CHAPTER XI.

THE WIVES OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.

Mary Ann Angell Young, the first wife.--Her Family.--Lucy Decker Seely, the first wife in Plurality.--More of "My Women": Clara Decker, Harriet Cook, Lucy Bigelow, Twiss, Martha Bowker, Harriet Barney, Eliza Burgess, Ellen Rockwood, Susan Snively, Jemima Angell, Margaret Alley, Margaret Pierce, Mrs. Hampton, Mary Bigelow, Emeline Free, or the Light of the Harem.--Proxy Women: Miss Eliza Roxy Snow, Zina D. Huntington, Amelia Partridge, Mrs. Cobb, Mrs. Smith, Clara Chase, the Maniac.--Amelia, the last love.--The Prophet in Love the Thirtieth Time.

_Mrs. Mary Ann Angell Young._

This lady is the first living and legal wife of the Prophet. She is a native of New York, and is a fine-looking, intelligent woman. She is large, portly, and dignified. Her hair is well sprinkled with the frosts of age; her clear, hazel eyes and melancholy countenance indicate a soul where sorrow reigns supreme. She has been very much attached to her husband, and his infidelity has made deep inroads upon her mind. Her deep-seated melancholy often produces flights of insanity, which increase with her declining years.

Bereft of her husband's society, she naturally clings to her children, of whom she has five: Joseph, Brigham A., John, Alice, and Luna. They all reside with her. She formerly occupied "the Bee-Hive House," but as the number of her husband's wives increased, it became necessary that additional accommodations should be furnished the "plural" portion of the family. The first wife was obliged to vacate her residence for the benefit of new comers. She was removed to a great barn-like house on the hill. This building looks more like a penitentiary than anything else. It was the first house built upon the premises, and, as before stated, is very deficient in the number and size of its windows.

Mrs. Young seldom receives guests, and her husband himself scarcely ever pays her a visit.

When I looked upon this poor, suffering woman, as she sat at church, surrounded by her husband's mistresses, I seemed for the first time fully to realize the true character of that "institution" which has crushed the hearts of many noble women.

She is very kind to her children and dependents, and is much beloved by them. She has not succeeded so well in gaining the affection of "the wives." With them she is very unpopular, and by some of them she is often mocked and upbraided. It is said, "one hates whom he has injured." This may account for much of this feeling among the "plurals."

Joseph, or "Joe Young," as he is familiarly known in Utah, is a fast young man. He has been on a "mission," travelled in Europe, smokes, chews, gets drunk, swears, preaches the gospel, has three wives whom he whips and otherwise shamefully abuses, and is a good Mormon, in full fellowship in the church. While at a fashionable watering-place, at Great Salt Lake, in the summer of 1863, he insulted a gentile lady. The gentleman who accompanied her, being an officer, promptly knocked him down, and this not seeming to be satisfactory, afterwards challenged him. Joseph's friends interfered, and obtained a settlement of the difficulty.

Brigham A. is more respectable. He has also been on a "mission." This is equivalent to saying that he has been wild and reckless, as it is the Mormon custom to send all who are unruly and hard to manage, or who have committed crimes, on a mission. It is thought that by "bearing the pure vessels of the Lord" to such poor wicked wretches as the gentiles, they will perchance themselves become purified.

John, being the youngest, has not developed his tastes so fully. He seems inclined to seek after the loaves and fishes of office. He was Sergeant-at-Arms of the Council in the winter of 1863-64, and will doubtless be one of its members when he is old enough, should his father then reign in Utah.

Mrs. Alice Clawson is the oldest daughter. Rather amiable, with fair hair, blue eyes, and of _petite_ stature. She is one of the performers in her father's theatre. As an _artiste_ she is "flat, stale, and unprofitable." But being Brigham's daughter, and good looking, she is applauded to the echo. She is one of three wives of Hiram B. Clawson, who is the Prophet's chief business agent and manager. Quick, shrewd, and unscrupulous, he is a fit instrument with which to accomplish the purposes of such a man.

In the year 1851, a Mr. Tobin came to Salt Lake with Capt. Stansbury. While there, he met Miss Alice, fell in love with her, and they were engaged to be married. Mr. T. had occasion to leave Salt Lake on business, and did not return until 1856. He then renewed his engagement with Alice, but afterward, for reasons satisfactory to himself, broke it. This subjected him to the vengeance of her father, which never slumbers. Tobin and his party were followed, attacked in the night, on Santa Clara River, 370 miles south of Salt Lake City. Several of the party were severely wounded. They lost six horses, and were compelled to abandon their baggage, which was completely riddled by bullets. During Tobin's absence, Alice had been engaged to another, who had been sent off to the Sandwich Islands, by her watchful father. Hiram B. Clawson, the confidential clerk of the President, next appeared as a candidate for the young lady's hand. He had already one wife, but was anxious to secure a second.

