17 October 1854

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Hopes Martha Ann will not be angry that Joseph F. has not written; encourages her to study and take care of ducks.

1 November 1854

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Encourages Martha Ann to keep half sister Jerusha company; exhorts Jerusha to take care of Martha Ann.

28 January 1855

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

In good health, has grown taller; if Martha Ann is humble and prayerful she will become like their mother; Martha Ann should be kind to older siblings and never feel downhearted.

9 June 1855

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann had disagreement with sister-in-law Hellen; encourages Martha Ann to be patient; bad roads in Sandwich Islands; wants to see babies and animals at home; Martha Ann should be unlike cousins Agnes and Josephine.

18 October 1855

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Corresponding letter: 31 January 1856

Wishes Martha Ann would continue school; sent book to Martha Ann, hopes she receives it; education is a privilege; be steady.

23 November 1855

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Advises Martha Ann to do and act right; has written to California cousins; Martha Ann should continue education.

31 January 1856

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 18 October 1855

Is healthy, learning in finest schoolhouse with schoolmaster Bro. Eldredge; received book, learned pieces; thanks Joseph F. for advice; half sister Jerusha moved and had baby girl named Evalene.

18 February 1856

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Hold fast to good, be mild and humble, listen to the Spirit; shares a parable of a swearing man; talks about the natives; signs of the times, Latter-day Saints will flood the earth.

2 March 1856

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 25 May 1856

Had chance to learn but didn’t appreciate it; wrote last letter in a hurry; now stands five feet seven inches; Indians killed folks in Cedar Valley.

April 1856

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 14 July 1856

Learns from Joseph F.’s letters; mountains healthiest place in world; got poison ivy; half sister Sarah has baby girl; cousin Rachel Fielding married; their cow Rosey dies; Martha Ann to be fifteen, has grown a foot taller.

25 May 1856

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Corresponding letter: March 1856

Martha Ann should mind her dates; missionary work and integrity; missionaries imprisoned for preaching.

14 July 1856

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letters: April 1856 and 17 December 1856

Grammar lesson; writes about marriage.

29 July 1856

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 20 October 1856

Not well in spirit; asks if Joseph F. is engaged; half brother John and his wife Hellen talk about Martha Ann behind her back.

2 October 1856

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 20 October 1856

Is downhearted; sister-in-law Hellen has toothache; ducks were caught; asks Joseph F. to excuse writing; hopes he is treated better than previous elders; handcart company came into valley.

20 October 1856

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Corresponding letters: 29 July 1856,
2 October 1856, and 5 April 1857

Advises Martha Ann to mind her own business; have moral courage; Joseph F. not engaged.

17 December 1856

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letters: 14 July 1856 and 17 April 1857

Joseph F.’s letters do Martha Ann good; lives at half brother John’s; Martha Ann couldn’t attend school, no shoes; Joseph F. has patience; asks if his letters were burned; cousin Mary Jane getting married, Martha Ann not ready for marriage; description of children; snow is deep; mentions death of a faithful friend Jedediah M. Grant.

3 February 1857

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Going to school; is at Sister Harris’s; folks send love; cousin Rachel has a girl; everyone getting married, Mary Smithies is married to Bro. Kimball; William Harris writes: forty couples married daily; Martha Ann rebaptized; Martha Ann loves William Harris.

5 April 1857

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letters: 20 October 1856 and 14 June 1857

Trials for both Martha Ann and Joseph F.; discusses marriage, plenty of girls waiting for Joseph F. when he gets home; John Hyde apostatizes.

17 April 1857

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 17 December 1856

Relates story, ¼-inch pine between Joseph F. and death; trust in Lord for deliverance; thirty-three dollars stolen; eternal progression; encourages Martha Ann, Christ once an infant; Joseph F. expects to return in two years.

3 May 1857

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Has been thinking of Joseph F.’s struggles and discomfort; has guilty conscience, married to William Harris; events leading to marriage; married by Bro. Kimball; William Harris left on mission to England; thanks Joseph F. for kindness and love; never forgotten Joseph F.; mother-in-law Emily Harris will teach Martha Ann to weave; six nieces or nephews born since Joseph F. left; Martha Ann almost sixteen; cousin Hannah dies.

11 May 1857

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Is in good health; perhaps going north with half sister Jerusha and Jerusha’s husband, William Pierce.

14 June 1857

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 5 April 1856

A brother’s love and sympathy; Martha Ann’s humility is inspiring; implications of marriage, laws, and justice; talks about William Harris’s letter.

3 July 1857

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Troubled in mind, worried about Joseph F.; many changes since Joseph F. left; remembers Joseph F.’s departure; description of Martha Ann’s appearance.

25 July 1857

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 3 May 1857

Rejoices in Martha Ann’s marriage to William Harris; advises to stand fast and be true to William; never tattle; wear knowledge like a watch; loves the gospel, would die for it; encourages Martha Ann to improve writing; eating boiled pumpkins and squash.

