Emmeline B. Wells
Born: 29 February 1828
Called as General Relief Society President: 3 October 1910
Released: 2 April 1921
Died: 25 April 1921
Called as General Relief Society President: 3 October 1910
Released: 2 April 1921
Died: 25 April 1921
Image source: Relief Society Magazine, February 1916
Image source: Relief Society Magazine, February 1916
Image source: Young Woman's Journal, February 1917
Image source: Improvement Era, November 1910
Image source: Relief Society Magazine, April 1962
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Image source: Wikipedia, public domain
Image source: Relief Society Magazine, June 1921
Image source: Young Woman's Journal, April 1908
Image source: Improvement Era, June 1921
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Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 2
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 15 November 1902, Some of Our Poets - Emmeline B. Wells
Young Woman's Journal, April 1908, Emmeline B. Wells
Young Woman's Journal, June 1913, A Tribute
Young Woman's Journal, March 1915, "Aunt Em"
Young Woman's Journal, October 1916, President Emmeline B. Wells' Baptism
Improvement Era, February 1917, Emmeline B. Wells
Young Woman's Journal, February 1917, The Glorious Youthfulness of a Grand Old Age
Juvenile Instructor, October 1918, True Pioneer Stories - Emmeline B. Wells
Young Woman's Journal, January 1919, True Pioneer Stories - "Aunt Em"
Relief Society Magazine, February 1919, Our General President
Relief Society Magazine, March 1920, The Five General Presidents of the Relief Society - Emmeline B. Wells
Relief Society Magazine, October 1920, Testimony of President Emmeline B. Wells
Improvement Era, June 1921, Portrait of Emmeline B. Wells
Improvement Era, June 1921, President Emmeline B. Wells
Relief Society Magazine, June 1921, Death of President Emmeline B. Wells and Appointment of President Clarissa Smith Williams
Relief Society Magazine, June 1921, Funeral Services of President Emmeline B. Wells
Relief Society Magazine, June 1921, To Mrs. Emmeline B. Wells
Young Woman's Journal, June 1921, This is Death
Young Woman's Journal, June 1921, Emmeline B. Wells, A Tribute
Young Woman's Journal, June 1921, President Emmeline B. Wells
Relief Society Magazine, July 1921, Our President Emeritus, Emmeline B. Wells
Relief Society Magazine, February 1928, The Centenary of the Birth of Emmeline B. Wells
Relief Society Magazine, April 1928, Dr. Emmeline B. Wells Memorial
Relief Society Magazine, April 1962, She Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith - Emmeline B. Wells
Ensign, July 2003, Emmeline B. Wells: A Fine Soul Who Served
Liahona, December 2021, Emmeline Was a Voice for Women
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 15 November 1902, Some of Our Poets - Emmeline B. Wells
Young Woman's Journal, April 1908, Emmeline B. Wells
Young Woman's Journal, June 1913, A Tribute
Young Woman's Journal, March 1915, "Aunt Em"
Young Woman's Journal, October 1916, President Emmeline B. Wells' Baptism
Improvement Era, February 1917, Emmeline B. Wells
Young Woman's Journal, February 1917, The Glorious Youthfulness of a Grand Old Age
Juvenile Instructor, October 1918, True Pioneer Stories - Emmeline B. Wells
Young Woman's Journal, January 1919, True Pioneer Stories - "Aunt Em"
Relief Society Magazine, February 1919, Our General President
Relief Society Magazine, March 1920, The Five General Presidents of the Relief Society - Emmeline B. Wells
Relief Society Magazine, October 1920, Testimony of President Emmeline B. Wells
Improvement Era, June 1921, Portrait of Emmeline B. Wells
Improvement Era, June 1921, President Emmeline B. Wells
Relief Society Magazine, June 1921, Death of President Emmeline B. Wells and Appointment of President Clarissa Smith Williams
Relief Society Magazine, June 1921, Funeral Services of President Emmeline B. Wells
Relief Society Magazine, June 1921, To Mrs. Emmeline B. Wells
Young Woman's Journal, June 1921, This is Death
Young Woman's Journal, June 1921, Emmeline B. Wells, A Tribute
Young Woman's Journal, June 1921, President Emmeline B. Wells
Relief Society Magazine, July 1921, Our President Emeritus, Emmeline B. Wells
Relief Society Magazine, February 1928, The Centenary of the Birth of Emmeline B. Wells
Relief Society Magazine, April 1928, Dr. Emmeline B. Wells Memorial
Relief Society Magazine, April 1962, She Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith - Emmeline B. Wells
Ensign, July 2003, Emmeline B. Wells: A Fine Soul Who Served
Liahona, December 2021, Emmeline Was a Voice for Women
Jenson, Andrew. "Wells, Emmeline Blanche Woodward." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 2. pg. 731-734.
WELLS, Emmeline Blanche Woodward, the fourth president of all the Relief Societies in the Church, was born Feb. 29, 1828, at Petersham, Worchester co., Massachusetts, the daughter of David Woodward and Deiadama Hare. The Woodwards came from England in the year 1630. They were of noble Norman extraction and fought at Hastings, Agincourt, Edge Hill and upon other fields of fame. Emmeline’s grandfather and her father served respectively in the Revolutionary war and the war of 1812. Her father died when she was four years old, the victim of a run-away accident. Her literary gifts are largely from the maternal side. As a child she was given the best educational advantages to be obtained and was so quick to learn that she graduated when very young. At fifteen she taught school. Ini 1841 her mother with her younger children, being converted to “Mormonism,” was baptized, but “Emmie,” as she was called, was away at the time attending a select school for girls, and boarding with a married sister. After the school closed “Emmie” attended the “Mormon” meetings and was baptized March 1, 1842; six other persons were baptized at the same time. Much excitement prevailed; threats were made by the town authorities, and ministers, judges and others came to the water’s edge to forbid the baptism, or learn if she was submitting to it of her own free will and choice. It was a trying ordeal for the young girl, but she told her mother that the crisis was passed and thenceforth she would dedicate her life to the work in which she had enlisted. She has faithfully kept her resolve. In 1843 (July 29th) Emmeline Blanche Woodward became the wife of James Harvey Harris, a son of an influential Elder in the Church, the president of the local branch. The bride was but fifteen years and five months old on her wedding day. The Harris family began their westward journey in April, 1844, the objective point being Nauvoo, Ill. Here Sister Emmeline was deeply impressed at her first meeting with Joseph Smith the Prophet. She was thrilled by his very handshake and received at once a testimony of his divine mission. This was not many weeks before the martyrdom, and she heard him deliver his last sermons and addresses, and noted the wonderous power that accompanied them. Immediately after the Prophet’s death her husband’s father and mother left the Church and moved from Nauvoo to La Harpe; they wished to take their .son and his wife with them, but the young couple refused to go. They were both present at the memorable meeting held Aug. 8, 1844, when the mantle of Joseph fell upon Brigham in the eyes of the assembled saints. Sept. 1, 1844, Sister Emmeline gave birth to a beautiful little bey, who was named Eugene Henri Harris; the child died Oct. 6, 1844, and the mother who was also brought to the brink of the grave was healed by the power of faith under the administration of Pres. Brigham Young. Nov. 16, 1844, her husband who up to this time had' been tender, kind and solicitous, left her, never to return. Sister Emmeline then accepted the offer of a 'home from a maiden lady, a sister in the Church, by the name of Olive M. Bishop. Early in 1846 she became an exile, together with the rest of her co-religionists, and started for the great West. On the journey her mother was stricken down with fever and ague, due to hardships and exposure on the bleak and rainy plains of Iowa, and died and was buried by the wayside. Her motherless little ones arrived at Winter Quarters, greatly in need of care and attention. There, as at Nauvoo Sister Emmeline taught school. In the year 1848 she came to the Valley with Bishop Newel K. Whitney, to whom she had been sealed as a wife. The Whitneys camped on the site now occupied by the L. D. S. University. A few weeks after her arrival in the Valley, or on Nov. 2, 1848, Sister Emmeline gave birth to a daughter—Isabel Modelena (now Mrs. S. W. Sears, of Salt Lake City). Aug. 18, 1850, another daughter was born— Melvina Caroline (now Mrs. W. W. Woods of Wallace, Idaho). Several weeks later Bishop Whitney died, leaving Emmeline a widow with two babes; she had a staunch friend in the Bishop’s first wife, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, and between her and that sainted mother in Israel there always existed a most tender affection. In 1S52 Sister Emmeline taught school, and on Oct. 10, 1852, she married General Daniel H. Wells, by whom she had three daughters, Emmeline (born Sept. 10, 1853) Elizabeth Anu (born Dec. 7, 1859) and Louisa Martha, born Aug. 27, 1862). From 1852 to 1886 Sister Wells resided on State Street, a little north of where the Auerbach Department store now stands. While her children were young she devoted herself almost exclusively to home. She sang in the choir at the old Tabernacle and her literary work went quietly on. She was always deeply interested in people, in the culture of the youth and the progress of communities and nations. The advancement of her sex was with her a favorite field. When the women of Utah where enfranchised in' February, 1870, she was one of the first to wield the ballot and to recognize in the event one of the indications of a new era. About this time she began to devote herself more to public affairs. In 1873 her writings appeared in the “Women’s Exponent,” to which she wrote over the nom de plume f Blanche Beachwood. In 1874 she lent occasional assistance in the editorial department and on May 1, 1875, she was regularly installed as assistant editor. Upon the retirement of Mrs. Richards in July, 1877, Sister Wells became the editor of the paper, a position which she filled with significant ability until the present year (1914) when the publication of the “Women’s Exponent” was suspended. Early in life Sister Wells became interested in the Relief Society work, the character and purpose of which she well understood through her intimate associations with Mother Whitney, who had been a counselor in Nauvoo to Emma Smith, the first president of the Society. She traveled extensively in Utah and surrounding parts with Eliza R. Snow, Zina D. H. Young and other leading women in the interest of the Society and aided also in organizing young ladies and primary associations. By this time her well known interest in woman suffrage bad brought her to the attention of the National Woman’s Suffrage Association, and in 1874 she had been appointed1 its vice-president of Utah. Thenceforth she was destined to be active in duties of a public character. In September, 187G, she received a special mission from Pres. Brigham Young to take the lead with the sisters of the Church to gather and save grain. She responded Cheerfully to this call and ever since that time the saving of grain has been one of the important topics of her public instruction. In January, 1879, accompanied by Zina Y. Williams, she attended the National Woman’s Suffrage Association, at Washington, D. C.» where they presented a memorial to Congress, asking; that the children born in plural marriage be made legitimate. In 1882 she and Zina D. H. Young attended the National Suffrage Convention at Omaha, where Sister Wells gave an exhaustive paper on conditions in Utah. Three years later, during the heat of the crusade under the Edmunds Law, she attended; another Suffrage Convention, in Washington', and had interviews with prominent members of Congress upon “Mormon” questions. When Zina D. H. Young was chosen president of the General Relief Society, Emmeline B. Wells became its corresponding secretary, and in 1892, when the Relief Society was incorporated, she was elected general secretary, which position she creditably held until she was elected president in 1910. In 1893, at the time of the World’s Fair in Chicago, Sister Wells gave a paper widely copied and quoted upon “Western Women in Journalism,” at the Relief Society meeting. In 1895 she represented Utah at the National Woman’s Suffrage Association at Atlanta, Ga. Her address upon Utah’s prospective admission to Statehood was enthusiastically applauded, and Miss Susan B. Anthony came forward and embraced her on the platform. At the National Council held at Washington, D. C., in February, 1895, she read a paper entitled “Forty Years in the Valley of the Great Salt Lake,” whom was reproduced in the leading journals. When the people of Utah divided upon party lines in 1892, Sister Wells declared herself a Republican and was selected by that party as chairman, of the Utah Woman’s Republican league. In 1897 she represented Utah at the National Suffrage Convention at Des Moines, Iowa, and with Miss Anthony and other ladies spoke on the suffrage question before the Iowa legislature in the Senate Chamber. Up to 1899 Sister Wells had never left her native land, but that year she crossed the Atlantic and attended the Woman’s International Council and Congress in London. With other delegates she was entertained by Queen Victoria, the Countess of Aberdeen, and other British nobility at various great gatherings. In 1901 she witnessed the inauguration of Pres. MicKinley at Washington, D. C. in 1902 she was again in Washington, at the National Woman’s Suffrage Convention and the Triennial of the Woman’s National Council. She was the first western woman to be elected an officer in that council. Feb. 29, 1912, the honorary degree of Doctor of Literature was conferred upon her by the Brigham Young University, and another honor was bestowed upon her, Oct. 1, 1912, in her being selected to unveil the monument to the Sea Gulls erected on the Temple Block, Salt Lake City. Sister Wells has had a wide experience and done much literary work outside of editing the “Women’s Exponent.” Besides her many poetical productions on various occasions, she edited “Songs and Flowers of the Wasatch,” for the Columbian Exposition and also a book of prose, entitled “Charities and Philanthropies.” Her poetic volume appeared in 1896, its general style is suggested by the title, “Musings and Memories,” a book of beautiful and tender verse. Sister Well's marvelous memory is an encyclopedia of facts upon any subject on which she is interested and her office and home was for many years a mecca f.cr tourists and visitors in quest of information pertaining to the Latter-day .Saints and their institutions. After the death of Bathsheba W. Smith, in October, 1910, Sister Wells was unanimously chosen as president of the Relief Societies of the entire Church, which position she still occupies. Notwithstanding her advanced age, she is still a very busy woman; work seems to be her most congenial atmosphere, her very breath of life. She is honored 'and revered today by the saints throughout the whole world.
WELLS, Emmeline Blanche Woodward, the fourth president of all the Relief Societies in the Church, was born Feb. 29, 1828, at Petersham, Worchester co., Massachusetts, the daughter of David Woodward and Deiadama Hare. The Woodwards came from England in the year 1630. They were of noble Norman extraction and fought at Hastings, Agincourt, Edge Hill and upon other fields of fame. Emmeline’s grandfather and her father served respectively in the Revolutionary war and the war of 1812. Her father died when she was four years old, the victim of a run-away accident. Her literary gifts are largely from the maternal side. As a child she was given the best educational advantages to be obtained and was so quick to learn that she graduated when very young. At fifteen she taught school. Ini 1841 her mother with her younger children, being converted to “Mormonism,” was baptized, but “Emmie,” as she was called, was away at the time attending a select school for girls, and boarding with a married sister. After the school closed “Emmie” attended the “Mormon” meetings and was baptized March 1, 1842; six other persons were baptized at the same time. Much excitement prevailed; threats were made by the town authorities, and ministers, judges and others came to the water’s edge to forbid the baptism, or learn if she was submitting to it of her own free will and choice. It was a trying ordeal for the young girl, but she told her mother that the crisis was passed and thenceforth she would dedicate her life to the work in which she had enlisted. She has faithfully kept her resolve. In 1843 (July 29th) Emmeline Blanche Woodward became the wife of James Harvey Harris, a son of an influential Elder in the Church, the president of the local branch. The bride was but fifteen years and five months old on her wedding day. The Harris family began their westward journey in April, 1844, the objective point being Nauvoo, Ill. Here Sister Emmeline was deeply impressed at her first meeting with Joseph Smith the Prophet. She was thrilled by his very handshake and received at once a testimony of his divine mission. This was not many weeks before the martyrdom, and she heard him deliver his last sermons and addresses, and noted the wonderous power that accompanied them. Immediately after the Prophet’s death her husband’s father and mother left the Church and moved from Nauvoo to La Harpe; they wished to take their .son and his wife with them, but the young couple refused to go. They were both present at the memorable meeting held Aug. 8, 1844, when the mantle of Joseph fell upon Brigham in the eyes of the assembled saints. Sept. 1, 1844, Sister Emmeline gave birth to a beautiful little bey, who was named Eugene Henri Harris; the child died Oct. 6, 1844, and the mother who was also brought to the brink of the grave was healed by the power of faith under the administration of Pres. Brigham Young. Nov. 16, 1844, her husband who up to this time had' been tender, kind and solicitous, left her, never to return. Sister Emmeline then accepted the offer of a 'home from a maiden lady, a sister in the Church, by the name of Olive M. Bishop. Early in 1846 she became an exile, together with the rest of her co-religionists, and started for the great West. On the journey her mother was stricken down with fever and ague, due to hardships and exposure on the bleak and rainy plains of Iowa, and died and was buried by the wayside. Her motherless little ones arrived at Winter Quarters, greatly in need of care and attention. There, as at Nauvoo Sister Emmeline taught school. In the year 1848 she came to the Valley with Bishop Newel K. Whitney, to whom she had been sealed as a wife. The Whitneys camped on the site now occupied by the L. D. S. University. A few weeks after her arrival in the Valley, or on Nov. 2, 1848, Sister Emmeline gave birth to a daughter—Isabel Modelena (now Mrs. S. W. Sears, of Salt Lake City). Aug. 18, 1850, another daughter was born— Melvina Caroline (now Mrs. W. W. Woods of Wallace, Idaho). Several weeks later Bishop Whitney died, leaving Emmeline a widow with two babes; she had a staunch friend in the Bishop’s first wife, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, and between her and that sainted mother in Israel there always existed a most tender affection. In 1S52 Sister Emmeline taught school, and on Oct. 10, 1852, she married General Daniel H. Wells, by whom she had three daughters, Emmeline (born Sept. 10, 1853) Elizabeth Anu (born Dec. 7, 1859) and Louisa Martha, born Aug. 27, 1862). From 1852 to 1886 Sister Wells resided on State Street, a little north of where the Auerbach Department store now stands. While her children were young she devoted herself almost exclusively to home. She sang in the choir at the old Tabernacle and her literary work went quietly on. She was always deeply interested in people, in the culture of the youth and the progress of communities and nations. The advancement of her sex was with her a favorite field. When the women of Utah where enfranchised in' February, 1870, she was one of the first to wield the ballot and to recognize in the event one of the indications of a new era. About this time she began to devote herself more to public affairs. In 1873 her writings appeared in the “Women’s Exponent,” to which she wrote over the nom de plume f Blanche Beachwood. In 1874 she lent occasional assistance in the editorial department and on May 1, 1875, she was regularly installed as assistant editor. Upon the retirement of Mrs. Richards in July, 1877, Sister Wells became the editor of the paper, a position which she filled with significant ability until the present year (1914) when the publication of the “Women’s Exponent” was suspended. Early in life Sister Wells became interested in the Relief Society work, the character and purpose of which she well understood through her intimate associations with Mother Whitney, who had been a counselor in Nauvoo to Emma Smith, the first president of the Society. She traveled extensively in Utah and surrounding parts with Eliza R. Snow, Zina D. H. Young and other leading women in the interest of the Society and aided also in organizing young ladies and primary associations. By this time her well known interest in woman suffrage bad brought her to the attention of the National Woman’s Suffrage Association, and in 1874 she had been appointed1 its vice-president of Utah. Thenceforth she was destined to be active in duties of a public character. In September, 187G, she received a special mission from Pres. Brigham Young to take the lead with the sisters of the Church to gather and save grain. She responded Cheerfully to this call and ever since that time the saving of grain has been one of the important topics of her public instruction. In January, 1879, accompanied by Zina Y. Williams, she attended the National Woman’s Suffrage Association, at Washington, D. C.» where they presented a memorial to Congress, asking; that the children born in plural marriage be made legitimate. In 1882 she and Zina D. H. Young attended the National Suffrage Convention at Omaha, where Sister Wells gave an exhaustive paper on conditions in Utah. Three years later, during the heat of the crusade under the Edmunds Law, she attended; another Suffrage Convention, in Washington', and had interviews with prominent members of Congress upon “Mormon” questions. When Zina D. H. Young was chosen president of the General Relief Society, Emmeline B. Wells became its corresponding secretary, and in 1892, when the Relief Society was incorporated, she was elected general secretary, which position she creditably held until she was elected president in 1910. In 1893, at the time of the World’s Fair in Chicago, Sister Wells gave a paper widely copied and quoted upon “Western Women in Journalism,” at the Relief Society meeting. In 1895 she represented Utah at the National Woman’s Suffrage Association at Atlanta, Ga. Her address upon Utah’s prospective admission to Statehood was enthusiastically applauded, and Miss Susan B. Anthony came forward and embraced her on the platform. At the National Council held at Washington, D. C., in February, 1895, she read a paper entitled “Forty Years in the Valley of the Great Salt Lake,” whom was reproduced in the leading journals. When the people of Utah divided upon party lines in 1892, Sister Wells declared herself a Republican and was selected by that party as chairman, of the Utah Woman’s Republican league. In 1897 she represented Utah at the National Suffrage Convention at Des Moines, Iowa, and with Miss Anthony and other ladies spoke on the suffrage question before the Iowa legislature in the Senate Chamber. Up to 1899 Sister Wells had never left her native land, but that year she crossed the Atlantic and attended the Woman’s International Council and Congress in London. With other delegates she was entertained by Queen Victoria, the Countess of Aberdeen, and other British nobility at various great gatherings. In 1901 she witnessed the inauguration of Pres. MicKinley at Washington, D. C. in 1902 she was again in Washington, at the National Woman’s Suffrage Convention and the Triennial of the Woman’s National Council. She was the first western woman to be elected an officer in that council. Feb. 29, 1912, the honorary degree of Doctor of Literature was conferred upon her by the Brigham Young University, and another honor was bestowed upon her, Oct. 1, 1912, in her being selected to unveil the monument to the Sea Gulls erected on the Temple Block, Salt Lake City. Sister Wells has had a wide experience and done much literary work outside of editing the “Women’s Exponent.” Besides her many poetical productions on various occasions, she edited “Songs and Flowers of the Wasatch,” for the Columbian Exposition and also a book of prose, entitled “Charities and Philanthropies.” Her poetic volume appeared in 1896, its general style is suggested by the title, “Musings and Memories,” a book of beautiful and tender verse. Sister Well's marvelous memory is an encyclopedia of facts upon any subject on which she is interested and her office and home was for many years a mecca f.cr tourists and visitors in quest of information pertaining to the Latter-day .Saints and their institutions. After the death of Bathsheba W. Smith, in October, 1910, Sister Wells was unanimously chosen as president of the Relief Societies of the entire Church, which position she still occupies. Notwithstanding her advanced age, she is still a very busy woman; work seems to be her most congenial atmosphere, her very breath of life. She is honored 'and revered today by the saints throughout the whole world.
Jenson, Andrew. "Wells, Emmeline B." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 178, 199-200.
WELLS, Emmeline Blanch Woodward, fifth general president of Relief Society, was born Feb. 29, 1828, at Petersham, Worcester Co., Mass., a daughter of David Woodward and Diadama Hare. She was educated in select schools and by private instructors. At the age of 84 she received the honorary degree of Doctor of Literature from the Brigham Young University. In 1845 she was married in Nauvoo, Ill., to Presiding Bishop Newel K. Whitney and in 1848 she came to Utah with Bishop Whitney's family. Bishop Whitney died Sept. 23, 1850 and in 1852 Sister Emmeline was married to Elder Daniel H. Wells. In 1866, Pres. Brigham Young instructed Sister Eliza R. Snow to assist the Bishops to organize Relief Societies in the various wards of the Church, in which she was assisted by Sister Emmeline B. Wells. In 1888 Sister Wells became a member of the General Board of Relief Society, serving successively as corresponding secretary and general secretary of that organization. She became general president in 1910, which office she held until 1921, her death occurring April 25, 1921. In 1874 she became assistant editor of the "Woman's Exponent," the organ of the Relief Society, and was editor and publisher of that periodical from 1876 to 1914. She also published two editions of her poems and numerous pamphlets and brochures. She organized the "Reapers' Club" and the "Utah Woman's Press Club" and also women's literary organizations, in which she fostered talent by publishing writings of the members in the "Exponent." Sister Wells was appointed chairman of the wheat storing movement in 1876 by Pres. Brigham Young and continued to advocate the cause until 1918 when the stored wheat was turned over to the United States. While she presided over the Relief Society, the Welfare Department and the Burial Clothes Department were organized at Relief Society headquarters. Sister Wells was a pronounced suffragist and gave service in organizing both state and national associations, and as a delegate to women's councils she traveled extensively at home and abroad. In 1928 the women of the State of Utah placed a marble bust of Mrs. Wells in the rotunda of the State Capitol in recognition of her service to women. Sister Wells was the mother of six children. (See also Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 2, p. 731.)
WELLS, Emmeline Blanch Woodward, fifth general president of Relief Society, was born Feb. 29, 1828, at Petersham, Worcester Co., Mass., a daughter of David Woodward and Diadama Hare. She was educated in select schools and by private instructors. At the age of 84 she received the honorary degree of Doctor of Literature from the Brigham Young University. In 1845 she was married in Nauvoo, Ill., to Presiding Bishop Newel K. Whitney and in 1848 she came to Utah with Bishop Whitney's family. Bishop Whitney died Sept. 23, 1850 and in 1852 Sister Emmeline was married to Elder Daniel H. Wells. In 1866, Pres. Brigham Young instructed Sister Eliza R. Snow to assist the Bishops to organize Relief Societies in the various wards of the Church, in which she was assisted by Sister Emmeline B. Wells. In 1888 Sister Wells became a member of the General Board of Relief Society, serving successively as corresponding secretary and general secretary of that organization. She became general president in 1910, which office she held until 1921, her death occurring April 25, 1921. In 1874 she became assistant editor of the "Woman's Exponent," the organ of the Relief Society, and was editor and publisher of that periodical from 1876 to 1914. She also published two editions of her poems and numerous pamphlets and brochures. She organized the "Reapers' Club" and the "Utah Woman's Press Club" and also women's literary organizations, in which she fostered talent by publishing writings of the members in the "Exponent." Sister Wells was appointed chairman of the wheat storing movement in 1876 by Pres. Brigham Young and continued to advocate the cause until 1918 when the stored wheat was turned over to the United States. While she presided over the Relief Society, the Welfare Department and the Burial Clothes Department were organized at Relief Society headquarters. Sister Wells was a pronounced suffragist and gave service in organizing both state and national associations, and as a delegate to women's councils she traveled extensively at home and abroad. In 1928 the women of the State of Utah placed a marble bust of Mrs. Wells in the rotunda of the State Capitol in recognition of her service to women. Sister Wells was the mother of six children. (See also Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 2, p. 731.)
Whitney, Orson F. "Some of Our Poets - Emmeline B. Wells." Juvenile Instructor. 15 November 1902. pg. 691-698.
SOME OF OUR POETS.
EMMELINE B. WELLS.
A REMARKABLE woman with a remarkable record is Sister Emmeline B. Wells, of Salt Lake Proud of her Puritan descent, she has more than realized in the course of her eventful life the best and highest ideals of her heroic ancestors. It were lofty praise indeed to say that any of them equaled her in sublime spiritual idealism—a fruit of the Gospel in its fullness—or surpassed her in the toils and sacrifices whereby are demonstrated integrity, love of truth, reverence for God and sympathy with humanity. Though essentially literary, loving-romance, all but worshiping nature, a maker of verses from childhood and best known for the voluminous productions of her pen both in poetry and prose, she is also recognized as possessing marked executive ability, and is appreciated for her affectionate, altruistic nature, her kind, charitable heart and her talent for imparting instruction. Frank and outspoken, almost to bluntness, her soul overflows with generous impulses, and she is an ever ready help to the needy, the sorrowful and the afflicted. Her marvelous memory is an encyclopedia of facts upon any subject in which she is interested, and her office, even her home, is a Mecca for tourists and visitors in quest of information pertaining to her people and their institutions. Needless to say she is a very busy woman; work is her most congenial atmosphere, her very breath of life. Did we not know that labor is conducive to longevity, we might wonder that one frail little woman, with a life full of sorrows and cares, however rife with nervous energy and vitality, could have endured so long and accomplished so much.
Emmeline Blanche Woodward—for that was her maiden name—was born at Petersham, Worcester County, Massachusetts , February 29, 1828. She was the seventh child of ten, whose parents were David Woodward and Deidama Hare. The Woodwards came from England in the year 1630. They were of noble Norman extraction and military renown, fighting at Hastings, Agincourt, Edgehill, and upon other fields of fame. One of her father's ancestors was killed in King Phillip's war, 1675; the brother of her great-grandfather gave money to pay the patriot soldiers at the battle of Concord; while her grandfather and father served respectively in the Revolutionary war and the war of 1812. Her passion for romance, especially for knightly and patriotic deeds, is thus accounted for.
Her literary gifts are more from the maternal side. -As a child she was given the best educational advantages that could be obtained, and was so quick to learn that she graduated when very young. At fifteen she taught school.
A year or two before, in 1841, her mother had been converted to Mormonism, and with her younger children baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Emmie,” as she was called, was away at the time attending a select school for girls, and boarding with a married sister. Both daughters responded to the mother's invitation to come and hear the Elders, but were not impressed as she had been. At home, after the school term closed, Emmie attended the Mormon meetings, and yielding to the maternal importunities finally consented to be baptized. The baptism took place. March 1, 1842, in a little brook on their own land. The day was very cold, and the ice had to be cut, to prepare for the administration of the ordinance. Seven persons were baptized, Emmie, the youngest, being last. Great excitement prevailed in the town, threats were made by the civil authorities, and ministers, judges and other notables came to the water's edge to forbid her baptism, or at least to learn if she were submitting to it of her own free will and choice. It was a trying ordeal for the young girl, but she felt some potent power buoying her up; she told her mother that the crisis was past, and thenceforth she would dedicate her life to the work in which she had enlisted. She kept her resolve, then and there laying all upon the altar of her faith.
