I am the child of a polygamist! My father had three wives, my mother, the first wife; Laura M. Carling, the second, and Abigail Brown, the third.
My mother and "Aunt Laura" were married to father the same day, by the same ceremony. Mother's name came first in the ceremony, designating her as the "first" wife.
"Aunt Abby" came into the family several years later.
My grandparents, on both sides, were polygamists. The third wife of my grandfather, Israel Hoyt, is still living at Riverside, Idaho (near Blackfoot). She is Bertha Fackrell Hoyt, and has been blind from infancy. She is highly respected and dearly loved by all of grandfather's descendants.
Father's family, as well as those of my grandparents, are deeply loved by each other. Of my father's brothers and sisters I frequently have to consult the records to know which are the children of his mother. And I was between six and seven years old when grandfather Hoyt's first wife died and I heard someone ask if she was my mother's mother. When she told them no, she had to do some explaining to me, for I thought were both her mother, and I was fourteen before I learned definitely which children belonged to which wife.
In visiting with my brothers and sisters, and at family reunions I have heard people who cannot understand, say "I do not see how it can be! Why, you all treat each other as though you were 'full' sisters and brothers. And it is almost impossible to tell which are Mrs. Porter's own children".
My own mother died when I was nineteen, and "Aunt Abbie" died when I was about twenty three. Father died when I was sixteen, so at our family gathering Aunt Laura is truly 'the mother'. She has made it a point to visit all of Fathers children in their homes the past few years. She has been with me twice since we moved to Pocatello, and is "Grandma Porter" to my children.
Anyone reading this little sketch will think, and rightly too, that I am thoroughly converted to polygamy. But I am not a Polygamist! I think it would be timely to here set down my ideas on that principle.
The Lord says, as recorded in the Book of Mormon, Jacob 2:27-30 that man should not have more than one wife, except "if I will" raise up seed unto me, I will command my people."
When, in all the history of the Church of Jesus Christ, was it more essential that He "raise up seed" unto Him, than in the trying days of persecution following the ushering in of the "Last Dispensation?" So God revealed this principle to His Prophet.
Then came the time when it filled it's purpose. However, if God had given another revelation revoking the principle it would not only mean that God's laws are not "eternal" as He says, it would also mean that a man not living in polygamy on this earth would be doing wrong to take a second wife for "time and eternity", after the death of the first wife.
Before the practice of polygamy had filled it's purpose, the Lord revealed to His Prophet that it was his will that His people should obey the law of the land.
Up to this time there had been no definite ruling in these United States against the practice of polygamy as a religious principle. But by the time it's purpose had been filled, the ruling against it came from the Supreme Court and the "Manifesto" was given by His Prophet.
I have heard a great number of people say they believe plurality of wives was taken away because the principle was being abused, but I prefer to think it had filled it's purpose.
To return to my history.
1898 As mentioned before, I was born at Orderville, Utah. My older brothers and sisters remember a great deal about the Order, for though they were quite young when it broke up it was several years before a great number of it's practices were abolished. In fact, I rather think there may be some of the habits and customs of today that had their beginning in "the Order".
I was born a long time after it broke up, but I remember going to "Auntie Harmon's" with the amount of sugar in a tin quart cup to indicate how much yeast my mother wanted to get to mix with. And the last time I was there my mother's sister, Aunt Amy Esplin still had a certain day when those who wanted a "start" of rising for salt rising bread were welcome to it for the asking. Then there are other ways it seems to me I still feel its influence.
Mother taught school in Orderville for, I think, twelve years, and my earliest recollections of her are well mixed with the school room, the long pointer, the big chart that stood near her desk at the front of the room, and a little bell on her desk which I succeeded in tapping a time or two when urged on by the student with whom I happened to be sitting. I remember Ward Esplin, particularly for this.
Earlier recollections, however, are of being over to Aunt Laura's playing doll-rags with my sisters Alice and Elda, out in the grape arbor. Sometimes Aunt Laura would dress us in old dresses and let us go "swimming" in the rain barrels. We each had a barrel which she, or we, would fill about half-full, then she would lift us each into a barrel and by clinging on to the top of the barrel we would jump up and down, getting well-rinsed. This was our "swim".
