Elmina Shepherd Taylor
Born: 12 September 1830
Called as Young Women's General President: 19 June 1880
Died: 6 December 1904
Called as Young Women's General President: 19 June 1880
Died: 6 December 1904
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Young Woman's Journal, October 1890, Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Elmina S. Taylor, President of the YLMIA Associations
Young Woman's Journal, September 1894, Sister Taylor's Surprise Party
Young Woman's Journal, October 1895, A Tribute to Our President
Young Woman's Journal, November 1895, Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, September 1900, Three Score Years and Ten. A Character Sketch.
Young Woman's Journal, September 1901, Past Three Score Years and Ten
Young Woman's Journal, September 1901, President Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, March 1903, Prest. Taylor's Arm Broken
Young Woman's Journal, April 1903, President Taylor's Condition
Young Woman's Journal, September 1903, To Our Beloved President, Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, March 1904, President Taylor's Accident
Young Woman's Journal, April 1904, Editor
Improvement Era, January 1905, Death of Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, January 1905, A Biographical Sketch of President Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, January 1905, President Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, January 1905, The Last Rites
Young Woman's Journal, January 1905, Tributes to President Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, October 1915, Conversions to the Gospel - Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, October 1916, Incidents Connected with Baptism - President Elmina S. Taylor's Baptism
Young Woman's Journal, June 1925, The Y. L. M. I. A. Under President Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, October 1890, Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Elmina S. Taylor, President of the YLMIA Associations
Young Woman's Journal, September 1894, Sister Taylor's Surprise Party
Young Woman's Journal, October 1895, A Tribute to Our President
Young Woman's Journal, November 1895, Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, September 1900, Three Score Years and Ten. A Character Sketch.
Young Woman's Journal, September 1901, Past Three Score Years and Ten
Young Woman's Journal, September 1901, President Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, March 1903, Prest. Taylor's Arm Broken
Young Woman's Journal, April 1903, President Taylor's Condition
Young Woman's Journal, September 1903, To Our Beloved President, Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, March 1904, President Taylor's Accident
Young Woman's Journal, April 1904, Editor
Improvement Era, January 1905, Death of Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, January 1905, A Biographical Sketch of President Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, January 1905, President Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, January 1905, The Last Rites
Young Woman's Journal, January 1905, Tributes to President Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, October 1915, Conversions to the Gospel - Elmina S. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, October 1916, Incidents Connected with Baptism - President Elmina S. Taylor's Baptism
Young Woman's Journal, June 1925, The Y. L. M. I. A. Under President Elmina S. Taylor
Jenson, Andrew. "Taylor, Elmina Shepherd." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 267.
TAYLOR, Elmina Shepherd, president of the Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association from 1880 to 1904, was born Sept. 12, 1830, in Middlefield, Otsego Co., New York, the daughter of David S. Shepherd and Rozella Bailey. She was baptized July 5, 1856, educated in the public schools and the Hardwick Academy in New York, and while teaching school in Haverstraw she heard the Gospel and accepted it. On Aug. 31, 1856, she was married to George Hamilton Taylor, and on April 15, 1859, she with her husband started by ox team for Utah, arriving there in September. They settled in the 14th Ward, Salt Lake City, and in that ward Sister Taylor served as secretary of the Relief Society and president of the Y. L. M. I. A. For 16 years she was a member of the presidency of the Salt Lake Stake Relief Society Board. On June 19, 1880, she was appointed general president of Y. L. M. I. A. She attended several conventions of the National Council of Women and presided at the Y. L. M. I. A. meetings at the Chicago Fair in 1893.
TAYLOR, Elmina Shepherd, president of the Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association from 1880 to 1904, was born Sept. 12, 1830, in Middlefield, Otsego Co., New York, the daughter of David S. Shepherd and Rozella Bailey. She was baptized July 5, 1856, educated in the public schools and the Hardwick Academy in New York, and while teaching school in Haverstraw she heard the Gospel and accepted it. On Aug. 31, 1856, she was married to George Hamilton Taylor, and on April 15, 1859, she with her husband started by ox team for Utah, arriving there in September. They settled in the 14th Ward, Salt Lake City, and in that ward Sister Taylor served as secretary of the Relief Society and president of the Y. L. M. I. A. For 16 years she was a member of the presidency of the Salt Lake Stake Relief Society Board. On June 19, 1880, she was appointed general president of Y. L. M. I. A. She attended several conventions of the National Council of Women and presided at the Y. L. M. I. A. meetings at the Chicago Fair in 1893.
Homespun. "Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Elmina S. Taylor, President of the YLMIA Associations." Young Woman's Journal. October 1890. pg. 1-4.
OUR PICTURE GALLERY.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF MRS. ELMINA S. TAYLOR. PRESIDENT OF THE Y. L. M. I. ASSOCIATIONS.
HOMESPUN.
IT IS a pleasure to present to the readers of the Journal, the face of our loved President, E. S. Taylor, and a pleasure which will be mutual to editor and readers. For many years we have seen the faithful labors of the sisters, chosen as the spiritual head of the young women of Zion, and it will be beneficial to us all to contemplate their life and labors—to ask ourselves why it is that these women have been so blessed and favored of the Lord, and in the answer to the question provide ourselves with material for reflection, study and proper emulation.
The causes which lead a man dr a woman to the front in this Church, are intrinsically different to those which elevate people in the outside world. And yet there are certain qualities or characteristics common to all mankind who march in the lead of their fellows. What those common qualities are, and what are the distinguishing traits of an honored Saint will occupy some of our time and attention in the biographical sketches which are to appear in these pages.
Wise old Solomon gives in his matchless way the very first requisite to leadership in any place, at any time. He tells us that “he that conquereth himself is greater than he that taketh a city.” He might well have added that all men’s power can be safely gauged by this rule.
The young woman who says so emphatically, “I’d rather die than to live in the country,” or such like foolish expressions, proves she possesses the force to possibly become a great and noble woman, but also shows she lacks the self-control necessary to reach even a moderate plane.
Brigham Young used to say that he was always delighted to find a child with plenty of temper, always adding that the mother’s duty was, to teach the child how to control that temper.
Sister Taylor’s life well exemplifies this principle in a marked degree. With gentle, easy, yet dignified manners she possesses a strong will, well controlled.
The little chapter in the “Representative Women of Deseret,” written by Sister Taylor herself, gives the details of dates, etc., with the brief clearness and simplicity which is a marked part of her character. I append it as follows:
“I was born at Middlefield, Otsego County, State of New York, September 12th, 1830. My parents are David S. Shepard and Rozella Bailey Shepard. Three daughters were all the children that were born to them, I being the eldest. My parents were staunch Methodists, and I was brought up in that faith. I united myself with that church when about twenty years of age, and during some six years was a zealous and consistent member of the same. At the time I joined the Church I was desirous to be baptized by immersion, as I considered that the pattern set by our Savior; although I had always been taught that baptism was not a saving ordinance, but only to answer a good conscience, otherwise, an outward sign of inward grace. To this my many friends were so much opposed that after some time elapsed I consented, and was admitted a member of the church, by sprinkling; but there were many doctrines and tenets with which I never was satisfied, and when I went to my minister to have them explained I was more beclouded and found myself more in the dark than before; ' though I sought the Lord earnestly to be guided aright.
“In the year 1854, circumstances induced me to go to Haverstraw, a large town situated in southern New York, on the banks of the beautiful Hudson River, to engage in teaching. One of the trustees, John Druce, was a Mormon elder, who had a very interesting and intelligent family. My cousin and I frequently visited there, but for a long time they never mentioned religion to us, fearing to frighten us away, but one night, just as I was leaving, he asked me if I would read some Mormon books. I answered, 4O, yes! You know the Bible says prove all things and hold fast that which is good.’ His earnestness impressed me. Before opening the books I bowed before the Lord and fervently implored Him to give me His spirit that I might understand if they were true or false. My interest was awakened, and the more I investigated and compared the doctrines with the scriptures, the more I was convinced of their truth. I fought against my convictions, for I well knew how it would grieve my dear parents to have me unite myself with that despised people; and I also thought I should lose my situation which was a very lucrative one. However, I could not silence my convictions, and as the promise was given, ‘If you will obey the doctrine, you shall know whether it is of God or man;’ I went forth and was baptized July 5th, 1856. When I was confirmed by the laying on of hands I received the testimony of its truth which I have never lost from that day to this.
“I was united in marriage to George Hamilton Taylor, August 31st, 1856, by Apostle, now President, John Taylor, and in 1859, April 15th, we left New York for Utah, where we arrived September 16th of the same year, after a long, tedious journey with ox teams. In the spring of i860 we located in the Fourteenth Ward, where we have since resided, and where our first child, a son, was born July 16th of the same year. While in the States we were never blessed with children, but it was prophesied upon my head that I should go to Zion and should there be blessed with them, which has been fulfilled, for I am now the mother of seven.
“Through the gift of tongues, it was also promised that all my family should come to me, which was verified after we had been here nearly fifteen years, and my father is still with us, having reached the advanced age of seventy-nine years, but none of them ever received the gospel.
“At the organization of the Relief Society of the Fourteenth Ward, December 12th, 1867, I was elected Secretary, an office which I still occupy. September 23rd, 1874, by request of Sister E. R. S. Smith, I was appointed Superintendent of the Young Ladies’ Association of the same ward. I was chosen First Counselor to Sister M. I. Horne, Relief Society President of Salt Lake Stake,' December 22nd, 1879, and have traveled considerably in that capacity.
“At a Conference held in the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, June 19th, 1880, I was appointed President of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Associations of Zion.
“July 4th, 1877, we entered into the celestial order of marriage, and have since all lived under the same roof, and eaten at the same table, ever in the enjoyment of peace and harmony.”
All who are acquainted with the writer of the above autobiographical sketch, can cheerfully add testimony to its concluding paragraph. “ Love at Home” might be graven upon a tablet of stone within their door, so indelibly seems that sacred principle to have been impressed upon the hearts within that household.
By example, by attainments, and the spiritual refinement and elegance in bearing which would denote the Christian lady, under any or all circumstances, it seems peculiarly appropriate that Mrs. Elmina S. Taylor was called to preside over the young ladies of Zion. May they emulate their standard, spiritually and socially. The simplicity and modesty of her sketch cannot convey to the mind of the reader those delicate attributes of character, so well understood by those who, like myself, have been recipients of her kindly counsels and encouragement, and recognized in a wider sense by those who have listened to her addresses, dictated by the spirit of our sacred and holy religion.
It would not be proper to close this article without speaking of the General Conference of the Y. L. M. I. A., held April 4th, 1890, in Salt Lake City, the first one ever convened. It marks an epoch in our Association history and was in all respects an occasion worthy of itself. There was, in addition to the dignity and grace so essential to woman’s work in any field, a spirit of love and sweet communion of soul so characteristic of woman’s work in this gospel. Supported by her young Counselors, Sister Taylor presided over this historical meeting with the government of a wise mother and the bright, ready wit of a woman. The Conference closed as does this sketch with the ardent hope by all the girls that our President would live to so preside over our Conferences until the great millennium day.
OUR PICTURE GALLERY.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF MRS. ELMINA S. TAYLOR. PRESIDENT OF THE Y. L. M. I. ASSOCIATIONS.
HOMESPUN.
IT IS a pleasure to present to the readers of the Journal, the face of our loved President, E. S. Taylor, and a pleasure which will be mutual to editor and readers. For many years we have seen the faithful labors of the sisters, chosen as the spiritual head of the young women of Zion, and it will be beneficial to us all to contemplate their life and labors—to ask ourselves why it is that these women have been so blessed and favored of the Lord, and in the answer to the question provide ourselves with material for reflection, study and proper emulation.
The causes which lead a man dr a woman to the front in this Church, are intrinsically different to those which elevate people in the outside world. And yet there are certain qualities or characteristics common to all mankind who march in the lead of their fellows. What those common qualities are, and what are the distinguishing traits of an honored Saint will occupy some of our time and attention in the biographical sketches which are to appear in these pages.
Wise old Solomon gives in his matchless way the very first requisite to leadership in any place, at any time. He tells us that “he that conquereth himself is greater than he that taketh a city.” He might well have added that all men’s power can be safely gauged by this rule.
The young woman who says so emphatically, “I’d rather die than to live in the country,” or such like foolish expressions, proves she possesses the force to possibly become a great and noble woman, but also shows she lacks the self-control necessary to reach even a moderate plane.
Brigham Young used to say that he was always delighted to find a child with plenty of temper, always adding that the mother’s duty was, to teach the child how to control that temper.
Sister Taylor’s life well exemplifies this principle in a marked degree. With gentle, easy, yet dignified manners she possesses a strong will, well controlled.
The little chapter in the “Representative Women of Deseret,” written by Sister Taylor herself, gives the details of dates, etc., with the brief clearness and simplicity which is a marked part of her character. I append it as follows:
“I was born at Middlefield, Otsego County, State of New York, September 12th, 1830. My parents are David S. Shepard and Rozella Bailey Shepard. Three daughters were all the children that were born to them, I being the eldest. My parents were staunch Methodists, and I was brought up in that faith. I united myself with that church when about twenty years of age, and during some six years was a zealous and consistent member of the same. At the time I joined the Church I was desirous to be baptized by immersion, as I considered that the pattern set by our Savior; although I had always been taught that baptism was not a saving ordinance, but only to answer a good conscience, otherwise, an outward sign of inward grace. To this my many friends were so much opposed that after some time elapsed I consented, and was admitted a member of the church, by sprinkling; but there were many doctrines and tenets with which I never was satisfied, and when I went to my minister to have them explained I was more beclouded and found myself more in the dark than before; ' though I sought the Lord earnestly to be guided aright.
“In the year 1854, circumstances induced me to go to Haverstraw, a large town situated in southern New York, on the banks of the beautiful Hudson River, to engage in teaching. One of the trustees, John Druce, was a Mormon elder, who had a very interesting and intelligent family. My cousin and I frequently visited there, but for a long time they never mentioned religion to us, fearing to frighten us away, but one night, just as I was leaving, he asked me if I would read some Mormon books. I answered, 4O, yes! You know the Bible says prove all things and hold fast that which is good.’ His earnestness impressed me. Before opening the books I bowed before the Lord and fervently implored Him to give me His spirit that I might understand if they were true or false. My interest was awakened, and the more I investigated and compared the doctrines with the scriptures, the more I was convinced of their truth. I fought against my convictions, for I well knew how it would grieve my dear parents to have me unite myself with that despised people; and I also thought I should lose my situation which was a very lucrative one. However, I could not silence my convictions, and as the promise was given, ‘If you will obey the doctrine, you shall know whether it is of God or man;’ I went forth and was baptized July 5th, 1856. When I was confirmed by the laying on of hands I received the testimony of its truth which I have never lost from that day to this.
“I was united in marriage to George Hamilton Taylor, August 31st, 1856, by Apostle, now President, John Taylor, and in 1859, April 15th, we left New York for Utah, where we arrived September 16th of the same year, after a long, tedious journey with ox teams. In the spring of i860 we located in the Fourteenth Ward, where we have since resided, and where our first child, a son, was born July 16th of the same year. While in the States we were never blessed with children, but it was prophesied upon my head that I should go to Zion and should there be blessed with them, which has been fulfilled, for I am now the mother of seven.
“Through the gift of tongues, it was also promised that all my family should come to me, which was verified after we had been here nearly fifteen years, and my father is still with us, having reached the advanced age of seventy-nine years, but none of them ever received the gospel.
“At the organization of the Relief Society of the Fourteenth Ward, December 12th, 1867, I was elected Secretary, an office which I still occupy. September 23rd, 1874, by request of Sister E. R. S. Smith, I was appointed Superintendent of the Young Ladies’ Association of the same ward. I was chosen First Counselor to Sister M. I. Horne, Relief Society President of Salt Lake Stake,' December 22nd, 1879, and have traveled considerably in that capacity.
“At a Conference held in the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, June 19th, 1880, I was appointed President of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Associations of Zion.
“July 4th, 1877, we entered into the celestial order of marriage, and have since all lived under the same roof, and eaten at the same table, ever in the enjoyment of peace and harmony.”
All who are acquainted with the writer of the above autobiographical sketch, can cheerfully add testimony to its concluding paragraph. “ Love at Home” might be graven upon a tablet of stone within their door, so indelibly seems that sacred principle to have been impressed upon the hearts within that household.
By example, by attainments, and the spiritual refinement and elegance in bearing which would denote the Christian lady, under any or all circumstances, it seems peculiarly appropriate that Mrs. Elmina S. Taylor was called to preside over the young ladies of Zion. May they emulate their standard, spiritually and socially. The simplicity and modesty of her sketch cannot convey to the mind of the reader those delicate attributes of character, so well understood by those who, like myself, have been recipients of her kindly counsels and encouragement, and recognized in a wider sense by those who have listened to her addresses, dictated by the spirit of our sacred and holy religion.
It would not be proper to close this article without speaking of the General Conference of the Y. L. M. I. A., held April 4th, 1890, in Salt Lake City, the first one ever convened. It marks an epoch in our Association history and was in all respects an occasion worthy of itself. There was, in addition to the dignity and grace so essential to woman’s work in any field, a spirit of love and sweet communion of soul so characteristic of woman’s work in this gospel. Supported by her young Counselors, Sister Taylor presided over this historical meeting with the government of a wise mother and the bright, ready wit of a woman. The Conference closed as does this sketch with the ardent hope by all the girls that our President would live to so preside over our Conferences until the great millennium day.
Gates, Susa Young. "Sister Taylor's Surprise Party." Young Woman's Journal. September 1894. pg. 561-569.
SISTER TAYLOR’S SURPRISE PARTY
(Given by the Y. L. M. I. A. of Salt Lake Stake, in the Fourteenth Ward Assembly Hall)
Never was there a more delightfully conceived nor admirably carried out scheme than that which originated in the minds of Sisters Mary Freeze and her associates, to please and to show to our beloved leader and friend, Sister Elmina S. Taylor, the President of the Y. L. M. I. A.’s throughout Zion, that her work and toils in behalf of the young women of Zion are not unappreciated, nor will they be without fruit in time or in eternity.
On the evening of the 2nd of July, the Fourteenth Ward Assembly Hall was most beautifully decorated, the back of the hall being supplied with seats, while the center and upper part were carpeted, and arranged cushioned chairs and sofas, with tables on which rested banks of and pyramids of lovely flowers, while the prettiest decoration of all was the bower of living green which enclosed the stand, the whole being done with smilax and white flowers. Over the entrance of the stand hung the letters Y. L. M. I. A., in smilax and white blossoms. The choir of young ladies, under the direction of Miss Maude Pratt occupied the front seats on the left side, while the various Ward Presidents of the Stake occupied the side front seats to the right.
Many distinguished guests were present, the members of the General Board of the Y. L. M. I. A. being among that number. President Lorenzo Snow was there, with his sweetly beaming countenance, Apostle Moses Thatcher, frail in body, yet with the mighty spirit looking out of his sensitive eyes: Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, and Elder B. H. Roberts, two of our best and handsomest men, with the Stake Presidency, Angus M. Cannon. Joseph E. Taylor, and Charles W. Penrose; such noble and beloved women as Sister Bathsheba W. Smith, Sister Isabella M. Horne, Sister Sarah M. Kimball, Sister E. B. Wells, and many others, with the members of the General Board of the Y. L. M. I. A. It seemed good to see dear Lillie Freeze out among us and she was welcomed by many of her old friends.
Among the last to arrive was Sister Taylor herself, who came in with her gentle smile and her youthful step, looking around her with a pleased countenance, for she understood that this was to be a Young Ladies’ social, not dreaming it had any significance for her.
Now the program began. Those charming girls, dressed in white, and singing with the voices of angels, arose and filled the room with the hymn. “Kind words are sweet tones of the heart.”
Prayer was offered by Counselor Joseph E. Taylor.
Then with delightful effect the choir sang Longfellow’s Psalm of Life. The music was as lovely as the words, and both were beyond common words of praise.
“Drops Before the Shower” was announced, which were chosen sentiments by Stake Officers of the Y. L. M. I. A., expressive of their feelings to Sister Taylor. That dear lady had begun to realize the meaning of all that was doing and to be done, and her bowed head and the tears that would well up from her full heart, proved the depth of feeling which these things awoke in her faithful breast.
The following words were offered by President Mary E. Freeze:
Beloved President E. S. Taylor:
The love of God which fills your soul,
Reaching out to save and bless
The daughters of Zion every one
With a mother’s anxious zest,
Has awakened within my heart for you
A love that is holy, pure and true.
’’May coming years add lustre to the already polished jewel; that your brightness may insure for you a foremost place when the Lord comes to gather His jewels."
Mary P. Young.
No costly jeweled gift we bring,
Love is the heart’s best offering.
Nellie C. Taylor.
May your life in peace and plenty glide.
Meandering down the stream of time and tide;
Its joys enhanced by true and faithful love,
Its trials softened from the light above,
Thus be your life traced out to the end,
Is the earnest wish of your true friend.
Ella Dallis.
Thy teachings, dear sister, we often have heard.
Inspired they were, we know, of the Lord.
May you in the future rich treasures impart
To the daughters of Zion, is the prayer of my heart.
Lizzie G. Fowler.
"You were my girlhood’s ideal, and in your labors have proven an inspired teacher of the ideal life."
Minnie James.
"’Tis only just that the daughters of Zion meet to do you honor. Your example has been noble, your service helpful, and your counsel safe to follow."
Mrs. Jane Freeze.
"If I were to single out the one quality of your character which has impressed me most, it would be the evident purity of your mind. You are happy in its possession, for with it comes heaven’s choicest benediction, ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.’”
Maggie Curtis.
"May you live many years to shed sweet perfume on the pathway of those whose lives are not all sunshine, cheering by your loving words their darkest hours."
Mary E. Irvine. "Your thoughts flow like a river, and give unto all good counsel. Knowledge is broad like the ocean, it will scatter its waves afar."
Maria Mabel Holt.
As daughters we now join in blessings,
For counsel and love thou hast given ;
May thy words scattered widely and freely.
Bear harvests most pleasing to heaven.
Edith Sampson.
As ripples follow a boat at sea,
So do my best wishes follow thee.
Zurviah G. Eardley.
"As you travel over life’s rough highway, with liberal hand may you scatter seeds of kindness as you go, that when the great reaping time comes your harvest may be abundant and blessed."
Mary. S. Scott.
After these sentiments were offered, Dr. Maggie Curtis came forward with a beautiful album in her hand, and in the following well-chosen words she presented it to Sister Taylor:
"President E. S. Taylor:
"We have long desired to give some expression to the deep respect we have for you, hence this gathering of a few of your host of friends, and as a further token of our esteem, in behalf of the presidents of the Y. L. M. I. A. of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, I have been chosen to present to you this sentiment album.
"It will especially please you, as it is home-made. The binding and mounting have been done by Utah workmen. Upon one side is a shield of silver, on which is a monogram of gold, made of the letters Y. L. M. I. A. You have heard before of apples of gold in pictures of silver. We deem this an instance of the same, and worthily so, for these letters have come to represent societies devoted to woman’s true progress. The clasp is of silver, on which is a golden beehive, Utah’s great State seal, and also the emblem of industry, an emblem worthy the people of Utah, and especially worthy to be the emblem of your own busy life, many years of which have been spent in the interest of the young women of Zion.
“The title page is also the work of one of our own artists, and reads as follows: ‘ A token of esteem to our President, Elmina S. Taylor, from the officers of the Y. L. M. I. A. of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, July 2nd 1894.
"At the bottom of the page are these words: The daughters of Zion arise and call thee blessed, and in their hearts thou art enshrined.’ In the left hand upper corner is drawn a sego lily— Utah’s flower.
"Within the pages of this album you will find neatly recorded the sentiments which have been expressed, also sentiments of the presidents of all the Associations of this Stake. It would require too much time to read them all to you tonight, but they speak of the value of your labors among the young ladies, of your unflagging zeal, your devotion to the cause of mutual improvement, and also of their kind regard and deep affection for you, mingled with wishes for your future health, peace and happiness. We could think of nothing we could give you that would be so valued as this album, for when those hours come to you which at times come to all, when one is tempted to depreciate herself, and wonders if her labors are accomplishing any good. then, dear president, turn to these pages and read how your sisters value you and your work.
"In conclusion, let me say that this album, this assembly of friends, this sweet music, these beautiful flowers, all that so far has been done, all yet to be done, are but so many expressions of the one grand thing, which by you will be prized above all else—’tis this, We love you."
As the last words fell from her lips, "We love you," all the Ward Presidents arose, and coming forward crowded around Sister Taylor, literally covering her with flowers. It was a beautiful act, to surround with outward loveliness and fragrance that body which enshrines so much loveliness and fragrance in the spirit form. She is and will be our Queen of Love and Queen of May; for she is a young girl with us and always it shall be so.
A very pretty song was sung by Sister Mary Romney, the title of which, unfortunately, I have not obtained. Her voice is very sweet and pure, and showed to good effect in her selection.
Coun. Maria Y. Dougall next addressed a few words of loving praise to our President, alluding in feeling terms to the happy associations they had enjoyed together. Also she spoke of the noble example continually set by her honored leader.
President Cannon of the Stake Presidency followed with a humorous and brief speech.
Refreshments were next served by young ladies, and social chat served to enliven the occasion.
During the passing of refreshments, Miss Kate Romney played some excellent instrumental solos on the piano.
This pleasing feature being over, Dr. Mattie H. Cannon was introduced as toast mistress, and she in her turn introduced as All-Licensed Jester, Joseph E. Taylor.
The toast mistress, with blight and oftentimes witty allusions, called upon the following to respond:
“The Lady We Honor," which was responded to by Mrs. Mary Freeze, and in the following words:
“The lady we honor. As she has been in the past, so may she continue many years in the future, a beacon light shining afar, guiding Zion’s fair daughters along that straight and narrow path leading back to Father and Mother, and the sweet and holy influence she wields be as the rays from the lighthouse to the storm-tossed mariner, seeing which the tried and doubtful soul may find new courage to battle with the waves of sin and adversity, until her barque is safely launched on the celestial shoe."
The Y. L. M. I. A. of Salt Lake Stake was thus responded to by Joseph H. Felt, President of the Y. M. M. I. A.:
"The Y. L. M. I. Association. Diligent workers in the hive of Deseret, gathering sweets from the flowers of humanity, and storing them away for the time when the bridegroom will come to make up His jewels. Led by a “Taylor," yet by no means the ninth part of a man, but fully equal to the nine-ninths. Of her virtues, worth and usefulness nothing can be added to what has been so truthfully stated here this evening.
“The Stake President, although thirty degrees above zero, has warmth and zeal to electrify thousands. True, as was Mary' of old, last and first.
“The ‘Young’ does not lack in experience or willingness. The ‘Colebrook’ neither dampens nor chills, but gives power and strength.
“The aids are especially des ’Irvine’ of notice. Here we find the strength of a ‘Sampson,’ taking ‘Holt’ with a ‘Shipp’-load of good ideas and suggestions to ‘Grant’ her assistance in that noble work that every father and mother should remember at their firesides and in their prayers, that God may bless such a noble band of willing, unselfish workers for the present and future, temporal and spiritual benefit of their daughters.
