Individuals’ Diaries and Correspondence

Barney, Elvira Stevens (1832–1909)

• Elvira S. Barney scrapbook, circa 1856–1871 (MS 7849)

Contains newspaper clippings of poetry and prose, many written by Latter-day Saint authors. Includes a poem about the murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

Beesley, Clarissa Alice (1878–1974)

• Clarissa A. Beesley collection, 1863–1973 (MS 13407)

Includes Beesley’s journal, family correspondence, blessings, scrapbooks, photographs, genealogy, poetry, and music. Includes a history of the Beesley family and biographies of John R. Hicks, Ruth M. Fox, and Agnes O. Thomas. Includes information about Clarissa A. Beesley’s service in the Central States Mission (1910–1912). Papers also summarize Beesley’s 50-year service in the general Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Association and include personal letters from General Authorities. Correspondence includes letters from Clarissa’s father, Ebenezer Beesley, to his plural wife Annie and letters from Wilford Beesley to his wife, Clarissa.

Brown, Zina Young Card (1888–1974)

• Zina C. Brown collection, 1877–1923 (MS 33086)

Consists of papers related to Zina Card Brown; her mother, Zina Young Card; and her grandmother, Zina D. H. Young. Includes Zina D. H. Young’s roll book as a teacher for a Sunday School class of young women in the Salt Lake Thirteenth Ward in 1877. Also includes Zina Y. Card’s invitation and program for the Relief Society’s session in the World’s Congress of Representative Women (held during the Chicago World’s Fair) in 1893, a Christmas card from Lula Greene Richards in 1907, and a ticket for the 26 August 1923 dedicatory service for the Alberta Temple signed by Heber J. Grant. A notebook kept by Zina C. Brown contains notes and patterns for a dressmaking class at Latter-day Saints University in 1907 to 1908. The notebook also includes notes (ca. 1923) relating to conducting classes for senior girls in the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association.

• Zina Young Card to Susa Young Gates and Jacob F. Gates (MS 7692)

Young provides an update on family members’ welfare.

Cannon, Ann Mousley (1869–1948)

• Ann M. Cannon correspondence, 1906–1947 (MS 24943)

Correspondence from Cannon to her niece Madelyn Stewart, including information about a national women’s convention (which Cannon attended); calendars; and notebooks kept by Cannon. Also includes medals, pins, and ribbons associated with Cannon’s various activities in the Young Women Mutual Improvement Association, the Alumni Association with the University of Deseret, and the Utah Women’s Press Club.

Cox, Martha C. (1852–1932)

• Martha C. Cox autobiography, 1928–1930 (MS 1661)

Account of Cox’s life in Millcreek, Utah; Washington County, Utah; southern Nevada; and the Mormon colonies in Mexico. Includes family history, copies of correspondence, and stories concerning Joseph Smith. Cox writes about her experiences as a teacher and plural wife as well as her involvement in temple work and genealogy. Mentions the Utah War and her settlement in Santa Clara, Utah, and Muddy Valley, Nevada.

Crosby, Caroline Barnes (1807–1883)

• Jonathan Crosby and Caroline B. Crosby papers, 1848–1882 (MS 8151)

Includes Caroline B. Crosby’s reminiscences, which refer to her experiences in Kirtland, Ohio, and Nauvoo, Illinois. Her journals span the period 1851–1882 and contain an account of her experiences with her husband, Jonathan Crosby, in the Society Islands Mission and in San Bernardino and San Francisco, California. Also discusses her return to Utah and life there. File also includes genealogical information and a letter to Caroline’s sister, Louisa Barnes Pratt.

Evans, Priscilla Merriman (1835–1914)

• Priscilla Merriman Evans autobiography, circa 1914 (MS 4518 ITEM 2)

Account of her early life in Wales, immigration to Utah, settlement in Spanish Fork, and work with the Relief Society. Table of contents and name index included.

• The Fact that I knew President Emmeline B. Wells (MS 769)

Tribute to Emmeline B. Wells and the Relief Society.

Fox, Ruth May (1853–1958)

• Ruth May Fox diaries, 1894–1931 (MS 6348 1-2)

Account of political and civic activities in Salt Lake City, including role as a proponent of women’s rights. Also records activities in the Primary and Mutual organizations.

• Ruth May Fox notebooks, 1901–1921 (MS 6348 3)

Includes notes about General conferences and Mutual conferences which Fox attended.

