Chapter V: Part 5

"'While the elements were raging above, and we below were being tossed about like feathers, the good old captain came down among us wearing a solemn countenance. We tried to gather around him; he said to us: 'My friends, there is a time in a man's life when it is fitting to prepare to die, and that time has come to us; I have done all I _can do_, but, unless God interposes _we must go down_.' A good sister answered, 'Captain, we _were sent to California and we shall go there_.' He went up stairs, saying, '_These people have a faith I have not_.' And so it proved. We outrode the storm, we endured another off Cape Horn; we stopped and buried one of our dear sisters, a mother of seven children, (Mrs. Goodwin) at Juan Fernandez, and at last reached our new home, the last day of July, 1846, to find a country at war with our own government, a country barren and dreary, so unlike the California of to-day, but we trusted in God and he heard our prayers; and when I soaked the mouldy ship bread purchased from the whaleships lying in the harbor, (returned from a four years' cruise) and fried it in the tallow taken from the rawhides lying on the beach, God made it sweet to me and to my child, for on this food I weaned her. I used to think of Hagar and her babe, and of the God who watched over them, and again I remembered the voice and the words it spoke unto me--and took courage.

"'From that day to this, I can bear my testimony to all the world that I have known, and still know, this is the work of God and will exalt us if we seek to know His will, and knowing it, do it.'

"My mother's testimony, written at my request, was the last work performed by her hand. After finishing, she accompanied a caller to the gate, the chill night air penetrated her frame and morning found her sick with pneumonia. From that bed she was borne seven days later, from the earthly gaze of children and friends forever. They called it death, but to her it was the reward promised, and recorded by her own hand--'Eternal Life.'

"My mother had kept a daily journal on the ship, _Brooklyn_, also the first five or six years in San Francisco, calling it 'The Early Annals of California.' This I considered invaluable from the reliability and the fullness of its historic matter and data, and after her demise I searched for it but it was gone. This I thought strange indeed, for she had assured me of its preservation about eighteen months before her last illness. I have heard her relate many incidents of those times. Once when nearly famished, (hostilities not yet being concluded between Mexico and the United States,) two men ventured outside the town to lasso one of the cattle browsing so near them, but were themselves caught by cruel Mexicans in ambush, and killed and quartered, their bodies left lying on the sand in view of the wretched inhabitants. At another time a Mexican was intercepted and searched. In one boot was found an order from General Castro, to attack by night and kill everything above four years old that could speak English. The messenger was buried in the sand. After awhile the native women became curious, and some of them ventured past the guard after dark, and being touched with compassion, returned in the same cautious manner, with bottles of _leche_ (milk) slung around their waists under their flounced dress skirts, and _tortillas_ (flour and water cakes) concealed beneath their _revosas_ (mantles,) for the women and children. Soon after the landing the brethren strayed around, glad to be on land and looking to see what they could find. 'Any fruit?' asked one of a returning comrade. 'Yes,' said he, 'grape, lots of 'em.' There was a rush off in that direction and a fruitless search. Being sharply questioned, he pulled a handful of grape shot out of his pocket, which he had picked up from the scene of a recent engagement. The same day a gentleman passenger, traveling for pleasure, brought a bouquet of wild flowers to me, saying: 'Little lady, I herewith present you the first bouquet ever offered by a white man to a white woman in Yerba Buena.' Yerba Buena was the original name of San Francisco, and means 'good herb'--from a kind of pennyroyal growing wild there at that time. My mother kept the flowers many years and told me the story over their odorless ashes. My father and mother with many of the Saints, (sixteen families) moved from the ship into the 'old adobie,' partitioned off with quilts. Soon after he rented a house, but the largest room was required of him as a hospital for the wounded soldiers; the next largest for a printing office. The press was an old Spanish press, and there being no W in that alphabet, they used to turn the M upside down. My mother used to help decipher the dispatches, many of them being written on the battlefield with a burnt stick or coal.

"Her first Christmas dinner in San Francisco consisted of a quart of beans and a pound of salt pork, which the hospital steward brought to her; he told her he would be flogged if it became known. In after days he became her steward. One day Dr. Poet, surgeon of the navy, brought my mother a slice of ham, a drawing of tea and a lump of butter about the size of a walnut. Dr. Poet had told my father where he could purchase half a barrel of flour. After baking some flour and water cakes between two tin plates in the ashes, my mother brought her dear friend, Mrs. Robbins, (now in this city,) to share the repast. Said Mrs. Robbins: 'Mrs. Joyce, isn't this like Boston?' This was just after living for six months on mouldy shipbread. I have heard her say that often she was so hungry she would willingly have walked ten miles to obtain a slice of bread. Soon after this my mother helped to take care of the 'Donner Party,' who were found partly frozen and so famished that they were eating their dead companions. The girl she tended, told her that they grew to like it, and she had helped eat her brother. The true stories they told are too dreadful to repeat, particularly as some of them are still living. The Mormon Battallion came; peace was declared, the gold mines were discovered, and the circumstances of the Saints were changed from isolation and famine to wealth and grandeur. My father became very wealthy, but prosperity caused his apostacy. My grandfather, and uncle, John Perkins, both sea captains, came to see my mother. I well remember sitting on grandpa's knee and learning my alphabet from the large family Bible spread before him, he being my teacher. I often recall also the long evenings when Uncle John held me on his knee and sang the strange, pathetic, old-fashioned sea songs of which he knew so many and sang them so sweetly; I used to nestle closer to him, half frightened, and at last fall asleep. I remember one was, ''Twas down in the lowlands a poor boy did wander,' and I have never heard it since.

