Compiled by Karol G. Chase
Many are the tales around Joseph F. Smith and his mission to Hawaii at the age of 15. Immediately upon his return to Salt Lake City in February 1858, Joseph F. joined the Utah Territory’s militia, and started with an expedition of a thousand men to intercept Johnston’s army. From then until the end of the war in June 1858, he was almost constantly in the saddle, patrolling the region between Echo Canyon in Utah and Fort Bridger in Wyoming.
At the age of 20, Joseph F. married his first cousin, sixteen-year-old Levira Annette Clark Smith, daughter of his deceased uncle Samuel Smith (Joseph Smith Jr.’s brother) and Samuel’s second wife Levira Clark on April 5, 1859. The next year in April he was called on a mission to England. He arrived home three years later in Sept. 1863 to find his wife in a nervous state which required his constant nursing for six weeks. In Feb. 1864 he was called to correct errant members in the Hawaiian Islands from which he returned that December of 1864.
Upon his return he was employed at the Church Historian’s Office. It was while working there in 1866 that the command came to him from President Brigham Young to enter plural marriage. With the consent of Levira, Joseph F. proposed to Julina Lambson in the hall of the Historian’s Office.
JULINA
I am Julina Lambson Smith. I was born June 18, 1849. My mother and father arrived in the Great Salt Lake Valley in Sept. 1847. They had the first house in the valley that was plastered inside. When I was very small, my father, who was a blacksmith and mechanic, was called by Pres. Young to go back to Nebraska to check pioneer wagons before they started across the plains. He left his shop and all his equipment with a “so-called” friend who was to give a percentage of all he took in to my mother. But this man took everything and disappeared, perhaps to California. As a result, mother had very little to support her family of four small children for several years. Her sister, Bathsheba, was married to President George A. Smith, President Young’s counselor. She only had one daughter, who longed for a sister. [Their son was killed by Indians while serving a mission.] After some coaxing, my mother consented to let me go and live with Aunt Bathsheba. This was to please young Bathsheba and also help my mother, for I knew my family would have more to eat if I went. I was nine years old when I made my home with my Aunt and Uncle. I ran home (only one block away) every day to see my dear mother, but I also learned to love my dear Aunt and my Uncle very much.
The historian’s office was in part of Pres. George A. Smith’s home, as he was the Church Historian. A handsome young man by the name of Joseph F. Smith returned from his third mission and was assisting as a clerk in the Historian’s Office. I often saw him and admired him; I thought he was the most handsome and finest man I had ever seen. I didn’t think for a moment he had ever really noticed me. When he proposed marriage, I was somewhat frightened and also happily surprised. I answered him by saying, ” I will not marry anyone unless my uncle George approves.” Joseph went immediately to uncle George A., who was also as a second father to him, and asked for my hand. He said, “Joseph, there isn’t a young man in the world I would rather give her to.”
We were married in the Endowment House on May 5, 1866. I made my first home in one room of the small house where he and his wife, Levira, were living. Levira, was a semi-invalid, and had been ill off and on during the seven years of their marriage. Her husband had been on two
missions during their marriage, leaving her most of this time with her mother. Levira accepted me and we were dear to each other, but when she learned that Joseph and I were to have a child and told her mother; her mother, who was not totally converted to the Church, was upset and said such things as that Joseph would not love her as much any more, etc. With such tales, she filled the girl’s mind with suspicions and doubts about the Church. Unknown to Joseph and me, Levira went to Pres. Young and expressed her desire for a divorce. She had decided she would prefer going with her mother to California and another life. This was a very sad experience for both Joseph and me. Some time later I was happily surprised to have a caller. Here was Levira. She said she was on her way through Salt Lake on her way East, but could not go without first seeing me and my baby. We again parted in sadness, but friendly, and my heart surely went out to her.
When Joseph came home from his first mission to Great Britain he brought a little orphan boy home with him and adopted him. His name was Edward. He made his home most of the time with Joseph’s Aunt Mercy, but ate most of his meals with us. I did his laundry and helped what I could. Edward was only about nine years younger than I.
Soon after our marriage, Joseph, at age 27, was ordained an Apostle and special counselor to President Brigham Young. In August 1867 my first baby, a beautiful little girl, was born. We named her Josephine, and she helped greatly in healing the wound in Joseph’s heart.
When our baby was seven months old, in 1868, Joseph came home and informed me that Pres. Young had commanded him, in no uncertain terms, that he was to take another wife. I, having been taught by my dear uncle George A., knew the word of the Prophet must be obeyed. Together we made a list of the ladies we knew, and decided Sarah Ellen Richards would be our choice. Joseph brought her home and we all became acquainted together. More rooms were added to the house, and Sarah joined our family after a few months honeymoon spent in Provo where Joseph was sent on a Church assignment.
