Transcript for Juanita Brooks' Correspondence, July-December 1965
[-PAGE 1-]
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
Department of History
July 2, 1965
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
346 North Main
St. George. Utah
Dear Mrs. Brooks:
We wish to express our appreciation to you for your part on the program of the recent Western History Conference. Student comment was overwhelmingly favorable toward the conference as a whole. We sincerely hope the experience was an enjoyable one for you also.
Sincerely,
J L Clayton
JAMES L. CLAYTON
[-PAGE 2-]
3482
St. George, Utah
July 9, 1965
TO: Richard Thurman, Dorector
University of Utah Press
Re: FITTED FOR THE BURDEN by William L. Knecht
I have read this manuscript with deep interest, in part, perhaps, because my husband's father came by handcart the same year, but in the Bunker company ahead. My own grandmother also came by hand- cart later--from Switzerland--so that from both sides of the house we have a rich folklore regarding the journey.
That aside, this has an impact, an immediacy, for any reader, no matter what his background.
I have a few suggestions: The abbreviations troubled me enough that I made a copy of the names and had it beside me as I read, checking each quote as I went along. It was too much trouble to turn back each time to see actually who was speaking. I must look up something on each writer.
Then I wonder if there should not be a sub-title to name more definitely that this all is about.
Third, I think that the Louder-Jacques letters should be placed near the first as a part of either the Introduction or the Prologue, so that the reader WILL read them first. They are so eloquent of the general attitude that they illuminate all that follows.
I find this same philosophy through all the records: These people are God's Chosen, and because they are, He will control the elements for their benefit. This was the faith of those to settle Fort Supply, where the brief summer could never mature a crop; it was the same with those called south into the desert. In the first case, God would lengthen the time of the sun; in the second, He would send the needed rain. They need only to obey the call to build the Kingdom.
As an aside: I followed an original Martin Record through Salt Lake city; almost found it twice. Then two years ago I was told that it is in Ogden. This makes me feel that I must go back there and see if it is in existence.
I feel that this manuscript merits publication.
Sincerely,
Juanita Brooks
[-PAGE 3-]
University of Utah Press
Salt Lake City 12
13 July 1965
Dear Mrs. Brooks
Thanks you for sending me the T.D. Brown journal. I have now had a copy made and am in the process of rounding up my readers’ reports.
Thank you, too, for reading the Knecht manuscript and sending in your report. I trust you have received your check by this time. If not, it should be there any day.
I’ll keep you informed of progress on the T.D. Brown.
Best wishes,
Richard Thurman
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THE ARTHUR H. CLARK COMPANY
PUBLISHERS & BOOKSELLERS
TELEPHONE CHAPMAN 5-9119
1264 SOUTH CENTRAL AVENUE
AREA CODE 213
Glendale 4, California
2 August 1965
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
346 North Main Street
St. George, Utah
Dear Mrs. Brooks:
Total sales to the end of our fiscal year, June 30, 1965 on the
new edition of JOHN DOYLE LEE are as follows:
102 copies sold net $96. 90
21 “ discount 25% 14.96
98 “ “ 40% 55.86
Check enclosed herewith $167.72
Sincerely,
THE ARTHUR H. CLARK COMPANY
Paul W. Galleher
Paul W. Galleher
e
ck
Over 60 Years of Service
[-PAGE 5-]
At Home , Saturday, Aug. 28/65
Dear Tony, Janet, & boys:
It was wonderful to hear from you the other day, to know a bit of your doings. I'm pleased to hear of the French tutor and glad he charges enough to make you dig in and pass the test. Glad also to know that you are making use of Mr. McConkie's training to make sand boxes and baby beds. Wonderful! You know, Bob has been doing some fine things with his tools, and with less preparation in the beginning than you have. It has been for him an excellent hobby, something that he has had satisfaction in because it leaves something permanent, useful, and beautiful. So more power to you in all this.
Things here are still rather mixed up so far as Karl is concerned, and until they are settled I am also uncertain. When he went into the sand and gravel business with Gerald last spring, it was a face-saving move and a God-send in its way. But after a hot summer, the buying of expensive second-hand equipment, some breakdowns, and the coning of fall, he decided that his field-- the one in which he is happiest and can make his best contribution is teaching. But he waited so late to make up his mind that there are no openings left on a junior college level and few if any on a high school one. Plenty of places for teachers of English & Math, but few for History & Social Science. He and Carla have spent several days in California and he has noting definite yet--a possibility of two, which he will hear from Monday.
The little girl at Mesquite over-played her hand, put on smocks very early, so that many of her friends through the child would be born in early July. She had told me she expected it in July, and some of her friends told in the florist shop that it would be around July 20, Well, it actually came August 21, a girl with a lot of dark hair, Anyway, the date and the baby itself will clear--or have cleared, Karl, but now after he has sweat it out all this time, he wants to leave and go into California. I'm all for it, if he can get work. Right now, that's the $64.00 question.
My project that I have tentatively promised to take on after January 1st, is a history of the Jews in Utah & Idaho, so you see that the subject is limited. They do pay well, however. And I will come East sometime this Fall, Sept, or Oct., with no definite date yet set, I must clear a few commitments here first in my writing. Have taken the first 4 chapters of the George Brooks biography to the local printer, and want to get it run through as soon as possible.
Some talk of a family reunion of Grandma Leavitt's crowd next week-end, but it will not be a very big event, except that the 10 children just might all make it. The grandchildren are too scattered. Ken Reber's wedding reception will fee in Mesquite Saturday, Sept 4, so I think the gathering & dinner will be on that day.
[-PAGE 6-]
We enjoyed the visit of Willa & her three boys. The two older ones are regular dynamos, as you know, but still very fine and manageable. She is doing with little Dennis more as you did with Kristin--giving him more freedom on the floor and not over-tending him. He's a wonderful child with a lot of potential. Thales writes that his group will be back in mid- September, the first arriving about the 12th, but ho having to stay to clear up at the end, and coming around the 15th. We'll all be very happy to have him back in good old USA.
NOW COMES OUT THE OLD SCHOOL TEACHER
I hope you'll forgive me, Tony, but I do this in the same spirit that I'd want one of my good friends to correct me, or to tell me my slip shows or that I have a smudge on my face. This first ties back into those basic spelling rules that I told you about long ago:
When a word ends in a single consonant preceded by a single vowel, double the final consonant before adding "ing" or "ed."
stop stopped stopping
tip tipped tipping
run running
This holds always for words of one syllable. or words of more than one syllable it holds only if the accent is on the last syllable:
eg: ben'efit benefited benefiting
commit' comitted comitting
Words ending in a final "e" drop the ee" before adding "ing."
eg: coming NEVER comming
Except after a "g" as change, changeable
I should have said above that they drop the e before any suffix beginning with a vowel and then given the example above.
This is sufficiently mixed up to make things worse than ever.
Then use your dictionary on the two words "perspective"
and "prospective" so that you do not use them interchangeably.
Well, at I have often said, the advantage of being a human being is that as one, we have the power to improve ourselves. Dr. Pendleton noticed the difference in your spoken English, and I observe also a great improvement in your written words. Don't let this page discourage you from writing again. You have no idea how much these letters mean to the Old Folks at Home.
Our best love to all of you,
Mother
[-PAGE 7-]
DIALOUGE A JOURNAL OF MORMON THOUGHT /P.O. BOX 2350 STANFORD, CALIF.
AUG 29,65
DEAR MRS BROOKS:
THE ENTHUSIALM I & MY COLLEGUES HAVE AT THE PROSPECT OF HAVING YOUR STORY OF THE “COWBOY ON THE EDGE OF THE HERD” HAS HARDLY BEEN WITNESSED BY MY WRITING TO YOU AS PROMISED, SO I APOLOGIZE FOR THE NEGLECT.
FIRST LET ME THANK YOU FOR THE PLEASANT TELEPHONE CONVERSATION & YOUR SUGGESTIONS. I HAD A REWARDING VISIT WITH LAMARR PETERSEN THE VERY NEXT DAY AND HE SAID HE WOULD PREPARE A MANUSCRIPT FOR US.
