both live; but during those dark hours I had friends and the Lord was
there. We had but few men, mostly aged and disabled, but to see the
union of the sisters; the fasting and prayers for the preservation
of our battallion and the pioneers; and for the destroyer to be
stayed; the great and marvelous manifestations, even the power of the
resurrection, experienced there--proved that they were encircled by a
mighty power, and that 'the prayers of the righteous availeth much.' I
will mention one circumstance to show the heavenly spirit that dwelt
with us there, and also the power of the destroyer, which none who
witnessed could misunderstand.
"We were struggling with the evil one who had laid his grasp upon the
babes--one was my mother's, the other, Sarah Ann's, (one of my father's
wives). We all felt that we must part with one, as one would no sooner
get relief than the other would be worse, and after a time mother asked
the Lord, if agreeable to His will, to take hers and spare the other,
as she had other children, and Sarah Ann had but this one. But He chose
to take the latter. Should not this teach us a lesson? and where could
such love be found, only in the hearts of _Saints?_
"Many weeks I remained feeble, but I had received the promise that I
should be healed, and one morning Sister Perris Young, on whom the
spirit had rested all night, to come and administer to me; came and
under her administration, with my mother, I was made whole.
"Those were trying days, when one meal was eaten we knew not where
we were to get the next, but we neither wanted for food nor raiment.
We had not heard from the pioneers since they left till they were
returning, and the news was that they were short of teams and without
breadstuff, and a long way from home. Our feelings can better be
imagined than described, for we had little enough ourselves, but
we lifted our hearts to God, and I can call it nothing less than
miraculous, a supply was soon furnished and men and teams started
to meet them. The next spring all were preparing to move, and as I
was helping to put on my wagon cover I came near fainting and was
prostrated on my bed from that time. I had a baby boy born on the 17th
of August, but he was buried on the 22nd, my twentieth birthday. This
was the worst part of our journey, the roads being rough and rocky. I
mourned incessantly, and that with my intense bodily sufferings soon
brought me to death's door, but it was shorn of its sting. I was cold,
but oh, how peaceful, as I lay there painless and my breath passing so
gently away; I felt as though I was wafting on the air and happy in the
thought of meeting so soon with my babes where no more pain or sorrow
could come. I had talked with my husband and father who were weeping
as I took a parting kiss from all but my poor mother, who was the last
one called and had sunk upon her knees before me. This distressed me,
but I bade her not mourn for she would not be long behind me. My words
struck father like a sudden thunderbolt, and he spoke with a mighty
voice and said--'Vilate, Helen _is not dying!_" but my breath which by
this time had nearly gone, stopped that very instant, and I felt his
faith and knew that he was holding me; and I begged him to let me go as
I thought it very cruel to keep me, and believed it impossible for me
to live and ever recover. The destroyer was then stirred up in anger at
being cheated out of his victim and he seemed determined to wreak his
vengeance upon us all. No one but God and the angels to whom I owe my
life and all I have, could know the tenth part of what I suffered. I
never told anybody and I never could. A keener taste of misery and woe,
no mortal, I think, could endure. For three months I lay a portion of
the time like one dead, they told me; but that did not last long. I was
alive to my spiritual condition and dead to the world. I tasted of the
punishment which is prepared for those who reject any of the principles
of this Gospel. Then I learned that plural marriage was a celestial
principle, and saw the difference between the power of God's priesthood
and that of Satan's and the necessity of obedience to those who hold
the priesthood, and the danger of rebelling against or speaking lightly
of the Lord's annointed.
"I had, in hours of temptation, when seeing the trials of my mother,
felt to rebel. I hated polygamy in my heart, I had loved my baby
more than my God, and mourned for it unreasonably. All my sins and
shortcomings were magnified before my eyes till I believed I had sinned
beyond redemption. Some may call it the fruits of a diseased brain.
