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Show LITTLE DIFFICULTIES 8 January 1st, 1852-It is now over two months since making any record, in which time my darling boy was born on the 18th of Nov. about half past nine forenoon in the wagon.1 Was first taken sick on the night of the 15th. Suffered much unnecessary pain and distress from taking a wrong position as also from the smallness of the wagon and its openness. Sister Anna Gifford was all the assistance I had and after my sweet one was born was left pretty much to myself, having taken all the care of my babe from the time he was first dressed. January 4th-Sunday-Two weeks yesterday since my husband left here for the city, having stopped over night on his way to and from San Pete and since then I have suffered much from bowel complaint but feel better the last few days. Mary Anne has been to Summit Creek since the day after Christmas and in consequence 1 Joseph Neal Heywood, the first of two children born to Martha Spence and Joseph L. Heywood, filled an LDS church mission to New Zealand in 1888- 91; served as bishop of the Alpine Ward, Saint John's Stake, Arizona, 1891- 96; and was a schoolteacher like his mother and a farmer. Neal and his wife, Sarah Francelle Coleman, had eleven children. He died in 1904. See Jenson, LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, 4:597. Additional information was obtained from family genealogical records. From this point on in the diary, Martha more frequently spells the names Heywood and Johnson correctly rather than as Haywood and Johnston. Perhaps she was seeing the names written out more frequently since much of her communication with Heywood and members of the Johnson family was through the mails. Therefore, regardless of the way they appear in the typescript, both names have made to conform henceforth. 75 MARTHA SPENCE HEYWOOD I have to see much to the cooking which prevents me as yet seeing much to the cap trade. I have about 25 orders to fill and it worries me to think I have not been able to do some of them. But my dear little boy is in good health and very hardy and to this day has not had an hour's sickness and now being over six weeks old he can laugh and appears to enjoy himself which makes him such company for me. Our settlement here progressed very well. The public carrell is about finished-there are 18 houses, most of them logs, 3 adobies.2 The brethren are, in general, the right kind of men for a new settlement and with a little exception they are united in efforts to build up the place. I am more and more satisfied with the location I have chosen in the place and hope in due time to occupy my lot with a good log house on it. January 11, 1852-Sunday-Last Wednesday Sister Mary Anne returned from Summit Creek and by her return the knowledge of a little difficulty between her and her husband that arose from a conversation between Harriet and I when she was here at Christmas that caused me much pain. But having [written?] to Benjamin about it I feel easier about it and have realized that it will in all probability produce good where most desired and if so I can well afford to bear the stigma, knowing that I am [free] of any evil intentions in the matter. I enjoy day by day my sweet babe and find that in possessing him my cup is full, such as it has not been before and I am willing to bear some little difficulties in the possession of him. Have not heard from Mr. Heywood for more than but when I last heard he was very well and all the family. There is general health in this place and peace and unity as far as I learn. Today meeting to Bro. Bradley's,3 the brethren have projected the getting up of a school house and arranged to finish the bridges. The weather has been uncommonly warm during the last week. More so than I realized in the city last year about this time. (Night) I received a letter this evening from both Mr. and Mrs. Heywood full of concern and affectionate regard for my health as also that I have been remembered in the prayer circle. May the 2 Compare this with Joseph L. Heywood's letter to the Deseret News, December 13, 1851, which says that twelve homes had been built: three adobies, two of willows plastered inside and out, a two-story house of four-inch plank, and the remainder of logs. 3 Probably George W. Bradley, an early settler in Nephi. See McCune, History of Juab County, p. 56. 