BIOGRAPHY: Helen Mar (Kimball) Whitney; 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
HELEN MAR WHITNEY
     Helen Mar Whitney was the third child of Heber Chase Kimball and his
wife, Vilate Murray, and was born in Mendon, Monroe County, New York, August
22, 1828. Their ancestors were among the Pilgrims and her kindred prided
themselves that they were descended from a noble stock. Though they cared
little for nobility and rank, they were proud to know that their grandsires
who would not submit to tyranny and oppression, helped to gain them
independence, and that their descendants were noble, hard working,
self-sacrificing and conscientious people, who believed in rising by their own
merits. Many of her ancestors died fighting for the liberty which is denied to
some of their children, by men who have usurped authority and become
oppressors. She was five years old when her parents removed to Kirtland, Ohio.
In the winter of 1837, she was baptized by Brigham Young, her father cutting
the ice for that purpose.

     She inherited a reverence for the Supreme Being and always received the
best teachings from her parents. Her father's time was mostly spent in the
ministry. On his return from a European mission, he heard Joseph teach the
principle of celestial marriage, and was commanded by Joseph to take a certain
lady for his second wife. He felt as though he could not obey this and live in
it, and must be released from the command, and he expressed the same to
Joseph, who went and inquired of the Lord, and receiving an answer, commanded
him the third time before he obeyed. Her mother bore testimony that she also
went to the Lord and plead with him to show her the cause of her husband's
trouble, which his haggard face and wretched days and nights betrayed and he
dared not tell her. He told her to go to the Lord and she did so, and He
answered their prayers. She saw a vision and the principle was revealed to her
in all its glory. She saw the woman that he had taken, and she went to him and
told him what the Lord had shown her. She said she never saw him so happy, and
he cried for joy. She took the second wife to her bosom, and from that time an
unkind word never passed between them. Helen knew nothing of the order till
June, 1843, whet her father revealed it to her. She says of this:
"Had I not known he loved me too tenderly to introduce anything that was not
strictly pure and exalting in its tendencies I could not have believed such a
doctrine. I could have sooner believed that he would slay me, than teach me an
impure principle. I heard the Prophet teach it more fully, and in the presence
of my father and mother.

     "On the 3rd of February, 1846, I was married to H. K. Whitney, eldest
son of N. K. Whitney, by Brigham Young. We were the last couple sealed in the
Temple at Nauvoo. We were among the exiles who crossed the river on the 16th
of the same month, intending to go over to the Rocky Mountains that year. But
when the government demanded the strength of our companies to fight for them,
we had to seek a place to quarter for the winter. I was sick most of the time
while there. Some of the journey we had to walk, and our food being poor and
scant, the infant and the aged, all classes, were swept off by death - the
latter by scurvy and sheer exhaustion. The next year my husband was one of
those chosen to go as a pioneer, and he had to go though the day of trial was
upon me.

     "Our first born, a lovely girl baby, was buried there - we could not
both live; but during those dark hours I had friends and the Lord was there.
We had but few men, mostly aged and disabled, but to see the union of the
sisters; the fasting and prayers for the preservation of our battalion and the
pioneers; and for the destroyer to be stayed; the great and marvelous
manifestations, even the power of the resurrection, experienced there - prayed
that they were encircled by a mighty power, and that 'the prayers of the
righteous availeth much. I will mention one circumstance to show the heavenly
spirit that dwelt with us there, and also the power of the destroyer, which
none who witnessed could misunderstand.
     "We were struggling with the evil one who had laid his grasp upon the
babes one was my mother's, the other, Sarah Ann's, (one of my father's wives).
We all felt that we must part with one, as one would no sooner get relief than
the other would be worse, and after a time mother asked the Lord, if agreeable
to His will, to take hers and spare the other, as she had other children, and
Sarah Ann had but this one. But He chose to take the latter. Should not this
teach us a lesson? and where could such love be found, only in the hearts of
Saints? 

