BIOGRAPHY: Representative Women of Deseret introduction; state of Utah Transcribed by W. David Samuelsen ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES(tm) NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities so long as all notices and submitter information is included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ut/utfiles.htm *********************************************************************** EXPIRED COPYRIGHT (1884) REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF DESERET A BOOK OF BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES TO ACCOMPANY THE PICTURE BEARING THE SAME TITLE. COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY AUGUSTA JOYCE CROCHERON Author of "WILD FLOWERS OF DESERET" AND DEDICATED TO The originals of this Picture and Book, their co-laborers in the Church, and every true heart that will receive their testimonies. SALT LAKE CITY PRINTED BY J. C. GRAHAM & Co. 1884 Entered according to Act or Congress in the year 1883, by AUGUSTA JOYCE CROCHERON In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. INTRODUCTORY In presenting this picture, REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF DESERET, before the public, an explanation may be appropriate that the object may be rightly understood. The picture is intended to represent the Latter Day Saints Women's Organizations rather than to draw attention to those intellectual gifts and acquirements which in this connection are but secondary to the spiritual or missionary labors of those represented. As in Salt Lake City is the head of these organizations, so these spiritual laborers were selected by the precedence they hold. Throughout our Territory, indeed beyond, are many as sincere and faithful, noble women, well deserving of every honor contained herein, but there is of necessity a limit in the present work and that which would have been a pleasure to the author became an impossibility at this time, but it is the purpose in due season to present another work which will be of interest to our people. It is not the purpose of the compiler of these sketches to present a complete history of the subjects of the picture, to which this book is merely an accompaniment to acquaint the many who are strangers to them with their labors and their virtues, to show as it were, what manner of people these "Mormons" are. To do full justice to the originals would require more space and ability than are mine. But if the eyes of the stranger may thereby be opened to a knowledge of their purity, integrity and faith in God, their heroic firmness and the trials they have endured without wavering in allegiance to their cause if any may be convinced that this people are in earnest and in the right, and that God is with them; if they can realize that for men, Mormonism is not a cloak, a subterfuge and a selfish system; that our women are not from the dregs of civilization, led and controlled by stronger minds without a knowledge within themselves for their course, it will prove a joy and delight, a sweet return for my humble but earnest efforts. 0, that these truthful testimonies falling upon hearts that are as blocks of ice toward us, might, like burning bullets melt their way therein, until, like Joseph's brethren, they should weep for injuries these have borne! And to the young of our people, if this work shall cause them to appreciate their honored parents more by the nobility they have proven; if it shall cause them to weigh the object for which these sacrifices were endured against the poor temptations of the present time; if they shall question themselves, shall my parent's sacrifices count for naught? shall their example and their labors be lost on me? their hopes meet disappointment? If that command, "honor thy father and thy mother" shall prevail, and the sweet testimony of the Holy Spirit convince and strengthen them in the same service and faith unto their God, still sweeter and richer shall be the reward. That this work may go forth from my humble home as a missionary, a silent worker of great good is my fervent hope. A. J. C. PREFACE In presenting the picture and book, REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN or DESERET, to the public, I desire to first express my thanks to the ladies of the picture for their kindness and confidence. I thank Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith for her approval and sanction; Sister Emmeline B. Wells for her steadfast encouragement, and Bishop Hiram B. Clawson for his kind interest and advice. Published, as it has been, in part by subscription, I thank also my generous patrons. Through a disappointment, so many embarrassments occurred that at one time I felt that no inducement, however beautiful, could again tempt me to so great (in my circumstances) an undertaking; but for me the Lord in His goodness opened the way; and towards James R. Miller, Dr. A. Farr and Zina B. H. Young, each, my heart thus expresses itself: As Hagar in her lone despair Gazed hopeless o'er the desert drear, Nor saw until her steps were led, The living waters, sweet and clear; So I who strove through tedious days 'Mid hopes that fled and fears that frowned Turned at thy name, and in thy heart, The boon I sought so long was found. Not hers alone the story old The earth is thronged with hearts distressed That little dream how close beside The angel walks - to save and bless. In compiling the brief sketches of Eliza R. Snow Smith, Zina B. IL. Young, M. I. Home and Prescendia L. Kimball, I am indebted to the editor of the Woman's Exponent, their biographer. Several autobiographies follow, and looking it all over, the thought rises - how little I have done after all! I have scarcely more than furnished the thread on which their gems were strung. Often I have paused, sorrowful that this work must be so brief: so much remains to be told. I have had sincerest joy in this labor, and if my efforts should be regarded as conferring any honor upon these ladies, it has been a greater honor to me to be accorded the privilege of tendering it, and of enjoying their acquaintance and friendships. In conclusion, I would again refer to our First Lady, E. R. S. Smith; in a short time will appear her latest and largest book, an autobiography and history with genealogical record of her family, and dedicated to her noble brother, Apostle Lorenzo Snow. On her eightieth birthday, January 21, 1884, Sister Eliza was the recipient of a large surprise party given in honor of the day, in appreciation, love and respect of herself and labors, in the Social Hall, a building of histrionic association in the annals of Salt Lake City. It is wonderful indeed to contemplate the still youthful spirit, energy and ability of this lady; ever serene, gentle, forbearing with others; so carefully hiding her own weariness and leaving unmentioned whatever might trouble her; that the idea would never suggest itself to those not intimately associated with her, that she has anything to do but preside, receiye and enjoy the loving expressions from her friends. Hoping this volume may entertain and benefit the reader, and that all errors in book-making may be graciously pardoned, I will subscribe myself, dear public Your Servant and Friend, AUGUSTA JOYCE CROCHERON