John Hamilton Morgan's first convert is sealed to him.

According to The Life and Ministry of John Morgan by Arthur M. Richardson, page 361, Jennie Whipple was John Morgan’s first convert, while he was serving in Illinois. This picture of her is [a copy of a copy]from the John Hamilton Morgan collection, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah.

From The John Morgan journal there I found some entries mentioning her.

Normal, Illinois
1876, January 3
Returned to my father’s home today. The Christian Church at Lexington was refused at the last moment and so I failed in my endeavor to speak there.
Normal, Illinois
1876, January 4Went to Bloomington this morning and visited with Sister Beeston [Beeson]; had a truly pleasant interview with her. It is surely good to meet one of your own people and I thank God for His blessings to her and to myself. [Note: On this day, John Morgan entered in his journal a paragraph about his genealogy. It is posted here on this blog.]

Bloomington, Illinois
1876, January 5Brought Aunt up from Father’s today and called on Sister Beeston; [Beeson] had a pleasant talk and administered to her. …

Normal, Illinois
1876, January 8
Visited Sister Beeston [Beeson] this morning and fixed her windows for her. Had an interesting interview with her and Miss Miller. ...

Money Creek, Illinois
1876, January 14
... [Note: The following is inserted in his typed journal following the entry for this day.] (Eliza Jane Beeson (Whipple) born February 6, 1842 in Fairfield, Columbiana County, Ohio – daughter of Henry Martin Beeson and Ruth Cope, baptized August 25, 1883 by Elder John Morgan, Confirmed by George Reynolds. Desires to be sealed to John Morgan – copied from a note that she left with Lily T. Freeze).

I have learned the following about Sister Beeson or Whipple. From page 361 of The Life and Ministry of John Morgan by Arthur M. Richardson, "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."

[Note: The 1883 John Morgan journal section, that may substantiate this 1883 baptismal date, and the same New Family Search baptismal date, isn’t in the Marriott Library collection. ]

Salt Lake City
1884, October 29Accompanied Jennie Whipple south on the [illegible] C. train. She is going to Nephi. I left the train at Draper and returned on the 10:10 a.m. train. ...

[Note: In August, 1887, John Morgan was in Salt Lake City, visiting Mellie and his family. He was being sought by the Marshals. His journal entries from that visit are posted here in this blog.]

1887, 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 ...
According to New Family Search, Eliza Jane Beason was in the Salt Lake Temple completing her own temple work on August 17, 1899. She was sealed to her parents January 17, 1900.

In 1900 Jennie Whipple was Head, or Superintendent of the County Infirmary at 1979 State Street, in Salt Lake City, according to the Farmers Precinct, Salt Lake County Census. She was born February 1842, was 58 years old, widowed, and both of her parents were born in Ohio.

Jennie B. Whipple was living at 210 Fern Street, in Salt Lake City, when she died on May 30, 1909. The information on her State of Utah death certificate was provided by Bishop T. F. Tingey.

She was buried June 2, 1909 in John Hamilton Morgan’s family plot at the Salt Lake City cemetery. You can see her gravestone’s proximity to John Morgan’s gravestone in the picture at the end of this post.

Eliza Jane Beason [Jennie Beeson Whipple 1842-1909] was sealed to John Hamilton Morgan, December 14, 1927, in the Salt Lake City Temple.

Note: I did not know who this "fallen headstone" belonged to [front left], when I first began visiting John Morgan's gravesite--years ago. Another descendant pointed it out to me last Fall. It appears all of John Morgan's wives were living in Salt Lake City in 1927. No--there is a wife who never lived in Salt Lake City!

John Hamilton Morgan 1884 September Trip to San Juan, Utah, concluded.

View John Morgan's 1884 trip to the San Juan settlements in a larger map

Continued from here.

by Flora Lee.

From John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Marriott Library, University of Utah.

1884, Sept. 15
Started early this morning and drove 8 miles to the Mancos where we met Alma Stevens with team to take us to Burnham. After a hasty breakfast we bid brother Lemuel Redd and Henry Hollyoake goodbye and with brother Alma Stevens and Cumer (?) [Kumen] Jones, with double team, started to Burnham. In crossing the Mancos brother Jos. F. lost his hat which we failed to recover. After a 15 mile drive we arrived at the San Juan River and nooned. Driving across a large (?) we saw an extensive encampment of Navajo Indians whose herds of horses, mules, and sheep, and goats were on every hand. At the foot of the Hog back the river was so high that we could not ford it so that we were necessitated to take our wagon to pieces and carry it over piece at a time. A Navajo assisted us in the labor. There was an Indian trail which was very rough and rocky that served for a path across the point of the mountain. Having got our wagon together, I took the lines and we drove into Burnham in an hour and forty minutes over a very rough road and after dark, had supper at Jno. Allen’s. Brother Smith and myself slept at Peter Allen’s.

Sept. 16
Met with the Saints at 10 a.m. in meeting which continued until about 2 p.m. when we had a meeting with a party of Ute Indians, their chief, Red Jacket was present, also a few Navajos. After meeting we had dinner at Joshua Stevens, immediately after which we started in company of Jno. Allen for Durango, driving as far as brother Geo. Burnham’s where we camped for the night.

Editor’s note: I can’t help but wonder how Sister Snow got along with the camping, not to mention all the rain and mud.

On Sept. 17th the group started out early heading back to Durango, Colorado. They traveled 10 miles before they stopped for breakfast. They did not get much sleep in Durango as some cowboys were firing pistols and yelling, there was a fire, and they had to catch a 4:20 a.m. train to Antonito, Colorado. Brother and Sister Snow stayed in Antonito while John Morgan and President Smith were taken by road to Manassa to retrieve their wives and speak at an evening meeting. They were back in Antonito by Sept. 19th where the whole group took the train south into New Mexico. They came down into the Rio Grand River by heavy grades. The railroad ended and they were taken across the river on a Joe boat and continued their journey to Santa Fe by stage on Sept. 19th. They did some sight seeing in Santa Fe, including the cathedral built in 1583, the oldest building in the U.S.

Editor’s note: It would be interesting to find out what a “Joe boat” is. I tried but could not find an answer. I visited that same cathedral in Santa Fe in the early 1970’s. In the next paragraph it would also be interesting to find out more about the lakes mentioned and the Wabash Cattle Company.

