Helaman Pratt Correspondence 1888-1889
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Domestic
Sewing Machines
Young Bros. Co.
38 Main Street Salt lake city, Utah March 20, 1888
Dear Hela.
Chariton has paid the balance on your place but I will not forward the draft until I hear from you in reply to may last, as I expect that will be but a few days now. When C. first spoke to me about buying your place he hinted that he would like to secure all the land in the enclosure, but has mentioned nothing about it since until after he had bought the place; of course I held out to him no inducements whatever regarding anything except what you had the deeds for viz. 4×10 rods. Chariton asked me the other day if I would give him a quit claim deed to all inside the enclosure, I told him I had no authority to do that , but would consult you regarding the matter.
I have looked the matter up a little and find that after a person has had undisputed possession of land for some 7 or 8 years without paying anything for its use, they would stand a fair chance of keeping it in a legal way. Now if we were to give a quit claim deed a party getting it would stand a good chance to get all the land in your enclosure, and the way land is going now that piece of land would bring a high figure. At present prices, I think your place proper would sell at least for $3000.00, and as real estate is still booming no telling where _______will stop.
Now Hela, I think if there is anything to be made out of the land inside your fence exclusive of your 4×10. I think you are the person that should have the benefit if it . You know that there is two small buildings lots – one south of the street and one north of your 10 x 4, if you could arrange to get title for these two pieces from the city, for a small consideration, which under the circumstances, might possibly be done, they would be worth having. If this could be done no doubt Mother would be glad to build on one of the lots.
Or if it would not work as above if you chose to do so, you could instruct me to take steps to still use the land for you and await future developments.
Of course, I only make these suggestion for your consideration, and if you prefer to give Chariton the benefit of the use of the land as you had it, we could let things remain as they are, and let him take his chances, or we could give him a quit claim deed, if you think it advisable to do so. Think the matter over carefully and instruct me as to you conclusions as soon as possible, as whatever is to be done should not be delayed a day longer than is necessary.
I have no doubt but Chariton calculated upon at least having the use of all the enclosure, but I have never given him any encouragement in the matter, and we are under no obligations whatever in that direction. He sold his place next to me to Bro, Moyle for $4500.00 since he bought yours, and surely he got your place cheap enough, so instruct me as you see fit.
No money from C.W. Wilcken yet, will get the bed and mattress disposed of in a few days, an working to that end now. We are all well, hope you are the same.
With much love I am 4_____________________
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1885
April 26 Rec’d the following Telegram “Question? Expulsion Mormons from
Chihuahua, refered Federal government, ask for stay of decision till
representation from here arrive. Thatcher sugests if necessary you secure
services, Senor Altamirano to present case.”
Signed Geo. Raynolds
May 4 Read a letter from Prests, Taylor and Cannon informing me that B.
Young and M. Thatcher had been appointed to represent our people to the
Federal Government.
May 9 Bros. Young and Thatcher arrived in Mexico
May 12 Visited minister of Foreign Affairs Ygnacio Mariscal
May 13 Met Miniser Pacheco at the head of the grand starcase in the National
Palace.
May 14 Visited Pacheco at home
May 22 Visited the President
June 29 Bros. E. Snow, B. Young, John W. Taylor arrives in the City of Mexico.
They having been appointed in conection with myself as a commission to
treat with the government of Mexico. (this sentence crossed out)
July 1 The comission visited minister of meriscal.
July 11 Bro. E. Snow read a letter from A. F. Macdonald in which was enclosesd
an order from Carlos Fuers. Gov. of Chihuahua, to the effect that the
mormons would be permited to remain to gather their crops, and then they
must leave the state.
July 14 the Comission visited the President
Aug 16 Bros. E. Snow and F. M. Lyman arrived in Mexico
1886
Jan 21 Bro. A. F. Macdonal arrived in City of Mexico to purchases land.
Feb 20 Bros E. Snow and S. H. Hill arrived in Mexico
Feb 26, 1886 Juarez lands was purchased.