76 LITTLE DIFFICULTIES Lord grant me wisdom to appreciate all the blessings I am surrounded with and also do the right thing to preserve my health. January 16th-Friday-This night completed one year of my becoming a married woman, the result of which is my coming into possession of my precious boy who lacks two days of being two months old and having a husband to care and watch over me that I feel reverance, love and esteem [for] and connected with a family that I am proud to be a member of, and realize that I am much happier now than I was a year ago. My child is the consummation of all my earthly wishes. January 25th-Sunday-Attended meeting today as also the last Sabbath, both of which I enjoyed very much. Have gained in my health much during last week. Have not heard lately from Mr. H. My boy seems to grow nicely tho troubled with colic some and very nervous. February 18th-Wednesday-Today my baby has completed three months of its sojourn here which is a great comfort to me, having had the greatest anxiety from the day of its birth to this period and shall now have more hope of its being left with me as it has gained this period. I made out to invite some of my neighbors to spend the afternoon with me as I have received much kindness from them in the way of hospitality. I thought I would take advantage of the first opportunities I felt able to entertain them as Mary Anne never seemed disposed to have any of our neighbors to come to us and my health so miserable I could not have any over to spend an afternoon till now. I had Sisters Bradley, Gustin, Bryan, Cazier, Sen and Young. March 8th-Monday-Had hoped to have had seen Mr. Heywood amongst us by this time and to have had our contemplated party this evening, being the return of my natal day and completion of my fortieth year. Our settlement had done well during the winter and now making what preparations they can for the spring. The probability for my keeping school is rather slim as my health seems to continue poorly. Mary Shumway has been proposed by Bro. Bradley to teach if my health will not permit. It has also been thought of my living in the school house until I get a house of my own, that is if I can teach the school. I feel so very uncomfortable with Mary Anne. So many men around the house all the time and my health so poor. The baby has been improving in health since he was three months. Bro. Morley and Bro. Billings and Benjamin Johnson were here a few 77 MARTHA SPENCE HEYWOOD nights ago at which time Bro. Morley gave me a blessing written by Benjamin. March 18th, 1852-Thursday-Mr. Heywood has arrived as also Bro. Benjamin Johnson with other company making a house full and the ball coming off makes a stirring time with us. This party is given in respect to Mr. Heywood and consequently I have to interest myself in it. Mrs. Heywood sent down a large cake made expressly for the occasion, also mince pies, so with custard pies and fried cakes we will make out an entertainment. March 24th-Wednesday-Mr. Heywood left yesterday having stayed but one short week and during his stay the house being full of company and with him my visiting all the time I feel much prostrated in strength and health. The falling of the womb effects me worse than any previous time. My walking a greater distance and exerting myself about the party has hurt me much so that I can hardly do the least thing for myself. Mr. H. would like me to teach school and wishes me if it is practicable to get a boarding place or board with Mary Anne, but I know not yet what I will be able to do. I made out to give him a lot of caps and feel in the spirit to make as many as I can. April 3rd-Sunday-A letter from Benjamin to Mary Anne in answer to her asking him "if she should board me" was anything but satisfactory to my mind and made me aware that there was statements made to him that was not correct.4 I have written to him but Joseph Towndrows professed to have lost my letter.5 It has altogether the appearance of a dark plot to get me out of the house as no doubt I am much in the way of the man. April 22nd-Wednesday-Mr. Heywood returned here bringing with him Sister Vary with the calculation of her going on with the company to Iron County but concluded to remain and make out her visit here till Mr. H. would return to the city. Monday evening-April 27th-The exploring company consisting of the Presidency and leading officers of the Territory arrived here on their way to the South.* During the evening we had several 4 Tensions between Mary Anne Johnson, wife of Benjamin, and Martha had been percolating for some time; however, the diarist did not reveal the cause. 5 Towndrows was evidently a mail carrier. "On April 22, 1852, Brigham Young's party left Salt Lake City to visit the southern settlements and several Indian tribes. They returned to the city 78 LITTLE DIFFICULTIES calls-Judge Snow, and Lady, Bro. Kimball and his wife Mary Anne, Bro. & Sister Bean, Bro. and Sister Nobles, besides brethren G. A. Smith, Major Barlow to supper.71 requested of Bro. K. to bless my little boy which he did and gave him a good blessing. May 1st-Saturday-Mr. H. got up a ride to celebrate the first of May by paying a visit to Clover Creek,8 taking a wagon load of ladies, young and old. Sisters Cazier, Bryan, Vary, Candace, Son-sin, Mary Anne and myself. We visited Sister Love's who treated us sumptously.9 While returning we were overtaken with a storm of wind, hail, snow and rain and had the wagon cover reefed off and a bow broken with the violence of the wind. May 2nd-Sunday-Had a meeting to regulate about the school and it was decided that school would commence forthwith engaging Candace Smith to teach at the rate of five dollars a week and board