Mother had no children my own age, so Alice and Elda seem as near to me as I imagine triplets might seem to each other.
Fall 1902 When I was four years old Mother took two of Aunt Laura's children who were ready for High School, together with her own and went to Cedar City, Utah. We were there four years, going back to Orderville part of each summer. Aunt Laura's girls stayed with us the first year and then went to Beaver.
Fall 1906 In the fall we went to Salt Lake City where I started school at eight years of age, going with my brother and two sisters to the University of Utah--Training School.
Mother rented some light house keeping rooms upstairs in the home of Sister Louie B. Keyser. While there I formed, which was, to me, a very dear friendship with the Keyser children, Elsa, Judith, Alma May and "Buddy". Elsa and Judith were somewhere near my own age. (My second little girl was named particularly for Elsa).
It was while living here that I came to know and look forward to the visits of Sister Louie B. Felt and May Anderson-or "Nanna" and "Aunt May". For me being alone a good part of the time, they very often included me in the good times they gave the other children, and so far as I could see, they me no distinction between me and the Keyser children at such times.
I remember particularly being taken with the other children to "The Cat and the Fiddle".
Also, I remember that Christmas time I was invited downstairs on Christmas Eve, after the other children were in bed, to enjoy watching the preparations for Santa. It was known to me that that old gentleman would not be coming to our house that for the money mother was expecting came too late to cash the check at the bank. Sister Keyser, "Nanna" and "Aunt May" swore me to secrecy and allowed me to enjoy the happiest Christmas Eves in my life.
The next morning I was sent for again almost before I was up, Elsa telling me that they would not be allowed to go into the parlor where the fireplace was until I came down to go in with them.
"Nanna" and "Aunt May" were there and we all formed a train by putting out hands on the hips or shoulders of the one in front. "Buddy", the baby boy was the engine with "Nanna" right behind him to represent the engineer to guide the engine. We made a long circuitous route, around table and chairs finally to the big double doors leading to the parlor, which were then opened. A most beautiful sight for the children; Christmas tree, dolls, buggies, etc. I stood near the door, watching. My heart near bursting with joy to think I had been permitted to come and watch. Then Elsa, seeing an extra doll (which I knew had not been there the night before) picked it up and brought it to me say she knew Santa had meant it for me for there was no fire place upstairs. It was a beautiful doll, and thou now a hand is gone and its eyes have a queer turn to them and the head is not in pretty curls as it was, it is among my prized possessions.
Now, as I look back, words fail me in my desire to give expression to the gratitude and praise of three lovely women, Louie B. Felt, May Anderson, and Louie B. Felt Keyser, who could bring so much joy and happiness to a little girl who might otherwise have been very lonely at times.
When school was out the next spring, mother took me and went back to Orderville and Hatch. The others found work.
Fall 1907 By fall, however, Israel and Olive had secured contracts to teach at Basalt, Idaho, so we moved there. Though this was my second year at school I was in the third grade. My sister, Olive was my teacher.
Mother was called out to do nursing quite a bit so my sister, Minnie, was chief housekeeper.
Spring 1908 Near the close of the school year Olive was taken sick and went to the hospital at Shelley where it was found she had a ruptured appendix. She was buried the day school should have closed. Mother not be reconciled to Olive's death; her grief was such that she seemed void of tears.
Fall 1908 The next winter Minnie decided to go to Salt Lake and enter the "Relief Society's Nurses' Training School". Mother had an opportunity to do some nursing in Salt Lake, too, so we moved back for the winter.
Much to my joy we succeeded in getting the room at Sister Keyser's again, and I was treated much the same as I had been the first there. I entered the Training school again, but not getting a report and promotion the year before, I entered the third grade again. In February Mother received a phone call from Basalt telling her of the death of a dear friend of the family and asking her to come and take care of his wife who was quite ill. Mother and I returned to Basalt. I was not allowed to enter school there for I had not been registered and leaving Salt Lake in such a hurry, failed to secure the proper transfer. I did visit school every day in the fourth grade and finally the teacher allowed me to participate in lesson recitations, though I was not allowed to take any books home.
Spring 1909 Finally, about four weeks before school closed, the necessary arrangements were made and upon the recommendation of the fourth grade teacher I was enrolled in that grade. I passed it, too, much to my pleasure.
