The Diary of Annie E. Mead Pratt,
Widow of Teancum Pratt
[A continuation in the same Journal which Teancum used]
Nov. 29, 1900, Thanksgiving Day, PAGE 161 (Written by Annie)
I will try and continue to write and tell of the most important times, will write and tell what occurred since my late husband wrote in this book.
In the year of 1900 January 30th I moved up to Oak Springs Bench. It was very dreary and lonsome to be there all alone. But we was anxious to get the ranch started. I had been in the city of S. Lake working in the temple for 3 months. We planted 30 acres of lucern in the spring. We sold out in Helper consisting of my home and Sarahs. We bought 3 cows and we had milk and butter to use and it was something to be thankful for.
But it was a hard winter and not much snow and the water went back on us so we lost all our crop of corn and potatos and a very nice garden. We seen the crops burn up under our very eyes. Our means were gone and nothing to live on. In June some time Nephi went to get work and Joe followed soon. They soon got it. Joe sent me $5.00 by Aunt Em. Mathoni got work to the Frenchman’s and it helped us out.
So Teancum thought it would be best to go to Scofield and work in the mines for the winter so we could go on the farm in the spring. But the Lord willed it otherwise. We had only been in the mines 3 weeks when my husband while working in the mine shoveling coal in the cars, the side of his room fell in and crushed him against the car and killed him instantly on the 8th of September, about 3 o’clock p.m.
Oh, will I ever forget that awful day. Joe was working with him. He came home to tell me. I knew that something awful had hapened soon as I saw him. He was burried on the 10th, Monday about 4 o’clock. His brothers, Nephi, -, and Mathoni and wives attended the funrel. They came from S.L. He was burried in Scofield. I wanted to take his body to Salt Lake but we could not arange it satisfactory.
Wensday 19th PAGE 162
Came to S.L. on the 15th of sep, Saturday, Parley and wife, me and Nephi, Ether, and Maronia, went to the farm on Garden Creek. Stayed 2 nights, came back on Monday. The people of Scofield were very kind to us in our trouble. Mrs. Parish sent word to us to come and stay to her house until after the funrel. We were camped out and it was raining and we were in very poor circumstances and they raised a subscription for us $250. We paid the tithing on it and the Lord has blessed us with means ever since and I know he will still continue to do so. We are trying to get redy to work in the temple. I have sent for my recommend and expect it every day from S. Glen of Bishop Nathan Miller.
December 5
Started to work in the temple. Ether worked 2 days. On November 5th George Mead my brother, took down with smallpox. They took him up to the Pest house for 2 weeks. Soon after Mother took it also. Sam and Frank Perkins took it. Was there at the P. H. for ___ weeks. Will come home today. I let Grace go to help her Grandma when George took sick, not knowing it was that dreadful disease, and they quarantined her there. She has been there 5 weeks next Wensday.
In October we was without money and did not know what to do and our best cow had just got killed on the R.R. and we owed some little debts. I went up to the R.R. office to see about getting some money for the cow. Mr. Carpenter, one of the clearks, sayed he would help me and gave me 5 dollars, wich did help me most wonderful. He told me to come in a month and get 50$ more and I went and paid my tithing the first thing and feel blessed in doing so. Verily, the Lord is merciful.
December 10, 1900 PAGE 163
The R.R. Company has been very good to us. They gave my boys work and they got up a subscription amounting to 250.$ and gave us all some clothes to wear to the funeral.
.
Joseph was layed off from work about the 22 of Nov. He was not heavy enough to shovel coal with the other men. He is only 18 years old. He has now gone down to Sunnyside to get work. Went on the 30th of Nov. I heard from him 4 days after he went away.
George came from the hospitel Dec 1st Monday, stayed with me one week until they pulled the smallpox flag down.
Sent Zina Connor $5.00 on the organ on the 30 of Nov. Received a letter from her soon after.
I bought me a bedsted and beaureu. I needed them very badley. Ether feels more contented now he is working in the temple. He wanted to go on his farm and do something.
Dec. 23rd
Got 50$ in cash from Carpenter, the R.R. Clerk. Got presents for the children. Sent 5.00$ to Zina Connors, amount of organ. I have paid her $25. – -. I owe her 30$ more. I hope to pay it soon. The R.R. co. has promised to pay me 500$ on account of my husband being killed in their mine. I am looking for a home here in Salt Lake, but am in a quandry what to do, as the houses are out on the suburbs. I will trust in the Lord to direct me in all things.
