December 1904

Another bad night– dreamed of my husband and of being in strange places. Went up in good time people waiting as usual. Callers today Agnes [Cowan] Rumel, M. A. Caine, E. J. Stevenson, Susa Y. Gates Janie Horrich [L.] Lucile Wallace, Mrs. McDonald Louise Cannon Emma Jenson Carrie S. Thomas, and others. Went up to the Presidents Office talked with Br. McKenzie, Sister [Mary Rock] Carrington died today a dear old friend of Sister Smith’s she will feel it keenly. Mrs. [Ida Woodward] Felt wife of the Proprietor of the Pure Food Café died today, a young woman with baby. Worked late tonight {p. 244}

The same sort of day working on very hard and much unpleasant until the meeting, things more pleasant than usual and a better spirit, Ida Smoot Dusenberry seemed queer, sat and read all through the meeting and went away without a word to any one {p. 245}

My hands are so full with sending out these protests¹ that I hardly know what to do to get my mailing done It is my Sister Lucy’s birthday she would have been 87 if she had lived until now It is too bad she did not receive the Gospel for herself but it could not be helped she simply would not listen to being baptized. {p. 246}

Went to the Temple Wonderful manifestation by President Joseph F. Smith Hannah Wells was one of those who bore testimony, Went down to Annie’s afterwards and had dinner and stayed until nine o’clock car, The baby was taken to the meeting and blest he did looked beautiful in his lovely robes and nurse Jordan took him Louise went with her father Annie came down to dinner for the first time {p. 247}

Today it is 17 years since Sister Eliza R. Snows death we had a meeting of the Reaper’s Club here and quite a good time, Sister Stevenson left before the meeting was out {p. 248}

Today my Sister Adeline [Woodward Earl] is 75 years old, I have not sent her any sort of remembrance I could not, I wish I had done so as it seems as if I really ought

Sister Doolan came in and said Elmina S. Taylor is dead, I could not scarcely believe it however it proved true, She really has gone from us, and so sudden after all. I went over to the Journal Office and there was Susa trying to write² saw May [Booth] Talmage Miss Stella Neff and one or two more all confused in my mind Sister Stevenson’s party about 40 guests. I was late and very sorrowful over Sister Taylor’s departure. {p. 249}

Today is Annie’s birthday I must go down as early as I can she will come down to dinner‒ had a turkey and everything was in the best taste. I spent the evening came home on ten o’clock car {p. 250}

Have been busy this is my Sister Cordelia [Woodward Holden]’s birthday she is 81. today it is six years since I saw her– {p. 251}

Annie’s Conference of Pioneer Stake today it seems as if it would storm but I trust not until after, all seems now to be pleasant though rather dreary– none of the sisters went in the morning except those who belonged to the Stake Sister Bathsheba W. Smith and myself went in time to have lunch with the sisters Annie went over to Rosa’s³ to nurse baby and lie down– in the afternoon Sister Hattie B. Harker came having been regularly appointed and of course she spoke so did Sister Smith and myself, also Br. Sylvester Q. Cannon and Prest. McLachin [McLachlan], and Annie and others– it was a successful Conference {p. 252}

Friday Dec. 9. Sister Smith and myself went to Sister Priscilla’s Jennings to a high tea. There were 12. at table besides Alice Nesbitt [Alice Naisbitt Snedden]’s baby⁴ Sister Jennings Sister Smith and myself Julina Smith Phebe Beatie Annie [Davis] Watson and Edna Smith Prissie Riter Alice Nesbitt Susan [Paul] Brooks <Mggie [Marjorie Dwyer] Jennings> Rebecca [Neibaur] Nibley. I stayed after others had gone and talked with Sister Jennings⁵

Today we are to hold the adjourned meeting from last Friday. I rather dreaded it but we managed to get along better than usual and spoke some concerning Sister Taylor’s death. When we dismissed some of us went down to call upon her She looked very beautiful in her coffin– {p. 253}

This is a very cold day, the funeral is to be in the Assembly Hall at Eleven A.M. President Jos. F. Smith is to preside, the draping and floral decorations are surpassingly lovely– A precedent for all to follow hereafter Sister Smith and myself occupied seats in the upper stand also Maria Dougall and Mattie Horne There was a choir of young women with Miss [Alice Calder] Tuddenham as leader Nellie Druce Pugsly sang a solo– first prayer John Henry second Rudger Clawson John R. Winder first speaker⁶ {p. 254}

Was hindered in my work many things happened adverse to my getting on {p. 255}

Had interview with the Secretary of the L.D.S. Hospital in reference to Dr. Shipp and visiting the institution to write it up– am to have a picture in Exponent and an Article on it.⁷ {p. 256}