At last we purchased a couple of lots in Basalt and the next year Father came up to build us a home. He and Israel worked on it as they could purchase the material. Israel had married and Father helped him build a cement room, too.
Fall 1909 The next fall I entered the fifth grade at Basalt. But again I was not permitted to finish my grade, for a few weeks after school started my mother got a phone call from her brother, T. C. Hoyt, in Ogden asking her if she could come to Ogden to work for a friend of his. She would have to come right away if she was to take the case. Accordingly, Mother, Minnie and I went to Ogden. I without the proper school transfer, so I did not go to school that winter.
In viewing the later happenings of my life I have often wondered if the "supposedly' neglected transfers were not more intentional on mother's part. I have often wondered if she did not have a premonition of what actually happened the following year and was trying to prevent it.
Fall 1910 The next year I re-entered the fifth grade at Basalt under the same teacher I had started the year before.
At the close of the first week my teacher told me to go to the sixth grade teacher and get the books and assignments for the following Monday, and I started my sixth grade work. My brother Israel was my teacher. I could not stand the thought of lagging toward the rear of the class and my efforts to keep well toward the front of the class proved my undoing.
I could not understand that I had not had the proper foundation for all my studies and if I began to get low grades at all it was in incentive for more intense study and finally, just the last day of school before Christmas, I broke. Doctor said it was a nervous breakdown. Later I started in the first stages of St. Vitus Dance, but inflammatory rheumatism developed with the usual accompanying complications. I was bedfast for eight weeks. For three of the eight weeks, I learned several years later, the Doctor held out no hopes whatever to my mother and father for me. But as to me, personally, I supposed all that was the matter with me was rheumatism. All the care and treatment that was given me the doctor carefully explained to me, were "precautions taken so that my heart would not get bad and make me an invalid for life". Even when he drew a picture of my heart on my chest and found it to be more than twice it's normal size, his conversation with my mother led to think I was a remarkable "big-hearted" little girl, a fact of which I was proud for a couple of years when I began to suspect the truth.
Fall 1911 The fall after I turned thirteen, the Doctor, advising that I not try to enter school that year, Mother took me to Delta, Utah to spend the winter with my sister Nellie. We returned to Basalt the next summer.
Fall 1912 The fall of 1912 the doctor said I might try going to school again if I would take it easy. The teachers were very kind in cooperating with my mother and arranging my studies so I could pick up the loose ends of my sixth grade work as far as possible, and also some spelling and reading in the seventh grade, they being my easiest studies. However, just a few weeks before school was to close for the summer vacation, the poison that was in my system started coming out in the form of boils on my back, only twenty seven at one time, so again I did not finish the studies I had begun. I recovered in time, however, to be allowed to take the finals in all but two sixth grade subjects, and the two seventh grade subjects I had been taking, and I may say I passed.
1913 That summer I spend principally with my sister Minnie and family on their farm south east of Basalt. Father had got the frame work of our new home built, with Israel's help, and had gone back to Orderville to help Aunt Laura move to Kingston, Piute Co., Utah, where she received an appointment as Postmistress, and a job of building a new school building was offered him. We were in need of funds to finish our home at Basalt so father was glad to take the contract. Mother had a chance to do some nursing and other work in Salt Lake City and later on in the summer at Orderville so fall found father at Kingston with Aunt Laura, Mother at Orderville and I was at Basalt planning to go to school again. But a letter from mother said if I could collect some money still due her on a case she had nursed at Basalt I was to come to Orderville. I didn't have to be much of a 'collector' to get the money and was soon on my way. I stopped a few days with father, Aunt Laura and my sisters, at Kingston, and then on to Orderville.
We visited, after I got there, for about a month with my brother Alvin and family and then went up to Alton and visited relatives there for a while. Around the first of December we came north to Kingston where we stayed at Aunt Laura's until New Years. I may say I never spent a more enjoyable holiday season in my life than there with Alice, Elda and Leonora, the three sisters nearest my own age. We each had a partner for any activities we attend, and it was the first time I had really had a partner to take me to parties and dances. My health had never permitted me to go much even to the birthday parties of my friends until this winter.