Sarah and I lived together sharing the home duties and also our husband. In February 1869, Sarah gave birth to a baby girl. She was named Sarah Ella, but sadly only lived six days. I was also pregnant at the time and had my second baby girl in October. She was named Mary in memory of Joseph’s beloved mother. But Death came once again and took our darling chatterbox Josephine when three years old. In a little over one year Sarah gave birth to another little girl named Leonora. Mary (called Mamie) and Leonora (called Nonie) were almost like twins. We often dressed them alike and they were loving little sisters.
Just a few weeks before Nonie was born another change took place. Joseph announced that he had been commanded to take another wife. A family council took place and it was decided he would ask my sister, Edna, to marry him, ‘since she was there most of the time anyway.’ They were married on New Year’s Day 1871. More rooms were added to the house, and another wife moved in. We three women loved each other and worked together. In March 1872 Edna gave birth to Joseph’s first son. He was named Hyrum Mack. Six months later I had my third little daughter, Donnette. Joseph made up her name; remembering his dear Uncle Don Carlos and his first wife Levira Annette. Five months later Sarah had her first son, Joseph Richards.
I took a course in obstetrics and became a licensed obstetrician. I brought nearly 1,000 babies into the world, going by horse and buggy whether it was day or night and then daily for 5 or 6 days caring for the mother and child after the birth. It was always a joy to me to place a tiny one for the first time in it’s mother’s arms for I felt again the thrill I felt with my own.
The family was growing and so was the house. Now Joseph was called to preside over the European Mission. He left in Feb. 1874, leaving three Mamas and five babies with another for Edna on the way. This was a very difficult time; a large family with very little income. But with love for each other and faith in our husband and the gospel, and with our cows and garden, we managed.
In the fall of 1875, Joseph was released to come home because of the death of our dear uncle George A.. Less than two years passed when in April 1877 another mission call came to Joseph. He was again to take charge of the European Mission, expecting it to be 5 years. This time he took Sarah and 4-year-old Richards with him. Nonie stayed with me. I had a fine baby boy, Joseph Fielding, only 9 months old, and Edna had Alvin Fielding, a little over 2 years, and little Alfred only 4 months old. Now again we had to struggle. Edna and I took turns cooking at the Endowment house to earn money to supplement our income and provide meat for our diet.
This mission was cut shorter than expected by the death of Pres. Brigham Young in Aug. 1877. This was a sad event, but it brought Joseph home to his family. The next summer Joseph was sent on another mission. This time he went with Elder Orson Pratt to the Eastern States. This was more or less a business mission, mainly for historical purposes, and lasted only about 2 months. At the next General Conference in Oct. 1880, Joseph was sustained as 2nd Counselor to Pres. John Taylor.
Memories of the old home are very dear. I preferred staying there when Sarah and Edna each had a new home built. I will never forget when Richards once said, when he was a little fellow, he hardly knew which was his real mother. He loved me as much as his mother.
Satan was still trying to thwart the work of God. He was now fighting the principle of polygamy. The men fighting the hardest were immoral villains, known to have mistresses, but who felt pious because they weren’t “married” to them. The leaders of the Church who would not denounce their plural wives and families were hunted, fined, and many were imprisoned. Joseph had to keep in hiding. He was especially hunted because of being a recorder and one of the officials at the Endowment House, also for the fact he had been sealed to two more women–Alice Kimball (1883) and Mary Schwartz (1884). This was a very trying and hazardous period. Joseph received word from Pres. Taylor to leave the country in Jan. 1885. He was already in San Francisco. He sent for me to join him there and go to the Sandwich islands. I left with my baby Julina (called Ina) expecting to be gone a few weeks. I left my five other little children with Edna and Sarah. We watched for news on each boat that came from America, expecting our release. Time went on. My baby Wesley was born, and time still went on. After 2 1/2 years, I was so homesick we decided I would leave and go to my little ones at home. Joseph wept when we left. He was as homesick as I was.
At length we were all reunited. I can see in my memory as a moving picture the familiar games, the races run after the pears when the wind blew hard, the thumping for ripe watermelons, the shelling of peas and stringing of beans brought in from the garden, the climbing of the giant locust tree –with the patching that followed–the harnessing of old Meg for a drive, or perhaps the bustling off to school after the morning prayer and breakfast, and as the night comes on the tired boys and girls. Again, I see the father as he goes from room to room and bed to bed so that every one is tucked in for the night. Such memories as these come when I think of the old home when we shared all things in common.