19 August 1857

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Ink made of gunpowder and vinegar; Joseph F. should not read too close to fire or it will blow up.

[1857?]

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Writes a poem to Joseph F.; thanks him for his advice; expresses how much she misses him.

20 May 1858

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Is not cold and indifferent to Martha Ann, wishes she would have visited; niece Alice very sick; assigned to serve in the city; Martha Ann must not be downhearted; she must write.

28 July 1860

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

England looks the same; glad to hear about sheep; encourages Martha Ann to watch over cows.

26 September 1860

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Martha Ann’s husband William contemplating going to California for business; half sister Jerusha gives birth at Martha Ann’s house, names baby after Martha Ann.

15 December 1860

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 26 September 1860

Joseph F.’s wife Levira good at writing; good health a prize; family blessed; Fanny traded.

20 December 1860

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 29 January 1861

Martha Ann has been sick; son Willie is a crazy rascal; Joseph F.’s wife Levira is a sister and friend; Martha Ann visits family, prays for Joseph F.

29 January 1861

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 20 December 1861

Hard time in England for Saints; black clouds hang over England; discusses safety of animals in Provo; shares testimony of latter-day work; British are industrious.

12 March 1861

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Martha Ann and family contemplating moving; husband William in police force; description of parties attended; shares a poem.

Spring 1861

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. talks about finding happiness, mentions not receiving many letters from other family members; gives his best wishes to several family members.

30 May 1861

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Describes her weakness in writing; love for Joseph F. and the Lord; buys a home; describes family situation; discusses their mother’s parenting.

8 December 1861

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 1 March 1862

Martha Ann has another baby; describes her weaving; family affairs.

12 January 1862

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 1 March 1862

Joseph F.’s wife Levira is sick; Martha Ann invites Levira to live with her; family affairs.

29 January 1862

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Describes family affairs; worries about Joseph F. in England.

3 February 1862

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Joseph F.’s wife Levira is sick, in care of Aunt Zina, wife of Brigham Young, at Lion House; escaping criminals are killed attempting to escape; grave robberies discovered.

1 March 1862

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Corresponding letters: 8 December 1861

and 12 January 1861

Joseph F.’s wife Levira is ill, Joseph F. is torn; Joseph F. blesses Martha Ann’s children; first ship of emigrant Saints to sail on 20 April; Martha Ann should take care of herself.

10 April 1862

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. recites his visit to many of the major sites in London.

30 September 1862

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Gives dinner to a family Joseph F. knew; loves her children; was expecting a helper for the children but was disappointed.

Fall 1862

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. suggests that Martha Ann not send tin plate pictures; mentions that he might return home in the spring; we are sent to earth to do good.

22 February 1863

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 3 April 1863

Eager for Joseph F. to return home; man shot in courthouse; stops writing to fix children dinner; half sister Jerusha visits.

1863

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 3 April 1863

Family affairs; Martha Ann wants picture of Joseph F.

3 April 1863

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 22 February 1863

Time in England coming to a close; wishes blessings on relatives; children and their importance; never scold children, talk to them, do not box or slap.

12 June 1864

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Has many burdens such as health, children; thanks Joseph F. for advice; Joseph F.’s wife Levira alone; shares family circumstances.

22 June 1864

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Hopes Martha Ann’s son Hyrum is better; loves the babies; hopes Martha Ann visits his wife Levira; remedy every wrong with a right; Walter Gibson is despised.

30 August 1864

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. recites part of a poem and then adds his own prose; poem is about a “one year old” and the innocence of children, referring to Martha Ann’s son, Hyrum Smith Harris.

1864

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Is in poor health, nursing big baby; husband William is on the plains; Indians are bad; tried to visit Bro. Brigham Young; Joseph F.’s trials; excited that Joseph F. is released from mission.

23 June 1868

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. and his wife Julina waiting for bed to arrive; Julina’s nineteenth birthday; stepfather Heber C. Kimball’s death and burial; sat with Bro. Kimball when he died.

1 December 1868

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F.’s wife Levira submits divorce papers.

21 June 1869

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Prays for Martha Ann and family; cousins David and Alexander Smith come preaching against the “Brighamites.”

13 July 1869

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F.’s wife Sarah is in poor health and frets; niece Edwina Walker’s knee is straightened; Joseph F. does endowments and baptisms; cousins David and Alexander Smith expected in town; Martha Ann’s husband William avoids Joseph F.

17 August 1869

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Cousins David and Alexander Smith are “Gurleyites”; God have mercy on the vile apostates.

24 December 1869

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

News of wives and children; anxious about Martha Ann’s situation; encourages Martha Ann to cheer up.

