June 1894


1 June 1894 • Friday

wea. fine

This morning went early to the Temple secured the name of Martha Brigham for which I felt glad as I felt the name a talisman, Mrs. [Jane Snyder] Richards, and her daughter Mrs. [Josephine Richards] West of Ogden were there with two of her grandchildren to be married Janie West & Joseph Walker West– to John Lester Herrick and May Eunice Littlefield– the brid[e]s were beautiful the bridegrooms very handsome After we came from the Temple we went to the Lion House where the Young family gave a party in commemoration of the birthday of Brigham Young President Geo. Q. Cannon Lorenzo Snow & Jos. F. Smith were there and many old friends and it was a general treat to see so many meet [p. 152] {p. 32}

2 June 1894 • Saturday

wea. fine

This is always a tiresome day and never more so than when one is expecting the paper out and is disappointed. I went to see the “News” people and wrote an article on the Party at the Lion House for them. Carlie [Caroline Young] Cannon is very ill indeed, she has had quinzey and now has rheumatism. The paper is out at last and I am specially thankful for even that. Dr. [Romania Bunnell] Pratt took me to dinner at Bond’s.1 Mrs. S. [Sarah] O. B. Cummings & Mrs. [Julia] Anderson called on me together and several of our ladies. A large number of the Medical fraternity were here as tourists to day and dined at the Templeton. John Q. and Annie went out to Saltair this afternoon. I purchased Ideala by Sarah Grand today. So many callers this afternoon– much has transpired. [p. 153] {p. 33}

3 June 1894 • Sunday

Slept late Geo. Q. came to invite me to dinner dressed and went up there we had dinner soon after and I spent the afternoon Louise is not very well Baby very mischievous and little Daniel sleepy– Margaret seems very well indeed and so does Q. A very nice little family. and quite comfortably situated. Came home and finished a letter begun in the morning to Br. & Sister [Richard and Jane Cussons] Birkbeck and also wrote one or two others to friends. The evening I spent in preparing a letter to Mr. Barratt Postmaster in [President Grover] Cleveland’s former administration, then went up to the office with Elise [Gasser], she folded papers while I felt too weary to do much of any thing except to look up on some current matters [p. 154] {p. 34}

4 June 1894 • Monday

This morning all spent in hunting Dot’s parasol I had left somewhere on Saturday evening, so very provoking, found it at last, and rested content. Have been reading in the Arena about the newest books and found many interesting things. Had very few callers and sent off about 15. <or> 16, letters In the evening meant to go to Annie’s but finding it late to call there came on home made some notes for my article The day has been very hot and disagreeable, Mrs. Clark is very ill & Prissie Jennings [Priscilla Jennings Riter] baby2 died today– Mrs. John Clark3 is seriously ill and will undoubtedly die unless a miracle is performed. Felt very timid and nervous– [p. 155] {p. 35}

5 June 1894 • Tuesday

wea. fine

This is a beautiful day and Daisie’s birthday. I would give a great deal to know how they are Mrs. [Margaret Walker] Salisbury’s father died at 20 minutes past seven this morning, he is a retired army officer General Robert Walker– Mrs. Salisbury will grieve excessively I am sure She is a devoted daughter as well as wife and mother. I am deeply grieved on her account– and that can only be an a sympathetic friend in a case like this– my love for her prompts me to go to her but I have only written in terms of deep feeling that is all at present later I may be able to do more– also wrote an important letter to Boston How I should love to hear from Daisie and all today I hope all is well– [p. 156] {p. 36}

6 June 1894 • Wednesday

wea. fine

This morning I went up in good time– first to D. & R. G.4 depot for pass to Manti and return, then to the Telegraph– Office and sent dispatch to Will [William W. Woods] because we are uneasy about the floods up in that locality5 Then to Saltair with Annie and Louise– 215. train we had a very nice time only the wind was very high, music lovely and we had tea and lunch in the great dining hall– Louise had her picture taken by some ingenious fellow cut out of paper. We came in on 6.10 train I went direct to the office found letter from Willard Miss [Maria] Zundel answered it immediately and packed up song books & mailed to her then worked late, Ellis [Reynolds Shipp] came in to see me & talked very plainly. [p. 157] {p. 37}