SINCE MY CONVERSATION WITH YOU MUCH HAS HAPPENEND AND I AM MORE OPTOMISTIC ABOUT THE QUALITY & NUMBER OF CONTRIBUTORS. DR. MCMURRIN HAS BEEN MOST HELPFUL AS HAVE MANY OTHERS. ANY FURTHER SUGGESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE OF PEOPLE WHO MIGHT CONTRUBUTE MANUSCRIPS WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATED AND ANY OPPORTUNITY YOU MIGHT HAVE TO MENTION OUR EFFORT WOULD BE HELPFUL.
ENCLOSED IS A COPY OF OUR PROSPECTS WHICH WILL CLARIFY OUR APPROACH. YOUR GRANDFATHER’S ANANLOGY SEEMS JUST PERFECT FOR OUR FIRST ISSUE-IT WILL SAY MUCH OF OUR FEELINGS FAR BETTER THAT WE COULD PHRASE THEM.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS PLEASE WRITE. YOUR INTEREST AND IDEAS ARE VALUED BY ALL OF US.
THANK YOU AGAIN,
PAUL G SALISBURY
P.S. WE ARE TRYING TO HAVE MANUSCRIPTS IN BY NOV 1.
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Dialogue
A JOURNAL OF MORMON THOUGHT
P.O. BOX 23 50 STANFORD, CALIF.
MRS JUANITA BROOKS
ST GEORGE
UTAH
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
AM
30 AUG
1965
Answer enclosed
[-PAGE 9-]
St. George, Utah
Oct. 7, 1865
Mr. Paul Salisbury
2180 East 9 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear Paul:
Only the other day I received from the most unexpected source, additional material on Nathaniel Thomas Brown, "the One Other Man", which looks as if it will enable me complete the article rather than leave it as it now endS--with a question.
I shall follow this up at once. If you will please return the item to me, I shall hope to re-write the end and modify some of the earlier parts. It would be too bad to have it appear unfinished if it does not have to be so.
Sincere good wishes for you and DIALOGUE
Juanita Brooks
[-PAGE 10-]
St. George, Utah
Sept 14, 1965
Mr. Paul G. Salisbury
2180 East 9 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear Paul:
A family reunion and other activities have delayed my writing to you.
My statement regarding my father's idea of "riding herd" is, like most analogies, subject to question because any analogy is bound to be faulty in some respects. But for whatever it, is worth, here it is:
My Father early recognized my tendency to question, to disagree, to refuse to take many of the Old Testament, stories at face value. I could not admire Jacob's ethics in stealing his brother's birthright; I did not believe that the wind from tin horns would blow down the walls of Jericho, but insisted that they "fell" figuratively when the guards panicked and ran; if bears came out and devoured the children who called Elijah "old bald-pate", I didn't think God sent them, etc.etc.
One day Dad said to me, "My girl, if you follow this tendency to question, to criticize, I'm afraid you will taIk yourself out of the Church. I'd hate to see you do that. I'm a cow-boy, and I've learned that if I ride in the herd, I am lost--totally helpless. One who rides counter to them is trampled and killed. One who only trails behind means little, because he leaves all responsibility to others. It is the cowboy who rides the edge of the herd, who sings and calls and makes himself heard who helps to direct the course. Happy sounds are generally better than cursing, but there are times when he must maybe swear a little and swing a whip or lariat to round in a stray or turn the leaders. So don't lose yourself and don't ride away and desert the outfit. Ride the edge of the herd and be alert, but know your directions, and call out loud and clear. Chances are, you won't make any difference, but on the other hand, you just might."
I'm enclosing also a short item which I call AND ONE OTHER MAN. It is not too significant, but may prove interesting.
Sincere good wishes,
Juanita Brooks
[-PAGE 11-]
The Salt Lake Tribune
ED-11
P.S. Let me know if you can use some clips. EHL
NOT FOR PUBLICATION
8-30-65
Dear Juanita:
Like you must be, I am shocked at the "bloopers" in the review. I wouldn't be surprised if I wrote Green River Utah, when I meant G.R.Wyoming, but I swear, I don't know where some of the other "bastard" words came from. I knew there view would have to be trimmed, but I am puzzled as to the reasoning behind the slaughter of the continuity. I'm going to have to demand he privilege of seeing a final proof. So much for the alibi. (Looking over this typing, one might be surprised the printers did as well as they did.)
Anyway, best wishes. It was good to have a visit from you, and how I
wish we could have them more often. I was on a plane trip the other day
with Everett Cooley and others and he mentioned he understood you
had agreed to undertake the Jewish history job. Best of luck. Keep Louie under control.
Our best to you and Will. Sincerely, Ernie
[-PAGE 12-]
(Linford)
THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
P.O. BOX 867
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84110
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
St. George, Utah
SALT LAKE CITY
AUG 13’65
UTAH
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WILLIAM L. KNECHT, Attorney at Law
2855 TELEGRAPH AVENUE
BERKELEY. CALIF. 94705
telephone: (415) 843-9600
August 30, 1965
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
c/o University of Utah Press
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
Dear Mrs. Brooks:
The Stout Diaries are fascinating and most helpful, too in my project re the Federal Judges of the Utah Territory. And in the Diary I found the first note concerning the Quarantine Station which is mentioned in a journal that I've been messing with for some time.
Of course I haven't read every word (yet) but I'm sure that I've read most of them and I can find only one point where I feel that a suggestion to you might be appropriate.
On page 596 fn 69 you suggest certain language, e.g., "ad libitum" for a reading of the ms. Of course I cant see the ms but from the context and from my experience with ms I'd bet that the reading should be "ad litem".
My copy of Black's Law Dictionary defines ad litem as "for the suit, for the purpose of the suit. A guardian ad litem is a guardian appointed to prosecute or defend a suit on behalf of a party incapacitated by infancy or otherwise."
What do you think? Otherwise (and this wise, too) I think you've made another great contribution.
Sincerely,
William P. Knecht
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WILLIAM L KNECHT
Attorney at Law
2855 TELEGRAPH AVENUE
BERKELEY CALIF. 94705
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
c/o University of Utah Press
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
St. George Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
PM
AUG SEP
1965
VIA AIR
[-PAGE 15-]
St. George, Utah
Sept. 1, 1965
Dear Ernie:
Thank you so much for your too-generous review of Hosea Stout. It was a bit of a contrast to the one in the Quarterly, though I really have no quarrel with that one, either.
Yours gave me quite a lift locally. "A prophet is not without honor save in his own country," you know. And I would appreciate another clipping or two for my far-away children.
I'll likely he up to the annual meetings on the 17th, and can at least visit by telephone if we can't do better.
Thank you for being my friend.
Sincerely,
Juanita
[-PAGE 16-]
Sept. 1, 1965
Box -504
Fruita, Colo.
Dear Mom,
I hated to hang up so suddenly today, but I saw two of the men running for steam hoses and I thought there may have been a small fire someplace outside. We don’t run here unless it is at least a little bit of an emergency. The Foreman was hozing these guys.
About being there for the 4th, I have Mon. & Tues. off for the next some weeks, them will go to Wed, & Thur. and like I said, we have appointments for Gerry in Denver for Tues, 7th. This will be the third trip over there on two week intervals. I don’t know how many more are to be expected, but at present we think we will go along with their work up to an operation. We don’t know about one of them.
[-PAGE 17-]
As for things at home, like I said, at the present, at least, it has never been so good. I don’t know how long it will last, but I will go along with it as long as it does and be ready to make a move-or take action-when it fails. She went to a Dr. the other day (just after she got home) and he gave her a couple of prescriptions that may help.
Margie lost her job just after she got back from St. Geo. So she has been unemployed. She just started to draw her unemployment Comp the other day.
Gerry and Keith are both working in the peach harvest. Gerry is on orchard and Keith at a packing shed. Kurt went with Margie and Gerry this a.m. to see if he could get on too. I haven’t heard yet how he did.
