Augusta Joyce Crocheron

“ A few years more, and the witnesses who lived in the days of Joseph and Hyrum will be gone, we shall be left to ourselves, their record and our God. Who will replace them? Are their posterity following in their footsteps? Yes, beneath the seeming swift current of youthtime's careless indifference runs an undercurrent of earnestness, integrity and—yes—royalty of soul. There can be found many of our young people who bear the impress of their destiny in their daily lives, their numbers are increasing, their works assuming prominence and recognition. ”

“ Any woman, no matter how selfish, can be a first and only wife, but it takes a great deal more Christian philosophy and fortitude and self-discipline to be a wife in this order of marriage; and I believe those who choose the latter when both are equally possible, and do right therein, casting out all selfishness, judging self and not another, have attained a height, a mental power, a spiritual plane above those who have not. To do this is to overcome that which has its roots in selfishness, and it can be done if each will do what is right. ”

“ I felt as though I was a poor weak creature in and of myself, and only on God can I rely for support. I have been looking back over my past life before I heard the Gospel. It makes me shrink into nothing and to wish I had always been a righteous man from my youth, but we have an advocate with the Father, and I can look back since I came into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with a degree of pleasure, but I can see if I had more knowledge I could have done better in many points. ”

“ A prominent and beautiful feature in her life, one that has won to her the truest respect, the unperishable love of her friends is the position she has maintained amid her husband's family, like a loving queen mother, in his home circle. ”

“ My husband has since taken two other wives, and I praise the Lord that I had so far overcome, that instead of feeling it to be a trial, it was a source of joy and pride that we were counted worthy to have such noble girls enter our family. The two last were my Counselors in the Young Ladies' Improvement Association of our Ward. I have loved the wives of my husband as I would have my own sisters, realizing that the power of the Holy Priesthood that has bound us together for time and eternity is stronger than kindred ties. ”

“ I wish to bear testimony to my descendants, and to all who may read this sketch, that I know by the power of the Holy Ghost which bears testimony to my spirit, that the Patriarchal Order of Marriage is from God and was revealed for the exaltation and salvation of the human family, also that I have had peace, joy and satisfaction in living in that Order such as I had never known before; and have had many proofs that God will pour out His blessings upon those who keep His laws, seeking Him with full purpose of heart, for He will be sought after by His children. ”

“ So, hovered the spirit of her mission around her through her childhood, and at ten years of age she became a member of the church choir, happy in lifting her full heart in hymns of worship and of praise.
How many have found sweet joy in singing; that expression of supplication, faith and gratitude, which in any and every religion is, we feel, true and acceptable adoration. ”

“ About this time one of the elders brought Brother John Halliday (brother to Bishop Halliday of Santaquin) to our house, who bore such a powerful testimony to the divine mission of Joseph Smith, that my sister, Julia, (now Mrs. Ivins of St. George) exclaimed, 'If ever there was a man of God I'm sure he is one, and I'll be a Latter-Day Saint, too!' From that time I had a friend in the family, and we were both determined that cost what it might we would be true to the light within us. ”

“ To those who doubt the fact of women living happily together no better illustration can be given than such practical ones as these. Here were two refined, sensitive natures in harmony with that condition of marriage, but it was from the fact that they accepted it from divine authority as a part of their religion, and a higher law which would secure to them a future exaltation; never losing sight of the exalted nature of their mission, having undertaken to live lives of self-sacrifice and purity. ”

“ Horne must look back with satisfaction and gratitude upon her life. A few years ago, when I, a timid Secretary of the Fourteenth Ward Meetings, used to steal a look at her noble face, I used mentally to compare it to that of Washington, and I think still I was not mistaken; we, to-day, are struggling for "liberty to worship God according to the dictates of our own consciences," and the spirit of such as he and his co-laborers are with us and are ours, to counsel and to lead, through difficulties unto victory. ”

“ We attended school and were instructed in music and dancing on our own premises. Our mothers taught us to respect each other's rights, as they always set the example by treating one another according to the golden rule. A person entering the room where we were assembled would be at a loss to tell which were the own children of the sisters present. We carried out the proverb—'Love thy neighbor as thyself,' literally. When the memorable exodus of 1858 took place, my mother was the first woman who left Salt Lake City. ”

“ The earth is thronged with hearts distressed
That little dream how close beside
The angel walks—to save and bless.
In compiling the brief sketches of Eliza R. Snow Smith, Zina D. H. Young, M. I. Horne and Prescendia L. Kimball, I am indebted to the editor of the Woman's Exponent, their biographer. Several autobiographies follow, and looking it all over, the thought rises—how little I have done after all! I have scarcely more than furnished the thread on which their gems were strung. Often I have paused, sorrowful that this work must be so brief: so much remains to be told. ”

“ We in common with many women throughout our broad land would hail with joy the approach of such deliverance, for such is the deliverance that woman needs. The principle of plural marriage is honorable; it is a principle of the Gods, it is heaven born. God revealed it to us as a saving principle; we have accepted it as such, and we know it is of him for the fruits of it are holy. Even the Saviour, Himself, traces his lineage back to polygamic parents. ”

“ Of Louie, as she is familiarly called, it is said that when she was very young she gave evidence of musical talent by rendering in an original style, plaintive melodies admirably suited to her voice, and rich in that pathos that always touches the heart. With many, singing is an acquired accomplishment, with her it is as natural as to the nightingale. Also in her childhood she unconsciously disclosed artistic taste by gathering the autumn tinted leaves and grasses from the garden, which she arranged in quaint and pretty devices for home adornments. ”

