John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan. Part 19.

Continued from here.


From John Morgan Journal, Marriott Library, Special Collections, University of Utah.

1884
December 14 Clyde Smith [Could this be Annie’s brother?] came to Mellies at about 3 a.m. and woke me up, stating that Annie needed me. On arriving found her in child labor which kept up until 7 a.m. When she gave birth to a girl baby [Annie Ray Morgan] , weighing twelve pounds. Remained with her until after 2 p.m. and then came down to Mellies. Attended to the milking and chores and returned. During the evening I wrote a letter to the “News” relative to Sectarian Schools …

Through the 18th John Morgan wrote letters, called at the Pres. office, saw brother Reynolds, arranged to get $250.00 and visited a number that I was indebted to and paid them ... He attended Seventies Council ... had a talk with Pres. Cannon relative to my situation and other matters. Storming for the past two days.

December 19 Called on the Pres. and had a talk with brother Geo. Q. Cannon about some land matters in Colo. In the evening went to Ogden with sister Bickington [presumably midwife, see previous post]. Took daughter Mellie along. Met Elder Roberts on the train and had a talk about mission matters and land business in Colo.

December 20 At home all day.

December 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
Have been in hiding during these days to keep out of the way of Marshalls. On Christmas day, Hyrum Groesbeck and wife spent the day. In the evening I blessed my little boy and gave him the name of Nicholas Morgan. Spent one day with sister Weinel. Elder Roberts called on me and had dinner.
During the days in the house I read "Turgees appeal to Ceaser,” and "Conquest of Mexico By Cortez” and its subsequent History.

December 27
Arranged with Dicksen through Jno. Groesbeck to get out on the street and have been out all day attending to business …

December 30-31
Called on Pres. Taylor about money to aid the Colo. Saints in the purchase of some land, which aid was refused on the ground that money was scarce and people should seek to aid themselves. Weather quite cold ...

January 1, 1885 At Annies for dinner. A number of callers at Mellies. Among the rest, John Richardsen, formerly of Ill., with whom I was acquainted when a boy and had a long talk over old times.

January 2… I went to the City Hall and met Marshall Phillips who gave me some information of a personal nature. [Its unknown whether Marshall is Mr. Phillips' first name, or his title.]

January 3
In the house all day out of sight. Read “Shermons March to the Sea,” and Burns.


January 4
In the house during the entire day. Sunday.

January 5 Came down to sister Weinals and spent the day quietly. Read Aldine and Burns most of the day. A heavy snow last night.

January 6 At sister Weinals today. Jno. Groesbeck called and informed me that he had obtained my Supt’s Appropriation. Brother C. F. Wilcox called and I had a lengthy talk about school matters. Read Burns and wrote a number of letters.

January 7... Mellie returned with N. H. G. [presumably Nicholas Harmon Groesbeck] and Mollie [sic. Mellie].

January 8
At home all day out of sight. A number of callers, but everything quiet. Made arrangements to go East.

January 9, 10, and 11 Out of sight all day out a few minutes and at work getting affairs fixed to leave, settling up accounts and writing letters.

The following post is about John and Annie’s travels during February – April, and their return to Salt Lake after learning of baby Flora’s death, April 1, 1885.

[Editor's note: While looking for Mellie in some 1884, 14th Ward Relief Society records, I found Sister Weinel. John Morgan spent considerable time at Sister Weinel's. For every question I find an answer to, six more arise.]

I took the picture of the Nicholas Groesbeck Morgan bust, stored in the Utah Historical Society Library, last October. Thanks to cousin Karen M.

1938 Christmas letter identified.

This Christmas note has been unidentified among my mother's things for years. It appears [Aunt] Helen Melvina [Mellie] Morgan Burt Austin [1870-1952, John Hamilton Morgan's oldest daughter] wrote this Christmas note to her brother-in-law, Percy Harold Rex, in 1938. It is a note of condolence, and Christmas wishes, after the November 12th passing of her sister, Bessie Morgan Rex.

Other people mentioned in this note are Percy Harold and Bessie Morgan Rex's sons Harold and Morgan. Jack [John Clayton] and Gail [Morgan Clayton] are her brother-in-law and sister. Wallace [Burt] is probably Aunt Helen's son. Is Sara a daughter-in-law or daughter? Does anyone know who Georgia is?