1901
Feb. 27, (1901)
Nephi went to Sunny Side where his brother Joseph is in Scofield. Ether tried to go to but could not get on the train. I went down to Libbie’s to sew. Brought some sewing home with me to do for her.
Mar 4
Got Ether a pass to go to Sunny Side. He is going in the morning. I do hope he will have good luck and not get hurt.
(Attended?) a suprise party the other evening to Sister Phelps in the 19th ward. We had a lovely time. She spoke in tongues and blessed _.
Mar 5 PAGE 164
Been up to see about getting me a house. Saw mary and John Biglow at the temple. They were down to see me. I have seen several places to get and very cheap from 200$ up. My sister Loo [Louisa Mary] Nelson talks of coming down this month to work in the temple. While uptown I saw some beautiful flowers.
Mar 8
A beautiful snowstorm 3 in. deep.
Mar 11th
We are having another snow storm to day. I am not feeling very well these days.
(Mar) 14th
I went to Carpenter to day and got a pass to go to Scofield. Paid for my (Dearest, or Deceased) loved one’s headstone. It cost $15 and is quite nice. I’m going to stop off at Thistle to my sister Loo Nelson’s and help her sew. Have been looking for a house and lot but have not closed eny bargen yet. Nephi tried to get work in the coal yard to day but could not get eny work. I stoped the Desret News to day.
(Mar) 27
I came home on the 25 from Scofeild from planting the headstone on my Husbands grave. It is a blue marble cost 16.35$. The moto on it is in God I trust.
Sarah has a fine boy; it was a day old when I got there. Born on the 19th (or 14th) of March, 1901.
Bot me a home today, 11th South 12th West. It is called Cannon Ward. It will cost $225. I stoped off at Thistle 4 or 5 days on my way to Scofield. Got a letter from Kiziah Dimmick [Annie’s sister] to day. She is coming to conference she says. I hope she does.
Apr
Went to Scofeild to get Nephi to sign some papers the co. had made out for us to sign for money received of them for Teancum being killed in their mine.
Apr 3 (1901) PAGE 165
Went to Grand Junction to see Mamie [Annie’s daughter Mary Lydia] and get her to sign the papers also. Took Thone [son Mathoni] with me; had a very good time. Got back on the 7 to late for conference. Got in S.L. in time to see Kiziah Dimmick had a good visit. Sold my cow for 20$ to the Palace Store. Came here on 23 to Helper. Came up here on Garden Creek on the 25th and started to get the ditch cleaned and repaired. Got the water out and had hard work to keep the water in for some time it kept breaking out. But we have gone over the entire land; will finish tonight.
May 24
We have planted some potatos and beans and some garden. It is very cold now; it froze last evening. We have to make large fires in the fireplace.
Verette Eldrige came to see us to day. They have bought out the Grames place south of us. Mathonia is working up at the sheep herd for Joseph Thompson. Gets $10 pr month. J. T., he is a very nice young man and comes quite often and passes the time away which is quite agreeble up in this lonely place.
We take the Juvenile Y.L. Journal semi weekly news and keep up with the times or we would be lonesome indeed.
Oct. 1
We came to S. Lake Sep 17th from Garden Creek when I got on the train to come here, Mamie was on the same train coming from Grand Junction, Col. She secured the coal claim for me. We did not get to visit each other very much; I was quite disapointed.
Grace came down the day before me. She was married to Joseph Wallace Thompson Sepetember 20, 1901. She was quite young—only 16 and 2 months, but she has a very good man I hope will be good to her.
(Late 1901) PAGE 166
We could not get a house so we camped in a buggy shed and slept in a barn for 1 month, as the people that was living in my house could not get out until the 20 of Oct. We moved in the 21 of Oct. 1901.
I have been very busy this week cleaning house and yards. It is a very nice little house with 3 rooms, pantry and cloths closet and seller.
I leased the mine to Jim Brainer.
I had quite a pleasant summer at G. Creek. I thought I would be so very lonsome.