3 January 1869 (1870)

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Babies have chicken pox; cousin Mary Jane teaching school; killed “Old Cherry” for beef.

18 January 1870

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Writing from legislative hall; Joseph F.’s adopted son Edward has mumps; Edward can’t write as well as Martha Ann’s son Willie; an account of Joseph F.’s trip to Ogden in Deseret News.

29 March 1870

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Cousin Mary Jane has been ill; Pres. Brigham Young returns 17 April; mass meeting in Old Tabernacle about the Cullom Bill; Saints must deny religion or be subject to slavery; would rather die free than live bound; God and one good man is a majority.

3 (31) March 1870

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Bishop Smoot, Martha Ann’s stepfather-in-law, did not give Aunt Thompson (Mercy Rachel Fielding) a ride; cousin Mary Jane, her son Robert, and Joseph F.’s wife Sarah are unwell; broke two pens while writing.

25 June 1870

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann left items during visit; Joseph F.’s feelings after his daughter Mercy’s death; God does not will children to die.

5 July 1870

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann’s son Hyrum visiting Joseph F.; Fourth of July celebrations; grasshoppers damage vegetation.

6 August 1870

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Weather is like day of their father’s death; mourns his daughter Mercy’s death.

18 August 1870

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann having hardships and illness in family; sorry that horse of Martha Ann’s husband William had accident; Lord tries his people; family is visiting Bear Lake.

27 October 1870

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F.’s daughter Mary was very sick but saw Dr. Meeks; doesn’t associate with sister-in-law Hellen or her mother.

7 December 1870

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann’s letter advertised in newspaper by post office; baby is teething; Edna Lambson (future wife of Joseph F.) is visiting.

After 1870

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. desires to deed Martha Ann the property her house is on.

26 January 1871

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Wishes wives would write Martha Ann more often; family affairs.

23 February 1871

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Everyone sick with colds; daughter Mary got into sugar sack.

21 April 1871

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann ought to have bigger house; Joseph F.’s adopted son Edward is a good boy; Joseph F. admonishes Martha Ann’s children to help their mother; buys more property.

26 May 1871

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Pres. Brigham Young visits Martha Ann; advises Martha Ann to add on to her house; God bless the babies.

14 September 1871

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Family illness; drying peaches; spread of typhoid fever.

21 November 1871

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Asks about Martha Ann’s shawl; Aunt Thompson (Mercy Rachel Fielding) goes to Canada; cousin Mary Jane renting out Aunt Thompson’s room; district court deserves damnation.

12 December 1871

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann’s husband William is ill; Joseph F. can’t afford to keep team; Dr. Robinson murdered.

3 May 1872

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Family news; Pres. Brigham Young and others no longer in prison; political demise of James B. McKean.

17 May 1872

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Family news; struggle of Martha Ann’s husband William with alcohol, Joseph F. advises him to quit wholly.

14 June 1872

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Family rifts; Pres. Brigham Young helps family of their father, Hyrum Smith; birthdays; concern about Martha Ann’s husband William.

26 July 1872

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Mentions the name of Brigham Young and that Joseph F. gave directions for David McKenzie to notify Brother Smoot about something. Most of the letter is missing.

18 January 1873

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

New schoolhouse in Salt Lake City; Martha Ann’s husband William visits but doesn’t stay; Joseph F. out of work, wives make income.

28 April 1873

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. serves on city council; infirmities help us appreciate good things of life.

1 July 1873

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Still serves on city council; gave two blessings to Aunt Sarah Ann Whitney; cautioned Aunt Lucy (Walker) about keeping boarders.

10 November 1873

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Birthday party invitation.

27 February 1874

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Advises Martha Ann to be faithful, will gain same rewards as their mother; Bishop Smoot, Martha Ann’s stepfather-in-law, and Pres. Brigham Young will help Martha Ann; traveling to the East.

31 May 1874

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 15 July 1874

Joseph F. is Martha Ann’s best friend since death of their mother; talks about united orders; Joseph F. on the Lord’s business; Martha Ann’s sons Willie and Joseph run team; provisions come from tithing office; orchard and garden look good.

20 June 1874

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 15 August 1874

Martha Ann’s son Johnny has scarlet fever; scarlet fever spreading around Provo; not earning much money; husband William not well, can’t work much; children sick.

15 July 1874

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Corresponding letter: 31 May 1874

Helps a poor man and his family in England; gratitude for temporal blessings.

5 August 1874

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 20 June 1874

Missionaries arrive; Saints are near latter days; Martha Ann is patient like their mother.

15 August 1874

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letters: 15 July 1874 and 7 September 1874

Grateful for Joseph F.’s letters; blessed not to have children die; traded cow; son Willie is running team; reports on Joseph F.’s new son; son John grows heavy.