The party continues south to Albuquerque, New Mexico and then west to Gallup, New Mexico and Navajo Springs, Arizona where they were met by Bishop D.K. Udall and brother Nichol with a team to take them to St. Johns, Arizona. Along the way they stopped by some lakes that were salt in the center with fresh water around them. Some brethren were building a house here for the Wabash Cattle Company. The party went to Bishop Udall’s when they arrived in St. John’s on Sept. 22. They had a meeting that evening and then administered to the son of Sister Robinson’s who was “sorely afflicted”.

Note from the Editor's cousin. Thank you so much, Flora Lee, for your work on this very interesting history.

At The Ancestor Files, all of John Morgan's posts are listed here. Under Annotated Diary you will find fourteen posts about John Morgan’s 1888 travel to many of the sites mentioned above. Amy's research, historical facts, pictures, and maps will enhance your understanding of these settlements, and John Morgan's work there.

1884 John Hamilton Morgan September Trip to San Juan, Utah. Part 2 of 3.

San Juan River, Utah, 1927, from Wikipedia

Continued from here.
By Flora Lee.

From the John Morgan Journal, Marriott Library, University of Utah.

1884
Sept. 12
At 8:30 started for Bluff. The roads very sandy, steep, rocky and uneven. Arrived at Bluff at 1 p.m. Pres. Jos. F. Smith, Brother H. Hollyoake, and myself walked along the ruined water ditch for a distance of about one mile. Had dinner at Bishop Jon [sic. Jens] Neilsons. A heavy rain fell during the afternoon and a number of waterfalls could be seen from town. At 5 p.m. the people gathered at the Meeting House and were addressed by Pres. Smith and brother Snow. All of us met and had supper with brother Cu (?) [this is probably Kumen] Jones. Pres. Smith and myself slept at Irene Haskell’s room.

Sept. 13
Had breakfast at brother Thales Haskell’s and attended meeting at 9 a.m. Pres. Smith desired me to speak first, which I did encouraging the saints to remain at Bluff and try it again. Was followed by Pres. Smith who read a letter from the First Presidency and commented on it quite extensively urging the people to stay and establish themselves. Brother Snow followed in the same spirit. Had dinner at brother Perkin’s [perhaps Ben Perkins] and met with the saints at 1 p.m. When an opportunity was afforded all who desired to express their sentiments about staying or leaving to do so. The majority were willing to remain if the Priesthood so desired, but a few asked to be released. Bishop Jens Neilson (who coined the phrase “stickity tootie”) with his counselors, Elders Jones [perhaps Kumen] and Lumuel Redd were set apart to preside over the San Juan County and Mancos Branch. Immediately after meeting we left Bluff with two teams for Montezuma where we arrived soon after dark, making the distance in three hours and ten minutes. A heavy rain fell as we came through.

Editor’s note: This delightful map of Historic Bluff, Utah, will take you on a virtual tour of the town where you can visit the following places: the Decker house, the Hyrum Perkins house, the Lemuel Redd house, the Platte Lyman house, the Willard Butt house, the Jens Nielson house and mill, the Jens Nielson house, the Adams house, an Unknown house, the Scorup house, the Nick Lovace house, the Jane Allen house, the Barton Cabin, the Kumen Jones house, and the Bluff School, jail, and library.

Sept. 14
Had breakfast at 8 a.m. and started for Burnham. Drove to Hyde’s for dinner where we stopped two hours. Then went by a new road about six miles. Raining hard most of the day and very hard during the afternoon, making the roads heavy and tedious. Went into camp on a wash running into the Mancos [River]. Everything muddy and wet, but were as comfortable as could be expected.
(To be continued.)

Bishop Nielson's courage and his "stickity tootie," from The Undaunted, a Historical Novel, by Gerald N. Lund, copyright 2009, Anchor Point LLC, Epilogue, page 800.

1884 John Hamilton Morgan September trip to San Juan, Utah.

Hole in the Rock, looking down at Lake Powell, by Wikipedia

This post is part of an addendum to John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan. Part 17. Posted here January 10, 2010.

Part b
Part c

I asked cousin Flora Lee (a John Morgan descendant also) to review some of John Morgan’s journal pages and write about his 1884 trip to San Juan, Utah. That was such a good idea! Thanks, Flora Lee, for your great work!

By Flora Lee--
If you have read Gerald Lund’s historical fiction novel The Undaunted. I think you will enjoy these John Morgan journal entries about his 1884 trip to the San Juan Mission. You will also recognize many of the names he mentioned. If you haven’t read The Undaunted, you may want to after reading these summaries and original journal entries. I am honored to know that my great grandfather knew and associated with the faithful and courageous Saints of the Hole in the Rock Expedition.

John, and his wife Mellie, left Salt Lake by train on September 1, 1884, soon after he had helped arrange transport and memorial services for two murdered Southern States Missionaries; Elder Gibbs from Paradise, Utah, and Elder Berry from Kanarraville, Utah. They met President Joseph F. Smith, and his wife, as well as Erastus Snow, and his wife, in Price. Then they continued by rail to Denver, where they did some sight seeing in the Denver and Colorado Springs area.

Their party arrived in LaJara, Colorado on September 5th, where they were met by Elder B.H. Roberts and San Luis Stake President, Silas S. Smith. President Smith was captain of the Hole in the Rock Expedition in 1879, and the first president of the San Luis Colorado Stake.

Several conference meetings were held in the area over the next three days. On September 8th, the group left for Antonito, Colorado, and then took the train to Durango, Colorado. On the 9th, Sisters Morgan and Smith returned to Manassa, Colorado. Elder Morgan, Apostle and Sister Snow, President Smith, and some other local men, continued by wagon to Mancos, Colorado. They held an evening meeting and called (in today’s terminology) a Branch President, Sunday School President and some teachers. On that day Elder Morgan recorded passing Corneluis Decker and family, as they were leaving the San Juan settlements.