“As representative of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations of this Stake, I extend the right hand of fraternal love and esteem to the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Associations. As was said of old, ‘It is not good for man to be alone.’ It has been said of later date, ‘What is sauce for the gander is sauce for the goose.’ It is not good for woman to be alone.
“So let us go forward like valiant soldiers, side by side, shoulder to shoulder, ‘Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one.”’
Joseph H. Felt.
The Y. M. M. I. A. of the Salt Lake Stake was responded to by Sister Nellie Taylor in the following:
In speaking of Roman heroes old
’Twas said of Caeser true
A gallant action always had
From him its own just due.
Mark Antony resembled Caesar some;
'Twas thought that he would hold
The dizzy heights that Caesar left,
But he lacked self-control.
And Cicero, ’twas said of him at times
None could compete
Alas! nature half-made a great man of him,
But left him incomplete.
Oh, woe is me, where shall I turn
For heroes great and bold
But to my own dear mountain home,
With Zion’s sons enrolled.
All Cicero lacked and Caesar owned,
Gentleness and strength combined,
Hearts of oak, with manly forms,
God-fearing, just and kind.
Now look you on the picture, friends,
The new against the old--
One made of the finest steel.
The other of purest gold.
The “Youth of Zion’’ was given in an eloquent, beautiful extempore speech by Apostle Moses Thatcher.
“Marriage—A Success or Failure?" was given by Sister Mary P. Young, and was as follows:
“A great deal depends upon from what standpoint we view it. If we ask the divorced wife, while her past experiences are fresh on her mind, she will say, ‘Marriage is a failure; I want no more of it,’ but time heals even her wounds, and often she is willing to try it again, thinking the marriage state all right, the failure being in her judgment in selecting a companion.
“The young girl while lovely and attractive, with half a dozen beaux sighing for her hand, will laugh at marriage, saying, ‘ Give me single blessedness, a life all pleasure, no care, time enough for marriage when I am old, and tired of enjoyment,’ until one by one her lovers leave her, consoling themselves with someone else, and she concludes that single blessedness is a failure, and sighs for the good fish yet in sea, which refuse to be caught.
“The old bachelor says:
Oh for a gentle loving wife,
It is the heart’s desire,
A tender, truthful, trusting soul
To rise and light the fire.
“The hen-pecked husband will tell us, ‘Man that is married to woman is of many days and full of trouble; in the morning he draweth his salary, and in the evening behold it is all gone, and no one knoweth whither it goeth. He riseth up clothed in the chilly’ garments of the night, and seeketh the somnolent paregoric, wherewith to heal his colicky offspring. He imitateth the horse or the ox, and draweth the chariot of his posterity; he spendeth his sheckels in the purchase of fine linen and purple, to cover the bosoms of his family; yet he himself is seen at the gates of the city with one suspender, yea he is altogether wretched.’
“If a man wants a wife merely to keep house for him, to cook his meals, and keep his linen in order, then marriage is a failure, for he can hire all this much cheaper than he can support a wife.
“But to those who enter into the holy bonds of marriage, understandingly, having considered each other’s dispositions, expecting faults on both sides, knowing full well the cares and responsibilities they take upon themselves, also the great blessing to be attained by rearing a righteous family, to these marriage is a grand success." .
The toast, “Brigham Young," was answered by Sister Lizzie S. Cartwright, in the following words:
“Travel the extent of this vast Territory, go where you will, you can see in the cities, the towns, the highways, the railroads, the public, and even in the private buildings, the genius of a great mind, of a keen, far-sighted man, Brigham Young.
“Born in Vermont, in 1801, and uniting his destinies with the Latter-day Saints in 1832, the real strength of his character was not known until the death of the Prophet, when, as if impelled by the spirit of Joseph himself, he stepped forward to lead this people.
“That he was a man of superior intellect, great administrative ability, and much personal magnetism, with an unyielding faith in his cause, even his bitterest enemies will admit.
“While he always credited divine inspiration with his success, ever saying that Mormonism made him, yet his followers unite in calling him truly great. Bishop Whitney, the gifted historian, says of him, ‘Brigham Young could no more help being the greatest and strongest man in Utah than Julius Caesar could help being so in Rome. God and Nature, and not man, were responsible in both cases. Had he been otherwise than as God and Nature made him, could he have done so well the work assigned to him by destiny? Do weak men conduct exoduses and conquer deserts? Do they hold in check the merciless savage, build cities and temples, and enthrone civilization in the midst of solitude and sterility? Utah’s great pioneer was a man of iron. He had to be, in order that his work might not be poorly or but partly done.’
"Brigham Young was a great colonizer, one of the greatest the world has ever seen, and he was always willing to share with his followers the hardships of a new country. Through the perpetual emigration fund, which he established, thousands upon thousands were released from poverty, almost worse than bondage, and were brought here to people this once barren waste, and make it blossom as the rose. Many are the happy homes, filled with life’s comforts, that to-day stand as a monument to him.
"Brigham Young was a man who could appreciate woman’s work, and the part she takes in forming the character of our citizens. ’Tis with a deep tinge of joy the members of the Y. L. M. I. A. look back at that time when, in 1869, he organized his own daughters into an association for their advancement. I wonder did he think from that nucleus there would be today thirteen thousand young ladies training under the same banner, ‘Improvement’ for their motto.
"Brigham Young labored for the happiness of mankind. It was a grand work. It was well and nobly done. Sacred be his memory forever."
The rest of the program was informal, and although there was very much said, that ought to have been recorded, no one took any minutes of the remarks.
A solo by Mrs. Maggie Bassett, a very pretty one too, was followed by speeches by President Lorenzo Snow, Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, Sisters Bathsheba W. Smith, Sarah M. Kimball, and Susa Young Gates. There were many tender and affectionate remarks made to Sister Taylor by the speakers, and President Lorenzo Snow spoke of her great wisdom in governing her sisters here, and of the honor which had this night been shown her. He told her, however, that this night was but a slight foretaste of the honor and glory which should be shown her, and other faithful ones, both in time and in all eternity. He said, loo, that she was not only worthy of all this, but of more than her heart could conceive of, for her faithfulness and mighty wisdom. Brother Abraham H. Cannon’s remarks were very wise and consoling, and expressed his respect and affection for the recipient of all the honors of the evening.
At the close of the remarks, the whole congregation joined in singing, "Auld Lang Syne,” and the benediction was pronounced by Elder Joseph Horne.
Thus ended the most beautiful Surprise Party, and one that was most appropriately given which has ever been attended by your servant.
Susa Young Gates.
SISTER TAYLOR’S SURPRISE PARTY
(Given by the Y. L. M. I. A. of Salt Lake Stake, in the Fourteenth Ward Assembly Hall)
Never was there a more delightfully conceived nor admirably carried out scheme than that which originated in the minds of Sisters Mary Freeze and her associates, to please and to show to our beloved leader and friend, Sister Elmina S. Taylor, the President of the Y. L. M. I. A.’s throughout Zion, that her work and toils in behalf of the young women of Zion are not unappreciated, nor will they be without fruit in time or in eternity.
On the evening of the 2nd of July, the Fourteenth Ward Assembly Hall was most beautifully decorated, the back of the hall being supplied with seats, while the center and upper part were carpeted, and arranged cushioned chairs and sofas, with tables on which rested banks of and pyramids of lovely flowers, while the prettiest decoration of all was the bower of living green which enclosed the stand, the whole being done with smilax and white flowers. Over the entrance of the stand hung the letters Y. L. M. I. A., in smilax and white blossoms. The choir of young ladies, under the direction of Miss Maude Pratt occupied the front seats on the left side, while the various Ward Presidents of the Stake occupied the side front seats to the right.
Many distinguished guests were present, the members of the General Board of the Y. L. M. I. A. being among that number. President Lorenzo Snow was there, with his sweetly beaming countenance, Apostle Moses Thatcher, frail in body, yet with the mighty spirit looking out of his sensitive eyes: Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, and Elder B. H. Roberts, two of our best and handsomest men, with the Stake Presidency, Angus M. Cannon. Joseph E. Taylor, and Charles W. Penrose; such noble and beloved women as Sister Bathsheba W. Smith, Sister Isabella M. Horne, Sister Sarah M. Kimball, Sister E. B. Wells, and many others, with the members of the General Board of the Y. L. M. I. A. It seemed good to see dear Lillie Freeze out among us and she was welcomed by many of her old friends.
Among the last to arrive was Sister Taylor herself, who came in with her gentle smile and her youthful step, looking around her with a pleased countenance, for she understood that this was to be a Young Ladies’ social, not dreaming it had any significance for her.
Now the program began. Those charming girls, dressed in white, and singing with the voices of angels, arose and filled the room with the hymn. “Kind words are sweet tones of the heart.”
Prayer was offered by Counselor Joseph E. Taylor.
Then with delightful effect the choir sang Longfellow’s Psalm of Life. The music was as lovely as the words, and both were beyond common words of praise.
“Drops Before the Shower” was announced, which were chosen sentiments by Stake Officers of the Y. L. M. I. A., expressive of their feelings to Sister Taylor. That dear lady had begun to realize the meaning of all that was doing and to be done, and her bowed head and the tears that would well up from her full heart, proved the depth of feeling which these things awoke in her faithful breast.
The following words were offered by President Mary E. Freeze:
Beloved President E. S. Taylor:
The love of God which fills your soul,
Reaching out to save and bless
The daughters of Zion every one
With a mother’s anxious zest,
Has awakened within my heart for you
A love that is holy, pure and true.
’’May coming years add lustre to the already polished jewel; that your brightness may insure for you a foremost place when the Lord comes to gather His jewels."
Mary P. Young.
No costly jeweled gift we bring,
Love is the heart’s best offering.
Nellie C. Taylor.
May your life in peace and plenty glide.
Meandering down the stream of time and tide;
Its joys enhanced by true and faithful love,
Its trials softened from the light above,
Thus be your life traced out to the end,
Is the earnest wish of your true friend.
Ella Dallis.
Thy teachings, dear sister, we often have heard.
Inspired they were, we know, of the Lord.
May you in the future rich treasures impart
To the daughters of Zion, is the prayer of my heart.
Lizzie G. Fowler.
"You were my girlhood’s ideal, and in your labors have proven an inspired teacher of the ideal life."
Minnie James.
"’Tis only just that the daughters of Zion meet to do you honor. Your example has been noble, your service helpful, and your counsel safe to follow."
Mrs. Jane Freeze.
"If I were to single out the one quality of your character which has impressed me most, it would be the evident purity of your mind. You are happy in its possession, for with it comes heaven’s choicest benediction, ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.’”
Maggie Curtis.
"May you live many years to shed sweet perfume on the pathway of those whose lives are not all sunshine, cheering by your loving words their darkest hours."
Mary E. Irvine. "Your thoughts flow like a river, and give unto all good counsel. Knowledge is broad like the ocean, it will scatter its waves afar."
Maria Mabel Holt.
As daughters we now join in blessings,
For counsel and love thou hast given ;
May thy words scattered widely and freely.
Bear harvests most pleasing to heaven.
Edith Sampson.
As ripples follow a boat at sea,
So do my best wishes follow thee.
Zurviah G. Eardley.
"As you travel over life’s rough highway, with liberal hand may you scatter seeds of kindness as you go, that when the great reaping time comes your harvest may be abundant and blessed."
Mary. S. Scott.
After these sentiments were offered, Dr. Maggie Curtis came forward with a beautiful album in her hand, and in the following well-chosen words she presented it to Sister Taylor:
"President E. S. Taylor:
"We have long desired to give some expression to the deep respect we have for you, hence this gathering of a few of your host of friends, and as a further token of our esteem, in behalf of the presidents of the Y. L. M. I. A. of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, I have been chosen to present to you this sentiment album.
"It will especially please you, as it is home-made. The binding and mounting have been done by Utah workmen. Upon one side is a shield of silver, on which is a monogram of gold, made of the letters Y. L. M. I. A. You have heard before of apples of gold in pictures of silver. We deem this an instance of the same, and worthily so, for these letters have come to represent societies devoted to woman’s true progress. The clasp is of silver, on which is a golden beehive, Utah’s great State seal, and also the emblem of industry, an emblem worthy the people of Utah, and especially worthy to be the emblem of your own busy life, many years of which have been spent in the interest of the young women of Zion.
“The title page is also the work of one of our own artists, and reads as follows: ‘ A token of esteem to our President, Elmina S. Taylor, from the officers of the Y. L. M. I. A. of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, July 2nd 1894.
"At the bottom of the page are these words: The daughters of Zion arise and call thee blessed, and in their hearts thou art enshrined.’ In the left hand upper corner is drawn a sego lily— Utah’s flower.
"Within the pages of this album you will find neatly recorded the sentiments which have been expressed, also sentiments of the presidents of all the Associations of this Stake. It would require too much time to read them all to you tonight, but they speak of the value of your labors among the young ladies, of your unflagging zeal, your devotion to the cause of mutual improvement, and also of their kind regard and deep affection for you, mingled with wishes for your future health, peace and happiness. We could think of nothing we could give you that would be so valued as this album, for when those hours come to you which at times come to all, when one is tempted to depreciate herself, and wonders if her labors are accomplishing any good. then, dear president, turn to these pages and read how your sisters value you and your work.
"In conclusion, let me say that this album, this assembly of friends, this sweet music, these beautiful flowers, all that so far has been done, all yet to be done, are but so many expressions of the one grand thing, which by you will be prized above all else—’tis this, We love you."
As the last words fell from her lips, "We love you," all the Ward Presidents arose, and coming forward crowded around Sister Taylor, literally covering her with flowers. It was a beautiful act, to surround with outward loveliness and fragrance that body which enshrines so much loveliness and fragrance in the spirit form. She is and will be our Queen of Love and Queen of May; for she is a young girl with us and always it shall be so.
A very pretty song was sung by Sister Mary Romney, the title of which, unfortunately, I have not obtained. Her voice is very sweet and pure, and showed to good effect in her selection.
Coun. Maria Y. Dougall next addressed a few words of loving praise to our President, alluding in feeling terms to the happy associations they had enjoyed together. Also she spoke of the noble example continually set by her honored leader.
President Cannon of the Stake Presidency followed with a humorous and brief speech.
Refreshments were next served by young ladies, and social chat served to enliven the occasion.
During the passing of refreshments, Miss Kate Romney played some excellent instrumental solos on the piano.
This pleasing feature being over, Dr. Mattie H. Cannon was introduced as toast mistress, and she in her turn introduced as All-Licensed Jester, Joseph E. Taylor.
The toast mistress, with blight and oftentimes witty allusions, called upon the following to respond:
“The Lady We Honor," which was responded to by Mrs. Mary Freeze, and in the following words:
“The lady we honor. As she has been in the past, so may she continue many years in the future, a beacon light shining afar, guiding Zion’s fair daughters along that straight and narrow path leading back to Father and Mother, and the sweet and holy influence she wields be as the rays from the lighthouse to the storm-tossed mariner, seeing which the tried and doubtful soul may find new courage to battle with the waves of sin and adversity, until her barque is safely launched on the celestial shoe."
The Y. L. M. I. A. of Salt Lake Stake was thus responded to by Joseph H. Felt, President of the Y. M. M. I. A.:
"The Y. L. M. I. Association. Diligent workers in the hive of Deseret, gathering sweets from the flowers of humanity, and storing them away for the time when the bridegroom will come to make up His jewels. Led by a “Taylor," yet by no means the ninth part of a man, but fully equal to the nine-ninths. Of her virtues, worth and usefulness nothing can be added to what has been so truthfully stated here this evening.
“The Stake President, although thirty degrees above zero, has warmth and zeal to electrify thousands. True, as was Mary' of old, last and first.
“The ‘Young’ does not lack in experience or willingness. The ‘Colebrook’ neither dampens nor chills, but gives power and strength.
“The aids are especially des ’Irvine’ of notice. Here we find the strength of a ‘Sampson,’ taking ‘Holt’ with a ‘Shipp’-load of good ideas and suggestions to ‘Grant’ her assistance in that noble work that every father and mother should remember at their firesides and in their prayers, that God may bless such a noble band of willing, unselfish workers for the present and future, temporal and spiritual benefit of their daughters.
“As representative of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations of this Stake, I extend the right hand of fraternal love and esteem to the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Associations. As was said of old, ‘It is not good for man to be alone.’ It has been said of later date, ‘What is sauce for the gander is sauce for the goose.’ It is not good for woman to be alone.
“So let us go forward like valiant soldiers, side by side, shoulder to shoulder, ‘Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one.”’
Joseph H. Felt.
The Y. M. M. I. A. of the Salt Lake Stake was responded to by Sister Nellie Taylor in the following:
In speaking of Roman heroes old
’Twas said of Caeser true
A gallant action always had
From him its own just due.
Mark Antony resembled Caesar some;
'Twas thought that he would hold
The dizzy heights that Caesar left,
But he lacked self-control.
And Cicero, ’twas said of him at times
None could compete
Alas! nature half-made a great man of him,
But left him incomplete.
Oh, woe is me, where shall I turn
For heroes great and bold
But to my own dear mountain home,
With Zion’s sons enrolled.
All Cicero lacked and Caesar owned,
Gentleness and strength combined,
Hearts of oak, with manly forms,
God-fearing, just and kind.
Now look you on the picture, friends,
The new against the old--
One made of the finest steel.
The other of purest gold.
The “Youth of Zion’’ was given in an eloquent, beautiful extempore speech by Apostle Moses Thatcher.
“Marriage—A Success or Failure?" was given by Sister Mary P. Young, and was as follows:
“A great deal depends upon from what standpoint we view it. If we ask the divorced wife, while her past experiences are fresh on her mind, she will say, ‘Marriage is a failure; I want no more of it,’ but time heals even her wounds, and often she is willing to try it again, thinking the marriage state all right, the failure being in her judgment in selecting a companion.
“The young girl while lovely and attractive, with half a dozen beaux sighing for her hand, will laugh at marriage, saying, ‘ Give me single blessedness, a life all pleasure, no care, time enough for marriage when I am old, and tired of enjoyment,’ until one by one her lovers leave her, consoling themselves with someone else, and she concludes that single blessedness is a failure, and sighs for the good fish yet in sea, which refuse to be caught.
“The old bachelor says:
Oh for a gentle loving wife,
It is the heart’s desire,
A tender, truthful, trusting soul
To rise and light the fire.
“The hen-pecked husband will tell us, ‘Man that is married to woman is of many days and full of trouble; in the morning he draweth his salary, and in the evening behold it is all gone, and no one knoweth whither it goeth. He riseth up clothed in the chilly’ garments of the night, and seeketh the somnolent paregoric, wherewith to heal his colicky offspring. He imitateth the horse or the ox, and draweth the chariot of his posterity; he spendeth his sheckels in the purchase of fine linen and purple, to cover the bosoms of his family; yet he himself is seen at the gates of the city with one suspender, yea he is altogether wretched.’
“If a man wants a wife merely to keep house for him, to cook his meals, and keep his linen in order, then marriage is a failure, for he can hire all this much cheaper than he can support a wife.
“But to those who enter into the holy bonds of marriage, understandingly, having considered each other’s dispositions, expecting faults on both sides, knowing full well the cares and responsibilities they take upon themselves, also the great blessing to be attained by rearing a righteous family, to these marriage is a grand success." .
The toast, “Brigham Young," was answered by Sister Lizzie S. Cartwright, in the following words:
“Travel the extent of this vast Territory, go where you will, you can see in the cities, the towns, the highways, the railroads, the public, and even in the private buildings, the genius of a great mind, of a keen, far-sighted man, Brigham Young.
“Born in Vermont, in 1801, and uniting his destinies with the Latter-day Saints in 1832, the real strength of his character was not known until the death of the Prophet, when, as if impelled by the spirit of Joseph himself, he stepped forward to lead this people.
“That he was a man of superior intellect, great administrative ability, and much personal magnetism, with an unyielding faith in his cause, even his bitterest enemies will admit.
“While he always credited divine inspiration with his success, ever saying that Mormonism made him, yet his followers unite in calling him truly great. Bishop Whitney, the gifted historian, says of him, ‘Brigham Young could no more help being the greatest and strongest man in Utah than Julius Caesar could help being so in Rome. God and Nature, and not man, were responsible in both cases. Had he been otherwise than as God and Nature made him, could he have done so well the work assigned to him by destiny? Do weak men conduct exoduses and conquer deserts? Do they hold in check the merciless savage, build cities and temples, and enthrone civilization in the midst of solitude and sterility? Utah’s great pioneer was a man of iron. He had to be, in order that his work might not be poorly or but partly done.’
"Brigham Young was a great colonizer, one of the greatest the world has ever seen, and he was always willing to share with his followers the hardships of a new country. Through the perpetual emigration fund, which he established, thousands upon thousands were released from poverty, almost worse than bondage, and were brought here to people this once barren waste, and make it blossom as the rose. Many are the happy homes, filled with life’s comforts, that to-day stand as a monument to him.
"Brigham Young was a man who could appreciate woman’s work, and the part she takes in forming the character of our citizens. ’Tis with a deep tinge of joy the members of the Y. L. M. I. A. look back at that time when, in 1869, he organized his own daughters into an association for their advancement. I wonder did he think from that nucleus there would be today thirteen thousand young ladies training under the same banner, ‘Improvement’ for their motto.
"Brigham Young labored for the happiness of mankind. It was a grand work. It was well and nobly done. Sacred be his memory forever."
The rest of the program was informal, and although there was very much said, that ought to have been recorded, no one took any minutes of the remarks.
A solo by Mrs. Maggie Bassett, a very pretty one too, was followed by speeches by President Lorenzo Snow, Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, Sisters Bathsheba W. Smith, Sarah M. Kimball, and Susa Young Gates. There were many tender and affectionate remarks made to Sister Taylor by the speakers, and President Lorenzo Snow spoke of her great wisdom in governing her sisters here, and of the honor which had this night been shown her. He told her, however, that this night was but a slight foretaste of the honor and glory which should be shown her, and other faithful ones, both in time and in all eternity. He said, loo, that she was not only worthy of all this, but of more than her heart could conceive of, for her faithfulness and mighty wisdom. Brother Abraham H. Cannon’s remarks were very wise and consoling, and expressed his respect and affection for the recipient of all the honors of the evening.
At the close of the remarks, the whole congregation joined in singing, "Auld Lang Syne,” and the benediction was pronounced by Elder Joseph Horne.
Thus ended the most beautiful Surprise Party, and one that was most appropriately given which has ever been attended by your servant.
Susa Young Gates.
White, Hettie. "A Tribute to Our President." Young Woman's Journal. October 1895. pg. 43-44.
A TRIBUTE TO OUR PRESIDENT.
Tonight we meet to honor, by our thoughts and sentiments, the one who stands at the head of our great organization—Sister Elmina S. Taylor.
We have before us for our consideration, a pure, noble life. Let us look at some of the many lessons to be learned from it. “Time and tide wait for no man," the old adage tells us, and when we look about us and see those who have worked so faithfully in such noble causes rapidly nearing the evening of life, it causes us to reflect upon the history of their lives and use some of the many lessons of sacrifice and patience they may teach us in our own lives.
Longfellow says:
Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, and I will say from the noble life of our respected leader we may glean lessons that will make our lives sublime if we profit by them.
From the depths of her soul, filled with the love of God, our president has reached out with a mother’s anxious zeal to save the daughters of Zion. All of her teachings we find full of a spirit of loving counsel and gentle pleading for the right. Her thoughts are from a pure, unspotted mind; her good counsel is given to all. Knowledge is broad like the river and will scatter its waves afar. The good she has .done will not perish with her mortal frame; but with her immortal spirit will live throughout all eternity. When the journey of life is almost complete— when one has passed the most rugged portions of life’s road and finds herself treading the smoother portions, there is an instinctive turning to glance back oyer our past. What pleasure the weary pilgrim feels if that past be lined with good works and noble deeds; if she can but feel that life has not been lived in vain ; that the world is better for her having lived in it. Ah! we who are young and full of hope and rosy visions of the future, can only learn by experience, the joys of a well spent life.
Our beloved leader has passed many of the milestones that come to mark the Bight of time in every life. May she live to pass many more.
She has grown old in body, but her mind is young and active. Her heart and soul are still with us; she is one of us in thought and act. Our good is her heart’s desire and for such is her continual labor. May she long continue in the path she has been treading while God's richest blessings light up her life, and her noble works bear harvests most pleasing to heaven and to her.
May we read well the lessons she has taught us, profit by them, and
In the world's broad field of battle.
In the bivouac of life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle,
Be a hero in the strife.
Hettie White.
A TRIBUTE TO OUR PRESIDENT.
Tonight we meet to honor, by our thoughts and sentiments, the one who stands at the head of our great organization—Sister Elmina S. Taylor.
We have before us for our consideration, a pure, noble life. Let us look at some of the many lessons to be learned from it. “Time and tide wait for no man," the old adage tells us, and when we look about us and see those who have worked so faithfully in such noble causes rapidly nearing the evening of life, it causes us to reflect upon the history of their lives and use some of the many lessons of sacrifice and patience they may teach us in our own lives.
Longfellow says:
Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, and I will say from the noble life of our respected leader we may glean lessons that will make our lives sublime if we profit by them.
From the depths of her soul, filled with the love of God, our president has reached out with a mother’s anxious zeal to save the daughters of Zion. All of her teachings we find full of a spirit of loving counsel and gentle pleading for the right. Her thoughts are from a pure, unspotted mind; her good counsel is given to all. Knowledge is broad like the river and will scatter its waves afar. The good she has .done will not perish with her mortal frame; but with her immortal spirit will live throughout all eternity. When the journey of life is almost complete— when one has passed the most rugged portions of life’s road and finds herself treading the smoother portions, there is an instinctive turning to glance back oyer our past. What pleasure the weary pilgrim feels if that past be lined with good works and noble deeds; if she can but feel that life has not been lived in vain ; that the world is better for her having lived in it. Ah! we who are young and full of hope and rosy visions of the future, can only learn by experience, the joys of a well spent life.
Our beloved leader has passed many of the milestones that come to mark the Bight of time in every life. May she live to pass many more.
She has grown old in body, but her mind is young and active. Her heart and soul are still with us; she is one of us in thought and act. Our good is her heart’s desire and for such is her continual labor. May she long continue in the path she has been treading while God's richest blessings light up her life, and her noble works bear harvests most pleasing to heaven and to her.
May we read well the lessons she has taught us, profit by them, and
In the world's broad field of battle.
In the bivouac of life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle,
Be a hero in the strife.
Hettie White.
"Elmina S. Taylor." Young Woman's Journal. November 1895. pg. 85-87.
ELMINA S. TAYLOR.
[Read at Y. L. M. I. A. social held in honor of her sixty-fifth birthday, at the East Bountiful Tabernacle.]
Nearly three-quarters of a century ago, in the quaint little town of Middlefield, situated in the county of Otsego, about sixty miles west of Albany, the capital of New York, there stood a neat little house, facing on the one street that ran through the entire town. Here, sixty five years ago to-day, a wee, little stranger opened her wondering blue eyes for the first time in this busy world.
She was the eldest child of her parents, David and Rozilla Shepard, and they called her “Elmina."