Freeze, Lelia Tuckett (1855–1937)

• Lillie T. Freeze papers, 1886–1936 (MS 316)

Contains correspondence relating to Lillie’s work on the Primary general board, including letters from Emmeline B. Wells and Louie B. Felt. Also contains personal writings and mementos.

Funk, Ruth Hardy (1917–2011)

• Ruth H. Funk interviews: Salt Lake City, Utah, 1979 January–February (OH 1020)

Discussion of Funk’s life to 1962 and her experiences as a Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Association (YWMIA) general board member (1947–1962).

Hendricks, Drusilla Dorris (1810–1881)

• Drusilla D. Hendricks reminiscences, circa 1877 (MS 123)

Briefly recounts her childhood experiences; also relates her conversion to the Church in 1835 in Kentucky. Includes account of her immigration to Missouri in 1836, her settlement in Clay County and then in Caldwell County, and the circumstances at the time of the wounding of her husband at the Battle of Crooked River. Also tells of their exodus from Missouri; activities in Nauvoo, Illinois; westward migration; and activities in the Salt Lake Valley and Cache County, Utah. Includes references to James Emmett, John L. Butler, Lyman Wight, and David Patten.

Heywood, Martha Spence (1812–1873)

• Martha S. Heywood journals, 1850–1856 (MS 1887)

Includes a brief summary of her conversion and early experiences with the Church and accounts of her immigration to Utah, marriage, and activities in Salt Lake City and Nephi, Utah. Includes a poem.

• Martha Spence Heywood papers, circa 1856 (MS 3354 5)

Contains an essay and poetry, including a poem by Eliza R. Snow written to Martha S. Heywood after the death of her daughter.

• Martha Spence Heywood correspondence, circa 1849–1869 (MS 3354 1–4)

Letters from her husband, Joseph L. Heywood, his first wife, Sarepta Heywood, and other family members and friends, including Eliza R. Snow, Robert Spence, Zina D. H. Young, Joseph N. Heywood, Benjamin B. Heywood, and Vilate Kimball. Relates to events in Salt Lake City and Nephi, Utah. Also discusses family industries.

• Martha S. Heywood journals, 1850–1856 (MS 1887)

Includes a summary of Heywood’s conversion and early experiences with the Church, with daily entries pertaining to her emigration to Utah, marriage to Joseph L. Heywood, and activities in Salt Lake City and Nephi, Utah.

• Martha S. Heywood journal excerpt, 1856 October 1–1857 September 6 (MS 9483)

Includes information regarding the arrival of the Martin and Willie handcart companies into the Salt Lake Valley; death and funeral of Jedediah M. Grant; Church leaders’ teaching; births and deaths; the return of Thomas B. Marsh to the Church; and life in Nephi, Utah.

• Martha S. Heywood reminiscences, undated (MS 6296)

Reminiscences of Heywood’s early life in Ireland along with poetry composed for the Polysophical Society in Utah in 1856. Includes reminiscences and diary entries from her son, Joseph N. Heywood, which record his activities in Southern Utah. Also includes a summary of Heywood’s conversion and early experiences with the Church with daily entries describing her emigration to Utah, marriage to Joseph L. Heywood, and activities in Salt Lake City and Nephi, Utah.

Hindley, Jane Charters Robinson (1828–1907)

• Jane R. Hindley journals, 1855–1905 (MS 1764)

Account of immigration from the Isle of Man in 1855 and travel to Utah, with summary of her early activities in Salt Lake City. Includes entries recording her life in American Fork and her feelings toward plural marriage.

James, Jane Elizabeth Manning (1812–1908)

• Jane Manning James autobiography, circa 1902 (MS 4425)

Account of conversion to the Church in Connecticut; travel to Nauvoo, Illinois; association with the family of Joseph Smith; knowledge of plural marriage; and later activities in Utah.

Kimball, Presendia Lathrop Huntington (1810–1892)

• Presendia H. Kimball reminiscences, 1881 (MS 742)

Brief sketches of her activities in the Church, including her plural marriage to Joseph Smith.

Kimball, Vilate Murray (1806–1867)

• Heber C. Kimball letters, 1840 August–September; 1855 December (MS 3276)

Letters between Heber C. Kimball and his wife Vilate Kimball, which discuss his missionary activities in England and life in Nauvoo, including the arrival of several English immigrants, family conditions, and the death of Seymour Brunson.