"In Boston my mother was called 'The Mormon nightingale.' Strangers indifferent to the Gospel would say, 'Let us go to Boylston Hall and hear the singing.' A gentleman of fortune offered to take her to Italy and educate her in singing, at the same time that Adelaide Philips (his protege) went, but her destiny was upon another stage, to sing the hymns of the newly-restored Gospel; and many have thought that she sang them as one inspired. Her rendering of Wm. Clayton's hymn, 'The Resurrection Day,' will be remembered by all who ever heard it. She purchased the first melodeon brought to San Francisco, (by a Mr. Washington Holbrook,) thereby causing a sensation among the wives of the ministers of five denominations, who each wanted it for their church. She went, during the ravages of the cholera, in San Francisco, and gathered together sixty orphan children, providing for them until a building spot, material and means were collected by subscription; and was one of the Board of managers of the Protestant Orphan Asylum thus originated and founded. I remember going with her and hearing the children sing, 'The Watcher,' a song of poverty and death. At the expiration of one year some of the ladies objected to having a Mormon officer among them, 'not considering Mormonism a religion at all,' although quite willing to accept the continuance of her contributions. She however found a larger and more congenial field of labor; brethren going on their missions, their families left behind in Utah, received her prompt remembrance. Also seeds, trees, &c., she sent to Utah spring and fall, through more than twenty years. My only sister was born in San Francisco, August, 1847, and died in St. George, Mrs. Helen F. Judd, one of the truest Saints I ever knew. In San Francisco Parley P. Pratt was a guest at my mother's house. She had loaned the Book of Mormon to a gentleman belonging to the Custom House; Colonel Alden A. M. Jackson. He had been in the Mexican War, at the battle of Buena Vista, and was with General Scott and Zachary Taylor through that campaign. He had two horses killed under him and received injuries that lasted throughout his life. When he returned the book he said he had read it day and night until finished, and wished to know where he could find a minister of the Mormon Church. She invited him to come that evening and meet the Apostle, author and poet, Parley P. Pratt. The gentlemen became so interested in their theme that my mother left the room without disturbing them, and giving a servant instructions to attend to Mr. Pratt's room, etc., retired. Descending the stairs next morning she heard Brother Pratt conversing, the lamp still burning. 'Good morning, gentlemen,' said she; Brother Pratt looked up--'Is it morning?' Colonel Jackson walked to the window--'Yes,' said he, 'another day has dawned, and another day has dawned for me--a beautiful one.' Brother Pratt looked out upon the garden and said significantly, 'It only needs water to complete the picture.' Colonel Jackson replied, 'I understand you, I am ready.' Turning to my mother Brother Pratt asked, 'Sister Joyce, have you renewed your covenants? A number are going to the North Beach to-morrow, will you go?' and she answered thoughtfully, 'Ten years ago last night I was baptized in the Atlantic at midnight; to-morrow I will be baptized in the Pacific.'

"My own parents had been separated since my father's apostacy. A few months after her baptism she moved to San Bernardino and there began building a beautiful home. Colonel Jackson, on his way to Utah was delayed, waiting for a train to cross the deserts, and my mother being his only acquaintance, he often sought her society, and at last determined to win her if possible, and some three years after their first acquaintance they were married. Never was a kinder father than he. Years added to years drew us all nearer to each other.