The time came, however, when individual homes were needed and Sarah and Edna moved to their own new homes with adjoining front yards, Alice had the one from her previous marriage and Mary following her return from Idaho had the farm. Some of the boys went on missions and some of the children were married. Then in 1901, Joseph became President of the Church. The request was made of him to live in the Beehive House and make it an official Church residence. Leaving the old home was not easy, but again duty called so we obeyed. I was indeed a busy person in this new life, managing a big home with many visitors almost constantly, and meeting my assignments as a member of the Relief Society General Board. My children were a great help, and along with all the responsibilities and work, there was great happiness in our home. We were privileged to celebrate our fiftieth wedding anniversary here.
After Papa was taken from us Nov. 19, 1918, I had to move again and make another great adjustment. I spent most of my time, as long as my health permitted, as a set-apart Temple worker. I had eleven children and adopted two and reared all but one to adulthood. I always made every effort to see that my children never neglected an assignment in the Church. I pray they will remain faithful and in so doing show their love for Papa and me and all the Mamas.
I passed away Jan. 10, 1937 at 87 years of age.
SARAH
I am Sarah Ellen Richards Smith, daughter of Pres. Willard Richards and Sarah Longstroth. My father was a counselor to Pres. Brigham Young, and was with the Prophet Joseph Smith and Hyrum when they were martyred. The property allotted to Pres. Richards was west of where the Z.C.M.I. is now, and was called Richards Street. I was born Aug. 25, 1850 in a house on this location, as were my 2 brothers and 2 sisters. My father died when I was 3 years old. My mother passed away when I was 7 1/2 years old. For a while we four children lived with my mother’s sister, Aunt Nanny, who was also a widow of my father. Near destitution was our lot. When she remarried, I made my home with a married older sister, Rhoda Knowlton.
I was living there when I became acquainted with Joseph F. Smith. I, like Julina, have been taught that polygamy, as lived by the Lord’s leaders, was a commandment of God. When Joseph proposed marriage, I was sure I would rather be his wife than to marry any single man I had ever met. We were married in March 1868, 5 months before my 18th birthday. We left almost immediately for Provo with a few possessions in a hired wagon. Joseph and others had been called on a mission concerning organization problems in Provo. While here he obtained work in a cabinet shop. He was paid 30 cents an hour and could work during times free from his church duties. With the help of his employer he fitted our single room with a bedstead, and table and chairs of his own making.
Joseph often wrote to his wife left with a little baby in Salt Lake; and I usually added a note to his letter, remembering always that she was alone and I was with her dear husband. When Joseph was released from this assignment we moved back to Salt Lake and into the same home with Julina and baby.
My first child, a little girl named Sarah Ella, only lived 6 days. Julina and Joseph were both so kind to me in comforting me through this sorrow. Julina and I divided the household duties and loved each other as sisters. My second baby, another girl, came when Julina’s 2nd baby was a little over one year old. We really had fun with our two babies (Julina’s first little darling had passed away when her 2nd was just 8 months old).
Just a month before my Nonie was born, Joseph married Edna and she joined our family group. The next year added three new babies to our home. Edna’s first was a son born in March; in September Julina’s third little daughter, and in February, I had my first son, whom we named Joseph Richards. My health was not good, and I again appreciated Julina who nursed my baby along with her own.
In Feb. 1874, Joseph was called to preside over the European Mission. As Julina has told you, we three mothers were left to manage by ourselves. It was during this period that we really became acquainted and worked harmoniously together. I loved to sew, so often the other girls would say, “Sarah, if you’ll do the mending we’ll do the cooking.” In this way, often dividing the chores to our likings, we got along beautifully. The main criticism given me was that I was too particular, too fussy and got a little irritated over confusion or disorder. Joseph was released sooner than we had expected and this was surely good news. Edna had had another son while Papa was away. Little Alvin Fielding was born in Aug. 1874. Joseph return the fall of 1874. Just two weeks after Julina’s first son was born, I gave birth to another son named Heber John. He was only with us 7 months and was taken back to Heaven. In December, Edna also had another son named Alfred Jason. He lived only 1 year 3 months.
Joseph was called on another mission to Europe in April 1877. I accompanied him and took my little son Richards with me. We were gone less than 4 months when Pres. Young passed away and we were released to come home. In July 1878, I had another baby daughter, Rhoda Ann. She lived a little less than a year and she also left us.
For safety sake, early Feb. 1885, Joseph took Julina and baby Ina and left on his 3rd mission to the Sandwich Islands, which was his 6th mission. Julina’s 5 older children were left with Edna and me. This was known as the underground time. We had to watch the children constantly and keep ourselves out of society. We were under a great strain all the time and had to keep alert for fear deputies were sneaking about trying to find Joseph. On Feb. 7, 1885 we wrote Joseph that Edna and I had gathered the younger children and fled as Sam Gilson and three other deputy marshals made a raid on our homes. They found Aunt Melissa (Julina and Edna’s sister) and her husband, Albert J. Davis, and subpoenaed them to appear before the grand jury. Bertie refused to give his name so was subpoenaed as “John Doe”. Five of the children were still at home at with them at the time: three of Julina’s, one Edna’s and one of mine. The children refused to give their names, telling the marshals it was “none of their business.” Well and long those children who were home will remember the abuse and threats they were forced to listen to on that occasion.