     "Many weeks I remained feeble, but I had received the promise that I
should be healed, and one morning Sister Perris Young, on whom the spirit had
rested all night, to come and administer to me; came and under her
administration, with my mother, I was made whole.

     "Those were trying days, when one meal was eaten we knew not where we
were to get the next, but we neither wanted for food nor raiment. We had not
heard from the pioneers since they left till they were returning, and the news
was that they were short of teams and without breadstuff, and a long way from
home. Our feelings can better be imagined than described, for we had little
enough ourselves, but we lifted our hearts to God, and I can call it nothing
less than miraculous, a supply was soon furnished and men and teams started to
meet them. The next spring all were preparing to move, and as I was helping to
put on my wagon cover I came near fainting and was prostrated on my bed from
that time. I had a baby boy born on the 17th of August, but he was buried on
the 22nd, my twentieth birthday. This was the worst part of our journey, the
roads being rough and rocky. I mourned incessantly, and that with my intense
bodily sufferings soon brought me to death's door, but it was shorn of its
sting. I was cold, but oh, how peaceful, as I lay there painless and my breath
passing so. gently away; I felt as though I was wafting on the air and happy
in the thought of meeting so soon with my babes where no more pain or sorrow
could come. I had talked with my husband and father who were weeping as I took
a parting kiss from all but my poor mother, who was the last one called and
had sunk upon her knees before me. This distressed me, but I bade her not
mourn for she would not be long behind me. My words struck father like a
sudden thunderbolt, and he spoke with a mighty voice and said - ' Vilate,
Helen is not dying!' but my breath which by this time had nearly gone, stopped
that very instant, and I felt his faith and knew that he was holding me; and I
begged him to let me go as I thought it very cruel to keep me, and believed it
impossible for me to live and ever recover. The destroyer was then stirred up
in anger at being cheated out of his victim and he seemed determined to wreak
his vengeance upon us all. No one but God and the angels to whom I owe my life
and all I have, could know the tenth part of what I suffered. I never told
anybody and I never could. A keener taste of misery and woe, no mortal, I
think, could endure. For three months I lay a portion of the time like one
dead, they told me; but that did not last long. I was alive to my spiritual
condition and dead to the world. I tasted of the punishment which is prepared
for those who reject any of the principles of this Gospel. Then I learned that
plural marriage was a celestial principle, and saw the difference between the
power of God's priesthood and that of Satan's and the necessity of obedience
to those who hold the priesthood, and the danger of rebelling against or
speaking lightly of the Lord's annointed.

     "I had, in hours of temptation, when seeing the trials of my mother,
felt to rebel. I hated polygamy in my heart, I had loved my baby more than my
God, and mourned for it unreasonably. All my sins and shortcomings were
magnified before my eyes till I believed I had sinned beyond redemption. Some
may call it the fruits of a diseased brain. There is nothing without a cause,
be that as it may, it was a keen reality to me. During that season I lost my
speech, forgot the names of everybody and everything, and was living in
another sphere, learning lessons that would serve me in future times to keep
mein the narrow way. I was left a poor wreck of what I had been, but the Devil
with all his cunning, little thought that he was fitting and preparing my
heart to fulfill its destiny. My, father said that Satan desired to clip my
glory and was quite willing I should die happy; but when he was thwarted he
tried in every possible way to destroy my tabernacle. President Young said
that the mountains through which we passed were filled with the spirits of the
Gadianton robbers spoken of in the Book of Mormon. The Lord gave father faith
enough to hold me until I was capable of exercising it for myself. I was so
weak that I was often discouraged in trying to pray, as the evil spirits
caused me to feel that it was no use: but the night after the first Christmas
in this valley, I had my last struggle and resolved that they should buffet me
no longer. I fasted for one week, and every day I gained till I had won the
victory and I was just as sensible of the presence of holy spirits around my
bedside as I had been of the evil ones. It would take up too much room to
relate my experience with the spirits, but New Year's eve, after spending one
of the happiest days of my life I was moved upon to talk to my mother. I knew
her heart was weighed down in sorrow and 1 was full of the holy Ghost. I
talked as I never did before, I was too weak to talk with such a voice (of my
own strength), beside, I never before spoke with such eloquence, and she knew
that it was not myself. She was so affected that she sobbed till I ceased. I
assured her that father loved her, but he had a work to do, she must rise
above her feelings and seek for the Holy Comforter, and though it rent her
heart she must uphold him, for he in taking other wives had done it only in
obedience to a holy principle. Much more I said, and when I ceased, she wiped
her eyes and told me to rest. I had not felt tired till she said this, but
commenced then to feel myself sinking away. I silently prayed to be renewed,
when my strength returned that instant.

