Elizabeth Ann Whitney
Born: 26 December 1800
Called as Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: 17 March 1842
Released: 1844
Called as Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: 1866
Died: 15 February 1882
Called as Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: 17 March 1842
Released: 1844
Called as Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: 1866
Died: 15 February 1882
Biographical Articles
Biographical Articles, Volume 3
Biographical Articles, Volume 4
Contributor, February 1882, In Memoriam--Elizabeth Ann Whitney
Biographical Articles, Volume 4
Contributor, February 1882, In Memoriam--Elizabeth Ann Whitney
Jenson, Andrew. "Whitney, Elizabeth A." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 3. pg. 563-564.
WHITNEY, Elizabeth Ann (familiarly known as “Mother Whitney”), first counselor to President Emma Smith in the initial organization of the Relief Society at Nauvoo, Illinois, was born Dec. 26, 1800, in Derby, New Haven county, Connecticut. She was the eldest child of Gibson Smith and Polly Bradley, and received in early life the most judicious training, being carefully educated according to the customs of that early period. When about eighteen years of age she went with a maiden aunt to Ohio, and subsequently became acquainted with Newel K. Whitney, a young merchant at Kirtland, to whom she was married Oct. 20, 1822. Some time after their marriage they both joined the Campbellite Church, and remained members of it until converted to the true gospel of Christ, through the preaching of Oliver Cowdery and other Elders, who came to Ohio on their way to Missouri. Mother Whitney was baptized in November, 1830, and from that time to her death was a faithful and devoted member of the Church. In its early days she was designated by the Prophet Joseph Smith as “the sweet songstress of Zion.” She was among the first members of the Church to receive the gift of tongues, which she always exercised in singing. The Prophet said that the language was the pure Adamic tongue, the same that was used in the garden of Eden, and he promised that if she kept the faith, the gift would never leave her. It never did, and many who heard her sing never forgot the sweet and holy influence that accompanied her exercise of this heavenly gift. The last time she sang in tongues was on the day she was 81 years old. It was at the home of Sister Emmeline B. Wells, the latter having arranged a party in honor of Mother Whitney's birthday. At a meeting held in the Kirtland Temple, Sister Whitney sang in tongues and Parley P. Pratt interpreted, the result being a beautiful hymn descriptive of the different dispensations from Adam to the present age. She is said to be the second of her sex to receive the endowments, being a High Priestess in the House of the Lord, in which capacity she served until a short time before her death, or until she was obliged to relinquish her labors on account of ill health. In that position it became her privilege to bless hundreds, perhaps thousands, of the daughters of Zion. Bishop Newel K. Whitney and family left Kirtland for Missouri in 1838, but hearing that the Saints were being driven from that State, they remained in Carlton, Illinois, during the winter, and in the spring of 1839 went up to Commerce (afterwards Nauvoo). There Mother Whitney endured much hardship and privation, but never a murmur escaped her lips. She was always cheerful and looked on the bright side of life, ever encouraging her husband in the performance of his duty, even when it left her destitute and alone. In March, 1842, when the first Relief Society was organized, Sister Whitney was chosen and set apart as first counselor in its presidency, which office she filled with honor and credit. At the time of the exodus from Nauvoo, in 184 6, she crossed the Mississippi river on the ice with a family of little children, and from sleeping on the ground she contracted a cold which settled in her limbs, causing rheumatism, from which she never entirely recovered. Her youngest son, Newel M., was born at Winter Quarters, and she passed through such scenes of sorrow and suffering as no pen can portray. Her two eldest sons, Horace and Orson, were among the original Utah pioneers of 1847. Bishop Whitney and family arrived in Salt Lake Valley, October, 1848, having crossed the plains in Heber C. Kimball's company. Bishop Whitney died Sept. 23, 1850, leaving Sister Whitney with a family of nine children. She resided in the 9th Ward, Salt Lake City, where she died Feb. 15, 1882. Her death was caused by general debility, incident to old age. She was the mother of eleven children (seven sons and four daughters), six of whom survived her. At the time of her decease she had 32 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Sister Whitney was gifted with many of the most amiable qualities of womanhood—patience, meekness, humility and the power of self-sacrifice being among them. The spirit of peace seemed ever to rest upon her. She was often alluded to as “the comforter,” so powerful were her blessings upon those needing such help. Her ministrations among the sick and afflicted endeared her to the community at large and made her truly a mother in Israel.