Arial Bluff, Utah, San Juan River, with Comb Ridge, by Wikipedia
From the John Morgan Journal, Marriott Library, University of Utah

1884

Sept. 10
Started early for the San Juan, brother Jno. Allen driving and accompanied by brother Henry Hollyoake in an extra wagon. At mud creek, just outside of Mancos settlement we met Jos. B. Decker and family with a load of chickens. They were going to Durango to sell the chickens. At Mitchell’s Spring where we stopped to noon, we met a number of wagons loaded with pigs, poultry, furniture etc. from Bluff City, going to the settlements to sell, preparatory to leaving the country. During the p.m. drove passed Aztec and Navajo Springs, camping near the south base of the Ute Mountains and on the southern Ute Reservation. Cool and pleasant weather.

Sept. 11
Started early this morning from our dry camp to drive to the San Juan River for breakfast, where we arrived at 10 a.m. Rested, watered the stock, and met Wm. Hyde and family, moving to a trading post four miles above the Peaks. Arrived at brother Allen’s and Hollyoake’s about 5 p.m. where we remain tonight. The evidences of the disastrous flood which occurred in June are to be seen on every hand. A number of houses gone and many fields covered up with sand and mud.

Editor’s note: The first time I read this, I missed the “disastrous flood” sentence, and so I kept wondering why these people were all leaving. A history of the 1884 flood, and the area, can be found here. Search for “A critical year.” After a careful study of the entire article, it appears that “1894,” in this instance, is a typographical error. That date would put this incident out of the chronological order that the article is written in.

I think seeing this area, and these people in this condition, would have been extremely hard on Elder Morgan and Apostle Snow. In 1879 Apostle Snow made the initial call to these Saints, mainly from Iron County, Utah, to leave their homes and establish these settlements. Elder Morgan visited these settlements in 1883, attended meetings with General Authorities in Salt Lake, considering the discontinuation of the mission, and he voted to continue the mission. I will write more about his 1883 visit to the settlements in the future. [Yeah! That's good news. From the editor's cousin. ]

(To be continued.)

An 1884 Tennessee Emigrant in Salt Lake City.

I’ve puzzled over this for a couple of days, wondering if there are any clues in John Morgan’s journal about the November 13, 1884 emigrants Bruce wrote about here. Perhaps these entries hold a clue about one Tennessee emigrant.

1884
November 17
John Morgan visited several schools throughout the day, … Returned home about 3:30 p.m. Storming and raining during the entire day. A number of Elders from the mission and some going to the mission called to see me. Also sister Pheobe Church from Tenn.

November 18
Went up to the Historians Office and set brother W. C. Snow apart for a mission to the southern states, and ordained him an Seventy …

November 19
Wrote brother [B. H.] Roberts and received a letter from him. Sent check to him for Sister Church’s baggage.

My recent post missed this interesting note.
From John Morgan Journal, Marriott Library, Special Collections, University of Utah.

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.

John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan. Part 18.

Continued from here.

1884
On October 25-26 John Morgan met with District School Teachers of the County, and traveled to Nephi and back. While there he went to Bishop Udalls, met sister Ida Hunt, and attended Sunday School; the time was occupied in hearing remarks from the Ward Supt., songs, recitations, etc. After dinner at brother Paxmans, met at 1:30 p.m. and continued our exercises ... Following the meeting’s close, he traveled to the Depot, arriving just in time for the 6:40 p.m. train home.

Ever busy, John Morgan continues assisting others and spends considerable time in his office writing. Immediately following an October 30th round trip to Ogden, he arrived back in Salt Lake at 7:40 p.m. and went immediately to a meeting being held in the interest of sugar making … [While in Champaign, Ill., with Mellie, the preceding year, November 9, 1883, he visited a sugar factory and gained some information on the subject of its manufacture. That portion of their trip is posted here.]

1884
On October 31st he was able to obtain additional money for brother B. H. Roberts, and sent it on to him.

He traveled to Coalville and Echo, Utah, November 2-3 on school and land business. The following morning, after working in his office, he traveled to Draper, Utah, where he attended two schools that were in excellent condition. For the next two days he worked in his office, ordered 15 bushel of potatoes of brother Jos. Horne. And on the 6th noted ... Big excitement over the Presidential Election. ...

On the 8th he traveled by train, with Elders Parry and Marks, to Nephi. After dinner with Bishop Udall they took the San Pete Valley train for Moroni, and were thereafter taken by carriage to Manti. They attended, and spoke at, Priesthood meeting, John Morgan spending the night at brother Maibens.

November 9
Woke up about 3:30 a.m. and tumbled about on the bed until after 7 o’clock and then got up at 8:30. Had breakfast and walked over to the Telegraph Office and received dispatch notifying me of the birth of a son to my wife, Mellie, at 7 minutes to 4 a.m. Wired reply and attended meeting in Stake Tabernacle at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The day was occupied in short speeches, songs, dialogues, and recitations. Dinner at brother Parrys. At 5 p.m. I started in company with Elder Marks in brother A. Hardy’s wagon for Moroni where we arrived at 9 p.m. and had super and remained over night with him.

An interesting family of three wives living pleasantly and lovingly together.

November 10
Took train at 9 a.m. and arrived in Nephi at 10:30 and went to Bishop Udalls for dinner and visited about town for an hour or two. Visited the district school Took train at 2:52 for home. Had a number of conversations on the way up and arrived at home at 6:40. Saw my wife and son immediately, all well …

November 14
Wrote a letter or two and attended to some business about the city. Filed my bills and stayed with Mellie considerably. Very pleasant weather … On November 19 he wrote that he’d received and answered a letter from brother Roberts. He continued work in the city through the next week.

November 22
Assisted H. G. [presumably Hyrum Groesbeck] in his books a while. Attended session of the Teachers Association at 11 a.m. which was fairly attended and a number of good ideas advanced. Carried Annie home and ordered 500 lbs. of bran.

November 23
Wrote letter to sister Bickington about coming down to store [sic. stay] with Annie. Attended meeting at the Tabernacle … After meeting Bishop A. Speirs invited me out to 10th Ward to preach. After supper H. Groesbeck and myself drove out and I spoke to the people on the second coming of the Savior. Returned home stopping a while with Annie …

On the 25th John traveled to Ogden to meet sister Bickington, but she failed to meet him

November 26
… At 4:30 went to Ogden again. Met sister Bickington and Clyde [Clyde Smith] all coming down together …

[Editor's note: I had never heard of Marriott, Utah before. It was where downtown Ogden, Utah now is. You may read more about it here. It appears Sister Bickington is the Ann Bickington listed above with her husband in Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah. She was also the first Relief Society President of the Marriott Ward. This may also answer the question of who the Marriotts are, that Annie returned from staying with on April 25th, 1884 posted here.]