     "New Year's day father had set apart to fast and pray, and they prepared
a feast at evening. I had prayed that I might gain a sure testimony that day
that I was acceptable to God, and my father, when he arose to speak, was so
filled with His power, that be looked almost transfigured! He turned to me and
spoke of my sufferings and the blessings I should receive because of the same.
He prophesied of the great work that I should do, that I should live long and
raise honorable sons and daughters that would rise up and call me blessed, and
should be a comfort to my mother in her declining years, and many more things
which I have fulfilled. Many who knew me then have looked at me and seen me
working with my children around me, with perfect amazement and as one who had
been dead and resurrected.

     "I lost three babes before I kept any, (two boys and girl). My first to
live was Vilate, she grew to womanhood and was taken. Orson F. was my next,
who has been appointed Bishop of the Eighteenth Ward. I had four more
daughters, then a son, my last a little girl who died at five years of age;
being eleven in all. My parents have left me and my heart has been wrung to
the utmost, yet I have said Thy will 0 God, be done. Persons have sometimes
wondered at my calmness and endurance, but I think they would not had they
passed through the same experience.

     "I have encouraged and sustained my husband in the celestial order of
marriage because I knew it was right. At various times I have been healed by
the washing and annointing, administered by the mothers in Israel. I am still
spared to testify to the truth and Godliness of this work; and though my
happiness once consisted in laboring for those I love, the Lord has seen fit
to deprive me of bodily strength, and taught me to 'cast my bread upon the
waters' and after many days my longing spirit was cheered with the knowledge
that He had a work for me to do, and with Him, I know that all things are
possible.

     "Almost my first literary effort was inspired by the reading of the
various opinions of men published in our dailies, upon woman's disabilities,
etc.; and my continuing is due to the advice and urgent wishes of many of my
sisters.

     "On March 10, 1882, I was chosen by Sister M. I. Horne and nominated to
act as her Counselor in the Relief Society of this stake of Zion in place of
Sister S. M. Heywood (deceased) and God grant that I may come up to her
standard and be able to labor faithfully with my sisters yet many years, in
relieving and comforting the tried and afflicted, and enlightening the minds
of those who are in darkness concerning the things of God and His people."

     It is but appropriate and just to add to the brief sketch of Helen Mar
Whitney's life, a brief record of her son, the eldest of her living children.

     Orson F. Whitney was born in Salt Lake City, July 1, 1855. Was called on
his first mission during the October Conference. of 1876. Left home for
Pennsylvania November 6th following. Remained in Pennsylvania about five
months, laboring with Elder A. M. Musser, and visited Washington just prior to
the inauguration of President Hayes. Early in the spring of 1877 went alone
down to Ohio, where he remained about one year, preaching and baptizing, and
visiting relatives in and around Kirtland, (his father's birthplace). Was
released from his mission in the spring of 1878, and returned home early in
April. Was appointed a home missionary immediately on his return, and also
obtained a situation in the Deseret News office.