7 September 1874 (first letter)

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 15 August 1874

553 Latter-day Saint immigrants sent off; members sending for undeserving relatives; hopes Martha Ann’s boys will take care of her.

7 September 1874 (second letter)

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Writes to Bro. Samuel Jones; remembers “exile” in Provo and honors his friends there.

8 September 1874

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Nicholas Muhlestein, Christian Schoeni, and John Liechty wish to be introduced to Joseph F.

5 October 1874

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 8 December 1874

Martha Ann went 180 miles to Ogden and back; stayed at Joseph F.’s house; gifts from Joseph F., dresses lost; husband William and son Willie working; dried fruit; several deaths in Provo.

6 November 1874

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 8 September 1874

Joseph F. disappointed by loss of gifts; half brother John says Martha Ann’s husband William is doing better.

16 November 1874

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Follows up on letter of recommendation (8 September 1874); gratitude for dress patterns.

24 November 1874

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 9 February 1875

Received Joseph F.’s photograph; dress patterns arrived; Martha Ann loves Joseph F.’s children; received other gifts; husband William works hard; apologizes for insufficient postage; Martha Ann has a “gathered” thumb.

8 December 1874

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 5 October 1874

England good for Joseph F.’s health; prays for his family’s protection; sends Martha Ann a letter for Bro. Nicholas Muhlestein.

9 February 1875

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 24 November 1874

Death of half sister Sis. Griffin (Abigail Varney); advises Martha Ann’s son Willie to learn a trade; sends materials to Martha Ann.

31 March 1875

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Advises Martha Ann to teach her children good principles; discusses capital punishment of criminals.

*15 May 1875

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann living in cramped quarters, her husband William and boys should add to house; remembers building their mother’s house; will soon leave for London on another mission; mourns Gentile marriages.

7 September 1875

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. released from mission; Pres. George A. Smith dies.

26 November 1875

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann’s son Hyrum injured in factory; attends a baby funeral; spread of terrible colds.

27 February 1876

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Mentions a nonextant letter from 23 February; many children have terrible colds; addresses Martha Ann’s apparent sadness from being separated from the family.

*11 July 1876

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Writes when convenient; son Heber John born, has large nose; will attend a meeting in Provo; blight on the trees; sends $1.25 for Martha Ann to use at Provo Factory.

*25 August 1877

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Anti–Latter-day Saint sentiment in England; trusts the Lord; wives too busy to write; postage is five cents.

29 November 1877

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Son Joseph is sick; Bro. Smoot, Martha Ann’s stepfather-in-law, has deed to Martha Ann’s house; Martha Ann’s husband William building a barn; cousin Mary Lupton (Fielding) in poor circumstances.

6 April 1878

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Telegraph stating the death of Enda’s baby and scheduled funeral for the next day.

*22 April 1878

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Son Alfred dies, Joseph F. laments loss; lists children that have died; obtains deed for Martha Ann from Pres. Brigham Young; Pres. Smoot, Martha Ann’s stepfather-in-law, will send it.

*14 August 1878

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

In canyon with family getting berries and relaxing; grasshopper problem in Provo; temple work for the dead no longer in Endowment House.

23 October 1878

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

References nonextant letter from 20 October. Refers to the health of several family members including William, Aunt T, and M. J. Talks of the evils of interest; mentions being busy.

*22 April 1879

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Daughter Rhoda sick with pneumonia; pneumonia already killed three of Joseph F.’s children, Joseph F. worried; asks about Martha Ann’s troubles.

*7 July 1879

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Daughter Rhoda dies; Joseph F. mourns.

21 May 1880

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. waiting to present Martha Ann’s Tithing Office accounts to the Council; Sarah Ellen, Joseph F.’s wife, has given birth to a baby girl, Minerva Smith; Aunt Thompson (Mercy Rachel Fielding) is raising money to help a poor family from England.

4 June 1880

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Nephew Willie Pierce dies; family affairs.

1 July 1881

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Tours Davis and Weber counties with Presidents John Taylor and George Q. Cannon, along with Wilford Woodruff, half brother John, and others; Martha Ann takes care of sick children; offers to pay Bro. Peter Stubbs with tithing receipt on Martha Ann’s behalf.

28 July 1881

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann’s son Joseph ill; blessings by laying on of hands are powerful; Martha Ann has been blessed not to lose any children; niece Hellen is ill; money is low, wives need sewing machines; if M. Holt (Maria Mabey) gets divorced she can remarry.

18 September 1881

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Edna gives birth to a boy; reports on several other family members being sick; Mary Jane is still very feeble; Aunt Thompson is nearly worn out.

*23 November 1881

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Sends fifty dollars for Martha Ann to buy winter clothes, ten dollars for shoes; baby of wife Julina is fretful; wife Edna has best baby she ever had.