November 27
Thanksgiving day at home most of the time during the day.

On November 28, starting at 9 a.m., John Morgan drove to, and visited, the South Cottonwood School, the East Cottonwood District School, and the North Cottonwood School. In the evening he returned to the city and ... attended MacKnight’s lecture at Theatre …

November 29-December 1 John Morgan traveled to Tooele Stake ... in the interests of the Seventies and Sunday School.

December 2
Met Elder B. H. Roberts this a.m. and spent the greater part of the day with him. Called on Pres. Taylor and had a few words of general talk.

While at dinner, we examined and remodled [sic] a letter addressed to Pres. W. Woodruff relative to affairs in the Southern Mission, setting forth the true situation and facts connected therewith. Attended Council Meeting of the Pres. of Seventies at brother Eldredges at which meeting I presided. After Council, attended the Theatre and saw Geo. C. Mills in “Macbeth.”

(To be continued.)

From the John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah. Anne Bickington, Pioneers and Prominet Men of Utah, p. 753. In 1911, when John and Mellie’s son, Nicholas Groesbeck, received his law degree, Mellie embroidered this beautiful red rose for her son. It is treasured by Nicholas G. Morgan's granddaughter, a symbol of her incredible great grandmother, Helen Melvina (Mellie) Groesbeck Morgan. Thanks to descendant Karen M. for sharing this picture.

John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan. Part 17.

Continued from here.

On September 1, John Morgan traveled, with his wife, Pres. Joseph F. Smith and his wife, and Apostle E. Snow and his wife, to the Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona settlements, where they held conferences. They also traveled to San Juan, Utah. There are seven single spaced typed pages of entries for this one month trip. The trip requires more time and research than I’m able to give it right now.

It was impossible to know which wife was traveling with John, until the September 24th entry. Note: On September 22nd they were with Bishop Udall in St. John, Arizona.

From the John Morgan Journal, Marriott Library, University of Utah.

1884
September 24
Visited sister Jackson, one of the saints from Ala. Leaving Erastus at 9:30 a.m. drove a rough road to Snowflake stopping in the cedars by the way for lunch, supplemented by a nice lot of Watermelons. At our noon place we met brother Barney from St. George whose call was changed from St. John to Erastus. Arrived at Snowflake at 5 p.m. Mellie and I stopped at brother Minerlys.

Note: Four years later, in November 1888, John made a trip to this area with his third wife, Mary Ann Linton. A record of that trip appears in fourteen posts on The Ancestor Files beginning here. John and Mellie visit some of the same places and meet some of the same people, he and Mary Ann will visit and meet November 17 - December 23, 1888.

1884
On October 1, at the conclusion of their trip, Hyrum Groesbeck picked John and Mellie up from the Ogden train Depot. John wrote that day, … Found all well at home. Went out to the 10th Ward for the night.

October 2
Came down early and obtained my mail and papers and went up to the office and wrote until noon. Had dinner at Mellies and received a telegram from Silas S. Smith stating that 26 saints left Antonito [Colorado] for Conference. Called on a number of the Ex-Elders of the s. s. [Southern States] mission to aid in caring for the visitors …

On the 3rd he met in the President’s office with Pres. Cannon and Apostles F. M. Lyman and F. D. Richards about the Elders in the Southern Mission and the emigration of the saints from Cane Creek, Tenn …

October 5
Attended Conference at 10 a.m. Met a number of friends from different parts of the territory. At the 2 p.m. meeting Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon called me to the stand and soon afterwards announced my name as one of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies which office I accepted publicly. Attended a Priesthood meeting in the large Tabernacle at 7 p.m. Pres. Taylor addressed the people ...

John attended meetings throughout conference and into the following week.

October 9
Attended a meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve, where Pres. Taylor stated his feelings in relation to missionary matters and urged care and caution in relation to steps taken about withdrawing the Elders before the people reject the Gospel. Elder B. H. Roberts and myself stated the entire situation of the Southern States mission to the brethren. After some consultation it was thought best to send the Elders who had been called and use care and wisdom in sending any more.

Tried to communicate with some of the Elders called to get them to return and go immediately on their missions.

Throughout the following weeks John was busy getting Colorado saints transportation to the Logan Temple, seeing missionaries off to Europe and other points, assisting Hyrum Groesbeck with his books, conducting teacher association meetings, and acquiring money for Brother Roberts. He traveled to the Brigham Young Academy in Provo, where he guided visitors through the rooms there, and met with visiting Indians from the Uintah reservation.

October 15
Elder B. H. Roberts called on me at 9 a.m. and we both went to the Pres. Office to see about some means to emigrate the saints from Cane Creek, and were quite successful in accomplishing our object … and the next day Pres. Geo Q. Cannon informed him that money would be provided to emigrate the Cane Creek saints by the time needed. John continued on his school reports, in his office writing letters and working on County Supt. Reports, on the 18th arranged to have a cow shed built and ordered some of the lumber … working on it the following day. 23rd … walked up to the Groesbeck property with brother and sister Lucy to see some rooms to rent.

October 24 … This is the 16th anniversary of my marriage to Mellie. Obtained $800 of Tenn. Martyr fund to assist in emigration of Tenn. saints. Bought draft and forwarded amount to B. H. Roberts, Chattanooga, Tenn. …

(To be continued.)

I took the picture of the old City Hall, August 2009, as it now appears, across the street from the recently renovated Utah State Capitol Building in Salt Lake City.

John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan. Part 16.

Continued from here.

From the John Morgan Journal, Marriott Library, University of Utah.

1884
On June 15 John Morgan left on the 7:30 a.m. train for Ogden to attend a Sunday School Conference, returning to Salt Lake that night. The following two days 16-17th he met with teachers in Salt Lake at a Co. [County] Institute. Following the last meeting … we went to the Ice Cream Saloon and had some ice cream …

June 18
Irrigating the lots during the most of the day, having to dig quite an amount of ditch to get the water down … June 22 Brought a bucket of Berries down to Mellie and was at home during the a.m. …Attended service at the 14th Ward and spoke to the people …

June 24
Irrigating the lots all afternoon. Quite hot. Brother Groesbeck taken seriously sick at Johns about 3 p.m. today …

Through the 28th John Morgan sat up with his brothers-in-law, Will, Harmon, and Hyrum Groesbeck, through night vigils with their father.