Sept 20 Bros and Sister Snow and Bro Thatcher arrived in Chihuahua to buy lands
from the San Diego Ranch.
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Brochures for Dairy Equipment
copied headings only – see the following:
[envelope]
Return if not called for in ten day to
D.H. ROE & CO.,
Manufacturers and dealers of
DAIRYING * APPARATUS
AND SUPPLIES
243 & 255 Kinzie St. Chicago, ILLMr. Helaman Pratt
Juarez, Canton
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[printed advertisement]
D.H. ROE & CO.,
Manufatorers and builders off
CREAMERIES,
Under the Gathered Cream System.
A NEW AND VALUABLE
INVENTION FOR CREAM RAISING.
It Surpasses all Other Cans
It is Practical, Durable and Economical
THE WILHELM FAVORITE CAN
Showing Position in reservoir when surrounded by water
WHOLESALE AND RETAIN DEALERS
EVERY DESCRIPTION OF
Cheese and Butter Making Apparatus,
253 and 255 Kinzie Street,
CHICAGO, ILL
[Transcriber’s Note: Several printed pages of cans and butter churns follow]
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Manufacturers of
BUTTER & CHEESE MAKING
APPARATUS D. H. ROE & CO.
and
SUPPLIES,
253 & 255 E. KINZIE STREET Chicago, May 1st. 1888
Mr. Helaman Pratt
Juarez, Canton Galeana, Mexico
Dear Sirs:
The latter part of March we made you an estimate on a list of apparatus for the manufacture of cheese in reply to an inquiry from you, but have not since heard from you. Will you kindly advise us if our list was satisfactory, and our prices met your approval. Our goods are strictly firsts class in every respect and we made you very low prices, considering their quality.
We would very much like to secure your order for this outfit, or anything else you need in our line, and are confident we can give you complete satisfaction. We shall be glad to make you any further prices, and give you any information in our power. Kindly let us hear from you at an early day.
Awaiting your reply, we remain,
Very Respectfully,
D.H Roe and Co.
S.
[Transcriber’s Note: More printed pages describing cheese and butter making equipment follow.]
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Envelope stamped Chicago May 19, 8 PM 88
return, if not called for in ten days to
D.H. Roe & Co.,
Manufactures and dealers in
Dairying * Apparatus
and Supplies
253 & 255 Kinzie St., Chicago, Ill
Mr. Helaman Pratt
Juarez, Canton Galeana
Mexico
(written across envelope Ans. June 6, 1888)
[Price list and equipment brochure from D. H. Roe & Co.]
D.H. ROE & CO.
Chicago, May 18th 1888
Mr. Helaman Pratt,
Juaarez, Canton Galeana, Mexico
Dear Sir: –
Some little time since we made you quotation on a complete outfit for the manufacture of cheese, and have written you since regarding it, but have had no reply to our letters. Will you kindly advise us whether you are supplied or not with outfit, and if not, and you still intend to purchase, what is in the way of our securing your order. If you wish the list quoted you revised in any way, we shall be glad to change it as you may direct, and give you a new estimate. We are very confident our goods are not surpassed by those of any other manufacturer in the market, and we have endeavored to fix our prices at a figure very little above cost.
Kindly let us hear from you in regard to this matter at the earliest convenience.
Very Respectfully,
D.H. Roe & Co.
S.
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Amt furnished by H. Pratt to hands ingaged in herding Juarez Co. stock from Dec 19th 1887 to July 15, 1888
Jan 1 To Dave Machlelan for
7 days work at 1.00 per day 7.00
7 days board at 40 cts per day 2.80
May 10 To Jose Paez for 3 ½ months work in the months of Jan, Feb, April &
May at 12.50 per month 43.75
105 days board at 40 cts 42.00
July 15 To Joseph Bloomfield for 2 months and five days work in May,
June, and July 37.92
66 days board at 40 cts. 26.40
July 15 To John Bloomfield for 23 days work at 1.00 per day
in June and July 23.00
25 days board at 40 cts per day 9.20
192.07
In addition to the above I have had constantly employed since Dec 19, 1887 two of my own boys one 10 and the other 13 years old, also my own time except 15 days in going to Demming and 10 days in making two trips to the mountain.