13 March 1883

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Children have croup; Aunt Thompson (Mercy Rachel Fielding) and cousin Mary Jane have difficulty finding hired help; attends meetings, is a public servant; sees little of his family; compares Martha Ann’s trials with their mother’s.

*27 March 1883

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Children better; cousin Mary Jane and Aunt Thompson (Mercy Rachel Fielding) sick; Mary Lupton (Fielding) here until conference.

31 July 1883

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Wife Edna is up the canyon; children Melissa and Albert have whooping cough; wife Sarah and children in Nephi.

26 August 1883

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Son Albert Jesse dies.

*12 November 1883

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Encourages Martha Ann to take care in writing cousin Ina Coolbrith; Ina is well educated; sends Martha Ann twenty-five dollars for goods from the Deseret Co-op.

22 November 1883

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Announces the birth of his nineteenth child and tenth son Robert; mother (Edna) and boy are well.

*11 February 1884

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Daughter Julina born, tenth daughter and twentieth child; wife Edna’s baby keeps her busy.

*1 August 1884

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Presidents John Taylor and George Q. Cannon going north with Francis Lyman and Leonard Nuttall; beware of loose tongue; Leonard Hardy, William Taylor, and Orson Whitney die.

*15 August 1884

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann suffers from rheumatism; warm and cool weather; sends ten dollars for expenses; Joseph F., Bro. Erastus Snow and others go to Colorado and San Juan County; two elders killed in Tennessee.

23 August 1884

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann not in good health; boys out of work; Aunt Thompson (Mercy Rachel Fielding) and cousin Mary Jane return from Logan, did temple work; sends list of names for Sis. Beesley (Mary Leese Miller).

26 January 1885

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

In exile; reminisces about ex-wife Levira; lists travels.

18 March 1885

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann must keep contents of Joseph F.’s letter private; Ray Davis, son-in-law of half brother John, trying to indict Joseph F.; Joseph F. doesn’t blame John; Martha Ann’s daughter Mary called to court; Martha Ann’s son Hyrum progressing in Hawaiian language; Joseph F.’s wives and children driven from home.

13 April 1885

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Asks what Martha Ann’s daughter Mary said in court; doesn’t blame Mary.

22 May 1885

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Wives driven from home; is angry, doesn’t blame Martha Ann’s daughter Mary.

30 November 1885

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann’s son Hyrum progresses in Hawaiian language but lacks care in regard to his clothes and means.

11 February 1887

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 11 March 1887

Pres. Smoot, stepfather-in-law to Martha Ann, helps Martha Ann’s children; Joseph F. and family in exile; Martha Ann’s husband William will be blessed if he stays true to family, God, and employers.

11 March 1887

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letters: 11 February 1887 and May–June 1887

Martha Ann worries about Joseph F., has bad dream about him; family affairs; baby of Martha Ann’s daughter Mary dies.

May–June 1887

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 11 March 1887

Martha Ann happy to hear from Joseph F.; husband William out of work; Martha Ann’s daughter-in-law Jessie has healthy baby; wants to see baby of Joseph F.’s wife Julina; lists presents received for birthday.

17 April 1890

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Invitation to wedding of Martha Ann’s son Hyrum arrives one day too late; gives five dollars for reception expenses.

29 April 1890

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 2 May 1890

Son Hyrum married, fiancé gets ready one week early.

2 May 1890

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letters: 29 April 1890 and 18 May 1890

Martha Ann’s son Hyrum married a tidy housekeeper; Martha Ann’s son Franklin called as home missionary; children had scarlet fever.

18 May 1890

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letters: 2 May 1890 and 22 May 1890

Martha Ann is sad that her boys are unable to serve missions; wants to attend temple to be baptized for her health and to perform ordinances for her relatives.

22 May 1890

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 18 May 1890

Life is period of probation; rewards of doing good; has buried eight children; grown children should provide for parents; temple work for grandmother Lucy Mack Smith’s family.

16 June 1890

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Includes another letter from Sister Danelly, who has been a good friend to Martha Ann; hopes to see Joseph F. when she visits; was not feeling well but got a blessing.

18 June 1890

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Praises his wives; Lizzie (Elizabeth) Hawkins sealed to their father, Hyrum Smith.

4 August 1890

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 9 August 1890

Son Willie turns thirty-one, in poor health; Bro. Edward Mecham near death; he expresses love for Joseph F.

9 August 1890

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 4 August 1890

Recommends possible treatment to help Martha Ann’s son Willie; God bless Bro. Edward Mecham; expects to leave soon on mission.

15 January 1891

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 16 January 1891

Expresses love to Joseph F.; son Willie loses a baby.

16 January 1891

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letters: 15 January 1891 and 1 February 1891

Sent photograph to Martha Ann; wishes Martha Ann understood his view and had not condemned his advice about union strikes to her sons; loves all Martha Ann’s children.