In July of 1887, Joseph was notified to return to the United States because of the severe illness of President Taylor who lay dying in seclusion in Kaysville, Utah. The fires of hate still raged and it was necessary for Joseph to meet with the brethren and his family in secret.
In spite of being very happy in the old home, sharing with Julina and Edna, I was indeed happy to plan and later move into my own lovely 2-story brick house just through the yard on the same block. My health was never quite what one would wish. In 1897 and 1898, I was very ill. When I recovered sufficiently, Joseph took me on a trip to Hawaii. The sea voyage and rest helped restore my strength.
As often as my health permitted I was active in my ward, particularly in the Relief Society. In April 1901, I was invited with a group to meet in the home of Sister Annie Hyde to organize a Daughters of Utah Pioneers Society. I was chosen as a counselor in this initial meeting of that association.
This same year Papa took me for a trip to Alaska, which was another choice experience. I was a person who could not stand real hot weather, so when summer arrived I was always ready and anxious to leave the city for the mountains or the lake. A great many weeks were spent at either Wasatch or Mt. Air Canyons. I’m sure my children looked forward to the early mornings when the big white top wagon was packed and the canyon trips were started. Papa also had a private room on the pavilion at Saltair, where I could go and stay for days at a time. The lake was high then under the pavilion and there was a delightful breeze to be enjoyed most of the time. Most of the children loved to come out and stay, perhaps all day, and swim in the briny waters every few hours. These were very happy days.
I have given birth to eleven children. Three passed away in infancy, one a lovely girl of 19, and my oldest daughter Nonie passed away leaving five lovely children.
Joseph F. Smith said of his dear wife, Sarah, who died March 22, 1915, at 65 years of age: “There is a quiet power about Sister Sarah E. Smith that manifests itself to all who come into her presence. But with that power she unites the gentle tact of a true woman. So easy, so guiless, so cheerful is her deportment that her company is eagerly sought by those who know her best. If one were to name her predominate trait, it would probably be her exquisite sense of order, and yet she is always lovingly charitable.”
EDNA
I am Edna Lambson Smith. I was born March 3, 1851. You have already heard that I am a younger sister of Julina and my early home was very humble, almost what you might call poor in worldly fares. During the “hard time” of 1854-5, the daily corn bread was relished by others, but I longed for the delights of bread from flour, potatoes and a juicy steak. As a child of 4 or 5, while sitting upon my mother’s doorstep, I decided to ask God to send us some. Not long after I arose, I saw an aged man with a basket on his arm coming up to the house. Who he was or where he came from did not occur to my childish imagination. I just knew he brought a small sack of flour, about a dozen potatoes and a small piece of beef. This circumstance nourished my life-long faith, pure and simple, in God and His servants.
My mother was a hard worker. She wove hats from reeds gathered along the banks of the Jordan River and sold them to help support us. She was very clean and particular, especially concerning modesty. I went horseback riding one day with a boy friend, and she reprimanded me, saying it was not lady-like for a girl to ride horses. Her influence stayed with me, for many years later when my granddaughters would visit me after school, they knew to sit up straight on their chairs — and they removed any trace of lipstick before entering. I had one younger brother at home and we lived just 2 blocks away from Julina.
I used to get lonesome now that my two older sisters were married, so I spent quite a good deal of time at Julina’s helping tend the babies, etc. This is where I became acquainted with my brother-in-law Joseph F. When I was 15, I had a severe and almost fatal illness. All night Joseph F. kept his hands upon my head, praying again and again, rebuking Death until in the still morning hours it finally slithered away.
I was 20 years old when he proposed marriage to me. I was thrilled, for I had seen how kind and wonderful he was. After the marriage ceremony, I moved into the same home, having my own bedroom, but sharing all else with Julina and Sarah. Sarah has already explained how we shared the chores and learned to love each other and the babies. My first child was Joseph’s first son and naturally I was thrilled. I wanted to give him his father’s name, but Papa would not consent. He said this name was to go to Julina’s son. So we named our baby Hyrum Mack.
When Edward was married, Julina, Sarah, and I made him shirts, undergarments and bedding and other things for his trousseau. I also wove carpets to help support our little family while my husband was on foreign missions.
