Morgan Hotel. Rushing things as fast as I can! Concluded.

(Continued from here.)

1890
November 20-21. With a storm threatening John Morgan worked about the building then took a train to Kaysville to hurry up the brick making there—they were behind.

November 22
Rented the Hotel property to J. H. Clark for ten years. Had some difficulty in getting money to pay the men off today, but succeeded at last.

These December journal entries typified the progress and delays John Morgan continued to experience while building his hotel; 8th-Pushed the work on the building. Got the roof nearly completed and the transoms glassed in, 9th-Finished the roof and nearly the fire walls, and columns, 10th-Indications of rain and storm. The transom roof going on slowly, 13th-Arranged with Pratt Brothers and had sufficient to pay the men off today, 15th-Started washing down the brick work on outside of building and fixing for the cornice, 16th-Called and saw Mr. J. H. Bacon about money, 17th-Pushed the work on the building. Ran out of coke to dry plastering. Money very scarce and hard to get, 18th-Met Mr. Bacon again today and have some prospect of getting some money, 19th-Succeeded in making partial arrangements for money today through Mr. Bacon with Jarvis Conklin Company. Telegraphed that I would start for Colorado Sunday.

December 20
Drew and paid five thousand dollars today and kept very busy getting affairs into shape to leave. Brother Jas. A. Morgan came to the city and was with me most of the day. Worked until quite late at night.

Note: Who is Brother Jas. A. Morgan? It first appeared to me that he came “to the city” to oversee the general contracting work of the Morgan Hotel Construction in John’s approaching absence. Is Brother Jas. A. Morgan John's brother? No, wouldn't he call his brother “Jimmie,” as he always had. Could this man be a family member, or someone John wanted to invest in the Hotel? He wasn't mentioned again.

December 21
Brother Grow came up and we talked over work to be done during my absence. Attended services at the Tabernacle. … left for Colorado over the Rio Grande Western.

Note: It was four more months of the same pace before John Morgan’s hotel was completed. There is some reference to the building project in this earlier post.

1891
April 30
Finished the building and turned it over to J. H. Clark the renter. Began tearing down the old building on the 26th of May, 1890 and began excavating on the 24th of June. Attended Council Meeting at 11 a.m.

May 1
The Hotel opened today with a large crowd of boarders and visitors …

May 2
Rustling for some money to pay the men off and succeeded fairly well. Everything seems to be moving smoothly in the Hotel.

May 3
At home all day except attending Ward Meeting in the evening. Brother Roberts with us most of the day.

May 4
Looked after the work about the building and made arrangements to go to Colorado.

May 5
Had lease for the building signed today and settled up with a number of the contractors. At 10 p.m. left for Colorado …

June 1
[Salt Lake] Called at the Hotel and had a look over it. A number of doors had shrunk so as to not close. Met N. V. Jones about getting some money …

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

Morgan Hotel; at work about the Building, Money very scarce and hard to get.

Continued from here.



Two additional themes ran through John Morgan’s journal entries during the year he was building the Morgan Hotel; at work about the Building, and Money very scarce and hard to get. The railroads carried him on Church assignments throughout Utah and to Idaho and Colorado, where he was also able to keep tabs on his three families. Being continually on the move undoubtedly helped John Morgan evade the Marshals.

On October 6, 1890 he attended General Conference in Salt Lake City and wrote, Conference met at 10 a.m. with a large attendance. The General Authorities of the Church were sustained after which the Articles of Faith were read and the recent Manifesto of President Woodruff was sustained. At 7 p.m. left for Colorado over the D. and R. G. Railroad.

He wrote during much of his trip. On the 8th he, took train for the south arrived at home [Manassa]. All well. Found my affairs in fairly good shape. The next day he worked about his place, and noted, The boys returned from the mountains with a load of wood, some lumber, and some poles.

October 10
Nich Smith [born 20 June 1881 to John Henry and Josephine Groesbeck Smith] dislocated his arm this a.m. and I took him to Antonito where Dr. Johnson set it. Quite cold. The boys at work at the fence around the hay.

The next day he drove to Sanford and LaJara [map here] and assisted in getting the wire stretched around the hay. On the 12th he attended meeting at 2 p.m. and spoke to the people.

