations dawning upon the world, when she prayed "that God
would give us new bread, not stale, but what was baked in the oven that
day." Lady Huntington built seven chapels, her private property, beside
aiding sixty others. At the age of eighty-four a few hours before
the last struggle she whispered joyfully, "I shall go to my Father
tonight," and so she went home, June 17th, 1791.
Thus by birthright and by heritage is the land of Freedom the
Huntingtons' field of religious labor. The mantles of Lady Huntington
and remoter noble ancestors have at last been lifted from the silence
and the shadows of departed centuries to the shoulders of worthy
descendants and representatives, who are doing works of greater
magnitude than they ever comprehended. Superintended by Dimock B.
Huntington, and assisted by the family, Zina and her sister Prescinda
have been baptized for ten generations, numbering nearly five thousand.
By permission I select from matter collected and published by Emmeline
B. Wells, in _Woman's Exponent_ the following portions of biography:
"Zina Diantha Huntington was born January 31st, 1821, at Watertown. Her
father was William Huntington, her mother Zina Baker, whose father was
one of the first physicians in New Hampshire. Her grandmother on the
mother's side was Dorcas Dimock, 'descended from the noble family of
Dimocks, whose representatives held the hereditary knight-championship
of England; instance: Sir Edward Dymock, Queen Elizabeth's champion.'
"The father of Mrs. Zina D. H. Young was also a patriot and served
in the war of 1812. Samuel Huntington, one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence, was the uncle of this old revolutionary
soldier. She says: 'My father's family is directly descended from
Simon Huntington, the Puritan immigrant who sailed for America in
1633. He died at sea, but left three sons and his widow, Margaret.
The church records of Roxbury, Mass., contain the earliest record of
the Huntington name known in New England, and is in the handwriting
of the Rev. John Elliot himself, the pastor of that ancient church.
This is the record: 'Margaret Huntington, widow, came in 1633, her
husband died by the way of small pox. She brought children with her.'
'My grandfather, Wm. Huntington, the revolutionary soldier, married
Prescinda Lathrop, and was one of the first settlers in the Black River
Valley, Northern New York. The Huntingtons and Lathrops intermarried,
and my sister Prescinda Lathrop Huntington, bears the family name
of generations.' The Huntingtons embraced the Gospel at Watertown,
New York, and Zina D., when only fifteen years old was baptized by
the Patriarch Hyrum Smith, August 14th, 1835, and soon after went to
Kirtland with her father's family. In this year she received the gift
of tongues. On one occasion in the Kirtland Temple she heard a whole
invisible choir of angels singing, till the house seemed filled with
numberless voices. At Kirtland she received the gift of interpretation.
She was also at the memorable Pentecost when the spirit of God filled
the house like a mighty, rushing wind. Zina was also a member of the
Kirtland Temple Choir, of whom but few are now living.
Sister Zina experienced the persecutions in Missouri, during which the
mother died from fatigue and privation, and only two of their family
were able to follow her remains to their resting place. She says; "Thus
died my martyred mother."
Sister Zina was married in Nauvoo, and had two sons, but this not
proving a happy union, she subsequently separated from her husband.
Joseph Smith taught her the principle of marriage for eternity, and she
accepted it as a divine revelation, and was sealed to the Prophet for
time and eternity, after the order of the new and everlasting Covenant.
Sister Zina was a member of the first organization of the Relief
Society at Nauvoo, and when the Temple was ready for the ordinances to
be performed, received there her blessings and endowments. After the
martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph and Hyrum, she was united in marriage
for time to Brigham Young, and with the Saints left Nauvoo in the month
of February, crossing the Mississippi on the ice. Arriving at Mt.
Pisgah, a resting place for the exiles, Father Huntington was called
to preside and Zina D., with her two little boys remained with him
temporarily. Sickness visited the camp, and deaths were so frequent
that help could not be obtained to make coffins. Many were buried with
split logs at the bottom of the grave and brush at the sides, that
being all that could be done by mourning friends. Her father was taken
sick, in eighteen days he died. After these days of trial she went to
Winter Quarters, and was welcomed into the family of Brigham Young.
With them, she in May 1848, began the journey to this valley, walking,
driving team, cooking beside camp-fires, and in September arrived here,
living in tents and wagons until log houses could be built. Here, April
3rd, 1850, was born Zina, daughter of Brigham Young and Zina D. Young.