A little incident in their courtship, will illustrate the manner of obtaining No. 2.

"Good-morning, sister _Clawson_," said a young friend whom she met in walking.

"What do you wish me to understand?" said Alice.

"Nothing more than that your father gave his consent this morning, in my presence, to your marriage with Hiram Clawson."

"There, Alice," said brother Clawson, who at this moment made his appearance, "did I not tell you? You would not believe me."

"This matter begins to be serious," said Alice, "now that my father has given me away to a man that has one wife already, and is courting another beside me, both of them much handsomer than I am."

Hiram was nettled, for it was true that he was courting a third wife, and of the three Alice was the least beautiful. She then proposed, playfully, to elope with an old gentleman, a friend of the family. "I would do so," she said, "before I would be given away like an old mule, to a man who already has one wife, and is seeking for others."

Yet Alice, though doubtless giving expression at this time to the sentiments of her heart, was afterward prevailed upon, and consented to become No. 2 in the harem of Hiram B. Clawson. Hiram, having commenced at a much earlier age than his father-in-law, may, if unchecked in his career, yet rival him in the number of his wives and the extent and magnificence of his "plural" establishment.

Luna Young is a _character_. She is very wilful and headstrong. She always governed her sister Alice, and even her father could not control this wayward child.

She is the fourth daughter, by the first wife, two having died. She has light hair, blue eyes, and a fair complexion. She is very haughty and beautiful. Slender as the gazelle, and free and joyous as a bird, brooking no control, she was the light, and often the annoyance of her father's house in her girlish days. She is now married, and very likely will become amiable and docile, under Mormon discipline.

_Lucy Decker Seely._

This is the first wife in "plurality,"--or the second "woman."

Lucy Decker was married to Isaac Seely, and had two children. She afterward became a Mormon, and went to Nauvoo to reside. Her husband, Seely, was somewhat dissipated, but treated her well. She, however, saw Brother Brigham, and loved him. He visited her, told her that Seely could never give her an "exaltation" in the eternal world; that he, being "high in the priesthood," could make her a queen, in the first resurrection.

She yielded to these inducements and the promptings of her inclination, left her husband, and was "sealed" to Brigham Young.

Lucy Decker has brown hair, dark eyes, small features, a fair skin, and of short stature; but quite _en bon point_. She would strongly remind you of a New-England housewife, "fat, fair, and forty." In common with nearly all the inmates of the Harem, she is of very ordinary intellect, and limited education.

Her first child, after marrying Young, was named Brigham Heber, and was the first-born in Mormon polygamy. He is now a lad of about eighteen years of age.

Lucy Decker is still one of the favorite wives. She lives in the "Bee-Hive," and keeps a sort of boarding-house for the work-hands. She has had eight children by Brigham, all of whom are living. A story is told which illustrates well the disposition and character of these polygamous children. "Brigham Heber" was in the habit of playing while the family were at breakfast. One morning, after breakfast was over, this boy, then only ten or twelve years of age, went into the kitchen, and undertook to help himself to anything he could find. Mr. Smith, the cook, would not permit it. Brigham Heber seized a fork, and with oaths that would put a pirate to shame, swore he would stab the cook. Smith caught him, wrenched the fork from his hand, and pushed him into the hall. He and Oscar, son of Harriet Cook, swore they would kill Smith the first time they should catch him out.

_More of "My Women."_

_Clara Decker_, sister of Lucy Decker, is a short, thick-set person, very much like Lucy in appearance. She is much more intelligent and agreeable than her sister, and in every way her superior.

She is also quite a favorite with the Prophet; has three or four children, and is much attached to her "husband."

_Harriet Cook_ was early in plurality; having been sealed to Brigham, at "Winter Quarters," on the Missouri River, while the Mormons were on their way to Utah. This was five years before polygamy was publicly proclaimed in Utah as a divine institution. Harriet is very tall, has light hair, blue eyes, a fair complexion, and sharp nose. She is rather slender, but has much power of endurance, and a look of determination.

When all is going on smoothly, she is as calm and serene as a May morning; but let Brigham or any one else in the establishment cross her path, and the blue eyes at once light up, and give evidence of a coming storm. When irritated and aroused, she denounces the whole Mormon religion, including polygamy, and says, "the whole thing is a humbug, and may go to the devil for aught she cares." Brigham, though a stern disciplinarian, makes good his escape, at such times, and the "women" all keep at a respectful distance.