There is nothing without a cause, be that as it may, it was a keen
reality to me. During that season I lost my speech, forgot the names of
everybody and everything, and was living in another sphere, learning
lessons that would serve me in future times to keep me in the narrow
way. I was left a poor wreck of what I had been, but the Devil with
all his cunning, little thought that he was fitting and preparing my
heart to fulfill its destiny. My father said that Satan desired to
clip my glory and was quite willing I should die happy; but when he
was thwarted he tried in every possible way to destroy my tabernacle.
President Young said that the mountains through which we passed were
filled with the spirits of the Gadianton robbers spoken of in the Book
of Mormon. The Lord gave father faith enough to hold me until I was
capable of exercising it for myself. I was so weak that I was often
discouraged in trying to pray, as the evil spirits caused me to feel
that it was no use: but the night after the first Christmas in this
valley, I had my last struggle and resolved that they should buffet me
no longer. I fasted for one week, and every day I gained till I had won
the victory and I was just as sensible of the presence of holy spirits
around my bedside as I had been of the evil ones. It would take up too
much room to relate my experience with the spirits, but New Year's eve,
after spending one of the happiest days of my life I was moved upon to
talk to my mother. I knew her heart was weighed down in sorrow and I
was full of the holy Ghost. I talked as I never did before, I was too
weak to talk with such a voice (of my own strength), beside, I never
before spoke with such eloquence, and she knew that it was not myself.
She was so affected that she sobbed till I ceased. I assured her that
father loved her, but he had a work to do, she must rise above her
feelings and seek for the Holy Comforter, and though it rent her heart
she must uphold him, for he in taking other wives had done it only in
obedience to a holy principle. Much more I said, and when I ceased, she
wiped her eyes and told me to rest. I had not felt tired till she said
this, but commenced then to feel myself sinking away. I silently prayed
to be renewed, when my strength returned that instant.
"New Year's day father had set apart to fast and pray, and they
prepared a feast at evening. I had prayed that I might gain a sure
testimony that day that I was acceptable to God, and my father, when
he arose to speak, was so filled with His power, that he looked
almost transfigured! He turned to me and spoke of my sufferings and
the blessings I should receive because of the same. He prophesied of
the great work that I should do, that I should live long and raise
honorable sons and daughters that would rise up and call me blessed,
and should be a comfort to my mother in her declining years, and many
more things which I have fulfilled. Many who knew me then have looked
at me and seen me working with my children around me, with perfect
amazement and as one who had been dead and resurrected.
"I lost three babes before I kept any, (two boys and girl). My first
to live was Vilate, she grew to womanhood and was taken. Orson F. was
my next, who has been appointed Bishop of the Eighteenth Ward. I had
four more daughters, then a son, my last a little girl who died at
five years of age; being eleven in all. My parents have left me and my
heart has been wrung to the utmost, yet I have said--_Thy will O God,
be done_. Persons have sometimes wondered at my calmness and endurance,
but I think they would not had they passed through the same experience.
"I have encouraged and sustained my husband in the celestial order of
marriage because I knew it was right. At various times I have been
healed by the washing and annointing, administered by the mothers in
Israel. I am still spared to testify to the truth and Godliness of this
work; and though my happiness once consisted in laboring for those
I love, the Lord has seen fit to deprive me of bodily strength, and
taught me to 'cast my bread upon the waters' and after many days my
longing spirit was cheered with the knowledge that He had a work for me
to do, and with Him, I know that all things are possible.
"Almost my first literary effort was inspired by the reading of
the various opinions of men published in our dailies, upon woman's
disabilities, etc.; and my continuing is due to the advice and urgent
wishes of many of my sisters.
"On March 10, 1882, I was chosen by Sister M. I. Horne and nominated
to act as her Counselor in the Relief Society of this stake of Zion
in place of Sister S. M. Heywood (deceased) and God grant that I may
come up to her standard and be able to labor faithfully with my sisters
yet many years, in relieving and comforting the tried and afflicted,
and enlightening the minds of those who are in darkness concerning the
things of God and His people."
It is but appropriate and just to add to the brief sketch of Helen Mar
Whitney's life, a brief record of her son, the eldest of her living
children.