There was one cloud over our enjoyment of these holidays. Alice could go with us only to the most quiet of the socials for a serious leak had developed in her heart, and she was in bed a good part of the time. Little did I realize when I bade her farewell that it was for the last time. But when a neighbor's house burned down two or three months later, the excitement proved too much for her and she lived only a short time.
Mother and I came as far as Salt Lake where we both found work and stayed until early summer, and then returned to Basalt.
Fall 1914 That fall doctor said I had had a remarkable recovery and might enter school in earnest and see how much I could make up that I had lost.
Each teacher taught two grades, so my work took me into two rooms. I had not yet taken the State exam in Physiology and Geography, which were sixth grade subjects. But my teachers thought I could be ready to take them at mid-year so I worked to that end. The Principal taught the two highest grades and arranged the classes so I could complete the seventh grade work and also take the eighth grade subjects. It was going to mean lots of home work, but doctor said he thought I could do it now if I didn't try to do other things and got regular rest.
At this time mother was taking care of a little Japanese baby. It's mother was seriously ill in the hospital we had the baby at home with us, and I had it to care of by myself part of the time for mother was called in an emergency to nurse a case of gall stones which was very serious. The lady who was ill could not be moved to the hospital so mother was at her home, a couple of blocks from our place, and only a block from the school house, so I would bathe and care the baby in the morning before I went to school and take it to mother on my way to school. Then I'd call for it on my way home in the afternoon and keep it with me at night. It was a recreation for me, for the baby was healthy and good natured so I enjoyed the experience. Later, when it's mother left the hospital and mother had finished at the other case, she was brought to our home too for convalescence.
About four weeks before the mid-year examinations, my teacher, Miss Nora E. O'Brien, told me she had a feeling that if I did not try to take the State Exams for eighth grade at mid-year I would never be able to graduate, and encouraged me to study harder and at least try.
I talked to my mother about it and she said it would be a good experience for me even if I failed, so I tried, and to my joy I passed and with good marks.
It was only about five weeks later that mother got a phone call from Ogden to come down right away. We left almost immediately, for she was told to bring me too. And was I thankful to Miss O'Brien for her hunch!
I stayed with my uncle and aunt, helping her in the house while mother was on the cases she had been called to.
1915 On April first, about noon, we got a letter from Aunt Laura saying father had contracted pneumonia, and at three o'clock the same afternoon we received a phone call that he had passed away. We left for Kingston on the first train. He was buried on the fourth, Easter Sunday. His three wives and most of his children were at the funeral. We, his children, furnished all the music as he had many times requested.
Knowing that father's death would of necessity change mother's plans for my schooling, my uncle, Timothy C. Hoyt, in Ogden wrote mother at Basalt later, asking that she let him send me to Business College in Ogden with a view of becoming his stenographer. He said he contemplated leaving the Government service and open a private law practice. He also told her that when she did not have work to do herself they would be glad to give her a home in return for help she might render them.
She accepted his offer and we broke up our home, leaving instructions with Israel to sell it.
1916 Mother had several cases of nursing scheduled so I left for Ogden alone and enter the Smithsonian Business College there, from which I graduated the following May, after serving two or three months in the office of Walker Bros. Insurance Agency satisfactorily.
Uncle Tim left the government service that summer and entered politics as candidate for Congress from Utah, District two. He also opened his private law office, but had little time for that so I kept on for some time with the Insurance Agency. I also did some extra work for an advertising agency there, and when real active campaigning started I went to work at Weber County Republican Headquarters. When election was over my work there was done, for the whole state and nation went democratic.
Uncle Tim spent more time now in his law office but there was little work for me yet, so when there was an opening at Scoville Paper Company offices, I applied and got the job. I would go up to Uncle Tim's office at noon and we would eat lunch together and get out any urgent correspondence. Then after five o'clock I went back to his office and work with him if it had not all been taken care of at noon. When there was no law correspondence I spent those hours typing from the manuscript of his book "Rim Rock" which has been published since.
1917 in May I received a telegram from Orderville saying mother was seriously ill. She had been nursing my cousin, but when she took sick they had taken her to her sisters at Alton. There were three of her sisters living there.