When the Relief Society was reorganized in Utah by President Brigham
Young, Sister Zina was one of the first identified with that work, as
Treasurer, and when Sister Eliza was called to preside over all the
Relief Societies, she chose Zina as her Counselor.
One of the most useful fields of her labor, has been sericulture. She
has raised cocoons, attending to them with her own hands, and had
charge of a large cocoonery and mulberry orchard belonging to President
Young. When the Silk Association was organized, June 15th, 1876, she
was chosen President. Great good was accomplished, mulberry trees were
planted and cocoons raised in every part of the Territory where the
climate would permit. A good article of silk was manufactured with
home machinery." Sister Zina also took a course of medical studies,
being perhaps the first to adopt the wish of President Young, for
as many of the sisters as would be useful for the practice in the
many settlements, among their own sex; to qualify themselves. Ladies
came from different settlements, stimulated by her example. "In all
departments of woman's labor for the public good, Sister Zina had been
found at her post doing her share of active work in the best manner
possible. She has traveled among the different settlements visiting
organized societies, or assisting Sister Eliza or the local authorities
in organizing. "At a Mass Meeting of ladies held in this city, November
16th, 1878, Sister Zina delivered a very eloquent impromptu address."
I was one of the reporters on that occasion, and noting the increasing
earnestness in her voice and words, raised my eyes to her standing just
before the table we were using. Suddenly, as though her words struck
home like an electric shock, several gentlemen sitting at my right
hand, clutching the arms of their chairs, started as though they would
rise to their feet; their faces burning with the truths they heard,
their eyes fixed upon her fearless face and uplifted hands. I can never
forget that moment. It was more than eloquence, it was inspiration. I
will quote that portion of her address.
"The principle of our religion that is assailed is one that lies
deep in my heart. Could I ask the heavens to listen; could I beseech
the earth to be still, and the brave men who possess the spirit of
a Washington to hear what I am about to say. I am the daughter of a
Master Mason! I am the widow of a Master Mason, who, when leaping from
the window of Carthage Jail pierced with bullets, made the Masonic sign
of distress; but, gentlemen, (addressing the representatives of the
press that were present) those signs were not heeded except by the God
of heaven. That man, the Prophet of the Almighty, was massacred without
mercy! Sisters, this is the first time in my life that I have dared to
give utterance to this fact, but I thought I could trust my soul to
say it on this occasion; and I say it now in the fear of Israel's God,
and I say it in the presence of these gentlemen and I wish my voice
could be heard by the whole brotherhood of Masons throughout our proud
land. That institution I honor. If its principles were practiced and
strictly adhered to would there be a trespass upon virtue? No indeed.
Would the honorable wife or daughter be intruded upon with impunity?
Nay, verily. Would that the ladies of America, with the honorable Mrs.
Hayes at their head; would that the Congress of the United States,
the law makers of our nation, could produce a balm for the many evils
which exist in our land through the abuse of virtue, or could so
legislate that virtue could be protected and cherished as the life
which heaven has given us. We in common with many women throughout
our broad land would hail with joy the approach of such deliverance,
for such is the deliverance that woman needs. The principle of plural
marriage is honorable; it is a principle of the Gods, it is heaven
born. God revealed it to us as a saving principle; we have accepted it
as such, and we know it is of him for the fruits of it are holy. Even
the Saviour, Himself, traces his lineage back to polygamic parents.
We are proud of the principle because we know its true worth, and we
want our children to practice it, that through us a race of men and
women may grow up possessing sound minds in sound bodies, who shall
live to the age of a tree." "During the summer of 1879, Sister Zina
decided to take a trip to the Sandwich Islands for her health, and was
accompanied by Miss Susa Young. She had the opportunity of meeting many
persons of note to whom she imparted correct information regarding
our people; distributing tracts and books. Great respect was paid her
and many ovations. She assisted the native members of our church in
getting an organ for their meetings, and contributed liberally for
other benevolent purposes." "On her return she spent most of her time
attending meetings of the various organizations. Sericulture was not
forgotten or neglected. She also continued her labors in the House
of the Lord. In the fall of 1880, Sisters Zina and Eliza went to St.
George, to labor in the Temple, and visit the organizations of the
women and children, wherever practicable. They held meetings by the
way, often camped out over night, and traveled thus over one thousand
miles. Returning March 31st, 1881, they were met at the depot by a
party of thirty ladies, in carriages, who escorted them to the Lion
House where a reception of welcome home awaited them.