Orson F. Whitney was born in Salt Lake City, July 1, 1855. Was called
on his first mission during the October Conference of 1876. Left home
for Pennsylvania November 6th following. Remained in Pennsylvania about
five months, laboring with Elder A. M. Musser, and visited Washington
just prior to the inauguration of President Hayes. Early in the spring
of 1877 went alone down to Ohio, where he remained about one year,
preaching and baptizing, and visiting relatives in and around Kirtland,
(his father's birthplace). Was released from his mission in the spring
of 1878, and returned home early in April. Was appointed a home
missionary immediately on his return, and also obtained a situation in
the _Deseret News_ office.
July 14th, was ordained a High Priest, (previously was a Seventy)
and set apart to preside as bishop of the Eighteenth Ward, being the
youngest bishop in the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, succeeding Bishop L.
D. Young, resigned. August 10th of same year succeeded Elder John
Nicholson as city editor of the _Deseret News_, he having been called
to Europe on a mission. Before this he had labored as a collector and
under-clerk in the business office of that establishment. During his
sojourn in the States he had corresponded with the _Salt Lake Herald_,
the _Woman's Exponent_ and the _News_, to the latter by the direct
invitation of President Brigham Young, who had noticed his writings
to the other papers and urged him to cultivate his literary ability.
Previously he had scarcely dared to hope he possessed any. He says of
this; "I owe much to the kind encouragement of President Young for what
little I have yet achieved in that direction."
December 18, 1879, was married to Zina B. Smoot, daughter of President
A. O. and Mrs. Emily Smoot. In February, 1880, was elected to the
City Council and held the office of a Councilor until called on his
second mission, whither he went before his office term had expired.
In July, 1880, was appointed by a committee having in charge the
arrangement of a programme to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of
the Church (year of jubilee,) to write a poem for the occasion. The
poem--"Jubilee of Zion," was read in the Tabernacle by Colonel David
McKenzie, on the 24th of July, the Jubilee Celebration and the regular
Pioneer Day Celebration being blended. Prior to this he had published a
pamphlet containing two poems, "Land of Shinehah" and the "Women of the
Everlasting Covenant," and had contributed various efforts in verse to
our local papers, besides other articles in prose to the _Contributor_
and _Herald_, at the same time laboring regularly upon the _News_ as
local editor. April, 1880 (antedating the above), the Home Dramatic
Club was organized with O. F. Whitney as President.
October, 1880, the first child of Bishop Whitney, a son, was born. June
20, 1881, at a meeting of the General Committee on celebration of the
4th of July, Bishop Whitney was chosen Orator of the Day, and prepared
the oration, the assassination of President Garfield on the 2nd of July
put a stop to the celebration, and consequently to the carrying out of
the programme. October Conference, 1881, was called on a mission to
England and left October 24th; sailed from New York November 1st, and
landed on the 10th. Appointed to the London Conference, labored there
four months; then called to Liverpool to succeed Elder C. W. Stayner
in the editorial department of the _Millennial Star_. Labored there
nearly a year, then was released to travel in the ministry. Released to
return home with the June company, 1883. Visited Scotland and France
and sailed for home June 20th. Landed in New York Sunday, July 1st,
the very day and date of his birth, twenty-eight years before. Reached
home July 7, 1883, and has resumed his position as city editor of the
_Deseret Evening News_.
LETTERS OF HEBER C. KIMBALL.