Sharon is still at our place. She is working at the
[-PAGE 18-]
phone Co. Carroll hasn’t had a pay day from the R. R. I think they plan to rent some place as soon as he does.
I have switched a little time on the job to write this. Will mail it on my way through Fruita.
Like I said, we talked of calling you last night. Were going to, in fact. I was a bit reluctant, however, with Margie listening over my shoulder.
Best Stop- Love
Ern
[-PAGE 19-]
- Pulsipher
Box 504
Fruita, Colo.
Mrs. Wm Brooks
St. George
Utah
FRUITA
SEP 1
1954
COLO
Ans enclosed
[-PAGE 20-]
St. George, Utah
Sept. 6, 1965
Dear Ernie,
I'll do another letter for the family to the home address, but wanted to send this Stevenson clipping to you because he says so well the things I have felt about the value of the labor unions. It seems worth preserving.
I certainly did appreciate your last letter, was glad for the tone and spirit of it. You can be kind, and attentive, and considerate--but keep a firm hand on the purse-strings for a while, at least.
We've lived through the reunion and the general Labor Day visitors and the upheaval in the house--all of which I will say more about in the general letter. Now after a few other adjustments, I hope to get back into the groove again. I have so many things half-done in the writing line and it's so hard to work in the midst of company and confusion that I sometimes don't know whether I'm going or coming.
As I started to say--you didn't miss much by not getting in. We had a big dinner here and another at Mesquite and visited and worked at genealogy, and that's about it.
More later—
Best love,
MOM
[-PAGE 21-]
1523 W Russett Ave
Salt Lake City, Ut.
Sept 2, 1965
Dear Mrs Brooks,
On page 56 of your biography of John D. Lee, and again in your introduction to the diaries of Hosea Stout, you make the statement that the revelation authorizing the organization of the Council of Fifty was given April 7, 1842. I have been unable to track this revelation down. It is not mentioned in the Documentary History of the Church or any other book that I have. I would appreciate it if you would let me know where this revelation can be found.
I feel that you should be congratulated on your latest contribution to our knowledge of Utah and its pioneers. I have enjoyed reading the journals of Hosea Stout; it has made me, I believe, a little more appreciative of our pioneer heritage. The work should be invaluable to anyone wishing to go more than ankle deep in Utah and Mormon history.
Sincerely,
Ethan Pearson
[-PAGE 22-]
Ethan Pearson
1523 W Russett Ave
SaIt Lake City,
Utah 84119
Mrs Juanita Brooks
346 N. Main
St George, Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
PM
2 SEP
1965
Ans enclosed
[-PAGE 23-]
St. George, Utah
Sept. 4, 1965
Mr. Ethan Pearson
1523 W. Russett Avenue
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear Mr Pearson:
Thank you for your note of September 2.
I got the date of April 7, 1842, for the revelation authorizing the organization of the Council of Fifty from a typescript copy of the reorganization meeting of the Council of Fifty which was held Saturday, April 10, 1880:
"...the name given this council on the day it was organized by the Lord, April 7, 1842. Was read from the revelations as follows: 'The Kingdom of God and His Laws with the keys and powers thereof and Judgement in the hands of his servants."
Typescript in the BYU Library at Provo, Utah; original in files of the Church Historian's office in a large envelope labeled "Council of Fifty" on the outside.
Compare with John D. Lee, Mormon Chronicle, V. 1 p.98:
"..Repeated the Name of this council (SS). Verily thus Saith the Lord, by this Name shall be called: The Kingdom of God & its Laws and Justice & Judgement in my hands,
Signed Ah man christ..."
John D. Lee, as you probably know, wrote much of the Council of Fifty, designating it as the YTFIF.
I hope that this will help you.
Sincerely,
Juanita Brooks
[-PAGE 24-]
Churches’
673-3743
[-PAGE 25-]
St. George, Utah
Sept. 6, 1965
Dear Ernie, Margie, & all,
Labor Day today, and most of the company have taken off. We expect Vernon & Charity back tomorrow, and then we'll know a little more about what we will do.
They came on Wednesday; Aura & Carl arrived Thursday morning, Mel & Myrtle, Laurel & Melva, Francis & Marian, and Dudley & Helen all came Friday afternoon. I seated twenty at dinner that night and bedded down six. Mel & Myrtle slept at Mothers, and
the Allens stayed at a motel. Aunt Aura is not at all well, but takes so much medication that, she is sort-a fuzzy much the time.
Vernon was very LOW all the time. Seems that he had a streak of bad luck, which combined rainy weather, the loss of a big truck in a wreck-fire, and possibly other things, until he got so worried that Charity was afraid of a nervous collapse and called Dudley at San Francisco and had him come home and take over the business. She and Vernon went into SL City and got work managing a fine new apartment house. He liked the work fine, but she didn't. It was too round-the-clock with no time off much, and too much scrubbing out apartments. So they came down hoping he could get something to do here, and they would rent this old half of our home. He didn't find any work yet, so they went on to Las Vegas to visit Conrad and see what the prospects there might be. They left their things here.
Back to the reunion: we re-organized after the dinner Friday night and made Laurel president. He's all enthused about the genealogy & temple work, so Saturday morning was silent around the opened-up table comparing sheets and exchanging dates. Saturday evening we went to Mesquite where Mary served an outdoor banquet such as one rarely sees--fried chicken in piles, salads cakes icecream, fruit & melons, etc.etc. Then we all went up to Kenneth Reber's wedding reception and dance. Missed Milo Adams from the floor and a few others of the old-time swingers-around, but otherwise it was the regular hoe-down.
Most everyone left Sunday morning; Mel & Laurel Sunday afternoon. Just as they drove off, two couples from SLC arrived and took up the time until late night, then I went out to the Meadows with them this morning. Anyway, you can see that I've not been idle.
Oh, yes, and Karl & Carla both got schools in Pomona, Calif-- he at $7300. and she at $6500. Their apartment is across the street and half a block from her school and he is 15 minutes drive from his. They're very pleased at the prospects. Their sand & gravel business was OK, except that so much of the income had to go to pay for equipment (and most of it second-hand). Anyway, we were glad to see Karl back into his profession. The driving time from there to here is 51/2 hours, so they'll be in for the deer hunt, holidays, etc.
[-PAGE 26-]
That about brings you up-to date on things here, I guess. Oh, yes, I talked to Maud the other day and she said that Dan had been right sick with a sort of flu for several days, but was better now.
Daddy & I plan to go in to SLC for the annual Historical Society dinner day.(Sept. 17) I may fly on to the East from there if all goes well. It's more trouble to get from here to SLC than it is to go on from there to Washington, D.C. I would be gone about two weeks.
We're much interested in Gary and what they say about him at Denver. If Charity & Vernon take this old half of the house, he could still have the same room down stairs and board with them or with us. They might prefer to take another boy in also. All depends on whether or not Vernon finds something to do in Las Vegas, or whether they decide to go back to Blanding.
Housing here is at such a premium that we have daily calls for apartments. But I'll make no move until I see how things go with the Rowleys.
Well, that's about it, I guess. Let us hear from you-all as to your doings, plans, etc. etc. We hope that all goes well with you.
Best love,
Mom---Grandma Brooks
[-PAGE 27-]
St. George, Utah
Sept. 14, 1965
The Arthur H. Clark Company
Glendale, California
Dear Mr. Clark:
Please send me five copies of John Doyle Lee, Zealot, Pioneer Builder, Scapegoat, and bill me.
Thank you. very much
Sincerely,
Juanita Brooks
[-PAGE 28-]
Pipe Spring National Monument
Moccasin, Arizona
20 September 1965
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
St. George, Utah
Dear Mrs. Brooks:
So glad you had a use for the Tribune article Lauri mailed you.
I am enclosing a copy of the letter mailed to Santa Fe-- I hope it meets with your approval. When Bill answers, I'll forward his reply to you.
Incidentally, I did send a letter to Wallace, editor of the Journal of Arizona History and received a satisfactory reply:
"...if you still feel that any serious errors exist in the article as it was printed, I would be pleased to have from you a letter of correction, making a detailed explanation of each point. We would consider publishing such a letter, if you wish, including an apology for any errors that were truly our own."