At school, the year after, she endured much ridicule, being the only Mormon student, and her teachers, with others, were constantly endeavoring to persuade her to renounce the unpopular faith. What her sensitive nature suffered during that period and what the conflict in her secret soul, could not be told in words. The mother, knowing her daughter's temperament, and fearing that in her intense desire for a higher education she might possibly yield to the entreaties of relatives and friends, arranged to send her to Nauvoo in a company of Latter-day Saints who were soon to migrate thither. That she might have proper care and protection, she was persuaded to contract a marriage with the son of the president of the local branch, an influential Elder, and go as a member of his family. The young couple scarcely knew each other but were mutually attracted, and on Sunday morning, July 29, 1843, the Probate Judge performed the ceremony uniting James Harvey Harris and Emmeline Blanche Woodward in marriage, d he bride was but fifteen years and five months old on her wedding day, and utterly unacquainted with the responsibilities of the marriage state. What wonder that she was urged, even then, to make her romantic life the subject of a novel.
The journey westward was begun in April, 1844. Though pained at the parting, her mother, for the reasons given, was glad to have her go. The first important event that followed was her meeting with the Prophet Joseph Smith at Nauvoo. She was thrilled by the very hand-shake of the mighty man of God, and received, as she declares, a strong and sure testimony of his divine mission. This was not many weeks before the martyrdom. She heard him deliver his last sermons and addresses, and noted the wondrous power that accompanied them. During that troubled time she secured the abiding faith that helped her through the trying ordeals then unfolding in her history.
Immediately after the Prophet's death her husband's father and mother left the Church and moved away from Nauvoo. They wished to take their son and his wife with them, and made them liberal offers—for they had considerable wealth—but the young couple refused to go, thereby sacrificing their prospects. They had some means, and Brother Harris soon secured employment, but those were not the days of plenty. They had their religion to comfort them, and received various testimonies of its truth. Before and after the martyrdom the young husband stood guard many nights as a member of the Nauvoo Legion. He and his wife were present at the memorable meeting when “the mantle” of Joseph fell upon Brigham in the eyes of the assembled Saints.
Sunday the first day of September came, and with it the birth of a babe, a beautiful little boy, who at eight days was blessed and named Eugene Henri Harris. The child was stricken with chills and fever, which had previously brought the young wife to the brink of the grave, and on the 6th of October, (844, he died. Herself healed by the prayer of faith under the administration of President Brigham Young, the bereaved mother wrote then the tender little verses published in her book of poems, “Life's Sweetest Flower Seems Gone. ”
Another heavy sorrow followed fast. Her husband, who up to this time had been tender, kind and solicitous, left Nauvoo never to return. It was on the 16th of November that he bade her an affectionate farewell, and took steamer for St. Louis, promising to return in about two weeks. She watched, waited, wept and prayed for his coming; but in vain. A letter came, full of sympathy for her, telling her to go to La Harpe to his father, mother and brother, and he would soon rejoin her. But follow the apostates she would not. To her faith, now dearer than ever, she clung tenaciously. One more letter came, then all was over; not another word did she ever receive from him. He had yielded to parental influence, exerted chiefly by his mother. Unable yet to do work of any sort, his broken-hearted wife was now alone and helpless.
It was under these circumstances that she accepted the offer of a home from a maiden lady, who lived alone, a sister in the Church with whom she had traveled from Albany to Nauvoo. Miss Bishop was her name. She was a cousin to the wife of Bishop Newel K. Whitney. By Mrs. Whitney and her husband Sister Harris was taught the principle of plural marriage, and subsequently she became a member of the Bishop's household. During the latter part of her residence at Nauvoo she taught school.
In September, 1845, her mother, her two younger sisters, Adeline and Ellen, and her brother Hiram came from the East, and in the following February, after having received the ordinances of the Lord's House in the uncompleted Temple, she bade them farewell and joined the exodus of her people. She little knew that it was her final parting with the mother to whose faith, zeal and devotion she owed so much, and whom she expected would follow in one of the - later companies. The heroic woman was among' those ruthlessly expelled by the mob from Nauvoo, and was stricken down with fever and ague, due to hardships and exposures on the bleak and rainy chores of Iowa. While still sick she climbed into a wagon and made a strong effort to rejoin her daughter and friends upon the Missouri; but when about seventy-five miles out she died and was buried by the wayside in an unknown grave. Her motherless little ones arrived at Winter Quarters greatly in need of care and attention. There Emmie again taught school. In the year 184S they all came with Bishop Whitney to Salt Lake Valley, leaving Winter Quarters in May and arriving here in October.
The Whitneys camped on the site now occupied by the Latter-day Saints' University. There on the 2nd day of November, a few weeks after her arrival, in the wagon in which she had crossed the plains, and amid a terrific storm of wind and sleet, Sister Emmeline Whitney gave birth to a daughter, Isabel Modalena, who is today Mrs. S. W. Sears of Salt Lake City. On the 18th of August, 1850, another daughter was born to her, Melvina Caroline, now Mrs. W. W. Woods, of Wallace, Idaho. On September 23rd of the same year Bishop Whitney died, leaving her a widow with two babes. She had a staunch friend in the Bishop's first wife, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, and between her and that sainted mother in Israel there always existed a most tender affection.
In the year 1852, for six months the young widow taught school in a little log school house on what is now Fourth East Street, between First and Second South. In October of that year she married General Daniel H. Wells, by whom she had three daughters, Emmeline (Emmie) born September 10, 1853; Elizabeth Ann (Mrs. John Q. Cannon) December 7, 1859; and Martha Louisa (Louie) August 27, 1862. From 1852 to 1888 Sister Wells resided on State Street, a little north of where the Hotel Knutsford now stands. It was in commemoration of her long residence there that she wrote the following tender verses, a popular favorite with the many admirers of her poems:
THE DEAR OLD GARDEN.
My dear old garden! still I call it mine;
And mine it is, for in its grateful shade
Of ev’ry tree, and shrub, and flow’ring vine,
My children and my children’s children played.
Round these my aching heart instinctive clings,
And they to me are sweet and tender things.
Under those trees I’ve sauntered to and fro.
In search of hidden gems of precious thought,
Perchance some wayward fancies all aglow
Have been in chains of measured rhythm caught,
For rustling leaves, and sighing boughs have stirred
The depths of love no living voice hath heard.
And here young lovers, plighted vows have given,
And sealed them with the first, fond lingering kiss
That hallows love, and makes earth seem a heaven,
A sweet enchanted dream of rapt’rous bliss
When two pure hearts, in confidence and truth,
Unite their joys and hopes in early youth.
These trees and shrubs, and ev’ry bush and vine,
We've watched from tiniest seed and stem;
Why then should I not always call them mine?
For in my heart of hearts I treasure them.
No matter how neglected now they be,
They were a part of my home life to me.
Yes, I remember sitting there so well,
With baby in n arms and children round;
And a sweet peace hung o’er me like a spell,
While the white blossoms fluttered to the ground;
For the young apple trees were just in bloom,
And we were breathing in their sweet perfume.
O, how the childish voices loud and clear,
Rang out in laughter and in merry song:
No wonder that to me the place is dear,
To which so many memories belong,
O, would those days but come to me again
Twould ease mv heart of all this racking pain.
O, little ones, ’mong the long tangled grass,
Where buttercups and clover nestled down;
Or like a shadow flitting as you pass,
To gather hollyhocks in “silken gown,’’
Or pull the morning glories from the vine
Which gaily round the fav’rite tree entwine.
And honeysuckles fragrant were and fair,
And on them humming birds swung to and fro.
But something fairer, sweeter still was there;
A little maiden singing soft and low:
O, that melodious voice we hear no more,
Save in our dreams, it echoes o’er and o’er.
My garden! when the world was dark and cold,
And troubles gathered thickly round my way,
I wandered there my feelings to unfold,
’Twas there I knelt upon the ground to pray.
In that old garden thro’ the maze of years
I scan life’s pages blurred with mists of tears.
While Sister Wells’ children were young she devoted herself almost exclusively to her home. She sang in the choir at the Old Tabernacle, and her literary work also went quietly on. She was always deeply interested in people, in the culture of the youth and in the progress of communities and nations; the advancement of her sex being with her a favorite theme. When the women of Utah were enfranchised in February, 1870, she was one of the first to wield the ballot and to recognize in the event one of the signs of a new era.
About this time she began to devote herself more to public affairs. In 1873 her writings appeared in the Exponents which had been established June 1, 1872. This paper from the first advocated suffrage principles. Sister Wells wrote over the of “Blanche Beechwood.” In 1874 she lent occasional assistance in the editorial department, and on the first of May, 1875, was regularly installed as assistant editor. In July, 1877, when the editor, Sister Lula Greene Richards, retired on account of family cares, Sister Wells succeeded her at the head of the paper. She has been the sole editor of the Exponent for over a quarter of a century.
She early became interested in the Relief Society, concerning the character and purpose of which she was well informed through her intimate association with “Mother” Whitney, who had been counselor to Sister Emma Smith, the first president of the Society at Nauvoo. While discharging her editorial duties she traveled extensively in Utah and surrounding parts in the interest of the Society, with Eliza R. Snow, Zina D. II. Young and other leading sisters. She also aided in organizing Young Ladies’ and Primary Associations. In October, 1876, under President Young’s counsel, she took the initiative in a movement for storing grain against a day of famine, and was appointed chairman of the Central Committee organized for that purpose. This was the year of the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia. Eliza R. Snow, having been appointed by the authorities of the Centennial to take charge of the work of the Utah women in connection with that event, selected Emmeline B. Wells as secretary.
Her well known interest in woman's suffrage had by this time brought her to the attention of the National Woman's Suffrage Association, and she had been appointed in 1874 its Vice-President for Utah. Thenceforth she was destined to be active in public duties of a general character. She was a member for sever-al years of the Territorial Central Committee and of the Salt Lake County Committee of the People's Party, and in 1S82 a member of the Constitutional Convention.
Her first public work outside of Utah was her attendance, by the urgent solicitation of Susan B. Anthony, Sara J. Andrews Spencer and other women of national repute, at the convention of the National Woman's Suffrage Association, held at Washington, D. C., in January, 1879. She was accompanied by Sister Zina Young Williams, now Sister Card. They were well received by the convention, where they spoke from the platform, and by President and Mrs. Hayes, whom they visited at the White House. They presented to the President and to Congress a memorial, asking for the repeal of the anti-polygamy act of 1862, which had just been declared constitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1882 Sister Wells, with Sister Zina D. H. Young, attended the National Suffrage Convention at Omaha, and there gave an exhaustive paper upon conditions in Utah.
Three years later, in the very heat of the crusade under the Edmunds law, she attended another suffrage convention in Washington, and had interviews with prominent members of Congress upon the Mormon question. She also called upon and was graciously received by Miss Rose Elizabeth Cleveland, President Cleveland's sister, then the lady of the White House, and conversed with her for over two hours upon the Utah situation. At parting Miss Cleveland requested another interview, naming the time. Sister Wells had previously visited, for the first time since leaving in 1844, her old home, brothers, sisters and other relatives in Massachusetts, and had called upon her kindred and noted people in various places. She dined with Lucy Stone, spent a day with the poet Whittier, and had tea and an interesting conversation with Elizabeth Stuart Phelps.
Homeward bound by way of Kirtland and Nauvoo, she had reached Kansas City when a telegram from Utah caused her to return to Washington, where with Dr. Ellen B. Ferguson, Sister Emily S. Richards and Sister Josephine Richards West, whom she had joined at Chicago, she presented a memorial of the women of Utah to the President and to Congress. The anti-Mormon opposition was then at its height, and the Supreme Court was hearing the case of the United States vs. Lorenzo Snow. These ladies listened to the entire argument. They called upon Senator Edmunds, Senator Ingalls, and other statesmen noted for their opposition to Mormonism, and left no stone unturned to impart correct information upon that subject and respecting Utah and her people, Sister Wells and- Dr. Ferguson remained at the Capital until May, 1886, trying in vain to prevent the consummation of Mrs. Angie F. Newman's scheme for the establishment of an industrial home for plural wives in Utah. Had Congress listened to the Mormon ladies the several hundred thousand dollars of public money spent upon this useless institution might have been saved.
In 1888, when Zina D. H. Young, after the death of Eliza R. Snow, was chosen president of the General Relief Society, Emmeline B. Wells became corresponding secretary; and when the Relief Society was incorporated, in 1892, she was elected general secretary, which position she still holds. In 1891 she went to Washington with Sister Jane S. Richards to attend the first session of the National Council of Women, Miss Frances E. Willard president, and it was then that the Relief Society became affiliated with the Council.
Two years later came the World's Fair at Chicago. It was largely due to the efforts of Sister Wells, as chairman of the women of Salt Lake county in preparing for the great event, that the ladies, Gentile, Jew and Mormon, united in making such a creditable showing at the international exposition. A prominent feature of the Fair was the Congress of representative women, whose chairman, Mrs. May Wright Sewall, recognizing the importance of the Relief Society and the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association, used her influence to the end that each of these organizations held department meetings in connection with the Congress during the first week of its session. At the Relief Society meeting, Sister Wells gave a paper which was widely copied and quoted, upon “Western Women in Journalism,” also speaking upon the storing of grain, an entirely new feature in woman's work. By appointment of the general committee of the Congress, she presided over one of the general meetings, held in the Hall of Columbus.
In 1895 she represented Utah at the National Woman's Suffrage Association Convention in Atlanta, where her address upon our Territory's prospective admission to statehood was so enthusiastically applauded that Miss Anthony came forward and embraced her upon the platform. At the National Council held at Washington in February of the same year, she read a paper entitled “Forty Years in the Valley of the Great Salt Lake,” which was reproduced in the leading journals. While there she urged members of Congress to promote sericulture in Utah, and to grant the petition of the Territorial legislature asking that the Industrial Home be given to the women of Utah for a hospital.
When Sister Wells returned home the Constitutional Convention was in session. A meeting of ladies, woman suffragists, at which she presided, was at once held, and steps taken to secure the equal suffrage plank as a part of the State Constitution. That these efforts met with success was due in no small degree to her activity and influence.
Upon the abandonment of the old political lines, Sister Wells declared herself a Republican, and was selected by that party for chairman of the Utah Woman' s Republican League. She was a member of the Republican Territorial Committee, and afterwards vice-chairman of the State committee. Just before statehood came she was nominated for the Legislature to represent Salt Lake county, but withdrew (under protest) when the question arose of the ineligibility of women to hold office prior to the signing of the Constitution by the President of the United States.
In 1897 she represented Utah at the National Suff. age Convention in Des Moines, and with Miss Anthony and other ladies, spoke upon the suffrage question before the Iowa legislature in the Senate chamber. She also attended executive meetings of the National Council of Women in Chicago, Omaha, New York and Minneapolis, receiving at the last named place an appointment on a commission of three for woman’s work in Cuba, Hawaii and the Philippines.
Up to 1899 Sister Wells had never left her native land, but that year she crossed the Atlantic, and attended the Woman’s International Council and Congress in London, where with other delegates she was entertained by the queen and the nobility at various great gatherings given in honor of the council. During this visit she addressed, by invitation, a great meeting at Convocation Hall, Deanery, Westminster Abbey.
In 1901, she witnessed, as the guest of Senator Kearns and wife, the inauguration of President McKinley, and took part in the meetings of the International Press Association held about that time. She had previously been the official delegate of the National Press Association to the National Educational Convention in San Francisco. In 1902 she was again in Washington, at the National Woman’s Suffrage Convention and the Triennial of the Woman’s National Council. She was the first western woman to be elected an officer of that council, holding for a three years’ term, ending February, 1902, the position of second recording secretary. She has been a patron of the Council—a life position— since 1894, and is also a life member of the National Woman’s Suffrage Association.
In the midst of this multiplicity of engagements, some of which have taken her almost to the antipodes, she has continued to discharge her editorial duties, with other important trusts and responsibilities. She has done much literary work outside her paper, has published books, and corresponded with many eminent people, both men and women. Her letters from authors, poets and other celebrities would in themselves make a charming volume. For the Columbian Exposition she edited “Songs and Flowers of the Wasatch,” also a book of prose, “Charities and Philanthropies.” Her poetic volume appeared in 1896. Its general style is suggested by its title, “Musings and Memories;” it is a book of beautiful and tender verse. Her next volume, which is copy-righted and ready for publication, will be issued as “Aunt Em’s Stories.” She has other books in preparation, which she hopes to bring out in the near future.
O. F. Whitney.
SOME OF OUR POETS.
EMMELINE B. WELLS.
A REMARKABLE woman with a remarkable record is Sister Emmeline B. Wells, of Salt Lake Proud of her Puritan descent, she has more than realized in the course of her eventful life the best and highest ideals of her heroic ancestors. It were lofty praise indeed to say that any of them equaled her in sublime spiritual idealism—a fruit of the Gospel in its fullness—or surpassed her in the toils and sacrifices whereby are demonstrated integrity, love of truth, reverence for God and sympathy with humanity. Though essentially literary, loving-romance, all but worshiping nature, a maker of verses from childhood and best known for the voluminous productions of her pen both in poetry and prose, she is also recognized as possessing marked executive ability, and is appreciated for her affectionate, altruistic nature, her kind, charitable heart and her talent for imparting instruction. Frank and outspoken, almost to bluntness, her soul overflows with generous impulses, and she is an ever ready help to the needy, the sorrowful and the afflicted. Her marvelous memory is an encyclopedia of facts upon any subject in which she is interested, and her office, even her home, is a Mecca for tourists and visitors in quest of information pertaining to her people and their institutions. Needless to say she is a very busy woman; work is her most congenial atmosphere, her very breath of life. Did we not know that labor is conducive to longevity, we might wonder that one frail little woman, with a life full of sorrows and cares, however rife with nervous energy and vitality, could have endured so long and accomplished so much.
Emmeline Blanche Woodward—for that was her maiden name—was born at Petersham, Worcester County, Massachusetts , February 29, 1828. She was the seventh child of ten, whose parents were David Woodward and Deidama Hare. The Woodwards came from England in the year 1630. They were of noble Norman extraction and military renown, fighting at Hastings, Agincourt, Edgehill, and upon other fields of fame. One of her father's ancestors was killed in King Phillip's war, 1675; the brother of her great-grandfather gave money to pay the patriot soldiers at the battle of Concord; while her grandfather and father served respectively in the Revolutionary war and the war of 1812. Her passion for romance, especially for knightly and patriotic deeds, is thus accounted for.
Her literary gifts are more from the maternal side. -As a child she was given the best educational advantages that could be obtained, and was so quick to learn that she graduated when very young. At fifteen she taught school.
A year or two before, in 1841, her mother had been converted to Mormonism, and with her younger children baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Emmie,” as she was called, was away at the time attending a select school for girls, and boarding with a married sister. Both daughters responded to the mother's invitation to come and hear the Elders, but were not impressed as she had been. At home, after the school term closed, Emmie attended the Mormon meetings, and yielding to the maternal importunities finally consented to be baptized. The baptism took place. March 1, 1842, in a little brook on their own land. The day was very cold, and the ice had to be cut, to prepare for the administration of the ordinance. Seven persons were baptized, Emmie, the youngest, being last. Great excitement prevailed in the town, threats were made by the civil authorities, and ministers, judges and other notables came to the water's edge to forbid her baptism, or at least to learn if she were submitting to it of her own free will and choice. It was a trying ordeal for the young girl, but she felt some potent power buoying her up; she told her mother that the crisis was past, and thenceforth she would dedicate her life to the work in which she had enlisted. She kept her resolve, then and there laying all upon the altar of her faith.
At school, the year after, she endured much ridicule, being the only Mormon student, and her teachers, with others, were constantly endeavoring to persuade her to renounce the unpopular faith. What her sensitive nature suffered during that period and what the conflict in her secret soul, could not be told in words. The mother, knowing her daughter's temperament, and fearing that in her intense desire for a higher education she might possibly yield to the entreaties of relatives and friends, arranged to send her to Nauvoo in a company of Latter-day Saints who were soon to migrate thither. That she might have proper care and protection, she was persuaded to contract a marriage with the son of the president of the local branch, an influential Elder, and go as a member of his family. The young couple scarcely knew each other but were mutually attracted, and on Sunday morning, July 29, 1843, the Probate Judge performed the ceremony uniting James Harvey Harris and Emmeline Blanche Woodward in marriage, d he bride was but fifteen years and five months old on her wedding day, and utterly unacquainted with the responsibilities of the marriage state. What wonder that she was urged, even then, to make her romantic life the subject of a novel.
The journey westward was begun in April, 1844. Though pained at the parting, her mother, for the reasons given, was glad to have her go. The first important event that followed was her meeting with the Prophet Joseph Smith at Nauvoo. She was thrilled by the very hand-shake of the mighty man of God, and received, as she declares, a strong and sure testimony of his divine mission. This was not many weeks before the martyrdom. She heard him deliver his last sermons and addresses, and noted the wondrous power that accompanied them. During that troubled time she secured the abiding faith that helped her through the trying ordeals then unfolding in her history.
Immediately after the Prophet's death her husband's father and mother left the Church and moved away from Nauvoo. They wished to take their son and his wife with them, and made them liberal offers—for they had considerable wealth—but the young couple refused to go, thereby sacrificing their prospects. They had some means, and Brother Harris soon secured employment, but those were not the days of plenty. They had their religion to comfort them, and received various testimonies of its truth. Before and after the martyrdom the young husband stood guard many nights as a member of the Nauvoo Legion. He and his wife were present at the memorable meeting when “the mantle” of Joseph fell upon Brigham in the eyes of the assembled Saints.
Sunday the first day of September came, and with it the birth of a babe, a beautiful little boy, who at eight days was blessed and named Eugene Henri Harris. The child was stricken with chills and fever, which had previously brought the young wife to the brink of the grave, and on the 6th of October, (844, he died. Herself healed by the prayer of faith under the administration of President Brigham Young, the bereaved mother wrote then the tender little verses published in her book of poems, “Life's Sweetest Flower Seems Gone. ”
Another heavy sorrow followed fast. Her husband, who up to this time had been tender, kind and solicitous, left Nauvoo never to return. It was on the 16th of November that he bade her an affectionate farewell, and took steamer for St. Louis, promising to return in about two weeks. She watched, waited, wept and prayed for his coming; but in vain. A letter came, full of sympathy for her, telling her to go to La Harpe to his father, mother and brother, and he would soon rejoin her. But follow the apostates she would not. To her faith, now dearer than ever, she clung tenaciously. One more letter came, then all was over; not another word did she ever receive from him. He had yielded to parental influence, exerted chiefly by his mother. Unable yet to do work of any sort, his broken-hearted wife was now alone and helpless.
It was under these circumstances that she accepted the offer of a home from a maiden lady, who lived alone, a sister in the Church with whom she had traveled from Albany to Nauvoo. Miss Bishop was her name. She was a cousin to the wife of Bishop Newel K. Whitney. By Mrs. Whitney and her husband Sister Harris was taught the principle of plural marriage, and subsequently she became a member of the Bishop's household. During the latter part of her residence at Nauvoo she taught school.
In September, 1845, her mother, her two younger sisters, Adeline and Ellen, and her brother Hiram came from the East, and in the following February, after having received the ordinances of the Lord's House in the uncompleted Temple, she bade them farewell and joined the exodus of her people. She little knew that it was her final parting with the mother to whose faith, zeal and devotion she owed so much, and whom she expected would follow in one of the - later companies. The heroic woman was among' those ruthlessly expelled by the mob from Nauvoo, and was stricken down with fever and ague, due to hardships and exposures on the bleak and rainy chores of Iowa. While still sick she climbed into a wagon and made a strong effort to rejoin her daughter and friends upon the Missouri; but when about seventy-five miles out she died and was buried by the wayside in an unknown grave. Her motherless little ones arrived at Winter Quarters greatly in need of care and attention. There Emmie again taught school. In the year 184S they all came with Bishop Whitney to Salt Lake Valley, leaving Winter Quarters in May and arriving here in October.
The Whitneys camped on the site now occupied by the Latter-day Saints' University. There on the 2nd day of November, a few weeks after her arrival, in the wagon in which she had crossed the plains, and amid a terrific storm of wind and sleet, Sister Emmeline Whitney gave birth to a daughter, Isabel Modalena, who is today Mrs. S. W. Sears of Salt Lake City. On the 18th of August, 1850, another daughter was born to her, Melvina Caroline, now Mrs. W. W. Woods, of Wallace, Idaho. On September 23rd of the same year Bishop Whitney died, leaving her a widow with two babes. She had a staunch friend in the Bishop's first wife, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, and between her and that sainted mother in Israel there always existed a most tender affection.
In the year 1852, for six months the young widow taught school in a little log school house on what is now Fourth East Street, between First and Second South. In October of that year she married General Daniel H. Wells, by whom she had three daughters, Emmeline (Emmie) born September 10, 1853; Elizabeth Ann (Mrs. John Q. Cannon) December 7, 1859; and Martha Louisa (Louie) August 27, 1862. From 1852 to 1888 Sister Wells resided on State Street, a little north of where the Hotel Knutsford now stands. It was in commemoration of her long residence there that she wrote the following tender verses, a popular favorite with the many admirers of her poems:
THE DEAR OLD GARDEN.
My dear old garden! still I call it mine;
And mine it is, for in its grateful shade
Of ev’ry tree, and shrub, and flow’ring vine,
My children and my children’s children played.
Round these my aching heart instinctive clings,
And they to me are sweet and tender things.
Under those trees I’ve sauntered to and fro.
In search of hidden gems of precious thought,
Perchance some wayward fancies all aglow
Have been in chains of measured rhythm caught,
For rustling leaves, and sighing boughs have stirred
The depths of love no living voice hath heard.
And here young lovers, plighted vows have given,
And sealed them with the first, fond lingering kiss
That hallows love, and makes earth seem a heaven,
A sweet enchanted dream of rapt’rous bliss
When two pure hearts, in confidence and truth,
Unite their joys and hopes in early youth.
These trees and shrubs, and ev’ry bush and vine,
We've watched from tiniest seed and stem;
Why then should I not always call them mine?
For in my heart of hearts I treasure them.
No matter how neglected now they be,
They were a part of my home life to me.
Yes, I remember sitting there so well,
With baby in n arms and children round;
And a sweet peace hung o’er me like a spell,
While the white blossoms fluttered to the ground;
For the young apple trees were just in bloom,
And we were breathing in their sweet perfume.
O, how the childish voices loud and clear,
Rang out in laughter and in merry song:
No wonder that to me the place is dear,
To which so many memories belong,
O, would those days but come to me again
Twould ease mv heart of all this racking pain.
O, little ones, ’mong the long tangled grass,
Where buttercups and clover nestled down;
Or like a shadow flitting as you pass,
To gather hollyhocks in “silken gown,’’
Or pull the morning glories from the vine
Which gaily round the fav’rite tree entwine.
And honeysuckles fragrant were and fair,
And on them humming birds swung to and fro.
But something fairer, sweeter still was there;
A little maiden singing soft and low:
O, that melodious voice we hear no more,
Save in our dreams, it echoes o’er and o’er.
My garden! when the world was dark and cold,
And troubles gathered thickly round my way,
I wandered there my feelings to unfold,
’Twas there I knelt upon the ground to pray.
In that old garden thro’ the maze of years
I scan life’s pages blurred with mists of tears.
While Sister Wells’ children were young she devoted herself almost exclusively to her home. She sang in the choir at the Old Tabernacle, and her literary work also went quietly on. She was always deeply interested in people, in the culture of the youth and in the progress of communities and nations; the advancement of her sex being with her a favorite theme. When the women of Utah were enfranchised in February, 1870, she was one of the first to wield the ballot and to recognize in the event one of the signs of a new era.
About this time she began to devote herself more to public affairs. In 1873 her writings appeared in the Exponents which had been established June 1, 1872. This paper from the first advocated suffrage principles. Sister Wells wrote over the of “Blanche Beechwood.” In 1874 she lent occasional assistance in the editorial department, and on the first of May, 1875, was regularly installed as assistant editor. In July, 1877, when the editor, Sister Lula Greene Richards, retired on account of family cares, Sister Wells succeeded her at the head of the paper. She has been the sole editor of the Exponent for over a quarter of a century.
She early became interested in the Relief Society, concerning the character and purpose of which she was well informed through her intimate association with “Mother” Whitney, who had been counselor to Sister Emma Smith, the first president of the Society at Nauvoo. While discharging her editorial duties she traveled extensively in Utah and surrounding parts in the interest of the Society, with Eliza R. Snow, Zina D. II. Young and other leading sisters. She also aided in organizing Young Ladies’ and Primary Associations. In October, 1876, under President Young’s counsel, she took the initiative in a movement for storing grain against a day of famine, and was appointed chairman of the Central Committee organized for that purpose. This was the year of the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia. Eliza R. Snow, having been appointed by the authorities of the Centennial to take charge of the work of the Utah women in connection with that event, selected Emmeline B. Wells as secretary.
Her well known interest in woman's suffrage had by this time brought her to the attention of the National Woman's Suffrage Association, and she had been appointed in 1874 its Vice-President for Utah. Thenceforth she was destined to be active in public duties of a general character. She was a member for sever-al years of the Territorial Central Committee and of the Salt Lake County Committee of the People's Party, and in 1S82 a member of the Constitutional Convention.
Her first public work outside of Utah was her attendance, by the urgent solicitation of Susan B. Anthony, Sara J. Andrews Spencer and other women of national repute, at the convention of the National Woman's Suffrage Association, held at Washington, D. C., in January, 1879. She was accompanied by Sister Zina Young Williams, now Sister Card. They were well received by the convention, where they spoke from the platform, and by President and Mrs. Hayes, whom they visited at the White House. They presented to the President and to Congress a memorial, asking for the repeal of the anti-polygamy act of 1862, which had just been declared constitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1882 Sister Wells, with Sister Zina D. H. Young, attended the National Suffrage Convention at Omaha, and there gave an exhaustive paper upon conditions in Utah.