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S George Nov. 27th 1888
Helaman Pratt
Juarez Mexico
Dear Brother:
Yours of the 8” reached me last night and will be forwarded to Bro. Thatcher and my brother Frank for perusal and comparison with the accts, which were finally left with them awaiting your reply for an adjustment of Fathers colony matters.
Thanks for your explanations which are clear and doubtless will be satisfactory. I judge from the tone of your letter you missinterpreted my meaning. If I said anything to wound your feelings I did not intend to. The fact of the matter was Bro. T. F. R. and myself were trying to fix up Fathers Mexican matters, his report having been lost in SaltLake between Bros. Reynolds and Jack before final adjustment. And from the nature of Bro. Farmers taken while in the colony we were of opinion in your acct. there was [page break] a confusion of two accts. That pertaining to the church, and his private, thinking perhaps you did not know the difference and I wrote you at Bro. T’s suggestion or request for further explanations, nothwithstanding you say all had been satsifactorially explained to him while in the colony. I am at a loss to know to whom you refer in your sarcastic remark, “It may be the custom of some to missapropriate funds left in their charge but that you had been raised in a different school” I wish you to distinctly understand if it was intended for me, I am prepared to compare notes with you, or meet any charges you may choose to make. And I take it as unkind and ungrateful in you, if intended as a reflection upon the character of my respected father who is not here to speak for himself, and who treated you while in the colony as any father would do.
Very respectfully
Erastus R. Snow.
[page break]
[Transcribed by Heather Hoyt, AprilErin T. McAllister, Apr. 2, 2011]
Erastus R. Snow to Helaman Pratt, letter, 27 November 1888; Correspondence, letters received, 1886 December-1902 September, MS 199, box 1, folder 3; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
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(Envelope postmarked Salt Lake City, Utah and the stamp is not very clear, but it looks like “Apr.” but can’t tell the year “188” is all that appears, the rest is torn. It appears to be out of sequence – There is other writing but it is faded – can read “Parez”)
Helaman Pratt
Calle De Soto No 2
City of Mexico, Mexico
Cliff Ranch
Jan 6th 1889
Erastus B. Snow
St. George
Dear Brother,
Yours of the 27 of Nov, came to hand after some delay
I hope the brethren have found my statement to their satisfaction
I willingly except your apology, as my feelings were very much hurt (no doubt unintentional on your part) but your language conveyed this meaning to me. “Are you not using public means left in your hands for safe keeping to pay what you personally owed my father?” this question is what called forth that which you quote. I am willing at all times to give an explanation of my business to those who have a right to know, but your question, (it seemed to me) acquisition, I thought was very much out of place, as it would have been time enough for that if my accts. had been found unsatisfactory, I now think however you perhaps wrote hastily and did not realize how your words would appear to me.
As for making any charge against you I have not the slightest grounds upon which to base one, and as for that remark being intended to reflect on your father, I can say in all sincerity of my heart, There never was a man who treated me better or more like a father, not only while in the coloney but the last 20 years than your father did and I always regarded him as one of the greatest, wisest, and best men in the church and also as one whose calling gave him the right to a voice to say in what way our church funds should be used, and also who was entitled while engaged in public business to draw and use of said funds for his support, and to meet all necessary expenses to enable him to succeed in his public negotiation and I can truthfully say of your respected father, that during the years I was with him in Mexico he was one of the most prudent carful men I ever saw in the way he used public moneys. My language is insufficient to attempt to convay to you the esteem and love I had for that man, and I can onley say I should like to ever be on the most friendly terms with his family.
Your Bro. in Christ H. Pratt
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Manufacturer of
American Full Cream Cheese
At Noonan Dairy
Robert Price
Manufacturer and Dealer in
LUMBER, SHINGLES, LATH & MOULDINGS.
