Part 11

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

"SPRINGFIELD, October 25th. "_My Dear Companion:_

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

ZINA Y. WILLIAMS.

DAUGHTER OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.

It would be strange indeed, if after the life and labors of Brigham Young, a work of this character should appear, lacking the name and record of his descendants. The sons of noble men have greater opportunities of adding lustre to their father's name by reason of the advantages which sons possess over daughters; yet among our people, women have their acknowledged province in which they may distinguish themselves, in which their position is not borrowed from the other sex, or an infringement upon them; and yet may adorn the memory of even Brigham Young. Such a daughter is Zina Y. Williams, the original of this sketch. Born in plural or celestial marriage, and with an understanding of this condition, as much as any young girl can possess, a wife in the same order of marriage.

Some have said, "Let us see the workings of this system, let us see how the next generation will receive it." The time has come when they can see, and learn that those who understand it best fear it least. The words of the daughter herself, it seems to me, should go farther in effect than mine could for her. Here is a true picture in the home life of the earliest advocates of that ancient principle, restored through Joseph Smith, the prophet. I have known Mrs. Williams beneath her father's roof and in her own married home, intimately, for eighteen years, and knew the union and love of the band of sisters.

"I was born April 3rd, 1850, in Salt Lake City. My mother, Zina H. Young, was made glad by my presence, her only daughter. My father, President Brigham Young, made me welcome; though he was the father of many others he was as much pleased as many men are over their only girl. My childhood was clouded with sickness, and one of my earliest recollections is of my loving mother holding me in her arms, singing a sweet song; with the moonlight streaming over me and gazing out upon the full moon I sank to sleep, soothed from suffering by her magic care. I was the pet of my two brothers and of all my mother's friends. I knew nothing of want or care till the year of famine, (1856) which gave me a faint idea of what want was. (All through the Territory families were on short rations.)

"My father's family lived in a world of their own, there being ten girls with not more than four years' difference in their ages. Our father affectionately called us his 'big ten,' and nowhere on the earth could be found a happier, merrier set of children. We attended school and were instructed in music and dancing on our own premises. Our mothers taught us to respect each other's rights, as they always set the example by treating one another according to the golden rule. A person entering the room where we were assembled would be at a loss to tell which were the own children of the sisters present. We carried out the proverb--'Love thy neighbor as thyself,' literally. When the memorable exodus of 1858 took place, my mother was the first woman who left Salt Lake City. In company with another of my father's wives, Lucy B., (as she is called,) we started south. This was my first trip from home, it seemed like a pleasure trip to me and it was a matter of surprise that my dear mother and auntie were not as much delighted with the change as we children were; but the subsequent discomforts we were subjected to, and our lonely hours spent away from our dearly loved sisters caused many a heart pang and we began to realize something of the sacrifices made by our people when our enemies came and invaded our homes. My mother was the last of father's family to leave Provo, after the return of the people to their former homes. On our arrival, after a year's absence, father asked mother to take charge of four of his little ones whose mother was dead. She consented, and this event entirely changed my after life; from being the pet and only child I now had to share with these motherless children. It was a trial in many ways, but my precious mother taught me to be unselfish and thank God for all His blessings and not complain, and I am thankful to say, following her advice without once alluding to the fact that my mother was not their own. Thus it proved to be the best lesson of my life, and a great blessing.

"My life flowed on in peaceful current, going to school, but going upon the stage when quite young greatly impaired my health. I married when eighteen. My husband, Thomas Williams, had been in my father's employ in his office, for several years; then in the Theatre, where I saw him frequently, but, as he was much older than I, it never occurred to me to fall in love with him. 'None knew him but to love him,' the bard wrote, which is true of my husband. I was his second wife, and here let me testify that in entering into the order of plural marriage, both my husband and myself did so from the purest and holiest motives. For six years I was his loving wife, bearing two sons, Sterling and Thomas Edgar. In July, 1873, my dear husband was called home. None but those who are called upon to pass through similar circumstances can know the sorrow and anguish it is to part from a loving, noble husband and father.