WHITNEY, Elizabeth Ann (familiarly known as “Mother Whitney”), first counselor to President Emma Smith in the initial organization of the Relief Society at Nauvoo, Illinois, was born Dec. 26, 1800, in Derby, New Haven county, Connecticut. She was the eldest child of Gibson Smith and Polly Bradley, and received in early life the most judicious training, being carefully educated according to the customs of that early period. When about eighteen years of age she went with a maiden aunt to Ohio, and subsequently became acquainted with Newel K. Whitney, a young merchant at Kirtland, to whom she was married Oct. 20, 1822. Some time after their marriage they both joined the Campbellite Church, and remained members of it until converted to the true gospel of Christ, through the preaching of Oliver Cowdery and other Elders, who came to Ohio on their way to Missouri. Mother Whitney was baptized in November, 1830, and from that time to her death was a faithful and devoted member of the Church. In its early days she was designated by the Prophet Joseph Smith as “the sweet songstress of Zion.” She was among the first members of the Church to receive the gift of tongues, which she always exercised in singing. The Prophet said that the language was the pure Adamic tongue, the same that was used in the garden of Eden, and he promised that if she kept the faith, the gift would never leave her. It never did, and many who heard her sing never forgot the sweet and holy influence that accompanied her exercise of this heavenly gift. The last time she sang in tongues was on the day she was 81 years old. It was at the home of Sister Emmeline B. Wells, the latter having arranged a party in honor of Mother Whitney's birthday. At a meeting held in the Kirtland Temple, Sister Whitney sang in tongues and Parley P. Pratt interpreted, the result being a beautiful hymn descriptive of the different dispensations from Adam to the present age. She is said to be the second of her sex to receive the endowments, being a High Priestess in the House of the Lord, in which capacity she served until a short time before her death, or until she was obliged to relinquish her labors on account of ill health. In that position it became her privilege to bless hundreds, perhaps thousands, of the daughters of Zion. Bishop Newel K. Whitney and family left Kirtland for Missouri in 1838, but hearing that the Saints were being driven from that State, they remained in Carlton, Illinois, during the winter, and in the spring of 1839 went up to Commerce (afterwards Nauvoo). There Mother Whitney endured much hardship and privation, but never a murmur escaped her lips. She was always cheerful and looked on the bright side of life, ever encouraging her husband in the performance of his duty, even when it left her destitute and alone. In March, 1842, when the first Relief Society was organized, Sister Whitney was chosen and set apart as first counselor in its presidency, which office she filled with honor and credit. At the time of the exodus from Nauvoo, in 184 6, she crossed the Mississippi river on the ice with a family of little children, and from sleeping on the ground she contracted a cold which settled in her limbs, causing rheumatism, from which she never entirely recovered. Her youngest son, Newel M., was born at Winter Quarters, and she passed through such scenes of sorrow and suffering as no pen can portray. Her two eldest sons, Horace and Orson, were among the original Utah pioneers of 1847. Bishop Whitney and family arrived in Salt Lake Valley, October, 1848, having crossed the plains in Heber C. Kimball's company. Bishop Whitney died Sept. 23, 1850, leaving Sister Whitney with a family of nine children. She resided in the 9th Ward, Salt Lake City, where she died Feb. 15, 1882. Her death was caused by general debility, incident to old age. She was the mother of eleven children (seven sons and four daughters), six of whom survived her. At the time of her decease she had 32 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Sister Whitney was gifted with many of the most amiable qualities of womanhood—patience, meekness, humility and the power of self-sacrifice being among them. The spirit of peace seemed ever to rest upon her. She was often alluded to as “the comforter,” so powerful were her blessings upon those needing such help. Her ministrations among the sick and afflicted endeared her to the community at large and made her truly a mother in Israel.
Jenson, Andrew. "Whitney, Elizabeth A." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 200.