I left immediately for Alton. Mother seemed to improve quite rapidly after I got there and we left the first week in July to visit with my sister Nellie and family at Delta. We stopped a couple of days at Kingston and visited with Aunt Laura on the way.
We stayed a couple of weeks at Delta and then on to Basalt, Idaho for a week or ten days. My sister Minnie had gone to Plano, Idaho, and her husband, John E. White, came for us in August. We stayed with them until Oct. 10, 1917 when mother died of acute nephritis, we took her to Basalt for burial.
After mother's death I got work as a stenographer in Rexburg.
It was the day after we arrived in Plano that I met Heber J. Hansen and his brother, Aaron. I went out with each of them a time or two before mother's death, but a short time after I started keeping steady company with Heber, and at Christmas he gave me a ruby set ring, (my birth stone), and our engagement became definite. He, at that time, was taking a 'missionary course' at Ricks College.
1918 In the spring he received a call to leave for the Western States Mission on July 10, 1918. We were married in the Logan Temple, by Elder Wm. A. Noble on June 26, 1918. The most important incidents of my life from that date up to the time of coming to Pocatello are recorded in the fore part of this history.
Jan 3, 1938
It has been over a year since I began writing this history and since then three of my father's children have passed on. On December 16, 1936 my brother, Francis Alvin, died of pneumonia at Orderville, Utah; in August, 1936 Aunt Laura's oldest daughter, Lellie P. Jorgensen, died at Basalt. I had been with her nearly a week. Though she had been critically ill for several weeks, her death was a distinct shock to me at the time, for the doctor had not intimated to me that she had a bad heart which complicated her condition.
On April 3, 1937 Aunt Laura's son, Nathan, died as the result of an accident in the sawmill in which he was working at Hatch, Utah.
At the present time I am a member of the Pocatello Stake Primary Board, in charge of the Guide Group.
Since returning from the mission field I have held various positions in the organizations of the Church and have had great joy in the work.
I now close this history on the third of January, 1938.
Amy Hoyt Porter Hansen
By Mark Porter Hansen, a son.
To end this marvelous history here would be wrong. I take you now to other records and interpolations which mother transcribed.
Beginning with the period where she left off at the time of her marriage to my father, let us return and continue.
I returned to Rexburg, after seeing my husband off at Salt Lake City, and to my job at the C.W. & M. co., but upon my return I was advised that I was being transferred to the Driggs, Idaho branch of the company. I left to fill that transfer on the 15th of July.
I learned to like the people of Driggs very much, and in the early part of September, 1918, I was chosen to labor in the Driggs Ward of the Church as kindergarten teacher, play leader, and assistant Secretary to the Teton Stake Primary Board. A little later on I was called to act as the Journal Agent for the Driggs Ward YLMIA. I thoroughly enjoyed my labors in these capacities, but in October the influenza epidemic caused all public meetings to be closed, all over the land. I was among the first of many in our ward to take the disease. Recovering soon and nicely I returned to work.
I had not been back to work long when I received word of the death of my sister Nellie's husband, Abram Workman. This left her with seven small children. The very next day I received word of the death of my brother Evan, who was at that time 19 years of age. These two deaths, close together as they were, came as such a blow to me that I felt I could not overcome my grief for the. Finding refuge in the Gospel, as I had done at the death of my Mother, I was comforted for I had also began to be concerned about my husband's health way off in the mission field. He wrote me quite regularly, keeping me posted on his health, but the day finally came that told me he had the flu but was now well. Since he was out of danger it took a load off my mind, but I could not still help but be worried about him.
On January 5th or 6th of 1919, I received a call to come to the Western States Mission. I was to be a stenographer, and upon consulting my brothers and sisters by letter, I accepted. By January 21st I was in the mission field with my husband.
As I write this, I am now in the mission field with him. It is a privilege very seldom afforded a young married couple. I had been in Denver, Colorado only a month when he was transferred from Cheyenne to the Denver area. He has now been in the mission field nearly 13 months. I have been here a little over six months. At this present time he is on a country trip, called by the missionaries. This is the type of work all missionaries look forward to during the summer time.
Sister Nellie G. Madsen of Salt Lake City is my companion while Heber is there in the country. She is a very congenial and nice companion. She's now in the field but has already helped me to appreciate the blessing and privileges I have been granted. She has helped me to be more economical in handling of our living expenses.