August 20th, 1881, Sister Zina, accompanied by her foster son, Lieut.
Willard Young, started for New York to gather up the records of her
relatives. Dr. E. B. Ferguson was going to pursue her medical studies
further in some branches, to be of greater service among the people.
Previous to their going, they were blest and set apart by the First
Presidency of the Church, to speak upon the principles of our faith if
opportunity presented.
Sister Zina was cordially received by her relatives, and invited to
speak in Sunday School and Temperance Meetings. Visited New York City,
and listened to many celebrated divines. Attended the Woman's Congress
at Buffalo, N. Y., but was refused five minutes to represent the women
of Utah. Visited Watertown, N. Y., then to Vermont, and thence to
Albany Co., and spoke in several meetings. Sister Zina returned to
New York to attend the N. W. S. A. Convention, without opportunity
of addressing them. She however assisted the brethren in organizing
a Relief Society in New York. With Lieut. Willard Young she visited
West Point. Mrs. Young returned to this city March 7th, received by
her daughters and many friends, the return being the occasion for a
most delightful party. On the Friday following, the Relief Society
Conference convened, and her many friends had the opportunity of
welcoming her home.
Picture and words are alike powerless to convey the beauty of her
face, her spirit and her life. Each succeeding year adds a tenderer
line to her face, a sweeter, gentler intonation to her voice, a more
perceptible power to her spirit from the celestial fountains of faith;
widens the circle of her friends, strengthens and deepens their love
for her, and brings a richer harvest of noble labors to her name. Could
I say more? I could not say less of her who has for eighteen years been
my most intimate friend, my counselor, my second mother. A mother, not
to me alone, to her belongs in its sweetest, widest sense, the name--a
"mother in Israel."
MARY ISABELLA HORNE,
TREASURER OF THE PRESIDING BOARD OF THE L. D. S. WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS.
"I was born November 20th, 1818, in the town of Rainshaw, County
of Kent, England. I am the daughter of Stephen and Mary Ann Hales,
and the eldest daughter of a large family. My parents were honest,
industrious people. I was taught to pray when very young, to be honest
and truthful, to be kind to my associates, and to do good to all around
us. My early years were spent in attending school and in assisting my
mother in domestic duties."
"Mrs. Horne's father was a Methodist, and her mother a member of the
Church of England. Mrs. Horne as a child, had very strong religious
tendencies, and when requested by her Sabbath School teacher to commit
to memory two or three verses from the Bible, she would learn a whole
chapter or perhaps two, and recite without being prompted.
"When only in her eleventh year, she became so fascinated with the
Bible that her leisure hours after the labors of the day were over,
were employed in reading and studying the history and incidents,
the sublime parables and teachings contained in that sacred work;
thus prepared to receive in due time the Gospel of the new and last
dispensation. In 1832, Mrs. Horne's parents decided to emigrate, and
concluded to go to upper Canada. April 6th, they left England with a
family of five sons and two daughters.
"One little boy died upon the way. On the 16th of June, they arrived in
York, strangers in a strange land, where the cholera was making fearful
ravages, but the Lord preserved them all in health. The following
spring, 1833, the family removed to the country, about eight miles from
York. Mrs. Hales' health was delicate and the care of the whole family
devolved upon Mary Isabella, only fifteen years of age.
"In the spring of 1834, she attended a Methodist camp meeting in the
neighborhoood, where she first met Mr. Joseph Horne, and two years
afterward, Joseph Horne and Mary Isabella were united in marriage on
the 9th of May, 1836."
Only about one month of their wedded life had passed when they heard a
rumor that a man professing to be sent of God, to preach to the people
would hold a meeting about a mile distant.
Mr. and Mrs. Horne attended this meeting and there they first heard
the Gospel, proclaimed by Elder Orson Pratt, but little knew how the
course of their life would be changed by receiving this great light.
Mrs. Horne was baptized in July, 1836, by Elder Orson Hyde, and ever
after her house was a home for the elders, and a place where meetings
were held. In the latter part of the summer of 1837, she first saw the
Prophet Joseph, also Sidney Rigdon and Thomas B. Marsh." She says: "On
shaking hands with the Prophet Joseph Smith, I received the holy spirit
in such great abundance that I felt it thrill my whole system from the
crown of my head to the soles of my feet. I had never beheld so lovely
a countenance, nobility and goodness were in every feature. I said to
myself, 'O Lord, I thank thee for granting the desire of my girlish
heart in permitting me to associate with prophets and apostles.'" "In
March 1838, while the weather was still wintry, Mr. and Mrs. Horne
bade farewell to their home, and with a few saints started for the
gathering-place of the people of God.