Plaining mills, Lath and Scroll Saws running, and all kinds of Joinerwork done to order.
Paris, Idaho. May 10, 1889
Bro Helaman Pratt
I have just received a letter from your Bro M.W. making enquires in relation to cheese making, which I will answer as follows, last year Cheese was worth in Ogden at wholesale 12 ½ ₵ . I paid for milk delivered at my Factory 8₵ for 10 #. I prefer to buy in 10# lots rather than gallons because 10# milk iwill make 1# cheese. a gallon weighs 8 ½# I can make it pay very well at these prices. in taking cows on shares I have paid 2/5 to the customer of the cheese made. I weigh my milk every 10 days then each weighing represents Cheese for instance a cow that gives 10# milk on weighing day gets credit for 10# Cheese. presuming that each of the preceeding 9 days she has done as well. I find this a simple & honest way of keeping the record. some of the Dairys here give ½ to customers but I have not been able to give over 2/5 and do justice to the Calves and make all full cream Cheese in giving the price per # for Milk in Cheese to those who do there own milking must depend on the market-value of the Cheese. 2₵ per # I consider will cover all the expense in making Cheese including Labor, Rennett, Salt and Bandage Cloth and allow a fair % for the use of Machinery and when I buy at 8₵ and [page break] can sell Cheese at the Factory at 12₵ I do well. – any further information I can give you I shall be pleased to do so.
Yours truly
Robert Price
[Transcribed by Vincy Stringham and Doratha Rae Pratt Young, Apr 2011]
Robert Price to Helaman Pratt, letter, 10 May 1889; Correspondence, letters received, 1886 December-1902 September, MS 199, box 1, folder 3; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
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Logan May 27th, 1889
Elder Helaman Pratt
Cliff Rancho Chihauhau
Mexico
My dear Brother Pratt:–
It has been just two months today since your kindly worded and esteemed favor was written. I was glad to get it and yet for many weeks it has been in my hands unanswered, and has many, many other letters from kind friends like yourself. I often despair of keeping even, as I should, with my numerous correspondences; but without a steograper when I am not able to employ. I fear I shall in that respect remain behind as during most of the time the past year. I frequently work until my fingers can no longer form letters and when seriously (unreadable) with “per paraleses” then I am forced to quit. This dear friend is my appology for long silence. But while not writing I have by no means forgotten you and my warm hearted brothers in Mexico, and I thank you most sincerely Dear Brother Pratt for your many kindly expressions towards me, and would much enjoy your hospitality and that of your family where peace and content find happy abode in, as you say, “rude Cabbins”. Those heaven from blessings dwell in few mansions or hamlets in fair, but hard Utah. And now that an Arch-enemy Cruel and bitter “C S Zane” is once more appointed Chief justice, it is difficult to determine what the future has in store for us. I do not envy my friends safely housed and homed in that far distant land where domestic liberty reigns, but
[page break]
2
I often wish that I might with my family be with them. But where my brethren determine there I must be. I fear I shall not be with you soon certainly not in May of this year. Possibly however I may be before the close of the year.
Now respecting Brother Antonia. If not already gone you can work him out a certificate in form as you may determine adequate and sign same. I hope that he may do well and soon return.
Of course, You will have heard of the sad death of Brother Sylvester Collet through the “News and Herald”. Poor mother Rogers I too will realize what an awful trial he has past through.
Please inform Brother Williams that Standard Holstine two year old bulls and heifers cost here about $125.00 each. Freight to Deming $219.00 per car load which would be about 21.00 or $22.00 per head. Job Lawrence died a few months since. He has the finest herd in that line I know of. Should they be offered for sale, I will try and keep track and they may go cheap.
Standard bred horses in line you mention would (unreadable) from $500.00 to $2000.00 here an equally high in Kentucky. My Son in law Sct Langlin has a beautiful dapple brown horse wheighing form 1050 to1100 lbs that he would sell for $250.00 but he has been water foundened and at times is stiff. Is about 10 years old and his get are fine and active and considering the sires size are large and active. He would be considered in Mexico a very fine horse.