To do as Wallace suggests, would entail many hours of doubtfully rewarding re-hashing--but I've made no firm decision yet regarding the matter.
Sincerely,
Robert W. 0lsen, Jr.
Pipe Spring Nat. Mon.
Moccasin, Arizona
RWO:lo
Enc.
[-PAGE 29-]
COPY:
18 September 1965
Mr. Bill Brown,
Regional Historian
Southwest Region Nat. Park Service
Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Dear Bill:
August 24 I went to St. George, Utah to talk to Mrs. Juanita Brooks about some personal business. While there, she asked me if the site of the Mountain Meadows Massacre could get national recognition in some way.
As you possibly know, Mountain Meadows is where a group of Mormons massacred some Missouri immigrants who were on their way to California. This was an incident of the Utah War of 1857-58, part of the struggle between the Mormons and the Federal Government.
Mrs. Brooks is the foremost authority on this Mountain Meadows Massacre. She has written a book about the Massacre, a biography of John D. Lee, who was eventually executed for his part in the massacre, and is co-editor with Robert Glass Cleland of Lee's diaries. Mrs. Brooks has also written and edited many other volumes about Utah and Mormon history.
At the site of the Massacre now is a rock marker first erected in 1859 by the Federal Government (Army) who investigated the Massacre. In subsequent years, the marker fell down and still later was built again and a Utah Pioneers Trails and Landmarks Association marker was put up. The property around it has been recently purchased by the L.D.S. Church.
Is it possible that this site could receive national recognition and how could such recognition be initiated? I am certain Mrs. Brooks would appreciate any suggestions or efforts we could make to further this project.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Olsen, Jr.
Pipe Spring; Nat. Mon.
[-PAGE 30-]
Fort Morgan, Colorado September 20 1965
Dear Will & Juanita
The enclosed news item came to us from our niece who lives in Sandy. She Betty North, Ann's girl who married Richard North, presently the Bishop of his Ward. She has been so faithful in sending us news clips while we were in Great Britain, for in this country, neither the Scots nor the English like Americans too well, consequently hardly any news ever came in the press. They read but little, except the paper and the paper is devoid of world news. Thye are far the most part sensational, describing stabbings by the dozens and various sex problems of the young and old. There is now revolvers or rifles to be obtained. Only cetain of the police can carry them, so what murders (and there are many) is done by stabbing. To get the news from home, I had to make a special arrangement with a news stand to get the British edition of TIME. Even this had their slant on things. Brief statements on TV while our national elections was on, and very short news items. I actually starved for news from home. We took the Saturday D News and every word was read., but Betty managed to cut out the items she knew I was interested in and continues. This one we received in our box last nite after all church work was done.
I notice what a generous space was given to your work, and certainly I can very well see that they should, for I know it will be what the author says" a collectors item "in a short time. I do hope I am not too late to have you send us the work herein mentioned. While the comment about the printing indicates it could have been better, that was no fault of yours. Should another printing be contemplated, hold our order for it and any encrease in charges will be paid at once. But if this is not certain, please, if we are not too late, mail us at Fort Morgan the present writing.
When you mailed us your first writing of John D Lee, I failed to remit the money covering its cost. It was a long, long time afterward (not having experience with authors) that it dawned on me that it was not a present, but was sent to me with your autograph, becuse you knew I would want one ,and of course I did.
Juanita, I have repented so many times and had so little courage to correct this gross and foolish error, I want to try to make amends for two reasons... one to correct a former error and the other that I could not think of not having this presnt work. Enclosed is a check for 25.00 which is for the present work and a part for the past. If possible, would you also autograph the new work. I shall read every line and write you later. How I could of thought I was your only friend, I'll never know.
We are assigned to the Western States Mission out of Denver and assigned to the Fort Morgan Branch, where yesterday Pres Davis came up with Pres Thorpe to set me apart as Branch President. This is a very nice town of about 8000, the streets are 100 ft and clean and at right angles. The houses are fresh kept, and 1 lawns well trimmed. Nice Motels and service stations, a nice business district. Many churches on the corners, well kept and well attended, about 23.. We have a nice small (65,000) chapel inserted among some very nice homes. There are about 82 in the Br with an attendance of about 35. We have a lot of problems, as some of the members live over 80 miles and many in between. We have a nice small flat in the center of town.
I have always been interested in theatre, so you might well know how much I enjoyed to be at Drury Lane in London to see "Camelot". I had hand written a recap of the "Romance of an Old Theatre" and knew a lot about the SL theatre, patterned after Drury.Drury looked all beat up from the outside(l863) but, boy...the inside. Will and Juanita, to me this was a climax of a life of theatre interest and some day soon, I'd love to tell you all about it. The following week at the same place we seen Grace Kelly and have some pictures of her as she got out of her car coming up the steps of Drury.
We are happy in our work, and pray for you, Juanita, for there is no one in our State doing what you are. Love and regards to all and especially to Brig. I'll never forget that boy.
Grant & Mae
[-PAGE 31-]
Grant Graff
P 0 BOX 277
Fort Morgan, Colorado
Mr & Mrs William Brooks
Mount Hope
St George, Utah
FORT MORGAN
SEP 22
PM
1965
COLO
[-PAGE 32-]
St. George, Utah
Sept. 22, 1965
Dear Grant & Mae:
It was wonderful to hear from you and to know something; of your doings. From your description, we guess that Fort Morgan is a very fine place in which to be stationed, that the work of the Church always includes some problems, just as any other worth while undertaking does.
We look forward to hearing more about the Drury Lane theater in London, and of your experiences there. Willa took us to see The Sound of Music at one of the great halls of London, but it was not Drury Lane. It was an experience which is one of the sunbursts of our trip.
You speak of my mailing you my first writing of John D. Lee, which makes me think it was the first edition of The Mountain Meadows Massacre. I have no memory of my sending it, but if I did, it was because I wanted you to have it. Certainly I was not selling it to you, and I am sorry that you have had the least qualm about accepting it.
Your check for $25.00 is far too much for the Hosea Stout set, so Will suggests that we mail you a copy of the Biography of John D. Lee, which appeared first in 1961, with this second printing in 1963. This is more nearly my own work than is the hosea Stout set--that is, it is not just an editing job. It grows out of my years of study and research around the life of John D. Lee, and represents my final evaluation of the man. I hope you will accept this for the over-paid balance.
If you already have this book, let me know at once. I'll wait a few days before I send this out.
I'm trying desperately to get out a short biography of Will's father by Christmas. It is being privately printed here, and will include family pictures. Actually it is almost a story of St. George. Perhaps you would prefer one of these to the Lee Biography.
Only please remember that we count you two among our most treasured friends, to whom we are indebted for many things.
Love and good wishes,
[-PAGE 33-]
At home , Monday morning
Sept 20/65
Dear Karl & Karla,
Somehow I thought you just might drop a line after your first week of work--maybe it will arrive today.
We're having winter for sure--cold as the dickens in S.L.C. last week-end, more than a foot of snow at Fillmore and later as far south as Cedar. A warm, pleasant, afternoon for the first parade here, but in an hour the temperature dropped 15 degrees, and by night it was cold. Rained the last night, drizzIed, that is.
I went up to the Historical Society annual meetings and dinner, and really did enjoy them. The speaker was Dr. Earl Pomeroy of the University of Oregon, whose last book is called The Pacific Slope, and his method of interpreting history is certainly different. I'm getting his book, and may send it on when I have scanned it.
Mabel Holt, wife of "Turk" and Uncle Vernon' s niece say that they are looking for a pony for their little girl. I told her about yours here, and when she asked how much I thought you would take or it it said I thought you didnt really want to sell, but you might consider $150.00. Walt had already said that he would give a hundred for it. But all this you can take care of when you are up for the hunt.
Irene called to tell of Walt's accident, which looked as if it might be pretty bad at first. They had put the saddle on Lady & let her stand with it on during church, then he got on to ride and had started up the hill toward the airport. That is, he was at the foot of the hill when she began to buck, and the saddle turned. We'll go down & call this afternoon, but she reports that he's OK except for being bruised and sore.
