John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan. Part 13.

1883
In the Spring John began fencing lots he’d acquired in Manassa, and he traveled to Chattanooga to accompany another group of emigrants west.

From the John Morgan Journal, Marriott Library, University of Utah.
April 1
Arrived in Pueblo, Colo. At 2 a.m. and remaining in the cars until daylight. We divided the company, the Utah portion under care of Wm. Asper going by the new route to Salt Lake and the rest going to San Luis Valley where we arrived at 3:30 p.m. and were met by the saints from Manassa and cared for. The saints being divided out among the families. This was one of the most successful runs we ever made.

John Morgan visited among the saints in Colorado and looked after the fencing about his lots. On the 10th he planted some walnuts around his lot. And three days later he was back in Salt Lake.

I don’t know if these are walnut trees, but they are trees purported to be planted by John Morgan in Manassa.

He continued doing the same kind of work on his Salt Lake City home. April 17-19 ... bought some tools and spaded up some of the front yard … attending to matters about the house … April 20-21 work at the yard, obtained some soil to put over the ground … April 25-28 hired help with yard, sowing some grass, planting flowers … May 2 Went with Eliza to get her baptized at the Endowment House … May 3 … At work in the p.m. at the yard. Took Eliza to Fast Meeting and had her confirmed. Assisted in confirming and blessing quite a few.

May 8, At work today putting down bricks along the walks in the yard.

The first part of June his wife, Mellie, accompanied him to Colorado for ten days. Upon his return on the 16th he said he rolled the yard this a.m. and attended to work about the place. Journal pages from here until October aren't availabale in the Library.

The trip Mellie accompanied John on to visit his parents, and the Southern States Mission, was posted earlier in four parts.


Trip to the Southern States Mission. Part 1.
Part 2.
Part 3.
Part 4.


Mellie’s mother, Elizabeth Groesbeck, became ill soon after their return. Elizabeth’s care would fall upon Mellie, for her only other daughter, Josephine, was serving a mission with her husband, John Henry Smith, in England.

1883
December 15
Called to see sister Groesbeck this a.m. who is quite sick. Went to the “Des. News” Office and read proof of letter to Elder South. Bought suit of clothing at Z. C. M. I. and rebuilt a chicken coop. Attended to some business about town.

On December 27, 1883 Mellie’s mother died. You can read an account of the passing of Elizabeth Groesbeck, written by John Morgan, that was posted here earlier.


1883
December 30.
After returning from Elizabeth’s funeral and burial, John wrote, A large company present and a large cortage followed to the graveyard where her remains were laid peacefully away. Returning we had dinner at brother G. [Groesbeck] and remained a short time. Will said that Mellie was the only one who could care for her father now, not seeing that it would break up my family and home which it seems there is a fair prospect of it doing.

The next day John writes that when he went up to the Groesbecks he found my wife quite sick with high fever and ulcerated sore throat. Was with her all day and stayed here tonight.

The next few weeks John Morgan navigates between the care of his wife, Mellie, his children, unsuccessfully arranging for help for Mellie at their home, catering to the demands his newly widowed father-in-law placed on Mellie, his Church responsibilities, the Utah State Legislature, and his upcoming entrance into polygamy.

(To be continued.)
From John Hamilton Morgan Journal, and picture collection. Marriott Library.