     July 14th, was ordained a High Priest, (previously was a Seventy) and
set apart to preside as bishop of the Eighteenth Ward, being the youngest
bishop in the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, succeeding Bishop L. D. Young,
resigned. August 10th of same year succeeded Elder John Nicholson as city
editor of the Deseret News, he having been called to Europe on a mission.
Before this he had labored as a collector and underclerk in the business
office of that establishment. During his sojourn in the States he had
corresponded with the Salt Lake Herald, the Woman's Exponent and the News, to
the latter by the direct invitation of President Brigham Young, who had
noticed his writings to the other papers and urged him to cultivate his
literary ability. Previously he had scarcely dared to hope he possessed any.
He says of this; "I owe much to the kind encouragement of President Young for
what little I have yet achieved in that direction."

     December 18, 1879, was married to Zina B. Smoot, daughter of President
A. A. O. and Mrs. Emily Smoot. In February, 1880, was elected to the City
Council and held the office of a Councilor until called on his second mission,
whither he went before his office term had expired. In July, 1880, was
appointed by a committee having in charge the arrangement of a programme to
celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Church (year of jubilee,) to write a
poem for the occasion. The poem - "Jubilee of Zion," was read in the
Tabernacle by Colonel David McKenzie, on the 24th of July, the Jubilee
Celebration and the regular Pioneer Day Celebration being blended. Prior to
this he had published a pamphlet containing two poems, "Land of Shinehah" and
the "Women of the Everlasting Covenant," and had contributed various efforts
in verse to our local papers, besides other articles in prose to the
Contributor and Herald, at the same time laboring regularly upon the News as
local editor. April, 1880 (antedating the above), the Home Dramatic Club was
organized with 0. F. Whitney as President.

     October, 1880, the first child of Bishop Whitney, a son, was born. June
20, 1881, at a meeting of the General Committee on celebration of the 4th of
July, Bishop Whitney was chosen Orator of the Day, and prepared the oration,
the assassination of President Garfield on the 2nd of July put a stop to the
celebration, and consequently to the carrying out of the programme. October
Conference, 1881, was called on a mission to England and left October 24th;
sailed from New York November 1st, and landed on the 10th. Appointed to the
London Conference, labored there four months; then called to Liverpool to
succeed Elder C. W. Stayner in the editorial department of the Millennial
Star. Labored there nearly a year, then was released to travel in the
ministry. Released to return home with the June company, 1883. Visited
Scotland and France and sailed for home June 20th. Landed in New York Sunday,
July 1st, the very day and date of his birth, twenty-eight years before.
Reached home July 7, 1883, and has resumed his position as city editor of the
Deseret Evening News.

     LETTERS OF HEBER C. KIMBALL

     For the consideration of those unacquainted with him, who through
misreport have been led to regard Heber C. Kimball as a man of stern rule and
cold nature, I append two letters written by him to his beloved first wife,
Vilate, (a name that is revered in our people's remembrance) showing in true
light his own feelings upon the principle of plural marriage and vindicating
and honoring him by this testimony from his own secret heart and lips, better
than the words of another, no matter how faithful or true or ardent that
friend might be. Thus will be shown to the world three generations of a family
who are representatives of our people and faith; Heber, one whom God chose as
one of the first to aid in founding and upbuilding His. Church and Kingdom in
the last dispensation; Helen, his cherished and heroic daughter, and Orson,
her son, worthy representative of his mother and. grandfather. The inspiration
in Heber's life has not died out in theirs, the work has not slackened, the
line of march is still onward and upward. The first copy bears date of