For the consideration of those unacquainted with him, who through
misreport have been led to regard Heber C. Kimball as a man of stern
rule and cold nature, I append two letters written by him to his
beloved first wife, Vilate, (a name that is revered in our people's
remembrance) showing in true light his own feelings upon the principle
of plural marriage and vindicating and honoring him by this testimony
from his own secret heart and lips, better than the words of another,
no matter how faithful or true or ardent that friend might be. Thus
will be shown to the world three generations of a family who are
representatives of our people and faith; Heber, one whom God chose
as one of the first to aid in founding and upbuilding His Church and
Kingdom in the last dispensation; Helen, his cherished and heroic
daughter, and Orson, her son, worthy representative of his mother
and grandfather. The inspiration in Heber's life has not died out in
theirs, the work has not slackened, the line of march is still onward
and upward. The first copy bears date of
"OCTOBER 23, 1842. "_My Dear Vilate:_
"I am at Brother Evan Green's. We have held all our conferences, have
had two meetings to-day, it being the Sabbath. Some have been added to
the Church and prejudice is considerably laid. Monday we shall go to
Jacksonville, then on to Springfield. I shall be home in two or three
weeks if the Lord wills it so. Since I left you it has been a time of
much reflection. I felt as though I was a poor weak creature in and of
myself, and only on God can I rely for support. I have been looking
back over my past life before I heard the Gospel. It makes me shrink
into nothing and to wish I had always been a righteous man from my
youth, but we have an advocate with the Father, and I can look back
since I came into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with
a degree of pleasure, but I can see if I had more knowledge I could
have done better in many points. * * I feel as though I had rather die
to-day than be left to transgress one of His laws, or to bring disgrace
upon the cause which I have embraced, or a stain upon my character; and
my prayer is day by day that God would take me to Himself rather than I
should be left to sin against Him, or betray my dear brethren who have
been true to me and to God the Eternal Father, and I feel to pray to
Thee, O Lord, to help thy poor servant to be true to Thee all the days
of my life, that I may never be left to sin against Thee or against Thy
annointed, or any that love thee, that I may have wisdom and knowledge
how to gain Thy favor at all times, for this is my desire, and that
these blessings may rest upon my dear companion, and when we have done
Thy work on this Thy footstool, that Thou wouldst receive us into that
kingdom where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the holy prophets have
gone, that we may never be separated any more, and before I should be
left to betray my brethren in any case, let Thy servant come unto Thee
in Thy Kingdom and there have the love of my youth, and the little
ones Thou has given me. * * Now, my dear Vilate, stand by me even unto
death, and when you pray, pray that I may hold out to the end. * * My
heart aches for you and sometimes I can hardly speak without weeping,
and that before my brethren: for I have a broken heart and my head is a
fountain of tears. My life in this world is short at the longest, and
I do not desire to live one day only to do good and to make you happy
and bring up our little children in the ways of the Lord, and my prayer
is that they may be righteous from the least to the greatest. * * The
world has lost its charms for me, and I want to seek for that rest
which remains for the people of God. I never had a greater desire to be
a man of God than at the present, that I may know my acceptance with
Him."
"SPRINGFIELD, October 25th. "_My Dear Companion:_
"I have just returned from the office where I found a letter from you,
and I need not tell you that it was a sweet morsel to me. I could weep
like a child if I could get away by myself, to think that I for one
moment have been the means of causing you any sorrow; I know that you
must have many bad feelings and I feel to pray for you all the time,
I assure you that you have not been out of my mind many minutes at a
time since I left you. My feelings are of that kind that it makes me
sick at heart, so that I have no appetite to eat. My temptations are
so severe it seems sometimes as though I should have to lay down and
die, I feel as if I should sink beneath it. I go into the woods every
chance I have, and pour out my soul before God that He would deliver
me and bless you, my dear wife, and the first I would know I would be
in tears, weeping like a child about you and the situation I am in;
but what can I do but go ahead? My dear Vilate, do not let it cast you
down, for the Lord is on our side; this I know from what I see and
realize and I marvel at it many times. You are tried and tempted and I
am sorry for you, for I know how to pity you. I can say that I never
suffered more in all my life than since these things came to pass; and
as I have said so say I again, I have felt as if I should sink and die.