Charity & Vernon are still here, he restless and unhappy and she busy taking care of Grandma, who went to bed with a bad cold while I was away. She insists that she is going to be fine now since she used her own favorite cure—a big dose of castor oil.
No word for us from any of our four. We called Willa...Daddy has a carbon letter written to Kay & Tony which I haven't seen. Uncle Lew wants to buy property here, he thinks, to get away from the colored folks. May try to…. [illegible]
Well, since you take the Country Blab, you'll know as much news as we do--Oh, yes--had the road graveled to the cabin site from the Lee back gate--$40.00
[-PAGE 34-]
St. George, Utah
Sept, 21, 1965
Dear Dale:
I feel impelled to write to you, even though it's not Christmas and I know you're too busy for correspondence. It seemed almost like Christmas in Zion last week-end, though, and the picture of you in the showcase—along with Charlie Kelly and Old Greenwood— made me call Sam Weller for a copy and resolve to write to you. The copy has not yet arrived. (An excellent picture, by the way)
I took up with me a photo copy of the first Lee Mission Diary which I secured from Mozelle Bickley so long ago and sent to Huntington. The recent surge of interest in baptismal dates in the LDS Church led the Redd family to it, and through them Apostle Romney. Anyway, Earl Olsen promised to exchange a photo copy of Lee's Santa Fe Mission for one of this mission diary. I'm much pleased about this, first because I have long wanted to see the original of that Santa Fe Mission, and also because I think now that eventually I can get a photo copy of the longer Nauvoo-to-Winter Quarters one. I already have all of the Kelly material from the original on microfilm.
I had not time to go far in the comparison of the photo copy with the typescript at the Historical Society, but was pleased with the remarkable fidelity of the transcription, for that hand printing is sometimes hard to read.
I'm working on the T.D. Brown "Journal of the Southern Indian Mission," and really enjoying it. I have found little new on the biography of Brown—that is, more than I had in 1953— except that there are two dates given for his second marriage. It. would seem that his second wife, Mary Lucretia Willis, moved to Arizona with her father and brothers in 1878, for her sons were there. I don't know whether or not she ever re-married. Nor have I much on the two children from the first wife—James G. and Sarah. This is not too important. He died in 1874, and it seems that one family moved to Idaho and the other to Arizona.
The journal itself is more interesting to me now than it was earlier, and I'll be glad to see it in print. Mr. Thurman of the University of Utah Press wants it.
I am always happy when I see any new achievement of yours and remember some of the trips we had together to the various places, especially to the MMM area. When I went there again last week and found the road in worse condition that it was before, I wondered if the Church is trying to make it more difficult for visitors to get there. Ezra Lytle finally sold the 2 ½ acres to the Church, as you no doubt know. I had so hoped that it might be designated an historical spot of one name or another under National auspicies of either the Parks or the Forest Service. But this is life!
My best wishes for your continued success.
Juanita
[-PAGE 35-]
St. George,
Utah Sept. 22, 1965
Mr. C. Nelson Day
Fillmore, Utah
Dear Mr. Day:
I understand that there is a vacancy on the Washington County Water Conservancy District board and should like to suggest the name of Matthew M. Bentley for the position.
I have worked with Mr. Bentley in many situations: as a member of the Dixie College faculty during his time there, as a worker for our municipal power plant and a political party worker. He has been a member of our power commission from the beginning; he has served on the City Council for many terms. He has held positions of trust in church and community.
He is a man of ability, with a keen, perceptive mind. Better still, he is a man of integrity. Even people who may not like him personally admit that he can be trusted with any position.
In these days when a public office is so often used for private gain, it is important that men serve who have a broad, over-all view of conditions and who have public interest at heart.
The people of Washington County would be well represented and the state as a whole would be benefited if Matthew M. Bentley were appointed on the Water Conservancy Board.
My husband joins in a hearty support of this man.
Very sincerely yours,
Juanita Brooks
William Brooks
[-PAGE 36-]
Mrs. Juanita Brooks-
You have had ample time to deny the false statement you made in the Hosea Stout book. Just what are you waiting for? Do you think John Neff’s family are going to let this slide by?
Nina A. Neff
[-PAGE 37-]
St. George, Utah
Sept. 24, 1965
Mrs. Nina S. Neff
3377 South Oakwood Street
Salt Lake City, Utah
84109
Dear Mrs.Neff:
You are right. I have had about time to have documented my statement regarding the plural wives of John Neff, but I am here and the source material is there, most of it. The long illness of my mother, now 88, has pretty much occupied me, also, since I am the one responsible for her.
As I tried to tell you on the telephone, I'm sorry about the statement because you feel so deeply about it. The pattern is so common in early Mormon history that I thought nothing of it; in fact my own grandfather was ordered to marry an Indian girl, which he did, much against the wishes of the three first wives. While I wait to get up for a reading of the diaries of Amos Milton Musser and a look at the 1860 census, you might have your
lawyer examine the one for 1870 and explain who some of those listed are. My copy is quite dim on some pages, and this is one of them. However on one name entitled BIG COTTONWOOD I find:
Neff, John 33 farmer born in Penn.
Eliza A 24 Utah
Helen 7
Maurine 4
Marie 4
Benefict, Delia 60 F Connecticut
Neff, Franklin 46 Miller Penn.
Frances 34 housewife
Ida 19
Francis 12
Mary 13
Rosilla 6
Marie S 4
Alice 2
Neff, Mary 68 Penn
Peter 21
Leah 21
Rockwell, Mary 18 (this is very dim—the age, I mean)
Neff, Ameratt 19 (also very dim)
" Catherine 46 Wales
Harriet 4
Amanda 3
[-PAGE 38-]
Cont.—
Neff, Eva 14
“ Amos 17
Cyrus 7
Martha 18
These can no doubt be all accounted for; I have not yet tried to do it. I must get the 1860 census for Big Cottonwood and also for Pleasant Grove, where John Neff owned two lots....
Nor have I looked through the family group sheets of the Neff name at the Genealogical library.
Much of my research dealt with the emigration from Wales, especially for the year 1856, because my husband's father came from there on that year, and I am writing his biography. When Brother Brigham was suggesting that one or another of the brethren be responsible for some of the girls, I gave it little thought. The diary of A. Milton Musser, also a cousin, for 1853 may give the key.
I know that Mary Barr Neff outlived her husband some eight years-- perhaps I should say several years, since I shall not now take time to check this detail-— and that she and her children followed her husband's body to the grave. That, again, is a familiar pattern. I can duplicate this many times-- the first wife and her children sitting at the front near the casket; plural wives far on the back bench or at home in another village and not notified until after the service is over. Truly the plurality of wives caused much sorrow and heartbreak.....
I know that you will not be happy to have this verified, but, believe me, I did not set it down in malice or with any desire to slander the name of John Neff, for whom I have the greatest respect. I was only recording an incident very common in the Mormon society at the time, when having a plural family was considered an honor.
I shall continue my research on this and give you full details as soon as I can.
Very sincerely yours,
Juanita Brooks
[-PAGE 39-]
Mrs. Nina S. Neff
3377 S. Oakwood Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84109
JUANITA BROOKS
346 North Main
St. George, Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
PM
15 SEP
1965
Ans enclosed
Sept 24
[-PAGE 40-]
‘65?
Sunday evening, Sept 26
Dear Karl & Carla:
Daddy is writing while he waits for Walt to come for him to go to the Priesthood (High Priests, I mean) meeting at the Tabernacle. He'll tell you about the football game, I'm sure.
While he was gone and I was getting ready to go to Koreen Brown's wedding which was held at Wonacotts, the door bell rang, & when I answered it there was Clint Poulsen. With him were his wife, two of her sisters, and one of his brothers, husband to one of the girls. Seems that three brothers married three sisters. They were en route to Idaho to see their mother, who is not expected to live. WELL— I wasn't expecting company, but I did have plenty of home made bread, opened preserves & jelly & tuna & brought out a pkg of hot dogs, sliced tomatoes & peaches & cream. One way and another, I found enough to fill them up. We had a good visit and they went on before Daddy got
home .