King, Hannah Tapfield (1807–1886)

• Hannah Tapfield King autobiography, circa 1864–1872 (MS 1573)

Account of her childhood, family, and social activities in England; conversion to the Church; association with Church leaders and members in England; immigration in 1853; and activities in Salt Lake City, Utah. Materials were compiled from her journals, letters, and writings, with many selected journal entries from 1840 through 1860. Includes information concerning her visit with Lucy Mack Smith and Emma Smith in Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1853; observations on the social and intellectual life in Salt Lake City; and reflections on her own life and religious views.

Longden, Frances LaRue Carr (1901–1991)

• Frances L. Carr Longden interview: Salt Lake City, Utah, 1974 (OH 69)

Account of her life as a worker in the YWMIA, including her activities as a counselor in the General Presidency and experiences with her husband, John Longden. Also contains information concerning their association with other Church leaders and details concerning their tours of mission areas, including the South Pacific.

Lyman, Amy Cassandra Brown (1872–1959)

• In Retrospect: Autobiography of Amy Brown Lyman (M270.07 L986i)

Lyman, Eliza Maria Partridge (1820–1886)

• Eliza P. Lyman journal, 1846 February–1885 December, 1927 (MS 1527)

Recounts early life in Missouri and Nauvoo, Illinois, including plural marriage to Joseph Smith. Includes a copy of daily journal entries beginning in 1846 recording emigration to Utah in 1848 and experiences in Salt Lake City and Fillmore, Utah. Also includes a speech defending polygamy and a poem by Eliza R. Snow.

Nelson, Isabella Maria Harris (1861–1938)

• Belle Harris Nelson journal and biography, 1883 May–August, 1942 (MS 1818)

Journal covers dates from 18 May to 31 August 1883 and records her experiences in the Utah Penitentiary where she was incarcerated because of her refusal to testify against her polygamist ex-husband, Clarence Merrill. Her biography, titled “Life of Belle Harris Nelson,” was written in 1942 by her brother Albert S. Harris and describes her early life in Sevier County, Utah; marriage to Clarence Merrill and divorce; and the trial proceedings that led to her incarceration. It also recounts her educational pursuits; marriage to Brigham Young Academy professor N. L. Harris; her later personal and family life, particularly in Provo, Utah; and her spiritual experiences. A transcript of her penitentiary journal and later letters are included in the biography, as are excerpts from her funeral services, at which Brigham Young University president Franklin S. Harris was one of the speakers.

Parmley, Martha LaVern Watts (1900–1980)

• LaVern Parmley interview: Salt Lake City, Utah, 1974–1976 (OH 296)

Account of her life and activities as a member of the Primary General Presidency (1942–1974). Includes comments concerning her work with the First Presidency, other General Authorities, the Correlation Committee, the Scouting program, the Primary Children’s Hospital, and Primary programs.

Penrose, Esther Romania Bunnell Pratt (1839–1932)

• Romania B. Penrose papers, 1875–1898 (MS 5025)

Includes a blessing given by Joseph F. Smith to Penrose pertaining to her medical career and a class schedule from the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. Also includes a letter of appointment from the Relief Society to represent them in Washington D.C. and a letter from her husband, Charles W. Penrose.

Pratt, Louisa Barnes (1802–1880)

• Louisa Barnes Pratt journal and autobiography, 1850–1880 (MS 8227)

Journal of Pratt’s activities with her husband, Addison Pratt, on the islands of Tubuai and Tahiti in the Society Islands Mission (1850–1852). Also includes a memoir of her experiences in New England; Ripley, New York; and Nauvoo, Illinois. She later describes her immigration to Utah in 1848 and settlement in San Bernardino, California, before moving to Cedar City and Beaver, Utah.

Reynolds, Alice Louise (1873–1938)

• Alice Louis Reynolds collection, 1894–1938 (MS 1012)

Contains diaries with accounts of her travels throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Canada; experiences in the Relief Society; and her activities in teaching at Brigham Young University. Includes correspondence from family, friends, and business associates. Also includes notebooks containing lectures on European history and English literature.

Rich, Sarah DeArmon Pea (1814–1893)

• Sarah P. Rich autobiography, 1884–1893 (MS 1543)

Recounts early life in Illinois; experiences in Far West, Missouri, and Nauvoo, Illinois; immigration to Utah; activities in the Salt Lake Valley; and later activities. Includes copies of letters from Charles C. Rich, financial accounts, poetry, and family genealogy.