The next couple of days he took down the old chimney at the house and started to build a new one. Went to the ranch this p.m. to stay all night. The next morning he drove over to town and worked at the chimney and got affairs into shape to return to Utah.

On the 16th he arrived at home in Salt Lake and Found all well, but bad weather had held the building back. Attended council meeting … On the 19th he took the train to Preston, Idaho, returning to Salt Lake the same day.

October 20 Kept busy about the building during the day. At 7 p.m. left for Emery County in company with A. M. Musser on political matters ...

October 25 Gave a note to State Bank of Utah for $3,164.00 this morning. Paid off the men and worked about the building during the day ...

November 1
Gave note to State Bank of Utah for $1,800 and paid the men off during the day.

November 2
Attended funeral of young Joe Groesbeck at 11 a.m …

November 3
Pushed the work on the building and endeavored to raise some money to go ahead with my work.

... November 8 Paid the men off today, it taking nearly $2,500.00. After the days work, left at 7 p.m. for Emery County ...

November 11 John Morgan return to Salt Lake City, storming during the day so as to stop the masons from laying brick ... on 12th, clear and cold after yesterday’s storm. A heavy force of men at work on the building pushing the work as fast as we possibly can ...

November 13
Another fine day and crowding the work on the building. Made two trips to the stone works in the Nineteenth ward to hurry them up. Reached the square of the fourth story today.

November 14
Pushed the work on the building, but our supply of stone gave out and we were forced to stop the brick laying, but kept the carpenters at work.

November 15
Hurried up the Carpenter work and stone cutters. Paid off the men and left for Nephi on the 4 p.m. train. Arrived at 8 p.m.

November 16
Remained quiet at Sister Udalls during the day. A number of friends called during the day and evening.

November 17
Left on the 5 a.m. train and arrived at 10 a.m. A large force at work on the building pushing it steadily.

November 18
At work about the building and rushing things as fast as I can. Good weather.

November 19
Looked the elevator question up and got bids …

(To be concluded.)
John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah. Picture from Google.

1890 Morgan Hotel progress. Linton's birth September 21, 1890.

Continued from here.

Several buildings being built in Salt Lake City about the same time John Morgan built the Morgan Hotel 1890-1891 are pictured here. The Odd Fellows Hall is in this earlier post. And a picture of ZCMI, circa 1889 is here. The Templeton Building, circa 1890 is here.

Like his father-in-law and brothers-in-law, John Morgan is listed in the “Utah directory and gazetteer for 1879-80” as being in the real estate business.

On August 27, 1890, John Morgan was in Salt Lake City, after returning from Manassa, Colorado.

1890

August 28
Met Grow and talked over plans and specifications of building. At 11 a.m. attended Council Meeting …

August 29
At work about the building and other work about town.

August 30
Settled with the men for work done and got settled up with Grow …

September 1
Secured bids for the building and got affairs into shape to push the building.

September 2
At work piling lumber this forenoon. Assisted in setting some 25 or 30 Missionaries apart to go to various parts of the earth. At 5 p.m. left for Idaho.

September 3

Arrived at Preston at 12 M. Have spent the day quietly resting and visiting.

September 4
Wrote some letters this a.m. Had a visit from brother and sister Hale. Cool.

September 5
Left on the 5:30 a.m. train for home. Arrived at 12 m., busy about the building during the afternoon.

September 6
Payed [sic] the men off and got back accounts fixed up. Met Auntie Udall and accompanied her to Preston.

September 7
Remained quiet at home all day. Weather turned quite cold. Brought the stove in and fixed it up …

September 9

[back in Salt Lake] At work about the building and arranged with Saville and Baker to start the brick work. Left on the 5 p.m. train for Preston. Arrived at 11:30 p.m.

[Note: During this month John made six trips to Preston, Idaho to be with Mary Ann Linton Morgan, his 3rd wife. He would return to Salt Lake on a morning train a day or two later to work on his building and attend to Salt Lake affairs. He repeated that trip pattern until September 21, 1890, when Mary Ann, gave birth to their first child.]

September 20
At work about the building. Today our expense account was nearly $1,500, the heaviest weeks expense yet. Left on the 5 p.m. train for Idaho, arriving at 11:30 p.m.