It sems hard to part with Grace. She had just got so she could help me, and was quite a companion to me. She intended coming to S.L. and learn dress making, but I guess she will give that up now.
Apr __ 1901 (6 ½ lines too illegible)
Apr 2nd
My brother George Mead came to conference and to get (married?) ….(Next sentence illegible). They were married on the 3rd of April 1902. Also my daughter Grace came up with them and her and I went in the temple and saw them married. In March ___called to go to Price _ _ _ the Pioneer Vs. Tidwell _ _ _. __ was gone a week. Amon stayed with his wife _ for a week until she _ brought him home. He was not very homesick.
Apr 26
Ether, Amon, and I went to Price to secure and prove up on his land. I also found some 5 lots advertised to be sold.
May the 10th
Paid $12 for back taxes.
PAGE 167
Mrs. Houge had stolen them and when the other parties surveid the land it was thrown back to us. Her heirs had sold it to John Reime and part of their house and fence were on it. So I will sell it to them very reasonable, doing as I would like to be served. There is some more land. Is to be sold for taxes; I don’t know wether I will redeem them or not.
I had a very successful trip while down there. I leased Ethers farm to the Arahs for 5 years for 5$ five dollars pr month to be payed the lst of the month, and if not payed 10 days after the lst we can go on the land.
I stoped to Sarahs. (Teancum’s other plural wife.) She has moved from Scofeild and bought her a home in Provo for $400; payed $100 down. She wants to sell her part of the farming land in Garden Creek for $200, and I am trying to sell the coal mine for that amount to help her to get her place payed for. Lizzie [Sarah’s daughter Sarah Elizabeth] is not coming home as expected but is going to get married. She does not say who it is. Her mother is quite disapointed. I had a good visit.
Aug 20
Maime has just gone [Annie’s daughter, Mary Lydia]. She has been here for a week; came on the 14th of Aug. We had a lovely time. Maime is very good to me. She spent (money) for something to eat and other things while here. She is a comfort to me. Oh how I wish she could see the gospel with her husband. My humble prayr is that they may both embrace it.
Aug 14
Lehi came. Brought word that Maronia had just got married. Lizzie has come home. [all three are Sarah’s children] Came when Maimie came up to Butte Mon. on a visit. Stayed with Mamie 2 weeks in G. Junction. She is trying to get a school. Mamie gave $15 to help me get my teeth. I had them pulled on the 27th of June.
Lizzie has been to school for 4 years back east.
1902
PAGE 168
I have been apointed R.S. teacher in Cannon Ward. Also Sunday School teacher in the 2nd Intermeadate. Oh how I feel my weakness and inability. But I put my trust in Father above.
I have been quite sick for 2 months during the hot wether. I hope to soon work in the temple.
Oct. 27th
Mother [Lydia Aby Presley Mead] is here with me working in the temple for the Mead Geniology. She came Sep 23rd; was here for Conference, also Aunt Eliza Stephens. She has been working in the temple for us. She has done 5 names. It is a great comfort to me to have mother here with us. She has helped me out with my work. Her and Aunt Eliza tied a quilt the other day, and they have done so many things. I feel incouraged to go on with my work.
Joseph [age 20]came home after being away for over 6 months.
Nov 2nd
Hellen Grace came from Welengton to atend the Nurcing class of Doctor Roberts. The Bishop and Releif Society sent her, and she is to give 75 days in charrity work in her ward. She has 2 years to do the work in. It was a perfect surprise to me her coming. We have attended 3 weeks and like it very much. I also started the same day which was on the 3rd of Nov. The relief society pays our tuition which is $10. We also have the privlige of joining 2 other classes in the L.D. Collige which is a great favor and learns us very much.
Sat 29th
Joseph and Ether started to work with the team. Joe traded the old mare off to Willie Miles for another one.
(Dec. ?) 12
Mrs. Jarome Pratt, one of Uncle Nephi’s wives, came in from town; it was snowing quite hard, and said she had come here to die. She was taken with a chill and was quite sick, but she did not die, I am happy to say. We have to go to our class 4 days in the week and it keeps us busy getting redy to go.
It is one of the finest things one can do is to work and have something to work for _ _.