When she is in a religious mood, which is seldom the case, she says: "I don't profess to know much, but there is one thing I _do_ understand, and that is Mormonism. Whenever Brother Brigham (all the wives call him Brother) goes behind the veil, I make him tell me what he sees and hears there. I mean to know all about it." She is the "smartest" of all the women. She has one son in plurality, named Oscar. He is a wild, ugly boy, and curses his mother _ad libitum_. Brigham cares nothing for this woman, and avoids her as much as possible.

_Lucy Bigelow_ is of middling stature, has dark brown hair, blue eyes, aquiline nose, and a pretty mouth, and is very pleasant and affable. She is very pretty and ladylike in the ball-room, but does not appear to so good advantage in the nursery and kitchen. She is the one who was the subject of a well-turned repartee at the anniversary ball in Salt Lake City, on the 24th of July, 1863. Governor Harding, on that occasion, having danced with several of the wives of "Governor" Young, became somewhat enthusiastic and extravagant in his compliments. Among other fine sayings, he remarked to one of the wives, upon leading her on to the floor,--"The President has introduced several of his wives to me as 'Mrs. Young,' 'Mrs. Young,' 'Mrs. Young.' As well might the astronomer point me to the stars of heaven, without giving me their names." "Governor, I understand your compliment, and appreciate it. The name of this particular star is Lucy."

She has but little influence over Brigham, and he seldom visits her.

_Twiss_ has sandy hair, inclined to curl, round features, blue eyes, low forehead, complexion fair, face somewhat freckled. She is short and stout. This woman makes a good servant, and is always ready to wait on her lord and master. She prepares his linen, and is content. She has no children.

_Martha Bowker_ is low in stature, with black hair and eyes. She is very quiet. Is plain and sensible; neither showy nor interesting. Very neat in dress, very ordinary in intellect and acquirements. She is of few words, and rather quick-tempered. Very little influence over the Prophet.

_Harriet Barney._--This lady is tall, slender, and graceful. She has hazel eyes, light-brown hair, mild, sweet expression of countenance, and is indeed a beautiful woman. Her character is as lovely as her face, and the suffering and sorrowing always find a friend in her. She is patient and forbearing, and would rather suffer wrong than do wrong. Her kind and sympathetic nature, and excellent character, place her far above all the other inmates of the Harem.

Believing in polygamy, she left her husband, and became one of the plural wives of the President of the church in which she believed. She loves, with all the intensity of her nature, him for whom she has sacrificed everything. Of course, she deeply feels his neglect, but, like a true woman, complains not. Having sacrificed her happiness upon the altar of her faith, she continues to love, to endure, and to suffer.

She had three children by her first husband; none since.

_Eliza Burgess._--Her parents resided in Manchester England, and came to Nauvoo in the early days of Mormonism. Soon after, they both died, leaving Eliza an orphan. She was thrown upon the cold charities of the world, and Brother Brigham, ever the friend of _youth_ and _beauty_, _took_ her into his family. She served seven years, and then desired to marry another. She applied to Young for his consent, but the Prophet had other projects inconsistent in their nature with the proposed marriage. "Eliza," he said, "you have been so long in the family, that I need you. I wish to marry you myself. Will you not be my wife? Brother S. is a very good man, but I can give you a greater exaltation. I can make you a queen." This argument was conclusive, and Eliza gave up her lover, and married Brigham Young.

In person Eliza is small, with large dark eyes, dark hair, and dark complexion. She is quick-tempered, and is of the class--English serving-girl. She is the only one of the Prophet's women who is not American. She has several children.

_Ellen Rockwood_ is of medium size, slender, with light hair, light-brown eyes, and fair complexion. She is the daughter of the warden of the penitentiary, who is a "regular down-east Yankee." Ellen is rather quiet, even-tempered, but quite narrow-minded. Her health is poor, and she spends most of her time in embroidery and needle-work. She has no children, and, per consequence, very little influence with her husband. He calls upon her in her little room, about once in six months.

_Susan Snively._--A middle-aged woman, of medium size, dark hair, light eyes, dark complexion, and expressionless face; the plainest of all the women. She is good and kind in her nature, quiet and retiring. She spins and colors yarn, and is a good housewife, of the type--New-England farmer's wife. Having no children, she adds nothing to the kingdom and glory of her husband, and is estimated accordingly.