From Helen Rex Frazier collection.

John Hamilton Morgan and daughter, Mellie, 1886 trip to Southern States Mission, Part 4, conclusion.

1886 John Morgan traveled with the emigrants February 19-21 from Chattanooga to Kansas City, where he saw them safely off, and began his return to Chattanooga. He arrived there on the 22nd, was met by brother Kimball at the depot and found Mellie no better.

February 22-25, ... Busy at work at my cash book and other office work during the day, wrote some and attended to Mellie the greater part of the day. ... John Morgan continued to attend to his convalescing daughter, Mellie, much of the following month. On February 28th he wrote, Mellie not improving much. And on March 1 … Obtained a feather bed of sister McDaniels for Mellie. …

March 6 Read and wrote during the day. Attended a circus at night. Mellie improving very much. …

March 8 Wrote and read during the day. Attended to Mellie who is improving slowly. …

March 13 Elder Jno. P. Murphy called this a.m., having just arrived from Utah to fill a mission. He spent a part of the day with us. Wrote some letters today and in the evening we administered to Mellie.

March 14 Accompanied brother Murphy to the Depot and saw him off to Georgia. Afterwards got a carriage and took Mellie and Misses Sarah and Susie Fowler to Lookout Mountain. Went to Rock City, Natural Bridge and other points. Returned at 6 p.m. Mellie standing the trip pretty well. …

March 17 Mellie still improving, but quite weak.

March 18 Mellie not so well today. Wrote some letters and attended to Mellie. Beautiful weather.

March 19 Writing and reading today. In the evening brother [perhaps Elias S.] Kimball returned from a seventeen day trip into Georgia. Reported all well.

March 20 At work with brother Kimball getting things in shape to go west.

March 21 Reading and writing the entire day.

March 22 Made preparation to start west tonight. Finished up my correspondence and looked up my business. At 6:10 p.m. took M. and C. train to Memphis. Mellie feeling much better. …

March 25 Arrived at Pueblo at 8:10 a.m. and had breakfast. Waited until 12:35 p.m. and took west bound train to Salida at which point I left Mellie to go on alone while I turned back to Pueblo. Snowed considerably. A fire in Salida today burned two of the center blocks in the place.

"In her youth Mrs. Austin acted as her father’s
secretary and accompanied him
on numerous tours of the mission and to other
parts of the United States."--From the obituary
below.

Wouldn’t it have helped us now if her granddaughters had been named in her obituary?

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

From John Hamilton Morgan journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah.

John Hamilton Morgan and daughter, Mellie, Part 3

On January 28, 1886, John Morgan’s party left the steamer at Vicksburg and spent the next three days in route to Chattanooga by train. They spent a night at Memphis where John Morgan held meetings with twelve elders from Utah, wrote letters, and assigned two missionaries to W. Tenn. and one to Miss.

Arriving in Chattanooga on January 31, 1886, he was busy thereafter getting Elders assigned and attending to other mission business through February 5. John Morgan’s Groesbeck nephews, John and Joseph, aren’t mentioned again.

February 5
Wrote some letters and went with Mellie to get her photograph taken. Met brother Tillman from Ala. And had a talk with him. In the evening visited brother Jno. McDonald on Boice Street.

February 6
Wrote a number of letters and attended to mission work most of the day, principally posting the office books. A pleasant change in the weather.

February 7
Walked out on Whiteside Street with brother Tillman and visited Frank Paynes and Jno. Jenning’s family. In the afternoon walked up to the top of Cameron Hill and in the evening went to hear Dr. Bachman preach at the First Presbyterian Church.

February 8
At 10 a.m. Mellie and myself started to go up Lookout Mountain. Visited Rock City and had dinner at Mrs. Wilsens. Then drove to the Natural Bridge. Then to Sunset Rock and then to Saddle Rock and Grand View. Had a very pleasant day of it.


February 9
Very busy all day at work at Mission correspondence. Elder Rouche came in from New Orleans. Rained in the afternoon. …

The work of the mission continued. February 14 At work in the office with emigration matters. Getting ready for the company that leaves on the 18th inst. …

February 18
Emigrants coming in on all the trains. At 6:10 we left for the west, picking up parties at Stephenson and other points along the line. Had to leave Mellie in Chattanooga suffering from a severe attack of Eyresipelas [sic, Erysipelas].