Such perfect weather the last few days, you wouldnt believe it.
Called Duane Esplin about the calf & he says he has just brought it in today. Will take it out tomorrow, even though they may not be able to handle it. I wish there was some way to check & follow through & (as Duane) know that we get the right animal. How do you deserve such a good friend??
Joey had her operation in SLC--the third, as you know— and at first they seemed to think that everything was OK. They called this morning to say that the doctor wants them to stay at least another day. Seems that she had a slight relapse.
Remember the old song, "The Best Things in Life are Free?" We talked of it when we visited the aquarium in L.A. and the Museum of Natural History, where the eyes of the wolves shone so that they almost scared you kids. And the Planetarium where we spent a night in about an hour and a half, and the dawn came to the strains of "Finlandia?" While there are plenty of free things to see, don't go too short on money. I've been getting in a little in advance on the Brooks biography.
Call us collect sometime, why don't you?
I'm hoping you both are finding school interesting and challenging. When you look at some of these under-privileged kids, remember that Arthur J. Goldberg who took Adlai Stevenson's place at the United Nations came out of an immigrant family of eight children who lived in dire poverty in a Chicago slum.
Am much impressed by the current Saturday Review dedicated to Albert Schweister, especially the editorial by Norman Cousins telling how one man's idea of being a christian caught fire until at least seven other hospitals have been established in his name in different parts of the world. It's a cheering thing for me and more stimulating than [illegible] are looking for an apartment. She has work at Dick's cafe; he is going into the trade school set-up here, sponsored by the govt where the kids can earn a little while they learn.
Such a scattered, jumbled mess! We love you both. MOM
[-PAGE 41-]
65?
Tuesday morning/ Sept 28
Dear Karl & Carla
I'm slightly demented, maybe, but I'm sending these two magazines with the same gesture that I'd offer you each a piece of choice candy. You can get LIFE, LOCK, or the POST at any newsstand, but you'll not pick these up so easily. Keep them around or put them in with next week's paper collection.
I thought you might use the item on Hamlet, Carla, if and when you teach it again. There are a few others that may interest you also, maybe the "Blue Collar Families" study. Or in the light of your classes, Karl, maybe the "Help Wanted" one. This FORUM quarterly is always full of meat..
The SATURDAY REVIEW is a weekly instead of a quarterly, but I've admired Shcweitzer for so long that I've been interested here especially in Norman Cousins' editorial. By the way, I consider Cousins one of our better commentators.
So, as I say, read 'em or throw 'em out.
Just called Walt at the hospital, where he went last night with an angry, painful infection just above his ankle. Says he was afraid of blood poison, it is so painful and didn't respond at all to the traditional hot packs. The Doctor hadn't been in yet, so he didn't know anything except that he IS worried about it. Irene is in S.L.C. with the singing mothers. George stayed with us last night.
Maxine reports that Joey is somewhat improved, though still not out of the woods by any means. She had a high fever following the operation. Maxine's more important interest is what she thinks is going to be a negro riot at the Temple Square during conference, with bomb throwing and violence. She has all kinds of wild reports of negroes being shipped in by the hundreds and paid $20.00 a day to carry this on. So now we can only wait to see. I myself can't get too wrought up over it. This is being financed by the Communists!
The enclosed clipping will explain itself. I'm relieved to see it.
No more. I'm at the T.D. Brown journal and a few more round-the-clock
days should get it into shape. May head East then
Love always,
MOM
[-PAGE 42-]
THOMAS D. BROWN
Of the early life of Thomas D. Brown we know very little. The reader of this journal will have to judge as to his education and cultural background from his allusions to the past or his use of Latin phrases as though they were familiar expressions to him. The work as it appears here was no doubt transcribed from shorthand notes taken earlier. This seems especially true of the minutes of meetings and the sermons of the leaders. His descriptions of the country and of the Indian customs are especially vivid and apt and set this record off from the ordinary accounts as a photograph would differ from a simple line drawing.
Thomas Dunlap
[-PAGE 43-]
2177 Carriage Lane
Apt. 23
Holladay, Utah 84117
30 October 1965
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
St. George, Utah
Dear Sister Juanita,
I have just re-read most of your Utah’s Dixie the Cotton Mission. I cannot refrain from writing to you and telling you how much I enjoyed the experience. Your writing is like the scenery you describe-pp.33-48- Like the incomparable views, both on the vantage points, when literally gazing at them in person, and looking at them in color in your booklet, on e must, “Make haste slowly, take time to stop, to get out, to sense the atmosphere of the places”-I feel somewhat like a sponge, seeping up the beauty, both of the scenery and your writing as your words describe it. Even more pictures come to mind as I read; the walk to the monument in Mt. Meadows, the valley; the hills and fields; the winding road, made slick and muddy by the recent rain; the defiles washed by the floods and in which did not exist in 1857- You are right. One needs to come (go)
[-PAGE 44-]
again and again to the area, from Bryce to Zion to St. George and the country round about; he should read about it, think about it, live vicariously in it, and with those who, with toil, sweat, blood, and tears, settled upon and in it, who lived and died, dreamed and built, won personal and collective victories- and though dead yet live; not only in monuments of mortar and stone; of wood and sand, but of the more enduring realities of faith and hope, of love and sacrifice; the spiritual verities that make a person and a nation great.
To put it in another way, your writing, while factual and quite unemotional nevertheless contains a subtle but commendable quality of tugging at the heart strings, giving it a value that bids one to re-read the story again and again.
Your concluding paragraph on p.48 says it. And so, with the never–to–be-forgotten experience of our trip last Labor-day-and the booklet at hand, I shall look forward to returning to Utah’s Dixie where so much
[-PAGE 45-]
living, so much achieving, so much inspiration, work, love, and “the duty, which makes it (duty) a privilege and an opportunity reflects the lives of a great and noble people. All this beckons the present generation to come, to see, to learn, and to emulate. We should pause, meditate and remember who we are and from where we came. Then, we may see more clearly where we should go and how to get there.
Self evaluation, like self discipline, can be the two best building blocks of charity if we have the courage to use them, and I know of no better source of inspiration than the Mormon Pioneers and the heritage they left us.
In any event, one should, and thanks to you, and other reliable writers of history, we can, catch the spirit and the vision, the ideals and the practical application of those ideals, in the pages of inspired history. Frequently, the printed word contains a power we know not of.
[-PAGE 46-]
We hope you come to Salt Lake often. We are always glad to see you, and please don’t go to a hotel, motel, or other “hostelry.”- We have plenty of room and would be delighted to have you come. Mary and I are gone from 7:30-5:00 on week days, so you could study, write, read, relax, and take your time, for it is quiet here and peaceful. No noise, no need for pills or tranquilizers-just the place for a couple our age-and for friends your age—whatever it is.
You may be interested in what a group of us are attempting-La Mar Peterson-Horace Christensen, and I from here, and Dr. Milton Abrams-Librarian at USU-Bro. Heber C. Snell, George Jensen and Harold Lawrence-these four from Logan) My cousin Alva Fitzgerald, Provo, may join us. We’re having fun discussing the project anyway.
Call whenever you come-277-2777
Sincerely,
John Fitzgerald
[-PAGE 47-]
JOHN W. FITZGERALD
2177 Carriage Lane-Apt. 23
Holladay, Utah 84117
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
(about) 426 North Main
St. George,
Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
PM
23 OCT
1965
[-PAGE 48-]
Salt Lake, Nov. 1, 1965.
Dear Juanita and Will:
Trying to remember when you were here or when I received your note after your return to St. George is impossible, as I have been so busy.
Am not sure whether I was back on the court reporting job when you were here, as your message had no date on it.
Anyway I was "commandeered" by Judge Jeppson on September 13th for a day, or "maybe the rest of week." And have been at it every day since, except when they, the judges took the day off to attend the funeral of Judge Van Cott. We go to Coalville every second Monday, and some times in between; and when not there, we labor in the old City and County Building five days a week. I have a promise to be released on the 15th. It is just too much to work outside and do any housework, which has been sadly neglected.