herself. May 11th-Mr. H. and Sister Vary started for Sanpete. Started for the City, Monday morning, May 24th with Mr. H. and Sister Vary. My health very miserable. Called at Summit Creek and had dinner and supper which consisted of a right good cup of tea, etc. served up by Harriet in first rate style. Stayed over night at Petit Neat to Bro. Pace's.10 I suffered much pain during the night in consequence of hurting myself by pulling the wagon to rights on May 21. According to William Clayton, the group camped at Nephi on April 26 and organized itsejf. The party included sixty-four men, three boys, eleven women, one girl, thirty wagons, sixty-seven horses, and twelve mules- an impressive entourage. Clayton offered a good description of the fledgling settlements: "There are several beautiful settlements on the road to this point, among which, perhaps, Springville may rank the first, and Nephi the second. At both of these places the spirit of energy and industry is almost without a parallel. All the houses look clean and neat, fences in good order, and everything shows that saints live there. The city of Nephi was commenced in September last. There are now 20 good houses, a splendid corral for cattle, and a good quantity of land under cultivation." See Deseret News, May 15, 1852. ' George Washington Bean was one of the colorful characters of Mormon history. During his mission to Las Vegas he kept one notebook for himself and an official record for the church. In 1852 he was a young man of twenty-one. Israel Barlow had been long in the church and was one of the first nurserymen in Davis County. 8 Clover Creek was settled a few months after Nephi and later renamed Mona. See McCune, History of luab County, p. 137. 9 Sister Love was a wife of Andrew Love, a prominent member of the community at Clover Creek. 10 James Pace had been a member of the Mormon Battalion and was an adopted son of John D. Lee. One of the first settlers on Peteetneet Creek (named for a local Indian chief of note), Pace was honored by having the town renamed Pacen for him. Subsequently the spelling was changed to Payson. See Huff, Memories That Live, pp. 434, 439. 79 MARTHA SPENCE HEYWOOD to sleep in. Called to see Sister Frances at Hobble Creek in the forenoon and dined at Provo to Bro. Bean's. Stayed over night to Bro. Mercer's at American Fork" and next night arrived about six o'clock to Mr. H.'s house in the city. Found the family all well with the exception of Alley having the whooping cough and in one week after Ida and my baby commenced coughing. Attended meeting two Thursdays and the last Sabbath in the New Tabernacle which I admire very much.12 It is so neat and unique in its appearance and economical in accommodating so many. I heard Bro. Brigham preach and was delighted with his remarks. Have returned from the city after spending about three weeks there, not as pleasant as I could have wished which I attribute in a great measure to my health being miserable and all the children have the whooping cough, but feel considerably better after my journey homeward. Truly I feel this little settlement my home altho I have no house as yet nor the first appearance of one but the place and people are near and dear to me. I enjoyed the ride more particularly as I had much conversation with Mr. H. which I have been deprived of since the time he came down accompanied by Sister Vary, tho in company ever since I have not felt the least freedom in communicating a thought to him and that for the space of two months. We have now commenced boarding with Sister Bryan who seems to be the right kind of person to live with and Bro. Bryan13 is so sensible and social that their house seems a little paradise to me, to what and where I have lived. Our garden has been some injured by the flowing over of the water from Bro. Johnson's and my flower and other seeds have been nearly all destroyed. There is not the first thing done towards the house. To our great surprise we found that Candace left for Manti vacating her situation after six weeks of trial of it; she being some what dissatisfied with some of the people and the people generally dissatisfied with her management as School Teacher. And as I formed an opinion of her inefficiency as a teacher I expected sooner or later she would have to resign. But I was disappointed in her not 11 The 1850 Census lists a John Mercer in Utah County. 12 Martha was referring, of course, to what is presently known as the Old Tabernacle (demolished). Built of adobe on the southwest corner of Temple Square, the first tabernacle was 126 feet long, 64 feet wide, and could seat twenty-five hundred. The ground is now occupied by the Assembly Hall. The tabernacle had been dedicated on April 6, 1852. See Jenson, Church Chronology, p. 45. 13 Probably Charles H. Bryan, a Nephi alderman. 