Three years later, in the very heat of the crusade under the Edmunds law, she attended another suffrage convention in Washington, and had interviews with prominent members of Congress upon the Mormon question. She also called upon and was graciously received by Miss Rose Elizabeth Cleveland, President Cleveland's sister, then the lady of the White House, and conversed with her for over two hours upon the Utah situation. At parting Miss Cleveland requested another interview, naming the time. Sister Wells had previously visited, for the first time since leaving in 1844, her old home, brothers, sisters and other relatives in Massachusetts, and had called upon her kindred and noted people in various places. She dined with Lucy Stone, spent a day with the poet Whittier, and had tea and an interesting conversation with Elizabeth Stuart Phelps.
Homeward bound by way of Kirtland and Nauvoo, she had reached Kansas City when a telegram from Utah caused her to return to Washington, where with Dr. Ellen B. Ferguson, Sister Emily S. Richards and Sister Josephine Richards West, whom she had joined at Chicago, she presented a memorial of the women of Utah to the President and to Congress. The anti-Mormon opposition was then at its height, and the Supreme Court was hearing the case of the United States vs. Lorenzo Snow. These ladies listened to the entire argument. They called upon Senator Edmunds, Senator Ingalls, and other statesmen noted for their opposition to Mormonism, and left no stone unturned to impart correct information upon that subject and respecting Utah and her people, Sister Wells and- Dr. Ferguson remained at the Capital until May, 1886, trying in vain to prevent the consummation of Mrs. Angie F. Newman's scheme for the establishment of an industrial home for plural wives in Utah. Had Congress listened to the Mormon ladies the several hundred thousand dollars of public money spent upon this useless institution might have been saved.
In 1888, when Zina D. H. Young, after the death of Eliza R. Snow, was chosen president of the General Relief Society, Emmeline B. Wells became corresponding secretary; and when the Relief Society was incorporated, in 1892, she was elected general secretary, which position she still holds. In 1891 she went to Washington with Sister Jane S. Richards to attend the first session of the National Council of Women, Miss Frances E. Willard president, and it was then that the Relief Society became affiliated with the Council.
Two years later came the World's Fair at Chicago. It was largely due to the efforts of Sister Wells, as chairman of the women of Salt Lake county in preparing for the great event, that the ladies, Gentile, Jew and Mormon, united in making such a creditable showing at the international exposition. A prominent feature of the Fair was the Congress of representative women, whose chairman, Mrs. May Wright Sewall, recognizing the importance of the Relief Society and the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association, used her influence to the end that each of these organizations held department meetings in connection with the Congress during the first week of its session. At the Relief Society meeting, Sister Wells gave a paper which was widely copied and quoted, upon “Western Women in Journalism,” also speaking upon the storing of grain, an entirely new feature in woman's work. By appointment of the general committee of the Congress, she presided over one of the general meetings, held in the Hall of Columbus.
In 1895 she represented Utah at the National Woman's Suffrage Association Convention in Atlanta, where her address upon our Territory's prospective admission to statehood was so enthusiastically applauded that Miss Anthony came forward and embraced her upon the platform. At the National Council held at Washington in February of the same year, she read a paper entitled “Forty Years in the Valley of the Great Salt Lake,” which was reproduced in the leading journals. While there she urged members of Congress to promote sericulture in Utah, and to grant the petition of the Territorial legislature asking that the Industrial Home be given to the women of Utah for a hospital.
When Sister Wells returned home the Constitutional Convention was in session. A meeting of ladies, woman suffragists, at which she presided, was at once held, and steps taken to secure the equal suffrage plank as a part of the State Constitution. That these efforts met with success was due in no small degree to her activity and influence.
Upon the abandonment of the old political lines, Sister Wells declared herself a Republican, and was selected by that party for chairman of the Utah Woman' s Republican League. She was a member of the Republican Territorial Committee, and afterwards vice-chairman of the State committee. Just before statehood came she was nominated for the Legislature to represent Salt Lake county, but withdrew (under protest) when the question arose of the ineligibility of women to hold office prior to the signing of the Constitution by the President of the United States.
In 1897 she represented Utah at the National Suff. age Convention in Des Moines, and with Miss Anthony and other ladies, spoke upon the suffrage question before the Iowa legislature in the Senate chamber. She also attended executive meetings of the National Council of Women in Chicago, Omaha, New York and Minneapolis, receiving at the last named place an appointment on a commission of three for woman’s work in Cuba, Hawaii and the Philippines.
Up to 1899 Sister Wells had never left her native land, but that year she crossed the Atlantic, and attended the Woman’s International Council and Congress in London, where with other delegates she was entertained by the queen and the nobility at various great gatherings given in honor of the council. During this visit she addressed, by invitation, a great meeting at Convocation Hall, Deanery, Westminster Abbey.
In 1901, she witnessed, as the guest of Senator Kearns and wife, the inauguration of President McKinley, and took part in the meetings of the International Press Association held about that time. She had previously been the official delegate of the National Press Association to the National Educational Convention in San Francisco. In 1902 she was again in Washington, at the National Woman’s Suffrage Convention and the Triennial of the Woman’s National Council. She was the first western woman to be elected an officer of that council, holding for a three years’ term, ending February, 1902, the position of second recording secretary. She has been a patron of the Council—a life position— since 1894, and is also a life member of the National Woman’s Suffrage Association.
In the midst of this multiplicity of engagements, some of which have taken her almost to the antipodes, she has continued to discharge her editorial duties, with other important trusts and responsibilities. She has done much literary work outside her paper, has published books, and corresponded with many eminent people, both men and women. Her letters from authors, poets and other celebrities would in themselves make a charming volume. For the Columbian Exposition she edited “Songs and Flowers of the Wasatch,” also a book of prose, “Charities and Philanthropies.” Her poetic volume appeared in 1896. Its general style is suggested by its title, “Musings and Memories;” it is a book of beautiful and tender verse. Her next volume, which is copy-righted and ready for publication, will be issued as “Aunt Em’s Stories.” She has other books in preparation, which she hopes to bring out in the near future.
O. F. Whitney.
"Emmeline B. Wells." Young Woman's Journal. April 1908. pg. 178-182.
EMMELINE B. WELLS. It is less the present purpose to present a biographical sketch than to portray a few of the life-incidents connected with this really remarkable woman. Bom in New England—the land that boasts its Bryant, Emerson. Hawthorne, Whittier, Longfellow. Holmes, Lowell, Alcott, and many other noted people, the descendant of ancestors of Norman extraction who came to America in 1630, with a grandfather who fought in the Revolutionary War, a father who served his country in the war of 1812, and a mother who possessed much literary talent, how could she be other than gifted and brilliant and remarkable? Emmeline Blanche Woodward was the name given to the little maiden who came to the home of David and Deidanna Hare Woodward, in the town of Petershan. Worcester county. Massachusetts, on the twenty-ninth of February, 1828. She was the seventh among ten children. A brother and sister are still living. One needs but to listen for a short time as she talks of her childhood home with its beautiful woods and meadows, its singing birds, its rippling brook, and bright-hued flowers. to know' how full her soul has always been of romance and poetry and song. As a child she reveled in nature, and her first poem was written when she was but eight years old. The best educational advantages to be obtained at that period were given her and through diligence and unusual aptitude she graduated at an early age. At fifteen she assumed the dignity of long dresses and school teaching. One year prior to this time however, she had, in obedience to her mother’s wishes, been baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interesting, indeed, was the account she gave of this event on March 1. 1908, the sixty-sixth anniversary of the occurrence. She told of the ice having to be out in the little brook near her home to afford a place for the ordinance in be performed; of how the influential men of that locality came to prevent the baptism, and of the excitement that was occasioned thereby. The test was a severe one, as at this time she had obtained no actual testimony, but strength was given her in this hour of need, and she failed not. Her sensitive nature suffered much during the two years that followed through ridicule from former associates. She then went to Nauvoo, where she met the Prophet Joseph Smith, but with the details of that beautiful experience and the testimony she received at that time our readers are already familiar, she having written of it in the December Journal, volume XVI. Her mother, two sisters and a brother joined her at Nauvoo. (Her father died when she was but four years old.) Their companionship was of short duration, however, as Emmeline left in the general exodus in 1846, to come to Utah, she having in the meantime become the wife of Bishop Newel K. Whitney. Her mother followed soon but through the terrible hardship and suffering she was forced to endure the frail and sensitive nature gave way and she died and was buried before the company arrived. On relating this pathetic incident, Aunt Em said, “I awoke one night, hearing some one call my name; thinking it was ‘Mother Whitney/ I inquired what she wanted; when she told me she had not spoken, I knew it was my mother and that she was dead. When the company arrived, I could not go out to meet them, and for ten years, was unable to endure the mention of my mother’s name and even now (after more than fifty years) it is difficult for me to talk of her.” Four years after their arrival in Salt Lake City, Bishop Whitney died, leaving his young widow with two little daughters—Isabel—now Mrs. Sears of Salt Lake City—and Malvina, Mrs. Woods of Idaho. The tender feelings and affectionate sympathy that must have existed between the two wives of this worthy man cannot be questioned by any who have heard Aunt Em' tell of the noble character of “Mother Whitney,” and of the valuable experience she gained through this companionship. In 1852 she was married to General Daniel H. Wells, and this union was blessed with three other daughters, only one of whom, Mrs. Jno. Q. Cannon, is now living. While her children were small she did but little public work aside from her literary labor, and the duties connected with her membership in the Tabernacle choir. In 1875 she became assistant editor of the Woman’s Exponent and assumed the full responsibility in 1877, when the editor, Mrs. Lulu Greene Richards, retired. This position she still retains, and it was stated in a London paper of recent date that, in point of service, Mrs. Wells is the oldest woman editor living at the present time. A volume would be needed to tell of all she has accomplished in these thirty-odd years, so we can only summarize and that in the briefest manner. Her name stands first among those who worked so long and faithfully for the enfranchisement of women. The successful termination of her efforts is too well known to need repeating. When, in 1876, Eliza R. Snow was appointed by the authorities in Philadelphia to take charge of the work connected with the Centennial Exposition, she chose Emmeline B. Wells as her secretary, and that was the beginning of the latter’s work along this line. For twenty years she has been general secretary of the Relief Societies. Fifteen times she has gone as representative of some organization to attend conventions having for their object the uplifting and benefiting of humanity; and that her influence has been potent and lasting is attested by the fact that among the warm personal friends she made are such well-known people as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Frances Willard. May Wright Sewell, Lucy Stone. Julia Ward Howe, and Rachel Foster Avery. Many of whom she visited and of whose warm hospitality she was the recipient. It has been her pleasure to meet six Presidents of the United States and many noted statesmen, with most of whom she had interviews upon the Mormon question. Exhaustive papers upon conditions in Utah have been prepared and read by her on the occasion of her numerous visits. She was courteously received at the White House by President and Mrs. Hayes and upon subsequent occasions spent several hours in pleasant conversation with Miss Rose Elizabeth Cleveland, at whose invitation she went. While on a visit to her birthplace in Massachusetts she was invited to call upon the poet Whittier at his old home in Amesbury. He said it was the first time he had enjoyed the pleasure of listening to a Mormon woman, and he became so interested that he insisted upon Sister Wells taking dinner with him and spending the remainder of the day. Mrs. Wells’ poems, among which are many gems, appeared in book form in 1896, under the title of “Musings and Memories.” Her friends are eagerly awaiting the publication of her stories as a permanent compilation. In 1899 “Aunt Em',” in company with several of her Utah sisters, attended the International Council of Women, held in London. Her position as second recording secretary of the National Council secured for her many exceptional privileges, though all the Utah delegates were highly honored as those will doubtless remember, who read the graphic description recorded in the Journal of that year. They were guests at functions given by Queen Victoria, the Duchess of Sutherland, and other people of high rank. Before returning she visited many places of interest and note, among them being the birthplace of Shakespeare. One evening was spent at the home of the well-known novelist—Marie Corelli— whom, Mrs. Wells declares, proved herself to be a very gracious hostess and appeared much interested in her American guest. Upon her return to Utah from one of these trips she found the Constitutional Convention in session, and largely through her efforts the plank was inserted in the State Constitution giving the women of Utah the right to vote. She served as chairman of the Utah Woman’s Republican League, also as member of the Republican Territorial committee, and afterward as vice chairman of the state committee. But it is not of these public things we want to write, but to tell you of what to us is still more remarkable, and that is the fact of her being able in the midst of all this, to attend to the minor things that so many fail or forget to do who have no duties outside their own little world. Warm and generous hearted, and broad in intellect, she is quick to recognize and encourage another’s merits and in her nature is found no place for the jealousies and envyings that are the heritage of smaller souls. Her room is a Mecca to which come pilgrims who desire advice or encouragement or information concerning things literary or otherwise, and to each she endeavors to supply the need. To the bride she sends good wishes; to the young mother she writes a message of congratulation, and encouragement; when the Death Angel calls, she sends her words of tender sympathy, making the stricken one feel the heartthrobs of a soul who through experience understands. Her devotion to the sisters who have stood at the head of women’s work in our Church is beautiful to witness. The memory of “Aunt Eliza” and ‘Aunt Zina” are to her most sacred, while for “Aunt Bathsheba,” who now occupies that honored place she shows her affectionate regard in every possible way. A few months ago, while visiting her daughter in another state she wrote to Sister Smith. This letter it was my privilege to read— and what a letter! So filled with beautiful descriptions, with tender solicitation and kindly cheer it seemed a veritable poem. My heart was deeply touched to note the look of keen appreciation on the face of the recipient as she asked that I read it aloud, while modestly admitting that “already she had read it twice. “Aunt Em” had gone away for a much-needed rest—away from editorials and office to one of nature’s loveliest haunts, yet even in her weariness her generous soul yearned to share the beauty of that scene with her friend at home. Such love as this is priceless, and makes one feel that some at least have learned the meaning of the Master’s words, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." |
Emmeline B. Wells
FOUR GENERATIONS.
EMMELINE B. WELLS, MALVINA WHITNEY WOODS, DAISY W. ALLEN, MARTIN WHITNEY ALLEN. |
Lovesy, Edith R. "A Tribute." Young Woman's Journal. June 1913. pg. 370-371.
A Tribute.
By Edith R Lovesy.
Though we may boast of many talented and lovely women, there are none who stand out more prominently than Emmeline B. Wells.
She is cherished in the hearts of the young and old alike, and one of the foremost desires of her heart is that she might be one of the means whereby her sisters shall be lifted to higher planes of right thinking and living.
It is not my intention to write a biography of her life, nor yet, to tell of the great life work which she has accomplished. As one of Israel’s younger daughters, I only crave the privilege of kneeling at her shrine, and paying her due homage.
In reflecting on her strength, one immediately acknowledges that her greatest allies have been, accumulated knowledge, concentration, strength of memory, will-power, patience, and loving devotion.
Many times I have thought she is so rich in knowledge, and so bright and beautiful, that youth seems poor in treasure when compared to her.
When you call upon her for information. or for reference books, no matter how busy, she may be. she always has time to pause, and would make it appear by her humble attitude that you are bestowing the favor rather than she—and such a gracious influence is bestowed upon you, that you leave comforted and strengthened. One has only to come in close range, to feel the radiating rays of sunshine, and whole-hearted love which she distributes so lavishly.
She exemplifies the rule, that “Women should grow sweeter as they ripen, and constantly of more value to themselves, and to the world.” She is glad to be independent of physical assistance, yet one who tactfully bestows little favors, upon her is o’erwhelmed with the sweetness of her gratitude.
The beauty of such a life as hers makes one conscious of the fact, “that all that is of real value is the lowly contrite spirit, the clear mind, the loving consecrated heart.”
She is one of God’s faithful ones, and the time will never come, when we can feel that she can be spared.
Her heart and mind are continually set on things which inspire, hence her mind keeps young and vigorous.
The value of Emmeline B. Wells cannot be estimated, she has rendered an unbroken service to the Public and the Church, for years.
She is active, clear minded, and performs an enormous amount of labor, connected with the various offices which she still holds.
Her life is not merely an existence; she lives it for a purpose, she always has something to do,—and one of the greatest things which is assisting her, in growing old so gracefully is the fact, that her hands still rests lightly but with the touch of a master upon the work for which she has stood for so many years.
Isn’t it a glorious thing to so live, that the richness of your life is distilled among your friends like the perfume of sweet flowers.
The glory that shines forth from such a life as hers never passes away at all, but shines brighter and brighter as the years roll on.
Her eyes are full of tenderness, and there is an expression of sweetness on her face which charms you as you behold her.
Her style of dressing is distinctly her own, and how beautiful too are the soft blue and grey silks set off with rich laces, and often a cluster of flowers of exquisite coloring.
Aunt Em must have been beautiful as a girl, but her beauty today rests upon her like a crown.
The poet says—“The soft blue and silver and rose in a November sunset are not like the glory of mid-summer; that low-toned unobtrusive loveliness is entirely its own.”
And so it is true of this gifted spirit;—her beauty in youth was given to her, but her present beauty is something distinct, a genuine possession she has won from living nobly.
Were you able to peep into the recesses of her heart, you would read something like this--
“I live to hold communion.
With all that is divine,
To feel there is a union
‘Twixt nature’s heart and mine,
For the human ties that bind me
For the task by God assigned me
And the good that I can do.”
A Tribute.
By Edith R Lovesy.
Though we may boast of many talented and lovely women, there are none who stand out more prominently than Emmeline B. Wells.
She is cherished in the hearts of the young and old alike, and one of the foremost desires of her heart is that she might be one of the means whereby her sisters shall be lifted to higher planes of right thinking and living.
It is not my intention to write a biography of her life, nor yet, to tell of the great life work which she has accomplished. As one of Israel’s younger daughters, I only crave the privilege of kneeling at her shrine, and paying her due homage.
In reflecting on her strength, one immediately acknowledges that her greatest allies have been, accumulated knowledge, concentration, strength of memory, will-power, patience, and loving devotion.
Many times I have thought she is so rich in knowledge, and so bright and beautiful, that youth seems poor in treasure when compared to her.
When you call upon her for information. or for reference books, no matter how busy, she may be. she always has time to pause, and would make it appear by her humble attitude that you are bestowing the favor rather than she—and such a gracious influence is bestowed upon you, that you leave comforted and strengthened. One has only to come in close range, to feel the radiating rays of sunshine, and whole-hearted love which she distributes so lavishly.
She exemplifies the rule, that “Women should grow sweeter as they ripen, and constantly of more value to themselves, and to the world.” She is glad to be independent of physical assistance, yet one who tactfully bestows little favors, upon her is o’erwhelmed with the sweetness of her gratitude.
The beauty of such a life as hers makes one conscious of the fact, “that all that is of real value is the lowly contrite spirit, the clear mind, the loving consecrated heart.”
She is one of God’s faithful ones, and the time will never come, when we can feel that she can be spared.
Her heart and mind are continually set on things which inspire, hence her mind keeps young and vigorous.
The value of Emmeline B. Wells cannot be estimated, she has rendered an unbroken service to the Public and the Church, for years.
She is active, clear minded, and performs an enormous amount of labor, connected with the various offices which she still holds.
Her life is not merely an existence; she lives it for a purpose, she always has something to do,—and one of the greatest things which is assisting her, in growing old so gracefully is the fact, that her hands still rests lightly but with the touch of a master upon the work for which she has stood for so many years.
Isn’t it a glorious thing to so live, that the richness of your life is distilled among your friends like the perfume of sweet flowers.
The glory that shines forth from such a life as hers never passes away at all, but shines brighter and brighter as the years roll on.
Her eyes are full of tenderness, and there is an expression of sweetness on her face which charms you as you behold her.
Her style of dressing is distinctly her own, and how beautiful too are the soft blue and grey silks set off with rich laces, and often a cluster of flowers of exquisite coloring.
Aunt Em must have been beautiful as a girl, but her beauty today rests upon her like a crown.
The poet says—“The soft blue and silver and rose in a November sunset are not like the glory of mid-summer; that low-toned unobtrusive loveliness is entirely its own.”
And so it is true of this gifted spirit;—her beauty in youth was given to her, but her present beauty is something distinct, a genuine possession she has won from living nobly.
Were you able to peep into the recesses of her heart, you would read something like this--
“I live to hold communion.
With all that is divine,
To feel there is a union
‘Twixt nature’s heart and mine,
For the human ties that bind me
For the task by God assigned me
And the good that I can do.”
"Aunt Em." Young Woman's Journal. March 1915. pg. 139-142.
“Aunt Em.”
“Honored for ever be thy name, for truest worth;
And hallowed the propitious day that gave thee birth.
Where’er thy name is known, they speak thy praise;
All womankind should strive to emulate thy ways.
A Christian true thou art, in word, and deed,
Yet for the weak and erring thy soul would pitying plead:
Forgetful of thyself, thou feel’st another’s woe
And with a bounteous hand doth charity bestow.”
These lines written by Aunt Em, for an honored friend fittingly apply to the author herself. Nearly a century now marks the time that Dr. Emmeline B. Wells, whom we lovingly call “Aunt Em,” has been permitted to live, and life for her through all the years has been full of interest. Born to Puritan ancestry with a rich heritage of courage. sentiment, and faith, and destined to most unusual incidents, the narrative of her life is as interesting as any romance and full of rich and tender lessons.
There could not be a more delightful hour than to sit with Aunt Em before a glowing fire, where the tumbling coals now and then make quaint figures, and the fantastic shadows of the fire-light play upon the walls. At such an hour Aunt Em is reminiscent, and in fancy you may then go with her back through the long years, and hear both touching and thrilling stories of her life. Her voice even now, though advanced in years, is clear and musical and her memories true and interesting. She will take you to her dear New England home where she was born, and tell you of her first birthday celebration. The picture is very pretty. A little child of four (Aunt Em, you know, was born on the twenty-ninth of February) leading her aged grandfather, a veteran of the American Revolution, through the woods to her dinner party. She sees him seated on the high-backed settle in the old New England farm house where on a spit before the great fireplace hangs a large sputtering turkey, to be turned around again and again and pierced anon with a long, two-tined fork, letting loose the juices which drop into the pan beneath. This odd little girl who wrote verses and made up fairy tales at four was a favorite in a household of ten, and her first birthday anniversary was made a great occasion. So vividly will she tell you of the woods around her childhood home that you can almost inhale the odors of the pine needles, feel the rustling of autumn leaves beneath your feet, and hear the song of babbling brooks. Those scenes and faces which she has painted in poetic words and preserved in her book of “Musings and Memories” are a part of her very life.
She will tell you of the garret which held chests of clothing laid away with lavender leaves, and how, on stormy days, when the woods were damp, she sought this seclusion under the gambrel roof, where, dressed in a gown of her grandmother’s, she played school, teaching spelling, arithmetic, and reading to the wooden beams, little dreaming that in a few short years she would be going over the same lessons to real children in a far western city.
The day she was fourteen, the ice of the brook on the home place was broken, and this same little girl received a baptism into a new life— an act which changed all the plans, all the dreams of her childhood. With others who also had received a new faith she bade farewell to the dear, familiar scenes and entered a new period of existence, left every precious thing, joined those not her own. and traveled toward a place of which she knew practically nothing. It sounds strange in these days of rapid transportation to hear Aunt Em tell that she went all the way from Albany to Nauvoo on water, and it would be a rather interesting lesson in geography to follow that voyage. There was then only one railroad through New England,— from Boston to Albany. When she was born there was scarcely any artificial light, not even matches. To produce fire one used the stroke of flint on steel. Think of the wonders she has witnessed in discovery and invention!
One of Aunt Em’s most precious memories is her simple but impressive testimony of her knowledge of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his divine mission. She saw him first on the shore of the Mississippi river as the people were landing from the boat on which she was a passenger. He passed among them clasping their hands in greeting, a magnificent, handsome figure, and when he took her hand she was thrilled as though an electric spark had entered her soul. She knew him instantly, though no one had told her.
Those who had accompanied her to Nauvoo lost the faith and went away using much persuasion to get her to go with them. But she heeded not their pleadings and was left without friends.—almost without acquaintances in Nauvoo. That strong faith, however, which has through all life’s vicissitudes upheld and sustained her. helped her then. An abiding faith, without doubt or question, is one of her strongest characteristics. Only a few days since she said to a discouraged sister: “Be not disheartened, God has taken care of me and He will care for you.”
So many sorrows and tragedies have marked Aunt Em’s life that one almost stands amazed at her cheerfulness and wonderful composure. It is not that she throws lightly aside her sorrows, but rather that she carries them silently, loath to burden another with anything she can herself endure. Her’s was a youth made old by sorrow, yet through such phases did she pass, that great lessons of heart and mind were learned. Mincing lighter joys she found great happiness in her first found reverence for spiritual things, especially in obedience to the voice of the priesthood and her life was much enriched by love and service. Readily adapting herself to circumstances, unpleasant and trying situations have often proved opportunities of value.
Alone in Nauvoo, a girl of sixteen. delicate, sensitive, and sorrowful, she soon found use for her talents and she opened a school, also taught a Sunday School. She continued this service at Winter Quarters, and still again when widowed and thrown on her own resources, in the early days of the settlement of Utah. Her many friends can testify that she has always been a preceptor, for hundreds have gone and still go to her. for information on all kinds of subjects.
That one so physically frail and so artistically tempered was able to endure the hardships and struggles of pioneer life and maintain so much of health, gentleness and refinement, is due largely, of course, to that spiritual nature which was possessed by nearly all the pioneers of this valley. Not an effort mental, physical, or social of the people in the early days but was guarded and guided by prayer. Within the sacred portals of Aunt Em’s home have been entertained many noted and distinguished people and though she may tell you with some degree of pride some anecdote about Kate Gannet Woods, Pundita Ramabai, Kate Field, Edmund Russel, all of whose names with many others are written in her “guest book”, she dwells more lovingly on the gatherings in her home of the great men and women of her people. Sweet little meetings of women of sainted memory like Eliza R. Snow, Aunt Zina, Mother Whitney, Sister Horne, Aunt Bathsheba. Sarah M. Kimball, Elmina S. Taylor, and that coterie of Latter-day Saint women who were instrumental in the founding of the women’s organizations of the Church; gatherings wherein the Spirit of the Lord was present and wonderful gifts of the gospel were made manifest. At her home, too, there were often splendid gatherings of young people and she always took a part in their entertainment where music and literature and bright conversation marked the passing hours. Such pleasant gatherings led to the organization of the Wasatch Literary Society which occurred at her home, as early as 1874. and is sometimes referred to as a forerunner of the Mutual Improvement Associations, their work being not dissimilar.
In watching Aunt Em now, one scarcely associates her with the home-making women, and yet her hospitality was proverbial and her home life most delightful. The fact that she dined many public officials, among them legislators, soon tells the story of political activity, and her strong opinions on the woman question were given to those that had the power to help the suffrage cause. She has never failed in fidelity to women any more than in fidelity to the Lord. Most zealously has she labored both at home and abroad in her quiet determined way to advance the cause of political equality for all. She so appreciates the right of suffrage that never since the privilege to vote was given the women of Utah has she failed to cast her ballot, always walking unaccompanied to the polling places.
She wears on her finger a circlet of gold which once belonged to Susan B. Anthony; it is a symbol of the sympathy of two great women for one great cause. So versatile and genial a woman could not hide her light under a bushel nor direct it altogether in one direction; but rather has it been cast like the rays of the sun all around her and the warmth of its influence will not spend itself until the Heavenly Father calls her great spirit home.
Few women possess so strong a personality as Aunt Em. As she threads her way along a crowded thoroughfare or through the mazes of a reception room, all eyes turn to see the little gray-haired lady dressed in delicate blue or gray silk, with flimsy laces and soft scarfs around the shoulders; and just a word from her dear lips or a touch of her soft hand is like a benediction.
Her life’s work is perhaps nearly over, yet to that which she deems greatest of all,—“The Relief Society”—she still devotes her time and thought. In the evening of life when the shadows are so marked, with the glow of life’s sunset still lingering in the heart, Aunt Em sits among her co-workers like a priestess, her small graceful body embracing the dignity of a queen, her broad intelligence enlightening her listeners, her wisdom and forethought restraining the incautious, and her broad charity and sympathy enveloping all who come near her with the halo of her love. And some time in the after years when you want to recall Aunt Em. take up her volume of poems, “Musings and Memories” and go with her into the world of dreams or if you are fortunate enough to possess a bound volume of the Woman's Exponent, that periodical to which she gave so much of her life’s work, therein may you find records of women’s work, stories, poems, essays, from her gifted pen which would, if possible, make you know her better and love her more than any tribute which loving pen can write.
“Aunt Em.”
“Honored for ever be thy name, for truest worth;
And hallowed the propitious day that gave thee birth.
Where’er thy name is known, they speak thy praise;
All womankind should strive to emulate thy ways.
A Christian true thou art, in word, and deed,
Yet for the weak and erring thy soul would pitying plead:
Forgetful of thyself, thou feel’st another’s woe
And with a bounteous hand doth charity bestow.”
These lines written by Aunt Em, for an honored friend fittingly apply to the author herself. Nearly a century now marks the time that Dr. Emmeline B. Wells, whom we lovingly call “Aunt Em,” has been permitted to live, and life for her through all the years has been full of interest. Born to Puritan ancestry with a rich heritage of courage. sentiment, and faith, and destined to most unusual incidents, the narrative of her life is as interesting as any romance and full of rich and tender lessons.