(To be continued.)

From John Hamilton Morgan journal, Special Collections, Marriot Library, University of Utah. According to a letter from Mrs. Emma Guthrie, printed in The Life and Ministry of John Morgan, by Arthur Richardson, copyright 1965, Nicholas G. Morgan Sr., pgs 335-337, a Mrs. Melissa (Payne) Jennings was baptized by John Morgan.

John Hamilton Morgan and daughter, Mellie, 1886, Part 2

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1886
January 21
Writing and mailing emigration circulars to the Elders and attending to mission affairs. John and Joseph Groesbeck arrived from Utah.

January 22
Obtained transportation of Mr. Wrenn for self and party to Meridian, Miss. Going to New Orleans. Took 11 a.m. train over Western and Atlantic Ry. And went to Dalton. Lay over two hours. Visited the Court House where the murderers of Joseph Standing were acquitted. At 4:35 took East Tenn. Train to Rome, Georgia where we took sleeper for Meridian. Had a rough ride during the night.

January 23
Arrived at Lauderdale at 5 a.m. and changed cars to M. and O. Ry. And arrived at Meridian at 6:20 Bought ticket and at seven continued our journey to New Orleans. Arrived at 1 p.m. Hired rooms at 221 Gravier Street. Walked about town and went to Robinson Dime (?) Museum.

January 24
Visited the French market early this a.m. then walked about the wharf and visited a Liverpool steamer and a packet running between N. O. and Vicksburg, both very fine. Then took street cars to Greenwood Cemetery which we passed through. Then went to west end by steam (?) spending an hour there. Returned to the city and attended the St. Charles Theatre, “Streets of Paris.”

January 25
Went out to the Exposition this a.m. and met six Elders from Miss Conference visiting and sight seeing. Attended the Exposition all day. Returned tired and hungry. Walked about town a while.

January 26
Went out to the Exposition this a.m. and spent the day. Returned at 4:30 and took steamer, Jas. D. White, to Vicksburg.

January 27
Awoke in time to see Baton Route and during the day steamed up the river, passing Port Hudson and other points of interest.

January 28
Quite cool today. Still on the boat. Arrived at Vicksburg at 3:30. Walked up into the city and got a carriage and drove out to the National Cemetery. Had a fine view of the river. Returned and went to the Verandale House and met Mr. Peck. One of our party in the Blockade.


(To be continued.)


The Groesbecks arriving January 21, could be: John Groesbeck, born 1866 to Nicholas Harmon and Rhoda Groesbeck, and Joseph Groesbeck, born 1864 to John Hamilton and Helen Melvina (Mellie) Morgan. They are probably part of the party mentioned on the 22nd traveling to New Orleans.

The John Hamilton Morgan journal, Marriott Library, Special Collections, University of Utah.

John Hamilton Morgan and daughter, Mellie, 1886, Part 1

This picture is scanned from The Man Who Moved City Hall; Nicholas Groesbeck Morgan, by Jean R. Paulson, published 1979 by Press Publishing Limited, Provo, Utah, pg 24.

[Picture caption:] The oldest daughter of John and Mellie Morgan was named for her mother. This photo of Helen Melvina Morgan Burt was taken by noted photographer C. R. Savage. Helen later married George Austin. [John Morgan called his daughter Mellie.]

"In her youth Mrs. Austin acted as her father’s secretary and accompanied him on numerous tours of the mission and to other parts of the United States."--From an obituary for Helen Melvina Morgan Austin, death 1952, sent me by a Groesbeck descendant. In 1886 Mellie accompanied her father to the Southern States Mission. She was sixteen years old, having been born January 19, 1870 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

This previous post from John Morgan’s journal concluded in Manassa, Colorado on November 27, 1885.

1885
December 25 [Salt Lake City, Utah]
At home quiet with the family. Had our Christmas turkey alone, and had a very pleasant day …

On the 27th, after bidding the folks goodbye, John Morgan took the train to Springville, Utah where he stayed at brother in-law Harmon Groesbeck’s. On the 28th … At 1 p.m. met my daughter Mellie on the D. and R. G. train and with her continued on east. Passed the day quietly and pleasantly.