OCTOBER 23, 1842.
My Dear Vilate:
     I am at Brother Evan Green's. We have held all our conferences, have had
two meetings to-day, it being the Sabbath. Some have been added to the Church
and prejudice is considerably laid. Monday we shall go to Jacksonville, then
on to Springfield. 1 shall be home in two or three weeks if the Lord wills it
so. Since I left you it has been a time of much reflection. I felt as though I
was a poor weak creature in and of myself, and only on God can I rely for
support. I have been looking back over my past life before I heard the
Gospel. It makes me shrink into nothing and to wish I had always been a
righteous man from my youth, but we have an advocate with the Father, and I
can look back since I came into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints, with a degree of pleasure, but I can see if I had more knowledge I
could have done better in many points. * * I feel as though I had rather die
to-day than be left to transgress one of His laws, or to bring disgrace upon
the cause which I have embraced, or a stain upon my character; and my prayer
is day by day that God would take me to Himself rather than I should be left
to sin against Him, or betray my dear brethren who have been true to me and to
God the Eternal Father, and I feel to pray to Thee, 0 Lord, to help thy poor
servant to be true to Thee all the days of my life, that I may never be left
to sin against Thee or against Thy annointed, or any that love thee, that I
may have wisdom and knowledge how to gain Thy favor at all times, for this is
my desire, and that these blessings may rest upon my dear companion, and when
we have done Thy work on this Thy footstool, that Thou would'st receive us
into that kingdom where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the holy prophets
have gone, that we may never be separated any more, and before I should be
left to betray my brethren in any case, let Thy servant come unto Thee in Thy
Kingdom and there have the love of my youth, and the little ones Thou has
given me. * * Now, my dear Vilate, stand by me even unto death, and when you
pray, pray that I may hold out to the end. * * My heart aches for you and
sometimes I can hardly speak without weeping, and that before my brethren: for
I have a broken heart and my head is a fountain of tears. My life in this
world is short at the longest, and I do not desire to live one day only to do
good and to make you happy and bring up our little children in the ways of the
Lord, and my prayer is that they may be righteous from the least to the
greatest. * * The world has lost its charms for me, and I want to seek for
that rest which remains for the people of God. I never had a greater desire to
be a man of God than at the present, that I may know my acceptance with Him."

SPRINGFIELD, October 25th.
"My Dear Companion:
     "I have just returned from the office where I found a letter from you,
and I need not tell you that it was a sweet morsel to me. I could weep like a
child if I could get away by myself, to think that I for one moment have been
the means of causing you any sorrow; I know that you must have many bad
feelings and I feel to pray for you all the time, I assure you that you have
not been out of my mind many minutes at a time since I left you. My feelings
are of that kind that it makes me sick at heart, so that I have no appetite to
eat. My temptations are so severe it seems sometimes as though I should have
to lay down and die, I feel as if I should sink beneath it. I go into the
woods every chance I have, and pour out my soul before God that He would
deliver me and bless your my dear wife, and the first I would know I would be
in tears, weeping like a child about you and the situation I am in; but what
can I do but go ahead? My dear Vilate, do not let it cast you down, for the
Lord is on our side; this I know from what I see and realize and I marvel at
it many times. You are tried and tempted and I am sorry for you, for I know
how to pity you. I can say that I never suffered more in all my life than
since these things came to pass; and as 1 have said so say I again, I have
felt as if I should sink and die. Oh my God! I ask Thee in the name of Jesus
to bless my dear Vilate and comfort her heart and deliver her from temptation
and sorrow, and open her eyes and let her see things as they are, for Father
Thou knowest our sorrow; be pleased to look upon Thy poor servant and
handmaid, and grant us the privilege of living the same length of time that
one may not go before the other, for Thou knowest that we desire this with all
our hearts. * * * And then, Father, when we have done with our career in this
probation, in the one to come may we still be joined in one to remain so to
all eternities, and whatever we have done to grieve Thee be pleased to blot it
out, and let us he clean and pure before Thee at all times, that we may never
be left to sin or betray anyone that believes on Thy name; save us from all
this and let our seeds be righteous; incline their hearts to be pure and
virtuous, and may this extend from generation to generation, let us have favor
in Thy sight and before Thine angels that we may be watched over by them and
have strength and grace to support us in the day of our temptation that we may
not be overcome and fall. Now my Father, these are the desires of our hearts,
and wilt Thou grant them to us for Jesus' sake and to Thy name will we give
all the glory forever and ever."