There could not be a more delightful hour than to sit with Aunt Em before a glowing fire, where the tumbling coals now and then make quaint figures, and the fantastic shadows of the fire-light play upon the walls. At such an hour Aunt Em is reminiscent, and in fancy you may then go with her back through the long years, and hear both touching and thrilling stories of her life. Her voice even now, though advanced in years, is clear and musical and her memories true and interesting. She will take you to her dear New England home where she was born, and tell you of her first birthday celebration. The picture is very pretty. A little child of four (Aunt Em, you know, was born on the twenty-ninth of February) leading her aged grandfather, a veteran of the American Revolution, through the woods to her dinner party. She sees him seated on the high-backed settle in the old New England farm house where on a spit before the great fireplace hangs a large sputtering turkey, to be turned around again and again and pierced anon with a long, two-tined fork, letting loose the juices which drop into the pan beneath. This odd little girl who wrote verses and made up fairy tales at four was a favorite in a household of ten, and her first birthday anniversary was made a great occasion. So vividly will she tell you of the woods around her childhood home that you can almost inhale the odors of the pine needles, feel the rustling of autumn leaves beneath your feet, and hear the song of babbling brooks. Those scenes and faces which she has painted in poetic words and preserved in her book of “Musings and Memories” are a part of her very life.
She will tell you of the garret which held chests of clothing laid away with lavender leaves, and how, on stormy days, when the woods were damp, she sought this seclusion under the gambrel roof, where, dressed in a gown of her grandmother’s, she played school, teaching spelling, arithmetic, and reading to the wooden beams, little dreaming that in a few short years she would be going over the same lessons to real children in a far western city.
The day she was fourteen, the ice of the brook on the home place was broken, and this same little girl received a baptism into a new life— an act which changed all the plans, all the dreams of her childhood. With others who also had received a new faith she bade farewell to the dear, familiar scenes and entered a new period of existence, left every precious thing, joined those not her own. and traveled toward a place of which she knew practically nothing. It sounds strange in these days of rapid transportation to hear Aunt Em tell that she went all the way from Albany to Nauvoo on water, and it would be a rather interesting lesson in geography to follow that voyage. There was then only one railroad through New England,— from Boston to Albany. When she was born there was scarcely any artificial light, not even matches. To produce fire one used the stroke of flint on steel. Think of the wonders she has witnessed in discovery and invention!
One of Aunt Em’s most precious memories is her simple but impressive testimony of her knowledge of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his divine mission. She saw him first on the shore of the Mississippi river as the people were landing from the boat on which she was a passenger. He passed among them clasping their hands in greeting, a magnificent, handsome figure, and when he took her hand she was thrilled as though an electric spark had entered her soul. She knew him instantly, though no one had told her.
Those who had accompanied her to Nauvoo lost the faith and went away using much persuasion to get her to go with them. But she heeded not their pleadings and was left without friends.—almost without acquaintances in Nauvoo. That strong faith, however, which has through all life’s vicissitudes upheld and sustained her. helped her then. An abiding faith, without doubt or question, is one of her strongest characteristics. Only a few days since she said to a discouraged sister: “Be not disheartened, God has taken care of me and He will care for you.”
So many sorrows and tragedies have marked Aunt Em’s life that one almost stands amazed at her cheerfulness and wonderful composure. It is not that she throws lightly aside her sorrows, but rather that she carries them silently, loath to burden another with anything she can herself endure. Her’s was a youth made old by sorrow, yet through such phases did she pass, that great lessons of heart and mind were learned. Mincing lighter joys she found great happiness in her first found reverence for spiritual things, especially in obedience to the voice of the priesthood and her life was much enriched by love and service. Readily adapting herself to circumstances, unpleasant and trying situations have often proved opportunities of value.
Alone in Nauvoo, a girl of sixteen. delicate, sensitive, and sorrowful, she soon found use for her talents and she opened a school, also taught a Sunday School. She continued this service at Winter Quarters, and still again when widowed and thrown on her own resources, in the early days of the settlement of Utah. Her many friends can testify that she has always been a preceptor, for hundreds have gone and still go to her. for information on all kinds of subjects.
That one so physically frail and so artistically tempered was able to endure the hardships and struggles of pioneer life and maintain so much of health, gentleness and refinement, is due largely, of course, to that spiritual nature which was possessed by nearly all the pioneers of this valley. Not an effort mental, physical, or social of the people in the early days but was guarded and guided by prayer. Within the sacred portals of Aunt Em’s home have been entertained many noted and distinguished people and though she may tell you with some degree of pride some anecdote about Kate Gannet Woods, Pundita Ramabai, Kate Field, Edmund Russel, all of whose names with many others are written in her “guest book”, she dwells more lovingly on the gatherings in her home of the great men and women of her people. Sweet little meetings of women of sainted memory like Eliza R. Snow, Aunt Zina, Mother Whitney, Sister Horne, Aunt Bathsheba. Sarah M. Kimball, Elmina S. Taylor, and that coterie of Latter-day Saint women who were instrumental in the founding of the women’s organizations of the Church; gatherings wherein the Spirit of the Lord was present and wonderful gifts of the gospel were made manifest. At her home, too, there were often splendid gatherings of young people and she always took a part in their entertainment where music and literature and bright conversation marked the passing hours. Such pleasant gatherings led to the organization of the Wasatch Literary Society which occurred at her home, as early as 1874. and is sometimes referred to as a forerunner of the Mutual Improvement Associations, their work being not dissimilar.
In watching Aunt Em now, one scarcely associates her with the home-making women, and yet her hospitality was proverbial and her home life most delightful. The fact that she dined many public officials, among them legislators, soon tells the story of political activity, and her strong opinions on the woman question were given to those that had the power to help the suffrage cause. She has never failed in fidelity to women any more than in fidelity to the Lord. Most zealously has she labored both at home and abroad in her quiet determined way to advance the cause of political equality for all. She so appreciates the right of suffrage that never since the privilege to vote was given the women of Utah has she failed to cast her ballot, always walking unaccompanied to the polling places.
She wears on her finger a circlet of gold which once belonged to Susan B. Anthony; it is a symbol of the sympathy of two great women for one great cause. So versatile and genial a woman could not hide her light under a bushel nor direct it altogether in one direction; but rather has it been cast like the rays of the sun all around her and the warmth of its influence will not spend itself until the Heavenly Father calls her great spirit home.
Few women possess so strong a personality as Aunt Em. As she threads her way along a crowded thoroughfare or through the mazes of a reception room, all eyes turn to see the little gray-haired lady dressed in delicate blue or gray silk, with flimsy laces and soft scarfs around the shoulders; and just a word from her dear lips or a touch of her soft hand is like a benediction.
Her life’s work is perhaps nearly over, yet to that which she deems greatest of all,—“The Relief Society”—she still devotes her time and thought. In the evening of life when the shadows are so marked, with the glow of life’s sunset still lingering in the heart, Aunt Em sits among her co-workers like a priestess, her small graceful body embracing the dignity of a queen, her broad intelligence enlightening her listeners, her wisdom and forethought restraining the incautious, and her broad charity and sympathy enveloping all who come near her with the halo of her love. And some time in the after years when you want to recall Aunt Em. take up her volume of poems, “Musings and Memories” and go with her into the world of dreams or if you are fortunate enough to possess a bound volume of the Woman's Exponent, that periodical to which she gave so much of her life’s work, therein may you find records of women’s work, stories, poems, essays, from her gifted pen which would, if possible, make you know her better and love her more than any tribute which loving pen can write.
"President Emmeline B. Wells' Baptism." Young Woman's Journal. October 1916. pg. 647-648.
President Emmeline B. Wells’ Baptism.
“The Gospel was preached in her native village. Her mother believed and was baptized. Immediately a branch of the Church was organized and some excitement in regard to Mormonism sprang up among the worldly-wise and learned. Sister Wells’ mother asked her to go and hear the Mormon elders, and told her she knew it was the true Gospel that the ancient Apostles taught, and that she had been looking forward to such a dispensation. She was a woman of very strong mind, of practical capabilities, yet withal very spiritual in her nature. She had been for many years a staunch Congregationalism and had had her children brought up in that church. Ministers, lawyers, judges, and influential men came with their profound learning and logic to convince Sister Wells’ mother that Mormonism was a delusion, but all in vain. On the young and inexperienced daughter they expected to be able to make an impression and no means was left untried. ( Sister Wells was only thirteen years old). Everything that could be said or done was brought to bear, and when she had decided to receive the ordinance of baptism all the powers of darkness seemed to conspire to hinder it. She affirms that a power she had no knowledge of heretofore seemed to possess her at this momentous time to help her to withstand the intercessions and pleadings of those who had been her friends, and who now so vigorously sought to keep her from going down into the waters of baptism.
On the first day of March, 1842, when a little group of Latter-day Saints was assembled to perform the ordinance of baptism on her mother’s own ground, just near her home, zealous friends sent messengers down to ask her if she was sure she was acting of her own freewill and choice, otherwise they would take her by force and she would never lack for means of a higher education, but if she accepted the Mormon faith and gathered at Nauvoo she must renounce not only her friends but also all the advantages of literary culture she had so ardently hoped to attain, and be forever disgraced. Not knowing but that it was true that her hopes for future advancement must be resigned, she laid them on the altar of her faith, willing to yield up her future entirely to the will and care of her Creator.
Some power potent indeed buoyed her up and she went through this trying ordeal and though her delicate nerves were somewhat shaken she told her mother and friends then what proved true afterwards, that the crisis was past, she had renounced all she had before looked forward to, henceforth she desired to dedicate herself entirely to the work in which she had enlisted.”[1]
[1] Representative Women of Deseret, pp. 63, 64.
President Emmeline B. Wells’ Baptism.
“The Gospel was preached in her native village. Her mother believed and was baptized. Immediately a branch of the Church was organized and some excitement in regard to Mormonism sprang up among the worldly-wise and learned. Sister Wells’ mother asked her to go and hear the Mormon elders, and told her she knew it was the true Gospel that the ancient Apostles taught, and that she had been looking forward to such a dispensation. She was a woman of very strong mind, of practical capabilities, yet withal very spiritual in her nature. She had been for many years a staunch Congregationalism and had had her children brought up in that church. Ministers, lawyers, judges, and influential men came with their profound learning and logic to convince Sister Wells’ mother that Mormonism was a delusion, but all in vain. On the young and inexperienced daughter they expected to be able to make an impression and no means was left untried. ( Sister Wells was only thirteen years old). Everything that could be said or done was brought to bear, and when she had decided to receive the ordinance of baptism all the powers of darkness seemed to conspire to hinder it. She affirms that a power she had no knowledge of heretofore seemed to possess her at this momentous time to help her to withstand the intercessions and pleadings of those who had been her friends, and who now so vigorously sought to keep her from going down into the waters of baptism.
On the first day of March, 1842, when a little group of Latter-day Saints was assembled to perform the ordinance of baptism on her mother’s own ground, just near her home, zealous friends sent messengers down to ask her if she was sure she was acting of her own freewill and choice, otherwise they would take her by force and she would never lack for means of a higher education, but if she accepted the Mormon faith and gathered at Nauvoo she must renounce not only her friends but also all the advantages of literary culture she had so ardently hoped to attain, and be forever disgraced. Not knowing but that it was true that her hopes for future advancement must be resigned, she laid them on the altar of her faith, willing to yield up her future entirely to the will and care of her Creator.
Some power potent indeed buoyed her up and she went through this trying ordeal and though her delicate nerves were somewhat shaken she told her mother and friends then what proved true afterwards, that the crisis was past, she had renounced all she had before looked forward to, henceforth she desired to dedicate herself entirely to the work in which she had enlisted.”[1]
[1] Representative Women of Deseret, pp. 63, 64.
"Emmeline B. Wells." Improvement Era. February 1917. pg. 370.
Emmeline B. Wells
One of the sweet and leading women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is President Emmeline B. Wells, of the Relief Society,—"Aunt Em" as the great "Mormon" people are delighted to call her. She has been a familiar figure in the community for many years, and few among old or young have not in some way or other become acquainted with her charming personality. On the 28th of February is her 89th anniversary. Loving remembrances of her character, literary work, and labors among the Relief Society members of the Church, will come to her from every village in the whole region wherever the Church is organized. The Era joins in congratulations, and in appreciation of her splendid achievements in literature and in relief work, and in praise of her kindness to the poor and afflicted, and the cheer that has radiated from her optimistic life, so full of service to all. She has earned the love, respect and honor of the whole community of Latter-day Saints, without exception, a condition that few people have realized.
Emmeline B. Wells
One of the sweet and leading women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is President Emmeline B. Wells, of the Relief Society,—"Aunt Em" as the great "Mormon" people are delighted to call her. She has been a familiar figure in the community for many years, and few among old or young have not in some way or other become acquainted with her charming personality. On the 28th of February is her 89th anniversary. Loving remembrances of her character, literary work, and labors among the Relief Society members of the Church, will come to her from every village in the whole region wherever the Church is organized. The Era joins in congratulations, and in appreciation of her splendid achievements in literature and in relief work, and in praise of her kindness to the poor and afflicted, and the cheer that has radiated from her optimistic life, so full of service to all. She has earned the love, respect and honor of the whole community of Latter-day Saints, without exception, a condition that few people have realized.
Talmage, May Booth. "The Glorious Youthfulness of a Grand Old Age - Emmeline B. Wells." Young Woman's Journal. February 1917. pg. 79-80.
The Glorious Youthfulness of a Grand Old Age.
By May Booth Talmage.
EMMELINE B. WELLS
And what shall we say of Dear “Aunt Em”? Her “special activity” record would fill our magazine, and a chronicle of her achievement^ since she reached the “three score” mark would make a volume of its own.
Absolutely unique in her personality, she has touched the lives of more women of note in America and Europe than any but a privileged few. The first western woman to be elected an officer in the great National Council of Women, she has formed strong personal friendships among those who have been its leaders; and her influence and wisdom have frequently been recognized and sought. In May following her seventy-first birthday Mrs. Wells attended the triennial meeting of the National Council held in Washington, D. C., and at one of the sessions she read a paper on “Good Citizenship.” As Second Recording Secretary of this organization she went in August of the same year to attend in her official capacity the quinquennial of the International Council held in London. She crossed the Atlantic unattended, but found companionship in a friend from New York who was crossing for the same purpose. The strenuous duties incident to the work of the Council in no way daunted “Aunt Em;” at this convention she was privileged to deliver an address in ‘Convocation Hall, Westminster Abbey. In addition to the regular duties she attended numerous social functions, among the most notable being a “tea” at Windsor Castle, and receptions given by the Duchess of Sutherland and the Countess of Aberdeen. After the Council ended she toured the English provinces and Scotland in company with Elder Henry W. Naisbitt, visited Stratford-on-Avon, and spent an evening with the well known novelist Marie Corelli. She also visited Paris before returning home.
Two years after her European trip, Sister Wells witnessed the inauguration of President McKinley at Washington, D. C., and the following year attended the National Woman’s Suffrage Association and the triennial of the National Council of Women. During all this period this indefatigable worker was editor of the Woman's, Exponent and General Secretary of the Relief Society, also Honorary President of the Utah Woman’s Press Club. In 1910—in her eighty- second year—Sister Wells was made General President of the Relief Societies. The following year she attended the National Council in Chicago and presided at one of its sessions. .She also visited Hull House while on this trip. At eighty-four she received the honorary degree of Doctor of Literature—from Brigham Young University at Provo,—and a few months later wrote a lengthy Ode of great merit which was read at the dedicatory services of the Maeser Memorial Building. Again the following year she attended the National Council of Women. When eighty-six she made the strenuous journey to attend Relief. Society conference in the Big Horn country, and a year later she went with the delegates to the Genealogical Congress at San Francisco. Besides attending the Congress meetings she visited the great exposition, and then continued the journey to Los Angeles and San Diego.
For Christmas 1915 she published the second volume of her poems “Musings and Memories,” and the following summer went to Portland, Oregon, to attend conference, thence up through Washington State to the Coeur d’Alene district in Idaho to visit a daughter whose home is there.
Remarkable do you say for a woman eighty-eight years old? But the half hath not been told—of the numerous notable social functions held in her honor and in honor of others at which she has been present it is impossible to make mention. Always interested, always interesting, “Aunt Em” occupies a niche in the hearts of Utah’s people that will always be sacred to her.
The Glorious Youthfulness of a Grand Old Age.
By May Booth Talmage.
EMMELINE B. WELLS
And what shall we say of Dear “Aunt Em”? Her “special activity” record would fill our magazine, and a chronicle of her achievement^ since she reached the “three score” mark would make a volume of its own.
Absolutely unique in her personality, she has touched the lives of more women of note in America and Europe than any but a privileged few. The first western woman to be elected an officer in the great National Council of Women, she has formed strong personal friendships among those who have been its leaders; and her influence and wisdom have frequently been recognized and sought. In May following her seventy-first birthday Mrs. Wells attended the triennial meeting of the National Council held in Washington, D. C., and at one of the sessions she read a paper on “Good Citizenship.” As Second Recording Secretary of this organization she went in August of the same year to attend in her official capacity the quinquennial of the International Council held in London. She crossed the Atlantic unattended, but found companionship in a friend from New York who was crossing for the same purpose. The strenuous duties incident to the work of the Council in no way daunted “Aunt Em;” at this convention she was privileged to deliver an address in ‘Convocation Hall, Westminster Abbey. In addition to the regular duties she attended numerous social functions, among the most notable being a “tea” at Windsor Castle, and receptions given by the Duchess of Sutherland and the Countess of Aberdeen. After the Council ended she toured the English provinces and Scotland in company with Elder Henry W. Naisbitt, visited Stratford-on-Avon, and spent an evening with the well known novelist Marie Corelli. She also visited Paris before returning home.
Two years after her European trip, Sister Wells witnessed the inauguration of President McKinley at Washington, D. C., and the following year attended the National Woman’s Suffrage Association and the triennial of the National Council of Women. During all this period this indefatigable worker was editor of the Woman's, Exponent and General Secretary of the Relief Society, also Honorary President of the Utah Woman’s Press Club. In 1910—in her eighty- second year—Sister Wells was made General President of the Relief Societies. The following year she attended the National Council in Chicago and presided at one of its sessions. .She also visited Hull House while on this trip. At eighty-four she received the honorary degree of Doctor of Literature—from Brigham Young University at Provo,—and a few months later wrote a lengthy Ode of great merit which was read at the dedicatory services of the Maeser Memorial Building. Again the following year she attended the National Council of Women. When eighty-six she made the strenuous journey to attend Relief. Society conference in the Big Horn country, and a year later she went with the delegates to the Genealogical Congress at San Francisco. Besides attending the Congress meetings she visited the great exposition, and then continued the journey to Los Angeles and San Diego.
For Christmas 1915 she published the second volume of her poems “Musings and Memories,” and the following summer went to Portland, Oregon, to attend conference, thence up through Washington State to the Coeur d’Alene district in Idaho to visit a daughter whose home is there.
Remarkable do you say for a woman eighty-eight years old? But the half hath not been told—of the numerous notable social functions held in her honor and in honor of others at which she has been present it is impossible to make mention. Always interested, always interesting, “Aunt Em” occupies a niche in the hearts of Utah’s people that will always be sacred to her.
Lynch, Annie. "True Pioneer Stories - Emmeline B. Wells." Juvenile Instructor. October 1918. pg. 512-513.
True Pioneer Stories
Emmeline B. Wells
By Annia Lynch
The Juvenile Instructor boys and girls will recognize this dainty, refined little lady as beloved "Aunt Em" Wells. This picture shows her dressed in her home-spun silk dress, presented to her by the grateful women of Utah. Did you know that there was a time when the silk industry was carried on in Utah? Our mothers gave up their spare room to the silk worms who spun their silky cocoons which were reeled and woven into beautiful silk and made into dresses. A few of these quaint old gowns are still preserved and "Aunt Em" has one, a blue silk. Isn't it wonderful that this sister, now over ninety years of age, should live to see the prophecy of the great pioneer leader, Brigham Young, in regard to furnishing wheat to the nation, fulfilled. With prophetic foresight. President Young preached that the time would come when every available pound of wheat would be needed by the nation to prevent famine and starvation. To provide for this time, the women of the Relief Society were advised to save and store wheat. Sister Emmeline B. Wells has the distinction of being the person chosen to supervise the saving of grain. To assist her a "grain committee" (Eliza R. Snow, Zina D. H. Young and Priscilla Staines) was appointed. They traveled from settlement to settlement instructing and enthusing and from that time, the saving of wheat has been one of the activities of every ward society. "Gleaning bees" were the fashion. After the harvest was garnered, the fields were gleaned in order that not one precious grain should be lost. These devoted women, as soon as the morning house work was finished, donned sun bonnet and large gingham or calico apron and started for the grain fields. In those days binding was done by hand and the harvesters dropped a considerable quantity of grain, so it didn't take so very long before the apron was filled and emptied into a sack, to be filled over and over again. Day after day these gleaners met. It certainly was an interesting sight to see women and children cheerfully obeying the teaching of their dear prophet and preparing for a "rainy day." To the cause of Liberty these good sisters as cheerfully gave their precious savings of forty years. Later their store was added to by purchase from donations of the hard-earned nickels and dimes of these loyal women.
It is remarkable that Sister' Wells should be the president of the Relief Society at a time when 200,000 bushels of wheat were offered to and accepted by the United States Food Administration to help to win the war. She has been a worker in the Relief Society almost from its inception, freely giving her time and talents to its upbuilding. Not only has her counsel been sought by her associates here, but her friendship and advice is prized by leaders among women both in the United States and abroad. Throughout her very busy life, she has been wonderfully optimistic, always looking on the bright side, displaying the same characteristics of our pioneer mothers, sublime faith and courage. Sister Wells is a typical "Yankee"' with many of the traits of her Puritan fathers.
Emmeline B. Woodward Wells was born in Petersham, Mass., February 29, 1828. Here she spent her girlhood, and was educated in the best schools of her native state and began teaching at the age of fourteen. With her mother she accepted the gospel and emigrated to Nauvoo, and her introduction to the Prophet Joseph was most inspiring, and at another time we will ask her to give her reminiscences of the Prophet Joseph and life in Nauvoo, where with the rest of the Saints she had many trials. She was in the exodus from Nauvoo, crossing the river on ice in February, 1846, staying in Winter Quarters for two years and arriving in Great Salt Lake Valley in September, 1848. She has taken an active part in every movement for the advancement of her people or the cause of women. Of marked literary ability, in 1874 this gifted woman became editor of the Woman's Exponent, the first woman's paper west of the Mississippi River and the second in the United States. She continued as its editor for forty years. The Exponent was not only the organ of the Relief Society, but champion for the cause of women and is today valued for its historical information. Sister Wells, the Susan B. Anthony of the West, is an ardent suffragist and has taken part in many councils, both national and international and is considered an authority on the work of women. In looking backward through the many years. Sister Wells readily recalls the great changes between then and now. We are proud of her, proud of her ability and talent, proud of her loyalty, of her devotion to her people.
''A saintly face and a great mother-heart,
So rich in grace and charity thon art,
That evermore our reverence shall be,
A loving tribute to thy memory.
E'en poets yet unborn shall sing thy fame,
And future generations bless thy name."
True Pioneer Stories
Emmeline B. Wells
By Annia Lynch
The Juvenile Instructor boys and girls will recognize this dainty, refined little lady as beloved "Aunt Em" Wells. This picture shows her dressed in her home-spun silk dress, presented to her by the grateful women of Utah. Did you know that there was a time when the silk industry was carried on in Utah? Our mothers gave up their spare room to the silk worms who spun their silky cocoons which were reeled and woven into beautiful silk and made into dresses. A few of these quaint old gowns are still preserved and "Aunt Em" has one, a blue silk. Isn't it wonderful that this sister, now over ninety years of age, should live to see the prophecy of the great pioneer leader, Brigham Young, in regard to furnishing wheat to the nation, fulfilled. With prophetic foresight. President Young preached that the time would come when every available pound of wheat would be needed by the nation to prevent famine and starvation. To provide for this time, the women of the Relief Society were advised to save and store wheat. Sister Emmeline B. Wells has the distinction of being the person chosen to supervise the saving of grain. To assist her a "grain committee" (Eliza R. Snow, Zina D. H. Young and Priscilla Staines) was appointed. They traveled from settlement to settlement instructing and enthusing and from that time, the saving of wheat has been one of the activities of every ward society. "Gleaning bees" were the fashion. After the harvest was garnered, the fields were gleaned in order that not one precious grain should be lost. These devoted women, as soon as the morning house work was finished, donned sun bonnet and large gingham or calico apron and started for the grain fields. In those days binding was done by hand and the harvesters dropped a considerable quantity of grain, so it didn't take so very long before the apron was filled and emptied into a sack, to be filled over and over again. Day after day these gleaners met. It certainly was an interesting sight to see women and children cheerfully obeying the teaching of their dear prophet and preparing for a "rainy day." To the cause of Liberty these good sisters as cheerfully gave their precious savings of forty years. Later their store was added to by purchase from donations of the hard-earned nickels and dimes of these loyal women.
It is remarkable that Sister' Wells should be the president of the Relief Society at a time when 200,000 bushels of wheat were offered to and accepted by the United States Food Administration to help to win the war. She has been a worker in the Relief Society almost from its inception, freely giving her time and talents to its upbuilding. Not only has her counsel been sought by her associates here, but her friendship and advice is prized by leaders among women both in the United States and abroad. Throughout her very busy life, she has been wonderfully optimistic, always looking on the bright side, displaying the same characteristics of our pioneer mothers, sublime faith and courage. Sister Wells is a typical "Yankee"' with many of the traits of her Puritan fathers.
Emmeline B. Woodward Wells was born in Petersham, Mass., February 29, 1828. Here she spent her girlhood, and was educated in the best schools of her native state and began teaching at the age of fourteen. With her mother she accepted the gospel and emigrated to Nauvoo, and her introduction to the Prophet Joseph was most inspiring, and at another time we will ask her to give her reminiscences of the Prophet Joseph and life in Nauvoo, where with the rest of the Saints she had many trials. She was in the exodus from Nauvoo, crossing the river on ice in February, 1846, staying in Winter Quarters for two years and arriving in Great Salt Lake Valley in September, 1848. She has taken an active part in every movement for the advancement of her people or the cause of women. Of marked literary ability, in 1874 this gifted woman became editor of the Woman's Exponent, the first woman's paper west of the Mississippi River and the second in the United States. She continued as its editor for forty years. The Exponent was not only the organ of the Relief Society, but champion for the cause of women and is today valued for its historical information. Sister Wells, the Susan B. Anthony of the West, is an ardent suffragist and has taken part in many councils, both national and international and is considered an authority on the work of women. In looking backward through the many years. Sister Wells readily recalls the great changes between then and now. We are proud of her, proud of her ability and talent, proud of her loyalty, of her devotion to her people.
''A saintly face and a great mother-heart,
So rich in grace and charity thon art,
That evermore our reverence shall be,
A loving tribute to thy memory.
E'en poets yet unborn shall sing thy fame,
And future generations bless thy name."
"True Pioneer Stories - "Aunt Em"." Young Woman's Journal. January 1919. pg. 42.
True Pioneer Stories.
Contributed by Daughters of Utah Pioneers.
"AUNT EM."
The “Busy Bees” were gathering from different parts of the city to hold their Social class in the comfortable home of Louise. The big open fire places piled with logs and chunks of coal kept the rooms warm for this night was to be an unusual night—dear Aunt Em was to be guest of honor. We were all on tiptoe of delightful expectation for we had agreed that she should be asked to repeat to us the story she told to our Mothers at the meeting of the Daughters of the Pioneers last Tune on her wonderful impression when first seeing the Prophet Joseph in Nauvoo. Well, after Aunt Em had arrived and been relieved of bonnet and shawl and given the easiest chair in the room in the warmest and cosiest corner, she looked around at the eager questioning faces and seemed to realize we all expected something of her in the way of bygone experience. At last he said. “Well girls, what is it? What must I give von this evening that you are so earnestly wanting?” Without hesitation they sang in chorus. “Oh! Aunt Em. do tell us about your first meeting with the Prophet. Our mothers have given graphic descriptions of that afternoon and we must hear it also.” So in Aunt Em’s own words she began. “Well girls, you know my guardian had kept me away from my mother as much as possible so that I would never see a Mormon; but it’s a long story and the end of it is that Mother succeeded in getting me away on a train bound for Erie Canal where we were to take boat for Lake Erie. I was 15 years of age and had been baptized some weeks before to please my Mother. Our party numbered sixty-five all told, and for nine days we traveled towards the Ohio and on to the Mississippi, steaming up that noble stream to within a few miles of Nauvoo. As we approached the landing, I saw a man coming down the road, his stature first attracted my attention; then as I looked at h’m I seemed to be thrilled from head to foot. Everyone was watching him and as he came aboard I seemed spell-bound. It is impossible to describe the sensation that took possession of me. The Prophet went around shaking hands with the people and as he came near me a tremor shook me. He took my hand in a friendly way, and the moment he touched it, I received a shock. As a young girl I likened the sensation to some invisible force; as I think now of it I recognize the receptive condition in my soul that answered to his marvelous spirituality. As we reached the landing at Nauvoo and started down the gang plank, my attention was again drawn to the height of the Prophet—he seemed to tower head and shoulders above everyone else. As he turned to say goodbye and shake hands I felt the same, what I might call galvanic sensation through all my body, my arms and hands shaking violently. I am sure our spirits were in harmony and the recognition mutual and. although he casually addressed me, he must have known intuitively that a friendly spirit was near and another believer in his wonderful message to the world had been found. Sister Marv Gates often asked me to meet the Prophet but I as often refused, so fearful was I of losing the memory of my first impression.”
True Pioneer Stories.