December 29
Awoke soon after leaving Black Canyon and enjoyed the scenery across Marshall Pass. Arrived in Pueblo on time and found Mellie’s pass had not arrived and so concluded to go to San Luis Valley on a visit. Went to bed at the Depot House.

On the 30th snow drifts delayed their travel. Ultimately, … brother Hislet [sic, Heiselt] took me to Manassa where I met Annie and the baby both quite well. But the weather intensely cold.

John Morgan won’t receive the pass he needs for Mellie to travel further with him until they get back to Pueblo on January 7th.

1886
January 1
… A terrible wind storm came up in the night drifting the snow through everywhere and making everything cold.

January 2
Busy making Annie comfortable and getting the snow out of the house. At home most all day.

... John Morgan continued busy with Church meetings, speaking, writing, and visiting throughout the communities. He and Mellie arrive back in Pueblo on the 7th where he got a room in the Victoria Hotel. They couldn’t get out on the 8th as they … spent the day quietly waiting for the snow blockade to be broken. … at 8:30 p.m. went aboard the sleeper for the east, with a prospect of getting away during the night.

January 9
Laying at LaJuanta all day …. January 12 Some indications that we would get away today but night found us in the same old spot.

January 13
At 12 it was announced that we would get away during the afternoon and at 3:15 p.m. we pulled out in two sections, cheering and in high glee after our long confinement …

January 14
Ran all day through Kansas, snowing, raining, and sleeting at entervals [sic]. Evidences of heavy storm all along the road. Telegraph poles prostrated and deep snow banks. Arrived at Kansas City at 10:30 p.m. and went to the Lindell Hotel. Very tired and over all the streets there is a glare of ice.

January 15
Visited about over the city with Mellie and in the evening met Lon at the Union Depot. At 6:30 left over the Ft. Scott and Gulf Ry. For Memphis.

January 16
Changed out of the sleeper into chair car and rode to Memphis in chairs. Arrived on time. Called on Mr. Ellis and received a pass for self and daughter to Chattanooga. Had a short visit and chat with Mr. Hughes at the M. and C. Ticket Office. Walked over to the M. and C. Depot and at 10:20 left for Chattanooga.

January 17
Arrived at Chattanooga at 9:45 a.m. and met brother Kimball at the Depot. Went to boarding house and slept part of the day. Talked over mission matters with brother K.

January 18
Called on Mr. Sutton this a.m. on railroad matters. Walked about town with Mellie a while. A rainy disagreeable day. Busy in the office all day and evening on mission business.

January 19 and 20
Busy during the day writing and sending out emigration circulars. Got Mellie a pair of shoes and in the evening visited the South Tredgar Iron Works. A Mr. Stewart presented Mellie with a copy of Robinson Crusoe as a birthday present.

(To be continued.)

Lon [Leonidas] Morgan is John Morgan’s brother. Click here . and scroll down for a picture and mention of Lon.

Elias S. Kimball. In these 1885-1886 journal entries, when John Morgan refers to Brother K. or Brother Kimball, it appears that he is referring to Elias S. [Smith] Kimball. You can search for a biography here.

From John Hamilton Morgan journal, Marriott Library, Special Collections, University of Utah.

John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan, Part 7

The baby Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan (Mellie) is holding in this picture is John, born February 12, 1881 (John dies December 4, 1881). Mellie is twenty-nine years old and her daughters are Helen Melvina (also called Mellie), born January 19, 1870, Eliza Ann, born 8 February 1875, and Ruth, born October 4, 1878.

This is the only picture I’ve seen of Mellie with any of her children. It is beautiful! Again, we have John Morgan descendent, Karen, to thank for making it available. Thank you so very much, Karen!

In October of 1883 Mellie accompanies her husband, John Morgan, on a trip East. She is thirty-one years old and takes their youngest baby, Flora (born 19 September 1882) with them. They are gone from their Salt Lake home from October 23 to November 20, 1883. It is the only extended trip of this nature I’ve found Mellie participating in. John mentions Mellie in only a couple of entries during this time, however, it is evident, they do a lot of remarkable things together.