(The following is a transcription from her diary of daily happenings which occurred in the mission field. MPH)
Friday, August 1, 1919
While Sister Madsen and I were sleeping peacefully, we suddenly came to with a realization that we had to leave for Lafayette at 2:00 P.M. We not only had ironing, bathing and eating to do, but we had to get to the train depot on time also. I was not able to get to the ironing and finish it, but I did finish seven shirts for Heber. We arrived at the depot in time and after getting our tickets we had to wait. A little after 4:00 o'clock the train pulled out of the station, I was surely glad. We arrived in Lafayette about 5:00 o'clock and were met by Elders Poulton and Hickens who escorted us to Sister Elizabeth Sims for residence. We had our supper and later on we held the evening cottage meeting. A splendid crowd came; Elder Poulton and myself were the speakers. Following the meeting, we sang a number of songs and the people went home. Sister Madsen and I talked with Sister Sims until nearly midnite. Goodnight.
Saturday, August 2, 1919
The bed was nice last night, and the weather cool enough; we slept very comfortable. One quilt over each of us was plenty. The cat slept with us part of the time. We laid in bed until close to 9:00 o'clock. After having breakfast, we went with the Elders and saw the City of Lafayette. It is all undermined and certain portions have sunk due to a cave in of one of the mines.
The Elders left at noon while we stayed for the evening train. In the meantime we visited with Saints and investigators. Our train was three hours late, if not more, in arriving back at our home in Denver. On our arrival we found it was raining and very late so we did not attempt to find a place to hold a street meeting. We later found that none had been held because of the rain. I wonder if Heber is out in all that rain; I certainly hope not.
Sunday, August 3, 1919
We woke up and got up as usual, but it was unusual for us to get up at this hour, 7:00 A.M. I dressed in Sister Madsen's pajama suit and my house slippers. We then took pictures of each other. I hope they are good.
We went to Priesthood meeting, Sunday School, and Testimony Meeting. Later, I had to write a few letters for President Herrick. I worked in the office for two hours and then went to dinner with Sister Madsen. We then went to the Library to look up some data on the life of our congresswoman, Jeanette Rankin.
In the night meeting I was very rude; I laughed, as most of the audience did when President Knight, while addressing the congregations about gave his teeth to the audience. Not to the fishes but to the FISHERS. I came home and wrote quite a while on the sketch of my life.
Monday, August 4, 1919
I arose, had breakfast at 7:00 o'clock, and went to the office where I stayed until Sister Madsen called me to see if I was going to come home to supper.
Sister Madsen was called, unexpectedly, to a cottage meeting with Elders Sorensen & Day, so I would up eating supper along. I spent a few moments with Sister Call, looking up pictures, and then wrote a letter to Heber (and a poem to his folks at the reunion). I didn't get to bed until after 12:00 o'clock.
Tuesday, August 5th 1919
Went thru the regular morning routine, going to the office where I worked until 11 A.M. I then called Sister Boam to go visiting with me and she consented. We visited with a Mrs. Howell to whom Sister Wheeler and I had loaned a Book of Mormon. She was very glad to see us, so when I left I promised that when I could I would call for her some Sunday and take her to church with me. She was so pleased. Then we, on our way home, stopped in and visited with Sister Morehead. After going back home with Sister Boam, I took the car back to the office where I found President Knight waiting for me to take dictation. Elder Pherson wished me to also write for him. This kept me later than I expected to stay, and after I had left, Sister Madsen called to see if I was coming to supper before Beehive Meeting. I did go home first and had a nice supper which she had prepared. Then, we, together, went to the meeting. We sang songs composed by women and then I gave a sketch of the life of our congresswoman. Sister Madsen gave a very interesting sketch of the life of Gene Stratton Porter. Sister Boam gave the life of Emmaline B. Wells. Sister Carlyle and Edel Hansen served refreshments and meeting was closed with prayer. We then came home and wrote in our diary. Now to bed.
Wednesday, August 6th.
We woke up early this morning, and for once we beat the other girls to the office. Today was mail day. I got out the mailing list and wrote to Heber telling him he was to have a new companion, as Elder Olsen was to be relieved. I also wrote to Elder Marley, who was more prominently known as JAM, which are his initials. I sent him a copy of the mailing list so that he might more properly keep track of where the missionaries are.