Contributed by Daughters of Utah Pioneers.
"AUNT EM."
The “Busy Bees” were gathering from different parts of the city to hold their Social class in the comfortable home of Louise. The big open fire places piled with logs and chunks of coal kept the rooms warm for this night was to be an unusual night—dear Aunt Em was to be guest of honor. We were all on tiptoe of delightful expectation for we had agreed that she should be asked to repeat to us the story she told to our Mothers at the meeting of the Daughters of the Pioneers last Tune on her wonderful impression when first seeing the Prophet Joseph in Nauvoo. Well, after Aunt Em had arrived and been relieved of bonnet and shawl and given the easiest chair in the room in the warmest and cosiest corner, she looked around at the eager questioning faces and seemed to realize we all expected something of her in the way of bygone experience. At last he said. “Well girls, what is it? What must I give von this evening that you are so earnestly wanting?” Without hesitation they sang in chorus. “Oh! Aunt Em. do tell us about your first meeting with the Prophet. Our mothers have given graphic descriptions of that afternoon and we must hear it also.” So in Aunt Em’s own words she began. “Well girls, you know my guardian had kept me away from my mother as much as possible so that I would never see a Mormon; but it’s a long story and the end of it is that Mother succeeded in getting me away on a train bound for Erie Canal where we were to take boat for Lake Erie. I was 15 years of age and had been baptized some weeks before to please my Mother. Our party numbered sixty-five all told, and for nine days we traveled towards the Ohio and on to the Mississippi, steaming up that noble stream to within a few miles of Nauvoo. As we approached the landing, I saw a man coming down the road, his stature first attracted my attention; then as I looked at h’m I seemed to be thrilled from head to foot. Everyone was watching him and as he came aboard I seemed spell-bound. It is impossible to describe the sensation that took possession of me. The Prophet went around shaking hands with the people and as he came near me a tremor shook me. He took my hand in a friendly way, and the moment he touched it, I received a shock. As a young girl I likened the sensation to some invisible force; as I think now of it I recognize the receptive condition in my soul that answered to his marvelous spirituality. As we reached the landing at Nauvoo and started down the gang plank, my attention was again drawn to the height of the Prophet—he seemed to tower head and shoulders above everyone else. As he turned to say goodbye and shake hands I felt the same, what I might call galvanic sensation through all my body, my arms and hands shaking violently. I am sure our spirits were in harmony and the recognition mutual and. although he casually addressed me, he must have known intuitively that a friendly spirit was near and another believer in his wonderful message to the world had been found. Sister Marv Gates often asked me to meet the Prophet but I as often refused, so fearful was I of losing the memory of my first impression.”
"Our General President." Relief Society Magazine. February 1919. pg. 112-113.
OUR GENERAL PRESIDENT
Honor to Our President
This month President, Emmeline B. Wells, will be ninety and one years old. We cannot allow this notable occasion to pass without laying at the feet of our President a rose of sweet remembrance. We voice the sentiments of the General Board of this Society, of each Stake Board, and of every member thereof, in congratulating our President on this happy and auspicious occasion.
Why We Honor Her.
We honor President Wells, not only because of her extremely long and constantly active service, great as that may be; nor because of her gifted mind, her facile pen, her generosity and her sympathy with womanhood everywhere; her unselfish devotion to children, and to friends; her integrity to the truth, her love of the gospel, her loyalty to the presiding priesthood ; all these merit and claim our respect and reverence; but, beyond this, and with all this, there lies another potent reason why we honor our leader. God and his servants chose her out of all the women of this Church to be the Elect Lady. And, living worthy of this great calling, she commands our respect and reverence.
A Standard Bearer.
That is a keynote principle. Not persons, not individuals, but causes. Great aims, noble objects, these must form the ultimate elements of our thoughts and aspirations. Yet, we may well stop by the wayside occasionally on our difficult daily climb, and salute the leaders of our cause, the banner-bearers of our Society. They have not chosen themselves, but have been called by inspiration, and set apart by the presiding authority. She has been in the Church 77 years on her birthday this year.
Her Good Example.
That, too, is one of the lessons we learn from daily association with our President; reverence and obedience to proper authority. She is quick to hear the whisper of the Good Shepherd’s voice, and her swift feet run out to meet and worship the Lord and to obey her leaders. In this we shall do well to consider her example. May the peace she has sought, the comfort she has earned, the devotion she has desired, veil and enshroud her remaining days and years. And may the light of her quick intellect remain undimmed, shining out from the windows of her soul to the end.
OUR GENERAL PRESIDENT
Honor to Our President
This month President, Emmeline B. Wells, will be ninety and one years old. We cannot allow this notable occasion to pass without laying at the feet of our President a rose of sweet remembrance. We voice the sentiments of the General Board of this Society, of each Stake Board, and of every member thereof, in congratulating our President on this happy and auspicious occasion.
Why We Honor Her.
We honor President Wells, not only because of her extremely long and constantly active service, great as that may be; nor because of her gifted mind, her facile pen, her generosity and her sympathy with womanhood everywhere; her unselfish devotion to children, and to friends; her integrity to the truth, her love of the gospel, her loyalty to the presiding priesthood ; all these merit and claim our respect and reverence; but, beyond this, and with all this, there lies another potent reason why we honor our leader. God and his servants chose her out of all the women of this Church to be the Elect Lady. And, living worthy of this great calling, she commands our respect and reverence.
A Standard Bearer.
That is a keynote principle. Not persons, not individuals, but causes. Great aims, noble objects, these must form the ultimate elements of our thoughts and aspirations. Yet, we may well stop by the wayside occasionally on our difficult daily climb, and salute the leaders of our cause, the banner-bearers of our Society. They have not chosen themselves, but have been called by inspiration, and set apart by the presiding authority. She has been in the Church 77 years on her birthday this year.
Her Good Example.
That, too, is one of the lessons we learn from daily association with our President; reverence and obedience to proper authority. She is quick to hear the whisper of the Good Shepherd’s voice, and her swift feet run out to meet and worship the Lord and to obey her leaders. In this we shall do well to consider her example. May the peace she has sought, the comfort she has earned, the devotion she has desired, veil and enshroud her remaining days and years. And may the light of her quick intellect remain undimmed, shining out from the windows of her soul to the end.
"The Five General Presidents of the Relief Society - Emmeline B. Wells." Relief Society Magazine. March 1920. pg. 135-137.
The Five General Presidents of the Relief Society
EMMELINE B. WELLS.
Our present president of the General Board of the Relief Society, Airs. Emmeline B. Woodward Wells, is the fifth president of this great organization. Herself of original American and New England inheritance, she represents the true New England woman at her best. Mrs. Wells was born on leap year, February 29, 1828, at Petersham, Worchester Co., Massachusetts. She is the daughter of David Woodward and Dieadama Hare. Her fathers fought in the Revolutionary War and were of noble extraction. She early developed literary gifts and was made a pet of in the family because of her charm and her somewhat tender physical personality. She became a primary school teacher in those primitive times at the age of fifteen, having the little children under her care at certain periods, in her home town and surrounding places. She was baptized on March 1, 1842, when away from home attending a select school for girls. Much excitement prevailed over the baptism performed at this period and the young girl was threatened by her guardian and the town authorities with examination to discover if she was coerced into her baptism, but she had resolved to dedicate her life to the work she had undertaken. She married Thomas Harvey Harris, July 28, 1843, being scarcely sixteen years old. In 1844 she went with her husband and his family to join the Saints in Nauvoo. She often relates at the present day the vivid emotion experienced by her at the first sight of the towering majesty of the Prophet Joseph Smith, whom she saw upon the landing platform at the river’s edge as the boat drew up to Nauvoo. She was thrilled by his very handshake, and has often testified to the electric quality of the testimony she received at this time. She saw considerable of the prophet during the few months which intervened between her arrival there and the martyrdom. She was present on that wondrous occasion in the grove meeting, held August 8, 1844, when the mantle of Joseph fell upon Brigham in the eyes of the assembled Saints.
Sister Emmeline gave birth to a beautiful little boy, named Eugene Henri Harris, on September 6, 1844, the shock prostrating the child mother and almost costing her her life. Her husband left her the next month, November 16, 1844, and for some mysterious reason, never returned. She was sealed to Bishop Newel K. Whitney and came to the valley in 1848. They camped on the site now occupied by the L. D. S. U., on November 2, 1848. She gave birth to a daughter, Isabel Modelena, on August 18, 1848. Two years later, 1850, another daughter, Melvina Caroline, was born. Several -weeks later Bishop Whitney died leaving his child widow with two babes. The friend of her early and later life was the first wife of the bishop, that great woman and pioneer, Elizabeth Ann Whitney. The tender affection between these two could scarcely be surpassed by any blood relationship. Sister Emmeline taught school in 1852 and on October 10th of the same year, she married Daniel H. Wells, by whom she had three daughters, Emmeline, born Sept. 10, 1853, Elizabeth Ann, born December 7, 1859, and Louisa Martha, born August 27, 1862.
Mrs. Wells was always interested in literary work. When asked once by her husband what would be her dearest ambition she replied immediately, “I would like to be the editor of a magazine.” When the “Woman’s Exponent” was begun by Lula Greene Richards, in 1872, Mrs. Wells looked eagerly towards that medium of literary expression.
Her first writings in the “Exponent” appeared in 1873, and on May 1, 1875, she was chosen first assistant editor to Mrs. Lula Greene Richards.
Upon the resignation of Sister Richards, July, 1877, Sister Wells became the editor of the paper, chosen by Sister Eliza R. Snow, to fill that position. From that day until 1914, the period of thirty-seven years, Mrs. Wells was the editor and owner of the “Woman’s Exponent”. Through her writings first, perhaps, she became familiarly associated with President Eliza R. Snow and that group of early pioneer heroines who dominated women’s share in the organization, founding, and development of the Church after coming to Utah. After going upon the editorial staff of the “Exponent,” she traveled much with Sisters Snow, Young, Woodruff, Smoot, Horne, Taylor, and others, in the interest of the Relief Society, assisting in the organization and carrying on of Young Ladies and Primary Associations.
Mrs. Wells was early interested in suffrage matters, and became the right hand assistant of Mrs. Sarah M. Kimball in national women’s suffrage affairs. In 1874 she was appointed vice-president of that association.
Greater, however, than her labors in any other direction except her writings, was the mission given to her by President Brigham Young to lead out in the gathering and saving of grain. A volume might be written concerning this movement. On every page would appear the name of Emmeline B. Wells, for she has never faltered nor been indifferent to the interest and importance of the mission then given her.
Mrs. Wells has traveled much, representing this Society in various eastern and European councils and congresses, and in 1892 she became general secretary of the Relief Society which position she held until 1910, when, upon the death of President Bathsheba W. Smith, she was elected General President.
Mrs. Wells has not only been an editor and writer on many subjects, she has also published two volumes of poems and her song, “Our Mountain Home So Dear,” is a favorite, not only with women, but with the elders throughout the world.
Mrs. Wells is, as it would seem, the last link in the chain that binds the majestic past with the palpitating present and eternal future. She is courteous, gracious, with a sweet dignity that surrounds her fragile form and small stature, giving her at times an appearance of commanding power. She has a marvelous memory, both verbally and historically. She can answer most questions on Church history. All in all, she is great in herself, in her achievements and in her position as the “Elect Lady,” standing at the head of the Relief Society, of the women of the Church and of the world.
The Five General Presidents of the Relief Society
EMMELINE B. WELLS.
Our present president of the General Board of the Relief Society, Airs. Emmeline B. Woodward Wells, is the fifth president of this great organization. Herself of original American and New England inheritance, she represents the true New England woman at her best. Mrs. Wells was born on leap year, February 29, 1828, at Petersham, Worchester Co., Massachusetts. She is the daughter of David Woodward and Dieadama Hare. Her fathers fought in the Revolutionary War and were of noble extraction. She early developed literary gifts and was made a pet of in the family because of her charm and her somewhat tender physical personality. She became a primary school teacher in those primitive times at the age of fifteen, having the little children under her care at certain periods, in her home town and surrounding places. She was baptized on March 1, 1842, when away from home attending a select school for girls. Much excitement prevailed over the baptism performed at this period and the young girl was threatened by her guardian and the town authorities with examination to discover if she was coerced into her baptism, but she had resolved to dedicate her life to the work she had undertaken. She married Thomas Harvey Harris, July 28, 1843, being scarcely sixteen years old. In 1844 she went with her husband and his family to join the Saints in Nauvoo. She often relates at the present day the vivid emotion experienced by her at the first sight of the towering majesty of the Prophet Joseph Smith, whom she saw upon the landing platform at the river’s edge as the boat drew up to Nauvoo. She was thrilled by his very handshake, and has often testified to the electric quality of the testimony she received at this time. She saw considerable of the prophet during the few months which intervened between her arrival there and the martyrdom. She was present on that wondrous occasion in the grove meeting, held August 8, 1844, when the mantle of Joseph fell upon Brigham in the eyes of the assembled Saints.
Sister Emmeline gave birth to a beautiful little boy, named Eugene Henri Harris, on September 6, 1844, the shock prostrating the child mother and almost costing her her life. Her husband left her the next month, November 16, 1844, and for some mysterious reason, never returned. She was sealed to Bishop Newel K. Whitney and came to the valley in 1848. They camped on the site now occupied by the L. D. S. U., on November 2, 1848. She gave birth to a daughter, Isabel Modelena, on August 18, 1848. Two years later, 1850, another daughter, Melvina Caroline, was born. Several -weeks later Bishop Whitney died leaving his child widow with two babes. The friend of her early and later life was the first wife of the bishop, that great woman and pioneer, Elizabeth Ann Whitney. The tender affection between these two could scarcely be surpassed by any blood relationship. Sister Emmeline taught school in 1852 and on October 10th of the same year, she married Daniel H. Wells, by whom she had three daughters, Emmeline, born Sept. 10, 1853, Elizabeth Ann, born December 7, 1859, and Louisa Martha, born August 27, 1862.
Mrs. Wells was always interested in literary work. When asked once by her husband what would be her dearest ambition she replied immediately, “I would like to be the editor of a magazine.” When the “Woman’s Exponent” was begun by Lula Greene Richards, in 1872, Mrs. Wells looked eagerly towards that medium of literary expression.
Her first writings in the “Exponent” appeared in 1873, and on May 1, 1875, she was chosen first assistant editor to Mrs. Lula Greene Richards.
Upon the resignation of Sister Richards, July, 1877, Sister Wells became the editor of the paper, chosen by Sister Eliza R. Snow, to fill that position. From that day until 1914, the period of thirty-seven years, Mrs. Wells was the editor and owner of the “Woman’s Exponent”. Through her writings first, perhaps, she became familiarly associated with President Eliza R. Snow and that group of early pioneer heroines who dominated women’s share in the organization, founding, and development of the Church after coming to Utah. After going upon the editorial staff of the “Exponent,” she traveled much with Sisters Snow, Young, Woodruff, Smoot, Horne, Taylor, and others, in the interest of the Relief Society, assisting in the organization and carrying on of Young Ladies and Primary Associations.
Mrs. Wells was early interested in suffrage matters, and became the right hand assistant of Mrs. Sarah M. Kimball in national women’s suffrage affairs. In 1874 she was appointed vice-president of that association.
Greater, however, than her labors in any other direction except her writings, was the mission given to her by President Brigham Young to lead out in the gathering and saving of grain. A volume might be written concerning this movement. On every page would appear the name of Emmeline B. Wells, for she has never faltered nor been indifferent to the interest and importance of the mission then given her.
Mrs. Wells has traveled much, representing this Society in various eastern and European councils and congresses, and in 1892 she became general secretary of the Relief Society which position she held until 1910, when, upon the death of President Bathsheba W. Smith, she was elected General President.
Mrs. Wells has not only been an editor and writer on many subjects, she has also published two volumes of poems and her song, “Our Mountain Home So Dear,” is a favorite, not only with women, but with the elders throughout the world.
Mrs. Wells is, as it would seem, the last link in the chain that binds the majestic past with the palpitating present and eternal future. She is courteous, gracious, with a sweet dignity that surrounds her fragile form and small stature, giving her at times an appearance of commanding power. She has a marvelous memory, both verbally and historically. She can answer most questions on Church history. All in all, she is great in herself, in her achievements and in her position as the “Elect Lady,” standing at the head of the Relief Society, of the women of the Church and of the world.
"Testimony of President Emmeline B. Wells." Relief Society Magazine. October 1920. pg. 561-564.
Testimony of President Emmeline B. Wells.
The following beautiful testimony of our honored elect lady was delivered in a Temple meeting, May 4, 1919, but has just been furnished to the “Magazine” by the Church reporter, Elder F. W. Otterstrom.
I think this is the third fast day that I have made up my mind that I certainly would speak, but did not because—well, there is always somebody ready to speak, and I guess I am not quick enough. I feel that I have a testimony to bear, that I have always kept from the very day that I entered the City of Nauvoo and saw the Prophet Joseph. He came down to the boat to meet the Saints who were coming from the eastern states and the middle states up to the west. I had been baptized by the wish of my mother, who became a Latter-day Saint as soon as she heard the gospel, but I had no testimony and I had not very much faith, because I did not know much about things. I was always interested in the people that were scholarly and in the greatest schools of the world, and I was particularly happy to believe that I was going to be very great and prominent. When I came up the river on the boat and standing on the top of the boat to see the prophet on the landing from the boat, I knew instantly then that the gospel was true by the feeling that pervaded me from the crown of my head to the end of my fingers and toes, and every part of my body. I was sure then that I was right, that “Mormonism” was true and that I was fully paid for all the sacrifices that I had made to come to Nauvoo. I felt that just to see him would be worth it all. I had been prepared in a measure for seeing him, but I want to tell you I was not disappointed, because there never was a man like him. The only incident where a man resembled him was when Brigham Young announced himself as president of the Church and the successor of the Prophet Joseph. I don’t remember the words, but that was the announcement that he made in the grove on Temple Hill in the City of Nauvoo. There were but very few people that knew he had come. They knew all the twelve were away at the time the Prophet Joseph and his brother, Hyrum, were slain, and I think very few in that audience knew that Brigham Young had returned. When he came forward and made that announcement the whole company arose and exclaimed, in one voice, you might say, that it was the Prophet Joseph. I was standing in a wagon box on wheels, so I did not have to rise, but those who were seated arose and made that exclamation. I could see very well, and every one of them thought it was really the Prophet Joseph risen from the dead. But after Brigham Young had spoken a few words the tumult subsided, and the people really knew that it was not the Prophet Joseph, tut the president of the quorum of the twelve apostles. It was the most wonderful manifestation, I think, that I have ever known or seen, and I have seen a very great number.
It was my privilege when I first went to Nauvoo to become acquainted with one who was known all over the Church as “Mother Whitney.” I was in the homes of Latter-day Saints as soon as I arrived, and the same evening I heard the Prophet Joseph talk to the people. A large number of us had gathered at the Murdock home on Temple Hill. I did not know that the prophet was coming, but he came that evening. I have never felt anything so very wonderful as that evening when he talked to us. But I did not speak with him, nor did I shake hands with him, or go near him, but afterwards I was very intimate with him and recited for him and sang for him. I was closely associated with people who knew him. Then, when he was taken to the prison, I saw him as he went. I remember very well the day when his body was returned. The heavens poured out rain, just as if the heavens wept over him. But this manifestation of power and of the mission of the Prophet Joseph I have promised myself and promised others, great men and great women, that I would always testify of it. It was my privilege to be in the family of Bishop Newel K. Whitney, to which home the prophet went when he came to Nauvoo; and perhaps I will testify here—most of you have probably heard it —that they had not so very long been married. They had two or three children and were questioning in their minds to which church they should belong. I think neither of them had belonged to any church. Brother Whitney, I think, had been brought up in a family that had no religion at all, but had been quite a prominent singer and dancer and delighted in all those things; but they prayed fervently to the Lord. At that time there was a great revival of the Campbellites in the state of Ohio, where they were then living. They were living not far from Kirtland and when the prophet came, he came into the store kept by Newel K. Whitney. He had been a trader with the Indians, selling furs in New York City and Boston, and buying things in return. The prophet came into the store from a sleigh that was outside, and went up the steps into the store. He reached out his hand to Newel K. Whitney, and said: “You have prayed me here, now what do you want?” Newel K. Whitney was so abashed and was taken by surprise so that he could not recall anything about it and the prophet had to repeat the question until this man remembered that he had prayed for a prophet to come. He received him into his home as soon as he came, and it was with the Prophet Joseph that he went to New York afterwards and borrowed money to start the Kirtland bank. Of course, many of you have not heard of the Kirtland bank, I suppose, and its failure; but when they were in the City of New York, staying at a hotel, I think the third story, they were standing on the third floor—that was as high as the houses were in New York at that time. I have heard the bishop say so,— Newel K. Whitney with the prophet looked over onto Long Island Sound, or the ocean, and he said to Newel K. Whitney: “This city will yet be destroyed. There will not be one stone left upon another to tell where it stood.” I think there isn’t anybody now to tell the story but myself. I don’t know of anyone else unless it is some of Bishop Whitney’s children; but I have no doubt but this prediction will be fulfilled. I have often reflected upon it when I have been in New York City, that that great city will yet be destroyed, by an earthquake, I suppose, or something of that kind. At any rate, all the prophecies of the Prophet Joseph Smith will be fulfilled. I have no more doubt about that than I have that I stand here today, fearing and trembling as I do. I have not any doubt of it at all.
I wanted particularly to tell you of the manifestation when the mantle of the prophet fell upon Brigham Young. After that we had the greatest faith in him, the greatest that could possibly be; and we have had great faith in all those who have followed him.
I am very grateful that we have Richard W. Young. I remember his mother very well and what a faithful woman she was, faithful under every circumstance and privation. I have known all the leaders of the Church that have been of very great consequence and a great many hundreds of other people and I have borne testimony to the people over and over again in the city of Washington and in the city of New York and to many great people and in the city of Boston that what I was brought up to think was the next thing to heaven.
I have been everywhere, and everywhere that I have been, I have borne my testimony. I recall a time when I was in Washington meeting with the committees. I was with a committee of five and I was saying something rather important. Susan B. Anthony was presiding. A woman away off in the corner arose and said: “That woman is a ‘Mormon.’ She ought not to speak here.” I rather trembled, but Susan B. Anthony arose and said: “Don’t take any notice of her. If you go on they will not think of it.” I went on and she did not hinder me. I have had many opportunities to bear my testimony and I have never been ashamed or fearful in any way to do so. I was not fearful at that time but it rather annoyed me to have that brought up in a very large assembly of people, to have some one call out that I was a “Mormon”; because at that time the “Mormons” were not so favorably considered as they are today.
I am very happy that I have lived to be the age that I am and that I am still able to bear this testimony to the truth. The first day of last March I had been in the Church seventy-seven years. When I was here in meeting that day I was very anxious to speak but I did not get an opportunity because I did not jump up quick enough so I did not have the opportunity to speak. But all along, after the first of my being baptized—and I was baptized at the wish of my mother and not because I knew the gospel was true; and she died as much a martyr to the gospel as if she had been shot. She was one of those who accepted the truth when it first came to her. She suffered much because when they were driven out, she was driven out and endured many terrible hardships, so that she died by the wayside and was buried on the way. They were all martyrs to the truth.
I pray that the Lord may continue to bless us. I am sure He will. I have no doubts about it. Especially I feel today to bless Richard Young—President Richard Young I suppose we ought to call him—because I know how much his mother suffered for the gospel’s sake and I know how good he has always been. Some of us can be good always; sometimes we are not, but we are wayward, but I think Richard has always been good as near as I know. I feel that I have spoken too long. I pray the Lord to bless you, Amen.
Testimony of President Emmeline B. Wells.
The following beautiful testimony of our honored elect lady was delivered in a Temple meeting, May 4, 1919, but has just been furnished to the “Magazine” by the Church reporter, Elder F. W. Otterstrom.
I think this is the third fast day that I have made up my mind that I certainly would speak, but did not because—well, there is always somebody ready to speak, and I guess I am not quick enough. I feel that I have a testimony to bear, that I have always kept from the very day that I entered the City of Nauvoo and saw the Prophet Joseph. He came down to the boat to meet the Saints who were coming from the eastern states and the middle states up to the west. I had been baptized by the wish of my mother, who became a Latter-day Saint as soon as she heard the gospel, but I had no testimony and I had not very much faith, because I did not know much about things. I was always interested in the people that were scholarly and in the greatest schools of the world, and I was particularly happy to believe that I was going to be very great and prominent. When I came up the river on the boat and standing on the top of the boat to see the prophet on the landing from the boat, I knew instantly then that the gospel was true by the feeling that pervaded me from the crown of my head to the end of my fingers and toes, and every part of my body. I was sure then that I was right, that “Mormonism” was true and that I was fully paid for all the sacrifices that I had made to come to Nauvoo. I felt that just to see him would be worth it all. I had been prepared in a measure for seeing him, but I want to tell you I was not disappointed, because there never was a man like him. The only incident where a man resembled him was when Brigham Young announced himself as president of the Church and the successor of the Prophet Joseph. I don’t remember the words, but that was the announcement that he made in the grove on Temple Hill in the City of Nauvoo. There were but very few people that knew he had come. They knew all the twelve were away at the time the Prophet Joseph and his brother, Hyrum, were slain, and I think very few in that audience knew that Brigham Young had returned. When he came forward and made that announcement the whole company arose and exclaimed, in one voice, you might say, that it was the Prophet Joseph. I was standing in a wagon box on wheels, so I did not have to rise, but those who were seated arose and made that exclamation. I could see very well, and every one of them thought it was really the Prophet Joseph risen from the dead. But after Brigham Young had spoken a few words the tumult subsided, and the people really knew that it was not the Prophet Joseph, tut the president of the quorum of the twelve apostles. It was the most wonderful manifestation, I think, that I have ever known or seen, and I have seen a very great number.
It was my privilege when I first went to Nauvoo to become acquainted with one who was known all over the Church as “Mother Whitney.” I was in the homes of Latter-day Saints as soon as I arrived, and the same evening I heard the Prophet Joseph talk to the people. A large number of us had gathered at the Murdock home on Temple Hill. I did not know that the prophet was coming, but he came that evening. I have never felt anything so very wonderful as that evening when he talked to us. But I did not speak with him, nor did I shake hands with him, or go near him, but afterwards I was very intimate with him and recited for him and sang for him. I was closely associated with people who knew him. Then, when he was taken to the prison, I saw him as he went. I remember very well the day when his body was returned. The heavens poured out rain, just as if the heavens wept over him. But this manifestation of power and of the mission of the Prophet Joseph I have promised myself and promised others, great men and great women, that I would always testify of it. It was my privilege to be in the family of Bishop Newel K. Whitney, to which home the prophet went when he came to Nauvoo; and perhaps I will testify here—most of you have probably heard it —that they had not so very long been married. They had two or three children and were questioning in their minds to which church they should belong. I think neither of them had belonged to any church. Brother Whitney, I think, had been brought up in a family that had no religion at all, but had been quite a prominent singer and dancer and delighted in all those things; but they prayed fervently to the Lord. At that time there was a great revival of the Campbellites in the state of Ohio, where they were then living. They were living not far from Kirtland and when the prophet came, he came into the store kept by Newel K. Whitney. He had been a trader with the Indians, selling furs in New York City and Boston, and buying things in return. The prophet came into the store from a sleigh that was outside, and went up the steps into the store. He reached out his hand to Newel K. Whitney, and said: “You have prayed me here, now what do you want?” Newel K. Whitney was so abashed and was taken by surprise so that he could not recall anything about it and the prophet had to repeat the question until this man remembered that he had prayed for a prophet to come. He received him into his home as soon as he came, and it was with the Prophet Joseph that he went to New York afterwards and borrowed money to start the Kirtland bank. Of course, many of you have not heard of the Kirtland bank, I suppose, and its failure; but when they were in the City of New York, staying at a hotel, I think the third story, they were standing on the third floor—that was as high as the houses were in New York at that time. I have heard the bishop say so,— Newel K. Whitney with the prophet looked over onto Long Island Sound, or the ocean, and he said to Newel K. Whitney: “This city will yet be destroyed. There will not be one stone left upon another to tell where it stood.” I think there isn’t anybody now to tell the story but myself. I don’t know of anyone else unless it is some of Bishop Whitney’s children; but I have no doubt but this prediction will be fulfilled. I have often reflected upon it when I have been in New York City, that that great city will yet be destroyed, by an earthquake, I suppose, or something of that kind. At any rate, all the prophecies of the Prophet Joseph Smith will be fulfilled. I have no more doubt about that than I have that I stand here today, fearing and trembling as I do. I have not any doubt of it at all.
I wanted particularly to tell you of the manifestation when the mantle of the prophet fell upon Brigham Young. After that we had the greatest faith in him, the greatest that could possibly be; and we have had great faith in all those who have followed him.
I am very grateful that we have Richard W. Young. I remember his mother very well and what a faithful woman she was, faithful under every circumstance and privation. I have known all the leaders of the Church that have been of very great consequence and a great many hundreds of other people and I have borne testimony to the people over and over again in the city of Washington and in the city of New York and to many great people and in the city of Boston that what I was brought up to think was the next thing to heaven.
I have been everywhere, and everywhere that I have been, I have borne my testimony. I recall a time when I was in Washington meeting with the committees. I was with a committee of five and I was saying something rather important. Susan B. Anthony was presiding. A woman away off in the corner arose and said: “That woman is a ‘Mormon.’ She ought not to speak here.” I rather trembled, but Susan B. Anthony arose and said: “Don’t take any notice of her. If you go on they will not think of it.” I went on and she did not hinder me. I have had many opportunities to bear my testimony and I have never been ashamed or fearful in any way to do so. I was not fearful at that time but it rather annoyed me to have that brought up in a very large assembly of people, to have some one call out that I was a “Mormon”; because at that time the “Mormons” were not so favorably considered as they are today.