June 29
At home and asleep this forenoon. At Annies this p.m. quite warm. Late in the evening Mellie drove up for me, as brother G. [Groesbeck] was reported dying, came down with her and found him unconscious in which condition he remained until 7:35 when he peacefully passed away. I went to the Sextons and made some arrangements to care for the body…

June 30
Went up early this a.m. and had a talk with Harmon and John about the Funeral. At their request called at the “News” Office and gave the Reporter some prints about brother G’s life. Met Pres. Cannon and asked him to attend the funeral. Arranged for the choir, etc. Found brother and sister Salisbury at Annies.

July 1
Came down to Mellies early and was busy during the morning … at 3 p.m. getting ready for the funeral. Met at John’s house and followed brother G’s remains to the 17th Ward School house where a large congregation had assembled. Bishop Jno. Tingey presided and after prayer by Bishop F. Kesler, Counsellor Jno. W. Young, and pres. Geo. Q. Cannon addressed the people. Pres. A. M. Cannon dismissed. A lengthy procession was formed and followed the remains to the Cemetery where his body was laid away alongside of sister Groesbeck.

[Editor’s note: In the last six months, Mellie buried her mother, watched over her widowed father, her husband married a second wife, her father passed away, and baby Flora continued sick. ]

July 2
Attended to the settlement of some account and other business about town. In the evening, met with the Trustees and clerk of the District at my house and talked over business connected with school matters.

Wrote some letters and made some Sunday School meeting appointments. Weather very hot and dry, dusty. Was called on to administer to sister Case.

July 3
Wrote some today. Got a pass for Annie to go to Ogden on a visit. … July 4 … walked into town and saw the procession and crowd. Beer wagons and 2nd class advertisements made the most of the crowd. At home during the day. Went with Mellie and the children to see the fireworks at night which were good.

July 5-12 John Morgan obtained several railroad passes, attended D. O. Calder's funeral at the Tabernacle, and put down some carpet [its unclear in which home]. Looked after the work going on at the school house, got an estimate from Midgley on heating rooms, and looked over roll of assessments for the 14th District …

On July 13 John and Mellie attended the Morgan, Utah Jubilee together, returning home that evening on the p. m. train. ...15th Attended to irrigation of lots in the afternoon.

Annie accompanied John to a conference in Tooele on the 19-20th. Upon their return to Salt Lake … he walked around to pres. Jos. F. Smiths to see him about a trip to the San Juan.

July 21
Went out to the 10th Ward this a.m. and again in the p.m. Wrote some letters and attended to some business about town. …

August 1-9
Was taken up in attending the settling of Groesbeck’s Estate, Working with Hyrum most of the time in the office. This evening, accompanied by Mellie, I went to Springville.

“In the first eight years after the death of the Groesbecks, the extensive
estate was being distributed and the heirs were living well. John Morgan,
emulating his father-in-law, attempted to make real estate work for him and his
family.”

August 10

In company with ?. Groesbeck, drove up to Provo to attend the session of the S. S. Supts. We had an interesting session, Pres. W. Woodruff being present, with a goodly attendance from the various wards. At 4:30 p.m. took train in company with Elder Marks and Parry for Salt Lake. Arriving at 6:30 p.m.

August 11
In the office part of the day, and attended to some business connected with schools.

August 12
While walking along the street in front of Z. C. M. I. Hampton Beatie came out and enquired about the death of some Elders in Tenn. which was the First I had heard of the matter.

On going to the “News” office, I found an Associated Press dispatch giving an account of the killing of four Elders in Cane Creek, Lewis Co., Tenn. Late in the evening, I wired Elder Roberts to learn particulars. Called on and had and interview with Pres. Jos. F. Smith on the subject of the Tenn. murder.

The August 12-30th journal entries are primarily related to this tragedy. The event is best explained by The Amateur Mormon Historian and The Ancestor Files blogs posted here: Cane Creek Massacre, Visit to Lewis County, and History of the Southern States Mission.

(To be continued.)
The Man Who Moved City Hall; Nicholas Groesbeck Morgan, by Jean R. Paulson, Copyright 1979, by Marjorie Morgan Gray, pgs 6-9. This picture of the old City Hall is from that book cover. John Morgan worked in city hall for some time. It was moved and preserved on Capitol Hill, in Salt Lake City, by his son, Nicholas Groesbeck Morgan's, efforts.

John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan. Part 15.

Continued from here.

From a list of John Morgan’s callings, compiled by Nicholas Groesbeck Morgan, the following helps me better understand this part of his journal.

May 31, 1883, sustained counselor to George Q. Cannon, General Superintendent of the Sunday School Union Board.

August 6, 1883, elected County Superintendent of Schools of Salt Lake County. On the same ticket he was elected to the Legislature of the Territory of Utah.

December 12, 1883, organized the first Salt Lake County Teacher’s Association.

From the John Morgan Journal, Marriott Library, University of Utah.

1884

April 9.

Following General Conference John Morgan arranged for railroad passes for family, and acquaintances, to Colorado, Holbrook, and Springville. … Went with Pres. A. Hatch to the U. P. Office to get rate on stock from Cache Co. Sister Bickington visited with Annie, and Katie Groesbeck with Mellie …

April 13
Walked down to the 15th Ward School house and attended Sunday School in company with brother Goddard and a number of brethren. Had dinner at Hyrums [presumably Groesbeck] and attended and spoke at the Tabernacle on the First principles of the Gospel. In the evening attended 12th Ward Assembly Hall and heard pres. Cannon speak on the question of Plural Marriage and the legality of interfering with it by law…

After Mellie, and two of their children, returned from Springville on April 15 … House cleaning. 18th Looked for a painter to do some work about the house and agreed with Midgley and Sons … April 22 Painters, paper hangers and house cleaning which seems to occupy most of the time. Called at the Pres. Office on school matters.

April 23 At work about the house … Attended Theatre tonight and saw “Taken from Life” played … 24th At home most all day … The workman finished their work and left today. Apr 25 At work getting carpets down and fixing the house all day. Annie returned from Marriotts at 12… April 28 At work about the house most of the day building a coal bin, etc. Called on Pres. Smith and arranged for some more Elders.