_Jemima Angell_ is the sister of Mary Ann, the lawful wife. She is an elderly lady, with dark hair, gray eyes, and pensive countenance. Of low stature, but quite robust. Her first husband died out of the church, and she is merely sealed to Young, for her exaltation in another state. She lives in a little house by herself, and seldom receives a visit from her spiritual husband.

_Margaret Alley._--Short and small; light hair and eyes, rather lengthened features, but mild expression of countenance. Being much neglected by her husband, she became very melancholy. She died in 1853, leaving two children.

_Margaret Pierce._--Of medium height, light hair, and blue eyes, sharp nose, and very variable in temper. She has several children, but not much influence with her husband.

_Mrs. Hampton._--This woman is very tall, and noble in appearance, has round features, large lustrous eyes, dark hair, and fair complexion. She was early married to Mr. Hampton, by whom she had six children. They removed to Nauvoo, where Hampton died. Mrs. Hampton was afterward sealed to Young.

When the Mormons were driven from Nauvoo, Mrs. Hampton was, for some reason, left behind. She then married a Mr. Cole, by whom she had one daughter, named Vilate. When this child was about four years old, Cole went to California. Young then sent for Mrs. Hampton to come and live with him. She obeyed, and became, a second time, one of his plural wives. During this time Cole wrote letters frequently, and sent her his likeness.

About this time, Feramorz Little, one of Young's nephews, married Julia Hampton, daughter of Mrs. H., and half sister to Vilate Cole. Mrs. Hampton lived at the Harem about eight years, and superintended the culinary department. Some misunderstanding having arisen between her and the Prophet, he again cast her off. It is said that she was unwilling to be sealed over the altar for eternity to Young, preferring her first husband in the eternal world. Her son, Nephi Hampton, provided a house for her at Ogden, a pleasant town forty miles north of Salt Lake, where she now resides.

Vilate is now about fourteen years of age, beautiful and accomplished. She and Brigham Heber, now about twenty years old, were engaged to be married, but his father disapproved the match, and laid a plan to defeat it. In the fall of 1863, Feramorz Little sent for Vilate to come down to the city, and proposed to have her board with him and attend school. His real object was to secure her for his fourth wife and at the same time prevent her marrying the son of the President. During all this time the girl frequently inquired, with much anxiety, about her father.

In 1863 Cole enlisted in the 2d Regiment of Infantry, Nevada Volunteers, and came to Salt Lake City expressly for the purpose of finding his daughter. After much inquiry he ascertained where his wife and child were living, and wrote a letter to Vilate. The mother received the letter, read it, and put it in the fire. Thus the matter rested, until Vilate came to the city. One day she said to her sister Julia, (Mrs. Little,) "Would it not be strange if my father was among the soldiers?" Said Julia, "He is. Didn't you know it? Nephi told me all about it." This gave her new courage, and thenceforth she made every effort to see her father. For some time she was closely watched, and Cole, who had found where she was, was denied admission to her; but the girl's resolution remaining firm, Little, fearing she would leave him, finally permitted an interview. The happy meeting of the father with his only child, after an absence of eleven years, who shall describe? Cole still remains in Utah, devoted to his daughter, whom he visits frequently, and is not without hope of getting her away from her unfortunate associations. The task is a delicate and difficult one, and in his efforts to accomplish it, he has the sympathy of every father.

_Mary Bigelow._--I can give no description of this woman. She was sealed to Young at "Winter Quarters," and came on with him to Utah. After a time she left the Harem, and what became of her is unknown to me.

_Emeline Free, or the Light of the Harem._

----"O Nourmahal! Thou loveliest, dearest of them all; The one whose smile shone out alone Amidst a world, the only one Whose light, among so many lights, Was like that star, on starry nights, The seaman singles from the sky, To steer his bark forever by!"

Emeline is tall and graceful; with mild, violet eyes, fair hair, inclined to curl. She has long been the favorite of the Prophet,--the light of his eyes, and the joy of his heart.

Mr. and Mrs. Free, her father and mother, were opposed to polygamy, and Brigham went one day to convince them of their error. The beautiful Emeline was the first he sought to win, and he argued and expounded the new doctrine with wonderful zeal and fervor. At length the parents were convinced. The Prophet of the Lord stepped up to Emeline, laid his saintly hand upon her shoulder, and said, in fervid accents, "Emeline, will you be my wife?" "Yes, sir," was the reply. This was their courtship. She at once became the favorite, and many a heart grew sad when she became an inmate of the Harem.