[page break]
3
I know of no shipments of stock contemplated by the Church, but am inclined to think individuals may ship from Utah in the summer or fall. Will inform you later. I might get a yearling Colt here for Brother Williams from the best horse in Utah – Hamiltonian worth $2,000.00 – and from some fine mare for from $200.00 to $500.00 or Could send him photograph of the horse mentioned if he wishes.
I am inclined to think that Mexico as a place of residence will grow in favor during the next few years. My family are now all well thank lord; but my life is much like the life of any other public servant very lavish.
Kind regards to my many friends there and tell Brother Romney that I hope to write him soon. Brother Macdonald returned via Mesa some two weeks since feeling well and I think hopeful of matters generally in the far off South.
Ever your friend
Moses Thatcher
[Transcribed by Pat Bishop and Nora Fowers; Apr. 2011]
Mores Thatchez to Helaman Pratt, letter, 27 May 1889; Correspondence, letters received, 1886 December-1902 September, MS 199, box 1, folder 3; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
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COMPAÑIA LIMITADA DEL FERROCARRIL CENTRAL MEXICANO.
San Luis Potosi Nov. 2d 1889
Snr. H. Pratt
Dear Sir
I have been for some time thinking about writing to you but have delayed it until the present time. I should like very much to hear from you and have your opinion on the colony hear how you are prospering and what you think of the outlook in Utah from present appearances it seems that the people are to have no shon under the so called land of the free as they now ask a person what his belief is and iff it does not meet the approval of our Eastern friends he is allowed no opportunity of Voteing or in fact one that believes in the morman religion can have no say at all in matters concerning their own government as such is the case I have about made up my mind not to try to make
[page break]
3017
COMPANIA LIMITADA DEL FERROCARRIL CENTRAL MEXICANO.
A home in Utah but try and secure one with you in the Colony I think now that it is only a matter of a very short time until the people will be compeled to move from Utah oweing to the unjust laws that are being enacted the Judges them selves say that the laws are not constitutional and yet they enforce their unjust laws, my wife went back to Salt Lake last February and returned in July we are on the line of road that is being built from Aquascalientes to Tampico our address is
San Luis Potosi please write soon and give me your views my wife sends her regards
Yours
George E.Wilcox
[Transcribed by Nora Fowers and Erin McAllister; Apr. 2011]
George E. Wilcox to Helaman Pratt, letter, 2 November 1889; Correspondence, letters received, 1886 December-1902 September, MS 199, box 1, folder 3; Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
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FERROCARRIL CENTRAL MEXICANO
Helaman Pratt Esq DEPARTMENT DE MATERIALSES
Juarez, Chia Nov. 14th, 1889
Dear Sir: –
Replying to your favor of Oct 27th addressed to W.R.C. Russell; I cannot make you any offer for the goods your mentioned, but if you will forward me your prices for same, will take the matter into consideration.
Yours truly,
A H. Woods
Genl. Matt. Agt.
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Envelope stamped with “Mai_____ de Mexico, 14 Nov. 89 – M.C. RAILWAY)
Companiia Limitada Del Ferrocarril Central Mexicano
Helaman Pratt Esq % Agent Chia
Jaurez, chihuahua
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Aline Ward, Idaho, Dec 1, 1889
Dear Bro. Helaman: –
I am ashamed when I look at the date of your last letter which is still unanswered, but my only plead is that I have never been so taxed for leisure moments in my life as I have been this summer.
I rec’d your last letter some days before I started to Salt Lake to Oct, conference, and thought sure I would find time to answer while there, but my time was occupied every moment, almost night and day until the limit of my ticket had been reached when I was compelled to return home. Since my return I have been more occupied than ever.
My dear brother I have to ask a thousand pardons for the way I have attended to your affairs of late.