The county of Otsego is a very pretty and picturesque place, rather mountainous, and abounding in dense forests and silvery lakes. The Otsego Lake, at the head of the Susquehanna River, was about six miles from Elmina’s home. The lake and surroundings were very beautiful and romantic, and have since become quite popular as it was the birthplace of one of our favorite writers, J. Fennimore Cooper, and it is there that Cooperstown, a famous summer resort, named in his honor, now stands.
As soon as Elmina was large enough to leave her home, the greater part of her time was spent on a large farm with her grandparents. The old homestead was a rural, two-story building, surrounded by stately maples and immense cherry trees. A few minutes’ walk brought her to a beautiful woodland that resembled a magnificent temple, the massive forest trees forming a canopy overhead and underneath it was carpeted with rare ferns and a profusion of beautiful wild flowers; streams of pure water trickled down the hills, and here and there the vast forest was dotted with little lakes that sparkled and shone like costly diamonds when the bright sunlight penetrated the dense covering of leaves, and was reflected in their waters.
This was a favorite rendezvous of Elmina’s. Here she roamed at will, as free as the birds that caroled their sweet songs from tree to tree, all through the long summer days, and there, in Nature’s beautiful temple, accompanied by the soulful melodies of the rippling rills, the gentle zephyrs playing among the leaves, and the music of many birds, she would pour forth her thanksgiving and praise to her Maker, and make known to Him the inmost desires of her heart. Not always were her prayers breathed in words; oftener, her noble spirit was borne aloft in contemplation of the beauties of God’s handiwork, and her over charged heart could not find utterance for what it felt.
Thus her love for the beautiful and sacred, so early implanted, has characterized her whole life, and wherever she goes she seems to carry with her a breath of peace and tranquility from that sylvan retreat of her girlhood.
At the age of twenty Elmina joined the Methodist church, of which her parents were staunch members. She was a zealous and constant member for about six years, when she left her home to teach school at Haverstraw, a large town in the southern part of New York, on the banks of the “beautiful Hudson.” One of the trustees was a member of the Mormon Church; he had a very interesting and intelligent family, with whom she frequently visited, and it was there that she first heard of our Gospel.
Elmina honored and loved her parents, and her two younger sisters were very dear to her. She realized how it would grieve them for her to unite with such despised people, and also knew that she would lose her position, which was a lucrative one; but, true to her convictions, on July 5th, 1856, she was baptized, and in the following August was united in marriage to George Hamilton Taylor, by our late President, John Taylor, and nearly three years later left New York for Utah, arriving in Salt Lake City September 16th, 1859, after enduring the many hardships most of our fathers and mothers have so bravely encountered.
The next spring Sister Taylor, as we shall now know her, moved to the 14th ward, Salt Lake City, where she has since resided.
Her lofty mind, integrity of purpose, and gentle and pleasing manners soon won her many true friends, and her worth was not slow in being recognized. She became associated with our most noble women in different organizations, and at a conference held in the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, June 19th, 1880, was appointed President of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Associations of Zion.
If the love and esteem of those for whom she is so earnestly working and spending her time, is just compensation for the great labor and responsibility this office confers upon one, surely Sister Taylor’s riches are innumerable.
To every daughter in Zion, there is music in those two simple words, "Sister Taylor." They are synonymous with all that is elevating, pure and noble. The mere mention of them inspires us with reverence and esteem for our honored leader, of whom we are so justly proud. Her teachings are like the early morning dew, so quiet and soothing, and yet so powerful and effectual. Ah! truly did Luther say that earth has nothing more tender than a pious woman’s heart.
When our Heavenly Father sees fit to take her from us, and her sweet voice is stilled in death, the memory of her noble life and works will ever live in our minds, and her sweet face, like an angel’s presence, will ever be before us, guiding us onward until we are privileged to meet her in the glorious home of the righteous.
We love to sing the praises
Of our leader tried and true,
There is no labor for us girls
Too great for her to do.
Her words of truth and encouragement
So freely to us given.
Are inspirations from above
To lead us back to heaven.
Oh, may our lives then ever be
As pure as snowy pearls,
That in heaven we may still
Be numbered with “her girls.”
We weave a wreath of love to-night
To crown our leader dear,
And may its lustre brighter grow
With each succeeding year.
—Susy Duncan.
ELMINA S. TAYLOR.
[Read at Y. L. M. I. A. social held in honor of her sixty-fifth birthday, at the East Bountiful Tabernacle.]
Nearly three-quarters of a century ago, in the quaint little town of Middlefield, situated in the county of Otsego, about sixty miles west of Albany, the capital of New York, there stood a neat little house, facing on the one street that ran through the entire town. Here, sixty five years ago to-day, a wee, little stranger opened her wondering blue eyes for the first time in this busy world.
She was the eldest child of her parents, David and Rozilla Shepard, and they called her “Elmina."
The county of Otsego is a very pretty and picturesque place, rather mountainous, and abounding in dense forests and silvery lakes. The Otsego Lake, at the head of the Susquehanna River, was about six miles from Elmina’s home. The lake and surroundings were very beautiful and romantic, and have since become quite popular as it was the birthplace of one of our favorite writers, J. Fennimore Cooper, and it is there that Cooperstown, a famous summer resort, named in his honor, now stands.
As soon as Elmina was large enough to leave her home, the greater part of her time was spent on a large farm with her grandparents. The old homestead was a rural, two-story building, surrounded by stately maples and immense cherry trees. A few minutes’ walk brought her to a beautiful woodland that resembled a magnificent temple, the massive forest trees forming a canopy overhead and underneath it was carpeted with rare ferns and a profusion of beautiful wild flowers; streams of pure water trickled down the hills, and here and there the vast forest was dotted with little lakes that sparkled and shone like costly diamonds when the bright sunlight penetrated the dense covering of leaves, and was reflected in their waters.
This was a favorite rendezvous of Elmina’s. Here she roamed at will, as free as the birds that caroled their sweet songs from tree to tree, all through the long summer days, and there, in Nature’s beautiful temple, accompanied by the soulful melodies of the rippling rills, the gentle zephyrs playing among the leaves, and the music of many birds, she would pour forth her thanksgiving and praise to her Maker, and make known to Him the inmost desires of her heart. Not always were her prayers breathed in words; oftener, her noble spirit was borne aloft in contemplation of the beauties of God’s handiwork, and her over charged heart could not find utterance for what it felt.
Thus her love for the beautiful and sacred, so early implanted, has characterized her whole life, and wherever she goes she seems to carry with her a breath of peace and tranquility from that sylvan retreat of her girlhood.
At the age of twenty Elmina joined the Methodist church, of which her parents were staunch members. She was a zealous and constant member for about six years, when she left her home to teach school at Haverstraw, a large town in the southern part of New York, on the banks of the “beautiful Hudson.” One of the trustees was a member of the Mormon Church; he had a very interesting and intelligent family, with whom she frequently visited, and it was there that she first heard of our Gospel.
Elmina honored and loved her parents, and her two younger sisters were very dear to her. She realized how it would grieve them for her to unite with such despised people, and also knew that she would lose her position, which was a lucrative one; but, true to her convictions, on July 5th, 1856, she was baptized, and in the following August was united in marriage to George Hamilton Taylor, by our late President, John Taylor, and nearly three years later left New York for Utah, arriving in Salt Lake City September 16th, 1859, after enduring the many hardships most of our fathers and mothers have so bravely encountered.
The next spring Sister Taylor, as we shall now know her, moved to the 14th ward, Salt Lake City, where she has since resided.
Her lofty mind, integrity of purpose, and gentle and pleasing manners soon won her many true friends, and her worth was not slow in being recognized. She became associated with our most noble women in different organizations, and at a conference held in the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, June 19th, 1880, was appointed President of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Associations of Zion.
If the love and esteem of those for whom she is so earnestly working and spending her time, is just compensation for the great labor and responsibility this office confers upon one, surely Sister Taylor’s riches are innumerable.
To every daughter in Zion, there is music in those two simple words, "Sister Taylor." They are synonymous with all that is elevating, pure and noble. The mere mention of them inspires us with reverence and esteem for our honored leader, of whom we are so justly proud. Her teachings are like the early morning dew, so quiet and soothing, and yet so powerful and effectual. Ah! truly did Luther say that earth has nothing more tender than a pious woman’s heart.
When our Heavenly Father sees fit to take her from us, and her sweet voice is stilled in death, the memory of her noble life and works will ever live in our minds, and her sweet face, like an angel’s presence, will ever be before us, guiding us onward until we are privileged to meet her in the glorious home of the righteous.
We love to sing the praises
Of our leader tried and true,
There is no labor for us girls
Too great for her to do.
Her words of truth and encouragement
So freely to us given.
Are inspirations from above
To lead us back to heaven.
Oh, may our lives then ever be
As pure as snowy pearls,
That in heaven we may still
Be numbered with “her girls.”
We weave a wreath of love to-night
To crown our leader dear,
And may its lustre brighter grow
With each succeeding year.
—Susy Duncan.
"Three Score Years and Ten. A Character Sketch." Young Woman's Journal. September 1900. pg. 428-429.
THREE SCORE YEARS AND TEN.
A CHARACTER SKETCH.
As Daughter
Seventy years ago, the twelfth day of this September our Annual Day, there was born in Central New York, a quiet, gentle, yet strong spirit. As a daughter, she was obedient, faithful and loyal. Modest and reserved, the little girl grew to womanhood in a home of order and refinement. Self-willed she was. and determined to the last degree, but her fund of common sense and uncommon prudence restrained the girl from any undue manifestation of willfulness. She was educated in an excellent school, and later became a teacher herself, and while thus engaged, the Gospel found her.
As Wife and Mother.
The intense personal modesty of the subject of this writing withholds the pen from tracing the loving estimate of this great soul. But it is always a profitable study, that of the human character, and when men or women have lived noble lives, it behooves us to ascertain the elements which formed the character and gave rise to permanent success. As a wife, the young girl chose for her chief characteristic the one which made her so excellent a daughter: loyalty! “Love me, love my dog,” is the French proverb. So truly did this young wife love her husband that his people, his home, his children, his interests, and later, his other wives, were her deepest and fondest concern. She was an excellent mother, but being a true woman, she did not neglect her husband and cast him off in order to care for the little ones. Each received proper and legitimate attention. The power to weigh and balance relative duties and obligations is one of the rarest traits in the human soul. This power is the foundation of that excellent combination of attributes which we sum up in the phrase, “executive ability.” The young wife never failed, through trial and through toil, in her loyal love and care for her parents; to their latest sad hours the daughter was unfaltering. Much less did she fail in faithful love to a kind and noble husband. Therefore we expect to find her firm, wise care extended with fond affection to every child of hers and of his. Could, therefore, such a character be overlooked in this kingdom where God knows how to choose His own?
As the Head of a Great Organization
Each part of perfectly adjusted machinery does work without friction to the other parts. When the time came that the Church made a call upon this wife and mother for a large portion of her time and strength, she knew that, speaking naturally, all her time and all her strength could well be spent in the service of her own; but in her reckoning, since she had joined the Church of Christ, she had never failed to count the Lord in! So now. aided and encouraged by her husband, she leaned upon the arm of Faith and answered—I will! To that mission and call she has been unalterably true! The nice balance, which partly came to her mind naturally, partly through exercise and faith, has carried her over the toilsome way her feet have travelled in the past t wen tv years. Husband, children, home, public duties, each has had due and proper regard and consideration. Tact, that blessed handmaid of common sense, has smoothed many comers, softened many burdens. Today she stands, one of the most respected, honored, and beloved women in Zion! Her friends are myriad, her enemies few! To the women who labor side by side with her she is the most dear. That she has faults, the greatest one a super-sensitive modesty, only makes her more humanly loved; were she perfect, there would be less hope for younger and more faulty strugglers. But to sit near her, to hear her wise counsel, to study her life and its vital springs, to win and to keep her confidence, to receive at times her deserved rebuke, to be her friend and co-worker, this is the privilege of her Board, than whom none could more dearly prize this opportunity. Like another noted woman it may well be said of her, “To know her is a liberal education.” May our Father spare her till she is eighty and three, our President Elmina S. Taylor.
THREE SCORE YEARS AND TEN.
A CHARACTER SKETCH.
As Daughter
Seventy years ago, the twelfth day of this September our Annual Day, there was born in Central New York, a quiet, gentle, yet strong spirit. As a daughter, she was obedient, faithful and loyal. Modest and reserved, the little girl grew to womanhood in a home of order and refinement. Self-willed she was. and determined to the last degree, but her fund of common sense and uncommon prudence restrained the girl from any undue manifestation of willfulness. She was educated in an excellent school, and later became a teacher herself, and while thus engaged, the Gospel found her.
As Wife and Mother.
The intense personal modesty of the subject of this writing withholds the pen from tracing the loving estimate of this great soul. But it is always a profitable study, that of the human character, and when men or women have lived noble lives, it behooves us to ascertain the elements which formed the character and gave rise to permanent success. As a wife, the young girl chose for her chief characteristic the one which made her so excellent a daughter: loyalty! “Love me, love my dog,” is the French proverb. So truly did this young wife love her husband that his people, his home, his children, his interests, and later, his other wives, were her deepest and fondest concern. She was an excellent mother, but being a true woman, she did not neglect her husband and cast him off in order to care for the little ones. Each received proper and legitimate attention. The power to weigh and balance relative duties and obligations is one of the rarest traits in the human soul. This power is the foundation of that excellent combination of attributes which we sum up in the phrase, “executive ability.” The young wife never failed, through trial and through toil, in her loyal love and care for her parents; to their latest sad hours the daughter was unfaltering. Much less did she fail in faithful love to a kind and noble husband. Therefore we expect to find her firm, wise care extended with fond affection to every child of hers and of his. Could, therefore, such a character be overlooked in this kingdom where God knows how to choose His own?
As the Head of a Great Organization
Each part of perfectly adjusted machinery does work without friction to the other parts. When the time came that the Church made a call upon this wife and mother for a large portion of her time and strength, she knew that, speaking naturally, all her time and all her strength could well be spent in the service of her own; but in her reckoning, since she had joined the Church of Christ, she had never failed to count the Lord in! So now. aided and encouraged by her husband, she leaned upon the arm of Faith and answered—I will! To that mission and call she has been unalterably true! The nice balance, which partly came to her mind naturally, partly through exercise and faith, has carried her over the toilsome way her feet have travelled in the past t wen tv years. Husband, children, home, public duties, each has had due and proper regard and consideration. Tact, that blessed handmaid of common sense, has smoothed many comers, softened many burdens. Today she stands, one of the most respected, honored, and beloved women in Zion! Her friends are myriad, her enemies few! To the women who labor side by side with her she is the most dear. That she has faults, the greatest one a super-sensitive modesty, only makes her more humanly loved; were she perfect, there would be less hope for younger and more faulty strugglers. But to sit near her, to hear her wise counsel, to study her life and its vital springs, to win and to keep her confidence, to receive at times her deserved rebuke, to be her friend and co-worker, this is the privilege of her Board, than whom none could more dearly prize this opportunity. Like another noted woman it may well be said of her, “To know her is a liberal education.” May our Father spare her till she is eighty and three, our President Elmina S. Taylor.
Tingey, Martha H. "Past Three Score Years and Ten." Young Woman's Journal. September 1901. pg. 397-399.
PAST THREE SCORE YEARS AND TEN.
Martha H. Tingey.
The Journal readers are more or less familiar with the public life and labors of our beloved President, Sister Elmina S. Taylor, it is therefore the desire of the present writer to dwell more especially upon her personal character and home life, as learned through a long and intimate acquaintance. She was born amid the wooded hills of the picturesque region embracing central New York, in the year 1830—an eventful year to the Latter-day Saints. It will be seen, therefore, that she has won her place among those who have attained the honored age of three score and ten. When about twenty years of age she accepted a position as teacher and removed to Havershaw. We remember the description she gave us of her home on the banks of the beautiful Hudson river, to which she often refers with words of loving tenderness and an intonation of voice, which assures the listener that, though years have elapsed and miles intervene, those happy days are still fresh and green in her memory. She is an ardent admirer of the beautiful, and doubtless it was while standing on the river bank in the mellow moonlight, with the beauties of nature spread before her, the pleasure boats in gay attire, ablaze with light and filled with pleasure seekers, coming and going, that her soul was filled with the deep reverence and adoration for the Great Creator and Ruler of the universe, which is one of her chief characteristics.
The few years' experience as a teacher in the public schools of her native state did much to develop her natural force of will, self-reliance and independence of character, which have been invaluable to her in later years. Though she possesses in a marked degree these necessary elements to success in life, she is withal sweetly sensitive, modest and unassuming, impressing one with that quiet, womanly dignity which is so admirable.
She has been very fortunate, or we prefer to say, Our Heavenly Father has been exceedingly kind in giving to her a husband who has been a congenial and helpful partner through life. Our first impression of Brother and Sister Taylor can never be effaced from our memory—their gentle consideration for each other's feelings, the sincere affection manifested in every little word and act, which is so much more expressive than any loud or special demonstration, was an inspiration to the writer's girlish heart. The seemingly perfect unity and harmony which have ever existed between them makes it almost impossible for a personal friend of both to 6peak of the life of one without referring to both. When they left their native State to cast their lot with the Latter-day Saints, they did as many others have done, sacrificed home, kindred and friends some of their relatives feeling so bitter that for many years they would not even exchange letters with them. Neither Brother nor Sister Taylor had been accustomed to rough life or hard physical labor, but when they arrived in Utah they did not wait for something easy to present itself, but with characteristic fortitude and energy they gladly accepted any opportunity that offered to gain a living. We shall never forget Sister Taylor's account of the night of terror she experienced soon after coming to Salt Lake valley, when she was alone in a small cabin at the mouth of the
canyon during a terrific thunderstorm, while her husband was unexpectedly detained at the sawmill, the anxiety she felt for him adding greatly to her mental sufferings.
Sister Taylor has been an admirable homemaker, due largely to the fact that whatever she undertakes, whether at home or abroad, she gives it her best thought and effort, never being satisfied with anything short of this. We remember their first little cottage home with its flower garden and climbing roses, which was a sacred spot to her. We have heard her say she appreciated it so much because it almost seemed as though she could remember where every foot of lumber and every nail came from. It is always a pleasure to spend a few hours with her in her pleasant home, and partake of the peaceful and happy influence which abounds therein. She has ever considered woman’s mission as wife and mother the greatest and noblest to which she could be called. She had no desire for a public life, and we are satisfied that nothing but a strong sense of duty and a willingness to do anything required of her to assist in building up the Church and Kingdom of God, could have induced her to accept the positions to which she has been called, and which she has so successfully filled. She has demonstrated the fact that even a delicate, frail woman can be a wise counselor and helpmeet unto her husband, a loving, prudent and faithful mother, and still be useful in assisting to carry on the good work of women’s organizations. Even while raising her little family she found time for her duties in the women’s organizations of her ward and Stake. For twenty-five years she was secretary of the Relief Society of the ward in which she resided; then for many years she officiated as counselor to the President of the Relief Society of Salt Lake Stake, and she has been the President of the Y. L. M. I. A. for the past twenty-one years. We doubt not but she has traveled as extensively as any woman in the Church in the interests of the various organizations of women. To all her public as well as private work 6he has given that painstaking care and attention to detail which are so essential to success. Brother Taylor has always rendered her all the encouragement and assistance possible in her labors, being ever willing to make any necessary sacrifice of his personal comfort or pleasure that she might be able to attend to the duties devolving upon her.
Sister Taylor possesses the power to attract young people and gain their confidence and esteem. This natural gift has made it eminently proper that she should be called to preside over the Young Ladies’ Associations, though she sought in every honorable way to prevent it. Her sensitive soul was almost overcome with the thought of the greatness of the responsibility. It was only when assured that it was the wish of those in authority that she consented to accept the position. She has ever manifested a disposition to be obedient to those who preside over her, and to respect the rights of others, be they high or low, and in return she has gained their confidence and won the love and respect of those over whom she has been called to preside. Though at times in the past she has felt almost discouraged, though the obstacles in her pathway seemed greater than she could surmount, she has summoned her powerful will, and with sublime faith in her Heavenly Father, has pressed forward and overcome. It has been her privilege to be closely associated with some of the most intelligent and noblest women of the age, both in the Church and in the world, and under all conditions she has won their respect and esteem. She is a student of human nature, and the ability to read character has often been of great value to her.
President Taylor is a woman of good principle, sound judgment, keenness of perception and great wisdom. These qualities united with her natural purity of heart, modesty and refinement make her that which we all admire, a womanly woman. May her future life be still more prosperous and happy than the past. We deeply appreciate the privilege we have had of being so closely associated with this noble woman, and trust that the cord of love and friendship existing between us may remain unbroken through all eternity. With our friend Kate Thomas we would say:
She has our prayer, our earnest, loving prayer:
All God’s good gifts be doubled o’er and o’er
In this dim Here and in the shining There.
And our hearts frame it. Could she ask for more?
PAST THREE SCORE YEARS AND TEN.
Martha H. Tingey.
The Journal readers are more or less familiar with the public life and labors of our beloved President, Sister Elmina S. Taylor, it is therefore the desire of the present writer to dwell more especially upon her personal character and home life, as learned through a long and intimate acquaintance. She was born amid the wooded hills of the picturesque region embracing central New York, in the year 1830—an eventful year to the Latter-day Saints. It will be seen, therefore, that she has won her place among those who have attained the honored age of three score and ten. When about twenty years of age she accepted a position as teacher and removed to Havershaw. We remember the description she gave us of her home on the banks of the beautiful Hudson river, to which she often refers with words of loving tenderness and an intonation of voice, which assures the listener that, though years have elapsed and miles intervene, those happy days are still fresh and green in her memory. She is an ardent admirer of the beautiful, and doubtless it was while standing on the river bank in the mellow moonlight, with the beauties of nature spread before her, the pleasure boats in gay attire, ablaze with light and filled with pleasure seekers, coming and going, that her soul was filled with the deep reverence and adoration for the Great Creator and Ruler of the universe, which is one of her chief characteristics.
The few years' experience as a teacher in the public schools of her native state did much to develop her natural force of will, self-reliance and independence of character, which have been invaluable to her in later years. Though she possesses in a marked degree these necessary elements to success in life, she is withal sweetly sensitive, modest and unassuming, impressing one with that quiet, womanly dignity which is so admirable.
She has been very fortunate, or we prefer to say, Our Heavenly Father has been exceedingly kind in giving to her a husband who has been a congenial and helpful partner through life. Our first impression of Brother and Sister Taylor can never be effaced from our memory—their gentle consideration for each other's feelings, the sincere affection manifested in every little word and act, which is so much more expressive than any loud or special demonstration, was an inspiration to the writer's girlish heart. The seemingly perfect unity and harmony which have ever existed between them makes it almost impossible for a personal friend of both to 6peak of the life of one without referring to both. When they left their native State to cast their lot with the Latter-day Saints, they did as many others have done, sacrificed home, kindred and friends some of their relatives feeling so bitter that for many years they would not even exchange letters with them. Neither Brother nor Sister Taylor had been accustomed to rough life or hard physical labor, but when they arrived in Utah they did not wait for something easy to present itself, but with characteristic fortitude and energy they gladly accepted any opportunity that offered to gain a living. We shall never forget Sister Taylor's account of the night of terror she experienced soon after coming to Salt Lake valley, when she was alone in a small cabin at the mouth of the
canyon during a terrific thunderstorm, while her husband was unexpectedly detained at the sawmill, the anxiety she felt for him adding greatly to her mental sufferings.
Sister Taylor has been an admirable homemaker, due largely to the fact that whatever she undertakes, whether at home or abroad, she gives it her best thought and effort, never being satisfied with anything short of this. We remember their first little cottage home with its flower garden and climbing roses, which was a sacred spot to her. We have heard her say she appreciated it so much because it almost seemed as though she could remember where every foot of lumber and every nail came from. It is always a pleasure to spend a few hours with her in her pleasant home, and partake of the peaceful and happy influence which abounds therein. She has ever considered woman’s mission as wife and mother the greatest and noblest to which she could be called. She had no desire for a public life, and we are satisfied that nothing but a strong sense of duty and a willingness to do anything required of her to assist in building up the Church and Kingdom of God, could have induced her to accept the positions to which she has been called, and which she has so successfully filled. She has demonstrated the fact that even a delicate, frail woman can be a wise counselor and helpmeet unto her husband, a loving, prudent and faithful mother, and still be useful in assisting to carry on the good work of women’s organizations. Even while raising her little family she found time for her duties in the women’s organizations of her ward and Stake. For twenty-five years she was secretary of the Relief Society of the ward in which she resided; then for many years she officiated as counselor to the President of the Relief Society of Salt Lake Stake, and she has been the President of the Y. L. M. I. A. for the past twenty-one years. We doubt not but she has traveled as extensively as any woman in the Church in the interests of the various organizations of women. To all her public as well as private work 6he has given that painstaking care and attention to detail which are so essential to success. Brother Taylor has always rendered her all the encouragement and assistance possible in her labors, being ever willing to make any necessary sacrifice of his personal comfort or pleasure that she might be able to attend to the duties devolving upon her.
Sister Taylor possesses the power to attract young people and gain their confidence and esteem. This natural gift has made it eminently proper that she should be called to preside over the Young Ladies’ Associations, though she sought in every honorable way to prevent it. Her sensitive soul was almost overcome with the thought of the greatness of the responsibility. It was only when assured that it was the wish of those in authority that she consented to accept the position. She has ever manifested a disposition to be obedient to those who preside over her, and to respect the rights of others, be they high or low, and in return she has gained their confidence and won the love and respect of those over whom she has been called to preside. Though at times in the past she has felt almost discouraged, though the obstacles in her pathway seemed greater than she could surmount, she has summoned her powerful will, and with sublime faith in her Heavenly Father, has pressed forward and overcome. It has been her privilege to be closely associated with some of the most intelligent and noblest women of the age, both in the Church and in the world, and under all conditions she has won their respect and esteem. She is a student of human nature, and the ability to read character has often been of great value to her.
President Taylor is a woman of good principle, sound judgment, keenness of perception and great wisdom. These qualities united with her natural purity of heart, modesty and refinement make her that which we all admire, a womanly woman. May her future life be still more prosperous and happy than the past. We deeply appreciate the privilege we have had of being so closely associated with this noble woman, and trust that the cord of love and friendship existing between us may remain unbroken through all eternity. With our friend Kate Thomas we would say:
She has our prayer, our earnest, loving prayer:
All God’s good gifts be doubled o’er and o’er
In this dim Here and in the shining There.
And our hearts frame it. Could she ask for more?
"President Elmina S. Taylor." Young Woman's Journal. September 1901. pg. 426.
President Elmina S. Taylor
'Twas in September, seventy-one years ago, that our beloved leader, President Elmina S. Taylor, first opened her eyes to the light of earth.
Seventy-one years! More than a full measure of three score and ten said to compass the average span of individual existence.
To reach such an age in full pos-session of the heart's graces and the mind's powers is an honor. Such an achievement tells the story of temperate living, of virtuous aspirations, of soulful devotion to the laws of life. But the mere passing of so many mile-stones on the highway of mortality is of small significance compared with the fact of having made the journey one of blessing to self and fellows.