Richards, Bertha Julia Stone (1892–1982)

• Bertha J. Stone Richards interview: Ogden, Utah, 1974 (OH 92)

Account of her early life in Ogden, Utah; her activities when her husband was president of the New England Mission (1941–1947); and her service as president of the Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Association (1948–1961).

Richards, Jane Snyder (1823–1912)

• Jane S. Richards autobiographical sketch, 1881 (MS 11741)

Written in Ogden, Utah, on 30 March 1881. Includes information about the Snyder family in New York and Canada; the family’s conversion to the Church and move to Missouri; Jane’s marriage to Franklin D. Richards (with comments on his activities), her 1848 journey to Utah and family life in Salt Lake City and Ogden; and her involvement with the Relief Society and the Mutual Improvement Association. The second half of the document includes sketches of her children, Franklin S., Lorenzo M., and Charles C. Richards, as well as of her son-in-law, Joseph A. West, and her daughter, Josephine R. West. The document closes with a statement about her family followed by the signatures of more than a dozen family members.

Richards, Louisa Lula Greene (1849–1944)

• Louisa Lula Greene Richards papers, circa 1860–1935 (MS 786)

Includes letters to Richards from Eliza R. Snow giving counsel about marriage, the organization of young women, and Richards’s writing; also includes letters from Brigham Young and Joseph F. Smith regarding Richards’s journalism. Collection also contains a letter from Richards’s father, Evan M. Greene; retained copies of a few letters pertaining to young women and the Woman’s Exponent; and a letter from Alice A. Smith containing a biographical sketch of Lot Smith. Also includes articles, stories, and a large number of poems written by Richards.

Sessions, Patty Bartlett (1795–1892)

• Patty B. Sessions diaries and account book, 1846–1866; 1880 (MS 1462)

Diaries include accounts of her emigration from Nauvoo, Illinois; arrival in the Salt Lake Valley in September 1847; and activities there. Also includes information concerning her experiences as a midwife. Includes poetry by Eliza R. Snow. Account book contains records of her financial transactions. Also includes a few papers consisting of financial notations, receipts, and promissory notes.

• Patty B. Sessions diary and account book, 1868–1888 (MS 12481)

Contains reminiscences and brief dated entries summarizing major events in her life through 1884. Also includes daily entries describing her braiding school (1868–1869) and her activities in Bountiful, Utah (1884–1888). Account book contains Sessions’s record of financial transactions (1878–1887), copies of patriarchal blessings, and information about family temple work (1869–1886). The account book was used previously as a record book for the Sixteenth Ward Benevolent Society for the Purpose of Clothing the Lamanite Women and Children (organized on 10 June 1854). This portion of the volume includes minutes of meetings held by the women for the relief of the poor and other endeavors (1854–1855) as well as lists of donations.

Smith, Bathsheba Wilson Bigler (1822–1910)

• Bathsheba W. Smith collection, 1842–1948 (MS 20701)

Collection consists of George A. Smith family papers and papers collected by Bathsheba W. Smith and her granddaughter Alice Merrill Horne, including a scrapbook, correspondence, and memorabilia. George A. Smith’s papers include a record book registering 1848 correspondence between George A. Smith, Ezra T. Benson, Joseph Young, and other Iowa Church leaders with Brigham Young and Church leaders in the Salt Lake Valley. The volume also includes George A. Smith’s 1854–1872 personal financial record. Other papers include Nauvoo property tax receipts, an 1848 letter from Willard Richards at Winter Quarters, and an 1872 missionary certificate. Bathsheba W. Smith’s papers include an 1849 letter from Sarah M. Pratt in England, an 1866 letter from George A. Smith about a bust of Joseph Smith, and 1873 letters George A. Smith sent during his Middle East tour. Also includes a poem by Eliza R. Snow; letters from Emmeline B. Wells; and Relief Society papers, including Bathsheba W. Smith’s 1901 call as Relief Society president signed by Joseph F. Smith. Other items include Deseret Agricultural and Manufacturing Society certificates; Deseret Hospital Association articles of association and membership ticket, Daughters of Utah Pioneers membership papers, a rare copy of George R. Gliddon’s 1843 pamphlet entitled “Ancient Egypt: her monuments, hieroglyphics, history and archaeology and other subjects connected with hieroglyphical literature,” invitations, programs, newspaper clippings, and printed works. Also included are copies of George A. and Bathsheba W. Smith’s journals and autobiographies; histories for the Smith, Merrill, and Horne families compiled by Alice Merrill Horne; and Horne’s autobiography. Other papers relate to Alice Horne’s involvement with Utah artworks.