Brigham distinguished her in every way; gave her better rooms than the rest, and servants to wait upon her. She grew to love him, and obtained a powerful influence over him. There is no weapon so powerful as a woman's tears. This Emeline believed, and often acted upon, to bring back her truant lover, when she thought too much attention was paid to others. Finally, so great became the jealousy of the other wives, that the husband of these contending fair ones constructed a private hall leading from his office to Emeline's room, that he might visit her without observation or constraint. He devoted himself to her exclusively, and she reigned supreme over the sisters. She received her company in the grand saloon; she occupied the seat of honor at the table, at the right hand of her husband. In short, she was the mistress of the Harem.

At that time the most of the women did their own work, and stayed in their own rooms, so that there was but little communication with each other. She has eight children, but is still a young-looking woman.

But, alas! "the course of true love never did run smooth," and Emeline was doomed to have a rival. When the Prophet "took" Amelia, his last love, poor Emeline was heart-broken. She was taken very sick, and her life was, for a long time, despaired of. From her "sisters" she received no sympathy. The bitter cup which they had been obliged to drink, was now commended to her own lips. From the confiding and happy wife, she has become the rejected and suffering mistress, and must now drag out the remainder of her days a faded, cast-off woman. And Amelia, the present queen, what of her? She too, will soon take her place by the side of Emeline and Mary Ann. Other and younger women will take the place she now occupies, and in their turn be cast off, to suffer with her.

"_Proxy Women._"

This is a very common term in Utah, and signifies that a woman is married to one man for "time," and sealed to another for eternity. All her children belong to the man to whom she is sealed, no matter which may be their father, or whether the mother ever married the celestial husband "in time." This is a refinement upon the Jewish doctrine, which required a man to "raise up children to his dead brother."

Of this class of women Brigham Young has four, all of whom, while they live with him for "time," are sealed to Joseph Smith for eternity, and to Joseph must they be delivered over, with their children, in the first resurrection.

"Miss" _Eliza Roxy Snow_ is of middling stature, dark hair, well silvered with gray; dark eyes, noble intelligent countenance, and quiet and dignified in manner. She is the most intellectual of the women.

Her literary taste and acquirements are good, and she has composed some very creditable hymns for the church of which she is a conscientious and devoted member. A volume of her poems has also been published, some of which evince genius of a high order.

She is quite exclusive in her tastes, and associates but little with the "women." She occupies a small room on the third floor of the Harem, about twelve by fifteen feet in size. A neat carpet covers the floor; a common bedstead occupies one corner. There are some oak chairs grained, with crochet covers, white window-curtains and bed-spread, her "own handiwork." Behind the door is a neat little wardrobe. On a shelf over the window, stands a vase of artificial flowers. A stand, covered with books, usually occupies the centre of the room, and these articles, with a neat little stove, make up the furniture.

This is the _home_ of "the sweet singer of Israel." She has cast the charm of her genius over the rude materials, and there is an air of neatness, comfort, and refinement about her little sanctum which is not apparent in any other portion of the house. Here she receives and entertains her company. She occupies her time chiefly in writing, and in needle-work. She is highly respected by the family, who call her "one of the nobles of the earth." When tired of writing and study, she walks out and visits her friends. If any one is sick in the house she looks after the invalid, and shows every kindness and attention. She soothes the afflicted, and cares for the infirm and aged. She and Zina D. Huntington are the most lady-like and accomplished of the wives.

The following verses, written by Miss Eliza R. Snow, will show her style as well as the religious fervor and fanaticism for which she is remarkable.

[For the _Deseret News_.]

"_The Ladies of Utah to the Ladies of the United States Camp, in a Crusade against the Mormons._

BY MISS E. R. SNOW.

Why are you in these mountains, Exposed to frosts and snows? Far from your sheltering houses, From comfort and repose?

Has cruel persecution, With unrelenting hand, Thrust you from home and kindred, And from your native land?

Have you been robbed and plundered, Till you are penniless, And then in destitution Driven to the wilderness?

No, no; you've joined a crusade Against the peace of those Driven to these distant valleys By cruel, murderous foes.

Amid the dreary desert, Where hideous red men roam; Where beasts of prey were howling, We've made ourselves a home.

Can woman's heart be callous, And made of flint and steel? Perhaps you'll learn to pity, When you are made to _feel_.

Should sickness prey upon you, And children cry for bread, With bitter self-reproaches You'll rue the path you tread.

We love with purest feelings, Our husbands, children, friends; We've learned to prize the blessings Which God in mercy sends.

We have the ancient order To us by prophets given; And here we have the pattern As things exist in Heaven.