September 21, 1890
Mary was delivered of a fine boy at 4:20 p.m. today. Got along very nicely for the first one.

September 22
Left on the 5:30 a.m. train for home and arrived at 11 a.m. and busy about the building during the p.m. The work went slowly owing to lack of men.

September 23
At work about the building and other matters about home.

September 24
Endeavoring to get money matters fixed up so that I can start to Colorado, but failed …

September 28
Returned to Logan ... returned to Idaho on the 10 p.m. train.

September 29
Remained quiet all day. A number of visitors called. In the afternoon blessed the baby giving it the name of Linton.

John Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah. Picture of Morgan Hotel from descendant Karen M. Thank you so very much!

Morgan Hotel Building begins May 1890

I snapped these pictures of the Odd Fellows Hall (Independent Order of Odd Fellows I.O.O.F.) while taking a walking tour of downtown Salt Lake City earlier this year. According to this newspaper article, the Odd Fellows Hall was built in 1891. John Morgan began construction of the Morgan Hotel in 1890.

When John Morgan descendant, Karen M., sent me a picture of the Morgan Hotel, I realized the two buildings look similar. Regardless of which side of the street the Odd Fellow Hall is now on, it was built at the time, in a similar style, and within three downtown blocks of the Morgan Hotel at 144 West First South. That site is presently in the middle of the Salt Place.

John Morgan constructed his hotel on the same lot his school had been built on. In 1890 John mortgaged their 15-room home at 163 South First West, and the five rental properties, tenement row, behind it to fund the Morgan Hotel project. The tenement row building posts are here. Part 1,Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6 concluded.

May 12, 1890 is the first time John Morgan wrote anything about his next building project.

1890
May 12
Arranged with Hyrum Groesbeck to secure the distribution of his mother’s estate and a number of other matters about town.

May 13
Hunted up parties to excavate a cellar and tear down the old college building, preparatory to the erection of another building …

Three earlier posts from 1890 are here:

June 27-July 4 (travels to Idaho and Nephi, Utah)
July 5-August 7 (death of daughter Myrtle 1887-1890 in Manassa, Colorado)
August 7-17 (Colorado fishing trip, and visit from First Presidency)

July 5
Have finished tearing down the old building and the men are getting out the cellar for the new rapidly.

July 6 to 22
Have been busy with my building work and other duties…

John Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah. The Man Who Moved City Hall, by Jean R. Paulson, 1979, pg 9.

John Hamilton Morgan, Manassa, Colorado, fishing trip, visit from the First Presidency, August 7-17, 1890, Part 2 of 2.

John Morgan fields at Manassa, Colorado. This picture probably taken in 194o-50's.

1890
August 7
Bought a second hand buggy from Cutler to come and go from the ranch without stopping the team. Stayed tonight at the ranch.

August 8
Finished hoeing trees and garden. Have concluded to go fishing next week and have a four days out.

August 9
At ranch today, and night. In the afternoon drove to LaJara and met brother George Goddard who comes to attend our Sunday School Conference.

August 10
Conference convened at 10 a.m. A slim attendance owing to the failure of others schools to attend, for fear of the measles. Two sessions held during the day, and appointments made at Antonito and Sanford.

August 11
A party consisting of B. H. Roberts and family, William Spry and family, sister Josie [Josephine Groesbeck] Smith and family, myself and family, the three Vance boys, and J. [Joseph] F. Thomas started up the Conejos this a.m. Brother Goddard was also of the party. We drove thirty miles to McIntyre’s ranch and made camp. Caught enough fish for supper. Songs and recital of experiences occupied the evening.

August 12
Left the women and children in camp under the care of brother Goddard. The rest of us drove seven miles farther up and started fishing. Caught 130 fish and returned to camp by 3 p.m.

August 13
Drove up five miles this morning and started to fish. Had lunch at noon and most of us went to camp. The Vances remained to fish. At night it was found that we had caught 345 fine trout during the two days.

August 14
Started on our return home at 9 a.m. A part of the company went direct to Manassa, brother Goddard and I accompanied brother and sister Spry to Antonito. They to take the train for Utah while we remain and hold meeting to a big crowd at the school house. On our way home, called at brother Bradys whose little girl had just died from the effects of an accident, wherein she lost one of her feet in a mowing machine. Arrived home at 12:30 a.m.