7 June 1894 • Thursday

Persevered with my work and had callers too– Miss [Ada] Patterson and some strangers and rushed off to catch the 2.15 train on the D. & R. G. to Manti– The weather was fine and train run smooth– saw no one I kn[e]w except young [Lafayette G.] Burton who married the Mitchell girl [Ella Mitchell] going to Castilla Springs to do some surveying. So I wrote some notes for my article, and when we reached Springville it beegan to rain furiously and beat down for a short distance, then a beautiful rainbow appeared which cheered me very much, but later the rain was very heavy. At Ephraim Stena [Christine] Willardson came down to the station to speak to me. Several ladies came to the depot at Manti– pouring rain– [p. 158] {p. 38}

8 June 1894 • Friday

I had a pleasant sleeping room and a very hospitable reception here at Br. Riddle’s where Sister M. W. [Minerva White] Snow is staying just within the shadow of the Temple. At 10. A.M. Conference opened in the meeting house Sister M. A. [Mary Ann Price] Hyde presiding– A very full house and quite representative people present– went to Sister [Alvira Coolidge] Cox’s to dinner and in the afternoon Pres. [Canute] Peterson and wife6 <from Ephraim> and Pres. [John D. T.] McAllister from the Temple were on the stand. <I addressed the Conference fore noon & afternoon> Elder L. John Nuttall was present from Salt Lake. Went to Sister [Nancy Russell] Riddle’s to dinner quite a large company Br. [Henry F.] & Sister [Elizabeth Grace] McCune from Nephi had a very pleasant time– Young Ladies had a Strawberry festival in the evening and very good music both vocal and instrumental [p. 159] {p. 39}

9 June 1894 • Saturday

wea. windy & cold

Passed a rather restless night but carriage came round and at 10. A.M. we were seated in the meeting house ready to open the Young Ladies Conference Miss C. C. [Dorothea Christine] Willardson presiding. The girls and young women looked beautiful & the speaking was excellent and showed great improvement I spoke a few minutes in the morning perhaps twenty– then we went to Sister Nancy Riddle’s to dinner a large crowd– afternoon crowded house and I spoke about forty minutes– we called after meeting on the Maibens [John B. and Phoebe Richards Maiben], they have a lovely home, and surroundings– then to Sister A. L. Cox where the ladies had gathered for tea with suffrage badges and yellow roses– the W.S.A. Meeting was quite enthusiastic several amusing speeches and a good attendance– Council [p. 160] House well filled principal discourse Chris Larson a returned missionary. I spoke last but took some time and felt free and untrammelled. [p. 160] {p. 40}

10 June 1894 • Sunday

wea. fine ther.7 cold

This morning my head ached badly went up to the Temple with Pres. McAllister and Sister Snow, went through all the dear old rooms, where my husband formerly was such a familiar figure.8 Left on 12.20 train for home– several ladies came to depot with me– wrote most of the way home– heard on arriving of the death of Br. [Ransom M.] Stevens president of Samoa after Geo. [Emmett] Browning, his wife9 has returned– he was buried there– found all well at home– sat up until 1/2 past two to get my article ready for Reaper’s Club [p. 161] {p. 41}

11 June 1894 • Monday

Today I am not well and my mailing is still hanging and I am so weary and then the Club will meet here and I must prepare– I gave my paper on Current Literature and it seemed quite a success10 In the evening I was so weary I really got very little done– my mind is greatly wrought upon about the floods in the North and my dear ones there– I am much troubled and feel very lonely and forlorn I went down to Annie’s and she had gone out to the Lake the little ones were there & it really seemed lonely [p. 162] {p. 42}

12 June 1894 • Tuesday

I have worked hard today Annie came up– the Book of The World’s Congress of Representative Women came today and I forwarded the money to pay immediately. Persis [Goodall] Young came and invited me to go to dinner there also Aunt Zina– Mrs. Allen & Amelia Young were here in the silk interest and we sent a telegram to St. George and received an immediate answer concerning the silk worm eggs. About six the carriage came for Aunt Zina & myself and we went up to L. [Levi] W. Richards It is his birthday 49 years old a nice dinner, in Sister L. G. [Louisa Lula Greene] Richards own old parlor using all her pretty things [p. 163] {p. 43}