Mellie travels with John to the Eastern United States where he was born, raised, served in the Civil War, and currently serves in the Southern States Mission. She meets his parents for the first time, and stays with them and other family members. They enjoy the sights and attractions of the times together. She travels to mission headquarters in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and regions there-about, meeting the people and seeing the places she’s previously only heard about.

Their return trip is unique in its own right, Mellie and John Morgan accompany Southern State emigrant converts to new settlements in the West.

From John Morgan’s journal, University of Utah, Marriott Library, Special Collections.

1883
October 17
At work at my reports, and making preparation to start to the states taking my wife with me…

October 18
Took Mellie up town to make some purchases…

October 23
Took train at 10:20 a.m. over the D. and R. G. Had a pleasant run, bright and nice weather. On time at the supper house.

October 24
Rested well last night and had a lunch-breakfast at Cimmon Station. Passed Marshall Pass and through Royal Gorge arriving at Pueblo at 4:30 and laid over until 2:10 a.m., having quite a time to get to sleeping car.

October 25
During the day ran through the states of Colo. And Kansas and had a very pleasant run. The weather remained remarkably good.

October 26
Arrived at Kansas City at 5:30 and at 6:45 took Wabash train for St. Louis arriving at 6:25 and stopped at the St. James. Met brother A. H. Snow. Raining and storming heavy.

(To be continued.)

John Hamilton Morgan Journal 1887 Aug 1-7

August 1
Election day in Utah, for members of the Legislature, and some county offices. Sister Burbidge [perhaps Sister William Burbidge of the 17th Ward] spent the day with us. Uncle [perhaps Morgan Hamilton] left on the 8 a.m. train for the North.

In the evening, drove out with sister Burbidge and later with sister Sarah Smith [unknown].

August 2
At home reading. In the evening drove out with Mellie, called at sister O. Pratts [perhaps a widow of Orson Pratt, he died 1881] and met sister Holt [unknown], tried to assist in settling a difficulty between she and her husband, but could not make much headway. Called at brother Burbidges for Mellie.

August 3
Started early this A.M. and drove to East Bountiful where we called on and had breakfast with sister Cowley [perhaps Matthias F.] and family, after an hour or two pleasant visit, drove to Brother B. H. Roberts and stayed the day with Sister R. [Roberts] returning to the city late in the evening. Deputies Frank [unknown], and Cannon [unknown], drove to south Bountiful just ahead of us and arrested Bishop Brown [unknown] of that Ward.

August 4
At home quiet all day. Sister Jennie Whipple came down in the afternoon and remained until dark when I drove her out to the Hot Springs.

August 5
Jno. And Kate Groesbeck came while we were at breakfast and remained during the day. In the p.m. they and both Mellies went out to the Lake. Drove down to brother Sprys [perhaps William Spry] during the evening and had a short visit. The evening paper contains a letter from President W. Woodruff in behalf of the Twelve, giving good advise and counsel to the saints.

August 6
At home today reading.

August 7
Brother George Goddard and William Willes called on me today and we spent two or three hours conversing on Sunday School matters.

In the evening, Mellie and I drove out to Frank McDonalds [unknown], had supper, and short visit, and returned home after dark.

[The letter from President W. Woodruff in behalf of the Twelve appeared in the 1887 Mellenial Star, vl. XLIX, and follows.]

Jennie Whipple: 1. John Hamilton Morgan Photograph Collection, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Box 1, folder 4, item #8, Jennie Whipple, convert of Elder Morgan. 2. Life and Ministry of John Morgan by Richardson, Nicholas G. Morgan, Sr., pg. 361, “Another visitor he was happy to see, came to town on the 20th, Jennie Beeso Whipple from Illinois who had been his first convert to the Church while serving as a missionary in that state in 1876. On the 25th he baptized her at 11:30 a.m. at Warm Springs with George Reynolds serving as witness.” I couldn’t determine for certain when this baptism at Warm Springs occurred.

Jno. And Kate Groesbeck: Trying to determine who is who in the Groesbeck family in these entries, it appears that none of Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan’s siblings have a wife or child named Kate or Kathryn. Her brother Nicholas Harmon Groesbeck’s 3rd wife is Katheryn (married 1882). In her 1929 obituary she is “survived by daughter Miss Katheryn Groesbeck.”

[Any information or suggestions to further clarify these entries will be appreciated.]

Journal entries from John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.