Still working and waiting trying to get my work in shape {p. 257}

Meeting of the Utah State Council of Women, Protest prepared for the Senate Committee⁸ and much ado about nothing as usual it seems so ridiculous to me after we have succeeded in getting the suffrage to keep on as if the object had not been attained. Emily S. Richards is not a leader she is too small in her views {p. 258}

Today am very busy and anxious to get mailing done

D.R. Meeting at Alice Merrill Horne’s, I was rather late hindered as I always am by many things. {p. 259}

Today has been cold, and uneventful, no special news except the death in child-bed of Bishop Sedden’s wife.⁹ Smoot investigation not doing much¹⁰ Visitors today Mrs. Caine June Wells, Louise Daniel, Belle and one or two others Aggie [Agnes S.] Campbell I have worked constantly at the mailing, sent off second answer to Congress Bureau Census it was imperative. Christmas is apparent in the show windows everywhere red prevails in decorations, many beautiful things women shopping all day. Sister [Katherine Howard] Brockbank called and bade me Good bye, she goes to California to visit her son Erin [D. Erin Brockbank]– her health is poor Sister Susan Grant took tea with me she had been to Dr. [Henry J.] Faust’s funeral in 14th. Ward hall. I stayed in the office and worked until nine p.m. Came home so weary. {p. 260}

Today Heber S. Goddard’s funeral was held in the Tabernacle, Celebrated by all the musical people of the City His was a wonderful voice it seems strange he should be taken in the prime of life The funeral is said to have been the most splendid musicale ever given in the Tabernacle I went to Annie’s and had dinner there came home on the nine o’clock car. Katie Granger [L. Catherine Granger King]’s birthday born in 1837. Married John King {p. 261]

Today the Reaper’s Club met and Sister Wilcox brought to the meeting her brother Samuel [W. Richards]’s private memorandum containing some of the sayings of the Prophet Joseph, the entire afternoon was taken up with reading from it.

Reports from Committe in the investigation not much to harm more favorable than otherwise It really seems they can do nothing against us or the truth, but more in favor of it– strange they cannot see they are doing more harm to the cause. they are bolstering up than against our people¹¹ {p. 262}

I was invited to go to the 29th. ward R.S. with Clarissa and Sister B. W. Smith but felt I must not take the time worked hard all day, had many callers. Sister Smith came and went from here to Julina’s at the Bee Hive then home to dress and go to the R.S. 29th. Ward.

Some of the witnesses in the Smoot case are on the way back, it seems a perfect burlesque more than a court of inquiry of a dignified body. The Lord will defend His people even though all have not been blameless. {p. 263}

This is rather a dismal morning Sister Smith came and we went to the new Hospital¹² together and all through the building, Miss Dora Walz is the Head Nurse and Martha Shields Matron They were very courteous and we saw all to the best advantage, it is a very expensive structure but we hope our own people will patronize it. While was away Emily Reed and Mr. [Albert R.] Hager called and after finding their card I telephoned to Emily and she invited me to the wedding. Mrs. O. [Orange] J. Salisbury came and stayed an hour or more, then Ellen [Hitchings] Harrison and several more. Came home about seven and dressed for the wedding at the Governor’s and had an enjoyable time. pretty bride and many young girls started off for Philippines at first {p. 264}

<In Mell’s letter receiv’d today check for ten dollars Junius gave me ten in gold.> Today has been miserable and sloppy, and I have had many hindrances with my work. Emily S. Richards Mary P. Silver and Margaret A. Caine were here at the Utah Council Meeting but no others came and the meeting was adjourned until Saturday morning Junius came and we talked about the Statuette he had given to President Jos. F. Smith of the Prophet in the attitude of preaching to the Indians I wrote to May Smoot Glazier and Emma J. [Holman] Bennett of Provo excusing Sister B. W. Smith and myself from coming to the entertainment the Sisters were giving in honor of Sister Mary John in the Tabernacle I really felt worn out when I came home, could scarcely sit up at all, but managed to read awhile and then get to bed have had very little sleep this week {p. 265}

This is a dismal dark dreary morning and I feel miserable cars not running regularly had to wait wet and threatening to storm. All up town is gorgeous with preparations for Christmas. Never saw so much color in everything and everywhere. Finished Nov. mailing today very embarrassing for me, and yet I have seemingly strained every nerve in the effort to get it done. I must try to come up earlier and rest in the middle of the day I get so worn out before I am half done, many callers, Sister B. W. Smith came thinking it was Monday, we were to go to Provo, she is in good spirits went from here to Julina’s. Tonight her Greeting to the Sisters was published in the Des. News It is very appropriate and quite in keeping with her own sentiments about Joseph [Smith] and the Relief Society came home late {p. 266}