80 LITTLE DIFFICULTIES showing more interest in the welfare of the school and keeping her time, two things she was very remiss in-. Mary Anne Johnson does not return to this place at present. July 12, 1852-Monday-Commenced school this day with 17 scholars. My health being some better than it has for a long time [,] realizing that my getting better health and also having a girl to help me with the baby [, I have been] spending my time during the two weeks that Mr. H. has been gone in my garden. Attended Sabbath School yesterday and was surprised that there was no teacher there, it being the 2nd Sabbath of my attendance finding no one there with the exception of Bro. Baxter who is the superintendent. We have now commenced our Sabbath School at eight o'clock in the morning, being the same time that they hold [it] in Great Salt Lake City. There was some difficulty in the people to agree about having a daily school. The trustees had a meeting two Sundays ago being the Sunday before Mr. H. left and Bro. Foote was not for having the school started until it was ascertained how many families would send. He also volunteered to go round to ascertain this point and report the next Sunday afternoon at which time they decided on meeting. I was proposed as teacher until a suitable one could be obtained. The next Sabbath it was reported that some of the brethren objected to the salary of five dollars a week for the teacher and would not send. The foremost of such were Amos Gustin, Elmore and Miller.14 Bryan having an opportunity [of] offering his mind to Gustin & Miller, they confessed they were wrong and Gustin said it was Bro. Foote drew it out of him and Miller's excuse was because Gustin and Elmore objected he did. Brother Bradley 15 having returned from the city Saturday, he called a meeting yesterday and proposed that those who desired a school would subscribe so much each as they felt would be wisdom. This plan took at once, Bro. Foote being absent. Bro. Bryan took out his pencil and amongst those present there was over seventy dollars collected. July 19th, 1852-Sunday-Attended Sabbath school this morning and found the superintendent, Bro. Baxter present who acted as teacher with myself, making two teachers and fourteen scholars. My 14 Amos Gustin and Josiah Miller were early Nephi settlers. Elmore has not been identified. "Probably George Bradley. 81 MARTHA SPENCE HEYWOOD school during the week was as interesting as I could expect considering the great deficiency of the children. Had two letters by last week's mail, one from Mr. H. and one from Bro. Rose,10 also a note from Mrs. H. They are all sick from influenza colds in the city which reminds me the more how much health I have gained since I left the city and my baby now recovering from the whooping cough; his teeth have caused him some indisposition and considering it with the whooping cough I consider he is doing right well. He is very small for his age; now so thin but so much better than Ida and Alley. July 25th-Sunday-Attended Sabbath School this morning with Bro. Baxter, making two teachers. We had 16 scholars. Had a letter from my husband informing me of his expecting to be with us very soon-he will probably leave the city today. My health has been very poorly today probably on account of over working yesterday on Bro. Rose's muffs and partly by taking cold. The baby is also miserable. The weather has been very warm yesterday and today which prostrates me much. We were agreeably surprised by Bro. Jones 1: from Sanpete coming among [us] and preaching for us and so glad was I to have an opportunity of hearing him that I went to hear him but I had to return before it was out. August 1st-Sunday-Was disappointed during the last week in Mr. H. not coming down. Heard that he was detained by court business and the election. I have had Sister Davis to work for me during last week and the Saturday previous. Next Thursday she expects to go to Provo to recover her cows and oxen that her cidevant husband stole from her. My baby is recovering from the whooping cough but is some troubled with teething. He is now eight months and a half and none through yet. My health is mending gradually and thus far I have Iieen able to keep the school without any serious inconvenience. The number rose to twenty one day. Friday forenoon had but eight scholars and did not keep in the afternoon for that reason. I continue to enjoy boarding with Sister Bryan very much. August 16-Monday-Resume school today after a week's absence on account of Mr. and Mrs. Heywood's being here with the 10 This may have been Ralph Rose of Canada who is listed in the 1850 Census. " Probably Dan Jones, 82 LITTLE DIFFICULTIES children and Mary Bell,18 who all returned to the city last Thursday morning. We had a very pleasant time while they were here with the exception of Sister Heywood having the toothache pretty severe the last day and night. I received a letter from Mrs. Strong and one from Mrs. Leamond in the city. Was not able to attend meeting or Sabbath School yesterday on account of my baby being sick. He has the canker together with his teething,-seems to keep him down very much. My own and Sister Bryan's health is but poorly since our visitors left. Bro. Johnson has been here with his wife Harriet