BIOGRAPHY: Louise M. Wells; state of Utah

Transcribed by W. David Samuelsen 
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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

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?

     Time, steadfast determination and spiritual progress have adjusted all
mingled and varied elements of individualities and nationalities in those who
received the Gospel in scattered homes in different parts of the earth, have
overcome those obstacles (which were such through inexperience in newly
restored truths and laws,) and brought all to the proper level of their
individual sphere of action and usefulness. What a piece of master-work has
this been! Order out of confusion, brotherhood created between stranger races.

     It has been often said, "that when the old stock dies out," the world
can better judge the worth of our doctrines; if they survive and grow in the
hearts of the succeeding generation their parents did not plant the spiritual
tree in lack of wisdom, and it will after this test of years prove worthy of
the serious consideration of those who now deem it beneath their thoughtful
attention.

     More than fifty years have passed since the glorious message was first
proclaimed to the world; many of those true, noble Saints who toiled as
builder's of their Master's Kingdom have finished their work, and with years
filled with honors have passed on to their rest and reward. A few years more,
and the witnesses who lived in the days of Joseph and Hyrum will be gone, we
shall be left to ourselves, their record and our God. Who will replace them?
Are their posterity following in their footsteps? Yes, beneath the seeming
swift current of youth time's careless indifference runs an undercurrent of
earnestness, integrity and - yes - royalty of soul. There can be found many of
our young people who bear the impress of their destiny in their daily lives,
their numbers are increasing, their works assuming prominence and recognition.

     In connection with the young people's organizations it is due to Miss
Louise M. Wells, that a brief record of her history and position form part of
this work.

     This young lady was born in Salt Lake City, August 27, 1862. On both her
father and mother's side she is descended from families of the old Puritan
stock. General Wells' record in Church history is one that earth's greatest
men might be proud to possess, and he has received such a tribute of respect
and love from our people as has rarely been recorded. Her mother is the editor
of the Woman's Exponent, but has during her lifetime written constantly,
amounting indeed to many volumes were her writings published; and is
exceptionally gifted as a poetic writer. With such parents it may be
reasonably expected that with her inherent endowments trained in the influence
of the Gospel, with a fine spiritual nature, conscientious principles, an
amiable disposition and quiet, gentle manner, Miss Wells will do credit to her
parents and her people.

     Of Louie, as she is familiarly called, it is said that when she was very
young she gave evidence of musical talent by rendering in an original style,
plaintive melodies admirably suited to her voice, and rich in that pathos that
always touches the heart. With many, singing is an acquired accomplishment,
with her it is as natural as to the nightingale. Also in her childhood she
unconsciously disclosed artistic taste by gathering the autumn tinted leaves
and grasses from the garden, which she arranged in quaint and pretty devices
for home adornments. This talent was later cultivated under competent
teachers, when she soon became qualified to give lessons privately and in
classes, in drawing and painting. Already artists of distinction have
pronounced her oil paintings of sufficient merit to entitle her to enter the
Academy of Design in New York, and she has been advised to adopt art as a life
vocation. On the occasion of the Church Jubilee, on Pioneer Day, 1880, Miss
Wells was selected by the committee to represent Art. In 1882, in company with
some of her relatives, she visited California, and there for the first time
saw the ocean, one of nature's grandest pictures. During this visit she went
through the art galleries of San Francisco. In 1883, she with her sister, Mrs.
Sears, made a trip to the Eastern States, and visited the art galleries and
museums of St. Louis, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Boston, Philadelphia and
Washington. Also had the opportunity of attending the World's Exposition at
Boston. While visiting in the East she attended a reunion of the Dickinson's
held at Amherst, Massachusetts, as a representative of the name, from whom her
father descend ed through his grandmother, Experience Dickinson. Arriving at
College Hall, where the reunion was celebrated, she met many hundreds of her
kindred. Of this family I quote: "It is now almost two hundred and fifty years
since Nathaniel Dickinson landed at Boston, and prior to 1634 found a home at
Wethersfield, forty or fifty miles below Amherst. In 1659 he planted the
permanent seat of our family, and deeply rooted the name of Dickinson, and
here nine succeeding generations have risen to call him blessed. Nathaniel
Dickinson died at Hadley, June 16, 1676. No pencil or artist has preserved to
us the semblance of his features, no gravestone marks his resting-place. We
only know that he sleeps in the only burying-ground at Hadley."

     At this reunion, which was quite an elaborate affair, a congratulatory
letter was read from her father, General D. H. Wells, which elicited
considerable applause, and the President, who had seen the General when
visiting Salt Lake City, spoke of him in the highest terms.

     Miss Wells was very cordially received by the hundreds of Dickinson's
and succeeded in getting the names of many of the relatives of the family who
are now sleeping in the old graveyard at Hadley, and from a "roll of honor"
which hung upon the wall in the hall where the meeting was held, on which were
inscribed the names of those who had made themselves distinguished. It was
singular that this great meeting of the Dickinson's should have convened at
the time when Miss Louie was visiting her mother's relatives only a few miles
from Amherst, giving her an opportunity of meeting her father's kindred.

     Louie visited Nauvoo, also Kirtland, where she went through the Temple.
She has also proved herself to be a most charming press correspondent, by
contributions to the Exponent that touched the heart of every Saint; letters
that were as beautiful, fresh and sweet as spring-time. She has been connected
with the Exponent for some time; is a writer for the Contributor, has been a
member of the Tabernacle Choir for several years, and taught a department of
Miss Cook's school in 1880 and 1881.

     In June, 1880, Miss Wells was appointed Secretary to the Central
Organization of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, Mrs. Elmina
S. Taylor, President, a position of honor and importance, and which she
fulfils with dignity and ability. As a Latter-day Saint, the young lady is
worthy of her position and the love and confidence of her friends; and we look
forward to her future with happy anticipations of beautiful works from her
spirit and hand.

     As in this work are represented the venerable silver-haired matrons, and
the younger wife and mother, it seems beautifully appropriate that Miss Louie,
in her youth and purity, should represent the daughters of Israel, looking
towards the future with eyes of faith and confidence.