"My time now was given principally to my Church duties and to the support of my dear children. In all my trials my dear mother was my comfort and support. By the advice of my father, I went to Sevier County and took up a quarter section of land. I went to St. George at the completion of the Temple, and met many dear friends and relatives; my father was there, and those who were present, will, I believe, never forget the heavenly intercourse enjoyed by the Saints while thus convened. Shortly after our return to the city, our honored father was stricken down with his last sickness. Never was there a more solemn scene than that witnessed at his death, his family were there, also the head men of the Church. Physicians with their futile skill were standing round, the faith and anxiety of the whole Church were centered around that dying form and departing soul of God's Prophet at that trying hour. His body unconscious now to pain, was there before us, but his noble spirit already saw behind the veil which screens from us the immortal spheres. 'Joseph! Joseph!' were his last words, and when he breathed his last his face became radiant as if molten sunbeams had been poured into his veins, giving him an unearthly and celestial appearance never to be forgotten by those who surrounded his dying couch. After a settlement of our father's estate I removed to Provo in order to give my dear children and myself the advantages of attending the Brigham Young Academy. In January of this same year, President Taylor sent me, in company with Sister Emmeline B. Wells, to visit the Woman's Suffrage Convention held in Washington. After my return I began teaching in the Brigham Young Academy, taking charge of the young ladies and organizing a work class; also the primary department in which position I have been actively engaged ever since. The Brigham Young Academy was endowed by inspiration by him whose name it bears. Professor Karl G. Maeser was called to act as principal at the commencement, and when he asked for instruction from its noble founder, he received only this: 'Ask God to guide you in all things and carry it on under His directions; this is all I have to say.'

"From that time Professor Maeser has faithfully lived to fulfill the wishes of its founder. How he has succeeded is demonstrated every year by the hundreds of young men and women who there receive for the first time a knowledge and testimony of this Gospel. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the Honorable Board: President A. O. Smoot, Harvey Cluff, Wilson H. Dusenberry, Bishop Myron Tanner, Bishop Harrington, Bishop Bringhurst and Sister Coray for their energy and labor to make this school all that Brigham Young intended it should be.

"In the deeds bestowing a grant upon this institution it is plainly stated that the young men be taught mechanism, and the young ladies domestic duties. In accordance with this a young ladies' department has been organized and we have endeavored to carry out this peculiar feature desired by President Young, my beloved father.

"I have occupied the position of advisor and director to the young ladies for the past four years. I have now the advantage of a fine large room built expressly for this branch of education. Was called to preside over the Primary Associations of Provo, am a Counselor to the President of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association also; and an officer in the Provo Silk Association."

While living in Salt Lake City, Mrs. Zina Y. Williams was one of the committee superintending the decoration of the great Tabernacle. Large classes were taught artificial flower making, and thousands of yards of festoons and hanging baskets, interspersed with appropriate mottoes and flags made the vast ceiling a bower of beauty for many months. She has taught decorative work of different kinds in several towns of our Territory, possessing a special gift in this direction.

An energetic spiritual laborer, a loving daughter and faithful wife and mother, she has also a wide circle of sincere friends. She was the first of President Young's daughters to manifest prominently in the face of opposition, her willingness to unite with the associations organized for the repression of extravagance in dress, table expenditure and frivolity, and for the cultivation of spiritual knowledge, and mutual improvement. These meetings were regarded with aversion and even ridicule, by many, as tending to bring women into too great publicity. This proved to be an incorrect idea. Sister Williams was one of the earliest spiritual laborers and has never faltered or deviated from her line of duty. President Young has other daughters also, who have later become officers and actively interested in the Women's Organizations among this people; and they will without doubt, develop many of those abilities, which, combined and made subservient to the will of God made the name of Brigham Young immortal in history.

LOUISE M. WELLS.

SECRETARY OF CENTRAL ORGANIZATION OF THE YOUNG LADIES' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS.

The fact that most of the ladies of this work are of mature, and some even advanced years, suggests the thought--what of the "rising generation" of this people? How have the practical workings of this system which the world can judge of only from report and occasional glimpses into its operations, but which with the youth of the people is a literal and sole experience--affected their ideas and purposes?

Time, steadfast determination and spiritual progress have adjusted all mingled and varied elements of individualities and nationalities in those who received the Gospel in scattered homes in different parts of the earth, have overcome those obstacles (which were such through inexperience in newly restored truths and laws,) and brought all to the proper level of their individual sphere of action and usefulness. What a piece of master-work has this been! Order out of confusion, brotherhood created between stranger races.

It has been often said, "that when the old stock dies out," the world can better judge the worth of our doctrines; if they survive and grow in the hearts of the succeeding generation their parents did not plant the spiritual tree in lack of wisdom, and it will after this test of years prove worthy of the serious consideration of those who now deem it beneath their thoughtful attention.

More than fifty years have passed since the glorious message was first proclaimed to the world; many of those true, noble Saints who toiled as builders of their Master's Kingdom have finished their work, and with years filled with honors have passed on to their rest and reward. A few years more, and the witnesses who lived in the days of Joseph and Hyrum will be gone, we shall be left to ourselves, their record and our God. Who will replace them? Are their posterity following in their footsteps? Yes, beneath the seeming swift current of youthtime's careless indifference runs an undercurrent of earnestness, integrity and--yes--royalty of soul. There can be found many of our young people who bear the impress of their destiny in their daily lives, their numbers are increasing, their works assuming prominence and recognition.

In connection with the young people's organizations it is due to Miss Louise M. Wells, that a brief record of her history and position form part of this work.