Last week a lady attorney in court asked If I was the one who was doing the 100-year old shorthand notes. She offices with the old man who has the notes. She said she understood I was continuing on with the transcribing, and was surprised that I was waiting to hear as to whether I should resume the work. I want to get in touch with them soon.
I get so busy every day that I don't have time to do many things I want to, sometimes don't get away from the courthouse until 6 or 7 p. m. If I don't get out of this court work soon think I'll explode.
Thanks for the information on Long. Will let you know what the old notes reveal after we get into them again, but that will not be soon as I expect.
I believe Walter is about to begin some remodeling, carpenter work in his office soon—says he will do it himself.
Be sure to call when you are in the city any time.
Sincerely,
Jim
- H. Keller
[-PAGE 49-]
James Keller
2210 Blaine
Salt Lake.
Mr. and Mrs. Will Brooks,
North Main St.,
St. George, Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
AM
2 NOV
1965
Ans by note
[-PAGE 50-]
160 Theodore Fremd Avenue
Apt. B-7
Rye, New York 10580
November 16, 1965
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
St. George
Utah
Dear Mrs. Brooks
I am writing first of all to let you know how much I have enjoyed reading your books and second to see if perhaps you could answer a question concerning a manuscript that may be in your possession.
The Mountain Meadows Massacre is, in my opinion, a masterful book — one that added to my own interest in the Army of Utah because for the first time it vividly presented the fear, alarm and hysteria that word of the army's advance generated in isolated sections of Utah Territory such as Iron County. I had spent a great deal of time researching the Utah Expedition from the vantage point of both the Buchanan Administration and the Federal troops involved but never had appreciated the effect of the campaign on the Latter-day Saints until reading your book. I was also delighted to see that in On The Mormon Frontier you were able to make use of my 1963 article in the Utah Historical Quarterly to amplify Hosea Stout's journal entries about W. M. F. Magraw and John Hockaday. The journal itself indicated that Magraw had been in Utah courts several times during his career as a mail contractor — something of which I was not aware — confirming my theory that the man was probably most bitter about his experiences in Utah when he wrote to the President in 1856.
I am now working on an article on the use of volunteer troops by the Army of Utah. Specifically, I am interested in the Battalion of U.S. Volunteers, a unit organized at Camp Scott in December of 1857 and commanded by Captain Barnard E. Bee (10th Infantry, U.S.A.) who held the temporary rank of lieutenant colonel. One of the few accounts of the battalion's experiences that I have been able to find is part of an auto-biographical sketch by William Wallace Hammond, who was a sergeant in Company C of the battalion. I have a xerox reproduction of a typescript copy of Hammond's narrative which I got from Brigham Young University. Unfortunately, the narrative ends prior to Hammond's death, so I have not been able to find out when, where and how he died. Since the typescript was made in the 1930's from a copy in your possession, I am hoping that you may be able to help me find out about Hammond's demise. Also, any information to which you could direct me concerning the battalion and its personnel, especially Bee and Captains W. M. F. Magraw, George W. Cherry, Daniel McLaughlin and Samuel Foster would be much appreciated.
Thanking you for your help, I remain
Sincerely yours,
William P. MacKinnon
[-PAGE 51-]
160 Theodore Fremd Avenue
Apt. B-7
Rye, New York 10580
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
St. George
Utah
DETROIT, MICH
AM
17 NOV
1965
AIR MAIL
? Information on WW Hammond?
(Camp Scott Dec 1857)
Barnard E Bee
Go with cherry
Dan’l McLaughlin
Samuel Foster
[-PAGE 52-]
Nov. 19, 1965
Dear Mrs. Brooks,
Just a note.
A friend of mine, German (Nazi youth on the Russian front at 16) by birth and working on a Ph.D. degree in philosophy at Northwestern university has given several talks on the Deputy around Kansas City.
If the Deputy comes to Salt Lake City, or even it it doesn’t, it might be desirable to have him come to talk on it. He does have a fine job of relating the “form and content” of this work of art. He has also done directing.
Even if the film doesn’t come, there might be a lecture series not yet filled this year. He has talked on “The Deputy” A Mirror to Contemporary Society?”
His name and address are
Professor Hans Deffleman
U.M.K.C.
Kansas City, Mo 64110
By the way, I will leave
L.A. 20 Dec. 1:30 P.M.
Arrive Ogden 21 Dec. 8:30 A.M. U.P. #104
L.A. Ogden 26 Dec. 7:30 P.M.
Ar. L.A. 27 Dec. 12:30 P.M. U.P. #103
I don’t recall that this comes near St. George or whether you will be in S.L. during this time. Perhaps we can get together.
Sincerely,
Boyd Mathias
[-PAGE 53-]
Mathias
RAYMOND COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC
Stockton, California 95204
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
St. George, Utah
STOCKTON
NOV 19
PM
1965
CALIF
Also Ivern L. Cashine
303 East Bouta Rd
Las Cruces, New Mexico
[-PAGE 54-]
UTAH STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
603 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
SALT LAKE CITY 2, UTAH
December 10, 1965
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
346 North Main Street
St. George, Utah
Dear Juanita:
If you recall on Saturday, November 27th, you picked up some pictures from the photograph library, and in making our deposits at the end of last week our balance was short $3.00. We have checked and re-checked our records and cannot find this shortage.
I could not recall if you had paid by cash or check when you received the pictures, or if I had received payment at all.
I would appreciate if you could check your records to see how payment was made. If it was not paid, could you please send your remittance of $3.00.
If you have any question, please notify us. Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Sincerely,
Doris Bunderson
(Mrs.) Doris Bunderson
Circulation Department
Dear Doris,
As I remember, I gave you three one-dollar bills for the four pictures. Just is case and to clear matters, I enclose a check for $3.00
Juanita Brooks
[-PAGE 55-]
UTAH STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
603 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
SALT LAKE CITY 2, UTAH
December 13, 1965
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
346 North Main Street
St. George, Utah
Dear Juanita:
Thank you so much for your prompt reply and cooperation in this matter. Once again after checking our accounts, we feel that inasmuch as there was no check involved and that you had paid by cash--the shortage could be somewhere else.
At the time I receipted the $3.00, I guess I was somewhat confused as I noted on the receipt that you had paid by check. This is the reason that we contacted you, as at the time we were making out our deposits we could not find your check.
Dr. Cooley has asked me to return your check, and we will make up the shortage. Please feel that the mistake is ours--not yours. Just sorry this happened.
Thank you once again.
Sincerely
Doris
Doris Bunderson
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UTAH STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
603 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84102
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
346 North Main Street
St. George, Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
PM
13 DEC
1965
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St. George, Utah, Saturday, Dec.11/65
My dear Doris:
Your call yesterday caught me completely off balance. I was at a ladies' club with a Christmas program just ready to begin and no extension phone in the house. I'd have been a bit more coherent at home, I'm sure.
I've tried to think through my activities of two weeks ago, and for my own record more than for yours, I'll try to list them. Later I can check with my son Clair, who hauled me around.
Fri., Nov. 26, 1965 Left St. George with Carl & Carls. Arrived at the Alphabet printers 12:15 noon; stopped there and worked until 5 p.m., when Clair picked me up and to me to his home.
Sat., Nov 27. Up at work on index from 4 to 8:30 a.m. Breakfast. Clair or Katie brought me up to 603 E. South Temple, and I'm not sure whether they waited in the car or came in. I had talked to Dorothy, so knew the pictures were down stairs. I had brought my money for the trip East in currency, with the big bills in the inner zipper of my purse, but had changed a $20. one for incidentals. We talked about the bargain of four pictures for $3.00, and I was deeply grateful to get them. I handed you three one-dollar bills, which you clipped to the bill, marked it paid, and folded or put it onto an envelope. This, at least, is what I thought happened. I went out, took them directly to the printers, and remained at work there until 5 p.m., when again Clair came for me.