<(This morning letter from Orange had curious presentiments of the old town)> Was up town just about eleven Mrs. Richards and Mrs. Cohen waiting, they sent off the money to the W.S.A.¹³ Warren Ohio. Dismal day rain and drizzling all the time, no cessation, yet women are out finishing Christmas shopping and I too am getting books for the little ones, clear to and including Daniel. I feel sorry that I cannot do more but it is out of the question. I have had several callers Mrs. Jennings sent a bell Xmas colors, Alice Horne a holly wreath, Ellis a Chinese lily and verse gift letters. Annie, Louise, Margaret & Daniel have all been in. Shoes & rubbers from Verona came by express. Scarf from Mahle [Marion Beatie Whitney] & Budd, and handkerchiefs etc. from others. Could not go out for dinner Jode came in and gave me a car book for my help. Went to Annie’s on half past six car {p. 267}

Last night the tree for Annie’s children was decorated beautifully, John Q. and George Q. fixed it Annie and the girls filled the stockings, all seemed happy and peaceful. We had late supper together and afterwards went up stairs. I slept with Louise in her room had a fine fire in the grate. Read in the Little Puritan’s First Christmas, such a queer book reminding me much of my own childhood. Early this morning went down to see the tree lighted, it was a beautiful sight for all went wild with delight (children) After day break we went back to bed Annie and myself. Children all went to Sunday School John Q. to Tabernacle, I stayed with Annie, had five o’clock dinner, turkey plum pudding all the usual accompaniments A few callers, girls went to evening meeting heavy snow storm {p. 268}

Sent telephone message to say I could not go home on account of the storm, had a very pleasant evening. finished reading Puritan’s Christmas, this morning rose late took one o’clock car for town, found letter from Verona and several others got daily paper, saw accident to Judge Merritt (street car Saturday night) feel very sorry. It would spoil the girl’s Xmas I am sure. Had been invited to speak in Farmer’s Ward to the Sunday School about the Prophet Joseph Smith but did not feel equal to going alone so far in the storm. This is the Anniversary of Mother [Elizabeth Ann Smith] Whitney’s and Sarah G. [Griffith] Richards’ birthday, both noted women in Church history. Came home about 3. p.m. went to see Belle and Lucile then over home, and read my proofs. {p. 269}

Today is the birthday of May Earl [Cross] born 1859, time does fly. I have had a busy day, a very important one, and not so much accomplished as I should like, people coming in and talking, and so much going on that one scarcely knows what one can do to prove successful. June has been in and several others and more presents have been delivered. {p. 270}

Have been busy all day and sent off a few letters and poems to friends, and kept busy all day long, the cold is quite severe for me, and tonight the Press Club meets and I have tried to arrange matters so as to make the room more convenient for meetings. Sister Francis the President is not well enough to come has bronchitis and dare not venture out.

The club was poorly attended Vice Pres. Stell Neff presided. Ruth Fox was here and Sister Enid [Emilie Damke] Maeser, Mary Kelly the Secretary, and Margaret Lymon Scotch girl, clergyman’s daughter‒ Miss Neff and E. J. Stephenson not members Sister E. S. Wilcox and myself making only 8 in all six members, I read my Poem “Progress” do not think it was very enthusiastically received. {p. 271}

Was busy all day went to see Dot in the evening Belle had gone home, the children delighted, car did not come the right time and I walked all the way home alone, had many reflections, moon was bright and I was very glad I could walk it is wonderful that my ankle is restored to its usual size and strength; Dot is a very sweet woman, noble in character I pray she may live to be happy and useful and have joy in her family Should rejoice to see her firm in the faith of the Gospel {p. 272}

Another day of cold and my throat still bad, hurts me to swallow had a fearfully unpleasant night and no sleep scarcely at all. The year is drawing to a close and many things planned for the year left undone, some because of want of time and strength and others because of money and still some because of promises unfulfilled. O how glad I should be to have all mine in full accord and harmony with the holy priesthood of God revealed in these last days. This is my greatest sorrow that I cannot have all thinking as I do and as their father did believing implicitly in the Savior and the Prophet’s divine mission {p. 273}

Another cold raw day and very dreadful towards evening. I had to go home and then back again to go to the farm and the storm was quite severe, walking from Main St. to the car only two blocks I was nearly bewildered could not keep my umbrella up to keep the wind and sleet from cutting into my face and as I was carrying a bundle of things as well I really suffered with cold and wet. However when I got on the car I was comfortable and felt grateful I had no accident Found all well and in good spirits, soon the tree was brought in the dining room and put in place and John Q. Annie & Geo. Q. trimmed it, the girls helped that is Margaret, Louise had gone to a watch party at John W. Taylor’s, Emmeline slept with me we had champagne and cake and toasted the New Year. George Q. fired {p. 274} the guns outside 8 shots–¹⁴