13 June 1894 • Wednesday

<I had a> This is such a busy day work and no rest about noon Dr. Colton came from Cleveland we had been expecting him– we had some conversation and he decided to go down to Belle’s at 1/2 past three as he must leave tonight– Dr. Ferguson has been in talking home industries– Aunt Zina is opposed to our uniting with those who have commenced the organization. She came in later and told me she could not go to Springville. Dr. Colton went down to my house and to Belle’s– Aunt Zina blest me in the evening of her own accord– [p. 164] {p. 44}

14 June 1894 • Thursday

<I had a letter today from Mell> This morning I was up early and went to the U.P. Depot– took train for Spring ville– Aunt Zina was at the station when I arrived. It was a lovely day we arrived in good time. Meeting of W.S.A. in the morning and such fine speeches– good sized audience yellow flowers and ribbons in great abundance. I was the first speaker after the Presidents welcome– at noon the guests divided a part dined at Sister Boyer’s and a part at Bishop [Nephi] Packard’s Afternoon Relief Society Meeting I was the second speaker, and we had the gift of tongues manifest through Aunt Zina– Sister [Hannah Ellis] Harrison a very aged sister interpreted– there was a very large congregation– We left the meeting and took train some for Castilla [Springs] and some for home– [p. 165] {p. 45}

15 June 1894 • Friday

I was up early and went to the Office in good time. It is the R.S. Conference of this Stake of Zion, and many ladies have been in to see me. Mrs. McKibbin and Mrs. Eddy the last named has lived in Calcutta India for 3½ years. I sent off 8 letters today business ones– Sisters Holdaway (Vernon) E. Nebeker (Randolph), [Celinda Russell] Martin (Salina) Conover [Catherine Conover Hunt] (Manti) [Elizabeth Hoskins] Salisbury (Wellsville) [Julia Zimmerman] Drury (Hyde Park) [Sarah Tidwell] Sainsbury (Tuba) Emma Kofod Levan– Many of our sisters have been in and such a confusion for a time. Dot & Lucile took the boys Eugene & Brent to the Circus– My mind has been much agitated I am very sorry I cannot be more cheerful and buoyant in spirit, and that I am not more independent of work that I could devote my time to special work, literary. [p. 166] {p. 46}

16 June 1894 • Saturday

<Went to Mrs. [Julia Cruse] Howes to a party> Today is the anniversary of the birthday of Pomeroy’s twins Ella [Amelia Pomeroy Rich] & Emma [Adelia Pomeroy Grimmett] and of the funeral of their mother [Irene Haskell Pomeroy] which took place from my house where she died on the 13th. of June, very suddenly when my Annie was a babe in long clothes. That was in 1860, the twins were born in 1858. on the Bottoms in Provo at the time of the move11 in an a Wickeup made of willows. It has been such a busy day I wanted very much to attend the Primary Conference in the Assembly Hall but really could not do so, as there seemed so many calls upon me besides my regular work, and I am not very well, in fact and not equal to all things [p. 167] {p. 47}

17 June 1894 • Sunday

wea. windy & warm

Today wrote letters to friends one in which I asked several questions one to Delia [Cordelia Woodward Holden] my sister whose husband12 died May 23rd & one <each> to several ladies not related to me. Dot & Lucile have gone with a party to Saltair and from there to Antelope Island– it troubles me very much I do believe most implicitly in keeping the Sabbath day– the body and mind need rest and recuperation. The day is fine except wind blowing, I have tried to rest, went up to Annie’s late in the afternoon and stayed during the evening, came home and did some reading, in fact I have read more books and magazines of late or during this year than for a long period heretofore. [p. 168] {p. 48}