We'd fain from human suffering Each barbéd arrow draw, But yet self-preservation Is God's and Nature's law.

The Scriptures are fulfilling, The spoiler's being spoiled; All Satan's foul devices 'Gainst Zion will be foiled.

_Great Salt Late City_, Oct. 13, 1857."

This is given not as a fair specimen of her poetry, for she has written much better, but to illustrate how completely she was devoted to the interests of her people at that exciting period of their history.

_Zina D. Huntington Jacobs_ is of large form, well proportioned, high forehead, with light hair and eyes. She is of a melancholy temperament, as is plainly indicated by the expression of her countenance. She has three children, and has charge of the children of Clara Chase.

Zina has some literary ability, and sometimes writes poetry. She has a special office in the family, which is to act as governess for all the young ladies, accompanying them in their attendance to singing-schools and other public places. Zina came to Utah with her husband, Dr. Jacobs. Young became attached to her, sent the Doctor on a mission, and in his absence appropriated to himself the wife and children. Dr. Jacobs is still in California, and is an "apostate." Zina stands in great awe of Brigham, who treats her with marked coldness and neglect.

_Amelia Partridge_ is rather tall, with a fine form, black hair, dark eyes, dark complexion, sweet expression of countenance, and very mild and amiable in disposition. She and her sister Eliza had been servants in the family of Joseph Smith, in Nauvoo.

Amelia has four children, to whom she is devotedly attached. She is a kind and gentle mother, patient and forgiving,--one of the excellent ones of earth. She takes but little interest in family matters, outside of the circle of her own children.

_Mrs. Augusta Cobb_ is a native of Massachusetts, and formerly resided in Boston. She is a large, fine-looking person,--dark hair, gray eyes, and clear complexion. She is very stylish in appearance, and of dignified demeanor. She was converted to Mormonism at Boston, fifteen years ago, left her husband and a very interesting family of children, and with one little girl, Charlotte, came to Utah, and took up her residence at the Harem, as a plural wife of Brigham Young.

She is high-spirited and imperious. She once returned to her family in Boston, and remained two years, but was too deeply involved in the meshes of Mormonism to be satisfied away from Zion, and again returned to Salt Lake. She now lives in a neat little cottage near the Lion House, and is supported by Young. Her son, James Cobb, after finishing his course of study in the East, came to Salt Lake, and after some years, through the influence of his mother, joined the church. Previous to becoming a Mormon, he expressed much anxiety about his mother and sister Charlotte,--now an interesting young lady,--and used many arguments and entreaties to induce them to leave, but finally himself yielded to the seductive influences which surrounded him.

Charlotte at one time enjoyed the proud title of "the belle of Salt Lake." She has steadfastly opposed polygamy, and hence has remained unmarried.

_Mrs. Smith_ is an elderly woman, who admired Brother Brigham very much, and desired to be sealed to him, to insure her salvation. Young did not reciprocate her sentiments toward him, but compromised the matter by sealing her to Joseph Smith for eternity, and to himself for time. After this ceremony had been performed, he committed her to the care of the Bishop of the ward, directing him to support her.

There are many of this class of women in the Territory.

_Clara Chase, the Maniac._

This woman was of medium height, dark hair and eyes, rather sullen expression of countenance, low forehead, and her features indicative of deep-seated melancholy. When Young married her, he treated her with marked consideration. He assigned to her an elegant apartment, in which hung the only oil-painting of himself. She from the first distrusted the principle of polygamy, and had many misgivings of conscience in regard to her course in marrying the Prophet.

For a time she lived in this way, in a strait between two opinions. When her husband treated her kindly, she tried to be happy, but when he was cold and unfeeling toward her, she was driven well-nigh to desperation. In the mean time she had four children, two of whom are now living. They are bright and intelligent girls, fourteen and sixteen years of age.

As she approached her fourth confinement, her fits of remorse became more frequent and more terrible. She reproached herself with having committed the _unpardonable sin_. Her condition was truly pitiable. During her sickness Brigham treated her with such coldness and neglect, that she became actually insane, and raved incessantly.--"Oh, I have committed the unpardonable sin! Oh, warn my poor children not to follow my bad example. I am going to hell. Brigham has caused it. He has cursed me, and I shall soon be there. Oh! do not any of you go into polygamy. It will curse you, and damn your souls eternally." When her husband appeared, she cursed him as the author of her destruction.

The "President" and his two "counsellors" "laid hands" on her, but all of no avail. Dr. Sprague, the family physician, was sent for; but her poor wrecked spirit would no longer abide where it had suffered so much, and she died a raving maniac.