• Bathsheba W. Bigler Smith autobiography, circa 1875–1906 (MS 16633)

Recounts her conversion to the Church in Virginia (1837); brief stay in Missouri (1838); experiences in Nauvoo, Illinois, including 1841 marriage to George A. Smith; immigration to Utah (1849); and activities in Salt Lake City. Includes copies of letters, blessings, and other family information.

• Bathsheba W. Smith journal, 1849 June–October (MS 670)

Account of her emigration from Iowa to the Salt Lake Valley.

Smith, Edith Ann (1861–1954)

• Edith Ann Smith journal and scrapbook, circa 1854–1946 (MS 1317)

Journal contains an account of Smith’s 1905 journey with other Smith family members to Sharon, Vermont, for the dedication of the Joseph Smith Memorial Monument; her activities there; and her return via Kirtland, Ohio. Also includes account of a reunion meeting of fellow travelers in January 1907. Contains copies of newspaper articles, speeches, poetry, and prayers connected with the dedication.

Smith, Emma Hale (1804–1879)

• Emma Smith correspondence, 1842 and 1844 (MS 792)

Contains two letters related to Emma Smith which were filed in the Church offices in Nauvoo. Letter dated 12 September, 1842, was written by Emma Smith to Sidney Rigdon as postmaster of Nauvoo concerning the manner in which Joseph Smith’s papers and letters were being handled. Text is in William Clayton’s handwriting and signed by Emma Smith. The verso of the letter contains Rigdon’s reply. Letter dated 19 August, 1844, was written to Emma Smith by an anonymous individual, offering to expose the villainy of Joseph H. Jackson. The letter was signed “Humanity.”

Smith, Lucy Mack (1775–1856)

• Lucy Mack Smith letter, Waterloo, New York to Solomon Mack, Gilsum, New Hampshire, 1831 January 6 (MS 3468)

Letter written to her brother informing him of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Includes typescript copy. Also includes cover letter to Joseph Fielding Smith.

Snow, Eliza R. (1804–1887)

• Eliza R. Snow letter, Salt Lake City Utah to Martha S. Heywood, Washington, Utah, 1868 April 8 (MS 67)

A note, accompanying the gift of an apron, that tells about general conference.

• Eliza R. Snow journal, 1842–1882 (MS 1439)

Journal includes sporadic daily entries for June 1842–April 1844 that record Eliza R. Snow’s activities in Nauvoo, Illinois, and association with the family of Joseph Smith. Most of the volume contains poetry she composed. Also includes addresses, notes of a speech by Lorenzo Snow in 1843, and copies of 1866 and 1869 correspondence with homeopathic physician Martin L. Holbrook.

• Eliza R. Snow journals, 1846–1851 (MS 8250)

Snow’s journals record her travel west from Nauvoo across Iowa, her stay at Winter Quarters, her journey with the second pioneer company to the Salt Lake Valley, and her activities there. Includes numerous poems Snow composed. They also contain references to Snow’s interactions with Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and other Church leaders and their families; travel conditions; Native American encounters; and women’s activities.

• Eliza R. Snow letters, 1883–1884 (MS 2325)

Written to a Sister East regarding Relief Society buildings, home industry, authority of the priesthood, and adoptions.

• Eliza R. Snow letters, 1880–1881 (MS 4580 3)

Snow provides advice to Robert Welch and information to Harriet Welch concerning books for the Primary Association.

• Eliza R. Snow letter, Caldwell county, Missouri to Isaac Streator, Streetsborough, Ohio, 2839 February 22 (MS 9108)

Snow recounts the mistreatment of the Saints in Missouri, particularly at Far West. Includes copy of a letter received from her brother, Lorenzo Snow.

• Eliza R. Snow letter, Salt Lake City, Utah, to Augusta Jackson, 1868 December 31 (MS 10366)

Letter to the secretary of the St. George Relief Society regarding the society’s organization in St. George, the purpose of Relief Society, and the duties of its officers.

• Eliza R. Snow letter, Salt Lake City, Utah to Zina D. H. Young, 1885 February 4 (MS 7611)

Snow tells of her and her associates’ activities and expresses her attitude concerning the persecution suffered by those practicing plural marriage, noting several individuals that have gone into hiding.