This young lady was born in Salt Lake City, August 27, 1862. On both her father and mother's side she is descended from families of the old Puritan stock. General Wells' record in Church history is one that earth's greatest men might be proud to possess, and he has received such a tribute of respect and love from our people as has rarely been recorded. Her mother is the editor of the _Woman's Exponent_, but has during her lifetime written constantly, amounting indeed to many volumes were her writings published; and is exceptionally gifted as a poetic writer. With such parents it may be reasonably expected that with her inherent endowments trained in the influence of the Gospel, with a fine spiritual nature, conscientious principles, an amiable disposition and quiet, gentle manner, Miss Wells will do credit to her parents and her people.

Of Louie, as she is familiarly called, it is said that when she was very young she gave evidence of musical talent by rendering in an original style, plaintive melodies admirably suited to her voice, and rich in that pathos that always touches the heart. With many, singing is an acquired accomplishment, with her it is as natural as to the nightingale. Also in her childhood she unconsciously disclosed artistic taste by gathering the autumn tinted leaves and grasses from the garden, which she arranged in quaint and pretty devices for home adornments. This talent was later cultivated under competent teachers, when she soon became qualified to give lessons privately and in classes, in drawing and painting. Already artists of distinction have pronounced her oil paintings of sufficient merit to entitle her to enter the Academy of Design in New York, and she has been advised to adopt art as a life vocation. On the occasion of the Church Jubilee, on Pioneer Day, 1880, Miss Wells was selected by the committee to represent Art. In 1882, in company with some of her relatives, she visited California, and there for the first time saw the ocean, one of nature's grandest pictures. During this visit she went through the art galleries of San Francisco. In 1883, she with her sister, Mrs. Sears, made a trip to the Eastern States, and visited the art galleries and museums of St. Louis, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington. Also had the opportunity of attending the World's Exposition at Boston. While visiting in the East she attended a reunion of the Dickinson's held at Amherst, Massachusetts, as a representative of the name, from whom her father descended through his grandmother, Experience Dickinson. Arriving at College Hall, where the reunion was celebrated, she met many hundreds of her kindred. Of this family I quote: "It is now almost two hundred and fifty years since Nathaniel Dickinson landed at Boston, and prior to 1634 found a home at Wethersfield, forty or fifty miles below Amherst. In 1659 he planted the permanent seat of our family, and deeply rooted the name of Dickinson, and here nine succeeding generations have risen to call him blessed. Nathaniel Dickinson died at Hadley, June 16, 1676. No pencil or artist has preserved to us the semblance of his features, no gravestone marks his resting-place. We only know that he sleeps in the only burying-ground at Hadley."

At this reunion, which was quite an elaborate affair, a congratulatory letter was read from her father, General D. H. Wells, which elicited considerable applause, and the President, who had seen the General when visiting Salt Lake City, spoke of him in the highest terms.

Miss Wells was very cordially received by the hundreds of Dickinson's and succeeded in getting the names of many of the relatives of the family who are now sleeping in the old graveyard at Hadley, and from a "roll of honor" which hung upon the wall in the hall where the meeting was held, on which were inscribed the names of those who had made themselves distinguished. It was singular that this great meeting of the Dickinson's should have convened at the time when Miss Louie was visiting her mother's relatives only a few miles from Amherst, giving her an opportunity of meeting her father's kindred.

Louie visited Nauvoo, also Kirtland, where she went through the Temple. She has also proved herself to be a most charming press correspondent, by contributions to the _Exponent_ that touched the heart of every Saint; letters that were as beautiful, fresh and sweet as spring-time. She has been connected with the _Exponent_ for some time; is a writer for the _Contributor_, has been a member of the Tabernacle Choir for several years, and taught a department of Miss Cook's school in 1880 and 1881.

In June, 1880, Miss Wells was appointed Secretary to the Central Organization of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, Mrs. Elmina S. Taylor, President, a position of honor and importance, and which she fulfils with dignity and ability. As a Latter-day Saint, the young lady is worthy of her position and the love and confidence of her friends; and we look forward to her future with happy anticipations of beautiful works from her spirit and hand.

As in this work are represented the venerable silver-haired matrons, and the younger wife and mother, it seems beautifully appropriate that Miss Louie, in her youth and purity, should represent the daughters of Israel, looking towards the future with eyes of faith and confidence.

Explanatory of the Picture

REPRESENTATIVE WOMEN OF DESERET.

The first portrait in the first group of the picture, is that of ELIZA R. SNOW SMITH, President of the Latter-Day Saints' Women's Organizations. The second, on the left-hand side of the same group, ZINA D. H. YOUNG, First Counselor. Third, on the right-hand side, MARY ISABELLA HORNE, Treasurer. Fourth, SARAH M. KIMBALL, Secretary.

The above are the Presiding Board over all the Latter-Day Saints Women's Organizations.