18 June 1894 • Monday

Today is cloudy and not very pleasant– I am out of sorts and there are some people who quite upset me and with whom I have no congeniality. I cannot work when they are near me, at any rate can do no mental labor. Sister [Elizabeth Jane Du Fresne] Stevenson has invited me to attend a party tomorrow in honor of Sister Julia C. Howe– it is a pic nic and as usual I gave 25 cts. towards it as I have neither time nor inclination to do any cooking. I have had so many people in and at night worked very late at the mailing, and succeeded in sending away most of my mailing, I have worked so hard that when I get home and sit down to write I am too much exhausted. [p. 169] {p. 49}

19 June 1894 • Tuesday

The day has been a tiresome one taken as a whole. We did not have a quorum this morning so we could hold our silk meeting but Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Allen and myself talked over matters, Mrs. Bennett had a letter from Mrs. Salisbury resigning her position as President– and so had Mrs. Allen– but we decided between ourselves not to accept it at present but wait until she had time to recover from the nervous Strain of her father’s illness and see how she would feel then. I went to Sister Howe’s party. it was a pleasant affair, and a goodly company of thirty or more [p. 170] {p. 50} After a few of the exercises following refreshments had been gone through with I excused myself and came away, having expressed my appreciation of Sister Howe and her life work. Called on Sister [Matilda Moorhouse] Barratt a few minutes and talked with her, she alluded to Nauvoo and to Wm. Smith13 and we went over some reminescences. Hurrying away to a meeting I had promised to attend.

20 June 1894 • Wednesday

June 20 was not well Annie feels very much upset over the party she is to give with Belle tomorrow I am so sorry there should be any unpleasantness. It grieves me very greatly and I have been so anxious always for peace. Heaven help me to have influence with them and that all may be amicably arranged [p. 171] {p. 51}

21 June 1894 • Thursday

<Mr. Sears left last night for San Francisco> This is the day of the party, I went down to Annie’s she said she was sorry to have grieved me and would go as had been understood, I am so glad and have prayed for this– everything has been handsomely arranged and the house looks lovely and the roses are most beautiful. Mamie [Mary] Whitney & Horace [S.] Ensign were married today in the Temple & Belle and I were both invited to the wedding reception to be given at Geo. D. Pyper’s I went down to Belle’s about 6 o’clock, the house and yard was full of lovely young women; I dressed for the evening party at Em. [Emmaretta Whitney] Pyper’s and rode up with Martha [Harris Wells] and Edna [Wells Sloan] in Hebe [Heber M. Wells]’s carriage Belle of course could not go. I had a pleasant time. [p. 172] {p. 52}

22 June 1894 • Friday

Today I packed my traveling bag in the morning and came up to the office and worked until time to go to the depot to take train for Brigham City, the day was fine and we had quite an ovation in starting off all the First Presidency were along also President Lorenzo Snow and Temple people–14 About Kaysville it began to rain and blow and when we were going along the wind and thunder and lighning were very disagreeable. On reaching Brigham City the rain poured down in torrents and the children who were out to salute President Woodruff and party all in white had to be taken in to the opera house, at last the carriages about 70 in number were filled and the procession moved on. [p. 173] {p. 53} the rain had stopped and the children with waving flags and banners were drawn up in line on each side the street as we passed. We drove about the City for a couple of hours and then went to the places of entertainment allotted to us. I was to stay at Eleanor [Houtz] Snow’s, there we had tea and from there repaired to the opera house ball. Many of the old ladies danced, it was quite an enjoyable affair. Pres. Woodruff did not go. I slept at Br. Horsleys and the next morning the whole company went over to Mantua in carriages, about five miles distant where we held meeting and had some exercises, Br. [William C.] Dunbar playing the bagpipes. Belle [Isabelle Hay] Salmon recited. A most delicious dinner was served and toasts and sentiments were given. [p. 174] {p. 54} After dinner the children assembled in the Hall and Presidents W. W. Geo Q. C. & J. F. S. addressed them. Then we drove home past the reservoir we had a charming view of the adjoining country. In the evening there was a concert in the opera house where all the party were invited free.