"In 1856, at the time of the Utah War, an armed mob of twenty-two men visited the four remaining Mormon families in San Bernardino, and calling father out from breakfast, ordered him to leave town with his family by nine o'clock. He replied he would not do it, prefacing and concluding the reply in language more forcible than elegant. They planted an old cannon on the public square, fired it off, rode around and threatened a great deal. Father's law office fronted the square; he went as usual to it, and in the afternoon they made a bonfire outside and coming in to him told him they intended to burn him alive. He continued writing, only telling them if they disturbed his papers he would send daylight through them. They left. When we were all ready to start for Utah, enemies obtained a writ from the court prohibiting my sister and I from leaving the State before we were of age. We were among enemies and powerless. My mother said, 'If we can't go, our property shall,' and with father's consent divided goods, provisions, arms and ammunition with the poor who could go. In 1864, my mother, sister and I came to Utah on a visit, returned here in 1867. In 1868 I was appointed Secretary of the Relief Society in St. George. In 1869 our parents brought us 'to the city' to receive our endowments, for which our joy and gratitude was beyond expression. I remained here, they returned to St. George where my sister married. In 1870 I became the second wife of George W. Crocheron. I believed I should better please my Heavenly Father by so doing than by marrying otherwise. Any woman, no matter how selfish, can be a first and only wife, but it takes a great deal more Christian philosophy and fortitude and self-discipline to be a wife in this order of marriage; and I believe those who choose the latter when both are equally possible, and do right therein, casting out all selfishness, judging self and not another, have attained a height, a mental power, a spiritual plane above those who have not. To do this is to overcome that which has its roots in selfishness, and it can be done if each will do what is right. In November, 1870, I was appointed Secretary of the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association of the Ninth Ward, which position I filled till home duties compelled my resignation. At times during thirteen years I have reported, in the sisters' meetings, chiefly those of the Fourteenth Ward. In 1876 our father died, and in five weeks after our mother followed him. Their graves are side by side in the valley of St. George, as beautiful as we could make them.

"In 1878 I was appointed, and later, set apart and blessed to labor as Secretary of the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association for the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, which position I strive to honorably fill. In 1880, by the advice and aid of my friends I published a volume of poems, 'Wild Flowers of Deseret,' which was kindly received, the entire edition being sold within two years. The design of the picture Representative Women of Deseret, appeared to me one night as I rose from family prayers. I had not thought of it before. This book of biographical sketches to accompany it was an after thought. Many suppose that Mormon women are not encouraged in their abilities, are perhaps repressed. This has not been so in my case, or in my observations of others. Both encouragement and help have been given me by friends, by those in authority, and my husband has also encouraged and assisted me in every way in his power.

"I am the mother of three boys and two girls, born in the New and Everlasting Covenant, and consecrated to my Creator before I ever held them in my arms or pressed a mother's kiss upon their little faces. Myself and all that are mine to give are dedicated to the service of God, praying that He will help us to be worthy of His acceptance."

HELEN MAR WHITNEY.

Helen Mar Whitney was the third child of Heber Chase Kimball and his wife, Vilate Murray, and was born in Mendon, Munro County, New York, August 22, 1828. Their ancestors were among the Pilgrims and her kindred prided themselves that they were descended from a noble stock. Though they cared little for nobility and rank, they were proud to know that their grandsires who would not submit to tyranny and oppression, helped to gain them independence, and that their descendants were noble, hard working, self-sacrificing and conscientious people, who believed in rising by their own merits. Many of her ancestors died fighting for the liberty which is denied to some of their children, by men who have usurped authority and become oppressors. She was five years old when her parents removed to Kirtland, Ohio. In the winter of 1837, she was baptized by Brigham Young, her father cutting the ice for that purpose.

She inherited a reverence for the Supreme Being and always received the best teachings from her parents. Her father's time was mostly spent in the ministry. On his return from a European mission, he heard Joseph teach the principle of celestial marriage, and was commanded by Joseph to take a certain lady for his second wife. He felt as though he could not obey this and live in it, and must be released from the command, and he expressed the same to Joseph, who went and inquired of the Lord, and receiving an answer, commanded him the third time before he obeyed. Her mother bore testimony that she also went to the Lord and plead with Him to show her the cause of her husband's trouble, which his haggard face and wretched days and nights betrayed and he dared not tell her. He told her to go to the Lord and she did so, and He answered their prayers. She saw a vision and the principle was revealed to her in all its glory. She saw the woman that he had taken, and she went to him and told him what the Lord had shown her. She said she never saw him so happy, and he cried for joy. She took the second wife to her bosom, and from that time an unkind word never passed between them. Helen knew nothing of the order till June, 1843, when her father revealed it to her. She says of this: "Had I not known he loved me too tenderly to introduce anything that was not strictly pure and exalting in its tendencies, I could not have believed such a doctrine. I could have sooner believed that he would slay me, than teach me an impure principle. I heard the Prophet teach it more fully, and in the presence of my father and mother.

"On the 3rd of February, 1846, I was married to H. K. Whitney, eldest son of N. K. Whitney, by Brigham Young. We were the last couple sealed in the Temple at Nauvoo. We were among the exiles who crossed the river on the 16th of the same month, intending to go over to the Rocky Mountains that year. But when the government demanded the strength of our companies to fight for them, we had to seek a place to quarter for the winter. I was sick most of the time while there. Some of the journey we had to walk, and our food being poor and scant, the infant and the aged, all classes, were swept off by death--the latter by scurvy and sheer exhaustion. The next year my husband was one of those chosen to go as a pioneer, and he had to go though the day of trial was upon me.