WHITNEY, Elizabeth Ann, was a charter member of the Relief Society organized in Nauvoo, Ill., March 17, 1842. She served as second counselor to Emma Smith in that organization and as second counselor in the presidency of the Central Board of Relief Society in Utah from July 1, 1866, until her death on Feb. 15, 1883. Sister Whitney was born Dec. 26, 1800, in New Haven County, Conn., a daughter of Gibson Smith and Polly Bradley. She was married to Newel K. Whitney Oct. 20, 1822, and becoming acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith they were baptized in November, 1830. The Prophet designated Sister Whitney as "the sweet songstress of Zion." She was among the first members of the Church to receive the gift of tongues, which she always exercised in singing, the last time when she was 81 years of age. She was the mother of eleven children. Her husband became the second Presiding Bishop of the Church.
WHITNEY, Elizabeth Ann, was a charter member of the Relief Society organized in Nauvoo, Ill., March 17, 1842. She served as second counselor to Emma Smith in that organization and as second counselor in the presidency of the Central Board of Relief Society in Utah from July 1, 1866, until her death on Feb. 15, 1883. Sister Whitney was born Dec. 26, 1800, in New Haven County, Conn., a daughter of Gibson Smith and Polly Bradley. She was married to Newel K. Whitney Oct. 20, 1822, and becoming acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith they were baptized in November, 1830. The Prophet designated Sister Whitney as "the sweet songstress of Zion." She was among the first members of the Church to receive the gift of tongues, which she always exercised in singing, the last time when she was 81 years of age. She was the mother of eleven children. Her husband became the second Presiding Bishop of the Church.
Wells, Louie. "In Memoriam--Elizabeth Ann Whitney." Contributor. February 1882. pg. 156-158.
IN MEMORIAM.
ELIZABETH ANN WHITNEY.
With heartfelt grief, we chronicle the death of our beloved friend and counselor, Mother Whitney. Of all women, none were purer or better; among the first to embrace the everlasting Gospel, and always faithful and true to the principles, she, in her early youth, had espoused. Oftentimes has it been said, and truly said, Mother Whitney is more like an angel from heaven than a creature of this earth; her influence and spirit were so beautiful, that to be near her, seemed nearer heaven; her character was the gentlest and noblest of womankind, always cheerful and hopeful in the darkest and dreariest scenes; never despairing nor complaining; she had always a word of rest for the weary, comfort for the heartsick, and possessed the power of consoling others to such an extent, that she was often called the "comforter."
This great and noble woman has now left this earth and gone to a brighter realm, where she will receive the reward for all her good deeds here on earth. She was gifted in language and exceedingly attractive in person; her countenance ever seemed to shine with the light of the Holy Spirit; her soul was one of those bright and shining lights that seem to make heaven more beautiful by their presence.
Mother Whitney was born in the beginning of the present century, December 26, 1800, in Derby, New Haven County, Connecticut; her parents were Gibson and Polly Bradley Smith. The Smith's was one of the oldest families in the country. She was the eldest child, and her youth was a perfect springtime of love and happiness. When eighteen years of age, she accompanied a maiden aunt to Ohio, and as she afterwards decided to remain there, it so happened that she never saw her dear mother again. Early in her sojourn in Ohio, she became acquainted with a young and prosperous merchant, Newel K. Whitney, to whom she was afterwards married, October 20, 1822, in Kirtland, where they made their future home.
Both she and her husband became members of the Campbellite church, but although they revered this faith, they still sought for something better. They believed in the laying on of hands and in the gifts of the spirit, but no one having authority in their church to confer those gifts, they prayed to the Lord for the Holy Spirit, such as they read of the ancients having received. While they were praying together a cloud seemed to rest over the house, the walls vanished and it seemed as if they were out in the open air. The cloud covered them and they felt the spirit of the Lord upon them, while a solemn awe pervaded them and they heard a voice saying, "Prepare ye to receive the word of the Lord, for it is coming." Soon after this the Gospel was brought to Kirtland by Parley P. Pratt, and both she and her husband were baptized and confirmed, November 1830. Their home was a place of rest for the elders; and Joseph Smith, the prophet, made it his home when he first came to Kirtland, and an everlasting love and friendship was formed between the two families.
Often afterwards in the hours of trial and persecution did the Prophet find refuge, comfort and solace under their roof. I remember when very young of hearing her relate a little incident illustrating the power of and the faith that she always had in children's prayers. One night when the mob were in search of the Prophet, and he had taken refuge in her home, the little children gathered in one of the rooms and prayed, as they often did, that the Prophet might be unmolested and rest there in ] peace. They all knelt down and prayed earnestly to the Lord and said they could not rise until they had a testimony. Very soon one of the children rose from her knees saying "I have the spirit, brother Joseph will be safe." The Prophet and Brother and Sister Whitney had been standing at the door and when Joseph heard this, he turned to Bishop Whitney and said, while his eyes were filled with tears: "You need not hide me to-night, I will be perfectly safe." What a beautiful humble spirit is manifested in these few words. This is only one of many like manifestations to the children in those days. Joseph delighted in little children and had more faith in their sweet humble prayers than in any others.