24 June 1894 • Sunday

Sunday Morn– Sunday School exercises Presidents Woodruff, Cannon & Smith spoke to the children. In the afternoon regular service and sacrament addresses by the First Presidency. And in the evening another meeting, the most important of all, After many five minute speeches, President Woodruff spoke with great power such as I had never seen rest upon him. He said the destroying angels had gone forth with their sickles to reap down the wicked and judgments would never [p. 175] {p. 55} <cease until the day of the Millennum was ushered in> This testimony was like a voice from the spirit world.

25 June 1894 • Monday

15|This morning June 25. we were driving towards Willard about Nine, A.M. and stopped on our way a minute or two at three mile creek to see the S.S. children and Presidents Woodruff and Cannon & Smith spoke a few words to them. At Willard we went direct to the meeting house decorated in honor of the occasion and the exercises were similar to what they had been elsewhere At noon we went to the Court House where there tables were set the length of the Hall & here we were all photographed and after dinner went back to see the Sunday Schools the Presidency spoke to them as in the other places and then we bade good bye and repaired to the depot. Miss Zundell at Willard is very anxious we <or I> should come up to their suffrage meeting. We stopped off at Ogden & called at the home of Br. & Sister F. [Franklin] D. Richards– [p. 176] {p. 56}

26 June 1894 • Tuesday

This morning though much fatigued I went early to the office and tried to see to what was needed. Work does accumulate so rapidly when one is away, and yet Dot had been keeping at work during my absence. It is a lovely day cool and pleasant. Yesterday on our way down from Ogden President Cannon gave his views in reference to Adulation or the praise awarded to individuals he does not believe in it & thinks it encourages vanity and is not productive of good results. Sister Lula [Greene Richards]16 was much disturbed over it but I know him so well and certainly do not think he meant to be personal– Everything on this journey had gone off pleasantly and no accident had happened to mar the enjoyment. Now at home there are things every day– [p. 177] {p. 57}

27 June 1894 • Wednesday

This is the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet and Patriarch of the Church– Joseph & Hyrum and all of us who remember the tragedy will recall the dreadful feeling that pervaded the City of Nauvoo and rested with such a heavey weight upon the heads and hearts of the Saints and all who dwelt in the vicinity. Memorial Exercises are being observed at Nephi and some other places, in the 8th Ward in this city and the sentiment of the people is certainly in favor of making the day sacred. It would be a great tribute to the memory of the Martyrs and would help to impress it on the minds of the rising generation who know so little of their own needs. [p. 178] {p. 58}

28 June 1894 • Thursday

Days come and go and the work goes on increasing– I have tried to pull through but with the little help I have not much can be accomplished Prof. Scott Rue is here from New York City, he called today with Mrs. Young He seems anxious to make us believe how much money he has expended in advertising Utah. He expects to speak in some public hall while here. Today has been sultry and li◊◊ storms were in the air, there seems every indication of trouble, with the strikes.17 Pullmans are tied up and cannot be moved and passengers are waiting for trains to move and more coming in, the situation is desperate In fact one does not know nor can they imagine what the outcome will be. Letter from Mrs. [May Wright] Sewell in Indiana [p. 179] {p. 59}

29 June 1894 • Friday

Busy all day long and weather very fine, lots of callers– Dr. Pratt came & we talked over our club matters and the Relief Society history and lots of other things Countess Wachtmeister18 is coming here she is a great exponent of Theosophy– we are going to invite her to the Club on Saturday night19 I have been answering letters and disposing of my correspondence as best I could, trying to get into clear sailing. This evening I wrote my article for the Press Club “Pen Names” but I am sure I do not know if it will be suitable– it is such hard work to do things under pressure yet some never do so well as with an abundant supply of steam. [p. 180] {p. 60}

30 June 1894 • Saturday

This is the memorable day several of the ladies have been in, it is very hot, & no one seems adequate to the exigencies of the case. We are to entertain the Countess Constance Wachtmeister this evening at the Press Club– The Countess was on time– there was quite a gathering and all seemed pleasant, roll was called and minutes read and Mrs. [L. S.] Dickinson read her paper on Womens’ Clubs. Then the Countess spoke to us in the most easy and affable way. She allowed us to ask her questions which we did in brief and finally the Club adjourned– Mrs. Egbert [Melissa] Roberts came with her and Mr. Roberts called for them. The day has been very hot– trains are stopped all around us [p. 181] {p. 61}

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June 1894, The Journal of Emmeline B. Wells, accessed December 10, 2024 https://chpress-web.churchhistorianspress.org/emmeline-b-wells/1890s/1894/1894-06

Footnotes

  1. [1]Joseph Bond was the owner of a restaurant at 92 W. Second South. (Utah Gazetteer, 1892–93, 161.)