"Our first born, a lovely girl baby, was buried there--we could not both live; but during those dark hours I had friends and the Lord was there. We had but few men, mostly aged and disabled, but to see the union of the sisters; the fasting and prayers for the preservation of our battallion and the pioneers; and for the destroyer to be stayed; the great and marvelous manifestations, even the power of the resurrection, experienced there--proved that they were encircled by a mighty power, and that 'the prayers of the righteous availeth much.' I will mention one circumstance to show the heavenly spirit that dwelt with us there, and also the power of the destroyer, which none who witnessed could misunderstand.

"We were struggling with the evil one who had laid his grasp upon the babes--one was my mother's, the other, Sarah Ann's, (one of my father's wives). We all felt that we must part with one, as one would no sooner get relief than the other would be worse, and after a time mother asked the Lord, if agreeable to His will, to take hers and spare the other, as she had other children, and Sarah Ann had but this one. But He chose to take the latter. Should not this teach us a lesson? and where could such love be found, only in the hearts of _Saints?_

"Many weeks I remained feeble, but I had received the promise that I should be healed, and one morning Sister Perris Young, on whom the spirit had rested all night, to come and administer to me; came and under her administration, with my mother, I was made whole.

"Those were trying days, when one meal was eaten we knew not where we were to get the next, but we neither wanted for food nor raiment. We had not heard from the pioneers since they left till they were returning, and the news was that they were short of teams and without breadstuff, and a long way from home. Our feelings can better be imagined than described, for we had little enough ourselves, but we lifted our hearts to God, and I can call it nothing less than miraculous, a supply was soon furnished and men and teams started to meet them. The next spring all were preparing to move, and as I was helping to put on my wagon cover I came near fainting and was prostrated on my bed from that time. I had a baby boy born on the 17th of August, but he was buried on the 22nd, my twentieth birthday. This was the worst part of our journey, the roads being rough and rocky. I mourned incessantly, and that with my intense bodily sufferings soon brought me to death's door, but it was shorn of its sting. I was cold, but oh, how peaceful, as I lay there painless and my breath passing so gently away; I felt as though I was wafting on the air and happy in the thought of meeting so soon with my babes where no more pain or sorrow could come. I had talked with my husband and father who were weeping as I took a parting kiss from all but my poor mother, who was the last one called and had sunk upon her knees before me. This distressed me, but I bade her not mourn for she would not be long behind me. My words struck father like a sudden thunderbolt, and he spoke with a mighty voice and said--'Vilate, Helen _is not dying!_" but my breath which by this time had nearly gone, stopped that very instant, and I felt his faith and knew that he was holding me; and I begged him to let me go as I thought it very cruel to keep me, and believed it impossible for me to live and ever recover. The destroyer was then stirred up in anger at being cheated out of his victim and he seemed determined to wreak his vengeance upon us all. No one but God and the angels to whom I owe my life and all I have, could know the tenth part of what I suffered. I never told anybody and I never could. A keener taste of misery and woe, no mortal, I think, could endure. For three months I lay a portion of the time like one dead, they told me; but that did not last long. I was alive to my spiritual condition and dead to the world. I tasted of the punishment which is prepared for those who reject any of the principles of this Gospel. Then I learned that plural marriage was a celestial principle, and saw the difference between the power of God's priesthood and that of Satan's and the necessity of obedience to those who hold the priesthood, and the danger of rebelling against or speaking lightly of the Lord's annointed.

"I had, in hours of temptation, when seeing the trials of my mother, felt to rebel. I hated polygamy in my heart, I had loved my baby more than my God, and mourned for it unreasonably. All my sins and shortcomings were magnified before my eyes till I believed I had sinned beyond redemption. Some may call it the fruits of a diseased brain. There is nothing without a cause, be that as it may, it was a keen reality to me. During that season I lost my speech, forgot the names of everybody and everything, and was living in another sphere, learning lessons that would serve me in future times to keep me in the narrow way. I was left a poor wreck of what I had been, but the Devil with all his cunning, little thought that he was fitting and preparing my heart to fulfill its destiny. My father said that Satan desired to clip my glory and was quite willing I should die happy; but when he was thwarted he tried in every possible way to destroy my tabernacle. President Young said that the mountains through which we passed were filled with the spirits of the Gadianton robbers spoken of in the Book of Mormon. The Lord gave father faith enough to hold me until I was capable of exercising it for myself. I was so weak that I was often discouraged in trying to pray, as the evil spirits caused me to feel that it was no use: but the night after the first Christmas in this valley, I had my last struggle and resolved that they should buffet me no longer. I fasted for one week, and every day I gained till I had won the victory and I was just as sensible of the presence of holy spirits around my bedside as I had been of the evil ones. It would take up too much room to relate my experience with the spirits, but New Year's eve, after spending one of the happiest days of my life I was moved upon to talk to my mother. I knew her heart was weighed down in sorrow and I was full of the holy Ghost. I talked as I never did before, I was too weak to talk with such a voice (of my own strength), beside, I never before spoke with such eloquence, and she knew that it was not myself. She was so affected that she sobbed till I ceased. I assured her that father loved her, but he had a work to do, she must rise above her feelings and seek for the Holy Comforter, and though it rent her heart she must uphold him, for he in taking other wives had done it only in obedience to a holy principle. Much more I said, and when I ceased, she wiped her eyes and told me to rest. I had not felt tired till she said this, but commenced then to feel myself sinking away. I silently prayed to be renewed, when my strength returned that instant.