I am very happy that I have lived to be the age that I am and that I am still able to bear this testimony to the truth. The first day of last March I had been in the Church seventy-seven years. When I was here in meeting that day I was very anxious to speak but I did not get an opportunity because I did not jump up quick enough so I did not have the opportunity to speak. But all along, after the first of my being baptized—and I was baptized at the wish of my mother and not because I knew the gospel was true; and she died as much a martyr to the gospel as if she had been shot. She was one of those who accepted the truth when it first came to her. She suffered much because when they were driven out, she was driven out and endured many terrible hardships, so that she died by the wayside and was buried on the way. They were all martyrs to the truth.
I pray that the Lord may continue to bless us. I am sure He will. I have no doubts about it. Especially I feel today to bless Richard Young—President Richard Young I suppose we ought to call him—because I know how much his mother suffered for the gospel’s sake and I know how good he has always been. Some of us can be good always; sometimes we are not, but we are wayward, but I think Richard has always been good as near as I know. I feel that I have spoken too long. I pray the Lord to bless you, Amen.
"Portrait of Emmeline B. Wells." Improvement Era. June 1921. pg. 672.
Editor and author; fifth president of the Women’s Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, since October 6, 1910 to April 2, 1921; born February 29, 1828, Petersham, Worcester county, Massachusetts; joined the Church March 1, 1842; came to Nauvoo, April, 1844; to Utah, 1848; appointed by President Brigham Young in September, 1876, to initiate the movement for saving grain among the sisters; became editor of the "Woman's Exponent" in 1877, and continued for nearly forty years; was made honorary Doctor of Literature by the Brigham Young University, February 9, 1912; died Monday, April 25, 1921.
Editor and author; fifth president of the Women’s Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, since October 6, 1910 to April 2, 1921; born February 29, 1828, Petersham, Worcester county, Massachusetts; joined the Church March 1, 1842; came to Nauvoo, April, 1844; to Utah, 1848; appointed by President Brigham Young in September, 1876, to initiate the movement for saving grain among the sisters; became editor of the "Woman's Exponent" in 1877, and continued for nearly forty years; was made honorary Doctor of Literature by the Brigham Young University, February 9, 1912; died Monday, April 25, 1921.
Gates, Susa Young. "President Emmeline B. Wells." Improvement Era. June 1921. pg. 718-721.
President Emmeline B. Wells
By Susa Young Gates
Among the gallant soldiers of the Cross who have fought the good fight and laid down their weapons to receive a victor's crown of glory, the name of Emmeline B. Wells, who died in Salt Lake City, April 25, 1921, stood high on the honor roll of this Church. Emmeline B. Wells, fifth general president of the Woman's Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, mother, pioneer, editor and author, was one of the most remarkable women among the many that have arisen in the Church. She was of staunch New England parentage, and was born leap-year's day 1828, in the little village of Petersham, Worcester county, Massachusetts. Her fragile little body had a marvelous physical endurance. Her parents were David Woodward and Diadama Hare.
The dominant characteristic of Mrs. Wells' life was her supreme will. That she turned the current of that forceful will into the peaceful channels of the gospel of Jesus Christ made for righteousness and the upbuilding of many good causes. Perhaps the greatest contribution which she rendered to her sex, to her family, and to her religion, was her invincible loyalty to the priesthood and to its requirements. She might differ in methods or be widely separated from her associates in matters of procedure, for her ambitions were high, her purposes lofty; but in and through them all ran the thread of truth to her testimony which preserved her, and which made of her a light set upon a hill.
Always of a literary turn of mind, she became a primary school teacher when only fifteen years of age. It was during this early period of her life that she made a timid call upon the poet John Greenleaf Whittier, who lived not very far from her home. The poet received her kindly and accepted her childlike need of praise with his courtly simplicity and genial understanding. No doubt this circumstance left an indelible impression and focused the literary ambition which colored so much of her after life. In her later years she was entertained at his home a whole day by himself and sister. Another circumstance that left a fixed impression on her mind, was when she heard Daniel Webster speak at New Salem, where her mother had taken the eager little student. She joined the Church on March 1, 1842, and her mother contrived to have her placed under the guardianship of some people who were going to Nauvoo, in 1843.
The young convert was deeply affected with her first sight of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and always referred to the testimony she received when she shook hands with him. His personality stamped upon her soul a burning and never-to-be-forgotten testimony of his marvelous mission and leadership.
Sister Wells was married to Bishop Newell K. Whitney, and became the close friend and associate of his first wife, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, who was known lovingly always as "Mother Whitney." Through association with this wonderful pioneer family, she became intimately acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith and treasured in her heart to her dying day many of the truths and sayings which she heard, and which were repeated to her by these closest and dearest friends of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
She taught a Sunday school in Nauvoo before the martyrdom, and she shared in all the trials and drivings of the people, coming to the valley in 1848, and camping on the site now occupied by the Latter-day Saint University. She had two daughters born to Bishop Whitney, Isabel, now Mrs. Sears, and Melvina, now, Mrs. W. W. Wood, both still living.
After the death of Bishop Whitney, in 1850, Sister Emmeline was married to President Daniel H. Wells, by whom she had three daughters, Emmeline or "Emmy" as she was affectionately known, "Annie," now Mrs. John Q. Cannon, and Louie.
Mrs. Wells was always public spirited; she took an active interest in the work done by Dr. Willard Richards and his wife, Susanna Richards, when they organized a Council of Health in the old fort. In 1849, the girl wife attended the classes with her baby in her arms. When the Relief Society was organized in the Social Hall by Lydia Knight, she was a member of that Society, although no records were kept of this pioneer activity.
She was treasurer in the thirteenth ward Relief Society, in the early '70's, and after the Woman's Exponent was founded, by Lula Green Richards, in 1872, Mrs. Wells wrote occasionally for its columns. In 1875, she became associate editor of the paper, and when Mrs. Richards resigned, because of increased family cares, in June, 1877, Mrs. Wells became the editor of that paper which she continued to edit and publish for nearly forty years, until 1914. She wrote many charming verses which have been published in two volumes. Her most beautiful hymn, "Our mountain home so dear," is as familiar in the mission field as it is here at home, for it voices a sentiment dear to the heart of every Latter-day Saint.
Mrs. Wells traveled widely, received many honors for the past fifty years, and was very prominent in the work of her society and sex. She was general secretary of the Relief Society during the administration of Zina D. H. Young, and Bathsheba W. Smith; was active in suffrage work, and prominently associated with Sarah M. Kimball in the pioneer suffrage activities, also secretary of the Deseret Hospital board, and labored with Sister M. I. Home in the establishment of the cooperative stores. But the work which identifies her closest with the history of the Society and of this Church is the grain-saving movement which was given to her as a special mission by President Brigham Young, in 1876. She traveled up and down the territory advocating the movement, wrote inspiring editorials, called conferences, and in every way promoted that really wonderful activity among the women. This mission was never forgotten by her, nor neglected, though the need and wisdom of it was often questioned. It is known that car loads of flour have been sent by the Relief Society to China and to other suffering countries, and to the earthquake victims in San Francisco. The Relief Society turned over one hundred thousand bushels to the Government during the late war. Even now, the organization has 107,000 bushels in storage. Sister Wells could be likened to Joseph who was sold into Egypt in this unique activity. When, at the ripe age of more than ninety-three years, she sweetly departed this life to a better, she had lived to see the usefulness of her mission, the fulfilment of the purpose for which, for more than forty years, she had devoted her efforts. She had not only had a seedtime, but lived to see the joyful harvest.
Mrs. Wells was honored with the friendship of many of the pioneer suffrage women of Europe and America. Her office was visited during the long years by thousands of the great and intelligent women who passed through this state; but best of all her friendships were those which were formed with those sturdy leaders among women: Eliza R. Snow, Zina D. H. Young, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Vilate Kimball, Bathsheba W. Smith, M. Isabella Home, Phoebe Woodruff, Sarah M. Kimball, Elmina S. Taylor, Hannah T. King, Margaret T. Smoot, and others of early pioneer days.
The honors of the world are fleeting, but the loyal friendships formed among Saints continue throughout the endless ages. It was in all respects a remarkable funeral service which was held for President Emmeline B. Wells in the great Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, on the afternoon of April 29, 1921. Many were the eulogies pronounced, numerous and costly the floral offerings. The house was filled with thousands of Relief Society workers who came from the surrounding wards and cities to pay their last tribute to their dear departed President. But to one gifted with the spirit of truth there came a thought: "How little will this faithful and untiring soldier of the Cross care now for this earthly, passing show! How grateful will she be to open her arms to receive the welcome pressure of her friends who will greet her on the other side, where she will associate with the Saints of ancient and modern times, as one worthy, through much sacrifice and struggle, to be counted by our Master as one of his jewels. Few women have lived so wisely and so well, few have died so ripe in years and so universally beloved."
Sister Wells leaves behind her a noble posterity. Her daughter Annie, now on the General Board of the Relief Society, is qualified in every way to carry on the great work of her mother.
President Emmeline B. Wells
By Susa Young Gates
Among the gallant soldiers of the Cross who have fought the good fight and laid down their weapons to receive a victor's crown of glory, the name of Emmeline B. Wells, who died in Salt Lake City, April 25, 1921, stood high on the honor roll of this Church. Emmeline B. Wells, fifth general president of the Woman's Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, mother, pioneer, editor and author, was one of the most remarkable women among the many that have arisen in the Church. She was of staunch New England parentage, and was born leap-year's day 1828, in the little village of Petersham, Worcester county, Massachusetts. Her fragile little body had a marvelous physical endurance. Her parents were David Woodward and Diadama Hare.
The dominant characteristic of Mrs. Wells' life was her supreme will. That she turned the current of that forceful will into the peaceful channels of the gospel of Jesus Christ made for righteousness and the upbuilding of many good causes. Perhaps the greatest contribution which she rendered to her sex, to her family, and to her religion, was her invincible loyalty to the priesthood and to its requirements. She might differ in methods or be widely separated from her associates in matters of procedure, for her ambitions were high, her purposes lofty; but in and through them all ran the thread of truth to her testimony which preserved her, and which made of her a light set upon a hill.
Always of a literary turn of mind, she became a primary school teacher when only fifteen years of age. It was during this early period of her life that she made a timid call upon the poet John Greenleaf Whittier, who lived not very far from her home. The poet received her kindly and accepted her childlike need of praise with his courtly simplicity and genial understanding. No doubt this circumstance left an indelible impression and focused the literary ambition which colored so much of her after life. In her later years she was entertained at his home a whole day by himself and sister. Another circumstance that left a fixed impression on her mind, was when she heard Daniel Webster speak at New Salem, where her mother had taken the eager little student. She joined the Church on March 1, 1842, and her mother contrived to have her placed under the guardianship of some people who were going to Nauvoo, in 1843.
The young convert was deeply affected with her first sight of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and always referred to the testimony she received when she shook hands with him. His personality stamped upon her soul a burning and never-to-be-forgotten testimony of his marvelous mission and leadership.
Sister Wells was married to Bishop Newell K. Whitney, and became the close friend and associate of his first wife, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, who was known lovingly always as "Mother Whitney." Through association with this wonderful pioneer family, she became intimately acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith and treasured in her heart to her dying day many of the truths and sayings which she heard, and which were repeated to her by these closest and dearest friends of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
She taught a Sunday school in Nauvoo before the martyrdom, and she shared in all the trials and drivings of the people, coming to the valley in 1848, and camping on the site now occupied by the Latter-day Saint University. She had two daughters born to Bishop Whitney, Isabel, now Mrs. Sears, and Melvina, now, Mrs. W. W. Wood, both still living.
After the death of Bishop Whitney, in 1850, Sister Emmeline was married to President Daniel H. Wells, by whom she had three daughters, Emmeline or "Emmy" as she was affectionately known, "Annie," now Mrs. John Q. Cannon, and Louie.
Mrs. Wells was always public spirited; she took an active interest in the work done by Dr. Willard Richards and his wife, Susanna Richards, when they organized a Council of Health in the old fort. In 1849, the girl wife attended the classes with her baby in her arms. When the Relief Society was organized in the Social Hall by Lydia Knight, she was a member of that Society, although no records were kept of this pioneer activity.
She was treasurer in the thirteenth ward Relief Society, in the early '70's, and after the Woman's Exponent was founded, by Lula Green Richards, in 1872, Mrs. Wells wrote occasionally for its columns. In 1875, she became associate editor of the paper, and when Mrs. Richards resigned, because of increased family cares, in June, 1877, Mrs. Wells became the editor of that paper which she continued to edit and publish for nearly forty years, until 1914. She wrote many charming verses which have been published in two volumes. Her most beautiful hymn, "Our mountain home so dear," is as familiar in the mission field as it is here at home, for it voices a sentiment dear to the heart of every Latter-day Saint.
Mrs. Wells traveled widely, received many honors for the past fifty years, and was very prominent in the work of her society and sex. She was general secretary of the Relief Society during the administration of Zina D. H. Young, and Bathsheba W. Smith; was active in suffrage work, and prominently associated with Sarah M. Kimball in the pioneer suffrage activities, also secretary of the Deseret Hospital board, and labored with Sister M. I. Home in the establishment of the cooperative stores. But the work which identifies her closest with the history of the Society and of this Church is the grain-saving movement which was given to her as a special mission by President Brigham Young, in 1876. She traveled up and down the territory advocating the movement, wrote inspiring editorials, called conferences, and in every way promoted that really wonderful activity among the women. This mission was never forgotten by her, nor neglected, though the need and wisdom of it was often questioned. It is known that car loads of flour have been sent by the Relief Society to China and to other suffering countries, and to the earthquake victims in San Francisco. The Relief Society turned over one hundred thousand bushels to the Government during the late war. Even now, the organization has 107,000 bushels in storage. Sister Wells could be likened to Joseph who was sold into Egypt in this unique activity. When, at the ripe age of more than ninety-three years, she sweetly departed this life to a better, she had lived to see the usefulness of her mission, the fulfilment of the purpose for which, for more than forty years, she had devoted her efforts. She had not only had a seedtime, but lived to see the joyful harvest.
Mrs. Wells was honored with the friendship of many of the pioneer suffrage women of Europe and America. Her office was visited during the long years by thousands of the great and intelligent women who passed through this state; but best of all her friendships were those which were formed with those sturdy leaders among women: Eliza R. Snow, Zina D. H. Young, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Vilate Kimball, Bathsheba W. Smith, M. Isabella Home, Phoebe Woodruff, Sarah M. Kimball, Elmina S. Taylor, Hannah T. King, Margaret T. Smoot, and others of early pioneer days.
The honors of the world are fleeting, but the loyal friendships formed among Saints continue throughout the endless ages. It was in all respects a remarkable funeral service which was held for President Emmeline B. Wells in the great Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, on the afternoon of April 29, 1921. Many were the eulogies pronounced, numerous and costly the floral offerings. The house was filled with thousands of Relief Society workers who came from the surrounding wards and cities to pay their last tribute to their dear departed President. But to one gifted with the spirit of truth there came a thought: "How little will this faithful and untiring soldier of the Cross care now for this earthly, passing show! How grateful will she be to open her arms to receive the welcome pressure of her friends who will greet her on the other side, where she will associate with the Saints of ancient and modern times, as one worthy, through much sacrifice and struggle, to be counted by our Master as one of his jewels. Few women have lived so wisely and so well, few have died so ripe in years and so universally beloved."
Sister Wells leaves behind her a noble posterity. Her daughter Annie, now on the General Board of the Relief Society, is qualified in every way to carry on the great work of her mother.
"Death of President Emmeline B. Wells and Appointment of President Clarissa Smith Williams." Relief Society Magazine. June 1921. pg. 314-319.
Death of President Emmeline B. Wells and Appointment of President Clarissa Smith Williams The feelings of love and sorrow which fill the hearts of all members of the Relief Society with the passing of our great leader and wonderful president on Monday, April 25, 1921, will be tempered with a saintly gratitude that we have known and been associated so long with this pioneer Relief Society worker and leader. She deserved and enjoyed the confidence of all her associates, of the leaders of the Church, past and present, and she leaves behind a name that will never be effaced from the scroll of time. Her funeral services were held in the Tabernacle, April 29, and were in many respects, the most remarkable ever held for a woman in this Church, or in this generation. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH (DESERET NEWS, APRIL 25, 1921) Emmeline Blanch Woodward Wells was born on February 29, 1828, at Petersham, Worcester county, Mass., the daughter of David Woodward and Deiadama Hare Woodward. She graduated at a very early age from local and finishing schools, and at 15 was teaching school. She was baptized ' into the Church March 1, 1842, and was married the following year to James Harvey Harris. Moving to Nauvoo in 1844, the young couple were present during all the trying scenes connected with the martyrdom of Joseph Smith. In the apostacy that followed she was deserted by her husband and his family, and an added grief at this time was the death of her little son. In 1846 with the body of the Church, she started on the memorable western journey to Utah, and she remained, during the winter of 1847, at Winter Quarters, teaching school, as she had at Nauvoo, and taking care of her younger brother and sisters left orphans by the death of her mother. Becoming the wife of Bishop Newel K. Whitney, she came to Utah in 1848; and after his death, she married General Danniel H. Wells, in 1852. Of her six children, three survive her: Mrs. Isabel M. Sears and Mrs. Mell Woods, daughter of Bishop Whitney, and Mrs. Annie Wells Cannon, daughter of President Wells. She leaves a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren to rise up and call her blessed. , As a writer, suffragist and teacher Mrs. Wells took an active part in the development of early day Utah. When the women of Utah were enfranchised in February, 1870, she was one of the first to exercise the ballot, and has never failed since that time to vote. For years she wrote over the nom de plume of “Blanche Beachwood” for the Woman’s Exponent, and became editor and owner of that paper in 1877, retaining the office and performing the duties until the year 1914. In the very first days of the organization of the Relief Society in Utah, she became interested in that great Church auxiliary and she also aided' in the organization of the Y. L. M. I. A. and Primary associations. She served as corresponding secretary of the General Relief Society, under President Zina D. Young, later became general secretary, and in 1910 was unanimously chosen fifth president of that organization which office she has retained until three weeks ago. In 1874 she was appointed Utah vice-president of the National Woman’s Suffrage Association, and attended many of the national conferences, speaking before various national bodies in the interest of women and children. Many of these speeches were widely copied and quoted. She represented the state at the National Woman’s Suffrage Association in January, 1879, at Washington, D. C.; in 1882, at Omaha ; in 1885, at Washington, D. C.; in 1895, Atlanta, Georgia, where her speech on the Utah’s prospective admission to statehood was greatly applauded; in 1897, at Des Moines; in 1902, at Washington. She also took an active part .in the National Council of Women, appearing before that body in 1895, and was the first western woman to be elected an officer of that council, attending the International Council session in London in 1899. In 1876 she was given a special mission by President Brigham Young to lead the women of the Church in the gathering and the saving of grain. This mission she carried out so faithfully that at the time of the great World War the society was able, through the Church authorities, to hand over to national authorities a great quantity of wheat saved during the years, which was used to feed the American fighting forces abroad. Previously a large quantity had been contributed for the relief of the starving population of China; and a carload of Utah flour, representing Relief Society wheat, was one of the first contributions received by San Francisco after the great earthquake and fire. In 1912 the Brigham Young University conferred upon Mrs. Wells the honorary degree of Doctor of Literature. In the same year, she was selected to unveil what is said to be the only monument erected to birds in the world—the Seagull Monument on Temple Square. Besides her editorial work and her extensive correspondence, Mrs. Wells found time to write hundreds of poems. These have been collected and published in separate volumes. She was founder and first president of the Utah Woman’s Press Club, and later Honorary President. This body of cultured women took the initiative in the securing of the doctor’s degree which was conferred upon Mrs. Wells ten years ago, by the Brigham Young University. The impressive ceremony of conferring upon the distinguished little lady the cap and gown included an affectionate address and tribute from President Joseph F. Smith, President of the Board of Trustees. The Press Club women also took up the publication of Mrs. Well’s poems, Musings and Memories, which was carried to a successful issue and which remains the delicate intimate revealings of a refined, sensitive soul. Her remarkable recollection of important events connected with the early history of the Church and of the state, and her intellectual attainments and charming personality, ever made the little woman a personage of much interest to prominent persons from all parts of the world. The various buildings in which she has had her office and latterly her apartment in the Hotel Utah, were the Mecca of distinguished visitors, statesmen, soldiers, authors, and publicists, writers, to say nothing of thousands of admiring friends; and her “visitors’ book” probably shows a greater number of interesting autographs headed by the United States presidents and foreign officials, of the highest ranks, than any other like volume in the west. Her birthday receptions tendered for years by the general board of the Relief Society have also been gatherings at which the state’s greatest, distinguished citizens have gathered to pay their respect to “Aunt Em.” Even of late, despite her advanced years, few public gatherings of importance were regarded as complete without the presence of the wonderful little woman who for so many years was identified with the leadership of the great organization of 50,000 women of the Latter-day Saint Church. Her last public appearance was at the reception in honor of her 93rd birthday, given by the Relief Society Board at the Hotel Utah, February 28. The later years of her life have been spent, at her own desire, at the Hotel, on the spot where nearly three-quarters of a century ago, she first camped upon arriving in the Great Salt Lake Valley. A month ago she removed to the residence of her daughter, Mrs. John Q. Cannon, where loving hands, and the tireless and devoted ministrations of her medical adviser, Dr. George F. Middleton, as well as scores of personal visits from her former associates, and her long time friends, have made her last days as comfortable and peaceful as possible. REORGANIZATION With the passing of President Emmeline B. Wells, and indeed before she departed this life, the Presidency and Twelve Apostles found it wise and expedient to reorganize the General Officers and Board of the Relief Society, owing to the long illness and general debility of President Emmeline B. Wells. With the reorganization quite a number of the members of the board who had labored long and faithfully with Mrs. Wells were released ; some because of age, others because of distance and absence, and some because of other cares and burdens which prevented active participation in the heavy work and responsibilities attendant upon the leaders of the Relief Society. With each sister who has been so released, beginning with our long loved and faithful Julina L. Smith and ending with her able and loyal daughter, Donnette Smith Kesler, the members so released carry with them, into their retirement or into other fields of activity, the love and fellowship of the authorities of the Church and of every member of the reorganized General Officers and Board. The names of Mrs. Julina L. Smith, Mrs. Sarah Jenne Cannon, Dr. Romania B. Penrose, Mrs. Emily S. Richards, Mrs. Julia P. M. Farnsworth, Mrs. Phebe Y. Beatie, Mrs. Ida S. Dusenberry, Mrs. Carrie S. Thomas, Mrs. Elizabeth S. Wilcox, Mrs. Rebecca Neibaur Nibley, Mrs. Elizabeth C. McCune, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Crismon. Miss Sarah Eddington, call the roll of the released noble women who have rendered distinguished services, not only in the Relief Society itself but in every line of domestic, social and spiritual endeavor known to the women of this people. Each has been valiant in testimony and strong in courage, patient in affliction and filled with the love of Christ and his work upon the earth. We part with them with mingled joy and regret and look confidently to Eternity to catch up the broken threads of our sweet association and knit them into a perfect companionship that will persist through the endless ages of eternity. There have been five general presidents of the Relief Society. The first was Emma Hale Smith who was in office from 1842-46; the second was Eliza R. Snow, who was president from 1856-87; then came Mrs. Zina D. H. Young, who was president from 18871901. Mrs. Bathsheba W. Smith from 1901-1910; President Emmeline B. Wells was chosen by President Joseph F. Smith, in October, 1910, to act as General President of the Relief Society, but she did not call her board together nor qualify by action of that General Board until May 25, 1911; Mrs. Clarissa Smith Williams was chosen by the Presidency and Twelve on April 1, 1921, and becomes General President of the Relief Society. It is an interesting fact to know that, with the exception of our late President Emmeline B. Wells, all of the General Presidents of the Relief Society have belonged to the Prophet Joseph Smith's family, either by birth or marriage. |
President Emmeline B. Wells
|
"Funeral Services of President Emmeline B. Wells." Relief Society Magazine. June 1921. pg. 355-360.
Funeral Services of President Emmeline B. Wells
Fifth President of the Relief Societies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, Friday, April 29, 1921.
(The arrangements for the funeral services were under the direction of Elders Rulon S. Wells and John Q. Cannon, assisted by the Executive Officers of the General Board of Relief Society.)
By Mrs. Amy Brown Lyman
The funeral of President Emmeline B. Wells, who died on Sunday, April 25, 1921, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Annie Wells Cannon, was held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Friday, April 29, with President Heber J. Grant presiding.
The body of Mrs. Wells was removed from the home of Mr. John Q. Cannon to the Tabernacle at 11 o'clock where it lay in state until 2 p. m. when the services began.
Mrs. Wells' officers, consisting of her counselors, Mrs. Clarissa S. Williams and Mrs. Julina L. Smith, General Secretary Amy Brown Lyman, Corresponding Secretary Susa Young Gates, Treasurer Emma A. Empey, joined the family at the residence and with them accompanied the remains to the tabernacle. While the body was being viewed at the tabernacle by the thousands of friends and admirers, who silently passed' the bier, members of the General Board, and the stake presidents of the Salt Lake county stakes, were in attendance. During this time the tabernacle organ was played by Edward P. Kimball and Tracy Y. Cannon, assistant organists. The members of Mrs. Wells' board and of the reorganized board, assembled at the Relief Society headquarters and marched in a body to the tabernacle. President Wells' board preceded the pall bearers and the hearse in the funeral procession, serving as a guard of honor.
The Pioneer Stake Relief Society officers, under the chairmanship of the president, Mrs. Mary A. Cutler, assisted Mr. Frank Wynne in arranging and caring for the flowers. Mrs. Margaret C. Spencer, president of the Eighteenth Ward Relief Society, where Aunt “Em” was enrolled as a ward member, was in charge of twelve Relief Society women from the Salt Lake City stakes, who acted as ushers under the supervision of Elder Benjamin Goddard.
The pulpit and railings of the tabernacle were decorated in pure white which formed a charming background for the numerous exquisite floral offerings of hundreds of friends and admirers.
The beautiful bluish grey casket itself was covered with a blanket formed of roses, lilies, carnations and ferns, and ' was banked about with masses of the same flowers. Among the floral tributes was a wreath of wheat and roses, with letters in violets, representing the Relief Society official emblem.
The seating for the services was as follows: General Church Authorities in usual places, family on front seats directly in front of bier, behind them the General Board of Relief Society and other auxiliary boards of the Church, and ' all especially invited guests, which included the many women’s organizations in which President Wells had been deeply interested.
The congregation of approximately six thousand was made up principally of Relief Society women, who had turned out en masse to pay a parting tribute to their beloved leader, who, as a pioneer, a suffragist, a writer, a welfare worker, and president of the Relief Society, had won the admiration and respect of all who knew her.
The program for the funeral exercises was carried out as follows:
1 Opening Hymn, “When First the Glorious Light of Truth” Relief Society Choir, Lizzie Thomas Edward, Director
2 Opening Prayer. President Anthony W. Ivins
3 Violin Solo, “Traumerie” Prof. Willard Weihe
4 Remarks President Clarissa S. Williams
5 Remarks Dr. George W. Middleton
6 RemarksDr. Seymour B. Young
7 Soprano Solo, “Oh, Dry Those Tears” Lorinda P. Brewerton
8 Remarks Bishop Charles W. Nibley
9 Remarks Elder Orson F. Whitney
10 Male Quartet, “Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken”, James H. Nielson, August Glissmeyer, Henry Glissmeyer, Hyrum Christensen,
11 Remarks President Charles W. Penrose
12 Remarks President Heber J. Grant
13 Closing Hymn, “Oh, My Father”, Raymond Williams, assisted by Tabernacle Choir
14 Benediction Bishop Thomas A. Clawson
(Music under direction of Prof. Anthony C. Lund)
A large cortege, under the supervision of Mr. B. F. Grant, followed the casket to the cemetery where, in the Daniel H. Wells’ family lot, the body was interred by the side of the husband and other members of the family. The pall bearers were the grandsons of President Wells, sons of Mrs. Isabel M. Sears, and Mrs. Annie Wells Cannon. The first four automobiles in the procession conveyed the members of President Wells' board, who were as follows: Mrs. Clarissa S. Williams, Mrs. Julina L. Smith, Mrs. Amy Brown Lyman, Mrs. Susa Young Gates, Mrs. Emma A. Empey, Mrs. Sarah Jenne Cannon, Dr. Romania B. Penrose, Mrs. Emily S. Richards, Mrs. Julia P. M. Farnsworth, Mrs. Phebe Y. Beatie, Mrs. Ida Smoot Dusenberry, Mrs. Carrie S. Thomas, Mrs. Elizabeth S. Wilcox, Mrs. Rebecca N. Nibley, Mrs. Elizabeth C. McCune, Miss Sarah M. McLelland, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Crismon, Mrs. Jeannette A. Hyde, Miss Sarah Eddington, Miss Lillian Cameron, Mrs. Donnette Smith Kesler. Following the board members were the pall bearers, then the hearse, and then the family, followed by the General Authorities of the Church, the auxiliary organizations, and the public.
The service at the grave consisted of a musical number by the Elite Quartet, and a dedicatory prayer by Elder Rulon S. Wells. The burial plot was completely covered with beautiful flowers, and the grave was lined with ferns upon a background of white chiffon.