  2. [2]Paul J. Riter.

  3. [3]“Clark” is written over another word. Probably Emma Empey Clark, married to John Clark, merchant and member of the city council in Salt Lake City, president of Clark, Eldredge & Co., wholesale groceries, hardware, crockery.

  4. [4]Denver & Rio Grande.

  5. [5]Wallace, Idaho.

  6. [6]Probably Peterson’s first wife, Sarah Ann Nelson Peterson.

  7. [7]text: Preprinted in the diary, meaning “thermometer”.

  8. [8]Daniel H. Wells supervised final construction of the Manti Temple and served as its president from its dedication on 17 May 1888 until his death on 24 March 1891. (“Manti Temple,” 260–261; Madsen, Intimate History, 306, 313–314; Wells, Defender, 414–415, 419.)

  9. [9]Annie Christensen Stevens. Her husband, Ransom M. Stevens, died while presiding over the Samoan Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 28 April 1894. (“Stevens, Ransom M.,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 3:722.)

  10. [10]“Current Literature,” Woman’s Exponent, 15 June 1894, 22:149–150.

  11. [11]When the U.S. Army threatened to enter Salt Lake City in the spring of 1858, Brigham Young ordered church members to abandon their homes and move south. Daniel Wells temporarily resettled four of his families, including Emmeline Wells and her children, about forty-five miles south in Provo, Utah County. (Madsen, Intimate History, 117–118.)

  12. [12]Josiah Bond Holden.

  13. [13]William B. Smith was a brother of Joseph Smith, first prophet and president of the church.

  14. [14]“One of the most unique and pleasant excursions of the season, and quite new in its character, was to Brigham City recently, the party consisting of the Salt Lake Temple people and a few invited guests, the First Presidency, the Presiding Bishop and one or two others, besides those regularly engaged in that sacred house.” (“Temple Excursion,” Woman’s Exponent, 1 July 1894, 23:156.)

  15. [15]text: Here EBW used an L-shaped mark that indicated the start of a new day’s entry.

  16. [16]EBW’s two-page editorial “Temple Excursion” featured an original poem by Louisa L. Greene Richards paying tribute to church leaders who were the namesakes of Utah towns: Brigham Young, Willard Richards, and Heber C. Kimball. (“Temple Excursion,” Woman’s Exponent, 1 July 1894, 23:156–157.)

  17. [17]The Pullman Strike extended from May to August 1894 and led to violence in Chicago between federal troops and members of the American Railway Union. (“Pullman Strike,” Encyclopedia Britannica Online, last modified 29 Nov. 2018, https://www.britannica.com/event/Pullman-Strike.)

  18. [18]Countess Constance Wachtmeister (1838–1910) was born in Florence, Italy, but lived several years in Stockholm, Sweden. As an investigator into spiritualism, she joined the Theosophical Society in 1881 and was a partner and friend of Helena Blavatsky, author of The Secret Doctrine (1888). Countess Wachtmeister arrived in San Francisco in April 1894 to begin a lecture tour in the United States. A report of her visit was recorded by EBW. (“Wachtmeister, Countess Constance Georgina Louise,” Theosophy World; “MME. Blavatsky’s Companion Here,” New York Times, 20 Sept. 1894, 5; EBW, “Countess Wachtmeister,” Woman’s Exponent, 1 and 15 Aug. 1894, 23:172–173.)

  19. [19]Lydia D. Alder, “Sketch of the Work of the U. W. P. Club,” Woman’s Exponent, 1 Dec. 1894, 23:201.