"New Year's day father had set apart to fast and pray, and they prepared a feast at evening. I had prayed that I might gain a sure testimony that day that I was acceptable to God, and my father, when he arose to speak, was so filled with His power, that he looked almost transfigured! He turned to me and spoke of my sufferings and the blessings I should receive because of the same. He prophesied of the great work that I should do, that I should live long and raise honorable sons and daughters that would rise up and call me blessed, and should be a comfort to my mother in her declining years, and many more things which I have fulfilled. Many who knew me then have looked at me and seen me working with my children around me, with perfect amazement and as one who had been dead and resurrected.

"I lost three babes before I kept any, (two boys and girl). My first to live was Vilate, she grew to womanhood and was taken. Orson F. was my next, who has been appointed Bishop of the Eighteenth Ward. I had four more daughters, then a son, my last a little girl who died at five years of age; being eleven in all. My parents have left me and my heart has been wrung to the utmost, yet I have said--_Thy will O God, be done_. Persons have sometimes wondered at my calmness and endurance, but I think they would not had they passed through the same experience.

"I have encouraged and sustained my husband in the celestial order of marriage because I knew it was right. At various times I have been healed by the washing and annointing, administered by the mothers in Israel. I am still spared to testify to the truth and Godliness of this work; and though my happiness once consisted in laboring for those I love, the Lord has seen fit to deprive me of bodily strength, and taught me to 'cast my bread upon the waters' and after many days my longing spirit was cheered with the knowledge that He had a work for me to do, and with Him, I know that all things are possible.

"Almost my first literary effort was inspired by the reading of the various opinions of men published in our dailies, upon woman's disabilities, etc.; and my continuing is due to the advice and urgent wishes of many of my sisters.

"On March 10, 1882, I was chosen by Sister M. I. Horne and nominated to act as her Counselor in the Relief Society of this stake of Zion in place of Sister S. M. Heywood (deceased) and God grant that I may come up to her standard and be able to labor faithfully with my sisters yet many years, in relieving and comforting the tried and afflicted, and enlightening the minds of those who are in darkness concerning the things of God and His people."

It is but appropriate and just to add to the brief sketch of Helen Mar Whitney's life, a brief record of her son, the eldest of her living children.

Orson F. Whitney was born in Salt Lake City, July 1, 1855. Was called on his first mission during the October Conference of 1876. Left home for Pennsylvania November 6th following. Remained in Pennsylvania about five months, laboring with Elder A. M. Musser, and visited Washington just prior to the inauguration of President Hayes. Early in the spring of 1877 went alone down to Ohio, where he remained about one year, preaching and baptizing, and visiting relatives in and around Kirtland, (his father's birthplace). Was released from his mission in the spring of 1878, and returned home early in April. Was appointed a home missionary immediately on his return, and also obtained a situation in the _Deseret News_ office.

July 14th, was ordained a High Priest, (previously was a Seventy) and set apart to preside as bishop of the Eighteenth Ward, being the youngest bishop in the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, succeeding Bishop L. D. Young, resigned. August 10th of same year succeeded Elder John Nicholson as city editor of the _Deseret News_, he having been called to Europe on a mission. Before this he had labored as a collector and under-clerk in the business office of that establishment. During his sojourn in the States he had corresponded with the _Salt Lake Herald_, the _Woman's Exponent_ and the _News_, to the latter by the direct invitation of President Brigham Young, who had noticed his writings to the other papers and urged him to cultivate his literary ability. Previously he had scarcely dared to hope he possessed any. He says of this; "I owe much to the kind encouragement of President Young for what little I have yet achieved in that direction."

December 18, 1879, was married to Zina B. Smoot, daughter of President A. O. and Mrs. Emily Smoot. In February, 1880, was elected to the City Council and held the office of a Councilor until called on his second mission, whither he went before his office term had expired. In July, 1880, was appointed by a committee having in charge the arrangement of a programme to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Church (year of jubilee,) to write a poem for the occasion. The poem--"Jubilee of Zion," was read in the Tabernacle by Colonel David McKenzie, on the 24th of July, the Jubilee Celebration and the regular Pioneer Day Celebration being blended. Prior to this he had published a pamphlet containing two poems, "Land of Shinehah" and the "Women of the Everlasting Covenant," and had contributed various efforts in verse to our local papers, besides other articles in prose to the _Contributor_ and _Herald_, at the same time laboring regularly upon the _News_ as local editor. April, 1880 (antedating the above), the Home Dramatic Club was organized with O. F. Whitney as President.