I see by your letter you request me to renew your sub for the sevri news – this had entirely escaped my memory until now, and I have failed to do as you requested. If it is not too late to repent, however I will write by this mail and if renewal has not been made by some other means, will have it attended to at once. Regarding Bro. Nephi I will say that he had to skip from Ogden and took the agency for the domestic sew-mch in Montana with headquarters at Butte where he stayed for something over a year and as I understand it did very well, he spent part of last summer in Ogden leaving Rome to look after collections etc. in Butte. In Sept. he went to Butte again I cannot say whether or not he is there yet, he and family were all well at last accounts.
The water secured by Pratt Bro. Co. is a waste water from Mill Creek and the Cotton Woods. I understand they prepare to convey it by cannel to the foot of the mountain near warm springs from which point it can be funneled into the extensive reservoirs, plants for which they have secrured.
Pleased that your rec’d the draft in time to meet you requirements and very glad to learn of your success in the Dairy business.
We had a long and severe struggles to get hay enough to make us secure for the winter, as we had to depend mostly upon gleaning in the swamps below our claims and a great many others had to do the same so it was somewhat of a scramble, but we finally “got thru” and have plenty to make us safe.
We are still living in an stable, we are building a good log house with three rooms and good cellar, which is nearing completion. For this winter we will use the largest room, (16 x 20) and cellar for an store and will commence to move the store tomorrow. We are working up quite a nice little business for a new country. We have had some cold weather and some snow this fall, but the past two weeks has been very fair. Very little snow now on the ground here and our stock is looking very well, haven’t commenced feeding yet and may not have to till after Christmas; in the south end of the valley snow is now about 12 in. deep.
We are all well and happy trust you and yours are same, prsume you have heard of our ward organization with MW Pratt Bp. TR Wilson and AP Driggs councilors, we have quite a number of our people now in this valley but they are scattered from one end to the other making it difficult to gather for meetings etc, especially at this season of the year, but we hold our regular meetings and have some good times.
Apolles and Don are both married or have their wives here and are taking hold nicely.
Any small thing you may need or anything you want done in the city you can write to BW Driggs Jr. box 652 S.L.City and he will attend to it and I will make it o.k. with him.
We would be glad to hear from you as often as you have time to write and will try to be more punctual in answering.
I often wonder when we will have the privilege of seeing each other again. I was so in hopes that you would come up on a visit, we would be delighted to have a visit from you in our new home. If I could afford it I would get some good hand to feed my stock this winter and would take my family to the city, then come and make you a visit, but I find in making anew home there is loss of out go but no income as yet, and we cannot do just as we would like.
Wishing you all a Mery Christmas and Happy and Prosperous New Year and with much love to yourself and family in which my family joins I remain.
Your Brother
M. W. Pratt
Address Kaintuck P.O. Bingham Co. Idaho
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(Envelope with no postmark – across the envelope is Ans. Dec 3, 89)
Mr. Heilman Pratt
Casa Grandes
Estado Chihuahua
————–
Dec/89
Helaman Pratt
Juarez recd Oct 17/89
Cliff Ranch, Colonia Juaraz
Dec 3rd 1889
Prest. W. Woodruff
Salt Lake City
Dear Brother
Yours of the 24th of Sept reached me in due time, and I have the honor to report to you that I have seen Bros. Milton S. Ray and Wm. Coon, and have arranged the matter to which you refer in letter,
I have just returned from the city of Chihuahua where I have been to market my cheese I found ready sale for it at 25 ct. per lb. One of the brethren went with me with a sample load of potatoes which was sold for $4.18 per hundred lbs. And an order given to the Juarez store to furnish 4,000 lbs a weak, with the understanding that they would take during the winter about 60,.000 lbs. Our crops in this mountain reagon have been very good the past season, and I think that all who are living here can supply their immediate wants from the sale of their surplus produce. We have also been blessed with good health and I think all feel greatly encouraged and quite contented. I feel that hundreds more who need a place of peace and rest could do well in this land. We hope to soon be blessed with a viset from Bro. M. Thatcher.
May god bless you and those associated with you is the constant prayer of the saints in this land.
Your Bro. Helaman Pratt