• Eliza R. Snow letter to Phoebe A. Snow (MS 31851)

A personal letter discussing their families.

• Eliza R. Snow to Isaiah M. Coombs (MS 1198)

Discusses the nature and purpose of the Relief Society.

• Eliza R. Snow to Elizabeth D. Roundy (MS 16981)

Concerning where Roundy can stay during her next visit to Logan, Utah.

Snow, Phoebe Amelia Woodruff (1842–1919)

• Phoebe Woodruff Snow family collection, 1844–1999 (MS 31851)

The bulk of the collection contains papers from Phoebe Woodruff Snow and her daughter Florence Snow Critchlow and includes letters written by Wilford Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow to Phoebe and to her son Leslie W. Woodruff. The collection also contains correspondence between Phoebe and her children relating to family matters and conditions in Brigham City, Utah; letters and papers relating to Milton W. Snow’s 1902–1904 mission to England, which includes a 1904 letter from Heber J. Grant; autobiographical writings of Florence and John Q. Critchlow, which include information about her service on the Primary general board and his missionary labors in the Northern States Mission; deeds for Brigham City land; patriarchal blessings; and biographical sketches. Items of note in the collection include an 1844 blessing given to Phoebe Carter Woodruff; an 1862 letter to Lorenzo Snow from Wilford Woodruff; Lorenzo Snow’s 1872 passport; letters to Phoebe W. Snow from Eliza R. Snow, Zina D. H. Young, Emmeline B. Wells, and Francis M. Lyman; Lucile Snow Critchlow’s autograph album while she attended Brigham Young College; and two letters to John Q. Critchlow from Utah senator Reed Smoot. Collection also includes a photocopy of the 1882–1894 journal of Orion W. Snow recording Snow’s family and school activities in Brigham City and Salt Lake City and service in the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association, Sunday Schools, and Religion Classes.

Taylor, Anstis Elmina Shepard (1830–1904)

• A. Elmina Shepard Taylor collection, 1844–1956 (bulk 1870–1904) (MS 13493)

Includes a diary account of Elmina Taylor’s journey to Utah in 1859; autobiographical and other information about her life; photographs of missionaries and correspondence from her husband, who was serving a mission to England (1879–1880); and photos of her family, General Authorities, and others. Also includes letters and invitations from Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association board members and others associated with Elmina Taylor in related Church capacities and women’s organizations, such as the National Council of Women and National-American Woman Suffrage Association/World’s Congress of Representative Women. Also includes correspondence with family members, including her sons, George S. Taylor and Clarence W. Taylor, her daughter, Mae Taylor Nystrom, and relatives living in the East. Also contains printed books, pamphlets, news clippings, photographs, and other items. Some of the photos were taken by C. R. Savage. Items of particular note include a group letter from polygamist inmates at the Utah State Penitentiary to Utah Territorial Governor Caleb West; letters from Susa Young Gates and Leah Eudora Widtsoe; a letter by Elmina Taylor about Lois Foote, second wife of George H. Taylor, that defends the principle of plural marriage; the last will and testament of Elmina Taylor; and a lock of hair taken from Eliza R. Snow at her funeral.

• Anstis E. Shepard Taylor correspondence, 1880; 1899–1902 (MS 16694)

Letters sent by daughter Almira Taylor in Montpelier, Idaho, to her mother in Salt Lake City regarding family matters and her activities in Idaho. File includes letters from George H. Taylor and Susa Young Gates.

Taylor, Leonora (1796–1868)

• Leonora Taylor letter, Montrose [Iowa] to John Taylor, Preston, England (MS 1346)

Concerns family matters, conditions in Nauvoo, and their acquaintances. Mentions Joseph Smith and his account of trip to Washington D.C., and views on the law of consecration.

Thompson, Mercy Rachel Fielding (1807–1893)

• Mercy F. Thompson autobiographical sketch, 1880 (MS 4580)

Thompson describes her conversion to the Church in Canada; marriage to Robert B. Thompson in Kirtland, Ohio; and experiences in Missouri and Nauvoo, Illinois. She recounts a visit to Liberty Jail with her sister, Mary Fielding Smith; the death of her husband, Robert B. Thompson; her subsequent marriage to Hyrum Smith as a plural wife; her work to establish the Nauvoo Temple penny fund; and her emigration west in 1847 and settlement in Utah.