1 February 1891

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letters: 16 January 1891 and 9 February 1891

Sews burial clothes; thinks Joseph F. too severe to her sons; had dream of Uncle Joseph Smith.

9 February 1891

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 1 February 1891

Advises Martha Ann about being a nurse; hopes that son of Martha Ann’s daughter Mary does not have croup.

11 February 1891

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Encourages allegiance to God over wealth; cautions about trade unions and political affiliation.

7 June 1891

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Family illness; cautions against Gentile boarders.

17 June 1891

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Feels sorry that Martha Ann’s daughter-in-law Delia is sick; steady work is important; continues to warn girls of keeping boarders; pray and trust in God.

13 August 1891

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Remembers the martyrdom; baby of Martha Ann’s son Hyrum dies; not good for Martha Ann’s son Frank to work for railroad; sickness; wife Edna’s house is robbed.

20 June 1892

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Baby Zina, daughter of Joseph F., recovers from sickness; John Liechty adopted and sealed to their father Hyrum Smith.

16 May 1893

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann’s son John sends Martha Ann six dollars and Martha Ann’s daughter Lucy four dollars.

7 March 1894

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann able to walk without crutches; hopes Martha Ann’s sons will provide for her; Joseph F.’s burdens heavy, has thirty-five souls to feed.

24 December 1894

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. is supporting thirty-six; wishes he could provide for Martha Ann, sends ten dollars.

28 January 1895

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Travels to Nephi; invites Martha Ann to family gathering at Julina’s; Joseph F.’s daughter Ina (Julina) breaks her arm.

20 February 1895

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Celebrates newborn baby of Martha Ann’s daughter Zina.

6 August 1895

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Talks of the death and funeral of their mutual friend and brother Edward Mecham.

27 September 1895

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Talks of changing times with letter writing; speaks of how busy he has become and the impact it has had on many friendships and relationships; speaks of his trip to Alaska from the summer and the good it did him; talks of how good his kids are.

[1 November] 1895

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Expresses sympathy for the death of Franklin Nephi Corbett; reflects on his own children’s deaths and talks about the eternal joy of seeing them again.

23 March 1896

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F.’s son Joseph Richards has appendix removed; afflictions are blessings in disguise.

28 March 1896

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph Richards continues to recover; Mamie and Donnie, nicknames for Mary Sophronia Smith and Donnette Smith, are sick while attending the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn; Hyrum Mack Smith is doing well on his mission.

21 April 1896

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Explains that he does not know how contracts with dentists work; explains that having teeth that fit well is very important and worth any cost; he enclosed ten dollars to help with the cost of teeth; asks Martha Ann to acknowledge that it was received and includes a stamped envelope.

18 November 1896

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Makes travel arrangements to Mammoth for Martha Ann and family.

12 May 1897

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Suffers with a boil; wife Edna gives birth; going to Ogden on business.

25 August 1897

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Sealing of grandparents Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith and some of their family; other temple work.

19 March 1898

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Sickness; daughter Ruth dies; yellow flag nailed to house; the Savior redeems little children; son Hyrum home from mission.

13 October 1898

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann leaves Joseph F.’s house upset; Joseph F. offers material to make a comforter.

*25 October 1898

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Something troubles Martha Ann, will converse with her in person; daughter Leonora has a baby boy.

23 December 1898

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Ward gathers to celebrate ninety-third anniversary of Prophet Joseph Smith’s birth; sends Martha Ann five dollars for Christmas turkey.

*16 June 1899

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Can Martha Ann come do temple work?

*6 September 1899

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Anxious to know how Martha Ann’s daughter Sarah is doing.

4 October 1899

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. is having difficulties buying her a train ticket from Provo to Salt Lake; sends her five dollars so she can buy the fare and come.

*5 October 1899

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Hopes Martha Ann’s daughter Sarah is well; asks when Martha Ann will arrive for conference.

*16 October 1899

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Girls leaving on 5:30 train; Martha Ann should meet them.

*23 December 1899

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Watch for letter.

*23 December 1899

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Ninety-fourth birthday of Uncle Joseph Smith; Merry Christmas; sends five dollars; Lord is merciful with Joseph F.’s family.

*26 July 1900

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Brother-in-law Charles E. Griffin dies; Joseph F. goes to Mexico on special mission.

*26 January 1901

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Has extra train ticket Martha Ann can use; attends a funeral.

*7 February 1901

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Children David and Donette ill; asks when Martha Ann wants ticket.

*2 April 1901

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Quarantine removed from wife Alice’s home; Martha Ann’s granddaughter Lucy dies by railroad tracks.

23 December 1901

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. sends Martha Ann a check for ten dollars for Christmas dinner; reports that his family is healthy; Mamie is working at the Beehive House.

23 July 1902

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Hyrum Mack was sent to check on Martha Ann and family; Martha Ann has family who are sick; teaches that God is not to blame.