Mother Whitney was one of the first women who ever had her endowments, and among the first who ever officiated in a temple, she was the very first to officiate in the house of the Lord in this city, where she continued to labor until her health would no longer permit. She has blessed thousands of the daughters of Zion. Mother Whitney had one of the sweetest and most pathetic voices in the world, often in days of persecution when the Prophet Joseph was sorrowful, cast down and weary, he would ask her to sing to him that he might forget his grief. When the gift of tongues was given to her, her spirit burst forth in hymns of rejoicing and songs of praise. She has always at times exercised this gift until the time of her death. The Prophet promised this rare gift should never leave her if she was wise in the exercise thereof, and if she remained true to her covenants. He also said that it was the pure Adamic language, that which was spoken in the garden of Eden. If all the hymns and poems were written as they were interpreted at the time when she sang them, they would make a beautiful volume.
In 1838, Sister Whitney left her home and was intending to go to Missouri, but in consequence of the persecutions there, she was obliged to stay in Carleton, Illinois. Many of her friends, when she left Kirtland, never expected she could live through such a journey, and it was only by her unbounded faith in God that she was enabled to do so. She stayed in Carleton that year, while her husband went back to Kirtland on business, and was left entirely alone with a family of little children; her oldest son, then eighteen years of age, taught school, and helped to support the family.
In the spring of 1839, Bishop Whitney and family went up to Commerce. In Nauvoo, Mother Whitney endured all that it was possible for anyone to endure, but was always cheerful and happy through it all. When the Relief Society was organized by Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, Mother Whitney was chosen as first counselor to the president, Emma Smith. She crossed the Mississippi River on the ice with a family of small children, when the Saints were driven from Nauvoo; she was - the mother of eleven children, six now living; she had thirty-two grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; her two oldest sons, Horace and Orson, were among the Pioneers of 1847. Their father and the family came to the valley with Heber C. Kimball's company in 1848. Bishop Whitney died in 1850.
Mother Whitney died February 15, 1882, at ten minutes past two p.m., at the residence of her son-in-law, Isaac Groo, in this city, after an illness of four weeks; she lived to finish her work here on earth, and was ready and willing to be gathered home to the Savior's bosom. Oh that we might all live a life as pure and sinless! That when we are called to go, we may say as she did, "The Lord's time is the best time," and "I want to suffer all that I ought to suffer."
Louie Wells.
IN MEMORIAM.
ELIZABETH ANN WHITNEY.
With heartfelt grief, we chronicle the death of our beloved friend and counselor, Mother Whitney. Of all women, none were purer or better; among the first to embrace the everlasting Gospel, and always faithful and true to the principles, she, in her early youth, had espoused. Oftentimes has it been said, and truly said, Mother Whitney is more like an angel from heaven than a creature of this earth; her influence and spirit were so beautiful, that to be near her, seemed nearer heaven; her character was the gentlest and noblest of womankind, always cheerful and hopeful in the darkest and dreariest scenes; never despairing nor complaining; she had always a word of rest for the weary, comfort for the heartsick, and possessed the power of consoling others to such an extent, that she was often called the "comforter."
This great and noble woman has now left this earth and gone to a brighter realm, where she will receive the reward for all her good deeds here on earth. She was gifted in language and exceedingly attractive in person; her countenance ever seemed to shine with the light of the Holy Spirit; her soul was one of those bright and shining lights that seem to make heaven more beautiful by their presence.
Mother Whitney was born in the beginning of the present century, December 26, 1800, in Derby, New Haven County, Connecticut; her parents were Gibson and Polly Bradley Smith. The Smith's was one of the oldest families in the country. She was the eldest child, and her youth was a perfect springtime of love and happiness. When eighteen years of age, she accompanied a maiden aunt to Ohio, and as she afterwards decided to remain there, it so happened that she never saw her dear mother again. Early in her sojourn in Ohio, she became acquainted with a young and prosperous merchant, Newel K. Whitney, to whom she was afterwards married, October 20, 1822, in Kirtland, where they made their future home.
