May 1882

Louie is still very ill her throat is worst affected– I was obliged to go to the Office, Mell & Rose [Sipple Wightman] called on me and I went with them to call upon Pres. Taylor. After on Sister Eliza– came home early found Lou suffering very much Dot went to Fullers Hill¹ Septimus is here tonight

This morning I had an impression that Lou would soon be better. However she was very sick all day About noon June came and administered, then Penrose– in the afternoon she was much better & at evening better still I feel very thankful indeed and hope she will soon be out again. [p. 85] {p. 87}

Today Lou is better I had a call from the Correspondent of the New York World and London Telegraph– His name is Phil Robinson– Hiram [B.] Clawson came to introduce him– Sister King was present. Rhoda Richards Knowlton died this after noon, Annie went to the theatre to see Inshavogue.

This has been a busy day. Went with Dr. Ferguson to make some arrangements about opening a Hospital–² my husband came to see me. we had a very agreeable time. Joe Sharp came down, Julia³ was married today. It is raining to night [p. 86] {p. 88}

Worked hard all day long mailing. Louie is better– Belle’s house is getting ready, Rhoda Richards was buried today. I am very weary have been reading French this evening The weather is very cold had a letter from Mrs. [Emily Scott] Dill–Pres. Taylor has gone to Logan

I am so tired tonight so many sisters are too much for me, talking all at once about Hospitals–Went to see Aunt Eliza with Sister Howard & Dr. Ferguson We went to have ice cream Lou is not feeling so well Meeting in the 14th Ward today. No news from the young missionaries [p. 87] {p. 89}

To day is the anniversary of my moving into this house– what changes have taken place since then. Louie is a little better. I have been at home all day long. Annie went to Sunday School and took Q. and the children. It has been raining gently– Belle’s house is nearly ready Mell came down–

This was a damp morning went to the museum with Mell & Mrs. Rose Wightman. Went afterwards to see Pres. Taylor but he had not returned. Saw Sister Eliza The day has been a very disagreeable one. This evening the 13th, Ward incorporated as a church. I was present at the meeting [p. 88] {p. 90}

My husband spent the afternoon with me in the office, we had a very pleasant time In the evening went to the 13th Ward meeting of Y.L.M.I.A.⁴ Sister Howard and Dr. Ferguson came home with me and had supper. Annie and I both had letters from John Q. Annie & Louie from Ada– Dwyer, Boston

In the morning Mr. & Mrs. [William and Elizabeth Anderson] Howard called on me Went to Y.L.M.I.A. First Ward– about 12 of the representative women of the City–⁵ Louie is getting a little better– but is still very weak Belle is getting ready to move and we shall soon be without her and the dear children. Today the Secretary & under Sec. of Ireland were killed in the park. [p. 89] {p. 91}

In the morning went in a carriage to Pleasant Green about 13 miles Sisters Horne & Whitney were of the party. Spoke about three quarters of an hour on politics of Utah and woman suffrage in particular–⁶ came home very tired went to administer to a sick child– a lovely evening Received letters from Boston George James–

Meeting to consider a Hospital for the Saints. Went with Mrs. Alma & Wightman to see Aunt Eliza Mell was with us also– Belle is nearly ready to move. Annie went to Dwyer’s and afterwards to the farm to stay all night– it seemed very lonesome I was up very late indeed– [p. 90] {p. 92}

Belle went away with some of her things– I went early to the Office, had many visitors and great annoyances. Got through my proof reading early– and came home– lonely indeed without baby– Lucile & Emmie were here– I did some writing Mell and Rose called–

Louie and I went up to Mell’s to dinner– it was quite cool– Annie came home I sat up very late writing– Dr. [Francis D.] Benedict was buried today Baby was quite ill in the night we were much alarmed– It was very likely owing to Annie being over tired and nervous– [p. 91] {p. 93}

Went with Mrs. Howard to the 3d. District Court to declare her intentions to become a citizen of the United States– Hospital meeting at 2 p.m. Annie went to Teasdel [George Teasdale]’s to a party– received a letter from John Q. from Berlin, Sister Edinboro was buried today–

A rumor was circulated that Queen Victoria had been assassinated but it was not confirmed. An executive meeting was held today at my office– Sister Eliza seems discouraged. The paper only came in at the close of the meeting. Annie went to the Theatre to see the opera of Patience [p. 92] {p. 94}

Went to the 10th Ward to the Primary and to Fuller’s Hill afterwards had a good time–⁷ Mailing the paper all day– Had much satisfaction in visiting several people, Annie’s baby is not well– Louie is better– Pres. Taylor went to Ogden– a French Count is here who wants to see him–

Hospital meeting at 3 p.m. finished mailing– went to the opera with Louie to see Manola– Annie & Louie have been to Belles to day– it is lovely weather, but windy tonight– no news from Washington– saw the Governor [Eli H. Murray] Judge etc at the opera [p. 93] {p. 95}

Hospital Association meeting at 3 p.m. and went to the opera in the evening to see Patience performed by the Comley-Barton Troupe– this has been a day of days and I am so weary I scarce know how to endure more. Annie had a letter from John Q. tonight. He is well

This morning Belle came to take me a ride with her horse and phaeton we went about 2½ hours Annie & Louie went to the matinee and Bell fainted about 4 o’clock and fell and hurt herself but we were not aware of it and Annie & Louie went to the theatre to see Madame Favart [p. 94] {p. 96}

Belle is quite ill and Annie is spending the day with her, Louie and I went to meeting. In the evening I went over to Belle’s and when the mail came in I got a letter from Br. Cannon– asking me to do the honors for some Boston people who are coming here so soon– I am so worried about Belle– Louie is staying all night

Went to Pres. Taylor’s this morning– and talked over some matters with him– saw Sister Eliza– and Dr. Ferguson and several others went to the 10th Ward to see Mrs. [Elizabeth McLean] Livingston in reference to the Hospital held a meeting of the Executive board–⁸ at evening Belle came over & was better. Emma’s gravestones <were set to day> [p. 95] {p. 97}

Like other days this is in no way remarkable I am hurried and a great deal bothered. many questions are being asked about the Hospital now under contemplation I have had some annoyances about home arrangements but all is easily settled as our home is very harmonious

Today have been busy but found time to devote to a meeting & as there are many duties to perform in that connection had to find the time for them also. Saw President Taylor and had a pleasant interview with him in reference to some parties who are coming [p. 96] {p. 98}

A very brilliant day warm and sunshiny. So many inquiring about the Hospital I find it a labor to make the necessary explanations. We are getting on pretty well in the way of money although some who are very rich have been parsimonous in the extreme towards us Sister M. A. Young is very ill

Sister Young continues very ill I have been up to see her found her very low– we are still prospering in the work of inaugurating the Hospital. It is only tomorrow these Boston People will be here and all is arranged for them Mr. & Mrs. Giles–saw Hiram Clawson about the affair [p. 97] {p. 99}

Waited all day expecting Mr. Giles to call– they took dinner at the Gardo House came to the office afterwards and I joined them in their carriage arriving there found a number of ladies waiting who in comparison with her and Mrs. W. mere excellence–

Went to the Tabernacle had the girls home to dinner. This is a day I remember well 34 years ago when we were in Winter Quarters now called Florence [Nebraska]. Jethro [H. Whitney] was born there and we were preparing to come to the valley and there were many important things transpiring [p. 98] {p. 100}

The season is late rather but this is a beautiful day and all nature is in her glory. When we realize how the seasons come and go spring time and harvest we cannot but feel God is near to watch over all, and help us to see and acknowledge his hand in all things.⁹ [p. 99] {p. 101}