*26 July 1902

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann’s granddaughter Mary dies; God tries his people even unto death; the Atonement redeems the innocent.

23 (24) December 1903

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. sends Martha Ann a check for ten dollars as a Christmas gift and expresses season’s greetings; updates on family health, including Aunt Edna.

8 February 1904

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. shares his thoughts and scriptures on the death of children after commenting on the loss of Martha Corbett; mentions Hyrum Smith’s Birthday and that cousins from Iowa are visiting; mentions that David has been sick; comments on the birth of his grandson born to his daughter Minerva.

25 July 1904

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. speaks of attending the cornerstone laying of the Richmond Tabernacle; speaks of health concerns in his own family and with Martha Ann’s son John.

23 December 1904

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Sends Martha Ann ten dollars for Christmas; wishes Martha Ann season’s greetings and spends time remembering Joseph Smith’s birthday.

23 January 1905

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. expresses sympathies on the death of Mercy Harris; explains that his words won’t do much to comfort, but time and the blessings of the Lord will help; speaks of heaven and the joys with family there; mentions their mother.

*2 April 1905

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Many sick at home; Martha Ann’s daughter Mercy and Joseph F.’s father-in-law Alfred Lambson die; four of Joseph F.’s sons about to start missions; Joseph F.’s daughters Alice May Rich Smith and Edna Melissa Smith have baby boys; receives invective and abusive slander from Franklin Cannon, apostate son of George Q. Cannon.

*22 November 1905

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F.’s grandson Alfred dies; much sickness at home; half brother John weighs over 200 pounds.

*3 January 1906

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Happy New Year and Christmas; sends fifteen dollars; discusses growing old.

*1 February 1906

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann broke her truss; sends five dollars; David Allen, second cousin twice removed, killed by horses.

8 March 1906

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Cousin Ellen (Fielding) dies; Joseph F. very busy.

*26 November 1906

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Money is short, paid three-hundred-dollar fine for last baby; sends five dollars; wives have time only for work; Joseph F. arrested and risks jail for having child with polygamous wife.

*24 December 1906

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Son Charles Coulson Rich Smith had appendicitis; Merry Christmas; sends five dollars.

*8 March 1907

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann’s allowance raised; Joseph F. grows older each day; sends Martha Ann one dollar.

*10 April 1907

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Winding down from conference, Joseph F.’s voice hoarse from speaking; Martha Ann shouldn’t take care of her daughter Lucy’s children but should give them to her son Hyrum and his wife Delia.

16 July 1907

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Discusses William’s anger towards his bishop; encourages Martha Ann to have William read about Christ’s example and warnings; encourages Martha Ann to warn William about the difficulties caused by not forgiving.

*27 November 1907

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Has indigestion; grandchildren have measles; sends five dollars; signs his name frequently even outside the office.

27 December 1908

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Wishes Martha Ann a happy new year and encloses five dollars for a turkey; reports he has a lame back; reports that his family is doing well.

24 April 1909

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Expresses sympathy at the loss of William; loss is difficult; the gospel provides comfort.

*6 May 1909

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Illness at home; wants to know how boys handled funeral expenses for funeral of Martha Ann’s husband William; Joseph F. will help with undertaker; half sister Jerusha can come back with half brother John.

24 May 1909

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Sends a check to pay for the burial of William; paying off the debts of Coulson and traveling to the Islands put him in a hard financial situation; several family members are sick.

*22 December 1909

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Season’s greetings; children of Joseph F.’s daughter Donnie are sick; son Wesley left hospital in Honolulu; sends five dollars for turkey dinner.

19 September 1910

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Joseph F. tours eastern United States and Europe; accident at Startup candy factory.

7 November 1910

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann left quickly from Joseph F.’s home on her last visit; sends ten dollars; vote Republican against Thomas Kearns.

*24 December 1910

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Season’s greetings; sends ten dollars; wives Julina and Alice suffer from rheumatism; celebrated Uncle Joseph Smith’s birthday.

3 April 1911

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Sends twenty dollars; has no time; Martha Ann’s son Joseph sick; conference is near.

14 May 1911

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Wishes Martha Ann a happy seventieth birthday; trials in Martha Ann’s life; God is kind; sends twenty dollars; Seraph, daughter of cousin Josephine Fielding, dies; Abraham Cannon’s son dies.

*29 May 1911

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann’s son Joseph Albert dies at age forty-nine after long-term illness; living death worse than death itself.

*6 November 1911

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Half brother John sick with pneumonia.

22 December 1911

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Corresponding letter: 26 December 1911

Sends twenty dollars for Christmas dinner; meeting in temple annex for Uncle Joseph Smith’s birthday.

26 December 1911

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 22 December 1911

Son Hyrum sent Martha Ann fifty dollars to pay for pavement and taxes; mother of Joseph F.’s wife Mary dies; Martha Ann’s children love Joseph F.