October, 1880, the first child of Bishop Whitney, a son, was born. June 20, 1881, at a meeting of the General Committee on celebration of the 4th of July, Bishop Whitney was chosen Orator of the Day, and prepared the oration, the assassination of President Garfield on the 2nd of July put a stop to the celebration, and consequently to the carrying out of the programme. October Conference, 1881, was called on a mission to England and left October 24th; sailed from New York November 1st, and landed on the 10th. Appointed to the London Conference, labored there four months; then called to Liverpool to succeed Elder C. W. Stayner in the editorial department of the _Millennial Star_. Labored there nearly a year, then was released to travel in the ministry. Released to return home with the June company, 1883. Visited Scotland and France and sailed for home June 20th. Landed in New York Sunday, July 1st, the very day and date of his birth, twenty-eight years before. Reached home July 7, 1883, and has resumed his position as city editor of the _Deseret Evening News_.

LETTERS OF HEBER C. KIMBALL.

For the consideration of those unacquainted with him, who through misreport have been led to regard Heber C. Kimball as a man of stern rule and cold nature, I append two letters written by him to his beloved first wife, Vilate, (a name that is revered in our people's remembrance) showing in true light his own feelings upon the principle of plural marriage and vindicating and honoring him by this testimony from his own secret heart and lips, better than the words of another, no matter how faithful or true or ardent that friend might be. Thus will be shown to the world three generations of a family who are representatives of our people and faith; Heber, one whom God chose as one of the first to aid in founding and upbuilding His Church and Kingdom in the last dispensation; Helen, his cherished and heroic daughter, and Orson, her son, worthy representative of his mother and grandfather. The inspiration in Heber's life has not died out in theirs, the work has not slackened, the line of march is still onward and upward. The first copy bears date of

"OCTOBER 23, 1842. "_My Dear Vilate:_

"I am at Brother Evan Green's. We have held all our conferences, have had two meetings to-day, it being the Sabbath. Some have been added to the Church and prejudice is considerably laid. Monday we shall go to Jacksonville, then on to Springfield. I shall be home in two or three weeks if the Lord wills it so. Since I left you it has been a time of much reflection. I felt as though I was a poor weak creature in and of myself, and only on God can I rely for support. I have been looking back over my past life before I heard the Gospel. It makes me shrink into nothing and to wish I had always been a righteous man from my youth, but we have an advocate with the Father, and I can look back since I came into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with a degree of pleasure, but I can see if I had more knowledge I could have done better in many points. * * I feel as though I had rather die to-day than be left to transgress one of His laws, or to bring disgrace upon the cause which I have embraced, or a stain upon my character; and my prayer is day by day that God would take me to Himself rather than I should be left to sin against Him, or betray my dear brethren who have been true to me and to God the Eternal Father, and I feel to pray to Thee, O Lord, to help thy poor servant to be true to Thee all the days of my life, that I may never be left to sin against Thee or against Thy annointed, or any that love thee, that I may have wisdom and knowledge how to gain Thy favor at all times, for this is my desire, and that these blessings may rest upon my dear companion, and when we have done Thy work on this Thy footstool, that Thou wouldst receive us into that kingdom where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the holy prophets have gone, that we may never be separated any more, and before I should be left to betray my brethren in any case, let Thy servant come unto Thee in Thy Kingdom and there have the love of my youth, and the little ones Thou has given me. * * Now, my dear Vilate, stand by me even unto death, and when you pray, pray that I may hold out to the end. * * My heart aches for you and sometimes I can hardly speak without weeping, and that before my brethren: for I have a broken heart and my head is a fountain of tears. My life in this world is short at the longest, and I do not desire to live one day only to do good and to make you happy and bring up our little children in the ways of the Lord, and my prayer is that they may be righteous from the least to the greatest. * * The world has lost its charms for me, and I want to seek for that rest which remains for the people of God. I never had a greater desire to be a man of God than at the present, that I may know my acceptance with Him."