_Amelia, or the Last Love._

_Amelia Folsom_ is a native of Portsmouth, N. H. She is tall, and well formed, with light hair and gray eyes, and regular features. She is quite pale, owing to ill health. Has but little refinement of manner. When at the theatre, sitting in the King's box, with her husband, the observed of all observers, she may be seen eating apples, throwing the skins about, chatting with Brigham, and occasionally levelling her glass at some one in the assembly.

She plays and sings, but with indifferent skill and taste. She was, for a long time, unwilling to marry the President, but he continued his suit with a pertinacity worthy a better cause, and by repeated promises of advancement made to herself and her parents, finally succeeded. For several months he had urged his suit, during which time his carriage might be seen, almost any day, standing at her father's door, for hours at a time. He told her she was created expressly for himself, and could marry no one else on pain of everlasting destruction. She plead, protested, and wept, but he persevered, and at length, when all other arguments failed, he told her he had received a special revelation from Heaven on the subject. She had always believed in Mormonism, and had been taught to have faith in revelation. "Amelia," he said, "you must be my wife; God has revealed it to me. You cannot be saved by any one else. If you will marry me, I will save you, and exalt you to be a queen in the celestial world, but if you refuse, you will be destroyed, both soul and body."

The poor girl believed this hellish impostor, and yielding to his wishes, became his wife. For several months after her marriage, Amelia was sad and dejected, but of late she has rallied, and now appears the gayest of the gay. This marriage took place on the 29th day of January, 1863,--more than six months after the passage by Congress of the anti-polygamy law,--and was public and notorious. Here was perpetrated in one act, the double crime of destroying forever the happiness of a young lady and setting before his people the example of an open violation of a law of the land. Yet for both crimes he goes unpunished, and continues to sit in his chair of state, clothed in authority and power, not only the wonder, but the admiration, of thousands outside of the Mormon Church!

Amelia is evidently living under constraint, and acting an assumed character. She is playing the _rôle_ of a happy wife, with a breaking heart. At the time of her marriage, her heart had been given to another, to whom she should have been married. That she compromised her character, in marrying Young under the circumstances, is a fact too notorious to be concealed,--and this connection has brought more odium upon polygamy than any the "President" ever formed.

Nevertheless, Amelia stands the recognized Queen of the Harem. She leads the _ton_, and is the model woman for the saints. Thousands bow low as she passes, and think themselves happy to receive her passing recognition. She is now a queen, and is to be a goddess in the celestial world. The new wife sometimes becomes restive and impatient, and treats her liege lord rather shabbily. She is at times notional and imperious, and somewhat coquettish,--to all of which her husband submits with good grace for the present, and pets her as a child.

The Bee-Hive House, formerly occupied by Mrs. Young and her family, has been vacated for Amelia. Servants are at her disposal, and her establishment is extensive and imposing.

Brigham spends much of his time with his new wife, and often dines with her. One evening a friend was taking tea with the newly-married couple. Amelia behaved quite naughtily toward her lord. After tea was finished, they remained at the table, eating nuts and confectioneries. Amelia threw her shells through an open window, on the opposite side of the room. Her husband said, "Amelia, don't do that; put your shells by your plate." "I sha'n't do it," replied the fair one; "I'll throw them where I please." Young was silent for a time, but became so annoyed that he again said: "Amelia, I wish you wouldn't do that any more." "I don't care," replied the spouse, pettishly, "I'll throw the shells where I please, and I'll do as I please, and you may help yourself." And pulling her guest by the dress, she said; "Come, let's go up-stairs, and let him _grunt_ it out."

The theatre was dedicated by prayer and a grand ball. This was in the winter of 1862-63. Brigham led off in the dance with Amelia, and all was smiles and sunshine. On another occasion, he honored another one of "the women" with his hand for the first cotillon. This so displeased Amelia, that she refused to dance with him at all. He coaxed, she shrugged her shoulders, and shook her head. It was only after much condescension and solicitation on his part that she granted her forgiveness, and consented to dance with him. This gay Lothario of sixty-three then led forth his blushing mistress, and "all went merry as a marriage-bell."

Amelia has lovers still, for one of whom she entertains considerable feeling. He was sent to "Dixie," or the Cotton District, in Southern Utah, on a mission. He soon returned, however, to Salt Lake, and by his presence in the city, causes the Prophet considerable anxiety.