The weather was rainy for several days, making the streets very muddy. On May 2 Annie quite sick for the past few days. On May 5 John Morgan attended a Sunday School Union meeting that was so well attended, they had to adjourn from the Assembly Hall to the Tabernacle.

May 11 … meeting at the tabernacle and Sunday School at the 14th Ward … heard Mattie Cowley preach.

May 12

Obtained a roller and rolled the yard trying to level it off. Accompanied brother Cowley to get reduced rates to Logan, but failed. The Registering Office called at Annies today.

May 13-18 Mellie and John attended the Logan temple dedication, posted here.

May 19

Called at the Pres office and learned that the time for the departure of the missionaries to the south had been deferred for one week ... Brother G. Haim (?) And Rhoda had dinner and supper with us.

May 20 … Accompanied Jas. Daniels to see brother Reynolds about going through the House, but failed to see him. … arranged a program for a Teacher’s Institute in June…. Rained during the entire day.

May 21

Head ache all day. Bought Lawn mower of Sears and Liddle. Cut the grass in the front yard. Wrote some letters and mailed some “Utah Journals,” to a number of people.

May 22

Met brother H. P. Richards and we together visited the 14th Ward Basement to see if it could be arranged for a school. Afterwards went to the 12th Ward and took a look through it. Wrote some letters and had a long and painful talk with Mellie

May 23
Copied the list of property at the City Hotel and carried it to Mrs. F. Busy part of the day destroying caterpillars and digging in the garden …

May 29

Flora quite unwell this afternoon.

May 30

Raining today, and Decoration Day. The Federal Official and a few Gentiles attended the ceremonies at Fort Douglas. …

June 3

During this time I have kept no Journal, partly on account of not feeling to write anything and having had some sickness in the family …

[To be continued.]

[Editor’s note: I believe that, "the long and painful talk with Mellie" on the 22nd, and "copied the list of property" the next day, and "accompanied Jas. Daniels to see brother Reynolds about going through the House" from the 20th, evidence financial difficulties.]

I took the picture of the Old Salt Lake Theatre curtain hanging in the Salt Lake DUP Museum in 2008, prior to their banning picture taking.

John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan. Part 14.

Continued from here.

Thirteen years after John and Helen Melvina (Mellie) Groesbeck Morgan’s 1868 marriage, and with four of their then six children still living, they entered into polygamy. John Morgan took a second wife. According to family history Mellie agreed.

From the John Morgan Journal, Marriott Library, University of Utah.
1884
January 9
… While in company with John Houston and R. T. Clark, met Pres. A. M. [presumably Angus Mumm] Cannon who gave us quite a talking about our failure to obey the Law of Celestial Marriage. …

January 12
Attended to some business about town and called at brother Groesbecks to see Mellie … Mellie came down tonight and attended to washing, cleaning up the children. After going to bed we had a long talk about our family affairs and other matters that needed to be talked over.

January 13
At home with Mellie until 11 a.m. when I went up to the 14th Ward Sunday School for a short time … Attended meeting in the Assembly Hall at 2 p.m. and listened to Pres. W. B. Preston and Apostle Geo. Teasdale preach, the latter delivering a fine discourse treating on a variety of topics, bearing a faithful and strong testimony to the Gospel and its many principles. Had dinner at brother Groesbecks and returned home with Mellie and Eliza [presumably his daughters]. Went to the depot and met sister Smith who has come to attend to the housework. [I wonder if this is the Sister Smith, John will marry?]

January 14
Met the members of the Legislature in the meeting at the City Hall and canvassed the question of officers for the Assembly… Adjourned at 4 p.m. and came home and had a most unpleasant talk with Mellie and both felt very bad. Attended meeting at 7 p.m. where a variety of topics were canvassed. Returned home at 10 p.m. and Mellie and I had a talk that lasted until after 11 with a very good result and a much better understanding about many matters.

Mellie continues to watch over her widowed father. On the 15th John recorded … Brother Groesbeck and Mrs. Marsh were with us for dinner. … Mellie went up to her mothers tonight …

January 18 … in the evening attended a party at the Social Hall and enjoyed myself very much, returning and stayed all night at brother Groesbecks. 19th …Mellie and the children came down tonight. January 20 … Had dinner at brother Groesbecks and attended the 16th Ward again in the evening. … January 21, Came down from brother Groesbecks where I stayed last night and attended to some matters connected with the Legislature. Attended the 2 p.m. session and caucus (?) At 7 p.m. also a birthday reception party to sister E.R.S. [Eliza Roxcy Snow] Smith on her 80th birthday given at the Social Hall. …

January 24
Endeavored to see A. M. Cannon, but failed. Came up to the Hall and wrote a while. Attended p.m. session and caucus in the evening, took part in the discussion of the labors of the committee on Revision and Compelation [sic]. Rose Stratton called to be administered to, but we failed to see pres. Cannon.

January 25
Called on A. M. Cannon this a.m. relative to administering to sister Stratton [Sister Rose Stratton has not been mentioned before or since.] Went to the pres. Office with Victor Cram to obtain a small appropriation for him. In the Legislature during the p.m. A number of visitors at our house this p.m.

[According to FamilySearch, Adalina Annie Mildred Gwenolin Smith was sealed to John Morgan in the Endowment House on January 25, 1884. What a beautiful string of names. Some of them have been omitted in the Conejos County Church Records of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Members List 1909 (Book 1-M). See Amy’s post at The Ancestor Files for further informtion about their family.]

On February 2 … Made our arrangements and at 4:42 p.m. took train for Springville in company with my wife [Mellie] and two youngest children. Arrived at 7 p.m. and went to N. H. Groesbecks for the night. … Back in Salt Lake by February 11, … Walked up to brother Groesbecks and saw Mellie and children. Sent back up and brought them home. Storming during the entire day.

February 12
Attended to quite a variety of business this a.m. and attended session at 2 p.m. and met with the special committee on a school law for Salt Lake City, Weather very cold. Flora quite sick. …February 14 … Attended Theatre at night.