I must admit we were not too happy at first when we received news that Joseph was to take as his fourth wife, a divorcee with three children who needed support. We already had 13 living children in the family and were grateful that Alice had a home of her own. Then just one month later in Jan.1884, Pres. Taylor told our husband to take his fifth wife. Again we could have had misgivings, for the young lady he chose, Pres. Taylor’s niece, was known as one of the prettiest girls in the Valley. Of course, in time we all made adjustments and learned to accept other changes and more responsibilities.
While Joseph and Julina were on their mission in the Sandwich Islands, I lost my baby, little Robert, who was only a little over 2 years old. I had already lost two other babies, but this seemed the hardest trial along with the strain of the raids, as my two closest people were so far away. As sad as I was, I kept busy doing what was necessary for my three other little ones and Julina’s five. Mamie, now 16, and Donnie, 13 were wonderful helpers.
I will repeat what Sarah said about having some regrets leaving the old home, but being very happy to move into my new home at 143 North 2nd West, next door south of Sarah’s and back yards with Julina. I liked my children home and encouraged neighbor children to play in our yard. “If they are here I know what they are doing, while if they go to the neighbors I don’t know.” Our premises were like a public playground.
I graduated from Maggie Shipp’s school of obstetrics and delivered many babies. Most of my work was charity, but sometimes I was paid $5. The real joy was in knowing I never lost a mother or baby. I also assisted Julina in bringing some of Papa’s babies into the world. Perhaps because of my own hardships in my early days, I had an empathy for those in need, and often took folks into my home for weeks at a time.
I was what some would call a Gospel student. I loved the scriptures, they were always found on my Library table. I often gathered my children and the neighbors children into my home and taught them stories from the Bible and Book of Mormon. I believe that lessons learned early in life are usually lasting. When my husband was conversing on matters pertaining to the Gospel, I found myself, like Mary of old, leaving my household affairs to listen. In 1906, I had a delightful trip with Joseph to Europe, where he went to visit the different missions.
In 1905, changes in the interior of the Salt Lake Temple were needed and I was asked to assist for Pres. John R. Winder “realized that the natural quickness of a woman’s eye would discover many conditions that a man would not see and hence happily made the appointment which proved very satisfactory to all concerned.” In 1916, I was again asked to assist in supervising extensive improvements in the Logan Temple which made the Temple thoroughly modern and cost in the neighborhood of $40,000.
I have worked in Relief Society and served on the General Primary Board for over ten years. My dear friend, Susa Young Gates, wrote a tribute about me March 31, 1916 in which she said of my service on the Primary Board, “…in that time she (Edna) was instrumental in introducing many needed improvements into that progressive organization. Sister Edna is naturally aggressive, full of zeal and possesses a temperament which is known in the language of the day as “a live wire”. In other words, whatever she sets her hands to do is done.”
I also gave many talks in the wards, mainly on the importance of Temple work. Pres. Young gave me a position in the Endowment House when I was 23 and I labored there until it closed ten years later in 1884. Susa wrote in her tribute “Faithful in season and out, she (Edna) came to that House, with her child on her arm or trotting at her side, and there she worked, side by side with her husband, who at that time occupied a responsible position in that famous House. No one will ever accuse Edna Smith of deceiving or of playing the hypocrite. She is frankness itself, even to bluntness, but if you can set aside the reserved exterior and the sharp edge of occasional speech, you will find such a wealth of genuine truth, faith and charity that you are glad you ventured into the interior of her soul. She knows that Mormonism is true, that Christ was the Redeemer of the world, and that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, and she would not be in your presence five minutes before you would know that she knew those glorious truths and would die for their perpetuation.”
Indeed, a love for Temple ordinances was part of my fiber. I was set apart as a Temple worker at the time of the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple in April 1893, and I performed this great service for close to 32 years. Upon the death of Bathsheba W. Smith in 1910, I became the President of the Women Workers, or matron in charge of the sister workers. I was honorably released in June 1922 and a social was held for me in the Temple Annex. Two hundred people were present when tributes were paid by Pres. Heber J. Grant and many apostles. Music was furnished by the Temple Quartet and Professor William C.Clive rendered violin selections. I was presented with a set of handsomely bound standard works of the Church and refreshments were then served to all present.
I had lost 5 children, but I think the greatest blow was the death of my firstborn, Hyrum Mack in Jan. 1918. Partly because I was older, but also because he was an Apostle and a beloved servant of the Lord. His death was quite sudden, after 3 days of illness with a ruptured appendix. He was taken for another mission, leaving his wife and 4 children and another on the way. My dear husband passed away just 10 months later Nov. 19, 1918. We often have to learn to live with disappointments and sorrows. I had 10 children, lost 3 as babies, one little girl 4 1/2 years old, and one daughter 25 years old before losing my eldest son. As for myself, I had an accident near my house and passed away in my beloved home Feb.28, 1926 at the age of 75.