and has decided on bringing his oldish wife and her children to come here instead of Mary Anne. August 30-Monday-Resumed school today after a week's absence on account of ill health. Heard from Mr. H. on Saturday who has been ill since his return to the city. Mailed two letters last week for Rochester to Mr. Hayes and Mrs. Strong. Sent 16 caps to the city and also 14 the week before.19 Yesterday spent the day to Clover Creek. Took the ride with the object of receiving benefit to my health. Had a pleasant time with the folks there-visited with Bro. and Sister Bigelow as also with Brethren Love and Wolf and Sisting.20 September 19-Sunday-Mr. Heywood came here on Friday, 10th inst., at which time Major Wells and Company was here to attend to the Military exercises of the brethren of this place.21 Brethren Wells, Robinson and ladies spent part of the day with us. This last week the flooring has been laid in the school-house and hearth set and tomorrow I again resume my school. My own and my baby's health being but poorly I suffer much in trying to teach school but being Mr. H.'s wish to do so I make the attempt. 18 Mary Bell, Heywood's fourth wife, was born in 1839 in Scotland. Heywood was twenty-four years her senior. However, it seems likely that the couple did not marry until Mary Bell reached her fifteenth year, as family genealogical charts show Mary receiving her endowments on March 31, 1854. 19 To make a total of thirty caps in addition to all her other duties seems a great task. Heywood evidently had a regular outlet for them. Later, they made their own sales station. 20 Martha was visiting the families of Andrew Love, James O. Bigelow, and John A. Wolfe at Mona (Clover Creek). Brother Sisting has not been identified. See McCune, History of Juab County, p. 137. 21 Daniel Hanmer Wells was elected major-general of the Nauvoo Legion on May 26, 1849. On March 27, 1852, he received the rank of lieutenant-general but was not commissioned by Brigham Young until March 7, 1855. See Jenson, LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:62-63. Despite military exercises and the building of forts, some settlements had to be abandoned during the Walker War. 83 MARTHA SPENCE HEYWOOD September 28th-Tuesday-On last Saturday, being the 25th, we celebrated the anniversary of our settling this place. We met in the school house at about eleven o'clock with our invited guests, Father Morley and lady with several others from San Pete and Bro. Benjamin Johnson and their ladies from Summit Creek. The Clover Creek folks were invited but did not come with the exception of Sister Bigelow. We had also new settlers who arrived the night before, Bros. Udell and Vickers (English), also brethren from Iron County on their way to the city. We had excellent remarks from Father Morley who referred to his past experiences-also from Bro. Johnson who also referred to his past experiences in the Church. The most of the company then adjourned while the tables were set and at about three o'clock we took our seats. Our feast was composed of what we had raised in our settlement during the last year and made a very handsome appearance-chickens cooked in various ways, vegetables, preserves made with water melon molasses, cake, bread of flour raised here, wine of choke-cherries and we found that our house was far too small to accommodate the people. October 1st-Friday-Mr. Heywood left us this morning for the city. Same day Capt. Sherwood's company of 17 wagons arrived on their way to San Bernardino.22 This afternoon completes two weeks since the floor was laid that I have kept school. October 17th-Saturday-Today we were agreeably surprised with a visit from Bro. Parley Pratt and two of his wives on their way to the city from his mission. He preached on the subject of his mission and the peculiar providence that opened to him to defray not only the same but to liberate him from debt contracted previous to his departure from Gr. S. L. City, as also the manners and customs of the Chileans in South America where he sojourned for a season in which place his wife Phebe gave birth to child and lost it at two months old. I was not able to attend but the first part of the evening on account of the irritability of my baby. I was again obliged to adjourn school last Wednesday noon on account of poor health. Just completed weaning my baby and find him some better by so doing but my own health is miserable. 22 This may have been Henry G. Sherwood, first city marshal of Nauvoo, who helped settle and survey the new Mormon community at San Bernardino, California. Later he apostatized. See Leonard J. Arrington, Charles C. Rich: Mormon General and Western Frontiersman (Provo, Ut.: Brigham Young University Press, 1974), pp. 189-90. 