The path of duty will be the plainer to discern and the easier to follow by the maids and matrons of Israel from the fact that Sister Taylor has trodden therein. Her footprints will long be visible as a guide to the road of safety and as a guard against forbidden paths. Precept and example have been one with her: her life's record admonishes others to strive to do as she has done and not merely as she has said.
It is not the purpose of the present brief mention to review the life of our honored President, far less to attempt even an outline biographical; dates and data have already found place in these columns, and the present issue contains a sketch of this illustrious daughter of Zion. But we cannot let the month pass without a word of greeting to her who has been called and set apart to lead the cause of Woman's Mutual Improvement among our people; nor can we forget to urge the women of Israel to emulate their noble exemplar. In behalf of the thousands who look to her for guidance and encouragement were tender to our beloved Sister Taylor the heartiest of greetings and the richest of blessings within our power to invoke on the recurrence of her natal day, and pray in all sincerity that her years may yet be many as a leader of her sex in the Church of Jesus Christ. The spirit of her exalted calling has abided with her; and her genius of leadership is plain to all who have been privileged to enjoy her association. She has the confidence and support of those who exercise the functions of the Holy Priesthood: and to that authority—the embodiment of the will of God on earth—she has ever looked for counsel and guidance. Therein we think lies the secret of her influence and power,—an open secret indeed, free to be shared by all who would emulate her successful course of life. Today, while yet she is with us, the united voices of Israel's daughters rise to call her blessed.
President Elmina S. Taylor
'Twas in September, seventy-one years ago, that our beloved leader, President Elmina S. Taylor, first opened her eyes to the light of earth.
Seventy-one years! More than a full measure of three score and ten said to compass the average span of individual existence.
To reach such an age in full pos-session of the heart's graces and the mind's powers is an honor. Such an achievement tells the story of temperate living, of virtuous aspirations, of soulful devotion to the laws of life. But the mere passing of so many mile-stones on the highway of mortality is of small significance compared with the fact of having made the journey one of blessing to self and fellows.
The path of duty will be the plainer to discern and the easier to follow by the maids and matrons of Israel from the fact that Sister Taylor has trodden therein. Her footprints will long be visible as a guide to the road of safety and as a guard against forbidden paths. Precept and example have been one with her: her life's record admonishes others to strive to do as she has done and not merely as she has said.
It is not the purpose of the present brief mention to review the life of our honored President, far less to attempt even an outline biographical; dates and data have already found place in these columns, and the present issue contains a sketch of this illustrious daughter of Zion. But we cannot let the month pass without a word of greeting to her who has been called and set apart to lead the cause of Woman's Mutual Improvement among our people; nor can we forget to urge the women of Israel to emulate their noble exemplar. In behalf of the thousands who look to her for guidance and encouragement were tender to our beloved Sister Taylor the heartiest of greetings and the richest of blessings within our power to invoke on the recurrence of her natal day, and pray in all sincerity that her years may yet be many as a leader of her sex in the Church of Jesus Christ. The spirit of her exalted calling has abided with her; and her genius of leadership is plain to all who have been privileged to enjoy her association. She has the confidence and support of those who exercise the functions of the Holy Priesthood: and to that authority—the embodiment of the will of God on earth—she has ever looked for counsel and guidance. Therein we think lies the secret of her influence and power,—an open secret indeed, free to be shared by all who would emulate her successful course of life. Today, while yet she is with us, the united voices of Israel's daughters rise to call her blessed.
"Prest. Taylor's Arm Broken." Young Woman's Journal. March 1903. pg. 136.
PREST. TAYLOR’S ARM BROKEN.
Our girls will regret to hear that President Elmina S. Taylor has broken her left arm. She is progressing surprisingly well, however, for which we are very thankful.
On Friday evening, February 13th, as Sr. Taylor was about to retire, she went into the kitchen for some hot water. Finding that the electric light bulb had been removed, she procured one, and in her usual independent way, mounted a chair to insert it. She lost her balance and fell, naturally throwing out her arm to protect herself, with the result above stated.
The break is just above the wrist.
Of one thing Sr. Taylor may be assured,—she will have the faith and prayers of her girls that she may be relieved of all unnecessary suffering. and that she will be speedily restored to perfect health.
PREST. TAYLOR’S ARM BROKEN.
Our girls will regret to hear that President Elmina S. Taylor has broken her left arm. She is progressing surprisingly well, however, for which we are very thankful.
On Friday evening, February 13th, as Sr. Taylor was about to retire, she went into the kitchen for some hot water. Finding that the electric light bulb had been removed, she procured one, and in her usual independent way, mounted a chair to insert it. She lost her balance and fell, naturally throwing out her arm to protect herself, with the result above stated.
The break is just above the wrist.
Of one thing Sr. Taylor may be assured,—she will have the faith and prayers of her girls that she may be relieved of all unnecessary suffering. and that she will be speedily restored to perfect health.
"President Taylor's Condition." Young Woman's Journal. April 1903. pg. 185.
PRESIDENT TAYLOR’S CONDITION.
We are much pleased at the improvement in the condition of Prest. Elmina S. Taylor. The broken bone has united, the bandages have been removed, and she is progressing even better than we might have expected.
Today (March 16th) she is able to use the fingers and arm well enough to dress her own hair.
She says she has been astounded at the rapid improvement of the last few days until she remembered that her girls were praying for her. She sends love and greetings, and prays the Father’s blessings upon them.
PRESIDENT TAYLOR’S CONDITION.
We are much pleased at the improvement in the condition of Prest. Elmina S. Taylor. The broken bone has united, the bandages have been removed, and she is progressing even better than we might have expected.
Today (March 16th) she is able to use the fingers and arm well enough to dress her own hair.
She says she has been astounded at the rapid improvement of the last few days until she remembered that her girls were praying for her. She sends love and greetings, and prays the Father’s blessings upon them.
Smith, Alice K. "To Our Beloved President, Elmina S. Taylor." Young Woman's Journal. September 1903. pg. 408.
TO OUR BELOVED PRESIDENT, ELMINA S. TAYLOR.
Alice K. Smith.
Three and seventy summers have passed away
Since the bright sun shone on thy natal day.
And thousands of souls with their hopes and fears.
Have passed away in those seventy- three years.
But thou art still here, the head of our band.
Mother to thousands of girls in this land.
And one great prayer will to Heaven ascend.
Throughout this broad land for our honored friend.
A mighty prayer to be borne above,
A prayer of gratitude, joy and love.
That thy life has been spared and thou today
Art with us to bless and help us to pray.
Thou art always tender, loving and true,
A noble counsellor and mother, too,
God bless thee with health, with joy and with peace.
May thy wealth on earth and in Heaven increase.
We know thy dear heart, its hopes and its fears,
We’ve stood by thy side in joy and in tears;
We’ll list to thy voice, we’ll come at thy call.
We’ll serve at thy bidding. as leader of all.
We know God sustains thee, of Him thou’rt taught.
We know thou’rt faithful in word and in thought;
A noble record on earth thou hast made.
No friend hast forsaken nor trust betrayed.
True thou hast been to thy God and His law’s.
True to His prophets, His Saints and His cause:
Faithful and true, beloved leader and friend.
Faithful and true thou wilt be to the end.
Then sweet be thy slumbers, calm be thy rest,
In mansions above—the home of the blest,
Where gladly we’d join thee in one happy band.
Approved of our God. before whom we stand.
TO OUR BELOVED PRESIDENT, ELMINA S. TAYLOR.
Alice K. Smith.
Three and seventy summers have passed away
Since the bright sun shone on thy natal day.
And thousands of souls with their hopes and fears.
Have passed away in those seventy- three years.
But thou art still here, the head of our band.
Mother to thousands of girls in this land.
And one great prayer will to Heaven ascend.
Throughout this broad land for our honored friend.
A mighty prayer to be borne above,
A prayer of gratitude, joy and love.
That thy life has been spared and thou today
Art with us to bless and help us to pray.
Thou art always tender, loving and true,
A noble counsellor and mother, too,
God bless thee with health, with joy and with peace.
May thy wealth on earth and in Heaven increase.
We know thy dear heart, its hopes and its fears,
We’ve stood by thy side in joy and in tears;
We’ll list to thy voice, we’ll come at thy call.
We’ll serve at thy bidding. as leader of all.
We know God sustains thee, of Him thou’rt taught.
We know thou’rt faithful in word and in thought;
A noble record on earth thou hast made.
No friend hast forsaken nor trust betrayed.
True thou hast been to thy God and His law’s.
True to His prophets, His Saints and His cause:
Faithful and true, beloved leader and friend.
Faithful and true thou wilt be to the end.
Then sweet be thy slumbers, calm be thy rest,
In mansions above—the home of the blest,
Where gladly we’d join thee in one happy band.
Approved of our God. before whom we stand.
"President Taylor's Accident." Young Woman's Journal. March 1904. pg. 135.
PRESIDENT TAYLOR’S ACCIDENT.
Our friends will be pained to know that President Elmina S. Taylor has broken her collar bone. It happened Sunday morning, February 14th, while getting out of bed. It was set the same afternoon and she is progressing remarkably well.
We know that she will have the faith and prayers of the girls in this new trial.
PRESIDENT TAYLOR’S ACCIDENT.
Our friends will be pained to know that President Elmina S. Taylor has broken her collar bone. It happened Sunday morning, February 14th, while getting out of bed. It was set the same afternoon and she is progressing remarkably well.
We know that she will have the faith and prayers of the girls in this new trial.
"Editor." Young Woman's Journal. April 1904. pg. 182.
We are delighted to report that President Elmina S. Taylor’s recovery from the accident of one month ago, has been very rapid. The broken collar bone knit and the bandages were removed in three weeks. In all, Sister Taylor says she did not have more than a half hour of pain at one time. She can use her arm very well, although it is rather weak.
The death of her daughter-in-law, Christine Smoot Taylor, was a very severe shock. But friends have done all that is possible to lessen the sorrow.
Sister Taylor wishes to thank the girls for their sympathy and love. It is through the faith of her friends, and the power of God, that she has been so blessed.
We are delighted to report that President Elmina S. Taylor’s recovery from the accident of one month ago, has been very rapid. The broken collar bone knit and the bandages were removed in three weeks. In all, Sister Taylor says she did not have more than a half hour of pain at one time. She can use her arm very well, although it is rather weak.
The death of her daughter-in-law, Christine Smoot Taylor, was a very severe shock. But friends have done all that is possible to lessen the sorrow.
Sister Taylor wishes to thank the girls for their sympathy and love. It is through the faith of her friends, and the power of God, that she has been so blessed.
"Death of Elmina S. Taylor." Improvement Era. January 1905. pg. 218-222.
DEATH OF ELMINA S. TAYLOR.
In the death, December 6, 1904, of Elmina S. Taylor, General President of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, there passed away a veteran in the cause, and one of its oldest, most active and respected workers and officers. She was born September 12, 1830, in Middlefield, Otsego Co., New York; and was married to Elder George H. Taylor in Haverstraw, Rockland Co., New York, August 31, 1856, by Elder, afterwards President, John Taylor, Elder George A. Smith being present. Three years later, with her husband, she set out for the west to join her people. Passing through many adventures on the plains with ox-team transportation, and crude accommodations, they arrived in Utah on September 16, 1859, in the company of Elder Edward Stevenson. When Eliza R. Snow, who had taken charge of the young ladies' association from its organization, suggested that a general board be appointed to look after their interests, Sister Elmina S. Taylor was selected by her and set apart by President Brigham Young, the first general president of the Y. L. M. I. A., on the 19th of June, 1880, in which capacity she labored with great success, untiring diligence and unflinching integrity, until the time of her death.
She was a good, true and noble woman, who passed to her deserved reward. She devoted her best years to the young women of Zion, who keenly realize that a noble and luminous spirit has been taken from among them, and sharply feel the absence of her immediate personality, and that she can no more be with them as a leader and worker in their cause. She won the respect and esteem of the young women, by the strength, power, justice and consideration displayed for them, in the ever-busy actions of her noble life; and their love, by her unselfish devotion, her zealous labors, her sweet disposition, and her tender solicitude in their behalf. By the force of her character she accomplished a grand task in organizing, in cementing into a strong sisterhood, and in training the young women of Israel; her work extends in one broad benefit, not only to all of the young women, but through them to all of the young men of the Church of Christ. The latter's advancement and progress in the path of improvement is due, in a great measure, to the devoted endeavor of Sister Taylor and the girls of their companion associations. In contemplating the generous fruitage which her life has brought to the everlasting benefit of this generation, the young people of Zion should not associate the thought of grief with her departure, for she has contributed so much to us and to those who shall come after, that in spirit she still continues with us, while her wonderful works shall triumphantly go on forever, a power in our behalf. In her death we do not sorrow, but rather rejoice in the rest she has won, for she lived nobly to a mature age, and gave her best years and efforts to the young people. The achievements of her day live on, though her worn body rests in mother earth.
The general board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations passed the following eulogy on her life at their meeting Wednesday, December 7:
Sister Elmina S. Taylor, president of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, having died at her home in Salt Lake City, December 6, 1904, at the age of 74 years, and after 24 years of faithful service as the supreme head of our companion organization, the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations:
It is Resolved by the General Superintendency, for themselves and for the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations throughout the world;
That we express in unqualified terms our praise of the splendid organization of the young women of Zion brought up to its present perfection under the presidency of Sister Taylor;
That we recognize in the vast labor which this achievement has involved, the triumphant consecration of a noble life, whose whole soul — with qualities of mind and heart peculiarly adapted to the duties of leadership—was dedicated to this service;
That we sympathize deeply with the officers and members of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations in the sorrow of their parting from their distinguished president, who had won completely their respect for her wisdom, and confidence in her executive judgment, and their unfeigned love;
That we commend the glorious example of her life, in its unselfish devotion to the highest ideals of culture and improvement, to the adoration of the young women of our people, and her memory to the reverence and honor of all who love righteousness, and who delight in the happiness and well-being of their fellow men.
The funeral services were held on Sunday, December 11, in the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, and were, by request, conducted by the general board, Y. M. M. I. A., President Joseph F. Smith presiding. The white decorations, the sweet music, and the hearty eulogies of her life, were in harmonious keeping with her pure character, her sweet disposition, and her noteworthy achievements.
President Smith in his closing remarks said:
I endorse without reserve, all that I have heard said today respecting the character, life, labors, virtues, wisdom, judgment and intelligence of our sister, Elmina S. Taylor. Most people of my acquaintance —and I presume it will apply generally—walk very largely in a light that is borrowed, like the light of the moon borrowed from the sun. There are few men and women in the world, who do not seek borrowed light.
But I will give it as an opinion which I have held many years, because of my connection with these Mutual Improvement associations and with Sister Taylor, that she was one of the few in the world who had the light within her, and who had the inspiration and the intelligence that is born of truth, and of the forgiveness of sins, of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ; and she walked in it, and, therefore, she had power among her associates and her sisters. She was legitimately the head of the organization over which she was called to preside. She borrowed no influence from others. She bore her own influence upon the minds of those with whom she was associated. There came out of her soul the spirit of wisdom, counsel and judgment, and her mind was clear in regard to the truth; she always spoke as one possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, which she really did possess.
She was a strong character. She had a strong personality. But the very strength of that character and personality was tempered and softened by the choicest spirit of kindness, of love, of mercy, and of charity, that ever, in my judgment, adorned woman-kind; and while she possessed this strength of character and this strong personality, it was always bent in the direction of righteousness, in the direction of truth, and for the uplifting of her associates. Herein is where she shone most brightly, because all her thoughts and all her energies were directed in the right channel and for the right cause. And she was singularly free from mistakes, and from those little imperfections or weaknesses which are so often exhibited by fallen human nature. We have lost a valuable soul from among us in the flesh. God bless her memory to all those who knew her; and may her fame and her name be handed down from generation to generation, by those who love God and strive to keep his commandments.
DEATH OF ELMINA S. TAYLOR.
In the death, December 6, 1904, of Elmina S. Taylor, General President of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, there passed away a veteran in the cause, and one of its oldest, most active and respected workers and officers. She was born September 12, 1830, in Middlefield, Otsego Co., New York; and was married to Elder George H. Taylor in Haverstraw, Rockland Co., New York, August 31, 1856, by Elder, afterwards President, John Taylor, Elder George A. Smith being present. Three years later, with her husband, she set out for the west to join her people. Passing through many adventures on the plains with ox-team transportation, and crude accommodations, they arrived in Utah on September 16, 1859, in the company of Elder Edward Stevenson. When Eliza R. Snow, who had taken charge of the young ladies' association from its organization, suggested that a general board be appointed to look after their interests, Sister Elmina S. Taylor was selected by her and set apart by President Brigham Young, the first general president of the Y. L. M. I. A., on the 19th of June, 1880, in which capacity she labored with great success, untiring diligence and unflinching integrity, until the time of her death.
She was a good, true and noble woman, who passed to her deserved reward. She devoted her best years to the young women of Zion, who keenly realize that a noble and luminous spirit has been taken from among them, and sharply feel the absence of her immediate personality, and that she can no more be with them as a leader and worker in their cause. She won the respect and esteem of the young women, by the strength, power, justice and consideration displayed for them, in the ever-busy actions of her noble life; and their love, by her unselfish devotion, her zealous labors, her sweet disposition, and her tender solicitude in their behalf. By the force of her character she accomplished a grand task in organizing, in cementing into a strong sisterhood, and in training the young women of Israel; her work extends in one broad benefit, not only to all of the young women, but through them to all of the young men of the Church of Christ. The latter's advancement and progress in the path of improvement is due, in a great measure, to the devoted endeavor of Sister Taylor and the girls of their companion associations. In contemplating the generous fruitage which her life has brought to the everlasting benefit of this generation, the young people of Zion should not associate the thought of grief with her departure, for she has contributed so much to us and to those who shall come after, that in spirit she still continues with us, while her wonderful works shall triumphantly go on forever, a power in our behalf. In her death we do not sorrow, but rather rejoice in the rest she has won, for she lived nobly to a mature age, and gave her best years and efforts to the young people. The achievements of her day live on, though her worn body rests in mother earth.
The general board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations passed the following eulogy on her life at their meeting Wednesday, December 7:
Sister Elmina S. Taylor, president of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, having died at her home in Salt Lake City, December 6, 1904, at the age of 74 years, and after 24 years of faithful service as the supreme head of our companion organization, the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations:
It is Resolved by the General Superintendency, for themselves and for the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations throughout the world;
That we express in unqualified terms our praise of the splendid organization of the young women of Zion brought up to its present perfection under the presidency of Sister Taylor;
That we recognize in the vast labor which this achievement has involved, the triumphant consecration of a noble life, whose whole soul — with qualities of mind and heart peculiarly adapted to the duties of leadership—was dedicated to this service;
That we sympathize deeply with the officers and members of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations in the sorrow of their parting from their distinguished president, who had won completely their respect for her wisdom, and confidence in her executive judgment, and their unfeigned love;
That we commend the glorious example of her life, in its unselfish devotion to the highest ideals of culture and improvement, to the adoration of the young women of our people, and her memory to the reverence and honor of all who love righteousness, and who delight in the happiness and well-being of their fellow men.
The funeral services were held on Sunday, December 11, in the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, and were, by request, conducted by the general board, Y. M. M. I. A., President Joseph F. Smith presiding. The white decorations, the sweet music, and the hearty eulogies of her life, were in harmonious keeping with her pure character, her sweet disposition, and her noteworthy achievements.
President Smith in his closing remarks said:
I endorse without reserve, all that I have heard said today respecting the character, life, labors, virtues, wisdom, judgment and intelligence of our sister, Elmina S. Taylor. Most people of my acquaintance —and I presume it will apply generally—walk very largely in a light that is borrowed, like the light of the moon borrowed from the sun. There are few men and women in the world, who do not seek borrowed light.
But I will give it as an opinion which I have held many years, because of my connection with these Mutual Improvement associations and with Sister Taylor, that she was one of the few in the world who had the light within her, and who had the inspiration and the intelligence that is born of truth, and of the forgiveness of sins, of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ; and she walked in it, and, therefore, she had power among her associates and her sisters. She was legitimately the head of the organization over which she was called to preside. She borrowed no influence from others. She bore her own influence upon the minds of those with whom she was associated. There came out of her soul the spirit of wisdom, counsel and judgment, and her mind was clear in regard to the truth; she always spoke as one possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, which she really did possess.
She was a strong character. She had a strong personality. But the very strength of that character and personality was tempered and softened by the choicest spirit of kindness, of love, of mercy, and of charity, that ever, in my judgment, adorned woman-kind; and while she possessed this strength of character and this strong personality, it was always bent in the direction of righteousness, in the direction of truth, and for the uplifting of her associates. Herein is where she shone most brightly, because all her thoughts and all her energies were directed in the right channel and for the right cause. And she was singularly free from mistakes, and from those little imperfections or weaknesses which are so often exhibited by fallen human nature. We have lost a valuable soul from among us in the flesh. God bless her memory to all those who knew her; and may her fame and her name be handed down from generation to generation, by those who love God and strive to keep his commandments.
"A Biographical Sketch of President Elmina S. Taylor." Young Woman's Journal. January 1905. pg. 1-7.
A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF PRESIDENT ELMINA S. TAYLOR. Elmina Shepherd Taylor was born in Middlefield, Otsego County, State of New York, Sept. 12, 1830.. the same year in which the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized. Her parents, David S. and Rozella Bailey Shepherd, were honorable, intelligent people, much respected in the community in which they lived. They were zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Elmina was the eldest of three daughters. She was always a frail, delicate girl, but was endowed with strong convictions, and a will to walk in the path of duty wherever it might lead. As a child, she was an ardent lover of nature. The whispering of the leaves upon the trees, the swaying of the branches, the gentle murmur of the brook, always had a soothing effect upon her sensitive temperament, and often as she wandered in the woods near her home, she would lift her heart in prayer and gratitude to her Heavenly Father, asking Him in her simple, childish way, for blessings upon her parents, or upon her own head, according to her needs. At an early age, she was sent to the public schools, and, being a thoughtful, studious child, she soon became sufficiently advanced to enter the Hardwick Academy, from whence, earnestly applying herself, she emerged before she was quite sixteen, to engage in the labor of school teaching. At first her duties were confined to the rural districts, where, as was the custom at that time, she had to board around in payment for the tuition of pupils. Although she made many friends with whom she might have visited at pleasure, the practice was so repugnant to her, that she decided to branch out into broader fields, where the remuneration was sufficient to enable her to choose her own boarding place. Through a cousin, who was also a teacher in southern New York she received an excellent offer to take a school in Haverstraw, a beautiful town on the west bank of the Hudson river, two hundred miles away from home where new but. happily, pleasant experiences awaited her. For a young girl to go so far away, in those days, was an event of no little importance. At first her parents demurred, but finally yielded a reluctant consent to her earnest desire to make her own way in the world. So away she went, her first trip by rail—a truly wonderful journey in many respects. Miss Shepherd left her home on Friday. On reaching Albany she found that the ice over the Hudson River was breaking up, and the floating blocks had piled up in a huge mass. In order to meet her appointment the following Monday, she must cross this almost impassable stream. Her friends tried to dissuade her from making the attempt; but she had promised, and what was the breaking up of the ice compared with the breaking of her word? So she hired two strong Irish boatmen, who with skilful rowing, dodged the ice, and landed her safely on the other side, where she was soon most comfortably situated. Although Miss Shepherd and her cousin taught in different districts, they boarded together in a pleasant little home nestling at the foot of the Catskill mountains. Behind and above towered the great rocky cliffs, in front stretched the beautiful Hudson, dotted with shell-like boats and white sails, majestic steamers gliding gracefully to and fro, and in the distance the eastern river bank, where the wealthy men of New York built their palatial summer residences. It was a charming scene, and one that was always a source of delight to her. From a child, Miss Shepherd had been spiritual minded, and at about twenty years of age, had, naturally, embraced the faith of her parents. She was an active, earnest worker in the church for about six years, but was not quite satisfied with some of their doctrines and tenets, while numerous things perplexed her. Sometimes she would go to her minister, hoping that he might explain and make things clear to her doubting mind, but alas! she would leave him more beclouded than before. When she united herself with the church, she was very anxious to be baptized by immersion, the pattern set by our Savior; but that, her friends urged, was a foolish notion, so she had finally yielded to the prevailing custom of sprinkling. During her sojourn in Haverstraw Miss Shepherd became acquainted with John Druce and his family, and a warm friendship sprang up between them. Mr. Druce was a trustee in the school in which her cousin taught, and he was also a Mormon Elder. One night he gave her some Mormon books, asking her if she would read them, “Prove all things and hold fast that which is good,” was one of the impressive things she had culled from her well read Bible Acting upon this she scanned the books with a prayerful heart, and a sincere desire that her mind might be led aright. Her prayer was answered. She believed the doctrine, and, although realizing what it meant to embrace such an unpopular religion, felt that she must carry out her convictions. Relying on the words of Jesus, “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine,” she went into the waters of baptism on July 5, 1856. and, on being confirmed, she received, according to her own statement, a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, which remained with her until the last. She had taught school for about four years to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, when the time arrived for the trustees to decide on a teacher for another year. One of the trustees, a devout Methodist, objected to re-engaging Miss Shepherd, as he had made the startling discovery that she was a Mormon. The other, a wealthy, broad-minded gentleman, remarked that he did not care whether she was a Catholic, Protestant or Mormon, she had kept the best school they ever had had in that district. He prevailed, but upon their offering her the school, she declined to accept it. as she was about to take a much more important position. She was married on August 31st, 1856, to George Hamilton Taylor, a young copper engraver, whom she had met at the home of the Druces. The late president, then Apostle. John Taylor performed the ceremony. Upon April 15, 1859, after paying a visit to her parents, who were then living in Wisconsin, they started for Utah by ox team, arriving in the Great Salt Lake valley September the Sixteenth of the same year. In the spring of i860, they located in the Fourteenth ward, where they have ever since resided. In accordance with a promise made to her through the gift of tongues, all her father’s house came to Zion; although not one of them joined the Church. After the death of her mother, her father spent his declining days at her home. Mrs. Taylor’s public life began when she was elected secretary of the Fourteenth ward Relief society, December 12, 1867, a position she held for twenty-six years. September 23, 1874, by request of Eliza R. Snow, she was appointed superintendent of the Y. L. M. I. A. of the same ward. On December 23, 1879, when the relief societies were organized into a stake capacity, with Mrs. M. Isabella Horne as president of the Salt Lake Stake. Mrs. Taylor was chosen her first counselor. She held the office for sixteen years, traveling considerably, instructing, exhorting and comforting the members. At a Relief Society conference held June 19, 1880 in the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, Sister Taylor was appointed President of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Association in all the world. Since that time, she has traveled thousands of miles in the company of Eliza R. Snow, Zina D. H. Young, Sarah M. Kimball, Emmeline B. Wells, M. Isabella Horne and other leading sisters, visiting, with them, the Relief Societies as well as the Mutual Improvement Associations. In 1891, the Y. L. M. I. A. became affiliated with the National Council of Women of the United States, and Mrs. Taylor thus became an ex-officio Vice-President of that organization. In the later years of her life President Taylor was unable to travel, on account of her great physical weakness. This was a source of sorrow to her, and she often expressed the fear that she was not doing all that was necessary, and said that she would gladly step aside and let some one “more competent” take her place. However no one else entertained this idea for a moment. She possessed the love and confidence of her girls and all her associates to the end. The business of the associations was presented to her daily, even to the day preceding her death; and no one else was more familiar with what was going on. In addition to holding numerous meetings with her official board, she missed only two or three of the regular weekly meetings of the General Board, and that was during the last year. Though often so weak that she lay on a couch during the entire session, she took the greatest interest in the reports of the sisters, upon their return from conferences and conventions, generally adding valuable comment and suggestion. She listened patiently and quietly to the discussion of any subject, and never failed to have a decided opinion in regard to it, and one which every member of her board knew to be inspired. Though her associates saw she was gradually growing weaker, few realized that the end was so near. Her throat had been partially paralyzed for years, and of late she was unable to take much nourishment, though everything that could be thought of was done to relieve her. She arose every day, was dressed and walked to a couch in the room adjoining her bedroom. Sometimes, during the week preceding her death, she sat at the table with the family, but generally her meals were taken to her. Her cough grew gradually worse though she rested well at night. Monday evening she seemed unusually well, and sat up half an hour reading the paper. But in the night she grew worse, and her husband watched anxiously until early morning when he roused the remainder of the household. The change had come. Her sons George and Clarence, were telegraphed for, and others of the family were called to her bedside. At eleven fifteen, Tuesday morning. December 6th, Nineteen hundred four, she merely ceased to breathe. There was no struggle, no spasm of pain; only the spirit forsook its mortal tenement, and the body was at rest. She leaves her husband, three sons, George S., Frank D., Clarence M. and a daughter Mae (Mrs. Theodore Nystrom). Two other daughters and one son preceded her to the heavenly home. It is as their President, that our girls know Sister Taylor best. The journey has never been too long nor the undertaking too great, when her health would at all permit, for her to visit the associations or stakes of Zion. Her name is a household word in thousands of homes, where old and young esteem her virtues and honor her teachings. She has exemplified in her life that a woman is no less a woman because she works publicly, and has always taught that a woman’s first duty is home and children. |
President Elmina S. Taylor
Mr. and Mrs. George H. Taylor About 1857
|
Fox, Ruth May. "President Elmina S. Taylor." Young Woman's Journal. January 1905. pg. 7.