The speakers at the funeral services included church officials, and personal friends, all of whom were life-long associates of Mrs. Wells. In order to incorporate a resume of these addresses in this issue of the Magazine, we append here the Deseret News account, as approved by the speakers, and prepared under the direction of the editor in chief of the Deseret News.
CLARISSA S. WILLIAMS
Mrs. Clarissa S. Williams, president of the Relief Society, Mrs. Wells' successor in office, was the first speaker. She told of her long friendship with “Aunt Em” and her family; of how little children had always loved the “old, old lady of how Mrs. Wells had lived a score of years beyond the allotted three-score and ten; and of the long years of work in the Relief Society she had enjoyed with the departed. -
Mrs. Williams spoke of the remarkable career of verse writing of Mrs. Wells, begun at the age of four; of the young women of Utah with literary inclination, who had been encouraged by her; of her long struggle to help women to secure the franchise; of her journeys far across the water to take the message of the Relief Society to the world; of her missionary work at home; of the tributes paid by noted women of the entire world to Mrs. Wells; of her testimony of the gospel and the divine mission of
Joseph Smith; of her love of that gospel; of her long years of outlook on the development of almost a century.
The speaker also referred to what was possibly Aunt Em’s one ungratified wish, that of experiencing the thrill of flying— a feat which even at her advanced years she might have undertaken had not her close advisers feared that it would be too severe a task upon her.
DR. MIDDLETON
Dr. George W. Middleton, medical adviser of “Aunt Em,” in her last days, and for many years previously, paid a glowing tribute. He told of the beginning of her life in a little New England village; of her personal friendship with the poet Whittier; of her early baptism into the Church and her personal friendship with the martyred Prophet. Her contact with leaders of the Church at Nauvoo, her presence near the scenes of the martyrdom ; her pioneer trip across the bleak frontier to Utah and her leadership in early-day Utah affairs were eloquently reviewed. The speaker referred to her charm and mannerism as evidenced in the number of visitors who sought her acquaintance; and in conclusion he predicted that her place in the historical annals of the west will ever be of the front and highest rank.
ELDER SEYMOUR B. YOUNG
Elder Seymour B. Young gave personal reminiscences of the little pioneer school ma’am, both as day-school and Sunday school teacher. He had been a pupil under her tuition in Nauvoo. He read extracts telling of the organization by Mrs. Wells of the Press club and Reapers club.
BISHOP C. W. NIBLEY
Presiding Bishop Charles W. Nibley said he regarded “Aunt Em” as one of the finest products of “Mormonism,” she having allied herself in her youth with it despite its unpopularity; but she received inspiration from the prophet of the Lord and carried the inspiration of the Almighty in her soul. In “Mormonism,” he declared, she had found the real suffrage, and with clear insight she comprehended the teachings of the Church—its great truths, which only the cultured, the true hearted and faithful could fully understand. Her soul was so attuned that she was able to perceive the celestial melodies; and she had the mental force which caused her to be a pillar of strength perhaps more than has been given to any other woman of her day. The speaker said he was proud this day to be accounted one of her friends; his life has been better for having been acquainted with her.
ELDER O. F. WHITNEY
Elder O. F. Whitney, after reciting the familiar poem, said “Aunt Em’s” life was like a perfect day—it had its clouds and its sunshine, but the clouds were only the background of a more perfect picture. She was not only a poet but an executive. She was a Saint. “To me,” said the speaker, “she was a mother, to her I was a son. But what is there now to mourn, what reason to weep? Nothing but the parting. The school is out, the mission ended. What more natural than that the trained child should return home.”
The speaker concluded by reciting “Crossing the Bar,” a favorite poem of Mrs. Wells.
PRESIDENT C. W. PENROSE
President Charles W. Penrose said there was nothing too good to be said of the departed one whom he regarded as a loving sister. She was bright, keen, quick, and capable to understand the truth. Though small in stature, she was big in spirit. She had’ always been alert and alive to the right, and was a great executive, following a line of powerful women in the direction of the great Relief Society. There was no selfishness in her soul nor in her work; her hand reached out to the entire world, especially in the matter of suffrage. She was a capable teacher and her name would be remembered, forever.
President Penrose then spoke along doctrinal lines in regard to the resurrection, and dwelt upon the comfort that comes from the knowledge that by what is called death we pass through the change from mortality to immortality, as illustrated by the Savior of mankind. “ 'Aunt Em’ believed in this immortality,” President Penrose said, “just as I do; she believed in life after death, in the resurrection of the body, and in the reunion with loved ones on the other side if we have lived so as to be worthy of going where they are. This faith and knowledge should fill our souls with joy and should give us consolation under every trial.”
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
President Heber J. Grant commented on the significance of the large congregation—one of the largest audiences he had ever witnessed at a funeral held on other than a Sabbath day. “No other woman in the Church,” he said', “has had so many prominent people call on her as our dear departed sister.” He spoke of the intimate association of the Grant and Wells families and paid tribute not only to the works of the deceased as a poet and' a writer, but also for her loving disposition. He recognized that she had a remarkable capacity of expressing herself in a clear, forceful way, by both tongue and pen; and yet he was inclined to place her loving desire to help others above all others of her characteristics. The association of his mother and Mrs. Wells as president and secretary, respectively, in the Thirteenth ward Relief Society, he said, was one of his most treasured remembrances and he added that next to his mother's the testimony of Mrs. Wells was one of his most impressive memories. He affirmed that all the blessings and rewards promised the true followers of the gospel of Christ would' be “Aunt Em's,” as she had lived the gospel to the fullest extent of her power.
Funeral Services of President Emmeline B. Wells
Fifth President of the Relief Societies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, Friday, April 29, 1921.
(The arrangements for the funeral services were under the direction of Elders Rulon S. Wells and John Q. Cannon, assisted by the Executive Officers of the General Board of Relief Society.)
By Mrs. Amy Brown Lyman
The funeral of President Emmeline B. Wells, who died on Sunday, April 25, 1921, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Annie Wells Cannon, was held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Friday, April 29, with President Heber J. Grant presiding.
The body of Mrs. Wells was removed from the home of Mr. John Q. Cannon to the Tabernacle at 11 o'clock where it lay in state until 2 p. m. when the services began.
Mrs. Wells' officers, consisting of her counselors, Mrs. Clarissa S. Williams and Mrs. Julina L. Smith, General Secretary Amy Brown Lyman, Corresponding Secretary Susa Young Gates, Treasurer Emma A. Empey, joined the family at the residence and with them accompanied the remains to the tabernacle. While the body was being viewed at the tabernacle by the thousands of friends and admirers, who silently passed' the bier, members of the General Board, and the stake presidents of the Salt Lake county stakes, were in attendance. During this time the tabernacle organ was played by Edward P. Kimball and Tracy Y. Cannon, assistant organists. The members of Mrs. Wells' board and of the reorganized board, assembled at the Relief Society headquarters and marched in a body to the tabernacle. President Wells' board preceded the pall bearers and the hearse in the funeral procession, serving as a guard of honor.
The Pioneer Stake Relief Society officers, under the chairmanship of the president, Mrs. Mary A. Cutler, assisted Mr. Frank Wynne in arranging and caring for the flowers. Mrs. Margaret C. Spencer, president of the Eighteenth Ward Relief Society, where Aunt “Em” was enrolled as a ward member, was in charge of twelve Relief Society women from the Salt Lake City stakes, who acted as ushers under the supervision of Elder Benjamin Goddard.
The pulpit and railings of the tabernacle were decorated in pure white which formed a charming background for the numerous exquisite floral offerings of hundreds of friends and admirers.
The beautiful bluish grey casket itself was covered with a blanket formed of roses, lilies, carnations and ferns, and ' was banked about with masses of the same flowers. Among the floral tributes was a wreath of wheat and roses, with letters in violets, representing the Relief Society official emblem.
The seating for the services was as follows: General Church Authorities in usual places, family on front seats directly in front of bier, behind them the General Board of Relief Society and other auxiliary boards of the Church, and ' all especially invited guests, which included the many women’s organizations in which President Wells had been deeply interested.
The congregation of approximately six thousand was made up principally of Relief Society women, who had turned out en masse to pay a parting tribute to their beloved leader, who, as a pioneer, a suffragist, a writer, a welfare worker, and president of the Relief Society, had won the admiration and respect of all who knew her.
The program for the funeral exercises was carried out as follows:
1 Opening Hymn, “When First the Glorious Light of Truth” Relief Society Choir, Lizzie Thomas Edward, Director
2 Opening Prayer. President Anthony W. Ivins
3 Violin Solo, “Traumerie” Prof. Willard Weihe
4 Remarks President Clarissa S. Williams
5 Remarks Dr. George W. Middleton
6 RemarksDr. Seymour B. Young
7 Soprano Solo, “Oh, Dry Those Tears” Lorinda P. Brewerton
8 Remarks Bishop Charles W. Nibley
9 Remarks Elder Orson F. Whitney
10 Male Quartet, “Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken”, James H. Nielson, August Glissmeyer, Henry Glissmeyer, Hyrum Christensen,
11 Remarks President Charles W. Penrose
12 Remarks President Heber J. Grant
13 Closing Hymn, “Oh, My Father”, Raymond Williams, assisted by Tabernacle Choir
14 Benediction Bishop Thomas A. Clawson
(Music under direction of Prof. Anthony C. Lund)
A large cortege, under the supervision of Mr. B. F. Grant, followed the casket to the cemetery where, in the Daniel H. Wells’ family lot, the body was interred by the side of the husband and other members of the family. The pall bearers were the grandsons of President Wells, sons of Mrs. Isabel M. Sears, and Mrs. Annie Wells Cannon. The first four automobiles in the procession conveyed the members of President Wells' board, who were as follows: Mrs. Clarissa S. Williams, Mrs. Julina L. Smith, Mrs. Amy Brown Lyman, Mrs. Susa Young Gates, Mrs. Emma A. Empey, Mrs. Sarah Jenne Cannon, Dr. Romania B. Penrose, Mrs. Emily S. Richards, Mrs. Julia P. M. Farnsworth, Mrs. Phebe Y. Beatie, Mrs. Ida Smoot Dusenberry, Mrs. Carrie S. Thomas, Mrs. Elizabeth S. Wilcox, Mrs. Rebecca N. Nibley, Mrs. Elizabeth C. McCune, Miss Sarah M. McLelland, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Crismon, Mrs. Jeannette A. Hyde, Miss Sarah Eddington, Miss Lillian Cameron, Mrs. Donnette Smith Kesler. Following the board members were the pall bearers, then the hearse, and then the family, followed by the General Authorities of the Church, the auxiliary organizations, and the public.
The service at the grave consisted of a musical number by the Elite Quartet, and a dedicatory prayer by Elder Rulon S. Wells. The burial plot was completely covered with beautiful flowers, and the grave was lined with ferns upon a background of white chiffon.
The speakers at the funeral services included church officials, and personal friends, all of whom were life-long associates of Mrs. Wells. In order to incorporate a resume of these addresses in this issue of the Magazine, we append here the Deseret News account, as approved by the speakers, and prepared under the direction of the editor in chief of the Deseret News.
CLARISSA S. WILLIAMS
Mrs. Clarissa S. Williams, president of the Relief Society, Mrs. Wells' successor in office, was the first speaker. She told of her long friendship with “Aunt Em” and her family; of how little children had always loved the “old, old lady of how Mrs. Wells had lived a score of years beyond the allotted three-score and ten; and of the long years of work in the Relief Society she had enjoyed with the departed. -
Mrs. Williams spoke of the remarkable career of verse writing of Mrs. Wells, begun at the age of four; of the young women of Utah with literary inclination, who had been encouraged by her; of her long struggle to help women to secure the franchise; of her journeys far across the water to take the message of the Relief Society to the world; of her missionary work at home; of the tributes paid by noted women of the entire world to Mrs. Wells; of her testimony of the gospel and the divine mission of
Joseph Smith; of her love of that gospel; of her long years of outlook on the development of almost a century.
The speaker also referred to what was possibly Aunt Em’s one ungratified wish, that of experiencing the thrill of flying— a feat which even at her advanced years she might have undertaken had not her close advisers feared that it would be too severe a task upon her.
DR. MIDDLETON
Dr. George W. Middleton, medical adviser of “Aunt Em,” in her last days, and for many years previously, paid a glowing tribute. He told of the beginning of her life in a little New England village; of her personal friendship with the poet Whittier; of her early baptism into the Church and her personal friendship with the martyred Prophet. Her contact with leaders of the Church at Nauvoo, her presence near the scenes of the martyrdom ; her pioneer trip across the bleak frontier to Utah and her leadership in early-day Utah affairs were eloquently reviewed. The speaker referred to her charm and mannerism as evidenced in the number of visitors who sought her acquaintance; and in conclusion he predicted that her place in the historical annals of the west will ever be of the front and highest rank.
ELDER SEYMOUR B. YOUNG
Elder Seymour B. Young gave personal reminiscences of the little pioneer school ma’am, both as day-school and Sunday school teacher. He had been a pupil under her tuition in Nauvoo. He read extracts telling of the organization by Mrs. Wells of the Press club and Reapers club.
BISHOP C. W. NIBLEY
Presiding Bishop Charles W. Nibley said he regarded “Aunt Em” as one of the finest products of “Mormonism,” she having allied herself in her youth with it despite its unpopularity; but she received inspiration from the prophet of the Lord and carried the inspiration of the Almighty in her soul. In “Mormonism,” he declared, she had found the real suffrage, and with clear insight she comprehended the teachings of the Church—its great truths, which only the cultured, the true hearted and faithful could fully understand. Her soul was so attuned that she was able to perceive the celestial melodies; and she had the mental force which caused her to be a pillar of strength perhaps more than has been given to any other woman of her day. The speaker said he was proud this day to be accounted one of her friends; his life has been better for having been acquainted with her.
ELDER O. F. WHITNEY
Elder O. F. Whitney, after reciting the familiar poem, said “Aunt Em’s” life was like a perfect day—it had its clouds and its sunshine, but the clouds were only the background of a more perfect picture. She was not only a poet but an executive. She was a Saint. “To me,” said the speaker, “she was a mother, to her I was a son. But what is there now to mourn, what reason to weep? Nothing but the parting. The school is out, the mission ended. What more natural than that the trained child should return home.”
The speaker concluded by reciting “Crossing the Bar,” a favorite poem of Mrs. Wells.
PRESIDENT C. W. PENROSE
President Charles W. Penrose said there was nothing too good to be said of the departed one whom he regarded as a loving sister. She was bright, keen, quick, and capable to understand the truth. Though small in stature, she was big in spirit. She had’ always been alert and alive to the right, and was a great executive, following a line of powerful women in the direction of the great Relief Society. There was no selfishness in her soul nor in her work; her hand reached out to the entire world, especially in the matter of suffrage. She was a capable teacher and her name would be remembered, forever.
President Penrose then spoke along doctrinal lines in regard to the resurrection, and dwelt upon the comfort that comes from the knowledge that by what is called death we pass through the change from mortality to immortality, as illustrated by the Savior of mankind. “ 'Aunt Em’ believed in this immortality,” President Penrose said, “just as I do; she believed in life after death, in the resurrection of the body, and in the reunion with loved ones on the other side if we have lived so as to be worthy of going where they are. This faith and knowledge should fill our souls with joy and should give us consolation under every trial.”
PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT
President Heber J. Grant commented on the significance of the large congregation—one of the largest audiences he had ever witnessed at a funeral held on other than a Sabbath day. “No other woman in the Church,” he said', “has had so many prominent people call on her as our dear departed sister.” He spoke of the intimate association of the Grant and Wells families and paid tribute not only to the works of the deceased as a poet and' a writer, but also for her loving disposition. He recognized that she had a remarkable capacity of expressing herself in a clear, forceful way, by both tongue and pen; and yet he was inclined to place her loving desire to help others above all others of her characteristics. The association of his mother and Mrs. Wells as president and secretary, respectively, in the Thirteenth ward Relief Society, he said, was one of his most treasured remembrances and he added that next to his mother's the testimony of Mrs. Wells was one of his most impressive memories. He affirmed that all the blessings and rewards promised the true followers of the gospel of Christ would' be “Aunt Em's,” as she had lived the gospel to the fullest extent of her power.
Coulson, Louise. "To Mrs. Emmeline B. Wells." Relief Society Magazine. June 1921. pg. 369.
TO MRS. EMMELINE B. WELLS
Oh ! wondrous woman !
Adown the ages yet to come.
Your name will be spoken
In sweetness and with love.
The farthest, most remote of lands,
And on islands, wind swept coves,
The blessings of the Master reach,
That came from thy dear hands.
—Lovingly your Friend, Mrs. Louise Coulson.
TO MRS. EMMELINE B. WELLS
Oh ! wondrous woman !
Adown the ages yet to come.
Your name will be spoken
In sweetness and with love.
The farthest, most remote of lands,
And on islands, wind swept coves,
The blessings of the Master reach,
That came from thy dear hands.
—Lovingly your Friend, Mrs. Louise Coulson.
Gates, Susa Young. "This is Death." Young Woman's Journal. June 1921. pg. 317.
This is Death
Dedicated to President Emmeline B. Wells by her Loving Co-worker.
Susa Young Gates.
And is this Death, this sudden silence sweet?
With this bright angel near to guide my tired feet?
I hear a distant sound of harps in heavenly choir--
And feel the thrill of answering fond desire--
O, Death, why should I fear thee?
For Death seems but a restful joy. Nor am I still
Bound to my frail body by my mortal will.
These are the ways of Death, I hear his answering cry,
I see his loving angel face with raptured eye--
Dear Death, why should I fear thee?
For Life and Death are ever bound in one
By those who know and love His gracious Son.
He tells me I have waited long to greet His face,
And always I have waited with a saintly grace--
Then why should I not welcome Death?
So thus we meet, kind, lingering Death and I,
And on his pinions soft we cleave the sky.
For all earth’s labor, all the sacrifice and pain
Are but the ladder steps which help me mount again--
O, Death, I gladly greet thee.
This is Death
Dedicated to President Emmeline B. Wells by her Loving Co-worker.
Susa Young Gates.
And is this Death, this sudden silence sweet?
With this bright angel near to guide my tired feet?
I hear a distant sound of harps in heavenly choir--
And feel the thrill of answering fond desire--
O, Death, why should I fear thee?
For Death seems but a restful joy. Nor am I still
Bound to my frail body by my mortal will.
These are the ways of Death, I hear his answering cry,
I see his loving angel face with raptured eye--
Dear Death, why should I fear thee?
For Life and Death are ever bound in one
By those who know and love His gracious Son.
He tells me I have waited long to greet His face,
And always I have waited with a saintly grace--
Then why should I not welcome Death?
So thus we meet, kind, lingering Death and I,
And on his pinions soft we cleave the sky.
For all earth’s labor, all the sacrifice and pain
Are but the ladder steps which help me mount again--
O, Death, I gladly greet thee.
Fox, Ruth M. "Emmeline B. Wells, A Tribute." Young Woman's Journal. June 1921. pg. 344-346.
Emmeline B. Wells
A TRIBUTE
By Ruth M. Fox,
PARTING AND MEETING.
We lay thee softly down to sleep
Among the silent hills,
Where angels solemn vigils keep,
’Till time its measure fills.
Tenderly parting, O, sweet be thy rest;
Joyous the meeting in realms of the blest.
Sadly we part with one we love,
And breathe a last farewell;
We lift our hearts to God above,
Who “doeth all things well.”
We lay thee away in the silent tomb,
’Til eternal day shall lighten its gloom.
Gently we strew thy grave with flow’rs.
While our tears fall like rain;
Lonely will be the dreary’ hours,
Till we see thee again.
Then gladly we’ll meet when time is no more.
And our weary feet touch the “golden shore.”
—Emmeline B. Wells.
Dear “Aunt Em”! How we shall all miss the quaint little figure that for so many years graced our circles; and oh! what a host of friends and ardent admirers that word “all” compasses.
The little poem quoted above, expression of her own tender heart, voices the sentiments that thousands of the mothers and daughters of Zion would fain have given utterance to when they heard of the passing of this beloved woman.
Mrs. Wells’ life was symbolical of the hopes and aims of the women of her people.
She was a leader born, with the red blood of patriots coursing through her veins; she was progressive to a marked degree, a woman of strong opinions which she did not hesitate to express; no person privileged to converse with her could leave her presence with the least doubt as to her convictions on the subject discussed. And more than this, she was a woman of wonderful faith, an earnest advocate of the religion to which she pledged her allegiance in her early girlhood. Her reverence for authority was supreme and no sacrifice was too great for her to make for the Gospel’s sake. Her mother love was unstinted; pride in her children and her grandchildren was a dominant characteristic.
From its inception, Mrs. Wells gave to the Relief Society her most devoted service. Since 1910 to within a short time of her death she presided over this great institution. For a great many years she was editor of its official organ, “The Woman’s Exponent.” She was the first Utah woman to hold office in the National Council of Women of the United States, an organization representing millions in its membership.
In the political party of her choice and in the great suffrage movement, she undoubtedly inspired the women of her State to earnest activity and was a co-worker with Susan B. Anthony, the Reverend Anna Howard Shaw. J. Ellen Foster, Lucy Stone, and other noted champions of the enfranchisement of women. In addition to this she gave her support to any organization that had for its aims the advancement of her sex.
The Reaper’s and Press Club founded by this energetic woman, were organized especially for the study of civil government, history, literature, etc., and for training in the art of presiding.
Her memory was remarkable. Many a great man is obligated to her for the clearing up of a bit of Church history.
She was prophetic as well as poetical. Her sisters recall many fore-castings made by this faithful Mother in Israel which have been fulfilled.
Her testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith was vivid and thrilling; thousands of Zion’s daughters will be able to bear witness to their children and their children’s children of his wonderful personality because they heard the story from the lips of Mrs. Wells, who had both seen and heard him.
Scores of women are indebted to this broadminded woman for helpfulness and inspiration to studious habits; and to the cultivation of their talents; and to service in Church and civil affairs.
Mrs. Wells was an enthusiastic lover of the Beautiful. She admired dainty apparel and elegant surroundings. In her early childhood she loved to wander through the woodlands and listen to nature’s melodies. At the tender age of four years her soul responded to their music in sweet, if simple verse.
Her baptism at the age of fourteen years seemed to be a prelude to her life that was literally strewn with sorrows and difficulties. At the age of fifteen she married a young man who afterward with his entire family deserted her because they could not endure the perplexities and persecutions to which the Saints were subjected during the awful days of Nauvoo. W7oe followed woe for this dear little woman. Within a very short time she lost her baby son and her beloved mother. At eighteen years of age she went with the exiled Saints to Winter Quarters. At nineteen she was teaching school to support herself and her orphan brother and sisters. In 1848 she came to Utah and shared in all the hardships of Pioneer days. Yet she never lost her ambition to serve. Truly in all the works of righteousness she did her full part. What a wealth of experience she takes with her: and with what joy she will relate the progress of her people.
That honors came to her was not to be marveled at: that great ones sought her acquaintance was but natural. “Light cleaveth unto Light” and “Intelligence unto Intelligence.”
No wonder that her people loved her. She was a jeweled link in the chain which bound the past to the present, and the leadership of the Prophet Joseph Smith to the leadership of the Prophet Heber J. Grant.
Oh! the changes that have marked her years.
Oh! the prophets she has known and the prophecies she has seen fulfilled.
The treasures of her mind were like “apples of gold set in pictures of silver.”
Verily she was the King’s daughter.
“The King’s daughter is all glorious within?
Her clothing is of wrought gold,
She shall be brought unto the King in raiment of needle work;
The Virgins, her companions, that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
"With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought;
They shall enter into the King’s palace. * *
I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations;
Therefore shall the people praise thee forever and ever."
Emmeline B. Wells
A TRIBUTE
By Ruth M. Fox,
PARTING AND MEETING.
We lay thee softly down to sleep
Among the silent hills,
Where angels solemn vigils keep,
’Till time its measure fills.
Tenderly parting, O, sweet be thy rest;
Joyous the meeting in realms of the blest.
Sadly we part with one we love,
And breathe a last farewell;
We lift our hearts to God above,
Who “doeth all things well.”
We lay thee away in the silent tomb,
’Til eternal day shall lighten its gloom.
Gently we strew thy grave with flow’rs.
While our tears fall like rain;
Lonely will be the dreary’ hours,
Till we see thee again.
Then gladly we’ll meet when time is no more.
And our weary feet touch the “golden shore.”
—Emmeline B. Wells.
Dear “Aunt Em”! How we shall all miss the quaint little figure that for so many years graced our circles; and oh! what a host of friends and ardent admirers that word “all” compasses.
The little poem quoted above, expression of her own tender heart, voices the sentiments that thousands of the mothers and daughters of Zion would fain have given utterance to when they heard of the passing of this beloved woman.
Mrs. Wells’ life was symbolical of the hopes and aims of the women of her people.
She was a leader born, with the red blood of patriots coursing through her veins; she was progressive to a marked degree, a woman of strong opinions which she did not hesitate to express; no person privileged to converse with her could leave her presence with the least doubt as to her convictions on the subject discussed. And more than this, she was a woman of wonderful faith, an earnest advocate of the religion to which she pledged her allegiance in her early girlhood. Her reverence for authority was supreme and no sacrifice was too great for her to make for the Gospel’s sake. Her mother love was unstinted; pride in her children and her grandchildren was a dominant characteristic.
From its inception, Mrs. Wells gave to the Relief Society her most devoted service. Since 1910 to within a short time of her death she presided over this great institution. For a great many years she was editor of its official organ, “The Woman’s Exponent.” She was the first Utah woman to hold office in the National Council of Women of the United States, an organization representing millions in its membership.
In the political party of her choice and in the great suffrage movement, she undoubtedly inspired the women of her State to earnest activity and was a co-worker with Susan B. Anthony, the Reverend Anna Howard Shaw. J. Ellen Foster, Lucy Stone, and other noted champions of the enfranchisement of women. In addition to this she gave her support to any organization that had for its aims the advancement of her sex.
The Reaper’s and Press Club founded by this energetic woman, were organized especially for the study of civil government, history, literature, etc., and for training in the art of presiding.
Her memory was remarkable. Many a great man is obligated to her for the clearing up of a bit of Church history.
She was prophetic as well as poetical. Her sisters recall many fore-castings made by this faithful Mother in Israel which have been fulfilled.
Her testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith was vivid and thrilling; thousands of Zion’s daughters will be able to bear witness to their children and their children’s children of his wonderful personality because they heard the story from the lips of Mrs. Wells, who had both seen and heard him.
Scores of women are indebted to this broadminded woman for helpfulness and inspiration to studious habits; and to the cultivation of their talents; and to service in Church and civil affairs.
Mrs. Wells was an enthusiastic lover of the Beautiful. She admired dainty apparel and elegant surroundings. In her early childhood she loved to wander through the woodlands and listen to nature’s melodies. At the tender age of four years her soul responded to their music in sweet, if simple verse.
Her baptism at the age of fourteen years seemed to be a prelude to her life that was literally strewn with sorrows and difficulties. At the age of fifteen she married a young man who afterward with his entire family deserted her because they could not endure the perplexities and persecutions to which the Saints were subjected during the awful days of Nauvoo. W7oe followed woe for this dear little woman. Within a very short time she lost her baby son and her beloved mother. At eighteen years of age she went with the exiled Saints to Winter Quarters. At nineteen she was teaching school to support herself and her orphan brother and sisters. In 1848 she came to Utah and shared in all the hardships of Pioneer days. Yet she never lost her ambition to serve. Truly in all the works of righteousness she did her full part. What a wealth of experience she takes with her: and with what joy she will relate the progress of her people.
That honors came to her was not to be marveled at: that great ones sought her acquaintance was but natural. “Light cleaveth unto Light” and “Intelligence unto Intelligence.”
No wonder that her people loved her. She was a jeweled link in the chain which bound the past to the present, and the leadership of the Prophet Joseph Smith to the leadership of the Prophet Heber J. Grant.
Oh! the changes that have marked her years.
Oh! the prophets she has known and the prophecies she has seen fulfilled.
The treasures of her mind were like “apples of gold set in pictures of silver.”
Verily she was the King’s daughter.
“The King’s daughter is all glorious within?
Her clothing is of wrought gold,
She shall be brought unto the King in raiment of needle work;
The Virgins, her companions, that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
"With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought;
They shall enter into the King’s palace. * *
I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations;
Therefore shall the people praise thee forever and ever."
"President Emmeline B. Wells." Young Woman's Journal. June 1921. pg. 379.
President Emmeline R. Wells
In the passing of President Emmeline B. Wells the women of the Church have lost one of their strong and courageous leaders. To have lived for nearly a century on the earth and for upwards of three- fourths of that time to have been a dominant force among the womanhood of a great people is a record of which few can boast. Hers has been an unusual life. She has lived through one of the most interesting periods of history; she has had the rare privilege of witnessing the development of most of the marvelous achievements of the nineteenth century; she has seen the birth, progress, and ultimate victory of many reforms, among which, aside from the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, none has been dearer to her than the great cause of woman suffrage.
Sister Wells was possessed of strong intellectual power, and was keenly interested in the affairs of the world, which characteristic made her progressive to a high degree. No “Mormon” woman has been more widely known both within and without the Church and probably no woman has been entrusted with more responsible commissions by the leaders of the Church. For years she was the General Secretary of the Relief Society and for eleven years its President.
As a writer of both prose and poetry she contributed to the literature of her people; and as a speaker both at home and abroad she added to their prestige.
But for no one thing will “Aunt Em” be remembered so long and so lovingly as for her fervent testimony of the divine calling of the Prophet Joseph Smith and her intense love for the great work which he established. She honored the Priesthood, she loved her fellowmen, she was devoted to God’s work.