84 LITTLE DIFFICULTIES George A. Smith preached here at which time Bro. Jacob Bigler 23 arrived here. The brethren are arriving fast in this place now. October 24-Sunday-Yesterday the brethren who are going on their several missions southward commenced coming to this place and this evening the last came in. There are about twenty in number, several of whom I had some little acquaintance with and some just got acquainted with. N.V. Jones, Bishop of the 15th Ward on his way to Calcutta, formerly of Rochester, who I had long desired to become acquainted with, of which I failed to affect till now on his journey to other lands. I had a very pleasant visit with him, as also with Brothers Woolley and Ballantyne. Three meetings, last evening and today fore and after noon.24 October 31-Sunday-Mr. Heywood returned here about ten o'clock last night after we had retired to bed and Judge Snow a few hours previous, who preached for us on the subject of education, schools and school houses and I enjoyed his remarks much. This evening I had a very agreeable visit with him while the brethren were engaged in a business meeting. Monday morning accompanied Mr. H. and Judge Snow to San Pete, arrived at Father Morley's about 4 o'clock in the evening. Found Sister Theresa Kimball laid up with rheumatism. Was very sick that night myself. Next day was not able to go out anywhere but enjoyed myself well in Father Morley's family, considering my own and baby's sickness. I like the appearance of San Pete better than I supposed I would. Left the next morning and returned here about 4 o'clock. The weather was intensely cold, on which night, being the 3rd of November, we had a very severe frost which injured most vegetation; coming so unexpected the brethren were not fully prepared for it. m Jacob G. Bigler, early Nephi settler and later first president of Juab Stake. 24 A special conference of elders was convened on August 28, 1852, in Salt Lake City. A hundred missionaries were called to various foreign fields, and the following day the first public proclamation of celestial (plural) marriage was made. Nathaniel V. Jones, Samuel A. Woolley, and Richard Ballantyne were among those sent to "Hindoostan." See Deseret News, September 18, 1852. Jones had been a member of the Mormon Battalion and was to serve as president of the mission to India. He helped develop the territory's fledgling iron industry. Woolley, a brother of Edwin D., was among the first settlers at Parowan and later was bishop of the Salt Lake City Ninth Ward. Ballantyne had a varied career as an Ogden merchant, farmer, and railroad builder. He founded the LDS Sunday School system. After returning from India, he lived in Nephi for two years before the Utah War. For more information on these three men see Jenson, LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, 2:368-69, 1:781-82, 1:703-6. 85 MARTHA SPENCE HEYWOOD November 11th-Thursday evening Brother Ezra T. Benson and S.M. Blair, arrived here on their return from the city and preached for us.25 I could not attend on account of my baby but heard of his preaching which was excellent. They started the next morning after expressing their desire to Mr. H. to have lots each set down to them. We have now 44 families residing in this place, the majority of which are very, very desirable citizens. The bridge on the Sevier has been completed by our brethren in this place under the supervision of Bro. Foote, he having got the contract from Bro. Young, as also the bridge over Chicken Creek.26 The Fort has had quite a start, having four rooms reared of adobes, two belonging to us, one which we will occupy, the other rent to Bro. Bently and two rooms for a tithing house to be occupied by Bishop Bigler, who is our Presiding Bishop. I feel well satisfied to neighbor with those two families. As for Sister Bentley I consider it a providential circumstance to have her so near me. May the Lord bless our acquaintance and should we become friends, indeed, may it be in the Lord. Mr. H.'s health has been very poorly during the last week which we lay to the weather. Joseph Neal, my baby, has been gaining since our return from San Pete. His diarrhea has ceased with the canker. My health is rather better but not very well at that. I have some reason to expect that I am about five months in a state of pregnancy but my symptoms and feelings are so different from what I had with my boy that I sometimes am inclined to doubt that such is my case. November 15th-Monday-Last Friday there was the body of a man found in the forks of the creek having the appearance of being shot in the forehead, covered with two coats. The discovery was made by Bro. Cumming's youngest son. Next day another body was found a few rods westward of the former having the appearance 25 Benson, an LDS apostle, served many church missions and was a territorial official. See Jenson, LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:99-102. Seth M. Blair, a lawyer, was U. S. district attorney. In 1859 he, James Ferguson, and Hosea Stout published the Mountaineer, a periodical denouncing the rule of federal judges in Utah. See Roberts, Comprehensive History, 4:522. Benson and Blair had left Salt Lake City on November 2. Benson reported in the Deseret News of November 27, 1852, that Nephi had "26 families of the Fall emigration" and was beginning "to extend her borders and assume quite a village appearance." 