PRESIDENT ELMINA S. TAYLOR.
Ruth May Fox.
Toll the bells tenderly, lovingly, soulfully,
Ring out the echo ye mountains and dales;
One of the noblest and best of God's creatures
Hath passed through the gates to the beautiful vales.
Exalted her office and holy her calling,
A womanly woman, strong, steadfast and true;
The tend crest mother, a wife most devoted,
Exemplar of woman and what she can do.
O bravely she struggled and grandly she conquered
Submitting her all to the service of God;
Hear it, ye thousands of Zion's fair daughters,
And tread ye the path which so meekly she trod.
Ring the bells cheerfully, clearly, triumphantly,
Death hath been vanquished and the victory won
Re-echo the tidings across the great waters
God hath remembered her for what she hath done.
PRESIDENT ELMINA S. TAYLOR.
Ruth May Fox.
Toll the bells tenderly, lovingly, soulfully,
Ring out the echo ye mountains and dales;
One of the noblest and best of God's creatures
Hath passed through the gates to the beautiful vales.
Exalted her office and holy her calling,
A womanly woman, strong, steadfast and true;
The tend crest mother, a wife most devoted,
Exemplar of woman and what she can do.
O bravely she struggled and grandly she conquered
Submitting her all to the service of God;
Hear it, ye thousands of Zion's fair daughters,
And tread ye the path which so meekly she trod.
Ring the bells cheerfully, clearly, triumphantly,
Death hath been vanquished and the victory won
Re-echo the tidings across the great waters
God hath remembered her for what she hath done.
Talmage, May Booth. "The Last Rites." Young Woman's Journal. January 1905. pg. 8-23.
THE LAST RITES.
May Boothe Talmage.
Purity and exquisite beauty, quiet elegance and unostentatious dignity—all so characteristic of her life—were shown in the decoration and arrangement for the funeral of our beloved President, Elmina S Taylor.
To the members of her Board the honor and privilege was given of assisting in making the clothing she should wear.
Ah, how beautiful she looked in her robes of snowy linen as she lay in state in the dear, old parlor we all love so well! How the memory of the blessed days spent with her there thronged through our minds, and with what aching hearts we thought of future days, when we could see that best beloved face no more! But in all this we recognize the right of Him who gave, to take, thankful and happy in her freedom from the suffering she so patiently endured and rejoicing in the glorious heritage she left us. Flowers—mute messengers of love—were placed about the room, testifying the affection of her friends
The day set for the funeral, Sunday, December nth, was an ideal one, and as we stood about the bier for one last, loving look, a ray of softened sunshine, stealing through the window, rested on her face and lighted up her countenance until it seemed divine. Few traces of the pain-furrowed lines were left, but in their place had crept a look of joy and peaceful rest. The members of her Board and a few other intimate friends gathered at the home to join the family in the procession to the Assembly Hall.
Nothing that loving hearts could devise or willing hands could execute had been forgotten, that should render the occasion a fitting and a worthy one.
In the Hall smilax and English ivy were gracefully entwined among the pure white draperies of the stand and catafalque, while palms and ferns, with white cased pots, were arranged to form a decoration of surpassing loveliness. On either side the casket, stood great vases of white feathery chrysanthemums; while on an easel was banked an immense bouquet of the same lovely flowers. These and other beautiful emblems were sent as tributes from personal friends and different Church organizations.
A suggestion was made and adopted to the effect that for each association throughout the world, one flower should be selected and the whole be woven into a blanket to lay over the casket. The result was indeed beautiful. In the center of the blanket was a scroll formed of the pure white narcissus flowers, bearing the inscription—“From your girls.”—Was it not a fitting tribute that she should rest under a covering of love offerings from the girls she so loved and for whom she worked and prayed until the day of her death?
The officers of the near-by stakes acted as ushers. The choir was composed entirely of girls, selected also from these stakes, under the able leadership of our own music director—Sister Alice Tuddenham. accompanied bv our organist. Sister Lizzie Thomas. What an inspiring sight they made dressed in white! And with what feeling and expression they sang! As each member of the Board passed the casket to her seat upon the stand, she placed her personal tribute—an American Beauty rose—lovingly and tenderly upon the bier, feeling how powerless are flowers or words, or anything to express the heart’s tenderest feelings.
We give you these details, dear sisters, not from a desire to appear boastful, for too well we know how her gentle spirit shrank from anything approaching that—and we would strive to please, not grieve— but we give them as one sister to another that is absent from the bedside of a mother who is summoned Home. We know that these details will be treasured as a sacred memory. For such reason, too, we give a measurably full report of the remarks made at the funeral, believing it will be a joy to each of Sister Taylor’s thirty thousand girls to know how she was loved and honored.
We call especial attention to the words of our beloved Prophet, Joseph F. Smith. We can imagine no greater or higher tribute that could be paid by one of our Father’s noblest sons to a daughter fully worthy. The services were under the direction of the Young Men’s General Board and were conducted by President Smith. The words of the first hymn seemed to roll forth with a new significance and appropriateness,
“Thou dost not weep, to weep alone!
The broad bereavement seems to fall
Unheeded and unfelt by none--
She was beloved—beloved by all.”
Apostle John Henry Smith offered the opening prayer.
The words of the second hymn “O, My Father,” were penned by Sister Taylor’s gifted friend and loved co-worker, Eliza K. Snow, and when sung by sweet, girlish voices the inspiration of their meaning was felt to a marked degree.
PRESIDENT JOHN R. WINDER
said in substance:
“My Brethren and Sisters, I have been called upon to make a very few remarks. When I entered this building this morning and gazed upon this beautiful sight, this pure white, the first thing that came to my mind was one of our hymns:
‘Who are these arrayed in white.
Brighter than the noonday sun?’
Foremost of the sons of light,
Nearest the eternal throne?
These are they that bore the cross.
Nobly for their Master stood,
Sufferers for His righteous cause,
Followers of the dying God.
‘Out of great distress they came.
Washed their robes by faith below,
In the blood of yonder Lamb--
Blood that washes white as snow.
Therefore are they next the throne,
Serve their Maker day and night;
God resides among His own,
God doth in His Saints delight.’
"And then I thought how characteristic and emblematical of the pure life of our departed sister.
"I have known Sister Taylor for many years. I lived in the same ward with her, I suppose, when she first came to this country; and I have always noticed Sister Taylor’s walk and conversation among the people. Her example has always been of the highest character and I think the representation here this morning, verifies this remark; that she is held in the highest esteem by, I may say the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and all its members.
“It appears that no matter how long we are permitted to live upon the earth, when the time comes for our good friends to depart it creates more or less sorrow. We regret to part with them, and still we know that they have lived a pure, upright, and honorable life, as Sister Taylor has done, and that they go to a better place. We know they are safe, and that they will receive the highest exaltation. Then why should we mourn at the departure of such?
“I say to the husband of Sister Taylor, to her family: may heaven's choicest blessings attend you, and may the example that she has set you during all these years of her long life ever be before you. that you may seek to emulate the good example she has set. God bless you, and all of you my brethren and sisters in the whole house of Israel, is my prayer in the name of Jesus, Amen.”
SISTER MARIA Y. DOUGALL,
Counselor to President E. S. Taylor, said:
“My beloved brethren and sisters, I can assure you that this is a very trying position for me to occupy this morning. But still I feel that I would not be doing my duty if I did not respond to the call of President Smith and stand here before you to speak mv tribute to the woman that I have loved and honored and worked with for so many years. Her life has been an example to me. She has been an ideal woman, a woman that we can pattern after. And I can sav that from the first time that I ever met Sister Taylor, I was very much impressed with her. I remember her when I was a girl, on the streets here in Salt Lake City, when I met her in the stores, on the street, doing her marketing. And she was a perfect lady on all occasions dressed in her neat, little quaker- like bonnet, her beautiful Paisley shawl, her kid gloves; and she looked and acted what she was, a perfect lady. I used to wonder who she was. But sometime after, I became identified with the organizations of the sisters, and I became acquainted with Sister Elmina S. Taylor, and I have found her all that I ever thought she was. I have worked with her now as her counselor, in the General Board of the Mutual Improvement Associations very nearly twenty years, and you may know’ I have been closely associated with her. I can say that in all my life, I never met a more noble, gracious, humble, capable woman than Elmina S. Taylor, and I wish to pay this tribute to her on this occasion. I pray my Heavenly Father that the hearts of her dear husband and children, may be comforted and blessed, and that they may follow in the example of their worthy wife and mother. I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
ELDER J. GOLDEN KIMBALL,
of the Seven Presidents of Seventy, said:
"I feel very much favored in saying a few words on this occasion, as I was quite well acquainted with Sister Taylor, and there seemed to be an affinity, a congeniality between Sister Taylor and myself. She seemed to understand me, and I understood her. And I learned to love her. Not long ago I felt impressed, while sitting at my desk in the office, to express my affection and my kindly feelings for Sister Taylor while she was living, and I felt that I was impressed by the Spirit of the Lord. I took advantage of that impression, and wrote Sister Taylor, telling her how I felt towards her, and how I appreciated her labors among the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement workers. So I have said to Sister Taylor while she lived, all that I can say, and I would advise all Latter-day Saints and friends who have fathers and mothers and loved ones, ‘til I have anything to sav to them, say it now’, and don’t wait until it is too late.
“Now I am not concerned about Sister Taylor’s welfare or future, for I believe the doctrine as we pray. “Thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in Heaven.’’ I believe the same organization, identical with the organization of the Church, as we have it here, from the Apostles to the Deacon, exists in the other world. And I doubt not that the auxiliary organizations, the helps in government, are just as needful, on the other side as they are here, and that Sister Taylor’s labors are not through now. I believe that they were continued, and that she was needed there now that she has received an education. She has exhibited a personality that is very remarkable to me. While she was weak in the body, she had no very great physical strength—her spiritual power was very remarkable. I believe and have believed for some time, that had it not been for the devotion, the great, and indomitable faith that the Young Ladies’ General Board had for Sister Taylor, she would have died long ago. But it is through their faith and through the will of the Father that she has continued this work among the Young Ladies.
“I do sympathize with my whole heart with her family. No person can take the place of a mother. I have learned that lesson and I hope every one else will learn it, and especially those that have mothers living. It matters not how devoted your wife may be. she cannot fill the place of a mother.
"Now. I desire to call your attention to the great labor that has been performed by Sister Taylor for I belong to the General Board of the Young Men, and 1 know something about the difficulties that we have to meet, the influence and the prestige that it requires to keep these organizations intact, and to reach the hearts of the young men. The Y. L. M. I. A. is very remarkable to me, for I have considered this matter carefully. I recall the time when there was quite a heavy indebtedness on the Young Woman’s Journal. And it was only through a united effort that the Young Ladies were able to free themselves from the obligation, which they did honorably. They now have reached the young people to the extent that something over 11,000 Young Woman’s Journals are being read by our people, with a very pleasant prospect of reaching 12,000. This is a remarkable work. Sister Taylor must have been a very wonderful spirit, that she was able to work in conjunction with these young ladies, and have their love and their affection, and their heart’s devotion, that they were willing to be guided and influenced, that there was no disruption among them. To my knowledge they have always been united and successful in their work.
“I say God bless her memory, and I pray the Lord that the authorities, those that have these matters in hand, may reach out after some one that God may inspire to fill the vacancy in this General Board of the Young Ladies.
“Now, I pray the Lord to bless this family, and to bless these young ladies, that they may be inspired by her spirit, that they may always feel her influence, that they may always be willing to follow her good advice, that it may be impressed upon their memories, never to be forgotten. God bless you. Amen.”
BATHSHEBA W. SMITH,
President of the Woman’s Relief Society, said:
“I wish I could make you all hear, and if the Lord will give me His spirit, I will try to say a few words about Sister Taylor. I have known her for a long time, in the Relief Society of the Fourteenth ward, and in the organization of the Y. L. M. I. A., and we have always been very near friends. We have often consulted about the work we were engaged in, and we were united about it. We have often been out among the sisters. When they have entertained us we have generally sat together at the table, and I always enjoyed Sister Taylor’s company. I think that she was a great and good woman. I loved her family, her husband and all of them. I remember once asking her to come and make a visit at my house, and she said ‘yes, I will come if my husband can.’ ‘O yes,’ I said, ‘be sure and bring him,’ and J was only going to have President John Taylor and Brother Wells, I believe they were all the gentlemen present beside her husband; but we had a nice time and enjoyed ourselves.
“I have, I may say, become pretty used to having my friends depart. and I don’t feel to mourn Sister Taylor, for I feel that she has gone to a better place than she had here, and we will meet again someday. Yes many of my friends have gone before; yet there are lots of them left, and I don’t feel lonely. Sometimes I do for a few minutes. We have a great many good brethren and sisters left, and I sometimes feel like I don’t wish to leave them until we get the victory over Satan but I shall see it, if I don’t see it in this life. It is coming and we may rejoice in that belief. The Priesthood of God is on the earth, and come to stay, and there is on doubt about that.
“I pray God to bless each and every one of us, and may He keep us in the path of the Gospel, that we may abide in the faith and be diligent and faithful in performing every duty which is required of us. I ask it all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Sister Nellie Druce Pugsley sang, with exquisite pathos and tenderness, the solo “O Lord, Hear My Prayer.” In this, as in all the other arrangements, there was an especial fitness for the occasion. Sister Pugsley was the niece of the Elder John Druce, who was the means of bringing Sister Taylor into the Church.
SUSA YOUNG GATES,
of the General Board Y. L. M. I. A., said:
“My brethren and sisters, to me the passing of Sister Taylor is a great blow, and last night, when I was alone, it seemed as if her spirit came and held communion with mine: and, lest I might not remember what she said to me, and what [ answered, I have written it that I might read it to you this morning:
“’Tis the hour twixt day and night. That sad hour when the whispering stillness o’er the earth floats up and meets the brooding silence of the sky.
“Mv thoughts are shaken with a sudden sense of some sweet spirit near; I turn as if to see or hear. But silence falls and folds me round with soft and subtle spell.
“And then the impress of her spirit reaches mine! Ah then, I know my friend hath come to hold communion with me ere she wings her flight to distant spheres.
“My friend is passing, and what of her, and what of me? For I have long and loud proclaimed my love for her; and now she stands before my soul and sees its naked meaning. And there are questions which I ask myself. How can I answer them?
“What hath she done for me? Now stand thou forth, O soul, and give thy answer! Truth, the truth, and nothing else than truth!
“She came out from her people and laid her girlish all upon that sacrificial altar which men do rear for those who bear the name of Christ upon their brow. She left them all, but lo! they followed her; and neath her roof they found both love and shelter.
“What did that profit me? Her courage, O her courage! And after that her sweet and lasting charity, which fed and clothed the aged ones who still could slight the truth she loved so well. My courage and my charity are lifted, fed, and lighted by the flame which her brave soul lit up along that path.
“And then?
She took the sacred mantle of her wifehood, and fastened it with clasps of golden trust and patience o’er her heart, and thus she ever wore it as her shield and as her glory. And then, dear heart, she opened it to fold it round the forms of other two who fain would find that love and shelter at her husband’s hearth which had been all her own. And they two loved her!
“And what was this to me?
“The wifely robe which is my own insignia, bears richer, lovelier, broideries far, because she taught me how to weave them. My robe is still my own—unshared, my own! I’ve never opened robe or heart to other, though I might have done. For in my heart I loved and honored that great principle a thousand times the more because that torn and bleeding heart of hers had crushed the selfishness within, that right and truth might reign supreme. O, how I honor her for this! And is not this my deepest tribute, a source of strength to me? She pressed the crown of thorns upon her brow until the aching temples almost sweat with life’s full wine; and from the point of every thorn there shown to me a jewel of the purest ray serene. Will not the chaplet which I, too, may some day wear in some more favored world be softer, not so sharp, because my friend hath worn it bravely?
“They set her feet upon a rocky, lonesome road, that road that lies along the hillside called, Our Public Duties. She did not hesitate nor falter, though she must have seen the sacrifice, toil, and weary heartaches, which cover all that path with brambles and rough stones. The ridicule, the misconception sharp criticism—and from the lips of those we love how sharp they be—the rising up, the crushing down, she must have seen that all this must be met. and never conquered quite, for lo! it rises day by day.
“And yet she never faltered! She laid upon her heart one strong and vital word that word ‘Integrity,’ and with this keyword locked and barred the door which opened into selfishness and vain ambition. And with it, too, she opened wide the gate which led to reverence, and best of all, to wisdom. Her wisdom! How it calmed the rising storm, it cheered the broken heart, encouraged faltering youth, rebuked the froward speech; and towered like a lighted beacon in the waters which might rage and clash, or dimple with deceitful blue; yet ever beamed that calm and lovely light to guide and brighten every passing sail.
“Yes, yes, my soul, we’ve dashed about, been beaten by the waves and yet above the din and storm, mine eyes were lifted to the light of her calm wisdom, and the Spirit whispered ‘Peace, be still!’
“To rise and fall; to glow with heavenly joy; to mourn with crushing sorrow; all these I’ve done, beneath the pressure of her keen gray eyes. And this it is which has been to me an education!
“I saw her climbing that steep path of duty sometimes so far above me that I would cry out with fear and trouble. Then how her face would shine from out the clouds, and with what tenderness she’d speak my name! Anon, I’ve seen her stop and tremble with a sudden anguish. And when I asked the cause, she’d uncover to mine eyes the thistle which her feet had pressed, and with that pressure had extracted some of that bitter sweet which doth ever linger in the brambles of experience. And then perchance she’d hold the spray of thorns aloft, and with her smile, that oft was sadder than her tears, she’d murmur, ‘Watch for this, my girl, if thou doth ever pass this way!’
“She loved me! But I was only one of thousands whom she likewise loved. Her girls! Ah. how she loved them. And though her love was such an honor unto me, I knew I ever shared that honor with the wealthiest and the poorest of these our Zion’s daughters. Her girls! Not one of them, not me. nor all. but what are wiser, better, truer far for having known this friend of mine, whose passing now doth grieve me so.
“Doth any man or woman live and unto self alone? Not so. The world is richer, or it may be poorer tar, because that she or I have lived therein. And when such lives as hers are lived on earth, the sum of mine and thine existence hath been equaled only by the heavenly balance which God will strike.
“This, then, I answer unto that dear, passing soul—To me thou hast been guide and counselor and friend. O may I know thee over There, and follow still thy wise and loving lead.
“And so—the night draws around my hearth. And as I flash from flame and fire within, both warmth and comfort unto all who pass my door. I murmur,
“This lesson, too, mv friend hath taught me to shower, radiance and light unto every darkened soul in space.
O friend, good night, good night, O friend. Wilt come to me tomorrow, and still again tomorrow? And when my last tomorrow comes on earth, wilt thou not come and make the shadow of my passing more bright because of thine effulgent radiance!
“Good night!
“Tomorrow--.”
SISTER MAY ANDERSON,
General Secretary of Primary Associations, said:
“Sister Louie B. Felt, the General President of the Primary Associations, was invited here today to say a few words of respect and appreciation to Sister Elmina S. Taylor; but owing to a severe cold., which has deprived her of the use of her voice, she has asked me to read to you a few lines in her behalf :
“The members of the General Board of Primary Association feel it an honor to have the privilege of adding a few words of appreciation and respect of the life and labors of our dear friend and sister, Elmina S. Taylor.
“The General Boards of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations and the Primary Associations were called into being at the same time. Sister Eliza R Snow Smith had the responsibility of organizing these General Boards and so wise and careful was she, so blessed with the discernment of the Spirit of God that the foundations laid with her assistance have proved to be of the best.
“For a number of years Sisters Snow, Taylor and Felt, the three Presidents of the women’s organizations of the Church, were brought into the closest bonds of love and friendship, by traveling together in many of the Stakes of Zion, when stakes were visited throughout, ward by ward and most of the journeys made by team. What hours of pleasant and profitable associations for three such women! There were many hardships and some experiences that were not all pleasant, for those were pioneer days, but these sisters though frail in body, were sturdy in spirit and full of that energy and enthusiasm which enabled them to overcome and to rejoice in the good they were permitted to accomplish.
“The Latter-day Saint does not feel that an occasion like this is one of mourning and of hopeless grief. It is true we miss the companionship and love of our dear ones, but this is not eternal separation. A loved one has reached the end of her mortal probation and gone into a condition of greater possibilities and more noble opportunities.
“We who remain here for a period longer are thankful for the labors and influences of all the noble souls who have preceded us into that wonderful world ahead. There is a great satisfaction in the contemptation of a life that has proved its right to enter into the glory of eternity. Perhaps we may understand some of the trials and struggles that have helped to perfect that life, some of the opportunities that have been grasped and brought forth into successes, duties honorably borne and obligations sacredly filled. But of another’s life we really know but little. We admire and rejoice to have, as our friends, spirits that we recognize as noble as helpful, and as possessing the qualities that can not only battle and overcome the trials of a mortal life, but who can make happier the lives of all who come under its influence. But we may compare our own life with the lives of those who have accomplished so much. We can investigate thoroughly and dis cover if we are making the good fight, if we are reaching up to the perfect life, if we are unselfishly and earnestly doing the work that is expected of us.
“It will be through such self-investigation that we may be helped to overcome our weaker selves, and perhaps to better knowledge add better deeds, and so attain that condition that will enable us to continue in the love and friendship of such a noble soul as that of Sister Elmina S. Taylor.
“We do rejoice to remember her. the good accomplished under her guiding hand, the example of modesty and worth which she gave, the testimonies which she bore and the love and gentle fragrance which were characteristic of her life at home and abroad. The young ladies in Zion have lost the mortal companionship and counsel of their leader, but the love and interest put into the Mutual Improvement work by Sister Taylor will live for ever and be wide and far reaching in their beneficial results.
“May God help us all to accept His blessings and His requirements. His joys and His sorrows is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
PATRIARCH JOHN SMITH
was the next speaker:
“By request, I stand before you on this occasion.
“In the fall of 1864, when I returned from my mission to Denmark, I became acquainted with Brother and Sister Taylor, they being our neighbors. Since that time. I have been intimately acquainted with the family. Their children and mine have grown up together, and often when Sister Taylor has been ill she has sent for me to administer to her. I have proven through the years I have known her. that she was a woman of great faith, of great integrity and one who strove to fill her mission here in honor to our Father in heaven, and to the satisfaction of those with whom she was associated. I have often dropped in to the family home, by request, to give her a few words of comfort. For the last year or two she has been a great sufferer, and I have plead with our Father in heaven that she should live until her mission was complete. I have watched her course for years. She has labored diligently to accomplish the work assigned her, true and faithful to her trust; and I can bear my testimony that she has filled her mission in the world and she has accomplished the work assigned for her to do. She has performed her duties acceptably to our Father in heaven and she has now gone to her rest, I trust that her children will remember her counsels and her teachings and follow after her precepts.
“That God, our Heavenly Father, may bless those of us who remain that we may conduct ourselves in that manner that when we have finished our course here we may be worthy of the blessings which our Father has in store for us, as she has the labors assigned to her, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
EMMELINE B. WELLS,
General Secretary of Relief Society., then addressed the assembly:
“My beloved brethren and sisters, I feel that it is a great honor to stand before you on this occasion to bear my humble testimony to the life and character of such a devoted woman as Sister Elmina Taylor. I rejoice that I have known her, and as I contemplate her life and our association together, many vivid pictures come up before my mind of times and seasons that we have rejoiced together in the spiritual gatherings wherein we have met. as well as in counseling together on many occasions. I feel deeply in my inmost heart for her husband and daughter and all her family in the great loss that they have met with. I know that no other person could ever fill that place. I am sorry for her sister, who will be lonely without her, and all those who met with her in the family circle, because her place there must be vacant.
“She was an exceedingly strong personality, one of the strongest, one of the bravest, one of the most self-denying, one of the most devoted women in the Church. In many respects our ideas and tastes were similar. We were born under perhaps the same influences. Our heritage, our inheritance, was of the old Puritan stock. We were reared and educated much the same, and before I ever knew her at all, a daughter of mine, who is now deceased, that had become acquainted with her, said to me. ‘Mother, you must know Sister Taylor,’ she always spoke of her as Mrs. George H. Taylor—‘You must know her,’ she said, ‘for she loves the things you do, she reads the books you do.’ Although she was really born in the State of New York, yet she was of New England parentage. Consequently, our associations were pleasant and agreeable always. We have traveled a great deal together for the Relief Societies, even before she became the Superintendent of the Young Ladies. I remember very well the occasion in this house when she was called to preside over the associations. It was the 19th day of June, 1880. She has nearly filled a quarter of a century of that great labor, and it is certainly a very great credit to the judgment and wisdom of Sister Eliza R. Snow that she was selected to fill that position. I remember how astonished some of us were, and how we thought it would have been Sister Howard, who had labored so much in organizing the Young Ladies. But we were satisfied. We knew that Sister Eliza was right. Previous to that time, she had been associated as first counselor to Sister Mary Isabella Horne in the Relief Society of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, and in that capacity she traveled a very great deal with Sister Horne. Perhaps no woman living today knew her so well and so intimately as a neighbor and friend and companion as Sister Horne, who is not able to be here, and of whom many times, Sister Taylor had said she wanted Sister Horne to speak at her funeral. It seems strange that she has passed away previous to Sister Horne. I believe she thought that she would.