1903
Febuary 9th 1903 PAGE 169
I received a letter from Joseph. He was in Ogden; has been to Nevada for sometime. Some three weeks ago he wrote and wanted me to sign some papers so he could go and join the navey, but I could not do it. I felt as if I should never see him again if he went away. Oh the anguish I felt when I received the letter. But he wrote and sayed he had given it up and it seemed such a releif.
Nephi [age 24] has been gone to Butte, Mon. ever since November 1902; he don’t write often.
Feb 8th
Grace joined the ward last evening. She has been taking guatar lessons for 3 monthes. She is now going to take piano lessens.
I have been working to Cyrius Golds for 3 weeks; his wife was sick. I went on the 11th of Jan. Grace has been working to Kinsmans for 5 weeks. Joe Thompson came down to S.L. to stay during the holidays.
Feb 9th
Nephi came home from Butte Mon. Had quite a hard trip; came home with little or no money. I tried to persuade him not to go, but he thought he must try it. Joseph came home the next night which was the 10th. I was very glad to see them.
June 25
Well, the _ _ _ _ _ are free once more. It closed on the 24th of June.
July 15
I have been down to Price; stayed 2 weeks. Went with Grace; I got a pass for _ _ also went with us. She is staying and working at Grace’s for the summer. I stayed at (Emily’s?) a night in Provo. She is some better. Stoped off at _ 3 nights in Provo. Mother is there for a week or so. It is very hot these days.
The Bishop and counselers were here last Sunday to see Joseph about going on his mission. They want him in September with some others to go to the Islands. He is in the Society Islands. (This is partly a guess of what it says from June 25. Quite difficult to read.)
July 1903 PAGE 170
I am so glad that I hav a son that is willing and anxious to go. We have been quite busy _ _ _ for Ether since the 11 of Feb. It helps _ _ _ The Lord is good to us _ _.
Sept 10
Joseph started on his mission. _ _ _. Mathoni came home from Grace’s two days _ _ _. _ _ _ _ Conference is over once more. Sarah and Lizzie were here _ _ _ all night with us. We had a _ conference. Orley Perkins and Ruben Dimick came down to see Joseph _. _ _ _.
Dec 30
Mamie came.
1904
January lst
Received a letter from Joe from Cuba.
Oct 23 1904
I have neglected writing for sometime.
Sunday yesterday Grace went to Caliente with Mamie and Ed [Little]. Will be gone a month. Grace came here Oct 9 to stay all winter as she were living up in the canyon where it was very lonesome.
Mamie and Ed came from Calinte last week; stayed in S.L. Mrs Wiseman came to conference; stayed with me 4 nights in July 29 I went to Price on a visit also business stayed one month. While there I went to see Grace and Joe in Nine Mile, stayed with her l week.
I have not received a letter from my dear son Joe for 4 monthes. It seems like 8. His companion for 8 monthes came home and he called on us last Tuesday. His name is Horton. We had a very enjoyable time. On May 2nd Mathoni [age 14] started working in the Social Bakery 7 dollars pr week.
Aug 15, 1904 PAGE 171
Nephi started to work in the foundry. He is trying to learn the trade; he get _ pr day.
We are talking very seriously about going on the reservation next March to locate a farm, Nephi and I.
Grace and I made a quilt last week. I have been busy putting up fruit. I have just received the Mead Genealogies or History. It cost about $15; 470 pages. I will have plenty to do in the temple now. I wish my brothers and sisters could help me in this noble work, but I am the only one living here in Salt Lake City.
Tuesday 25
Brother Horton came again to call on us. His father’s mother was a Mead. I hope to find some more names of the Meads, my Father’s famley.
Sept 14
Ether started to work at night in the Bakery. He starts at 10 o’clock. He started to night school in the L. Day Saints School, but he could not stand it and had to quit. He is also taking mandline lessons. Grace started to take them but gave it up and gave the mandline to him. He has taken 22 lessons; he is learning quite fast; he is going to play in the mutial next teusday.
Dec.
Grace went home.
I have been thinking of going to the Indian reservation.
Dec. 15
I heard in meeting to night that Joseph had come off of the Islands to San Francisco; had got tired of living with the natives. Wrote a few lines to me.
1905
Jan.
The Bishop was here and sayed he heard from Joe in San Francisco, from the President of that mission, and wanted to know how Joe felt in the Gospel. They wanted him to continue in the mission field there.