"SPRINGFIELD, October 25th. "_My Dear Companion:_

"I have just returned from the office where I found a letter from you, and I need not tell you that it was a sweet morsel to me. I could weep like a child if I could get away by myself, to think that I for one moment have been the means of causing you any sorrow; I know that you must have many bad feelings and I feel to pray for you all the time, I assure you that you have not been out of my mind many minutes at a time since I left you. My feelings are of that kind that it makes me sick at heart, so that I have no appetite to eat. My temptations are so severe it seems sometimes as though I should have to lay down and die, I feel as if I should sink beneath it. I go into the woods every chance I have, and pour out my soul before God that He would deliver me and bless you, my dear wife, and the first I would know I would be in tears, weeping like a child about you and the situation I am in; but what can I do but go ahead? My dear Vilate, do not let it cast you down, for the Lord is on our side; this I know from what I see and realize and I marvel at it many times. You are tried and tempted and I am sorry for you, for I know how to pity you. I can say that I never suffered more in all my life than since these things came to pass; and as I have said so say I again, I have felt as if I should sink and die. Oh my God! I ask Thee in the name of Jesus to bless my dear Vilate and comfort her heart and deliver her from temptation and sorrow, and open her eyes and let her see things as they are, for Father Thou knowest our sorrow; be pleased to look upon Thy poor servant and handmaid, and grant us the privilege of living the same length of time that one may not go before the other, for Thou knowest that we desire this with all our hearts. * * * And then, Father, when we have done with our career in this probation, in the one to come may we still be joined in one to remain so to all eternities, and whatever we have done to grieve Thee be pleased to blot it out, and let us be clean and pure before Thee at all times, that we may never be left to sin or betray anyone that believes on Thy name; save us from all this and let our seeds be righteous; incline their hearts to be pure and virtuous, and may this extend from generation to generation, let us have favor in Thy sight and before Thine angels that we may be watched over by them and have strength and grace to support us in the day of our temptation that we may not be overcome and fall. Now my Father, these are the desires of our hearts, and wilt Thou grant them to us for Jesus' sake and to Thy name will we give all the glory forever and ever."

ZINA Y. WILLIAMS.

DAUGHTER OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.

It would be strange indeed, if after the life and labors of Brigham Young, a work of this character should appear, lacking the name and record of his descendants. The sons of noble men have greater opportunities of adding lustre to their father's name by reason of the advantages which sons possess over daughters; yet among our people, women have their acknowledged province in which they may distinguish themselves, in which their position is not borrowed from the other sex, or an infringement upon them; and yet may adorn the memory of even Brigham Young. Such a daughter is Zina Y. Williams, the original of this sketch. Born in plural or celestial marriage, and with an understanding of this condition, as much as any young girl can possess, a wife in the same order of marriage.

Some have said, "Let us see the workings of this system, let us see how the next generation will receive it." The time has come when they can see, and learn that those who understand it best fear it least. The words of the daughter herself, it seems to me, should go farther in effect than mine could for her. Here is a true picture in the home life of the earliest advocates of that ancient principle, restored through Joseph Smith, the prophet. I have known Mrs. Williams beneath her father's roof and in her own married home, intimately, for eighteen years, and knew the union and love of the band of sisters.

"I was born April 3rd, 1850, in Salt Lake City. My mother, Zina H. Young, was made glad by my presence, her only daughter. My father, President Brigham Young, made me welcome; though he was the father of many others he was as much pleased as many men are over their only girl. My childhood was clouded with sickness, and one of my earliest recollections is of my loving mother holding me in her arms, singing a sweet song; with the moonlight streaming over me and gazing out upon the full moon I sank to sleep, soothed from suffering by her magic care. I was the pet of my two brothers and of all my mother's friends. I knew nothing of want or care till the year of famine, (1856) which gave me a faint idea of what want was. (All through the Territory families were on short rations.)

"My father's family lived in a world of their own, there being ten girls with not more than four years' difference in their ages. Our father affectionately called us his 'big ten,' and nowhere on the earth could be found a happier, merrier set of children. We attended school and were instructed in music and dancing on our own premises. Our mothers taught us to respect each other's rights, as they always set the example by treating one another according to the golden rule. A person entering the room where we were assembled would be at a loss to tell which were the own children of the sisters present. We carried out the proverb--'Love thy neighbor as thyself,' literally. When the memorable exodus of 1858 took place, my mother was the first woman who left Salt Lake City. In company with another of my father's wives, Lucy B., (as she is called,) we started south. This was my first trip from home, it seemed like a pleasure trip to me and it was a matter of surprise that my dear mother and auntie were not as much delighted with the change as we children were; but the subsequent discomforts we were subjected to, and our lonely hours spent away from our dearly loved sisters caused many a heart pang and we began to realize something of the sacrifices made by our people when our enemies came and invaded our homes. My mother was the last of father's family to leave Provo, after the return of the people to their former homes. On our arrival, after a year's absence, father asked mother to take charge of four of his little ones whose mother was dead. She consented, and this event entirely changed my after life; from being the pet and only child I now had to share with these motherless children. It was a trial in many ways, but my precious mother taught me to be unselfish and thank God for all His blessings and not complain, and I am thankful to say, following her advice without once alluding to the fact that my mother was not their own. Thus it proved to be the best lesson of my life, and a great blessing.