Sun., Nov. 28 Again I was up before 4 a.m. and at work on the index until 8:30, when the family stirred. Visited until Katie and her Grandmother Adams left for Dixie at about 10. Clair took me to the printers, where I finished up about 2:00 p.m. Then I called Mrs. Leah Cardon, as I promised to do, expecting only a brief telephone visit re. her husband's papers. Mrs. Rampton came on another line and insisted that I come out and have lunch with them, and in spite of my protests, sent a car for me. They--Lucybeth & her mother-- took me home in the evening.
Mon, Nov. 29 Relaxed after the family had all gone to school. Took the
bus down to have my hair done at 11:00 a.m. Walked over to State Street, caught the bus south and rode to 2740, on to the printers, where I picked up pictures for another item, back to catch the returning bus, transferred to bus No. 4 and came out to the Historical Society, where I worked up- stairs until 3:00, when Harold Schindler came for me, picked up my bags at Clair's and on to the Airport, where I took the United Air Lines jet east at 4:05.
This may seem silly, but when I've been up two week-ends in succession and nothing I have done seems important, events get blurred in my mind. For example, once I caught the bus home, going to E street to pickeit up, and transferring at 2nd south. Took 45 minutes to make it. but this was the week before, I think.
Now, since there is a shortage of $3.00, and since you are "holding the bag" I'm glad to send this check to clear it. If the thing is
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anywhere else, it's not important enough to me to have you embarrassed for it. You've been too good to me for too long. And if I were to be a thief, it would need to be more than three dollars, I think.
So let's not worry about it.
Cordially,
Juanita Brooks
Mrs, Doris Bunderson
Utah State Historical Society
Salt Lake City, Utah
603 East South Temple
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St. George, Utah
Dec. 17, 1965
My dear Doris:
So often the written word does not sound like the spoken one. I don't know how my note to you sounded, but I do know that if you were short three dollars and my transaction was the only one for that exact amount, it MUST have been here where the shortage was.
It's hard to imagine it, though, for I'm sure that I would have discovered the error and hurried back to correct it--and yet-- and yet—I WAS so glad to get the pictures, so in a hurry to get them to the press. And I did have the four one-dollar bills ready to pay, as that is the rate I had paid for others.
As I said, I spent the night and most of the day trying to reconstruct exactly my activities of Saturday morning and to remember for sure whether it was Katie or Clair who drove me up and whether or not they waited in the VW or came in with me. But it seemed not worth a telephone call to find out.
Now,Doris, you take this check and cash it and get your record straight. Assume that we were both temporarily "absent" and that the money did not change hands as we both thought that it did. The amount is not worth the worry. The problem is not the money; it if the psychological implications of the whole deal. So please do this and forget it, and let's still be the good friends that we have always been.
Sincerely,
Juanita
Juanita Brooks
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Merry Christmas
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And
A HAPPY
NEW YEAR
Too!
Sincerely,
Sterling and Natalie
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S McMurrin
2969 Devonshire Cir
Salt Lake City Utah
84108
Mr. and Mrs. Will Brooks
St. George, Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
PM
17 DEC
1965
Please forward
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Mrs. Calvin Rampton
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Dear Juanita,
Calvin and I would like to thank you for sending us the anonymous words of wisdom. They are beautiful, profound, and comfortable. Have a very special New Year.
Lucybeth
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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
PM
23 DEC
1965
Juanita Brooks
St. George, Utah
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University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
DIVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
December 23, 1965
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
St. George, Utah
Dear Juanita:
I bought myself a Christmas present -- a book, as you might suppose, and of course one I have wanted for some time, John D. Lee.
Although I have only dipped into it as a pre-Christmas glimpse, I am convinced that it is a fine human document. No one can have a full understanding of L. D. S. history in these parts without reading John D. Lee by Juanita Brooks.
And this is a good opportunity to wish you and Will and your whole family a most pleasant Christmas and a year full of many happy events.
Sincerely,
Hal & Verna
Harold W. Bentley
lrd
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UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Division of Continuing Education
- O. BOX 200
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84110
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
St. George, Utah
SALT LAKE CITY
DEC 23 ‘65
UTAH
Study by mail through
HOME STUDY
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1601-A Arnold Drive
Rantoul, Illinois
(Chanute AFB )
Christmas 1965
Merry Christmas Everybody!!
The Christmas season slipped up on us so quickly that we were unable to write our usual personal notes to each of you. We also decided that we could tell you more of the happenings around here if we would adopt the newsletter format used by some of our friends.
Undoubtedly the highlight of our year was the arrival of Laurie on 5 June. It was a little difficult for the older children to understand why Faye had to spend a few days in the hospital this time, when it was always necessary to take an airplane trip before.
Laurie has a "grin" for everyone. She manages to stay quite slender since she is an extremely active baby. She is now crawling and loves to jump and rock her bed. She is the center of attraction.
Scharre continues to be a real joy to all of us. She is making remarkable accomplishments in spite of her cerebral palsy. Although not walking by herself, she can walk with help, talks, pulls herself up, feeds herself, and sits real well. She is always so likeable.
Shanna amazes us with her ability to play the piano by ear. Everyone who hears her play can hardly believe that a six year old can play almost any tune she hears (with both hands). Shanna attends school on the base this year since the Rantoul schools were so crowded. She seems to enjoy school.
Gary is in the second grade this year. He is a big helper and seems to learn easily. He is especially good in reading. He is learning about the Church and the meaning of baptism in preparation for his baptism next April. Gary is going to be tall.
Lloyd was sustained as President of the Chanute Branch of the Church last May. To comply with the policies of the Stake President, it was necessary to release Faye as Relief Society President. She is now; serving as Work Counselor in the Relief Society.
The Church has purchased land for a new chapel, but the building fund isn't adding up too rapidly. The Branch membership turns over so quickly that it is a constant struggle to keep the organizations staffed. Brother Pollister, the 1st Counselor is leaving for Viet Nam this month. He will be greatly missed.
Both of our mothers stayed for a few weeks this year. Mom Spear was here when Laurie was born and Mom Munson came later in the summer. Both were such a big help to Faye and both made numerous articles for the Relief Society bazaar. We were so lonesome when they went home.
Faye has kept busy with four young children, housework, and preparing for the bazaar and two rummage sales. (The basement looks like we have enough for two more rummage sales). Lloyd has a larger audit staff and a heavier workload, but enjoys his work.
is our hope and prayer that you will have enjoyment through- out the holiday season,
Faye, Lloyd, Gary, Shanna, Scharre, and Laurie
Thank you for the nice card & letter. We were happy to hear from you. We would love to return to St. George for a visit. It looks like we will be here in Illinois to June of 1968, when Lloyd is scheduled to return to school to get his master’s degree, this date has been postponed one year. It is so good to hear from you.
Love, Faye
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BLESSINGS
at Christmas
Lloyd, Faye, Gay, Shanna,
Scharre and Laurie
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LLOYD M MUNSON
1601 ARNOLD DR
RANTOUL, ILLINOIS
61866
Mr. & Mrs. Will Brooks
346 North Main
St. George, Utah
RANTOUL
DEC 15
PM
1965
ILL.
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PRINCETON UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08540
WILLIAM S. DIX, Librarian
HOWARD C. RICE, JR., Assistant Librarian
For Rare Books & Special Collections
Dear Juanita
Volume one of your Stout has just been plopped on my desk to delight me. The Press had done a fine job- the jacket I think is splendid- and your introduction is exactly what is should be. I’m eager now to dive into the text itself and imagine all the work those seemingly effortless footnotes entailed!
When is volume 2 due? I hope the gap isn’t too long. I could get nervous if it were long enough for volume one to actually get read out there and widely discussed.
Any word from the APS? I am going to insist on your applying for a Guggenheim as their enclosure hints. Jeanette Mursky assures me that age is irrelevant. And you’re at least two other Guggenheims (Dale and Virginia Sorenson) to support your application.
Much love,
Alfred
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BUSH
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY, 08540
AIR MAIL
Mrs. Juanita Brooks
St. George
Utah
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McCormick, JE- Pat
673-2463