Feb 5, 1905 PAGE 172
How time goes. I am trying to write names out of the Mead Genelogy but I find it is very slow work. I was to a surprise party to Sarah J. Cannons the last day of January; we had a lovley time.
Aug 13
It is my birthday. I am 50 years to day. Have gone through some experiences since last I wrote.
In Aprial Aunt Eliza came from Idaho to work in the Temple and stayed with me 3 months. We had a very good time together while she was here. Then my mother came 2 weeks before she (Eliza) went away, then my sister Emily come and stayed a month with two of her children. I am taking care of _. I have registred to draw land in the Indian Reservation.
In Aprial 28 Grace telegraphed for me to come down to Nine Mile as she was sick. I went and she had a fine boy named him Wayne Pratt Thompson. She writes me and he is all she can talk about.
Mamie moved to Caliente June 20th.
Joseph came home Sunday Aug 6; stayed one night, went to Provo with Mathoni to register. Was down there 2 weeks and has been busy building and painting the house inside and out. He is a great help to me; he takes right ahold of everything and makes himself usefull generaly.
Ether is about to sell his farm to the Shyea Bros for $450. He went down to his ranch on the day Joe came about 10 minutes after he left. About every so long he takes it in his head to go some where and does not say where he is going; it is very anoing as I do not know where he is. I am allways woring about him. It seems this world is made up of wories though.
Grace wrote, canted me to make 7 camp quilts, so I am busy making them.
Aug 19, 1905 PAGE 173
On the 16 of July I got a telegram saying (Idona?) [Annie’s sister] was dead. I went down the 27 to her funrel. Stayed one week; came home, was here about 2 weeks when I recv’d another telegraph saying Emley [Annie’s sister] was dead. I went down there. The same day I stoped off at Provo for Loo [Annie’s sister Mary Louisa]. Helped her finish her washing so she could go with me to Price to the funerel.
Oct 26
Mary Lydia’s birthday today. She has been gone 2 months and has not written to me.
Oct 24
My sister Loo was here; stayed 2 hours. She gave me $1.00 to help get Frank [her sister Emily’s son] some clothes. I have not heard from Orley for sometime. I don’t know what is the matter.
Sept 20
Started to build a kitchen. It is all done now. Bought a lot joining my house; it cost me $110. We have moved the barn and water closit, want to plant some asparagrass next spring. I have brought home 4 of Emelys children, Aby, Samuel, Presley, and Frank. I have let Bishop Spencer of Pleasant Green have Sam. Presley and Frank is with me this winter going to school.
The last of August Mae was down stayed one hour. Aby has gone to Helper.
Oct 12
Nephi went down to Newhouse or some other mine to work, have not heard from him yet.
May 23, 1906
He went to (Nevada Rhyhote?). Have had several letters from him. Has been sending me $5.00 per month lately which helps me very much.
I am buying a lot on 10 S. 13 W. for $100. Payed 10$ down; the rest to be payed in monthely instalments of 10$ per month.
Friday 18
Mother and Amanday [Annie’s younger sister Amanda] came here to have an operation on Mandy. Mandy went under an operation in the G. L.D.S. Hospital. Dr Cannon performing the operation. I and Sister Peck were in the operation room and seen it all and oh how horrible. I never can forget it. I am sick with the thought of it.
Dec. 1905
Grace and Ammon came from C.V. on the 24 of Dec, the day before Xmas. Grace went back on the 15th of May, 1906. Her husband came down the middle of Mar and stayed 2 or 3 weeks. Their baby Wayne is so cute.
1906
Jan. 1906 PAGE 174
Some time in Jan. I went down to Caliente, N.M. to visit my daughter Mary. Stayed about 3 weeks. Had a very good time while there. Found the acquaintance of some very nice people while there.
In May Mr Macy came from Nev; stayed a few days. Got a letter from my sister Loo; gave me $5.00 to help take care of Emileys children. Also the same amount from my sister _. Mother sent me $5.00 for a Xmas gift by Grace. She also gave me $5.00 when she came with Amandy. I must get _ to go up to the hospital to see _. My daughter Mary came to S.L. from California the 3 May, 1906. It is such a comfort to have her here with me. She stayed about 2 months. They have gone down south to live. Ed had been gone sometime in California.