20 Benson's letter, cited above, praised the Sevier bridge and said "much credit was due bro. Foot." 86 LITTLE DIFFICULTIES of being shot in the back of the neck. Both bodies had United States Livery on them.27 November 28th-Sunday-Mr. Heywood left here last Thursday the 25th in company with Bros. Fox and Eldrige. The snow on the ground is about two feet high. We here had the greatest snowstorm I have experienced in the Valley. It commenced last Monday night, 22nd, and continued all day Tuesday and during the night but ceased gradually after daylight. It has been thawing ever since and has now commenced raining, giving every appearance of the snow going off. A week ago last Thursday my little boy attained to the completion of the first year of his life for which I thank my Heavenly Father and have faith that His heavenly mercy will continually protect his infant years and baffle his predisposition to disease. Brethren Erastus Snow and Franklin Richards arrived here on their way to Parowan on Tuesday the 15th and preached here the same night.28 December 1st.-Wednesday night took possession of my room yesterday and commenced housekeeping today. The snow has been going off considerably but the weather continues unsettled and more or less stormy. December 5th-Sunday-Still continues unsettled. Snowed some today and last evening. It thundered and lightened and a smart shower of rain. December 12th, 1852-Sunday-The weather has turned cold and clear the last 36 hours but little work has been done in this place the last month or six weeks, but it looks now as if we were going to. have settled cold weather. My cow calved yesterday afternoon which proves indeed a blessing to me at this time. I begin to feel tolerably comfortable in my little home. 27 The Deseret News of December 11, 1852, contains a letter dated November 13, 1852, from J. L. Heywood in Nephi, describing the finding of the two bodies and their appearance. An inquest was being held on the first victim when the second body was discovered. The News requested other newspapers to publish the murders in the hope of identifying the victims. Heywood, as U. S. marshal, was officially interested in the crime. The Cummings who discovered the first body is unknown. A Benjamin F. Cummings is listed in the 1850 Census in Weber. 28 Snow and Richards had left Salt Lake City on November 11, 1852, with a company of ironmongers for the southern settlements. See Snow's letter in the Deseret News of December 25, 1852. 87 MARTHA SPENCE HEYWOOD We had the first dance for this season on Friday night as a reward for getting the school house repaired. School commenced last Wednesday-Brother Spencer teacher. Thursday evening Brethren Snow and Richards and also Father Morley preached in the school house on their way to the city. My baby's health continues to improve and my own health is tolerably good. Enjoy keeping house right well. January 2nd, 1853-Sunday-Last Tuesday evening the brethren had a meeting for the purpose of taking into consideration what it was best to do in regard to the cattle during the inclemency of the weather, having lost seven head the day before in consequence of the storm on Sunday, making 11 head of cattle and two calves within the last month. It was decided that there would be a united effort of prayer to our Heavenly Father to mittigate the severity of the weather by giving us a thaw and that a certain number of the oxen be kept up to procure firewood, and the milk cows, etc. The brethren on their return home after the meeting gave the notice as extensively as they could and the first thing I realized on awaking the next morning was a thorough thaw which continued steady ever since, so that we have prospect now of our cattle doing well and the roads to Mill becoming passable. My little Neal is improving steadily day by day and is much changed in appearance for the last month-is very lovely and interesting. Yesterday being New Year's day Brother Foote gave the hands that worked on the bridge a supper and dance. I had a special invitation from Sister Foote which extended to Sister Candace Smith who is staying with me.29 And I must say, a better party I have not attended in the Valley, nor up to this time have we had so good a one in this place. It will be remembered long in this place to Bro. Foote's credit. There was a picnic party to School house on Christmas day and a wedding party to Amos Gustin's house. January 9th-Sunday-Had rather poor health during the last week. Last Sunday attended meeting and in so doing took fresh cold and on Thursday morning had a very severe spell of bowel complaint which prostrated me very much till today. Feeling somewhat better and was able to go and settle up a grievance that I caused by joking spirit towards Sister Weldon who is staying at Bro. Brad- 20 Candace lived in Manti with Albert and Esther Smith. She was about nineteen years old at this time. She was one of several young women who stayed with Martha from time to time to help with the household chores. 