August 15
Drove to Sanford today and held meeting at 4 p.m. with the Sunday School children. A fair attendance. Returned late in the evening.

August 16
At work about the corral hanging some gates, etc. President [Wilford] Woodruff, [George Q.]Cannon, and [Joseph F.] Smith accompanied by brother Wilkin and Winters arrived at 4 p.m. from the south to attend the Quarterly Conference which convened tomorrow. Brother [George] Goddard and I called and had a pleasant interview with brother W. [Wilford Woodruff] and C. [George Q. Cannon]

August 17
Sunday School met at 9 a.m. A fair attendance addressed by President Woodruff and Cannon. Conference met at 10 a.m. President Woodruff spoke a short time and was followed by President Cannon in good advice and counsel. At 2 p.m. a large crowd in attendance. Brother Smith spoke and I followed. President Cannon spoke briefly. A Priesthood meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. President Woodruff and Cannon.

Part 1

Sources:

B. H. Roberts biography

Scroll down here for information and a picture of the entire first presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1889-98), President Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon, and Joseph F. Smith.

Three Vance boys: There are 32 Vances listed in the Manassa, Colorado cemetery; perhaps Zebedee, Vance, and Abner.

John Morgan Journal and Manassa fields picture from the Marriott Library, Special Collections, University of Utah. Hand drawn map from Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, September 2007 Lesson, Settlement of Colorado by Utah Pioneers, page 20.

John Hamilton Morgan, Manassa, Colorado, July 5-August 17, 1890, 1 of 2 parts.

John Hamilton and Annie Smith Morgan with their family; Annie Ray, Myrtle in front, and John Albemarle on his mother’s lap. This picture was taken June 19, 1890, at Marshall’s Gallery, Denver, Colorado.

Because of the John Morgan journal we know more about this 1890 picture of John Morgan’s family. His journal offers glimpses into family life such as this one, and the passing of Myrtle five weeks later. Perhaps they typify events, even pictures, with other family members that are yet to be discovered.

It is evident that John Morgan “catches up” at different times in his journal. These entries are exactly as they appear in the typed version of his journal at the Marriott Library, University of Utah. This 2 part post begins the day after John Morgan returned from a trip to the Manti Temple that is posted here.

1890
July 5
Have finished tearing down the old building and the men are getting out the cellar for the new rapidly. [The old building is the Morgan Commercial College. John Morgan will build the Morgan Hotel on the same site.]

July 6 to 22
Have been busy with my building work and other duties. On the 22 started for Colorado over the U. P. at 5 p.m.

July 23
Had breakfast at Rawlings. Changed cars at Cheyenne and arrived at Denver at 7:45 p.m. Left for Manassa at 11:30 p.m.

July 24
Arrived at the crossing at 12 m. Team met me and learned that little Myrtle had the measles and was quite sick. On arriving home found her very sick with pneumonia. Labored with her the rest of the day and night. She suffered severely but was very patient.

July 25
Continued nursing Myrtle who seemed satisfied only on my lap. She showed some better indications today.

July 26
No improvement in our little one’s condition. Still we are doing everything we can to help her.

July 27
Myrtle worse this a.m. and very seriously sick. Have had her administered to and doing everything in our power.

July 28
As the first rays of the sun shone through the window our darling died in my arms, quietly and peacefully falling asleep. A dear gentle good spirit, all too good for this world of sin and misery. The friends and neighbors came in and did all they could for us showing every kindness.

July 29
Funeral at 2 p.m. today. Brother [probably Brigham Henry] Roberts and [probably William] Spry were the speakers, having arrived on the noon train. A large attendance and everything that loving hands could do, done.

July 30
Rained and very wet so that it is almost impossible to do anything.

July 31
At work trying to get the weeds out of the trees and garden that are about to take everything.

August 1
Still at work with the weeds, and received a telegram notifying me of brother [probably George] Goddard coming.

August 2
Both the other children taking down with the measles, the baby breaking out heavy. Ray complaining.

August 3
Both children in bed with measles, but doing well.