"At Huntsville, Mrs. Horne was introduced to Father and Mother Smith;
Father Smith was the Patriarch of the church, and under his hands she
received a patriarchal blessing. In August, with a babe less than a
month old, they removed to Far West, and were obliged to go into a
log house without doors or windows. It was about this time that the
excitement in Missouri raged, and persecution was at its height. Mrs.
Horne was alone much night and day, her husband being on guard. In the
spring of 1839, Mrs. Horne and family left Missouri as exiles, and
sought an asylum in Quincy, Ill., where for awhile they had peace.
While in Quincy, Mrs. Horne was one of those favored ones who had the
privilege of entertaining and waiting upon the Prophet Joseph and
Hyrum, the Patriarch. In the month of March, Mr. and Mrs. Horne moved
to Nauvoo by wagon, over the then wild prairies. They lived in a lumber
shanty for eight months, and in November Mr. Horne moved his family
into his own house, still unfinished. Here in 'Nauvoo the beautiful,'
Mr. Horne through diligent labor at last succeeded in establishing a
flourishing business and his family were looked upon by the Saints as
quite well situated. On the 2nd of April, 1844, Mrs. Horne received a
patriarchal blessing under the hands of Hyrum Smith, the patriarch of
the Church." On the 27th of the June following, occurred the martyrdom
of Joseph and Hyrum. Mrs. Horne says, "On the 28th day of June, I took
my last look on earth of Joseph and Hyrum Smith! May I never experience
another day similar to that. I do not wish to recall the scene." On the
9th of July was born her fifth son. In January, 1846, Mrs. Horne went
into the Nauvoo Temple, receiving the ordinances of the House of the
Lord, and assisted in administering to others. In February Mr. Horne
closed his business and bade adieu to their home and camped with the
Saints on Sugar Creek, Iowa.
In March moved on to Garden Grove, and then to Mt. Pisgah. Here, Mrs.
Horne had born to her a daughter, born in a wagon. When the babe was
three days old, Mrs. Horne started again on her way, arriving at
Council Bluffs about the last of June, moving into a log cabin. Here
she was so sick it was feared she would not recover. Elder Orson Pratt
administered to her and prophesied she would do a good work in Israel.
In June of the same year, she left with the first company across the
plains that followed the pioneers to the valley of Salt Lake. That
was indeed a remarkable journey and all those who traveled hither
at that time deserve the title of pioneers. They opened the way and
braved the perils of the desert and the experience of living in this
sterile land. They ploughed and planted and fought against the fearful
odds of crickets, grasshoppers and death. The company in which Mrs.
Horne traveled, arrived here October 6th, 1847, and as soon as the
Fort was completed she moved into it, and lived in a log cabin two
years, enduring all the exigencies incident to the settling of a new
Indian country, among which were living on short rations, a part of
which was roots and thistles. On the 16th of January, 1849, another
daughter was added to the family. As soon as possible after arriving
in a new and destitute country, Mr. and Mrs. Horne made themselves a
home in the Fourteenth Ward, which they still retain. "In speaking of
her first knowledge of the order of celestial marriage, she says, she
has had strong testimony for herself that it is of God. Mrs. Horne has
borne herself nobly in all the different phases of plural domestic
relations." Mrs. Horne was a member of the Relief Society in Nauvoo,
and in the first organization of the Fourteenth Ward in this city, was
a counselor to President Phoebe W. Woodruff.
In May, 1858, Mrs. Horne moved as far south as Parowan, her husband
being called on a mission still further south, in "Dixie." Against
every disadvantage, Mrs. Horne performed this journey of two hundred
and fifty miles, this mother with her ten children, the youngest a
babe of six months. In September their mission was fulfilled and Mrs.
Horne returned home, Mr. Horne returning from his mission soon after.
December 12th, 1867, Mrs. Horne was chosen by Bishop A. Hoagland, of
the Fourteenth Ward, to preside over the Relief Society in that ward.
It was a great surprise to her, she was at that time very timid.