ALICE
I am Alice Ann Kimball. My first home was on 3rd North between 2nd and 3rd West. My father was Pres. Heber C. Kimball and my mother’s name was Ann Alice Gheen. My twin brother Andrew and I were born Sept. 6, 1858. My childhood was full of sweet memories of my father and mother, brothers and sisters all joining in home parties, gatherings in the Social Hall, sleigh rides, candy pulls, and carpet-rag-bees. My father died when I was 9 years old, and my mother was a semi-invalid for many years. I nursed her during those years, and she always appreciated all done for her. She passed away when I was 20.
At one time when I was quite young, my mother asked me to do something she felt was rather difficult and she said it would take some “elbow grease”. I, not knowing what the phrase meant, got some grease and rubbed all over both elbows. When I was 11, a friend and I thought we would walk to Promontory Point and see the first train, We walked and walked until we were almost exhausted, and then turned around and returned home. I had my first proposal of marriage when I was 14. When I refused, my suitor said, “I’d make a mighty fine husband, I would; you’ll
never find anyone better, you won’t.”
This rejected suitor was partially right. “My first marriage was not a happy one. I married a man whom I considered worthy to go to the temple, even though at times before my marriage I had feelings of apprehension. My husband was the son of a great pioneer and I had hopes for an eternal marriage, which were soon dashed when he began to drink heavily and say out nights. I did not know of his problem before I married him, but after marriage he would sometimes go for weeks at a time without drawing a sober breath.
“My mother was ill at the time and we were living in a part of her house. I kept most of my unhappiness and worry from her. When my first child, Allie, was born, I prayed to die. I didn’t want to live any longer and I was very sick for a long time. My husband’s father [an apostle and member of the Council of the Twelve] was very loving to me and tried to straighten his son up by warning him that he would not have me nor his child in eternity if he continued on the way he was going. My father-in-law counseled me to get a divorce if my husband did not change his ways.
“My mother died when Allie was two years old and I thanked God from the depths of my soul that I had not burdened her with my sorrow. When she knew she was dying, she said to me, ‘Alice, when sorrow and trouble comes, go to Joseph F. Smith and do what he tells you to do and it will be all right.’ She also said, ‘You have been a joy to me all the days of your life.’
“After the twins were born, my husband tried to do better. He was so proud of the boys and I had hope that he would make it. Then he had a bad accident and to ease the pain they gave him whiskey and the end came soon. He went from degradation to degradation and I soon had to follow the advice of President John Taylor to sever every connection with him. President Taylor gave me a Church divorce.
(Joseph F. was serving as Second Counselor to President Taylor when he was told by the President to take Alice as his wife and provide for her and the children.)
“Later, when I was alone with my three children, two of them just babies, without a father or mother to help me, President Joseph F. Smith came to see me and when he asked for me and the children, I felt as safe in giving myself to him as I ever did in my mother’s arms. My three children and I were sealed to him for time and all eternity. My confidence in him was perfect. It didn’t take me very long to fall in love with him, for he was kind and true, and the greatest desire of my heart was and has been that he would love me and that I would know how to win the love and confidence of his family.”
Following our marriage in Dec. 1883, I continued to live in my own home. Naturally, I was a little apprehensive marrying into a family where there were children older than mine and some near the ages of my three. But, as Edna has said, adjustments were made so we could be accepted. My home was just one half block south of Sarah and Edna’s and right next door to Joseph’s beloved Aunt Mercy R. Thompson and her daughter Mary Jane Taylor.
Now with the burden of caring for my little family alone removed, I was able to participate in church positions. I was appointed a member of the General Y.L.M.I.A. Board in 1896, and in 1905 was made secretary and treasurer to that board, which position I held for 30 years. These duties took a great deal of time and study, for I was always very particular to have correct minutes and records. I also authored many doctrinal, historical, and poetical articles in the Young Women’s Journal and the Improvement Era, but my work of love was my biography of my father, “Musings and Reminiscences of Heber C. Kimball”..
I was privileged to go with Elizabeth McCune and Susie Y. Gates to Europe 1914 as representatives for the M.I.A. and the Church to the International Congress of Women. The convention was held in Rome. We had a most interesting experience. I sincerely believe in progression and sometimes feel irritated with people who do not try constantly to improve their minds and their lives.
I went on a trip to Hawaii with my husband. He jokingly said he would give me $100 if I would give a sermon in the Hawaiian language. So before leaving, I had my son Coulson, who had performed a mission on the Islands, coach me in learning a talk in Hawaiian. This I memorized. Later during a conference in Hawaii, I asked Papa when he wanted me to give my speech. He was very surprised, but pleased, when I presented my Hawaiian talk. He gave me the $100 and indeed I felt rich with such a large amount.