“The work that Sister Taylor has done cannot be told in a few minutes, nor yet the pleasure of her acquaintance. But I do feel that these young ladies who have been associated with her in the General Board and also the young men, who have known her intimately, must feel that they have suffered a great loss in losing her friendly advice, her wisdom, her judgment, her fidelity to the Gospel, her integrity to the truth. Everything that was good, that we can any of us think of, everything that was noble, everything that was lovely, was in her character. It seems to me when I stand and think of it, and when I see this Assembly Hall fitted up as it is with all this beauty, I feel that these young ladies have so appreciated her as to do this in her memory and to her honor; and I feel that it is a precedent for many of us to follow hereafter, especially those who are younger.
"I do feel that it has been a liberal education to have known such women as we have known, who have passed away, and whose spirit and influence is often so dear to us; for very often I feel as if Sister Zina stood by my side, and many times I have felt that I wished that I could be in the homes and gatherings of long ago, when Mother Whitney used to sing to us in my own house and other places—when her voice rang out better and clearer than anyone’s, it seemed to me I ever heard in mv life, and I do believe that my association with her was one of the greatest gifts of God to me. and so with other women who have passed away. I feel as if I will not be lonely. if I am left alone with them. There are many names I would love to call over here, with whom T was associated in the early days of the Church, that bore the trials and temptations and sufferings and sorrows and hardships of those early days; and it seems to me that their crowns must be as bright as any, their stars must shine with any that have shone before. O, it seems to me as if I see them now 1x?fore me, and that I can hear their voices. I often feel that I can hear Mother Whitney’s voice ringing down the staircase as it used to do in the days gone by, when she sang those beautiful old hymns that it seemed to me, surpassed anything I can hear today. But those are feelings that appeal to those who are older, and not those who are younger. O, these young ladies, if they will only follow in the example of those who have gone before, the example of their leader that has now just departed; if they will only be as true and as faithful!
“I enjoyed Sister Taylor’s friendship in my life, and always knew that I could go to her when in sorrow and in trouble and in darkness. In my life I found that Sister Taylor was always true. It is something to know that there is someone that stands true to you. I know those in the days gone by have said that the Prophet Joseph Smith was afraid of his friends. O! it must have been terrible for that man, that man of God, to stand as he did in this world and be afraid those who stood close to him were not true to him. O! I pray that we may be true to each other, that we may be united, that these young ladies may be united together. And I wish that the thousands of women that are growing up here could see this picture, could hear what has been said by these young men and young women, could know how dear these young ladies feel and know the purity of the lives and characters of this departed sister and those who have been workers and leaders in this. If they could, they would never dare open their mouths against them.
"May the Lord bless these young ladies, and especially may He bless the husband and daughter and the sons and the family of our departed sister, and may the Holy Spirit be with us all, and guide us and help us to be as true and as faithful as she has been, and these other noble women who have gone before, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
SISTER RUTH M. FOX,
of the General Board of Y. L. M. I. A., said:
‘‘Mv dear brethren and sisters, this is indeed a trying ordeal, and I ask for your faith and your sympathy. that God may direct what I may say. It is most glorious to me today .notwithstanding the solemnity of the occasion, to hear the many beautiful things said of the life of Sister Elmina S. Taylor, and the certainty of the future that awaits her is most glorious.
"Perhaps as a member of the Board I should speak in an official capacity, but you all understand her work is before us. Her executive ability has been marvelous, and if her Board has been united, and if we have had her faith and her good spirit with us. away off through the different sections of Zion, it has been because of the faith we had in our President and the spirit that she ever had about her; and she blessed us with it. and we were united. Owe do not take the credit. because her judgment and her justice were so true.
Sister Taylor was a womanly woman. That is just the kind of women that God wants us to be, as daughters of Zion. It seems to me. as I have thought over her life and her character—and I want to tell you that I have known her ever since my girlhood, more or less— that all the good words, every good sentiment, that ever was uttered of any woman, could be applied to our Sister Elmina S. Taylor. If she had failings, as I presume she did have, as we are all human, I never knew them and never saw them. From the time of my young married life, she has been my ideal, a guiding star to me, and I do not think that I myself realize the benefits that I have received from Sister Taylor’s example. And so I say to all, she has been the embodiment of all the virtues and all the graces. Did you seek for wisdom? Sister Taylor had it. Were you looking for judgment? you found it. Did you look for strength of character and faith and fidelity and courage? you found it embodied in our sister. Did you want sympathy and love, or charity ? you could get it from Sister Taylor. And I do thank my Heavenly Father, and I do consider it even the greatest privilege of my life, to have learned wisdom at her feet. And now I am going to take the counsel of Brother J. Golden Kimball. and I am going to say as a member of her ward that we love her husband as we loved his wife, that he is worthy of her in every reuse of the word—verily one of God’s noblemen, just as our noble President was one of God’s noble women, verily a handmaid of the Lord. We have heard her so often speak, and O how often she said, ‘Girls, be faithful. May we endure to the end, may we hear the plaudit, “Well done, good and faithful servant. enter into the joy of thy Lord.” ’ I want to testify that she has heard the plaudit. She is not dead but sleepeth, resting from her labors upon earth. And gladly would she go at the Master’s call. “As women of the Latter-day Saints, feeling that perhaps there are some here who are not of us. we wish to testify before heaven and before earth, that we know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that he was an instrument in His hands in restoring the everlasting gospel, and that, through it. more has been done for the uplifting of women than ever has been done since the creation of the world. We rejoice in that Gospel. We know that our Redeemer lives, and we know’ we shall live eternally in the heavens if we are faithful before God. And may God grant that this may be.
“Read the life of Sister Taylor, you who were not intimately acquainted with her, and remember that it was not because of her exalted position she was so truly great. She would have been great had she not been known outside of her family and friends. It was her integrity to God, her devotion to her husband, her tenderness for her children. May God bless them all. We know they have faith even as we have, and we know that God will bless them and sustain them, and all Sister Taylor’s posterity through all generations of time. May God be with us all. and may we have the desire to ever emulate her noble example and follow in her noble footsteps, I ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.”
President Joseph F. Smith
arose, and, after reading a few verses from the first and second chapters of I John, said:
“I do not wish to detain the congregation. I wish to sav that I endorse, without recourse, all that I have heard said today respecting the character, life, labors, virtues, wisdom, judgment and intelligence of our Sister, Elmina S. Taylor. Pardon me, if I make such a broad expression, but I will say that most people of my acquaintance— and I presume it will apply generally— that most people walk very largely in a light that is borrowed, like the light of the moon borrowed from the sun. I have known a few men and women in the world, who do not seek borrowed light, for the light is in them and they walk in the light, and they have fellowship with Jesus Christ and with their associates, with the Church, and with the Kingdom of God in the earth, and the blood of Jesus Christ hath indeed cleansed them from all sin. I will give it as an opinion which I have held many years, because of my connection with these Mutual Improvement Associations and with Sister Taylor, that she was one of the few in the world who had the light within her, and who had the inspiration and the intelligence that is born of truth and of the forgiveness of sins, of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, and she walked in it, and therefore she had power among her associates and her sisters. She was legitimately the head of the organization over which she was called to preside. She borrowed no influence from others. She bore her own influence upon the minds of those with whom she was associated. There came out of her soul the spirit of wisdom, counsel and judgment, and her mind was clear in regard to the truth; and she always- spoke as one possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, which she really did possess.
“Now it is not my custom to speak praise of our departed loved ones. I would rather dwell, if the time would permit me. and I had the opportunity to do it, upon the glorious future that awaits them, upon the certainty of eternal life which they have espoused, which they have won for themselves. I would rather dwell upon the goodness and glory of God’s message of life and salvation to the children of men. But I have felt to say these few words in endorsement of what has been said by our brethren and sisters with respect to Sister Taylor. It was said that she was a strong character. She had a strong personality. This is true. But the very strength of that character and personality was tempered and softened by the choicest spirit of kindness, of love, of mercy and of charity that ever, in my judgment, adorned womankind; and while she possessed this strength of character and this strong personality, it was always bent in the direction of righteousness, in the direction of truth, for the uplifting of her associates. Herein is where she shone most brightly, because all her thoughts and all her energies were directed in the right channel and for the right cause. And she was singularly free from mistakes and from those little imperfections or weaknesses, which are so often exhibited by fallen human nature.
“My brethren and sisters, we have lost a valuable soul from among us in the flesh. I sometimes marvel why it is, when these spirits are so few and so far between, that they should not, in the providence of God, be permitted to remain a little longer with us. She was not so old but that she might have lived for many, many years and continued her labor amongst us. But in God’s providence, the youth even, the brightest, sometimes, amongst us and the most faithful, the most diligent, those who seem to be qualified to accomplish the greatest good, are often permitted to go before: while those who need light, who borrow light, who are seeking light and intelligence and who are susceptible to it and are striving to absorb it in their souls that it may become a part of them, remain to struggle along with their imperfections and with the difficulties that they have to meet with in life, to do the best they can. And I come to the conclusion that God intends that we shall feel and know that it is not man, nor the arm of flesh, that we shall put our trust in; but that we shall depend upon Him, and put our trust in Him, though the world is opposed, and all the forces, it seems, of evil, are arrayed against the work of the Lord.
“One of the sisters remarked that if the world could see, and knew the virtue and the purity of life of such women as Sister Taylor and her associates in the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association that it would seem that they would hold their tongues. This I fear is a mistake. I believe that it is because the wicked see the virtues and see the purity of life, the honor and uprightness, the faith and fidelity of the daughters of Zion and of the faithful sons of Zion, that they are stirred up the more to bitterness, hatred and envy, as the wolf is stirred in his hunger and ravenous appetite against the innocent lamb. The more purity you have, the better you live, the nearer unto God, the more upright you are, the more the wicked will hate and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for so they did against Him who was without sin or blemish, for it was against Him who was purer than all and better than all, who had more intelligence than all others that ever lived in the flesh, they cried, ‘Let His blood be upon us and upon our children ; crucify Him, put Him to death And I say again, that the wicked in the world hate, and will continue to hate you as long as you continue to possess virtue, purity, honor and truth, until He comes whose right it is to reign in the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and shall execute judgment upon the wicked, and the ungodly shall be forced to bow the knee, and their blasphemous tongues shall be forced to confess that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. Now I think you will find this to be the truth.
“The Lord bless you. I will say to Bishop Taylor, God bless you, and help you to continue to be the man that you are; all good wives help their husbands to be good, that is, if there is any good in them. To him I say, the Lord bless you, comfort your heart, give you that strength that is needed to enable you to continue your labor as a shepherd in Israel and as a guide to the flock over which you preside as a Bishop of the Church; and that you and yours may be blessed and filled with joy, satisfaction and the knowledge that you possess all the glorious privileges and rights that belong to her that has now gone before you, that you will meet her again and enjoy her society forever and ever in the mansion that is prepared for you, or will be prepared for you, when you shall be gathered into the Kingdom of our God. This is my prayer for you. Ever be true to the Gospel of life. And to the children I say be true to the examples of your mother, walk and follow in her footsteps, for she was indeed a true mother in Israel, and a wise counselor, a glorious, good woman. God bless her memory to all those who knew her, and may her fame and her name be handed down from generation to generation by those who love God and who strive to keep His commandments, is my prayer in the name of Jesus, Amen.”
President Smith then said: “We desire now my brethren and sisters to present a resolution of respect by the Y. M. M. I. A. General Board.”
Elder Hull then read the resolution as follows:
RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT.
By the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association.
“Sister Elmina S. Taylor, president of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Associations, having died at her home in Salt Lake City, December 6. 1904, at the age of 74 years, and after 24 years of faithful service as the supreme head of our companion organization, the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Associations:
“It is Resolved by the General Superintendency. for themselves and for the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations throughout the world:
“That we express in unqualified terms our praise of the splendid organization of the young women of Zion brought up to its present perfection under the presidency of Sister Taylor: “That we recognize in the vast labor which this achievement has involved, the triumphant consecration of a noble life, whose whole soul—with qualities of mind and heart peculiarly adapted to the duties of leadership—was dedicated to this service;
"That we sympathize deeply with the officers and members of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Associations in the sorrow of their parting from their distinguished president, who had won completely their respect for her wisdom, and confidence in her executive judgment, and their unfeigned love;
“That we commend the glorious example of her life in its unselfish devotion to the highest ideals of culture and improvement, to the adoration of the young women of our people, and her memory to the reverence and honor of all who love righteousness and who delight in the happiness and wellbeing of their fellow men.”
The Young Ladies’ choir then sang the closing hymn: “Rest for the Wearv Soul,” and Apostle Rudger Clawson pronounced the benediction.
At the cemetery the arrangements were no less beautiful— though different from those at the Assembly Hall. The associations belonging to what was formerly known as the Salt Lake Stake had lined the grave with a cloth of pure white, over which was thickly studded sprays of fern and evergreen leaves, the whole covering the cold earth about. Into this beautiful receptacle the casket was lowered and the spot dedicated by President Nephi L. Morris of the Salt Lake Stake.
Silently her associates stepped forward, dropping their roses within the tomb and over all the white and green canopy was folded.
No touch of the cold earth came near her, for she was literally beneath a bed of roses and the harsh sound of falling earth was deadened by their soft petals.
The mound is made and over it is laid the beauteous blanket “From Your Girls.” Other tributes from hearts just as warm are tenderly arranged, and now dear one, how can we say farewell? No more on earth the sweet glad smile we loved so well—no more the dear hand clasp that so encouraged and inspired—no more the warm embrace and fervent “God Bless You” at the parting—Father lift up our hearts to Thee, make up in Thine own way for our great loss, and Father in His name we ask Thee, help us that we may be with her again in. Thine abode!
THE LAST RITES.
May Boothe Talmage.
Purity and exquisite beauty, quiet elegance and unostentatious dignity—all so characteristic of her life—were shown in the decoration and arrangement for the funeral of our beloved President, Elmina S Taylor.
To the members of her Board the honor and privilege was given of assisting in making the clothing she should wear.
Ah, how beautiful she looked in her robes of snowy linen as she lay in state in the dear, old parlor we all love so well! How the memory of the blessed days spent with her there thronged through our minds, and with what aching hearts we thought of future days, when we could see that best beloved face no more! But in all this we recognize the right of Him who gave, to take, thankful and happy in her freedom from the suffering she so patiently endured and rejoicing in the glorious heritage she left us. Flowers—mute messengers of love—were placed about the room, testifying the affection of her friends
The day set for the funeral, Sunday, December nth, was an ideal one, and as we stood about the bier for one last, loving look, a ray of softened sunshine, stealing through the window, rested on her face and lighted up her countenance until it seemed divine. Few traces of the pain-furrowed lines were left, but in their place had crept a look of joy and peaceful rest. The members of her Board and a few other intimate friends gathered at the home to join the family in the procession to the Assembly Hall.
Nothing that loving hearts could devise or willing hands could execute had been forgotten, that should render the occasion a fitting and a worthy one.
In the Hall smilax and English ivy were gracefully entwined among the pure white draperies of the stand and catafalque, while palms and ferns, with white cased pots, were arranged to form a decoration of surpassing loveliness. On either side the casket, stood great vases of white feathery chrysanthemums; while on an easel was banked an immense bouquet of the same lovely flowers. These and other beautiful emblems were sent as tributes from personal friends and different Church organizations.
A suggestion was made and adopted to the effect that for each association throughout the world, one flower should be selected and the whole be woven into a blanket to lay over the casket. The result was indeed beautiful. In the center of the blanket was a scroll formed of the pure white narcissus flowers, bearing the inscription—“From your girls.”—Was it not a fitting tribute that she should rest under a covering of love offerings from the girls she so loved and for whom she worked and prayed until the day of her death?
The officers of the near-by stakes acted as ushers. The choir was composed entirely of girls, selected also from these stakes, under the able leadership of our own music director—Sister Alice Tuddenham. accompanied bv our organist. Sister Lizzie Thomas. What an inspiring sight they made dressed in white! And with what feeling and expression they sang! As each member of the Board passed the casket to her seat upon the stand, she placed her personal tribute—an American Beauty rose—lovingly and tenderly upon the bier, feeling how powerless are flowers or words, or anything to express the heart’s tenderest feelings.
We give you these details, dear sisters, not from a desire to appear boastful, for too well we know how her gentle spirit shrank from anything approaching that—and we would strive to please, not grieve— but we give them as one sister to another that is absent from the bedside of a mother who is summoned Home. We know that these details will be treasured as a sacred memory. For such reason, too, we give a measurably full report of the remarks made at the funeral, believing it will be a joy to each of Sister Taylor’s thirty thousand girls to know how she was loved and honored.
We call especial attention to the words of our beloved Prophet, Joseph F. Smith. We can imagine no greater or higher tribute that could be paid by one of our Father’s noblest sons to a daughter fully worthy. The services were under the direction of the Young Men’s General Board and were conducted by President Smith. The words of the first hymn seemed to roll forth with a new significance and appropriateness,
“Thou dost not weep, to weep alone!
The broad bereavement seems to fall
Unheeded and unfelt by none--
She was beloved—beloved by all.”
Apostle John Henry Smith offered the opening prayer.
The words of the second hymn “O, My Father,” were penned by Sister Taylor’s gifted friend and loved co-worker, Eliza K. Snow, and when sung by sweet, girlish voices the inspiration of their meaning was felt to a marked degree.
PRESIDENT JOHN R. WINDER
said in substance:
“My Brethren and Sisters, I have been called upon to make a very few remarks. When I entered this building this morning and gazed upon this beautiful sight, this pure white, the first thing that came to my mind was one of our hymns:
‘Who are these arrayed in white.
Brighter than the noonday sun?’
Foremost of the sons of light,
Nearest the eternal throne?
These are they that bore the cross.
Nobly for their Master stood,
Sufferers for His righteous cause,
Followers of the dying God.
‘Out of great distress they came.
Washed their robes by faith below,
In the blood of yonder Lamb--
Blood that washes white as snow.
Therefore are they next the throne,
Serve their Maker day and night;
God resides among His own,
God doth in His Saints delight.’
"And then I thought how characteristic and emblematical of the pure life of our departed sister.
"I have known Sister Taylor for many years. I lived in the same ward with her, I suppose, when she first came to this country; and I have always noticed Sister Taylor’s walk and conversation among the people. Her example has always been of the highest character and I think the representation here this morning, verifies this remark; that she is held in the highest esteem by, I may say the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and all its members.
“It appears that no matter how long we are permitted to live upon the earth, when the time comes for our good friends to depart it creates more or less sorrow. We regret to part with them, and still we know that they have lived a pure, upright, and honorable life, as Sister Taylor has done, and that they go to a better place. We know they are safe, and that they will receive the highest exaltation. Then why should we mourn at the departure of such?
“I say to the husband of Sister Taylor, to her family: may heaven's choicest blessings attend you, and may the example that she has set you during all these years of her long life ever be before you. that you may seek to emulate the good example she has set. God bless you, and all of you my brethren and sisters in the whole house of Israel, is my prayer in the name of Jesus, Amen.”
SISTER MARIA Y. DOUGALL,
Counselor to President E. S. Taylor, said:
“My beloved brethren and sisters, I can assure you that this is a very trying position for me to occupy this morning. But still I feel that I would not be doing my duty if I did not respond to the call of President Smith and stand here before you to speak mv tribute to the woman that I have loved and honored and worked with for so many years. Her life has been an example to me. She has been an ideal woman, a woman that we can pattern after. And I can sav that from the first time that I ever met Sister Taylor, I was very much impressed with her. I remember her when I was a girl, on the streets here in Salt Lake City, when I met her in the stores, on the street, doing her marketing. And she was a perfect lady on all occasions dressed in her neat, little quaker- like bonnet, her beautiful Paisley shawl, her kid gloves; and she looked and acted what she was, a perfect lady. I used to wonder who she was. But sometime after, I became identified with the organizations of the sisters, and I became acquainted with Sister Elmina S. Taylor, and I have found her all that I ever thought she was. I have worked with her now as her counselor, in the General Board of the Mutual Improvement Associations very nearly twenty years, and you may know’ I have been closely associated with her. I can say that in all my life, I never met a more noble, gracious, humble, capable woman than Elmina S. Taylor, and I wish to pay this tribute to her on this occasion. I pray my Heavenly Father that the hearts of her dear husband and children, may be comforted and blessed, and that they may follow in the example of their worthy wife and mother. I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
ELDER J. GOLDEN KIMBALL,
of the Seven Presidents of Seventy, said:
"I feel very much favored in saying a few words on this occasion, as I was quite well acquainted with Sister Taylor, and there seemed to be an affinity, a congeniality between Sister Taylor and myself. She seemed to understand me, and I understood her. And I learned to love her. Not long ago I felt impressed, while sitting at my desk in the office, to express my affection and my kindly feelings for Sister Taylor while she was living, and I felt that I was impressed by the Spirit of the Lord. I took advantage of that impression, and wrote Sister Taylor, telling her how I felt towards her, and how I appreciated her labors among the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement workers. So I have said to Sister Taylor while she lived, all that I can say, and I would advise all Latter-day Saints and friends who have fathers and mothers and loved ones, ‘til I have anything to sav to them, say it now’, and don’t wait until it is too late.
“Now I am not concerned about Sister Taylor’s welfare or future, for I believe the doctrine as we pray. “Thy Kingdom come, on earth as it is in Heaven.’’ I believe the same organization, identical with the organization of the Church, as we have it here, from the Apostles to the Deacon, exists in the other world. And I doubt not that the auxiliary organizations, the helps in government, are just as needful, on the other side as they are here, and that Sister Taylor’s labors are not through now. I believe that they were continued, and that she was needed there now that she has received an education. She has exhibited a personality that is very remarkable to me. While she was weak in the body, she had no very great physical strength—her spiritual power was very remarkable. I believe and have believed for some time, that had it not been for the devotion, the great, and indomitable faith that the Young Ladies’ General Board had for Sister Taylor, she would have died long ago. But it is through their faith and through the will of the Father that she has continued this work among the Young Ladies.
“I do sympathize with my whole heart with her family. No person can take the place of a mother. I have learned that lesson and I hope every one else will learn it, and especially those that have mothers living. It matters not how devoted your wife may be. she cannot fill the place of a mother.
"Now. I desire to call your attention to the great labor that has been performed by Sister Taylor for I belong to the General Board of the Young Men, and 1 know something about the difficulties that we have to meet, the influence and the prestige that it requires to keep these organizations intact, and to reach the hearts of the young men. The Y. L. M. I. A. is very remarkable to me, for I have considered this matter carefully. I recall the time when there was quite a heavy indebtedness on the Young Woman’s Journal. And it was only through a united effort that the Young Ladies were able to free themselves from the obligation, which they did honorably. They now have reached the young people to the extent that something over 11,000 Young Woman’s Journals are being read by our people, with a very pleasant prospect of reaching 12,000. This is a remarkable work. Sister Taylor must have been a very wonderful spirit, that she was able to work in conjunction with these young ladies, and have their love and their affection, and their heart’s devotion, that they were willing to be guided and influenced, that there was no disruption among them. To my knowledge they have always been united and successful in their work.
“I say God bless her memory, and I pray the Lord that the authorities, those that have these matters in hand, may reach out after some one that God may inspire to fill the vacancy in this General Board of the Young Ladies.
“Now, I pray the Lord to bless this family, and to bless these young ladies, that they may be inspired by her spirit, that they may always feel her influence, that they may always be willing to follow her good advice, that it may be impressed upon their memories, never to be forgotten. God bless you. Amen.”
BATHSHEBA W. SMITH,
President of the Woman’s Relief Society, said:
“I wish I could make you all hear, and if the Lord will give me His spirit, I will try to say a few words about Sister Taylor. I have known her for a long time, in the Relief Society of the Fourteenth ward, and in the organization of the Y. L. M. I. A., and we have always been very near friends. We have often consulted about the work we were engaged in, and we were united about it. We have often been out among the sisters. When they have entertained us we have generally sat together at the table, and I always enjoyed Sister Taylor’s company. I think that she was a great and good woman. I loved her family, her husband and all of them. I remember once asking her to come and make a visit at my house, and she said ‘yes, I will come if my husband can.’ ‘O yes,’ I said, ‘be sure and bring him,’ and J was only going to have President John Taylor and Brother Wells, I believe they were all the gentlemen present beside her husband; but we had a nice time and enjoyed ourselves.
“I have, I may say, become pretty used to having my friends depart. and I don’t feel to mourn Sister Taylor, for I feel that she has gone to a better place than she had here, and we will meet again someday. Yes many of my friends have gone before; yet there are lots of them left, and I don’t feel lonely. Sometimes I do for a few minutes. We have a great many good brethren and sisters left, and I sometimes feel like I don’t wish to leave them until we get the victory over Satan but I shall see it, if I don’t see it in this life. It is coming and we may rejoice in that belief. The Priesthood of God is on the earth, and come to stay, and there is on doubt about that.
“I pray God to bless each and every one of us, and may He keep us in the path of the Gospel, that we may abide in the faith and be diligent and faithful in performing every duty which is required of us. I ask it all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Sister Nellie Druce Pugsley sang, with exquisite pathos and tenderness, the solo “O Lord, Hear My Prayer.” In this, as in all the other arrangements, there was an especial fitness for the occasion. Sister Pugsley was the niece of the Elder John Druce, who was the means of bringing Sister Taylor into the Church.
SUSA YOUNG GATES,
of the General Board Y. L. M. I. A., said:
“My brethren and sisters, to me the passing of Sister Taylor is a great blow, and last night, when I was alone, it seemed as if her spirit came and held communion with mine: and, lest I might not remember what she said to me, and what [ answered, I have written it that I might read it to you this morning:
“’Tis the hour twixt day and night. That sad hour when the whispering stillness o’er the earth floats up and meets the brooding silence of the sky.
“Mv thoughts are shaken with a sudden sense of some sweet spirit near; I turn as if to see or hear. But silence falls and folds me round with soft and subtle spell.
“And then the impress of her spirit reaches mine! Ah then, I know my friend hath come to hold communion with me ere she wings her flight to distant spheres.
“My friend is passing, and what of her, and what of me? For I have long and loud proclaimed my love for her; and now she stands before my soul and sees its naked meaning. And there are questions which I ask myself. How can I answer them?
“What hath she done for me? Now stand thou forth, O soul, and give thy answer! Truth, the truth, and nothing else than truth!