Both she and her husband became members of the Campbellite church, but although they revered this faith, they still sought for something better. They believed in the laying on of hands and in the gifts of the spirit, but no one having authority in their church to confer those gifts, they prayed to the Lord for the Holy Spirit, such as they read of the ancients having received. While they were praying together a cloud seemed to rest over the house, the walls vanished and it seemed as if they were out in the open air. The cloud covered them and they felt the spirit of the Lord upon them, while a solemn awe pervaded them and they heard a voice saying, "Prepare ye to receive the word of the Lord, for it is coming." Soon after this the Gospel was brought to Kirtland by Parley P. Pratt, and both she and her husband were baptized and confirmed, November 1830. Their home was a place of rest for the elders; and Joseph Smith, the prophet, made it his home when he first came to Kirtland, and an everlasting love and friendship was formed between the two families.
Often afterwards in the hours of trial and persecution did the Prophet find refuge, comfort and solace under their roof. I remember when very young of hearing her relate a little incident illustrating the power of and the faith that she always had in children's prayers. One night when the mob were in search of the Prophet, and he had taken refuge in her home, the little children gathered in one of the rooms and prayed, as they often did, that the Prophet might be unmolested and rest there in ] peace. They all knelt down and prayed earnestly to the Lord and said they could not rise until they had a testimony. Very soon one of the children rose from her knees saying "I have the spirit, brother Joseph will be safe." The Prophet and Brother and Sister Whitney had been standing at the door and when Joseph heard this, he turned to Bishop Whitney and said, while his eyes were filled with tears: "You need not hide me to-night, I will be perfectly safe." What a beautiful humble spirit is manifested in these few words. This is only one of many like manifestations to the children in those days. Joseph delighted in little children and had more faith in their sweet humble prayers than in any others.
Mother Whitney was one of the first women who ever had her endowments, and among the first who ever officiated in a temple, she was the very first to officiate in the house of the Lord in this city, where she continued to labor until her health would no longer permit. She has blessed thousands of the daughters of Zion. Mother Whitney had one of the sweetest and most pathetic voices in the world, often in days of persecution when the Prophet Joseph was sorrowful, cast down and weary, he would ask her to sing to him that he might forget his grief. When the gift of tongues was given to her, her spirit burst forth in hymns of rejoicing and songs of praise. She has always at times exercised this gift until the time of her death. The Prophet promised this rare gift should never leave her if she was wise in the exercise thereof, and if she remained true to her covenants. He also said that it was the pure Adamic language, that which was spoken in the garden of Eden. If all the hymns and poems were written as they were interpreted at the time when she sang them, they would make a beautiful volume.
In 1838, Sister Whitney left her home and was intending to go to Missouri, but in consequence of the persecutions there, she was obliged to stay in Carleton, Illinois. Many of her friends, when she left Kirtland, never expected she could live through such a journey, and it was only by her unbounded faith in God that she was enabled to do so. She stayed in Carleton that year, while her husband went back to Kirtland on business, and was left entirely alone with a family of little children; her oldest son, then eighteen years of age, taught school, and helped to support the family.
In the spring of 1839, Bishop Whitney and family went up to Commerce. In Nauvoo, Mother Whitney endured all that it was possible for anyone to endure, but was always cheerful and happy through it all. When the Relief Society was organized by Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, Mother Whitney was chosen as first counselor to the president, Emma Smith. She crossed the Mississippi River on the ice with a family of small children, when the Saints were driven from Nauvoo; she was - the mother of eleven children, six now living; she had thirty-two grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; her two oldest sons, Horace and Orson, were among the Pioneers of 1847. Their father and the family came to the valley with Heber C. Kimball's company in 1848. Bishop Whitney died in 1850.
Mother Whitney died February 15, 1882, at ten minutes past two p.m., at the residence of her son-in-law, Isaac Groo, in this city, after an illness of four weeks; she lived to finish her work here on earth, and was ready and willing to be gathered home to the Savior's bosom. Oh that we might all live a life as pure and sinless! That when we are called to go, we may say as she did, "The Lord's time is the best time," and "I want to suffer all that I ought to suffer."
Louie Wells.