This is our night at home so we just wrote in our diaries and went to bed.
Thursday, August 7th.
I had to rush this morning; I overslept, and Sister Madsen had to wake me. I was late arriving at the office.
My what a cleaning. This church office won't know itself. I'm afraid the basement will dies of pneumonia. It's not used to being so clean and orderly. I' most sure the Book room will have pleurisy. As for the Presidents office, I am really afraid it is down with the measles; it might be the flu, it hasn't developed enough yet to distinguish which of them it may be afflicted with. At any rate, we; Elders Day, Dye, Sorensen, Jensen, Pherson, Knight, and Sister Sorensen and myself, have kept busy all day. It really looks much better.
It is now 5:15 P.M. and I am on my way home to the 'bestest' supper. |We are going to a cottage meeting out at Paines. Sister Carlisle and Edel Hansen are bringing steak, eggs, crackers, and pineapple. We are taking green peas, new potatoes, cream, sugar, and egg, some potatoes and tomatoes, with hot rolls and tapioca. My what a supper. You can imagine from the articles used that it is to be "super". I had to leave before desert was served so they waited until my return before serving it.
At 8:00 P.M. we conducted our cottage meeting. Elder Oliverson took charge. Elder Dye and myself spoke on the necessity of attending meetings.
I'm afraid I made a fizzle of my speaking, but I do hope they will take it to heart; quit promising and do more then make those promises. Elder Oliverson spoke on the Book of Mormon, and then the meeting was dismissed. After both of the Elders escorted me home and I had said goodnight to them, I found that Sister Carlisle and Sister Hansen had decided to stay all night. Sister Carlisle had been writing to Lilly White, so we decided to put in a word or two. They had me prepare a little piece which I called "Ideal Woman", or some such thing, and we took her letter away from her put them all together and mailed it. I wonder what she thought when she received all those funny 'do-dads'? Sister Madsen dressed up Sister Carlisle in a pair of pajamas and then they performed for us. We laughed so hard we laughed ourselves to sleep.
(We leave the Diary and go to various records which I have attempted to place in their order. MPH)
On August 14, 1919, Mother wrote that she and her companions went to the home of a Sister Hamer. Here two rooms were cleared and they held a small dance. In her own words, "I feel guilty, but what was a person to do when the guest of a Sister who insists that she would feel hurt if we didn't dance. I felt very abashed to think that I had danced, but it was done now. Although there just the few missionaries and the Hamer family present, I still feel guilty. But we did close the meeting with prayer".
Mother seemed to feel guilty in going to the lakeside Amusement Center and riding on the Derby and all those amusement devices. Her feeling of guilt seems to be in her enjoyment of these enterprises without her husband being present to enjoy them with her.
On August 17, Mother, Elder Dye, and Sister Madsen left for Greely. There they were met by dad (Heber) and his new partner, Brother Hatch. That night they conducted a cottage meeting on the streets. Mother and Father succeeded in obtaining a room at Mrs. Dye's while the others were left floundering by themselves.
On September 3, 1919, Mother received a telephone call from father. She expressed her concern over him because he had been quite a sick man. She seemed to think that Heber (dad) was thinking she didn't want him to come to her. But she had purposely caused this feeling because of her desires to have him work with a companion whom he liked so well; it was likely to be his last summer in that area with dad.
From this point on, the continued History of Amy Hoyt Porter Hansen was a continued and devoted life. Spending her time as a most wonderful mother, she continued to serve The Lord, living the Gospel as well as she understood it.
She was later afflicted with a cerebral hemorrhage which caused her to become bedridden for a period of near six years. During this affliction she continue in her faith as an example to many friends and relatives. Above all she radiated an influence of love and devotion unsurpassed, not only to her religious beliefs, but to those beliefs of others who were her friends. On many occasions she told me that possibly this was her greatest test, a test of her faith; whether she would falter, disbelieving, discontent, doubtful. But she did not falter, she continued and her faith grew stronger. Then came The Comforter to take her Home, on May 21, 1952.
GOD REST HER SOUL, MAY WE SEE HER SOON.
MPH
