Ann Prior Jarvis Diary — November 15–27, 1884

Returning to the diary of Ann Prior Jarvis, Ann continues with her daily routines and her sufferings with chronic illness. She muses, "Oh what I suffered but it may be for my good bringing the change nearer to me."

I don't recall if I've discussed her regular notes about the weather. In those days before news services and professional weather organizations, having reports on the weather like those in her journal could be valuable for planning agriculture, building projects, travel, and so forth.

Thanksgiving Day was Thursday, November 27, proclaimed by Utah Territorial Governor Eli H. Murray, as follows:

Neither Ann nor Charles Walker mentions a celebration, but Ann does mention taking someone home, so she may have been at a public meeting.

For other installments of the diary, click on the link at the end of the post.

Sat 15    Went to the store bought several things for the house spent Eighty five cents for Josey Bread pan; plates etc. Went to see Em she was sick took Anne to get her carpet took Abbe for a ride

Sun 16    Weather pleasant Went to Meeting Br Snow preached a good sermon went to see Emma took Amelia for a ride

Mon 17     Weather warm went to Annes fetched Josey from school took Em for a ride

Thus 18     made a hat for Susie went to relief society meeting

Wed 19     had a bad spell but went for Josey called at Ems

Thu 20    Weather dull and dark washed a few pairs of Garments

Fri 21

Sat 22     Worked on Joseys coat

Sun 23     Went to meeting went to Ems and spent the evening   was bad all night was compelled to wake Josey Oh what I suffered but it may be for my good bringing the change nearer to me

Mon 24     Weather dull I feel very weak to day

Thus 25      Weather pleasant    Health improved

Wed 26      Weather fine

Thur 27      Weather took S Farnsworth home took S Barnes riding

William and Jane Barnes.

From Charles Lowell Walker's Diary

Sunday [November] 30th  Went to Meeting at the Tabernacle. Rob Gardner spoke in a clear manner on the importance of having the testimony of the truth of the Gospel abiding with us that it may always be fresh and vivid in our hearts. Jos. Judd spoke favorably of the work on the Manti Temple. The nights seemed long and lonesome since the death of my Darling. [See explanation and link in note about Abby Walker below.]

Notes

Abbe — Probably Abby Walker, her friend and a recently bereaved mother.

Br Snow — Probably Erastus Snow.

S Farnsworth — "S" would be an abbreviation for "Sister." Probably Elizabeth Stewart Farnsworth (1834-1897). Less likely to be Lovina Johnson Farnsworth.

S Barnes — Jane Howard Barnes (1815-1902), an English convert, married first to George Barnes (1815-1856). Jane's family was part of the Martin Handcart Company and got caught in early severe weather on the high plains. George died from exposure. After arriving in Salt Lake City, Jane remarried George's brother William, and he helped raise his brother's six children.

Sources

Eli H. Murray and Arthur L. Thomas. Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1884. Digital image, Utah State Archives, http://archives.utah.gov/research/inventories/24205.html.

Phyllis Lewin, "William Barnes and Jane Howard Barnes," digital copy of photographic image, FamilySearch Family Tree, (link).