22 June 1912

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Half sister Jerusha has jaundice; Joseph F. sends Martha Ann five dollars.

20 August 1912

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Still in the “land of the living”; Lord has been merciful; family affairs; sends Martha Ann ten dollars.

22 November 1912

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Gave cousin Ina Coolbrith a copy of conference sermons; Joseph F. and wife Julina have bad colds; wants to know if boys paid Martha Ann’s taxes and fuel; sends ten dollars.

23 December 1912

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Cousin Ina thinks Martha Ann unwise for taking her daughter Lucy’s children; wishes compliments of the season; sends ten dollars for Christmas dinner along with a copy of the Christmas news.

28 February 1913

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 3 March 1913

Cousin Ina sends Martha Ann love and sympathy for raising her daughter Lucy’s children; Martha Ann suffers loss from fire; Joseph F. sends nineteen dollars.

3 March 1913

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 28 February 1913

Martha Ann grateful for Joseph F.’s kindness; William, Martha Ann’s son, has hemorrhoids and cannot work; family affairs; describes fire of home Martha Ann rented out; explains decision to care for daughter Lucy’s children.

18 June 1913

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Wife Julina is sixty-four and in California; daughter Emma is ill; second cousin Margaret West Smith dies; sent letter and ten dollars to cousin Ina; sends Martha Ann ten dollars for her birthday.

23 December 1913

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Wishes Martha Ann compliments of season; 108th anniversary of Uncle Joseph Smith’s birth; wife Edna has food poisoning; Joseph F. has a cold; sends ten dollars for Christmas dinner.

24 June 1914

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann in California; Joseph F. remembers seeing and crossing the ocean for the first time in 1854; the weather in Salt Lake City is delightful.

7 July 1914

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Staying with daughter Artimissa; suffers ailments; using crutches; thanks Joseph F. for time in California; Israel Hodson asks Joseph F. to pray for his leg in temple.

9 July 1914

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Fell and hurt shoulder; leg still requires crutches; still staying with daughter Artimissa.

10 September 1914

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Wife Julina sends ten dollars for work done; cousin Adele in Reno; Church will probably not make a lasting impression on Adele; son Wesley goes to Deseret.

5 February 1915

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Bro. Henry Stringham will furnish Mackinaw coats at Joseph F.’s expense; wife Sarah is sick; Zina in hospital.

17 February 1915

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann got Mackinaw coats, not fashionable but durable; wife Sarah’s health improving; daughter Zina recovering, her husband gone on a mission; son Franklin has serious operation.

15 July 1915

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 17 July 1915

Sends cousin Ina Coolbrith ten dollars and Martha Ann twenty-five dollars; wife Julina sends love and wants Martha Ann to make aprons.

17 July 1915

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 15 July 1915

Family affairs; small earthquake in Provo, a reminder of God’s power; expresses love for cousin Ina.

*20 November 1915

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Martha Ann has much to be grateful for; sends ten dollars in place of turkey.

23 December 1915

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Sends ten dollars; reminisces about Uncle Joseph Smith’s birth and life.

17 February 1916

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Sends fifteen dollars; is helping his children financially, money is short; had the flu; wife Julina is ill.

20 March 1916

Joseph F. to Martha Ann Corresponding letter: 27 March 1916

Wife Julina sends money for aprons; sees Martha Ann’s son Franklin; daughters Lucy and Melissa and daughters-in-law Louise May, Ethel, and Lillian all pregnant.

27 March 1916

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Corresponding letter: 20 March 1916

Busy making temple clothes; now has seventy-one grandchildren and thirty-four great-grandchildren.

30 September 1916

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Quickly growing old, like a cartwheel rolling down a hill; wife Julina has more work for Martha Ann; Joseph F.’s brother-in-law Alfred Lambson and family coming to visit; invites Martha Ann to conference and sends her fifteen dollars.

14 November 1916

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Thanks Martha Ann for birthday card; 125 family members present for party; grandson Joseph Nelson on mission; wife Julina sends eighteen dollars, Joseph F. sends ten dollars.

29 November 1916

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Sends ten dollars for Thanksgiving dinner; some children teething and fretful; wife Julina is at home of daughter Ina (Julina Clarissa Smith); signed letter “Ever your naughty brother.”

13 December 1916

Martha Ann to Joseph F.

Expresses gratitude to Joseph F. and sympathy for his chest pain; recounts her Christmas; sons Hyrum and Franklin working in New Mexico.

19 December 1916

Joseph F. to Martha Ann

Sends twenty-five dollars for turkey; little ones are teething; daughter Ina (Julina Clarissa Smith) in San Diego; some of daughter Melissa’s children have measles; sends money to cousins Thalia Smith and Ina Coolbrith.