“She came out from her people and laid her girlish all upon that sacrificial altar which men do rear for those who bear the name of Christ upon their brow. She left them all, but lo! they followed her; and neath her roof they found both love and shelter.
“What did that profit me? Her courage, O her courage! And after that her sweet and lasting charity, which fed and clothed the aged ones who still could slight the truth she loved so well. My courage and my charity are lifted, fed, and lighted by the flame which her brave soul lit up along that path.
“And then?
She took the sacred mantle of her wifehood, and fastened it with clasps of golden trust and patience o’er her heart, and thus she ever wore it as her shield and as her glory. And then, dear heart, she opened it to fold it round the forms of other two who fain would find that love and shelter at her husband’s hearth which had been all her own. And they two loved her!
“And what was this to me?
“The wifely robe which is my own insignia, bears richer, lovelier, broideries far, because she taught me how to weave them. My robe is still my own—unshared, my own! I’ve never opened robe or heart to other, though I might have done. For in my heart I loved and honored that great principle a thousand times the more because that torn and bleeding heart of hers had crushed the selfishness within, that right and truth might reign supreme. O, how I honor her for this! And is not this my deepest tribute, a source of strength to me? She pressed the crown of thorns upon her brow until the aching temples almost sweat with life’s full wine; and from the point of every thorn there shown to me a jewel of the purest ray serene. Will not the chaplet which I, too, may some day wear in some more favored world be softer, not so sharp, because my friend hath worn it bravely?
“They set her feet upon a rocky, lonesome road, that road that lies along the hillside called, Our Public Duties. She did not hesitate nor falter, though she must have seen the sacrifice, toil, and weary heartaches, which cover all that path with brambles and rough stones. The ridicule, the misconception sharp criticism—and from the lips of those we love how sharp they be—the rising up, the crushing down, she must have seen that all this must be met. and never conquered quite, for lo! it rises day by day.
“And yet she never faltered! She laid upon her heart one strong and vital word that word ‘Integrity,’ and with this keyword locked and barred the door which opened into selfishness and vain ambition. And with it, too, she opened wide the gate which led to reverence, and best of all, to wisdom. Her wisdom! How it calmed the rising storm, it cheered the broken heart, encouraged faltering youth, rebuked the froward speech; and towered like a lighted beacon in the waters which might rage and clash, or dimple with deceitful blue; yet ever beamed that calm and lovely light to guide and brighten every passing sail.
“Yes, yes, my soul, we’ve dashed about, been beaten by the waves and yet above the din and storm, mine eyes were lifted to the light of her calm wisdom, and the Spirit whispered ‘Peace, be still!’
“To rise and fall; to glow with heavenly joy; to mourn with crushing sorrow; all these I’ve done, beneath the pressure of her keen gray eyes. And this it is which has been to me an education!
“I saw her climbing that steep path of duty sometimes so far above me that I would cry out with fear and trouble. Then how her face would shine from out the clouds, and with what tenderness she’d speak my name! Anon, I’ve seen her stop and tremble with a sudden anguish. And when I asked the cause, she’d uncover to mine eyes the thistle which her feet had pressed, and with that pressure had extracted some of that bitter sweet which doth ever linger in the brambles of experience. And then perchance she’d hold the spray of thorns aloft, and with her smile, that oft was sadder than her tears, she’d murmur, ‘Watch for this, my girl, if thou doth ever pass this way!’
“She loved me! But I was only one of thousands whom she likewise loved. Her girls! Ah. how she loved them. And though her love was such an honor unto me, I knew I ever shared that honor with the wealthiest and the poorest of these our Zion’s daughters. Her girls! Not one of them, not me. nor all. but what are wiser, better, truer far for having known this friend of mine, whose passing now doth grieve me so.
“Doth any man or woman live and unto self alone? Not so. The world is richer, or it may be poorer tar, because that she or I have lived therein. And when such lives as hers are lived on earth, the sum of mine and thine existence hath been equaled only by the heavenly balance which God will strike.
“This, then, I answer unto that dear, passing soul—To me thou hast been guide and counselor and friend. O may I know thee over There, and follow still thy wise and loving lead.
“And so—the night draws around my hearth. And as I flash from flame and fire within, both warmth and comfort unto all who pass my door. I murmur,
“This lesson, too, mv friend hath taught me to shower, radiance and light unto every darkened soul in space.
O friend, good night, good night, O friend. Wilt come to me tomorrow, and still again tomorrow? And when my last tomorrow comes on earth, wilt thou not come and make the shadow of my passing more bright because of thine effulgent radiance!
“Good night!
“Tomorrow--.”
SISTER MAY ANDERSON,
General Secretary of Primary Associations, said:
“Sister Louie B. Felt, the General President of the Primary Associations, was invited here today to say a few words of respect and appreciation to Sister Elmina S. Taylor; but owing to a severe cold., which has deprived her of the use of her voice, she has asked me to read to you a few lines in her behalf :
“The members of the General Board of Primary Association feel it an honor to have the privilege of adding a few words of appreciation and respect of the life and labors of our dear friend and sister, Elmina S. Taylor.
“The General Boards of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations and the Primary Associations were called into being at the same time. Sister Eliza R Snow Smith had the responsibility of organizing these General Boards and so wise and careful was she, so blessed with the discernment of the Spirit of God that the foundations laid with her assistance have proved to be of the best.
“For a number of years Sisters Snow, Taylor and Felt, the three Presidents of the women’s organizations of the Church, were brought into the closest bonds of love and friendship, by traveling together in many of the Stakes of Zion, when stakes were visited throughout, ward by ward and most of the journeys made by team. What hours of pleasant and profitable associations for three such women! There were many hardships and some experiences that were not all pleasant, for those were pioneer days, but these sisters though frail in body, were sturdy in spirit and full of that energy and enthusiasm which enabled them to overcome and to rejoice in the good they were permitted to accomplish.
“The Latter-day Saint does not feel that an occasion like this is one of mourning and of hopeless grief. It is true we miss the companionship and love of our dear ones, but this is not eternal separation. A loved one has reached the end of her mortal probation and gone into a condition of greater possibilities and more noble opportunities.
“We who remain here for a period longer are thankful for the labors and influences of all the noble souls who have preceded us into that wonderful world ahead. There is a great satisfaction in the contemptation of a life that has proved its right to enter into the glory of eternity. Perhaps we may understand some of the trials and struggles that have helped to perfect that life, some of the opportunities that have been grasped and brought forth into successes, duties honorably borne and obligations sacredly filled. But of another’s life we really know but little. We admire and rejoice to have, as our friends, spirits that we recognize as noble as helpful, and as possessing the qualities that can not only battle and overcome the trials of a mortal life, but who can make happier the lives of all who come under its influence. But we may compare our own life with the lives of those who have accomplished so much. We can investigate thoroughly and dis cover if we are making the good fight, if we are reaching up to the perfect life, if we are unselfishly and earnestly doing the work that is expected of us.
“It will be through such self-investigation that we may be helped to overcome our weaker selves, and perhaps to better knowledge add better deeds, and so attain that condition that will enable us to continue in the love and friendship of such a noble soul as that of Sister Elmina S. Taylor.
“We do rejoice to remember her. the good accomplished under her guiding hand, the example of modesty and worth which she gave, the testimonies which she bore and the love and gentle fragrance which were characteristic of her life at home and abroad. The young ladies in Zion have lost the mortal companionship and counsel of their leader, but the love and interest put into the Mutual Improvement work by Sister Taylor will live for ever and be wide and far reaching in their beneficial results.
“May God help us all to accept His blessings and His requirements. His joys and His sorrows is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
PATRIARCH JOHN SMITH
was the next speaker:
“By request, I stand before you on this occasion.
“In the fall of 1864, when I returned from my mission to Denmark, I became acquainted with Brother and Sister Taylor, they being our neighbors. Since that time. I have been intimately acquainted with the family. Their children and mine have grown up together, and often when Sister Taylor has been ill she has sent for me to administer to her. I have proven through the years I have known her. that she was a woman of great faith, of great integrity and one who strove to fill her mission here in honor to our Father in heaven, and to the satisfaction of those with whom she was associated. I have often dropped in to the family home, by request, to give her a few words of comfort. For the last year or two she has been a great sufferer, and I have plead with our Father in heaven that she should live until her mission was complete. I have watched her course for years. She has labored diligently to accomplish the work assigned her, true and faithful to her trust; and I can bear my testimony that she has filled her mission in the world and she has accomplished the work assigned for her to do. She has performed her duties acceptably to our Father in heaven and she has now gone to her rest, I trust that her children will remember her counsels and her teachings and follow after her precepts.
“That God, our Heavenly Father, may bless those of us who remain that we may conduct ourselves in that manner that when we have finished our course here we may be worthy of the blessings which our Father has in store for us, as she has the labors assigned to her, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
EMMELINE B. WELLS,
General Secretary of Relief Society., then addressed the assembly:
“My beloved brethren and sisters, I feel that it is a great honor to stand before you on this occasion to bear my humble testimony to the life and character of such a devoted woman as Sister Elmina Taylor. I rejoice that I have known her, and as I contemplate her life and our association together, many vivid pictures come up before my mind of times and seasons that we have rejoiced together in the spiritual gatherings wherein we have met. as well as in counseling together on many occasions. I feel deeply in my inmost heart for her husband and daughter and all her family in the great loss that they have met with. I know that no other person could ever fill that place. I am sorry for her sister, who will be lonely without her, and all those who met with her in the family circle, because her place there must be vacant.
“She was an exceedingly strong personality, one of the strongest, one of the bravest, one of the most self-denying, one of the most devoted women in the Church. In many respects our ideas and tastes were similar. We were born under perhaps the same influences. Our heritage, our inheritance, was of the old Puritan stock. We were reared and educated much the same, and before I ever knew her at all, a daughter of mine, who is now deceased, that had become acquainted with her, said to me. ‘Mother, you must know Sister Taylor,’ she always spoke of her as Mrs. George H. Taylor—‘You must know her,’ she said, ‘for she loves the things you do, she reads the books you do.’ Although she was really born in the State of New York, yet she was of New England parentage. Consequently, our associations were pleasant and agreeable always. We have traveled a great deal together for the Relief Societies, even before she became the Superintendent of the Young Ladies. I remember very well the occasion in this house when she was called to preside over the associations. It was the 19th day of June, 1880. She has nearly filled a quarter of a century of that great labor, and it is certainly a very great credit to the judgment and wisdom of Sister Eliza R. Snow that she was selected to fill that position. I remember how astonished some of us were, and how we thought it would have been Sister Howard, who had labored so much in organizing the Young Ladies. But we were satisfied. We knew that Sister Eliza was right. Previous to that time, she had been associated as first counselor to Sister Mary Isabella Horne in the Relief Society of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, and in that capacity she traveled a very great deal with Sister Horne. Perhaps no woman living today knew her so well and so intimately as a neighbor and friend and companion as Sister Horne, who is not able to be here, and of whom many times, Sister Taylor had said she wanted Sister Horne to speak at her funeral. It seems strange that she has passed away previous to Sister Horne. I believe she thought that she would.
“The work that Sister Taylor has done cannot be told in a few minutes, nor yet the pleasure of her acquaintance. But I do feel that these young ladies who have been associated with her in the General Board and also the young men, who have known her intimately, must feel that they have suffered a great loss in losing her friendly advice, her wisdom, her judgment, her fidelity to the Gospel, her integrity to the truth. Everything that was good, that we can any of us think of, everything that was noble, everything that was lovely, was in her character. It seems to me when I stand and think of it, and when I see this Assembly Hall fitted up as it is with all this beauty, I feel that these young ladies have so appreciated her as to do this in her memory and to her honor; and I feel that it is a precedent for many of us to follow hereafter, especially those who are younger.
"I do feel that it has been a liberal education to have known such women as we have known, who have passed away, and whose spirit and influence is often so dear to us; for very often I feel as if Sister Zina stood by my side, and many times I have felt that I wished that I could be in the homes and gatherings of long ago, when Mother Whitney used to sing to us in my own house and other places—when her voice rang out better and clearer than anyone’s, it seemed to me I ever heard in mv life, and I do believe that my association with her was one of the greatest gifts of God to me. and so with other women who have passed away. I feel as if I will not be lonely. if I am left alone with them. There are many names I would love to call over here, with whom T was associated in the early days of the Church, that bore the trials and temptations and sufferings and sorrows and hardships of those early days; and it seems to me that their crowns must be as bright as any, their stars must shine with any that have shone before. O, it seems to me as if I see them now 1x?fore me, and that I can hear their voices. I often feel that I can hear Mother Whitney’s voice ringing down the staircase as it used to do in the days gone by, when she sang those beautiful old hymns that it seemed to me, surpassed anything I can hear today. But those are feelings that appeal to those who are older, and not those who are younger. O, these young ladies, if they will only follow in the example of those who have gone before, the example of their leader that has now just departed; if they will only be as true and as faithful!
“I enjoyed Sister Taylor’s friendship in my life, and always knew that I could go to her when in sorrow and in trouble and in darkness. In my life I found that Sister Taylor was always true. It is something to know that there is someone that stands true to you. I know those in the days gone by have said that the Prophet Joseph Smith was afraid of his friends. O! it must have been terrible for that man, that man of God, to stand as he did in this world and be afraid those who stood close to him were not true to him. O! I pray that we may be true to each other, that we may be united, that these young ladies may be united together. And I wish that the thousands of women that are growing up here could see this picture, could hear what has been said by these young men and young women, could know how dear these young ladies feel and know the purity of the lives and characters of this departed sister and those who have been workers and leaders in this. If they could, they would never dare open their mouths against them.
"May the Lord bless these young ladies, and especially may He bless the husband and daughter and the sons and the family of our departed sister, and may the Holy Spirit be with us all, and guide us and help us to be as true and as faithful as she has been, and these other noble women who have gone before, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
SISTER RUTH M. FOX,
of the General Board of Y. L. M. I. A., said:
‘‘Mv dear brethren and sisters, this is indeed a trying ordeal, and I ask for your faith and your sympathy. that God may direct what I may say. It is most glorious to me today .notwithstanding the solemnity of the occasion, to hear the many beautiful things said of the life of Sister Elmina S. Taylor, and the certainty of the future that awaits her is most glorious.
"Perhaps as a member of the Board I should speak in an official capacity, but you all understand her work is before us. Her executive ability has been marvelous, and if her Board has been united, and if we have had her faith and her good spirit with us. away off through the different sections of Zion, it has been because of the faith we had in our President and the spirit that she ever had about her; and she blessed us with it. and we were united. Owe do not take the credit. because her judgment and her justice were so true.
Sister Taylor was a womanly woman. That is just the kind of women that God wants us to be, as daughters of Zion. It seems to me. as I have thought over her life and her character—and I want to tell you that I have known her ever since my girlhood, more or less— that all the good words, every good sentiment, that ever was uttered of any woman, could be applied to our Sister Elmina S. Taylor. If she had failings, as I presume she did have, as we are all human, I never knew them and never saw them. From the time of my young married life, she has been my ideal, a guiding star to me, and I do not think that I myself realize the benefits that I have received from Sister Taylor’s example. And so I say to all, she has been the embodiment of all the virtues and all the graces. Did you seek for wisdom? Sister Taylor had it. Were you looking for judgment? you found it. Did you look for strength of character and faith and fidelity and courage? you found it embodied in our sister. Did you want sympathy and love, or charity ? you could get it from Sister Taylor. And I do thank my Heavenly Father, and I do consider it even the greatest privilege of my life, to have learned wisdom at her feet. And now I am going to take the counsel of Brother J. Golden Kimball. and I am going to say as a member of her ward that we love her husband as we loved his wife, that he is worthy of her in every reuse of the word—verily one of God’s noblemen, just as our noble President was one of God’s noble women, verily a handmaid of the Lord. We have heard her so often speak, and O how often she said, ‘Girls, be faithful. May we endure to the end, may we hear the plaudit, “Well done, good and faithful servant. enter into the joy of thy Lord.” ’ I want to testify that she has heard the plaudit. She is not dead but sleepeth, resting from her labors upon earth. And gladly would she go at the Master’s call. “As women of the Latter-day Saints, feeling that perhaps there are some here who are not of us. we wish to testify before heaven and before earth, that we know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that he was an instrument in His hands in restoring the everlasting gospel, and that, through it. more has been done for the uplifting of women than ever has been done since the creation of the world. We rejoice in that Gospel. We know that our Redeemer lives, and we know’ we shall live eternally in the heavens if we are faithful before God. And may God grant that this may be.
“Read the life of Sister Taylor, you who were not intimately acquainted with her, and remember that it was not because of her exalted position she was so truly great. She would have been great had she not been known outside of her family and friends. It was her integrity to God, her devotion to her husband, her tenderness for her children. May God bless them all. We know they have faith even as we have, and we know that God will bless them and sustain them, and all Sister Taylor’s posterity through all generations of time. May God be with us all. and may we have the desire to ever emulate her noble example and follow in her noble footsteps, I ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.”
President Joseph F. Smith
arose, and, after reading a few verses from the first and second chapters of I John, said:
“I do not wish to detain the congregation. I wish to sav that I endorse, without recourse, all that I have heard said today respecting the character, life, labors, virtues, wisdom, judgment and intelligence of our Sister, Elmina S. Taylor. Pardon me, if I make such a broad expression, but I will say that most people of my acquaintance— and I presume it will apply generally— that most people walk very largely in a light that is borrowed, like the light of the moon borrowed from the sun. I have known a few men and women in the world, who do not seek borrowed light, for the light is in them and they walk in the light, and they have fellowship with Jesus Christ and with their associates, with the Church, and with the Kingdom of God in the earth, and the blood of Jesus Christ hath indeed cleansed them from all sin. I will give it as an opinion which I have held many years, because of my connection with these Mutual Improvement Associations and with Sister Taylor, that she was one of the few in the world who had the light within her, and who had the inspiration and the intelligence that is born of truth and of the forgiveness of sins, of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, and she walked in it, and therefore she had power among her associates and her sisters. She was legitimately the head of the organization over which she was called to preside. She borrowed no influence from others. She bore her own influence upon the minds of those with whom she was associated. There came out of her soul the spirit of wisdom, counsel and judgment, and her mind was clear in regard to the truth; and she always- spoke as one possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, which she really did possess.
“Now it is not my custom to speak praise of our departed loved ones. I would rather dwell, if the time would permit me. and I had the opportunity to do it, upon the glorious future that awaits them, upon the certainty of eternal life which they have espoused, which they have won for themselves. I would rather dwell upon the goodness and glory of God’s message of life and salvation to the children of men. But I have felt to say these few words in endorsement of what has been said by our brethren and sisters with respect to Sister Taylor. It was said that she was a strong character. She had a strong personality. This is true. But the very strength of that character and personality was tempered and softened by the choicest spirit of kindness, of love, of mercy and of charity that ever, in my judgment, adorned womankind; and while she possessed this strength of character and this strong personality, it was always bent in the direction of righteousness, in the direction of truth, for the uplifting of her associates. Herein is where she shone most brightly, because all her thoughts and all her energies were directed in the right channel and for the right cause. And she was singularly free from mistakes and from those little imperfections or weaknesses, which are so often exhibited by fallen human nature.
“My brethren and sisters, we have lost a valuable soul from among us in the flesh. I sometimes marvel why it is, when these spirits are so few and so far between, that they should not, in the providence of God, be permitted to remain a little longer with us. She was not so old but that she might have lived for many, many years and continued her labor amongst us. But in God’s providence, the youth even, the brightest, sometimes, amongst us and the most faithful, the most diligent, those who seem to be qualified to accomplish the greatest good, are often permitted to go before: while those who need light, who borrow light, who are seeking light and intelligence and who are susceptible to it and are striving to absorb it in their souls that it may become a part of them, remain to struggle along with their imperfections and with the difficulties that they have to meet with in life, to do the best they can. And I come to the conclusion that God intends that we shall feel and know that it is not man, nor the arm of flesh, that we shall put our trust in; but that we shall depend upon Him, and put our trust in Him, though the world is opposed, and all the forces, it seems, of evil, are arrayed against the work of the Lord.
“One of the sisters remarked that if the world could see, and knew the virtue and the purity of life of such women as Sister Taylor and her associates in the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association that it would seem that they would hold their tongues. This I fear is a mistake. I believe that it is because the wicked see the virtues and see the purity of life, the honor and uprightness, the faith and fidelity of the daughters of Zion and of the faithful sons of Zion, that they are stirred up the more to bitterness, hatred and envy, as the wolf is stirred in his hunger and ravenous appetite against the innocent lamb. The more purity you have, the better you live, the nearer unto God, the more upright you are, the more the wicked will hate and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for so they did against Him who was without sin or blemish, for it was against Him who was purer than all and better than all, who had more intelligence than all others that ever lived in the flesh, they cried, ‘Let His blood be upon us and upon our children ; crucify Him, put Him to death And I say again, that the wicked in the world hate, and will continue to hate you as long as you continue to possess virtue, purity, honor and truth, until He comes whose right it is to reign in the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and shall execute judgment upon the wicked, and the ungodly shall be forced to bow the knee, and their blasphemous tongues shall be forced to confess that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. Now I think you will find this to be the truth.
“The Lord bless you. I will say to Bishop Taylor, God bless you, and help you to continue to be the man that you are; all good wives help their husbands to be good, that is, if there is any good in them. To him I say, the Lord bless you, comfort your heart, give you that strength that is needed to enable you to continue your labor as a shepherd in Israel and as a guide to the flock over which you preside as a Bishop of the Church; and that you and yours may be blessed and filled with joy, satisfaction and the knowledge that you possess all the glorious privileges and rights that belong to her that has now gone before you, that you will meet her again and enjoy her society forever and ever in the mansion that is prepared for you, or will be prepared for you, when you shall be gathered into the Kingdom of our God. This is my prayer for you. Ever be true to the Gospel of life. And to the children I say be true to the examples of your mother, walk and follow in her footsteps, for she was indeed a true mother in Israel, and a wise counselor, a glorious, good woman. God bless her memory to all those who knew her, and may her fame and her name be handed down from generation to generation by those who love God and who strive to keep His commandments, is my prayer in the name of Jesus, Amen.”
President Smith then said: “We desire now my brethren and sisters to present a resolution of respect by the Y. M. M. I. A. General Board.”
Elder Hull then read the resolution as follows:
RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT.
By the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association.
“Sister Elmina S. Taylor, president of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Associations, having died at her home in Salt Lake City, December 6. 1904, at the age of 74 years, and after 24 years of faithful service as the supreme head of our companion organization, the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Associations:
“It is Resolved by the General Superintendency. for themselves and for the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations throughout the world:
“That we express in unqualified terms our praise of the splendid organization of the young women of Zion brought up to its present perfection under the presidency of Sister Taylor: “That we recognize in the vast labor which this achievement has involved, the triumphant consecration of a noble life, whose whole soul—with qualities of mind and heart peculiarly adapted to the duties of leadership—was dedicated to this service;
"That we sympathize deeply with the officers and members of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Associations in the sorrow of their parting from their distinguished president, who had won completely their respect for her wisdom, and confidence in her executive judgment, and their unfeigned love;
“That we commend the glorious example of her life in its unselfish devotion to the highest ideals of culture and improvement, to the adoration of the young women of our people, and her memory to the reverence and honor of all who love righteousness and who delight in the happiness and wellbeing of their fellow men.”
The Young Ladies’ choir then sang the closing hymn: “Rest for the Wearv Soul,” and Apostle Rudger Clawson pronounced the benediction.
At the cemetery the arrangements were no less beautiful— though different from those at the Assembly Hall. The associations belonging to what was formerly known as the Salt Lake Stake had lined the grave with a cloth of pure white, over which was thickly studded sprays of fern and evergreen leaves, the whole covering the cold earth about. Into this beautiful receptacle the casket was lowered and the spot dedicated by President Nephi L. Morris of the Salt Lake Stake.
Silently her associates stepped forward, dropping their roses within the tomb and over all the white and green canopy was folded.
No touch of the cold earth came near her, for she was literally beneath a bed of roses and the harsh sound of falling earth was deadened by their soft petals.
The mound is made and over it is laid the beauteous blanket “From Your Girls.” Other tributes from hearts just as warm are tenderly arranged, and now dear one, how can we say farewell? No more on earth the sweet glad smile we loved so well—no more the dear hand clasp that so encouraged and inspired—no more the warm embrace and fervent “God Bless You” at the parting—Father lift up our hearts to Thee, make up in Thine own way for our great loss, and Father in His name we ask Thee, help us that we may be with her again in. Thine abode!
"Tributes to President Elmina S. Taylor." Young Woman's Journal. January 1905. pg. 23-26.
TRIBUTES TO PRESIDENT ELMINA S. TAYLOR
By Members of Her Board.
Do you think I can ever forget my beloved Sister Taylor? Never; her faith and example will ever be bright in my memory. Every breath I breathe, every feeling of my soul rises to God in thankfulness that I have been permitted to be so closely associated with such a noble, pure, wise and faithful woman.
Maria Young Dougall.
A pure, humble and faithful spirit! In her wonderful humility was her great strength. Feeling, of herself, wholly unworthy, she relied implicity upon her Heavenly Father, and He never failed her.
Martha H. Tingey.
Dear heart, couldst thou leave aught to me I should crave so much,—thy faith, humility, wisdom, firmness, tenderness, love, honor, and thy power of silence.
Ann M. Cannon.
Mother!
Mae Taylor Nystrom.
Elmina S. Taylor! A perfect type of womanhood. A noble example as wife, mother, friend.
Adella W. Eardley.
One who loved the Father so well that His will became the law which governed her whole life. And her whole teachings and God-fearing example is today, uplifting and encircling thousands of young lives, who came within the radiance of her pure, warm mother love.
Sarah Eddington.
A living example of a true Latter-day Saint.
Aggie Campbell.
A wise, inspired leader; to me a mother, sister, and congenial friend.
Lillie T. Freeze.
Sister Taylor was my friend, and I loved her. Her rebuke was better to me than the kiss of mine enemy. That I may be worthy to associate with her on the other side is my cherished desire.
Susa Young Gates.
To me, Sister Taylor’s most prominent virtue was her fidelity to principle.
Minnie J. Snow.
The Soul Beautiful! Sent from the Father’s Home—strong in His strength, mighty in humility, gracious and gentle, yet firm and just withal. Armed with the power to lead, to encourage, to comfort and to bless.
A glorious fulfilment of life’s greatest possibilities; an honorable release—leaving a blessed memory that shall be an inspiration to the daughters of Zion in the generations that are to come.
May Booth Talmage.
I loved her for her pure, sweet friendship. I admired her for her superior mental faculties. I honored her for her faith, devotion and integrity to the cause of Christ, and I marveled at the work she has accomplished for the building up of the daughters of Zion and the advancement of the Church and Kingdom of God.
Joan Campbell.
Sister Taylor has always been an inspiration to me, and has influenced my life more than I have words to express. It has been one of my highest ambitions to be worthy of her love and confidence. Her smile of approval was like a benediction, but when necessary she could administer a rebuke with severity. Girls, she was more than our leader, she was our mother, sister, friend. May our lives ever reflect credit upon her memory.
Emma Goddard.