Oh my God! I ask Thee in the name of Jesus to bless my dear Vilate and
comfort her heart and deliver her from temptation and sorrow, and open
her eyes and let her see things as they are, for Father Thou knowest
our sorrow; be pleased to look upon Thy poor servant and handmaid, and
grant us the privilege of living the same length of time that one may
not go before the other, for Thou knowest that we desire this with all
our hearts. * * * And then, Father, when we have done with our career
in this probation, in the one to come may we still be joined in one
to remain so to all eternities, and whatever we have done to grieve
Thee be pleased to blot it out, and let us be clean and pure before
Thee at all times, that we may never be left to sin or betray anyone
that believes on Thy name; save us from all this and let our seeds be
righteous; incline their hearts to be pure and virtuous, and may this
extend from generation to generation, let us have favor in Thy sight
and before Thine angels that we may be watched over by them and have
strength and grace to support us in the day of our temptation that we
may not be overcome and fall. Now my Father, these are the desires of
our hearts, and wilt Thou grant them to us for Jesus' sake and to Thy
name will we give all the glory forever and ever."
ZINA Y. WILLIAMS.
DAUGHTER OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.
It would be strange indeed, if after the life and labors of Brigham
Young, a work of this character should appear, lacking the name
and record of his descendants. The sons of noble men have greater
opportunities of adding lustre to their father's name by reason of the
advantages which sons possess over daughters; yet among our people,
women have their acknowledged province in which they may distinguish
themselves, in which their position is not borrowed from the other
sex, or an infringement upon them; and yet may adorn the memory of
even Brigham Young. Such a daughter is Zina Y. Williams, the original
of this sketch. Born in plural or celestial marriage, and with an
understanding of this condition, as much as any young girl can possess,
a wife in the same order of marriage.
Some have said, "Let us see the workings of this system, let us see
how the next generation will receive it." The time has come when they
can see, and learn that those who understand it best fear it least.
The words of the daughter herself, it seems to me, should go farther
in effect than mine could for her. Here is a true picture in the home
life of the earliest advocates of that ancient principle, restored
through Joseph Smith, the prophet. I have known Mrs. Williams beneath
her father's roof and in her own married home, intimately, for eighteen
years, and knew the union and love of the band of sisters.
"I was born April 3rd, 1850, in Salt Lake City. My mother, Zina H.
Young, was made glad by my presence, her only daughter. My father,
President Brigham Young, made me welcome; though he was the father of
many others he was as much pleased as many men are over their only
girl. My childhood was clouded with sickness, and one of my earliest
recollections is of my loving mother holding me in her arms, singing a
sweet song; with the moonlight streaming over me and gazing out upon
the full moon I sank to sleep, soothed from suffering by her magic
care. I was the pet of my two brothers and of all my mother's friends.
I knew nothing of want or care till the year of famine, (1856) which
gave me a faint idea of what want was. (All through the Territory
families were on short rations.)
"My father's family lived in a world of their own, there being ten
girls with not more than four years' difference in their ages. Our
father affectionately called us his 'big ten,' and nowhere on the
earth could be found a happier, merrier set of children. We attended
school and were instructed in music and dancing on our own premises.
Our mothers taught us to respect each other's rights, as they always
set the example by treating one another according to the golden rule.
A person entering the room where we were assembled would be at a loss
to tell which were the own children of the sisters present. We carried
out the proverb--'Love thy neighbor as thyself,' literally. When the
memorable exodus of 1858 took place, my mother was the first woman who
left Salt Lake City. In company with another of my father's wives,
Lucy B., (as she is called,) we started south. This was my first trip
from home, it seemed like a pleasure trip to me and it was a matter of
surprise that my dear mother and auntie were not as much delighted with
the change as we children were; but the subsequent discomforts we were
subjected to, and our lonely hours spent away from our dearly loved
sisters caused many a heart pang and we began to realize something of
the sacrifices made by our people when our enemies came and invaded
our homes. My mother was the last of father's family to leave Provo,
after the return of the people to their former homes. On our arrival,
after a year's absence, father asked mother to take charge of four of
his little ones whose mother was dead. She consented, and this event
entirely changed my after life; from being the pet and only child I
now had to share with these motherless children. It was a trial in
many ways, but my precious mother taught me to be unselfish and thank
God for all His blessings and not complain, and I am thankful to say,
following her advice without once alluding to the fact that my mother
was not their own. Thus it proved to be the best lesson of my life, and
a great blessing.