Tracy, Nancy Naomi Alexander (1816–1902)

• Nancy A. Tracy reminiscences and diary, 1896 May–1899 July (MS 4525)

Account of Tracy’s early life and conversion to the Church in New York and experiences in Kirtland, Ohio; Far West, Missouri; Nauvoo, Illinois; and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Also tells of her journey to Utah in 1850 and settlement in Ogden. Includes poetry and family genealogy.

• Nancy A. Tracy autobiographical sketch, circa 1896 (MS 11582)

Vincy R. S. Barker’s 1923 condensed version of a 100-page manuscript Tracy wrote. Contains a mixture of summary and excerpts from Tracy’s account. Includes information about Tracy’s early life in New York and her conversion to the Church; her experiences in Kirtland, Far West, Nauvoo, and across Iowa; her 1850 journey to Utah; and her life in Ogden, Utah. Includes information about her marriage to Moses Tracy and, later, to his brother Silas H. Tracy.

Van Noy, Elsie Ellen Hogan (1893–1983)

• Elsie H. Van Noy papers, 1931–1970 (MS 5376)

Contains papers relating to her work with the summer camp program of the YWMIA, the Brighton Girl’s Camp, and the Lion House First Aid Club (Lihofa Club). Also includes information relative to the 104th birthday celebration for Ruth May Fox; programs and itineraries for the Tabernacle Choir’s tour of Europe in 1955 (Elsie’s husband, William Ray Van Noy, was choir secretary); a collection of the “MIA Stake Leader” (1949–1950), a bulletin that was issued to the MIA stake boards by the Mutual Improvement Association general boards; and a copy of Marba Josephson’s History of the Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Association.

Widtsoe, Leah D. and Anna K. G.

• Widtsoe family papers, 1824–1953 (bulk 1891–1933) (MS 5417)

Nearly half of the papers are Leah D. Widtsoe’s correspondence with family, friends, and colleagues, including letters she received while her husband presided over the European Mission (1927–1933) and the British Mission (1927–1929). While most of Leah Widtsoe’s papers consist of incoming correspondence, there are also some retained copies of her letters, as well as newspaper articles she wrote and talks she gave. Another portion of the papers are materials kept by John A. Widtsoe’s mother, Anna K. G. Widtsoe, consisting primarily of correspondence with family and friends, much of it in Norwegian, but also including her other writings; a journal and other papers belonging to her husband; the correspondence of her sister, Petroline Gaarden; and papers relating to Anna’s and Petroline’s service as missionaries in Norway (1903–1907).

Young, Margaret Peirce Whitesides (1823–1907)

• Margaret P. Young autobiography, circa 1880 (MS 3801)

Account of Young’s early life and her family’s conversion to the Church in Pennsylvania in 1839; experiences in Nauvoo, Illinois; emigration; and experiences in early Salt Lake City. Includes reference to her marriage to Brigham Young in 1854. Also includes detailed account of an early meeting in Pennsylvania held by A.W. Babbitt and a holograph poem written by Eliza R. Snow in 1847.

Young, Zina Diantha Huntington (1821–1901)

• Zina D. H. Young diaries, 1844–1845, 1886, 1889 (MS 6240)

The earliest diary relates Young’s activities in Nauvoo, Illinois, at the time of Joseph Smith’s death. Later entries reflect her activities with the women’s auxiliaries and the suffrage movement. Includes poem written in 1844.

• Zina Card Brown family collection, 1806–1972 (MS 4780)

Collection contains the papers of Zina Card Brown; the diaries and correspondence of her mother, Zina Y. Card; and the diaries, correspondence, and papers of her grandmother, Zina D. H. Young. Also includes early Huntington family papers and letters from Dorcas Baker, Zina Card Brown’s second great-grandmother. The collection documents family experiences in Nauvoo, Illinois; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Cardston, Canada. It also describes Relief Society activities and includes information about the Brigham Young family, Charles O. Card, Hugh B. Brown, and other leading men and women in the Church.

• Zina D. H. Young to Zina Y. Card, 1896 May 29 (MS 7612)

Written to her daughter telling of her recent trip to Manti and asking for family news.

• Zina D. H. Young to John Taylor (CR 1 180)

A letter to John Taylor discussing temple work performed in Logan, Utah, and referencing life on the “underground.”

• Zina D. Young to Sarah Peterson (MS 2175)

A letter discussing the Relief Society, family and friends, and growing mulberry trees.