88 LITTLE DIFFICULTIES ley's. She did not seem very willing to forgive-she went through the form but manifested a hard spirit towards me afterward. We had rather pleasant weather last week-thawed some and snowed some but rather gained on the thawing. Have not heard from Mr. Heywood tho the mail came in last week and brought papers.30 My baby still gains in health and strength. January 16th-Sunday-Candace left this place for San Pete last Wednesday having been staying with me for about five weeks. I realized her departure quite a pleasant circumstance. We had a very pleasant afternoon visit to Sister Foote's the day previous terminating with the dancing school which I enjoyed very well, the only one I attended. February 6th-Sunday-Mr. Heywood returned here last Tuesday, first of the month in good health, in company with Father Morley and Petit of San Pete. On Wednesday we had a Partriarchal Blessing meeting all day and continued next day. A very good spirit prevailed during Father Morley's stay. From the time Candace left till Mr. H. came I seemed to be gaining in health and strength but of late have felt some what slimmer owing to overdoing a little and taking cold. February 20, 1853-Sunday-Snow pretty solid yet on the ground up to this date. We have had two or three days of warm sun as yet but the weather has been clear tho cold for the last two weeks, freezing very hard at night. No travelling across the divide to Sanpete as yet. Bro. Boswell just returned by the south route. We have had good meetings in this place and a good spirit seems to prevail among the people generally. Mr. Heywood has given two historical lectures that have been well received and proposes to get up a literary society which I think will go.31 Brother Spencer as a teacher is generally liked.32 Yesterday had a meeting "According to a notice in the Deseret News of December 8, 1853, the southern mail for Manti and the towns in between left Salt Lake City Mondays at 6 A.M. and returned Saturdays at 6 P.M. 31 A letter of Samuel Pitchforth in Nephi to Joseph Cain, dated March 1, 1853, and published in the Deseret News of March 19, 1853, described the settlement and the activities there very well. He commented on a dancing school and a cyphering school, the unity of the Saints, the work being done by Walker's Indians, and the crops. He said that Heywood had been lecturing on the history and geography of those countries to which elders had been recently sent. Pitch- • forth indicated that the people had received these talks so well that Heywood was encouraged to start a literary association and to propose that "members subscribe towards a library." A bit boastful of these activities, Pitchforth added, "you can see that our president don't intend Nephi to be far in the rear." 02 Probably George Spencer. See McCune, History of Juab County, p. 76. 89 MARTHA SPENCE HEYWOOD for the Indians who had been baptized last summer and the old captain whose name is Pooro was ordained and made known some interesting facts to the brethren by means of Bro. Hold [?] who is the interpreter concerning his faith and doctrine.33 Today our meeting was much disturbed by Batiste[?]34 who came in seemingly possessed with a bad spirit. He was in a very great passion and charged our brethren with having written to Brigham to have him killed and charged Bro. Elmore with having threatened killing some of his men and then they asked for something to eat. March 6th-Sunday-Sister Mary Anne Johnson arrived here from Summit Creek a week ago last Friday-February 25th-on a visit, her health not very good and expects to be confined in a few [?] and her opportunity to return is uncertain as the travelling is bad just at this time. Mr. H.'s health has been but poorly for the last two weeks as likewise my own. It is all that I can do to attend to the house work that is necessary without attempting any sewing work. The Spring weather is advancing rapidly, the snow is wearing away very fast yet still there is a great body of it on the ground. There was organized on last evening a society called The Mount Nebo Literary Association - President, Treasurer, Secretary and twelve directors. The California mail passed through on Friday the 4th and stayed over night, bringing the news of General Pearce being elected President of the United States.35 33 The Indian and the interpreter have not been identified. 34 Possibly "Old Battiste" or "Battest" mentioned in Peter Gottfredson, Indian Depredations in Utah (Salt Lake City, 1919), pp. 21, 102. 3j Franklin Pierce, the fourteenth president, had served as colonel and then brigadier-general in the Mexican War. Pierce, a dark-horse candidate, received the Democratic nomination on the forty-ninth ballot. He went on to sweep the election in November 1852 from Gen. Winfield Scott, another Mexican War figure. Since national news came to Utah via California during the winter season, the southern settlements were aware of important events a day or two before the leaders in Salt Lake City. 90 |