President Emmeline R. Wells
In the passing of President Emmeline B. Wells the women of the Church have lost one of their strong and courageous leaders. To have lived for nearly a century on the earth and for upwards of three- fourths of that time to have been a dominant force among the womanhood of a great people is a record of which few can boast. Hers has been an unusual life. She has lived through one of the most interesting periods of history; she has had the rare privilege of witnessing the development of most of the marvelous achievements of the nineteenth century; she has seen the birth, progress, and ultimate victory of many reforms, among which, aside from the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, none has been dearer to her than the great cause of woman suffrage.
Sister Wells was possessed of strong intellectual power, and was keenly interested in the affairs of the world, which characteristic made her progressive to a high degree. No “Mormon” woman has been more widely known both within and without the Church and probably no woman has been entrusted with more responsible commissions by the leaders of the Church. For years she was the General Secretary of the Relief Society and for eleven years its President.
As a writer of both prose and poetry she contributed to the literature of her people; and as a speaker both at home and abroad she added to their prestige.
But for no one thing will “Aunt Em” be remembered so long and so lovingly as for her fervent testimony of the divine calling of the Prophet Joseph Smith and her intense love for the great work which he established. She honored the Priesthood, she loved her fellowmen, she was devoted to God’s work.
"Our President Emeritus, Emmeline B. Wells." Relief Society Magazine. July 1921. pg. 416-417.
OUR PRESIDENT EMERITUS, EMMELINE B. WELLS
The last beautiful link between the pioneer past and the modern present snapped in twain when the fluttering hands of our late President were stilled in death and the imperiously tender voice was hushed over the trembling lips, as life and death grappled in the quiet struggle for final supremacy. Out over the Border our great leader went, gentle and unafraid. Bound up in wondrous involutions, she carried with her the detailed history of a sex and of a Church. It is not too much to believe that they will be glad to meet her Over There and listen in solemn conclave to her vivid and truthful report of things and people on this sad and spent old Earth. She bore in her memory-records the mixed triumphs and failures of human strivings and human lapses. Eager they will be, those heavenly ones, to hear her unvarnished story ; for the play and interplay of the human will upon human wills is the score which turns fixed and immutable law into palpitating, divine values. And so they will gather about her for earth-news—and what wealth of items she took away"
She is gone—our President Emeritus. She who heard the Prophet's voice, who knew the wives of old Nauvoo, whose memory played like lambent flames upon the scenes and figures of a past which now seems like a millennium ago. For when she spoke, Nauvoo was only around the corner, and the Mansion House was just across the way. You heard them singing English madrigals, and caught the girls down on the boat landing at the Mississippi river bend, to see the infrequent discharge of passengers for that frontier in the wilderness—Nauvoo. She made them live before you—Joseph the Prophet and his Brother Hyrum; now their figures fade into memories like Peter, Paul, and John the Beloved—dear, but very distant!
Gone! We knew that we should greatly miss her counsel, her loyal devotion to the Priesthood, and her wondrous memory— the color of William Law's hair, the uncertain polish of Major John C. Bennett, the beauty of young Emily Partridge, and the truculence of Emma Smith. But we have known her—you and I; what a heritage we have!
There will come others out of the great present, and out of the majestic future—women all girt with wisdom and panoplied with talents; but she was the last pioneer, the very last of that great tribe of kingly souls and queenly spirits who waited beside the throne for nigh six thousand years to tabernacle in the flesh that they might be the pillared walls about the altar of the Master's Church, in this last dispensation. There will be others kind and noble—there are our dear successors to her authority, who are standing among us today—but she was the last of that distinguished saintly company about which the Prophet Moses must have dreamed when he described the chosen sons of God in antediluvian days as he did in Genesis: “And there were giants in those days.”
We shall love and reverence our new leaders the more, because she and they of old taught us how to love and how to reverence!
OUR PRESIDENT EMERITUS, EMMELINE B. WELLS
The last beautiful link between the pioneer past and the modern present snapped in twain when the fluttering hands of our late President were stilled in death and the imperiously tender voice was hushed over the trembling lips, as life and death grappled in the quiet struggle for final supremacy. Out over the Border our great leader went, gentle and unafraid. Bound up in wondrous involutions, she carried with her the detailed history of a sex and of a Church. It is not too much to believe that they will be glad to meet her Over There and listen in solemn conclave to her vivid and truthful report of things and people on this sad and spent old Earth. She bore in her memory-records the mixed triumphs and failures of human strivings and human lapses. Eager they will be, those heavenly ones, to hear her unvarnished story ; for the play and interplay of the human will upon human wills is the score which turns fixed and immutable law into palpitating, divine values. And so they will gather about her for earth-news—and what wealth of items she took away"
She is gone—our President Emeritus. She who heard the Prophet's voice, who knew the wives of old Nauvoo, whose memory played like lambent flames upon the scenes and figures of a past which now seems like a millennium ago. For when she spoke, Nauvoo was only around the corner, and the Mansion House was just across the way. You heard them singing English madrigals, and caught the girls down on the boat landing at the Mississippi river bend, to see the infrequent discharge of passengers for that frontier in the wilderness—Nauvoo. She made them live before you—Joseph the Prophet and his Brother Hyrum; now their figures fade into memories like Peter, Paul, and John the Beloved—dear, but very distant!
Gone! We knew that we should greatly miss her counsel, her loyal devotion to the Priesthood, and her wondrous memory— the color of William Law's hair, the uncertain polish of Major John C. Bennett, the beauty of young Emily Partridge, and the truculence of Emma Smith. But we have known her—you and I; what a heritage we have!
There will come others out of the great present, and out of the majestic future—women all girt with wisdom and panoplied with talents; but she was the last pioneer, the very last of that great tribe of kingly souls and queenly spirits who waited beside the throne for nigh six thousand years to tabernacle in the flesh that they might be the pillared walls about the altar of the Master's Church, in this last dispensation. There will be others kind and noble—there are our dear successors to her authority, who are standing among us today—but she was the last of that distinguished saintly company about which the Prophet Moses must have dreamed when he described the chosen sons of God in antediluvian days as he did in Genesis: “And there were giants in those days.”
We shall love and reverence our new leaders the more, because she and they of old taught us how to love and how to reverence!
"The Centenary of the Birth of Emmeline B. Wells." Relief Society Magazine. February 1928. pg. 75-76.
The Centenary of the Birth of Emmeline B. Wells
It will be one hundred years on the 29th day of February, 1928, since Emmeline B. Wells was born, yet her name is still a household word, and the vision of the slight figure with the keen eyes has not yet begun to fade from the memory of the thousands who knew her. To many she was patriot, pioneer, poet and president, all in one.
The Patriot:
The first definite thought we have of her is connected with the birth of her country, for she loved to tell how her grandfather, dressed in the uniform of a soldier of the American Revolution, came to take dinner with her on her first birthday when she was four years old. She treasured at all times the provisions of the American Constitution and was most valiant in her efforts to bring about an amendment to that constitution enfranchising the women of the nation. This deep-seated desire she saw realized before the day of her death, being permitted to vote, as she was many times, on the great national issues of her day.
The Pioneer:
It seldom falls to the lot of one to be a pioneer in so full and so complete a sense as was “Aunt Em Wells.” She lived in a covered wagon on the very spot where the Hotel Utah now stands. Indeed, a daughter was born to her there. She was one of the very first teachers of Salt Lake City, and her school room was a log cabin. She was editor and business manager of the Woman's Exponent, a magazine which was the forerunner of the Relief Society Magazine, a periodical that will become increasingly valuable as the days go by, for the historical data contained in its pages. In pioneer days it was a real achievement to make successful any literary venture, but to be able in the face of all existing prejudice to carry on and publish a woman’s magazine was extraordinary in the highest sense of the word.
The Poet:
The pages of the Woman’s Exponent were often enlivened and given exquisite touches through the verses of its editor. The poems that filled the columns of her magazine were often resplendent with descriptions of New England pine and hemlock as well as the sunshine of this western desert and the gurgle and ripple of its canyon streams. Her words have been caught by little children whose sweet voices carry forth the melody to which her verses have been set, and thus the valleys have been made to ring with the music of her song.
The President:
Thousands of women in the Church will recall the years of her presidency of the Relief Society. They will bring to mind the fact that to her was given the mission of gathering and saving wheat for future times. They will recall, among other things, that she was visited by many, many noted persons, and that she had met practically all the presidents of the United States, from Lincoln to Wilson, and that her name was known far over land and sea. It is a fitting tribute to her life, that a committee of women from varied organizations are interested at the present time in a memorial bust to mark the centenary of her birth.
The Centenary of the Birth of Emmeline B. Wells
It will be one hundred years on the 29th day of February, 1928, since Emmeline B. Wells was born, yet her name is still a household word, and the vision of the slight figure with the keen eyes has not yet begun to fade from the memory of the thousands who knew her. To many she was patriot, pioneer, poet and president, all in one.
The Patriot:
The first definite thought we have of her is connected with the birth of her country, for she loved to tell how her grandfather, dressed in the uniform of a soldier of the American Revolution, came to take dinner with her on her first birthday when she was four years old. She treasured at all times the provisions of the American Constitution and was most valiant in her efforts to bring about an amendment to that constitution enfranchising the women of the nation. This deep-seated desire she saw realized before the day of her death, being permitted to vote, as she was many times, on the great national issues of her day.
The Pioneer:
It seldom falls to the lot of one to be a pioneer in so full and so complete a sense as was “Aunt Em Wells.” She lived in a covered wagon on the very spot where the Hotel Utah now stands. Indeed, a daughter was born to her there. She was one of the very first teachers of Salt Lake City, and her school room was a log cabin. She was editor and business manager of the Woman's Exponent, a magazine which was the forerunner of the Relief Society Magazine, a periodical that will become increasingly valuable as the days go by, for the historical data contained in its pages. In pioneer days it was a real achievement to make successful any literary venture, but to be able in the face of all existing prejudice to carry on and publish a woman’s magazine was extraordinary in the highest sense of the word.
The Poet:
The pages of the Woman’s Exponent were often enlivened and given exquisite touches through the verses of its editor. The poems that filled the columns of her magazine were often resplendent with descriptions of New England pine and hemlock as well as the sunshine of this western desert and the gurgle and ripple of its canyon streams. Her words have been caught by little children whose sweet voices carry forth the melody to which her verses have been set, and thus the valleys have been made to ring with the music of her song.
The President:
Thousands of women in the Church will recall the years of her presidency of the Relief Society. They will bring to mind the fact that to her was given the mission of gathering and saving wheat for future times. They will recall, among other things, that she was visited by many, many noted persons, and that she had met practically all the presidents of the United States, from Lincoln to Wilson, and that her name was known far over land and sea. It is a fitting tribute to her life, that a committee of women from varied organizations are interested at the present time in a memorial bust to mark the centenary of her birth.
"Dr. Emmeline B. Wells Memorial." Relief Society Magazine. April 1928. pg. 199-202.
Dr. Emmeline B. Wells Memorial
A most unique and truly significant occasion was the impressive ceremony of the unveiling .of the statue of Mrs. Emmeline B. Wells, which occurred Wednesday afternoon, February twenty-ninth, at the State Capitol, marking the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Mrs. Wells. The statue was the gift to the state from the women of the state, in loving remembrance of Mrs. Wells’s outstanding service to humanity, especially to women.
“Aunt Em,” as she was affectionately called, was one of the great women of the century, known far and near as the unfailing advocate and the undaunted champion of every movement calculated for the advancement of her sex and the betterment of the human race. She loved all things that were good—youth, intelligence, beauty, virtue, art and nature, and was herself the epitome of all the charm and virtues of womanhood. She gave of her unusual gifts freely and unselfishly to mankind, and the beautiful tribute now erected in her honor not only perpetuates in human memory the charms and attainments of a distinguished woman, but expresses for the thousands who contributed to it the affection and admiration felt for one who to them typifies their highest ideals.
The movement for the tribute started in November, 1927, when Dr. Jane W. Skolfield, a dear friend and admirer of Mrs. Wells, remembering that the one hundredth anniversary of her birth was close at hand, invited a number of friends to meet and consider how best to celebrate the occasion. There was a gratifying response to the invitation, and after many of those present expressed their love and appreciation for Aunt Em, many giving personal reminiscences of her helpfulness, it was decided that the day should be commemorated not only by a gathering of friends with fragrant memories, but also that it should in some appropriate way mark an epoch for women in the state. It was then and there decided to have a marble bust of Aunt Em executed by Cyrus E. Dallin, one of Utah’s gifted sons, and to present it to the state as a gift from the women. At this meeting the Emmeline B. Wells Centennial Memorial Association was organized with Dr. Jane W. Skolfield as chairman; Mrs. F. S. Richards, first vice-chairman; Mrs. Sol Siegel, second vice-chairman; Mrs. E. O. Howard, third vice-chairman; Mrs. Richard R. Lyman, fourth vice-chairman; Mrs. Mary Kelly Pye, secretary; Mrs. Ernest Bamberger, treasurer; and Mrs. Alonzo B. Irvine, assistant treasurer; Mrs. (Georgiana Marriott of Ogden, chairman of the advisory committee; and the names of many prominent women as patrons.
Thus was the campaign launched, and under the able direction of the chairman, Dr. Skolfield, it was brought to a most delightful and satisfactory completion. The plan was to reach all the women of the state regardless of position in life, religion or any other condition, and to give them all an opportunity to become identified with the project. To this end chairmen were appointed in all the counties of the state, and these chairmen reached the women through their various clubs and organizations.
Weekly meetings were held by the central committee to hear reports and attend to the many details that claimed attention from time to time. The committee had the hearty (assistance of the state officials, notably the Board of Examiners, consisting of Governor George H. Dern, Secretary of State H. E. Crockett, and Attorney General Harvey 'H. Cluff, with whose permission and under whose direction the proposed statue was to be given a place in the State Capitol.
As finally located, the bust of Mrs. Wells occupies the northwest niche in the rotunda; the first statue to be placed in Utah’s hall of fame.
On the occasion of the unveiling, an assemblage of several hundred people, including many in high positions in Church and state, filled the rotunda, the stairs, and galleries. The exercises were presided over by Mrs. C. E. Maw, president of the state federation of women’s clubs, who in a brief address extolled the work and life of Mrs. Wells. The Ogden chorus of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers in pioneer costume sang “Our Utah Pioneers,” after which President Heber J. Grant gave the invocation. “Our Mountain Home So Dear” was then sung by a quartet under the direction of Mrs. Emma Ramsey Morris. The words of this lovely little hymn were by Mrs. Wells, while the music was composed by Professor Evan Stephens, who was present and played the accompaniment. Following a beautiful selection by a string orchestra under the direction of Mrs. Margaret Lyman Schreinei, Dr. Jane W. Skolfield, in a tender and touching manner, presented the statue to the state. Addressing the Governor, she told of the fine service of Mrs. Wells through the long years, her culture, her motherhood, her literary attainments, mentioning that she was the first person in the state to receive an honorary collegiate degree from a local educational institution when at the advanced age of eighty-four she was thus honored by the Brigham Young University—with the degree of doctor of literature. Dr. Skolfield spoke of Aunt Em’s remarkable personality, drawing a picture of her as thousands present might remember—her frail, slight, almost ethereal figure in soft silks and pastel shades, threading her way among friends with all the grace and dignity of a queen. Mrs. Emmeline C. Martineau, a granddaughter and namesake of Mrs. Wells, then unveiled the statue by drawing aside the gorgeous silk curtains which had concealed it, and there (was an intense and breathless moment preceding the Governor’s response, as all gazed on the beautiful likeness in its classic, marble setting. Governor Dern, in accepting the gift if or the state, said that he saw in these ceremonies an example of how the people still loved to honor a life and character so endowed and so well employed as Mrs. Wells had been; for she measured up well to the standards of greatness to which the people all yield their homage. It is significant, he remarked, that the first statue to be placed in Utah’s pantheon should be that of a woman—this bespeaks the high estate which woman holds in this commonwealth and is notice to the world that nowhere is a good woman held in loftier esteem than here. The speaker declared that Mrs. Wells deserves the unique distinction accorded her; for she typifies the pioneer woman whose character always excites unstinted admiration, enduring hardships in transforming the wilderness from the rude state to a civilized Community of homes; that she was a pioneer woman of the intellectual type also. Her interest extended beyond the state, and national leaders acknowledged the value of her help in forward looking movements for the welfare of (womankind. Governor Dern then accepted the gift in behalf of the state and gave assurance that it would always have a place of honor in the .Capitol, where it will serve as an inspiration to future generations. In conclusion he expressed gratitude to the committee and others who had aided in perpetuating the memory of so distinguished and lovable a woman.
After the reading of some of Mrs. Wells’ verses by Mrs. Don C. Coray, and an expression of gratitude from the family, by Mr. Junius F. Wells, the exercises concluded with the singing of “America.”
The rotunda of the Capitol was made attractive with potted palms and plants. A beautiful silk national flag was near the statue, while the state flag hung back of the speakers. Red and white roses in an antique vase were on the piano, over which was draped “Aunt Em’s” familiar Paisley shawl. The curtains used in the unveiling were the portieres made for the woman’s building at the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893. They are of Utah silk embroidered in sego lilies, and are now one of the rare historic possessions of the state.
It is gratifying to contemplate and to commend the vision and devotion of the women who have made this memorial a glorious fact. Not only have they honored the memory of a great woman; they have in this act honored all women. They have enriched their own state with a beautiful work of art by a master hand; and they have marked out a luminous path that other states may well follow in perpetuating in [pure, imperishable stone, the loftiest, holiest ideals of womanhood.
Dr. Emmeline B. Wells Memorial
A most unique and truly significant occasion was the impressive ceremony of the unveiling .of the statue of Mrs. Emmeline B. Wells, which occurred Wednesday afternoon, February twenty-ninth, at the State Capitol, marking the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Mrs. Wells. The statue was the gift to the state from the women of the state, in loving remembrance of Mrs. Wells’s outstanding service to humanity, especially to women.
“Aunt Em,” as she was affectionately called, was one of the great women of the century, known far and near as the unfailing advocate and the undaunted champion of every movement calculated for the advancement of her sex and the betterment of the human race. She loved all things that were good—youth, intelligence, beauty, virtue, art and nature, and was herself the epitome of all the charm and virtues of womanhood. She gave of her unusual gifts freely and unselfishly to mankind, and the beautiful tribute now erected in her honor not only perpetuates in human memory the charms and attainments of a distinguished woman, but expresses for the thousands who contributed to it the affection and admiration felt for one who to them typifies their highest ideals.
The movement for the tribute started in November, 1927, when Dr. Jane W. Skolfield, a dear friend and admirer of Mrs. Wells, remembering that the one hundredth anniversary of her birth was close at hand, invited a number of friends to meet and consider how best to celebrate the occasion. There was a gratifying response to the invitation, and after many of those present expressed their love and appreciation for Aunt Em, many giving personal reminiscences of her helpfulness, it was decided that the day should be commemorated not only by a gathering of friends with fragrant memories, but also that it should in some appropriate way mark an epoch for women in the state. It was then and there decided to have a marble bust of Aunt Em executed by Cyrus E. Dallin, one of Utah’s gifted sons, and to present it to the state as a gift from the women. At this meeting the Emmeline B. Wells Centennial Memorial Association was organized with Dr. Jane W. Skolfield as chairman; Mrs. F. S. Richards, first vice-chairman; Mrs. Sol Siegel, second vice-chairman; Mrs. E. O. Howard, third vice-chairman; Mrs. Richard R. Lyman, fourth vice-chairman; Mrs. Mary Kelly Pye, secretary; Mrs. Ernest Bamberger, treasurer; and Mrs. Alonzo B. Irvine, assistant treasurer; Mrs. (Georgiana Marriott of Ogden, chairman of the advisory committee; and the names of many prominent women as patrons.
Thus was the campaign launched, and under the able direction of the chairman, Dr. Skolfield, it was brought to a most delightful and satisfactory completion. The plan was to reach all the women of the state regardless of position in life, religion or any other condition, and to give them all an opportunity to become identified with the project. To this end chairmen were appointed in all the counties of the state, and these chairmen reached the women through their various clubs and organizations.
Weekly meetings were held by the central committee to hear reports and attend to the many details that claimed attention from time to time. The committee had the hearty (assistance of the state officials, notably the Board of Examiners, consisting of Governor George H. Dern, Secretary of State H. E. Crockett, and Attorney General Harvey 'H. Cluff, with whose permission and under whose direction the proposed statue was to be given a place in the State Capitol.
As finally located, the bust of Mrs. Wells occupies the northwest niche in the rotunda; the first statue to be placed in Utah’s hall of fame.
On the occasion of the unveiling, an assemblage of several hundred people, including many in high positions in Church and state, filled the rotunda, the stairs, and galleries. The exercises were presided over by Mrs. C. E. Maw, president of the state federation of women’s clubs, who in a brief address extolled the work and life of Mrs. Wells. The Ogden chorus of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers in pioneer costume sang “Our Utah Pioneers,” after which President Heber J. Grant gave the invocation. “Our Mountain Home So Dear” was then sung by a quartet under the direction of Mrs. Emma Ramsey Morris. The words of this lovely little hymn were by Mrs. Wells, while the music was composed by Professor Evan Stephens, who was present and played the accompaniment. Following a beautiful selection by a string orchestra under the direction of Mrs. Margaret Lyman Schreinei, Dr. Jane W. Skolfield, in a tender and touching manner, presented the statue to the state. Addressing the Governor, she told of the fine service of Mrs. Wells through the long years, her culture, her motherhood, her literary attainments, mentioning that she was the first person in the state to receive an honorary collegiate degree from a local educational institution when at the advanced age of eighty-four she was thus honored by the Brigham Young University—with the degree of doctor of literature. Dr. Skolfield spoke of Aunt Em’s remarkable personality, drawing a picture of her as thousands present might remember—her frail, slight, almost ethereal figure in soft silks and pastel shades, threading her way among friends with all the grace and dignity of a queen. Mrs. Emmeline C. Martineau, a granddaughter and namesake of Mrs. Wells, then unveiled the statue by drawing aside the gorgeous silk curtains which had concealed it, and there (was an intense and breathless moment preceding the Governor’s response, as all gazed on the beautiful likeness in its classic, marble setting. Governor Dern, in accepting the gift if or the state, said that he saw in these ceremonies an example of how the people still loved to honor a life and character so endowed and so well employed as Mrs. Wells had been; for she measured up well to the standards of greatness to which the people all yield their homage. It is significant, he remarked, that the first statue to be placed in Utah’s pantheon should be that of a woman—this bespeaks the high estate which woman holds in this commonwealth and is notice to the world that nowhere is a good woman held in loftier esteem than here. The speaker declared that Mrs. Wells deserves the unique distinction accorded her; for she typifies the pioneer woman whose character always excites unstinted admiration, enduring hardships in transforming the wilderness from the rude state to a civilized Community of homes; that she was a pioneer woman of the intellectual type also. Her interest extended beyond the state, and national leaders acknowledged the value of her help in forward looking movements for the welfare of (womankind. Governor Dern then accepted the gift in behalf of the state and gave assurance that it would always have a place of honor in the .Capitol, where it will serve as an inspiration to future generations. In conclusion he expressed gratitude to the committee and others who had aided in perpetuating the memory of so distinguished and lovable a woman.
After the reading of some of Mrs. Wells’ verses by Mrs. Don C. Coray, and an expression of gratitude from the family, by Mr. Junius F. Wells, the exercises concluded with the singing of “America.”
The rotunda of the Capitol was made attractive with potted palms and plants. A beautiful silk national flag was near the statue, while the state flag hung back of the speakers. Red and white roses in an antique vase were on the piano, over which was draped “Aunt Em’s” familiar Paisley shawl. The curtains used in the unveiling were the portieres made for the woman’s building at the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893. They are of Utah silk embroidered in sego lilies, and are now one of the rare historic possessions of the state.
It is gratifying to contemplate and to commend the vision and devotion of the women who have made this memorial a glorious fact. Not only have they honored the memory of a great woman; they have in this act honored all women. They have enriched their own state with a beautiful work of art by a master hand; and they have marked out a luminous path that other states may well follow in perpetuating in [pure, imperishable stone, the loftiest, holiest ideals of womanhood.
Nibley, Preston. "She Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith - Emmeline B. Wells." Relief Society Magazine. April 1962. pg. 240-242.
She Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith Preston Nibley Assistant Church Historian Part I — Emmeline B. Wells ABOUT fifty years ago, there might have been seen an elderly little lady, entering or leaving the Hotel Utah, in Salt Lake City, where she made her home. She walked quietly and slowly, and usually, in summer, wore a Paisley shawl over her shoulders. She was Mrs. Emmeline B. Wells, General President of the Relief Societies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In her day she had been a brilliant and capable woman. Now she was well past her eightieth year, but she kept steadily and faithfully at her tasks until her strength was exhausted. I think “Aunt Em,” as she was familiarly known to her friends, was just past her ninety-third birthday when she died in April 1921. I was always interested in our Church history, and on two or three occasions, when I saw “Aunt Em” sitting alone in the lobby of the Hotel Utah, I went and sat down beside her and asked her a few questions. I remember that she told me that she had left her home in Massachusetts as a young convert to Mormonism, when she was fifteen years of age, and with her mother had moved to Nauvoo, Illinois. Then I asked her, “Did you ever meet the Prophet Joseph Smith?” She replied, “Oh, yes, I knew him quite well, and on several occasions I sang and recited for him.” Then she told me about the Prophet, his marvelous personality, his friendliness, kindness, and his great ability. Finally she remarked, “In all my experience I have never met another man like him.” Recently in going through the volume of The Young Woman’s Journal for December 1905, I discovered on pages 554-556, the following interesting article, which “Aunt Em” had written and published, at that time, as a tribute to the great Prophet of the nineteenth century. Part of the article is reproduced here. "Journeying from my home in Massachusetts to Nauvoo, Illinois, with a company of Latter-day Saints, we were joined in Albany by some Elders returning from missions in the Eastern states. Among them was the late Jacob Gates, who was accompanied by his wife with whom I became well acquainted enroute. Sister Gates talked a great deal about the Prophet Joseph, whom she knew intimately, and when she saw that I was specially interested in him, promised me that she would introduce me to him on our arrival in Nauvoo. She also told me many things concerning his life and mission that I had not known before; and I listened carefully to all the Elders’ conversation for they were full of zeal and the spirit of the Latter-day work; and of love for the Prophet Joseph. To me it was a continuous revelation; although Sister Gates seemed to think it impossible for one so young and inexperienced to realize the greatness and wonderful power of the Prophet Joseph Smith; in time I came to understand the feeling when I tried to explain to others the power he possessed that impressed the people with whom he came in contact. As we neared our destination in sailing up the Mississippi, the elders were full of enthusiasm at the thought of seeing the Prophet again. . . . At last the boat reached the upper landing, and a crowd of people were coming toward the bank of the river. As we stepped ashore the crowd advanced, and I could see one person who towered away and above all the others around him; in fact I did not see distinctly any others. His majestic bearing, so entirely different from any one I had ever seen (and I had seen many superior men) was more than a surprise. It was as if I beheld a vision; I seemed to be lifted off my feet, to be as it were walking in the air, and paying no heed whatever to those around me, I made my way through the crowd, then I saw this man whom I had noticed, because of his lofty appearance, shaking hands with all the people, men, women and children. Before I was aware of it he came to me, and when he took my hand, I was simply electrified, — thrilled through and through to the tips of my fingers, and every part of my body, as if some magic elixir had given me new life and vitality. I am sure that for a few minutes I was not conscious of motion. I think I stood still, I did not want to speak, or be spoken to. I was overwhelmed with indefinable emotion. Sister Gates came to me and said, “I’ll introduce you to the Prophet Joseph now, he is here.” I replied, “I don’t want to be introduced to him.” She was astonished, and said curtly’ “Why you told me how desirous you were of meeting him.” I answered, “Yes, but I’ve seen him and he spoke to me.” “But he didn’t know who you were!” I replied, “I know that but it doesn’t matter. ...” I was in reality too full for utterance. ... The one thought that filled my soul was, I have seen the Prophet of God, he has taken me by the hand, and this testimony has never left me in all the “perils by the way.” It is as vivid today as ever it was. For many years, I felt it too sacred an experience even to mention. It was my good fortune to go immediately on my arrival to a home where the Prophet Joseph was almost idolized, and I heard of the wonderful power he possessed, and everything concerning him it was possible to learn. I heard him preach all his last sermons, and frequently met him and shook hands with him, and always felt in my inmost soul, he is indeed a man unlike all others. In the Prophet Joseph Smith, I believed I recognized the great spiritual power that brought joy and comfort to the Saints; and withal he had that strong comradeship that made such a bond of brotherliness with those who were his companions in civil and military life, and in which he reached men’s souls, and appealed most forcibly to their friendship and loyalty. He possessed too the innate refinement that one finds in the born poet, or in the most highly cultivated intellectual and poetical nature; this extraordinary temperament and force combined is something of a miracle and can scarcely be accounted for except as a “heavenly mystery” of the “higher sort.” . . . He was beyond my comprehension. The power of God rested upon him to such a degree that on many occasions he seemed transfigured. His expression was mild and almost childlike in repose; and when addressing the people who loved him it seemed to adoration, the glory of his countenance was beyond description. At other times the great power of his manner, more than of his voice (which was sublimely eloquent to me) seemed to shake the place on which we stood and penetrate the inmost soul of his hearers, and I am sure that then they would have laid down their lives to defend him. I always listened spell-bound to his every utterance — the chosen of God in this last dispensation.” |
THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH
From a painting by Lewis Ramsey EMMELINE B. WELLS
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