August 4
Ray, up and about the house. Got the trees plowed out and trimmed.

August 5
At work about the corrall [sic] and making hayracks, preparatory to haying.

August 6
Plowed the potatoes and hoed them. The children much improved.

(To be continued.)

John Morgan Journal and picture from John Morgan collection at the Marriott Library, Special Collections, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.

John Hamilton Morgan Journal; Trips to the Temple concluded.

[Note: Sometime between May 24th and June 27th 1890 Mary Ann Linton Morgan moved from Nephi, Utah to (Preston), Idaho.]

1890
June 27
About town attending to business. In the evening left on the 5 p.m. train for Idaho where I arrived at 11 p.m. and found all well.

June 28
Remained quiet all day. Brother Sol. [Solomon H.] Hale and George [C.] Parkinson called to see us. Cool.


June 29
Left on the 6 a.m. train for home. Arrived at 11:00 and attended Tabernacle Service. Addressed by brother R. McCallister and myself. Attended Ward Meeting and spoke in the evening.

June 30
Left for Manti on the 7:10 a.m. train in company with Mellie. Had dinner at Auntie [perhaps Ida Hunt] Udalls at Nephi, she going with us to Manti. At Chester, a team met us in which we rode to Manti, arriving at 6 p.m.; stopped at the Temple Hotel. Called and had a visit with Brother and sister A. C. Smith [unknown].

July 1
Went to the Temple and spent the most of the day there, witnessing, searching genealogies, etc. Had lunch at brother Smiths.

July 2
Mellie was baptized for her health and took an endowment for a friend of sister Williams’. We spent a most enjoyable day and had a pleasant visit with brother and sister Smith. President Wells was in the Temple and extended every courtesy and treated us very kindly.

July 3
Engaged most of the day in copying names in Mellie’s genealogy in the Temple. Spent the evening in the Temple.

July 4
Left for home at 6 a.m. and took train at 9 a.m. at Chester. Had dinner at Aunties [Udall] and met sister Lester [unknown]. Arrived home at 7 p.m. three hours late and very hot. The Gentile celebration was a flat failure as were their fire works tonight.


(Journal entry concluded.)


This is what The Life and Ministry of John Morgan by Arthur Richardson, Copyright 1965 by Nicholas G. Morgan, Sr., pg, 488, says about these journal entries.

“We find him in the Manti Temple with his daughter Mellie on July 2nd at which time she was baptized for her health and he later ‘took an endowment.’ The following day he spent in ‘copying names in Mellie’s genealogy in the Temple.’”

That really confused me. However, I don’t have access to letters and additional writings that Nicholas G. Morgan and Arthur Richardson would have used in writing their book.

I had seen no indications in the journal that Mellie, John Morgan’s daughter, is accompanying him on this occasion. He last mentioned her in his April 20, 1890 journal entry: … My daughter, Mellie gave birth to a boy [Wallace J. Burt] last night at midnight, our first grandchild. Rained during the night and a part of today.

A kind distant cousin sent me a copy of (daughter) Helen Melvina (Mellie) Morgan Burt Austin’s obituary. I learned from it that for a time she acted as her father’s secretary. Sometimes she accompanied him when he traveled. I’ve since recognized incidents where that is the case. And perhaps that is the case here, however, I didn’t have a clue until I looked into the Richardson book. And now I can see a number of possible scenarios.

Nevertheless, it appears to me that John Morgan is taking care of that promise he made to his dying mother-in-law in 1883.

Possible R. McCallister:
McAllister, Richard Wesley (son of William James Frizen and Eliza Elizabeth Bell of Philadelphia, Pa.). Born Oct 15, 1825, Pottsville, Del. Came to Utah Sept. 13, 1861, Joseph Horne company.
Married Elizabeth Elenor Bell in Philadelphia (daughter of James Bell of Delaware). Their children: William James Frizen; Joseph W.; Susanna Bell; Mary; Lillie; John; James; Rich.
Married Emma Wallen.
High Priest. Deputy marshal in territorial days for a number of years. Died in 1905.
Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah, by Frank Esshom, Utah Pioneers Book Publishing Company, 1913, p.1054.

Picture of another summer bloom on the Church Plaza, Salt Lake City, Utah.