Amelia is tyrannical, and rules the women of the Harem with a strong hand. Poor Emeline is quite broken-hearted. Naturally very sensitive, this blow prostrated her upon a bed of sickness, from which it was feared she would never recover. But she lives to drag out a miserable life,--neither wife nor mistress, but a castaway.

In fact all the women are miserable and unhappy. A common remark, in reply to the usual salutation, is, "Oh, I've got the blues to-day."

_The Prophet in Love the Thirtieth Time._

Miss Selima Ursenback is a native of Geneva, Switzerland, and with her parents and brother came to Utah in the fall of 1862. She is an accomplished musician, and at once became a favorite with the Mormons. Several concerts were given, at which she figured as _prima donna_, and although she sang in French, the melody of her voice and the artistic character of her music gained for her an established reputation.

Brigham heard, and was delighted. Her voice was music to his ravished ear, and, for the thirtieth time, the little god let slip his arrow, and launched it into the Prophet's heart.

Says a celebrated writer:--

"Now there are various ways of getting in love. A man falls in love just as he falls down-stairs. It is an accident. But when he runs in love, it is as when he runs in debt: it is done knowingly, intentionally, and very often rashly and foolishly, even if not ridiculously, miserably, and ruinously.

"The rarest and happiest marriages are between those who have grown in love. Take the description of such a love in its rise and progress, ye thousands and tens of thousands who have what is called a taste for poetry. Take it in the sweet words of one of the sweetest and tenderest of English poets, and then say whether this is not the way that leads to happiness and bliss.

"'Ah! I remember well (and how can I But evermore remember well) when first Our flame began; when scarce we knew what was The flame we felt. When as we sat and sighed, And looked upon each other, and conceived Not what we ailed,--yet something we did ail; And yet were well, and yet we were not well; And what was our disease, we could not tell. Then would we kiss, then sigh, then look; and thus, In that first garden of our simpleness, We spent our childhood. But when years began To reap the fruit of knowledge, ah, how then Would she with graver looks, with sweet, stern brow, Check my presumption, and my forwardness; Yet still would give me flowers, still would me show What she would have me, yet not have me know.'

"Falling in love, and running in love, are, as everybody knows, common enough, and yet less so than what I shall call catching love. Where the love itself is imprudent, that is to say, where there is some just, prudential cause or impediment why the two parties should not be joined together in holy matrimony, there is culpable imprudence in catching it, because danger is always to be apprehended, which may have been avoided."

It is plain to be seen, our Prophet did not walk into love,--he did not run into it. He caught it, as a man catches the measles. It broke out, and showed itself all over, in smiles, bows, and sweet honeyed tones. It is also plain that he should not have caught it. Had he not the charming Amelia, dear Emeline, sweet Lucy, pretty Twiss, his darling Lucy No. 2, poetic Eliza, meek Zina, and his dear, dear Jemima, Martha, Ellen, Susan, Hattie, etc., etc. How could any man, much less a prophet, wish for more?

But he said to himself, "I have not a French lady in the family to teach my daughters that charming language. I have no _prima donna_ to conduct their musical education. Then my last love--my pretty, naughty, bewitching Amelia--is so cross and fitful, she leads me such a crazy life, she frets and scolds, and I cannot drown her voice, even with my 'sacred fiddle.' [He had frequently boasted that with his violin he could put a stop to the scolding of any of his women.]

"Then my French lady is accomplished. She can receive my foreign guests. She is so clever, that she can assist me in my business projects and plans; and if she should prove unkind,--which God grant she may not,--and if her sweet lips should scold, I should have a great advantage,--_I could not understand her_. Then her name,--Selima! How poetical. None of my wives have such a poetical name. With her in my Harem, I could rival the Sultan himself. Yes, sweet, adored Selima, _you shall be mine_. You shall be the high priestess of my affections, and all my common women shall serve you."

The Prophet plead his suit, but Selima was like stone. He had a young man in his employ who dared to love Selima. The rival lovers met face to face. The Prophet was furious,--"She is not for you, sir, she is not for you. Leave my service, and never dare to aspire to that young lady's hand again."

Alas, that love so devoted, so pure and disinterested as Brigham's, should fail to be rewarded by the object of its choice. But no sooner had the poor singing-master, for such he was, left the Territory for California, than another rival appeared in the field,--a California volunteer,--a dangerous rival; one who would not fear to follow up any advantage he might gain over his spiritual competitor.

To destroy the romance of the whole story, Selima, charming but sensible Selima, becoming disgusted with the whole affair, soon after left for Switzerland again, leaving her lovers to settle the matter among themselves.

For once in his life, Brigham Young was foiled, and that by a woman.