Aunt Sarah’s death in 1915 was a great sorrow to the entire family. It was not long after this that I had a serious operation, and later was stricken with arthritis and had to spend almost 20 years in a wheelchair. Despite the pain, I tried to keep my brains and my hands busy. I won several first place prizes for my crochet work at the State Fair, which I leave for my posterity along with my testimony and a love for music, poetry and all things beautiful.
I gave birth to 7 children–2 girls and 5 boys, all of who lived to adulthood. I passed away December 19, 1946 at the age of 88.
MARY
I am Mary Schwartz Smith. My mother was Agnes Taylor, youngest sister of Pres. John Taylor, and my father was William Schwartz. He was a miller by occupation. He was a German immigrant who, following my birth, April 30, 1865, in Holladay, Utah took our large family to live a short while in Southern Utah. We soon returned to Salt Lake making our home in the Fourteenth Ward where the Greyhound Bus Station now stands.
I was sixteen when mother’s brother, President John Taylor, asked she and I to live in the Gardo House to be his housekeeper. There was a large family of young people and we had a wonderful time together at the plays, the dances, the parties and concerts. After these, we would gather at home to eat scrambled eggs, fruit, American fried potatoes with milk to drink. I attended the public schools, the Deseret University (then located on 1st North and 2nd West, also the Brigham Young Academy. I was an ardent admirer of Brother Karl G Maeser. I told people, “Education does something for and to people. I don’t know what it is, but it is good for them.”
Uncle President Taylor was my ideal. He was the only father I ever really knew, and his every wish was my law. I became his official ironer–no one else could ‘do up’ his shirts as well.
I often acted as waitress to the General Authorities when they ate lunch with the President. It was at this time that I became acquainted with Joseph F. Smith, who was a counselor to Pres. Taylor. I was 18 years old when Joseph F. proposed marriage to me. I was flattered for I realized he was one of the finest men in the city. We were married Jan. 13, 1884, just one month after his marriage to Alice Kimball. I was only 4 years older than Julina’s eldest daughter Mamie. I married into a large family, all of whom accepted me and whom I learned to love–especially Mamie. I have often said she was the most angelic person I have ever known.
These were troublous days for the Saints. Legalized deputy marshals hunted those connected with plural marriage. Joseph F. spent much of 1883 and 1884 in seclusion, and in 1885, when a warrant was issued for the arrest of the members of the First Presidency, President Taylor sent him to Hawaii under the assumed name of J.F. Speight. It was feared because Joseph F. had been in charge of the records of the Church it would be well for him to remain away. Over the next two and a half years, he grieved that he could do little to provide for his wives and children. In June 1887, he was called back to Utah to the deathbed of President Taylor.
My marriage to Joseph F. was not publicly discussed and for a time I continued to reside at the Gardo House. When some of my young men friends wanted to invite me to dances, their fathers quietly told them I was not available. On one occasion, when deputies were after me, I walked out the front door of the Gardo House while the deputies were searching all over the house. While Joseph F. was on a mission, I attended Brigham Young Academy. There one day I was warned that deputies were at the door waiting for me. I took one of the boys by the arm and laughing and talking walked out past them. The boy, who was frightened, wanted to run, but I told him that would give us away, and not to be scared. Not til we was safely away did my pursuers find they had been eluded.
I began my service in church callings when I was thirteen. I was in the presidency of the Fourteenth Ward Retrenchment Association, and president during the years 1886-87. I later became the first Primary President of the Ensign Stake and worked with Sisters Ruth May Fox, Martha Horn and Cobb, and served on the General Board of the Relief Society.
In 1886, I studied obstetrics and nursing and became the first graduate pupil of Dr. Margaret Roberts. My first child, John, was born in 1888 in Julina’s home. She was my doctor and was 8 months pregnant with Emily at the time. The very next day, Aug. 21st, she delivered Edna with her daughter Emma. Emily arrived Sept. 11th. Now, Sarah’s Frank was 4 months old, and Edna, Julina, and I all had new babies about the same time. Mine, being my first, was just a little special, that is to me! This darling little son only lived less than a year and was taken from us.
Once again I entered the lists of medical students, this time under Dr. Mattie Hughes Cannon. My second son, Calvin, was born in 1890. The persecutions continued and Joseph was in hiding most of this time, so in 1892, I moved to Franklin, Idaho to make a place of refugee for the family in case of need. Here I made lasting friendships with Julia Nibley, Elna Merrill, Sister Eccles and Sister Stoddard who were also there in exile. My third and fourth sons, Samuel and James were born in Franklin in 1892 and 1894. When we moved back, we lived on South 9th East. These were all lean years as far as money was concerned. We had to learn many lessons in
economy and self-reliance, and many a time we would skimp on our own food in order to have a special dinner when Papa came to visit us. I went without rather than to borrow or charge something if I could not pay for it.