“ If in the very stronghold of Mormonism the standard of progress is upheld by woman's hand as well as man's, the inference is that the next generation will show a marked advance. Knowledge is power, and this with virtue and wisdom united, guided by inspiration, ignorance and tyranny will alike be impotent against the growing hosts of Israel. And, knowing this, all excellences of acquirements and attainments are stimulated and promoted among the old and young by our leaders, misrepresentation to the contrary notwithstanding. ”

“ He has been faithful to God and his family, every day of his life. My respect for him has increased with our years, and my desire for an eternal union with him will be the last wish of my mortal life. ”

“ It has been my delight to write for the Saints since I have lived in Salt Lake City, and my reward has been their love and rich appreciation of my writings. I have been a constant writer for the Woman's Exponent, a paper got up and entirely carried on by the women of our people. President Young desired me to write for it and I have done so with pleasure to the best of my ability, both in prose and in verse. ”

“ In her girlhood she was religiously inclined, loved virtue, honesty, truthfulness and integrity; attended secret prayers, studied to be cheerful, industrious and happy, and was always opposed to rudeness.
During her fifteenth year some Latter-Day Saints visited the neighborhood, she heard them preach and believed what they taught. She knew by the spirit of the Lord, in answer to her prayer, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord, and that the Book of Mormon was a divine record. ”

“ To select her best poems would make a volume. The one by which she is best known, perhaps, is, "O, My Father, thou that dwellest," and ranks in its individuality and popularity as a Latter Day Saints' doctrinal hymn, with "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning." It is safe to say that these two hymns have wielded an influence beyond our power to estimate, in conveying the spirit of the Gospel to the hearts of the hearers. I have witnessed throngs of people standing outside a "Mormon" place of worship, listening to the singing forgetful for the time of their own personal affairs. ”

“ Nearly twenty years have rolled by since my second marriage, during which time I have seen many changes of fortune which I cannot now relate, but I will say this much of my children's father. Misfortunes that have befallen him have never affected his faith, he has proven his allegiance to the principles and priesthood of God at considerable sacrifice to himself and family, enduring reverses uncomplainingly. ”

“ I am the mother of three boys and two girls, born in the New and Everlasting Covenant, and consecrated to my Creator before I ever held them in my arms or pressed a mother's kiss upon their little faces. Myself and all that are mine to give are dedicated to the service of God, praying that He will help us to be worthy of His acceptance. ”

“ ELIZABETH HOWARD. SECRETARY OF THE RELIEF SOCIETIES OF THE SALT LAKE STAKE OF ZION.
Mrs. Howard furnishes a very brief sketch for one whose life and labors among the people and faith of her adoption, have been so extended, important and interesting, to all who have ever come within the influence of her noble, generous spirit; who have received the stimulus to failing spirits and energy which emanated from her animated face, so good and motherly, her voice so cheerful and sympathetic, and her every movement like an inspiration of strength, happiness and life. ”

“ And to the young of our people, if this work shall cause them to appreciate their honored parents more by the nobility they have proven; if it shall cause them to weigh the object for which these sacrifices were endured against the poor temptations of the present time; if they shall question themselves, shall my parent's sacrifices count for naught? shall their example and their labors be lost on me? their hopes meet disappointment? ”

“ The false assertion made by the world that women of marked character and attainments would never submit to live in the order of plural marriage is disproved by such instances as this one. Both were women of high social attainments, and possessing superior qualities of mind and heart.
It is the higher nature that must be aroused to inspire women to carry out practically this exalting, refining principle, and through this crucible many have come forth like gold seven times purified, tried as by fire yet without the smell upon their garments. ”

“ Whether presiding in gentle dignity over a conference of several thousands of parents and children, whether happily mingling in a reunion of cherished and appreciative friends, or whether in that closer, dearer circle of which she is not the least the builder, her face is that of innocence and purity ”

“ I will now say good-bye, until we meet where there is neither sorrow nor mourning, but our joy will be perfect; and trust my descendants may all keep the laws of God, and be worthy to sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and all the faithful in the kingdom of God, to go no more out. ”

“ The crisis came when the Prophet and Patriarch were foully murdered.
"The time came for the performances of the ordinances in the Temple at Nauvoo. Sister Prescendia availed herself of the privilege to go and receive her blessings. Hereafter we recognize her as the wife of the Apostle, Heber C. Kimball. The next great event in the history of this people was the exodus from Nauvoo. The Saints had nearly all left for the West; Sister Prescendia felt as if she were at the mercy of the mob, and indeed, plans were laid to destroy her. ”

“ And still, the songs whispered from nature to the heart of the child chime on, and the woman repeats them in clear, sweet utterances to the world; the intuitions of the Deity and his work she may now declare in knowledge, and the maiden that with timid feet went down at the Gospel's call into the waters of baptism, has become a strength, an inspiration and a guide to women in the same path.
President Young gave Mrs. Wells a mission to record in brief the biographies of the most prominent women of our Church, in the Woman's Exponent. ”

“ Any son or daughter might have been proud of such parents as mine, they were fine in person, highly moral, and intellectual, were descended from a highly born family, and were honored and respected by all who knew them; they reared their children with great care and watchfulness, giving them such an education as would fit them for all good society of whatever grade. ”