February 15
Attended session at 10 a.m. The School Bill up for discussion. At 1 p.m. accompanied the Wyoming and Utah Legislatures to Camp Douglas where Gen. McCook tendered a reception. At night took Mellie to a Grand Ball at the Theatre, remaining until 1 a.m.

February 16
Attended session at 10 a.m. … At 2 p.m. took train to Ogden in company with other visitors... Had a pleasant chat and a number of speeches on the platform at the depot. Storming terrible during the p.m. Walked out to Annies and stayed all night. Spent a pleasant evening, very tired.

February 17
At Annie’s all day. Storming some. Left at 3:30 p.m. and walked down to the Depot. Fell a very hard fall on the way. Took the 5:15 train and arrived at home at 7 p.m. Found Mellie quite unwell and administered to her. Terribly stormy tonight.

… February 20, Came up to the hall and wrote a number of letters … Attended a party at the Social Hall and took Mrs. M. [presumably Morgan] and Mrs. Homer Clayton. Elders Wiles, Hunter, and Davidsen just returned from a mission to the southern states and stayed all night with me.

With the help of Mattie Cowley, John located a house in the 10th Ward in Salt Lake. By March 26th, he’d arranged for a kitchen range, carpets, and hot water to be hooked up there. Annie resided in the 10th Ward throughout the year.

March 28
Attended some business about town. Wrote some and in the evening took Mellie and daughters to the 14th Ward Hall to a party got up by the Relief Society. ...

General Conference brought many visitors to town. Apr. 2, Cornelia and Katie Groesbeck with brother G. [Groesbeck] came to dinner with us. Apr. 3, Attended the Theatre tonight with Mellie and Katie G. … on April 6th … At meeting all day and at Priesthood meeting at night. During the day Pres. Cannon, Smith, and Taylor spoke to the people and at night the same ones spoke in great plainness at the question of Celestial Marriage and urged the saints and especially the Presiding Priesthood to obey the commandment.

April 7
Attended the setting apart of the missionaries and gave those going to the south instructions as to the journey. Attended Stephen Concert at the Tabernacle and heard some good singing, but it was too long and drawn out.

April 8
Did some writing and some business about town. Got Sam. To do some spading in the 10th Ward. Went out with Mattie Cowley and rode through Liberty Park with Annie.
(To be continued.)

1893 Playbill and The Wards of Salt Lake Map from Nicholas Groesbeck Morgan's collection at Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah.

John Hamilton Morgan Journal; Trips to the Temple.

In John Hamilton Morgan’s paper, “The Passing of Nicholas and Elizabeth Groesbeck” posted here John writes about his promise to Elizabeth on her dying bed. Speaking of Elizabeth, he wrote in his journal on 27 Dec 1883 … She gave all of her children good advice and seemed perfectly resigned to die. Made me promise to remind Harmon and Mellie of their promise to do a work in the Temple for her father and mother and relatives …

I’ve looked for evidence of the fulfillment of that promise as I read and study John Morgan’s journal.

1884
17 May, the Logan Temple was dedicated by President John Taylor, John and Mellie Morgan attended.

1888
17 May, the Manti Temple was dedicated by President Wilford Woodruff. John Morgan was in attendance. [From John Morgan's journal (not posted on this blog). The following is from John Hamilton Morgan’s journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.]

1889
July 12
[In Salt Lake City] At work about the place. Attended Sunday School Union Meeting and at 4 p.m. in company with Mellie and baby [probably daughter Gail Morgan born April 3, 1888], started for Manti by U. C. train. Arrived at Nephi at 8:30 p.m.

July 13
Went out and got shaved and at 12:30 p.m. took train for Chester, our party consisting of President J. Gates, myself, Mellie, baby and Mary [this would be John Morgan's 3rd wife Mary Ann Linton Morgan (married 1888)]. A team met us at Chester and took us to Manti. Drove to the Temple and after an hours visit with brother D. H. [Daniel Hammer] Wells, went through all the rooms and out on top. After this we drove to brother Daniel Henries, Mellie, Mary, and I, brother Gates going to brother Benches.

July 14
Met in Seventies Conference at 10 a.m. Called on the Senior president of 7 Quorums and reported the condition of their various quorumns [sic]. President Gates and I both spoke a while. Had dinner at Brother S. C. Smythes. Conference met at 2 p.m. Brothers Gates, Morgan, and Maiben were the speakers. After meeting we drove to Ephraim and put up with Bishop Donius.

July 16
Started early for Chester. A rain last night laid the dust and made the trip delightful. Took train at 9 a.m. Dinner at Nephi and home at 6:40 p.m. …

Daniel Henrie


Seventies in the Eighties, post and this one at The Ancestor Files, further explains John Morgan's responsibilities.

(To be continued.)
Picture by author, flowers by construction barrier in front of the Joseph Smith Building, Salt Lake City, Utah, this summer.

Nicholas and Elizabeth Thompson Groesbeck Part 6

Conclusion of The Passing of Elizabeth and Nicholas Groesbeck by John Hamilton Morgan

In “Latter Day Saints Millennial Star,” published in Liverpool, England, under date of Monday, January 21, 1884, appeared the following concerning her passing:

A Good Woman Gone
Our readers will, we feel sure, sympathize with Sister Josephine Groesbeck Smith, of this office, in the sad bereavement she is called to suffer in the death of her mother, Sister Elizabeth T. Groesbeck, wife of Elder Nicholas Groesbeck, who died at her home in Salt Lake City on the 28th last.

Sister Groesbeck was one of the noble women of Zion. Her chief pleasure in life was to do good to others; to comfort the distressed and to relieve those who were in want. Her’s was an unostentatious generosity. She did not give “alms before men to be seen of them” or to get praise; she did not invite the rich to her feasts, that she might be invited by them in return, but she sought out “the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind,” and relieved and feasted them without any parade of her charity. In fact, she was one who was of the kind who: “Do good by stealth and blush to find it fame.”

She was born in Pennsylvania, August 16, 1820; embraced the Gospel at an early day; has ever been a zealous and staunch defender of the faith; has lived a consistent life, and now that she has gone, she will be missed and her memory will be blessed by hundreds of people who have shared her bounty, as well as by a host of relatives who loved her devotedly.

The death of his wife was a great blow to Nicholas Groesbeck. He had always been a strong, dynamic personality, but the loss of his helpmate seemed to change his entire attitude, health, and personality. From the day of her passing, he seemed to have lost interest in life and his many and varied interests and responsibilities.