I then moved to East North Temple where Royal was born. I often took off to stay in Holladay or elsewhere, returning when it was safe to come home again. In time, because I could not find anyone to hire my sons, I obtained a piece of land to farm out in the area known as Taylorsville. Summers I took the boys and Agnes out to the farm to work. Samuel, the eldest son home, was seventeen and James fifteen, when we started this project. I often walked the entire distance from Holladay to Taylorsville to care for the chickens on the farm, but I was determined to make it succeed. We all worked hard, perhaps neglecting some in the fields of music and needle work, which were both dear to my heart. I received great comfort in my piano and wished all my children to have musical talent as well as a fine education. I felt that teaching was the greatest of all professions, but some of my children had other ideas. Silas chose to be a doctor, and has been a blessing to father’s entire family.
I always loved company; the pleasure of preparing for others seemed to outweigh the extra work. When any of the family came out to the farm, I always tried to have something extra so they would have a desire to come again. Much of my energy was devoted to feeding, clothing and teaching my family, but in the midst of it all, I remained a student and my home was filled with the choicest books. I was one of the first Utah subscribers to the new elegant Encyclopedia Britannica.
“After Utah obtained statehood (1896), Joseph F. sought and obtained amnesty from U.S. President Harrison and was able, for the first time in nearly a decade, to mingle openly in society and resume a normal life.” (Encyclopedia of Mormonism vol. 3, p 1351)
I like pretty things. I collect coins and other interesting items, even flowers made of people’s hair. I also like pretty clothing.. One time I got brave and asked to buy a beautiful dress. When Papa saw me in it, he said I looked so beautiful, he would pay for it even if it broke the bank. In 1910, I had a trip to Europe with President Smith. He was not well so I cared for him during the trip, guarding his strength for his public duties.
After Papa’s death, I became a worker in the Salt Lake Temple for thirty years and was know as “Aunt Mary” by the other officials in the Temple. “It will always be difficult to recall Aunt Mary without thinking of her years of daily service, of her ‘mothering’ everyone who was discouraged by his problems, of her taking a kettle of soup to a sick neighbor and of her speaking frankly and plainly about matters she thought important, for Aunt Mary was a woman of convictions.”
I have had 7 children–6 sons and 1 daughter. As already mentioned, I lost my first son when a baby. The others have all excelled in educational pursuits. My son James passed away when he was grown and had performed a mission. The others all have lovely families for which I am grateful. I have told them, “Papa’s family is wonderful. I only hope they remember how much he loved them all and uphold him in every way. By their conduct never, never bring sorrow, hurt, or dishonor to him, but bring joy to him because of their faithfulness.”
I passed away December 7, 1956 at the age of 91.
The Joseph F. Smith families were emulated in their day as “one of the most remarkable and unique family histories ever engraved on the annals of this Church”. For many plural families, however, their experience was not as positive as the Smiths. The success of Joseph F.’s families was due to the unselfish, supportive nature of his wives, but also in large degree because of this remarkable man. He sired 43 children and adopted 5 others. Somehow he found time to make each one feel important even as he fulfilled major Church leadership responsibilities. The family of his childhood in Nauvoo was taken from him, but what a family he later gained.
Stephen L. Richards said in the 1918 Conference Report, p. 56 “As a father and a husband, Joseph F. Smith had but few if any equals in the history of all time. I have had the opportunity of being somewhat intimate in his homes, and know something of the love which he had for his wives and his children. …I have seen him go about among his homes, and he had a large family as you know, when at the close of a day his powers were well nigh exhausted, when he had worked from early morning until late at night, go from home to home to plant the loving kiss of a father upon his children and his wives in recognition of the great love that he bore them. And this love was the bond that bound them to him and to each other, and I think it may well be said in truth and with propriety that there are no finer families in all the land than the large, splendid family of Joseph F. Smith.”
The family motto was “There are no ‘step’brothers or sisters. Never use those words! We are ‘brothers and sisters.” As of ‘2000, Joseph F. Smith has over 5,000 living descendants.
[Compiled by Karol G. Chase February 2001 from the following sources:
The Descendants of Joseph F. Smith (1838-1918) published in 1976
The Life of Joseph F. Smith by Joseph Fielding Smith published in 1938
Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol 3, 1992
“Edna Lambson Smith” A Tribute by Susa Young Gates, March 31, 1916
Documents and discussions with Virginia Smith Chase]