June, 1906
In May Mr. Macey came from Caliente. Stayed a few days on a visit was very kind to us.
Mother and Amandy went home June 19.
Just been down to Aunt Libby Pratts helping her clean house. She is very kind to me.
Grace went home the 15th of May. How I miss her and the baby. Ether went down with her and has not come home yet. I am getting anxious about him.
Mother gave me $5.00 for temple work while she was down. We had a good visit while she was here. We went out to the Lagoon the day before she went down to Loos.
Vern Nelson was here; stayed with us all night on the 18th of June.
July 13
Mother and my sister (Lydia?) and her children were here from Provo.
July 26
Sarah Elizabeth [oldest daughter of Teancum and 2nd wife Sarah] came down to stay a few days. Went down to Liberty Park to celebrate the 24th.
Aug 19
About the lst of Aug I went down to Price to see Grace and the rest of my people. Stoped off at Provo to see my sister Loo. She gave me $5.00 to work in the temple which makes about $12 for that, _ _ and $5.00 for to help Emilys children.
I had a very nice time while at Price.
Celebrated my 50th (?) birthday at mothers.
PAGE 175
Came back on the 17.
Mamie went down to Cisco to visit Ed. She stayed with the children for a week after I left. She is very good to me and will surley receive her reward in heaven. Oh how I wish she and her husband could see the gospel as I do. But my constant prayer is that they will some day. How my heart yearns for my loved ones. Mathonia [age 16] is getting at the age he thinks he knows as much or more than mother, but I trust in the Lord and know He will take care of all His children.
1907
July 9
It has been a long time since I last wrote, but I have been so very busy and there has been so many trubles and cares I could not put my mind to write.
On February 1907 my house was burned down in New England add. (address?) S. Lake.
The 30 of Jan. Grace’s little son Wayne died. Her other little boy was born on the 28 of the same month.
In June my sister Amanda got married to Mr. Checkets. Came down here and stayed several days. Mother was down to Aprial Conference.
Grace started up to Park City with her husband. He will work in the mine. Nephi and Joe are there in the mines. Mathoni also went there to work in a bakery.
I bought a new range from Z.C.M.I. Cost $50.
Oct. 16, 1907 PAGE 176
On the 8th of Oct I took up 160 acres of land at Hales in Corbin Co., Utah as a homestead. Expect to go and live there next spring.
Sometime in Sep I went down to Price and Helper on a visit. Mamie is living in Helper at present. Orlando Perkins was here from Sunnyside also Vern Nelson. The latter stayed some 10 days. We had a good visit. Mrs. Wiseman was here to Conference. I worked in the temple yesterday. Will go today.
Mathonia sleeps up in town now. I was sory to have him do so, for I like my children to be home at nights.
Dec. 20
My sisters Louisia Nelson and Amandy Checkets with her husband were here to get their Xmas for the children; had a good visit.
In Oct Grace went to stay with a famley named Freeman for a few weeks. Joseph Thompson went on the Reservation to take up some land and will move in the spring.
I am more comfortible now in my new house than I ever was. It is made of Brick has 4 rooms, pantry and closet and bathroom. I have 2 lots in _ _ _ Montague St. The number of my house _ 9 South 8 West.
1908
Feb 7, 1908
It will be Mathoni’s birthday [18th] on the 11th of this month; would like to make a surprise party on him.
Grace named her babe Anthon Reed. He is now in my arms while I am writing; he is a sweet child.
Mathoni married June 12, 1908
1909
Nov 10, 1909
It is some time since I last wrote.
In Aug. 19, 1908 I went down to sister Libbie Pratts to work. I had previsly made an engagement to go to Wandamere at 8 o’clock with my son Nephi. I stayed and worked all day on the 19 of Aug and at half past 8 o’clock I started to walk, it being about 3 blocks. I got almost there when the car (a streetcar) ran over me. I was hurt very badly; was in the hospital about 5 weeks; I was unconsious 3 weeks. It is over a year now and I have not got well but am inproving. My daughter Mary (we call her Mamie) sued the Utah light co. Evens and Evens were my lawers. They tried the case and lost. But have apealed it to a higher court.
[transcribed by Ruby Conlin, Oct. 2006, from typescript copy]