Sister Taylor: So frail and yet so powerful, so meek and yet so bold in defense of right. So generous, so tender, so merciful, and yet so absolutely just. So full of blessing for us all. So perfectly adequate in every emergency. Her voice was as the voice of God to us and we knew it.
Sister Taylor honored God, honored His Holy Priesthood, and so honored herself and enjoyed to the fullest degree the spirit of her calling.
And she hath loved us with an everlasting love, beloved, so let us follow in the path she trod.
Rosetta W. Bennett.
T rue thou hast been to thy God and His laws;
True to His prophets, His Saints and His cause.
Faithful and true, beloved leader and friend,
Faithful and true thou hast been to the end.
Then sweet be thy slumbers, calm be thy rest,
In mansions above, the home of the blest,
Where gladly we’ll join thee in one happy band,
Approved of our God before whom we stand.
Alice K. Smith.
Sister Taylor is a loving friend to all her girls. Our Heavenly Father set her apart to be their leader. She always has a prayer in her heart, and a kind word on her lips. We all love her.
Elisabeth C. McCune.
But speak her name, and instantly there flashes on my mind,
A vision of the graces and virtues intertwined
With such harmonious blending into such a dainty whole ,
That I marvel at His handiwork and ponder in my soul--
How can this be? When falls the word,
Behold an hand-maid of the Lord.
Ruth M. Fox.
Humility, wisdom and justice were some of her greatest gifts. She honored God and His authority and every person in his place. God in return honored her, so much that when she said “God bless you, I’ll pray for you,” the promised blessing always came. Oh, the courage and strength those sweet words gave me in my Mutual Improvement work!
Julia M. Brixen.
Our President was to me, a model of patient suffering, of uncomplaining endurance, cheerful under all circumstances. To me she was a personal and dear friend. “Love begets love,” and I loved her because I felt that she loved and trusted me. Her frail body enshrined' a spirit firm of purpose, strong in the right, influencing her co-laborers and binding all together in bonds of perfect love and unity.
Augusta W. Grant.
My tribute will be the sentiment, though not the exact words, said of the Apostle Paul bv St. Chrysostom, the historian, “This humble, little woman, low in stature was tall enough to reach the heavens,” from whence she drew inspiration and wisdom, with which to benefit all with whom she came in contact.
Mary A. Freeze.
Elmina S. Taylor, best beloved of women! She was a queen in culture and dignity and a Saint in purity and modesty. The elements of justice, wisdom, love and mercy were so blended in her that her reproof might hurt a friend, but her love healed the wound and cemented the friendship. This tender mother-love grew till it encircled humanity. Estelle Neff.
She opened her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue was the law of kindness.
Nellie C. Taylor.
The privilege I had of coming within the circle of Sister Taylor’s personal influence, I will always esteem as one of my choicest privileges. By her genuine love, she made others loving; by her gentle thoughtfulness, she made others kind; by her courage she strengthened; by her wisdom, guided; by the greatness of her character, she made others desire to be great. Her influence, though it be now only through memory, will still impel to good and noble action.
Emily C. Adams.
Blest, indeed, are the daughters of Zion in having had Sister Elmina Taylor at their head for so many years. Words can never tell what she has done in her quiet sweet way. Wise in all things, she inspired all with confidence and faith. She has shown us how beautifully gentleness and firmness harmonize. May her life be a star, forever leading us onward and upward.
Mary E. Connelly.
I loved her. She was my “mother in Israel”—firm in her life purpose; steadfast in her faith; strong in her testimony of the Gospel of Christ. Yet what a wondrous mother-love lighted the eyes that saw our good to bless us in it; our faults to help us overcome them, our grief that she might comfort us. Our Sister Taylor! Think you if we truly love we truly shall grow like?
Elen Wallace.
Sister Taylor: She let her “light so shine.” that it has reached and illumines the remotest places.
As her bodily strength failed her great love for “her girls” increased.
Oh girls, let us each try to be such a woman, such a wife, such a mother as Sister Taylor has been.
Alice C. Tuddenham.
I shall always appreciate the privilege I had of associating with Sister Taylor. Mattie Read.
Dear Sister Taylor! The thought of her calls up no sadness to me— no, nothing but gladness. How thankful I am that I have had the privilege of knowing such a beautiful soul! Her memory is very dear to me.
Elisabeth Thomas.
TRIBUTES TO PRESIDENT ELMINA S. TAYLOR
By Members of Her Board.
Do you think I can ever forget my beloved Sister Taylor? Never; her faith and example will ever be bright in my memory. Every breath I breathe, every feeling of my soul rises to God in thankfulness that I have been permitted to be so closely associated with such a noble, pure, wise and faithful woman.
Maria Young Dougall.
A pure, humble and faithful spirit! In her wonderful humility was her great strength. Feeling, of herself, wholly unworthy, she relied implicity upon her Heavenly Father, and He never failed her.
Martha H. Tingey.
Dear heart, couldst thou leave aught to me I should crave so much,—thy faith, humility, wisdom, firmness, tenderness, love, honor, and thy power of silence.
Ann M. Cannon.
Mother!
Mae Taylor Nystrom.
Elmina S. Taylor! A perfect type of womanhood. A noble example as wife, mother, friend.
Adella W. Eardley.
One who loved the Father so well that His will became the law which governed her whole life. And her whole teachings and God-fearing example is today, uplifting and encircling thousands of young lives, who came within the radiance of her pure, warm mother love.
Sarah Eddington.
A living example of a true Latter-day Saint.
Aggie Campbell.
A wise, inspired leader; to me a mother, sister, and congenial friend.
Lillie T. Freeze.
Sister Taylor was my friend, and I loved her. Her rebuke was better to me than the kiss of mine enemy. That I may be worthy to associate with her on the other side is my cherished desire.
Susa Young Gates.
To me, Sister Taylor’s most prominent virtue was her fidelity to principle.
Minnie J. Snow.
The Soul Beautiful! Sent from the Father’s Home—strong in His strength, mighty in humility, gracious and gentle, yet firm and just withal. Armed with the power to lead, to encourage, to comfort and to bless.
A glorious fulfilment of life’s greatest possibilities; an honorable release—leaving a blessed memory that shall be an inspiration to the daughters of Zion in the generations that are to come.
May Booth Talmage.
I loved her for her pure, sweet friendship. I admired her for her superior mental faculties. I honored her for her faith, devotion and integrity to the cause of Christ, and I marveled at the work she has accomplished for the building up of the daughters of Zion and the advancement of the Church and Kingdom of God.
Joan Campbell.
Sister Taylor has always been an inspiration to me, and has influenced my life more than I have words to express. It has been one of my highest ambitions to be worthy of her love and confidence. Her smile of approval was like a benediction, but when necessary she could administer a rebuke with severity. Girls, she was more than our leader, she was our mother, sister, friend. May our lives ever reflect credit upon her memory.
Emma Goddard.
Sister Taylor: So frail and yet so powerful, so meek and yet so bold in defense of right. So generous, so tender, so merciful, and yet so absolutely just. So full of blessing for us all. So perfectly adequate in every emergency. Her voice was as the voice of God to us and we knew it.
Sister Taylor honored God, honored His Holy Priesthood, and so honored herself and enjoyed to the fullest degree the spirit of her calling.
And she hath loved us with an everlasting love, beloved, so let us follow in the path she trod.
Rosetta W. Bennett.
T rue thou hast been to thy God and His laws;
True to His prophets, His Saints and His cause.
Faithful and true, beloved leader and friend,
Faithful and true thou hast been to the end.
Then sweet be thy slumbers, calm be thy rest,
In mansions above, the home of the blest,
Where gladly we’ll join thee in one happy band,
Approved of our God before whom we stand.
Alice K. Smith.
Sister Taylor is a loving friend to all her girls. Our Heavenly Father set her apart to be their leader. She always has a prayer in her heart, and a kind word on her lips. We all love her.
Elisabeth C. McCune.
But speak her name, and instantly there flashes on my mind,
A vision of the graces and virtues intertwined
With such harmonious blending into such a dainty whole ,
That I marvel at His handiwork and ponder in my soul--
How can this be? When falls the word,
Behold an hand-maid of the Lord.
Ruth M. Fox.
Humility, wisdom and justice were some of her greatest gifts. She honored God and His authority and every person in his place. God in return honored her, so much that when she said “God bless you, I’ll pray for you,” the promised blessing always came. Oh, the courage and strength those sweet words gave me in my Mutual Improvement work!
Julia M. Brixen.
Our President was to me, a model of patient suffering, of uncomplaining endurance, cheerful under all circumstances. To me she was a personal and dear friend. “Love begets love,” and I loved her because I felt that she loved and trusted me. Her frail body enshrined' a spirit firm of purpose, strong in the right, influencing her co-laborers and binding all together in bonds of perfect love and unity.
Augusta W. Grant.
My tribute will be the sentiment, though not the exact words, said of the Apostle Paul bv St. Chrysostom, the historian, “This humble, little woman, low in stature was tall enough to reach the heavens,” from whence she drew inspiration and wisdom, with which to benefit all with whom she came in contact.
Mary A. Freeze.
Elmina S. Taylor, best beloved of women! She was a queen in culture and dignity and a Saint in purity and modesty. The elements of justice, wisdom, love and mercy were so blended in her that her reproof might hurt a friend, but her love healed the wound and cemented the friendship. This tender mother-love grew till it encircled humanity. Estelle Neff.
She opened her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue was the law of kindness.
Nellie C. Taylor.
The privilege I had of coming within the circle of Sister Taylor’s personal influence, I will always esteem as one of my choicest privileges. By her genuine love, she made others loving; by her gentle thoughtfulness, she made others kind; by her courage she strengthened; by her wisdom, guided; by the greatness of her character, she made others desire to be great. Her influence, though it be now only through memory, will still impel to good and noble action.
Emily C. Adams.
Blest, indeed, are the daughters of Zion in having had Sister Elmina Taylor at their head for so many years. Words can never tell what she has done in her quiet sweet way. Wise in all things, she inspired all with confidence and faith. She has shown us how beautifully gentleness and firmness harmonize. May her life be a star, forever leading us onward and upward.
Mary E. Connelly.
I loved her. She was my “mother in Israel”—firm in her life purpose; steadfast in her faith; strong in her testimony of the Gospel of Christ. Yet what a wondrous mother-love lighted the eyes that saw our good to bless us in it; our faults to help us overcome them, our grief that she might comfort us. Our Sister Taylor! Think you if we truly love we truly shall grow like?
Elen Wallace.
Sister Taylor: She let her “light so shine.” that it has reached and illumines the remotest places.
As her bodily strength failed her great love for “her girls” increased.
Oh girls, let us each try to be such a woman, such a wife, such a mother as Sister Taylor has been.
Alice C. Tuddenham.
I shall always appreciate the privilege I had of associating with Sister Taylor. Mattie Read.
Dear Sister Taylor! The thought of her calls up no sadness to me— no, nothing but gladness. How thankful I am that I have had the privilege of knowing such a beautiful soul! Her memory is very dear to me.
Elisabeth Thomas.
"Conversions to the Gospel - Conversion of Elmina S. Taylor" Young Woman's Journal. October 1915. pg. 652-653.
Conversion of Elmina S. Taylor.—“From a child, Elmina had been spiritually-minded, and at about twenty years had naturally embraced the faith of her parents (Methodist). She was an active, earnest worker in the church, but was not quite satisfied with some of their doctrines and tenets, while numerous things perplexed her. Sometimes she would go to her minister, hoping that he might explain and make things clear to her doubting mind, but alas! she would leave him more beclouded than before. When she united herself with the church, she was very anxious to be baptized by immersion, * * but that, her friends urged, was a foolish notion, so she had finally yielded to the prevailing custom of sprinkling.
‘‘During her sojourn in Haverstraw she became acquainted with John Druce and his family and a warm friendship sprang up between them. Mr. Druce was a trustee in the school in which her cousin taught, and he was also a ‘Mormon’ Elder. One night he gave her some ‘Mormon’ books, asking her if she would read them. * * *
“She scanned the books with a prayerful heart, and a sincere desire that her mind might be led aright. Her prayer was answered. She believed the doctrine, and, although realizing what it meant to embrace such an unpopular religion, felt that she must carry out her convictions.* * She went into the waters of baptism on July 4th, 1856, and, on being confirmed, she received, according to her own statement, a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as revealed by the Prophet Joseph Smith.”[1]
[1] Y. L. M. I. A. History, p. 92.
Conversion of Elmina S. Taylor.—“From a child, Elmina had been spiritually-minded, and at about twenty years had naturally embraced the faith of her parents (Methodist). She was an active, earnest worker in the church, but was not quite satisfied with some of their doctrines and tenets, while numerous things perplexed her. Sometimes she would go to her minister, hoping that he might explain and make things clear to her doubting mind, but alas! she would leave him more beclouded than before. When she united herself with the church, she was very anxious to be baptized by immersion, * * but that, her friends urged, was a foolish notion, so she had finally yielded to the prevailing custom of sprinkling.
‘‘During her sojourn in Haverstraw she became acquainted with John Druce and his family and a warm friendship sprang up between them. Mr. Druce was a trustee in the school in which her cousin taught, and he was also a ‘Mormon’ Elder. One night he gave her some ‘Mormon’ books, asking her if she would read them. * * *
“She scanned the books with a prayerful heart, and a sincere desire that her mind might be led aright. Her prayer was answered. She believed the doctrine, and, although realizing what it meant to embrace such an unpopular religion, felt that she must carry out her convictions.* * She went into the waters of baptism on July 4th, 1856, and, on being confirmed, she received, according to her own statement, a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as revealed by the Prophet Joseph Smith.”[1]
[1] Y. L. M. I. A. History, p. 92.
"Incidents Connected with Baptism - President Elmina S. Taylor's Baptism." Young Woman's Journal. October 1916. pg. 647.
President Elmina S. Taylor’s Baptism. Sister Taylor had studiously investigated Mormonism and was thoroughly convinced of its truthfulness. She relates the following: “I fought against my convictions, for I well knew how it would grieve my dear parents to have me unite myself with that despised people; and I also thought I should lose my situation which was a very lucrative one. However, I could not silence my convictions, and as the promise was given, ‘If you will obey the doctrine, you shall know whether it is of God or man.’ I went forth and was baptized July the 5th, 1856. When I was confirmed by the laying on of hands I received the testimony which I have never lost from that day to this.”[1]
[1] Representative Women of Deseret, p. 49.
President Elmina S. Taylor’s Baptism. Sister Taylor had studiously investigated Mormonism and was thoroughly convinced of its truthfulness. She relates the following: “I fought against my convictions, for I well knew how it would grieve my dear parents to have me unite myself with that despised people; and I also thought I should lose my situation which was a very lucrative one. However, I could not silence my convictions, and as the promise was given, ‘If you will obey the doctrine, you shall know whether it is of God or man.’ I went forth and was baptized July the 5th, 1856. When I was confirmed by the laying on of hands I received the testimony which I have never lost from that day to this.”[1]
[1] Representative Women of Deseret, p. 49.
First Executive Officers of the General Board
Nystrom, Mae Taylor. "The Y. L. M. I. A. Under President Elmina S. Taylor." Young Woman's Journal. June 1925. pg. 329-332.
The Y. L. M. I. A. Under President Elmina S. Taylor
By Mae Taylor Nystrom
“A mystic charm in retrospection dwells.
That lays the soul beneath its magic spell.
The present may be happier and bright.
The future offer more of joy and light.
But not today’s security, nor fancy's fair dream, futurity
Can vie the charm so sweetly cast
When musing on the shadows of the past.”
SACRED history tells us that whenever God has had a great work to do on earth, He has sent His servants, the prophets, to perform it and has always given to them a vision of His plans. In a retrospective view of our great M. I. A. work we can easily believe that our prophet Brigham Young foresaw the rapid growth of this organization and the mighty power for good it would be among the daughters of Zion. Who can doubt that
the same vision was shared by those splendid women who were called to lay the foundation on which those who came after have built the glorious structure of today? That they made that foundation broad and deep and strong is the best assurance we have that they did glimpse the hidden possibilities and the power within the organization for the mental, physical, and spiritual development of the young women of the Church.
The names of Eliza R. Snow, Zina D. Young. Mary Isabel Horne, Sarah M. Kimball and others were spoken in my childhood home with the greatest reverence, and to be in the presence of these women and listen to their words of wisdom and counsel was a rare privilege. They were leaders in every movement that stood for the uplift and advancement of womankind and pioneers in the organizations established by the prophets of God for the daughters of Zion.
In less than ten years from the time that President Young organized his daughters into a Retrenchment Association the work had so spread that a Stake organization became necessary. Two years later the General Board (or Central Board as it was then called) came into existence. Up to this time the Junior or Young Ladies’ Retrenchment Association had been under the general supervision of Sister Eliza R. Snow but after the Central Board was organized the entire responsibility of the work was placed with President Elmina S. Taylor and her counselors. How tremendous this responsibility seemed to these inexperienced women!
Everything was new, there was no previous general organization to pattern after, there were no sign posts along the way. Surely they must have had the vision of the future. Exceedingly humble they were, seeking wisdom and guidance from Him who so willingly gives to those who put their trust in Him. President Taylor firmly believed as Nephi of old that “The Lord giveth no commandment unto the children of men save He shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which He commandeth them.” Because of her sublime faith and the fact that she always found her God true to that promise, she was able to overcome her natural shrinking from public life and to rise above bodily weakness. Many, many times she left her home to attend conferences in far away stakes so weak physically that her loved ones remonstrated with her, telling her she was unwise, but they will testify today that she always returned home stronger in body and uplifted in spirit. That same faith sustained her counselors. Maria Y. Dougall, then a young mother (who had succeeded Margaret Y. Taylor), and Martha Horne (Tingey), a girl in her twenties. These women bore and reared their children and though handicapped much of the time with poor health, stood shoulder to shoulder with their leader in working out the manifold problems that confronted them. Were they discouraged? Yes, often they were, but they squared their shoulders and worked the harder. There were times when the burden seemed greater than they could bear, but they sought Divine help the more earnestly and went bravely on.
At first one meeting a month was sufficient to attend to all the needs of the organization, but as time went on and work increased the Board met twice a month: before the first ten years had passed Board meetings were being held every week at the home of President Taylor or Sister Dougall. With the calling in of aids these sessions grew in interest and became a veritable training school for these earnest workers. President Taylor possessed to a marked degree the power of discernment which was nowhere more apparent than in the selection of the women called into her official family. Each one possessed a strong individuality resulting in many varied opinions on the questions which came up for consideration. Each one was free to champion her point of view and did so in very decided terms, but no matter how heated the arguments the final vote was always unanimous and thereafter individual opinions and feelings were put aside and all worked in harmony for the success of the plan adopted.
The spirit of unity and love which has always existed in the General Board of the Y. L. M. I. A. has called forth frequent comment. In those early days of the organization when the meetings were held in private homes this spirit of love and unity left a veritable benediction, the influence of which extended even to the members of the household. At times the gifts and blessings of the Gospel were so abundantly manifested and the meetings of so spiritual a nature that none privileged to attend can ever forget.
In the beginning each local association was a law unto itself in regard to time of meeting, programs, and plan of procedure. These scattered associations were gradually brought together under stake supervision. Then began an active campaign which in a few short years witnessed a wonderful growth along many lines. Publication of the Young Woman’s Journal was commenced, aids were added to the Board, the associations were graded, and guides were issued outlining the course of study. Annual stake and general conferences were inaugurated and joint work with the Y. M. M. I. A. was begun. As a means of financing the general organization the dime fund came into being and traveling libraries were founded in the various stakes. In 1889 occurred an event of great importance to the M. I. A.— its affiliation with the National Council of Women of the United States. This not only added to its prestige with other organizations of women but gave its officers the opportunity to become acquainted with the leading women of our country.
These are some of the achievements of those early years. As the work grew there came a wonderful development to those women who were giving so much of their time and energy. Through the years the high ideals set in the beginning were maintained. Those ideals were that the young women of the Church might gain a testimony of the truth of this great latter-day work and that they might appreciate and honor and perfect their womanhood. Our girls owe a great debt of gratitude to the women who laid the foundation of Mutual Improvement work. What do they ask, these women, as compensation for the long years of effort and striving? Nothing more than this—that our girls of to-day and of the future shall be true to the M. I. A. cause and the ideals for which it stands, true to their faith, true to their God.
Of those called to the General Board when it was first organized our beloved president Martha H. Tingey alone remains. Next to her stands Maria Y. Dougall who was one of the original officers of the Retrenchment Association and who was called to the General Board a few years after its organization. No one else knows so well as these two the story of the M. I. A. from the beginning. Sister Dougall is still an honored member of the Board. Sister Tingey has been almost half a century in the Presidency, working in a great cause! What an example of integrity, devotion to duty and faith in the Priesthood of God! Those only who are her very nearest know how much of her life’s energy she has given to the cause, they alone know the sublime courage that has carried her through long years of pain and suffering. yet through it all of her implicit faith in God and his unfailing love. All honor to her for the work she has accomplished, for the life she has lived, for the example she has set. The daughters of Zion rise up and call her blessed and pray God to strengthen and bless her and to lengthen out her days that she may long be our honored and beloved President.
The Y. L. M. I. A. Under President Elmina S. Taylor
By Mae Taylor Nystrom
“A mystic charm in retrospection dwells.
That lays the soul beneath its magic spell.
The present may be happier and bright.
The future offer more of joy and light.
But not today’s security, nor fancy's fair dream, futurity
Can vie the charm so sweetly cast
When musing on the shadows of the past.”
SACRED history tells us that whenever God has had a great work to do on earth, He has sent His servants, the prophets, to perform it and has always given to them a vision of His plans. In a retrospective view of our great M. I. A. work we can easily believe that our prophet Brigham Young foresaw the rapid growth of this organization and the mighty power for good it would be among the daughters of Zion. Who can doubt that
the same vision was shared by those splendid women who were called to lay the foundation on which those who came after have built the glorious structure of today? That they made that foundation broad and deep and strong is the best assurance we have that they did glimpse the hidden possibilities and the power within the organization for the mental, physical, and spiritual development of the young women of the Church.
The names of Eliza R. Snow, Zina D. Young. Mary Isabel Horne, Sarah M. Kimball and others were spoken in my childhood home with the greatest reverence, and to be in the presence of these women and listen to their words of wisdom and counsel was a rare privilege. They were leaders in every movement that stood for the uplift and advancement of womankind and pioneers in the organizations established by the prophets of God for the daughters of Zion.
In less than ten years from the time that President Young organized his daughters into a Retrenchment Association the work had so spread that a Stake organization became necessary. Two years later the General Board (or Central Board as it was then called) came into existence. Up to this time the Junior or Young Ladies’ Retrenchment Association had been under the general supervision of Sister Eliza R. Snow but after the Central Board was organized the entire responsibility of the work was placed with President Elmina S. Taylor and her counselors. How tremendous this responsibility seemed to these inexperienced women!
Everything was new, there was no previous general organization to pattern after, there were no sign posts along the way. Surely they must have had the vision of the future. Exceedingly humble they were, seeking wisdom and guidance from Him who so willingly gives to those who put their trust in Him. President Taylor firmly believed as Nephi of old that “The Lord giveth no commandment unto the children of men save He shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which He commandeth them.” Because of her sublime faith and the fact that she always found her God true to that promise, she was able to overcome her natural shrinking from public life and to rise above bodily weakness. Many, many times she left her home to attend conferences in far away stakes so weak physically that her loved ones remonstrated with her, telling her she was unwise, but they will testify today that she always returned home stronger in body and uplifted in spirit. That same faith sustained her counselors. Maria Y. Dougall, then a young mother (who had succeeded Margaret Y. Taylor), and Martha Horne (Tingey), a girl in her twenties. These women bore and reared their children and though handicapped much of the time with poor health, stood shoulder to shoulder with their leader in working out the manifold problems that confronted them. Were they discouraged? Yes, often they were, but they squared their shoulders and worked the harder. There were times when the burden seemed greater than they could bear, but they sought Divine help the more earnestly and went bravely on.
At first one meeting a month was sufficient to attend to all the needs of the organization, but as time went on and work increased the Board met twice a month: before the first ten years had passed Board meetings were being held every week at the home of President Taylor or Sister Dougall. With the calling in of aids these sessions grew in interest and became a veritable training school for these earnest workers. President Taylor possessed to a marked degree the power of discernment which was nowhere more apparent than in the selection of the women called into her official family. Each one possessed a strong individuality resulting in many varied opinions on the questions which came up for consideration. Each one was free to champion her point of view and did so in very decided terms, but no matter how heated the arguments the final vote was always unanimous and thereafter individual opinions and feelings were put aside and all worked in harmony for the success of the plan adopted.
The spirit of unity and love which has always existed in the General Board of the Y. L. M. I. A. has called forth frequent comment. In those early days of the organization when the meetings were held in private homes this spirit of love and unity left a veritable benediction, the influence of which extended even to the members of the household. At times the gifts and blessings of the Gospel were so abundantly manifested and the meetings of so spiritual a nature that none privileged to attend can ever forget.
In the beginning each local association was a law unto itself in regard to time of meeting, programs, and plan of procedure. These scattered associations were gradually brought together under stake supervision. Then began an active campaign which in a few short years witnessed a wonderful growth along many lines. Publication of the Young Woman’s Journal was commenced, aids were added to the Board, the associations were graded, and guides were issued outlining the course of study. Annual stake and general conferences were inaugurated and joint work with the Y. M. M. I. A. was begun. As a means of financing the general organization the dime fund came into being and traveling libraries were founded in the various stakes. In 1889 occurred an event of great importance to the M. I. A.— its affiliation with the National Council of Women of the United States. This not only added to its prestige with other organizations of women but gave its officers the opportunity to become acquainted with the leading women of our country.
These are some of the achievements of those early years. As the work grew there came a wonderful development to those women who were giving so much of their time and energy. Through the years the high ideals set in the beginning were maintained. Those ideals were that the young women of the Church might gain a testimony of the truth of this great latter-day work and that they might appreciate and honor and perfect their womanhood. Our girls owe a great debt of gratitude to the women who laid the foundation of Mutual Improvement work. What do they ask, these women, as compensation for the long years of effort and striving? Nothing more than this—that our girls of to-day and of the future shall be true to the M. I. A. cause and the ideals for which it stands, true to their faith, true to their God.
Of those called to the General Board when it was first organized our beloved president Martha H. Tingey alone remains. Next to her stands Maria Y. Dougall who was one of the original officers of the Retrenchment Association and who was called to the General Board a few years after its organization. No one else knows so well as these two the story of the M. I. A. from the beginning. Sister Dougall is still an honored member of the Board. Sister Tingey has been almost half a century in the Presidency, working in a great cause! What an example of integrity, devotion to duty and faith in the Priesthood of God! Those only who are her very nearest know how much of her life’s energy she has given to the cause, they alone know the sublime courage that has carried her through long years of pain and suffering. yet through it all of her implicit faith in God and his unfailing love. All honor to her for the work she has accomplished, for the life she has lived, for the example she has set. The daughters of Zion rise up and call her blessed and pray God to strengthen and bless her and to lengthen out her days that she may long be our honored and beloved President.