"My life flowed on in peaceful current, going to school, but going upon the stage when quite young greatly impaired my health. I married when eighteen. My husband, Thomas Williams, had been in my father's employ in his office, for several years; then in the Theatre, where I saw him frequently, but, as he was much older than I, it never occurred to me to fall in love with him. 'None knew him but to love him,' the bard wrote, which is true of my husband. I was his second wife, and here let me testify that in entering into the order of plural marriage, both my husband and myself did so from the purest and holiest motives. For six years I was his loving wife, bearing two sons, Sterling and Thomas Edgar. In July, 1873, my dear husband was called home. None but those who are called upon to pass through similar circumstances can know the sorrow and anguish it is to part from a loving, noble husband and father.

"My time now was given principally to my Church duties and to the support of my dear children. In all my trials my dear mother was my comfort and support. By the advice of my father, I went to Sevier County and took up a quarter section of land. I went to St. George at the completion of the Temple, and met many dear friends and relatives; my father was there, and those who were present, will, I believe, never forget the heavenly intercourse enjoyed by the Saints while thus convened. Shortly after our return to the city, our honored father was stricken down with his last sickness. Never was there a more solemn scene than that witnessed at his death, his family were there, also the head men of the Church. Physicians with their futile skill were standing round, the faith and anxiety of the whole Church were centered around that dying form and departing soul of God's Prophet at that trying hour. His body unconscious now to pain, was there before us, but his noble spirit already saw behind the veil which screens from us the immortal spheres. 'Joseph! Joseph!' were his last words, and when he breathed his last his face became radiant as if molten sunbeams had been poured into his veins, giving him an unearthly and celestial appearance never to be forgotten by those who surrounded his dying couch. After a settlement of our father's estate I removed to Provo in order to give my dear children and myself the advantages of attending the Brigham Young Academy. In January of this same year, President Taylor sent me, in company with Sister Emmeline B. Wells, to visit the Woman's Suffrage Convention held in Washington. After my return I began teaching in the Brigham Young Academy, taking charge of the young ladies and organizing a work class; also the primary department in which position I have been actively engaged ever since. The Brigham Young Academy was endowed by inspiration by him whose name it bears. Professor Karl G. Maeser was called to act as principal at the commencement, and when he asked for instruction from its noble founder, he received only this: 'Ask God to guide you in all things and carry it on under His directions; this is all I have to say.'

"From that time Professor Maeser has faithfully lived to fulfill the wishes of its founder. How he has succeeded is demonstrated every year by the hundreds of young men and women who there receive for the first time a knowledge and testimony of this Gospel. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the Honorable Board: President A. O. Smoot, Harvey Cluff, Wilson H. Dusenberry, Bishop Myron Tanner, Bishop Harrington, Bishop Bringhurst and Sister Coray for their energy and labor to make this school all that Brigham Young intended it should be.

"In the deeds bestowing a grant upon this institution it is plainly stated that the young men be taught mechanism, and the young ladies domestic duties. In accordance with this a young ladies' department has been organized and we have endeavored to carry out this peculiar feature desired by President Young, my beloved father.

"I have occupied the position of advisor and director to the young ladies for the past four years. I have now the advantage of a fine large room built expressly for this branch of education. Was called to preside over the Primary Associations of Provo, am a Counselor to the President of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association also; and an officer in the Provo Silk Association."

While living in Salt Lake City, Mrs. Zina Y. Williams was one of the committee superintending the decoration of the great Tabernacle. Large classes were taught artificial flower making, and thousands of yards of festoons and hanging baskets, interspersed with appropriate mottoes and flags made the vast ceiling a bower of beauty for many months. She has taught decorative work of different kinds in several towns of our Territory, possessing a special gift in this direction.

An energetic spiritual laborer, a loving daughter and faithful wife and mother, she has also a wide circle of sincere friends. She was the first of President Young's daughters to manifest prominently in the face of opposition, her willingness to unite with the associations organized for the repression of extravagance in dress, table expenditure and frivolity, and for the cultivation of spiritual knowledge, and mutual improvement. These meetings were regarded with aversion and even ridicule, by many, as tending to bring women into too great publicity. This proved to be an incorrect idea. Sister Williams was one of the earliest spiritual laborers and has never faltered or deviated from her line of duty. President Young has other daughters also, who have later become officers and actively interested in the Women's Organizations among this people; and they will without doubt, develop many of those abilities, which, combined and made subservient to the will of God made the name of Brigham Young immortal in history.

LOUISE M. WELLS.

SECRETARY OF CENTRAL ORGANIZATION OF THE YOUNG LADIES' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS.

The fact that most of the ladies of this work are of mature, and some even advanced years, suggests the thought--what of the "rising generation" of this people? How have the practical workings of this system which the world can judge of only from report and occasional glimpses into its operations, but which with the youth of the people is a literal and sole experience--affected their ideas and purposes?