Six months and four days after the passing of his wife, at 3 o’clock p.m. on June 29, 1884, he was taken seriously ill while visiting at his son, John Groesbeck’s home at 133 North West Temple. John Groesbeck was at that time, Sheriff of Salt Lake County.

In the daily Journal of John Morgan, his son-in-law, is found the following account of the last illness and passing of Nicholas Groesbeck:

June 25th. I Walked up with Mellie to see Brother Groesbeck today. We found him quite low and with little prospect for recovery. In company with Will, I sat up all night with him.

June 26th. I slept part of the time today and then attended to a little business and then at the request of Brother Groesbeck, I sat up with Harmon again all night with him.

June 27th. Endeavored to catch up with some sleep. Brother Groesbeck appears to be growing gradually feebler.

June 28th. Attended to some business about town and then, with Hyrum, sat up during the night with Brother Groesbeck. He appeared worse last night than at any other time.

June 29th. I slept during the forenoon and then Mellie drove me in the carriage up to John’s home where Brother Groesbeck was reported to be dying. We found him unconscious, in which condition he remained until 7:35 p.m. when he peacefully passed away. I then went to the Sextons and made arrangements for him to care for the body.

June 30th. I went up early this morning and had a talk with Harmon and John about the funeral. At their request, I called at the “News” Office and gave the Reporter some facts about Brother Groesbeck’s life. I then called on President George Q. Cannon and asked him to attend the funeral as a speaker; also arranged for the choir, etc.

July 1, 1884. We were busy during the morning and until 3 p.m. getting ready for the funeral. We all met at John’s home and then followed Brother Groesbeck’s remains to the 17th Ward School House where a large congregation had assembled. Bishop John Tingey presided and prayer was offered by Bishop F. Kesler. Counselor John W. Young and President George Q. Cannon addressed the people. President Angus M. Cannon dismissed the assembly. A lengthy procession was formed and followed the remains to the Cemetery where his body was laid away alongside of sister Groesbeck.

And thus closed the earthly career of a good and great man—Nicholas Groesbeck.

Picture of the grave markers for Nicholas and Elizabeth Thompson Groesbeck at the Salt Lake City cemetery [J_21_10_2E], taken 2008.

Memorial Day Memories of the Logan Temple Dedication

Ancestral Ties is a tribute to my parents. I hope to post and pass on some of the things they gathered and gave me. And Memorial Day is a good beginning.

Saturday’s Church News, May 23, 2009, published the following and sparked what I added.

This week in Church history reminds us that 125 years ago the Logan Utah Temple was dedicated by President John Taylor in three sessions May 17-19, 1884, according to the 2009 Church Almanac.

[Editor’s note: I knew my Great Grandfather John Morgan attended that dedication and that his wife went with him. I’d read about it earlier this month. I’ve promised myself for years that after retirement I’d read the John Morgan journal in the Marriott Library, Salt Lake City. It is a photocopy (quite poor in places) of a typed copy of his journal. My intent in reading the journal, and copying some sections, is to become better acquainted with him, my great grandmother, his other wives, and his families. I’m pleased to say that in the instance of the Logan Temple dedication, Mellie was able to accompany him on the trip, and share what the Saints experienced then.]

The Logan Temple was the Church’s fourth temple and the second dedicated in Utah; the St. George temple was dedicated in 1877. The others dedicated in Utah in the 19th Century were the Manti Utah Temple on May 17, 1888, and the Salt Lake Temple on April 6-24, 1893.

The 9-acre Logan temple site overlooking Cache Valley was selected by President Brigham Young, according to the almanac. Under his direction, the site was dedicated on May 17, 1877, by Elder Orson Pratt of the Quorum of the Twelve.

Church History in the Fulness of Times states of the temple dedication: “The Saints … witnessed a rich outpouring of the Spirit at the temple’s dedication.”

The Logan Utah Temple was rededicated by President Spencer W. Kimball on March 14-15, 1979, after extensive remodeling.

From the typed copy of John Morgan’s journal, John Morgan collection, Marriott Library, Special Collections, 1884, pages 5-6.

1884
May 13, 14, 15
Nothing of any particular interest occurring. Made preparations to go to the Logan Temple. Applied for and got tickets to the Dedication Services. Made arrangements for reduced rate for self.

May 16
In company with Mellie took the 7:30 train O. C. R. R. for Logan. Some eight car loads of people. It rained quite a number of showers during the trip and was quite cool. On the U. N. R. R. we took two trains, one of 12 cars, and one of 8, all of which arrived safely at Logan at about 2 p.m.

My wife and self stopped at brother Jos. Morrells who is south on a mission. The great concourse of people were all provided for by the Saints of Logan. Attended meeting a short time and then called on sister Hannah Thatcher and family.

May 17
At an early hour this a.m. in company with many hundreds of saints, we wended our way to the Temple and at 10 a.m. the east doors being opened the crowd began to pass in, filing up a spiral staircase, we were ushered into the main audience room, capable of seating 1,500 people all of the seats being filled. The choir sang a hymn, after which Pres. Jno. Taylor offered up the Dedicatory prayer, occupying considerable time. A hymn was sung after which Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon addressed the people followed by Pres. Jos. F. Smith and Wilford Woodruff. After Pres. Taylor leading the entire company shouted Hossanah to God and the Lamb, forever, amen. After some general instructions the choir sang an anthem, composed for the occasion by brother Evan Stevens, and the closing prayer was offered by Patriarch John Smith. Led by Pres. Taylor, the congregation then filed two and two through the building passing the main rooms coming out at the point of entrance on the East. In the p.m. services were held in the Stake Tabernacle and very many attended the services. The weather has been quite delightful and the people seem to be having a time of rejoicing.

May 18
Attended services in the Tabernacle this a.m. which was made into a testimony meeting, the speakers were Pres. Woodruff, and a number of Apostles and leading Elders. At the close of the services, I went to sister Thatchers after Mellie. Had a bite to eat and from there went to the depot. At 2 p.m. the train consisting of ten cars and two engines started for Ogden, at which point we lay about an hour waiting the arrival of the U. P. Left Ogden at 5 minutes to 7 and arrived in Salt Lake at 8:20. Found the family all well.