Paul Thatcher family papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0198

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Paul Thatcher family papers (1809-1972) contain diaries, letters, biographies, and reminiscences from two prominent families of Utah, the Thatcher's of Logan and the Smoot's of Provo. The record is one of personal ideas, feelings, and conflicts rather than daily circumstances, business affairs, or local politics. In particular, the diary of Sarah Maria Davis Thatcher and the letters of Olive Smoot Bean make a fine study of Mormon women in late nineteenth century Utah. There are two copies of Sarah Thatcher's diary in the collection. One is the original holograph, the other a typed transcript. The diary includes irregular entries from 1878 to 1887. It tells the story of an unhappy marriage filled with pain, strife, and even tragedy. Sarah was a frank diarist revealing her innermost thoughts and fears. Although brief the diary is an excellent record of polygamous family life. Also included is a rare pamphlet (1896) by Calvin Reasoner that concerns Moses Thatcher's removal from the LDS Church's Quorum of Twelve Apostles. Also included is a xerox copy of an address by Moses Thatcher which appeared in the 13 July 1895 edition of the Salt Lake Herald. The collection holds two short biographical sketches of Abraham Owen Smoot and a xerox copy of his 1856 journal. The journal describes his trip from Salt Lake to St. Louis to purchase supplies for the Church. Also included in the journal are records from the Salt Lake City Mayor's Court from 1858-1859. A biographical sketch of Margaret Thompson Smoot, Abraham's first wife, and an autobiographical sketch by Diana Eldredge Smoot are in the collection. Also present are the reminiscences of Olive Bean, a daughter of Abraham Smoot, written in 1933 and 1934. Included are eighty-four letters exchanged between her and her husband, Will, while he served his mission in 1882-1883. Following the letters of Will and Olive are several letters from the Smoot and Bean family dating from 1876-1883. Included is one letter from Pauline Hardy who became Will's second wife in 1885. The final items in the collection are letters from Olive Smoot's children regarding the disposition of her letters and a compilation of those letters (transcribed) in a bound volume.

Dates

1809-1972

Creator

Thatcher family (Family)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Sketch

Hezekiah Thatcher was one of the first merchants in Cache Valley. During the 1860's and 1970's Hezekiah and his sons George and Moses became some of the areas most prosperous businessmen. They operated the Thatcher Brothers Bank, Thatcher and Sons store, and Thatcher & Sons Milling and Elevator Company. Moses and Hezekiah were also officials in the Utah Northern Railroad Company. Hezekiah and Alena Kitchen's third son, John Bethuel, was also a merchant, first in Logan and later in Thatcher, Idaho. In 1858 John B. married Rachel Davis, the oldest daughter of Nathan and Sarah Woolley Davis. Fifteen years later John married Rachel's younger sister Sarah Maria. Sarah was eighteen years younger than John. John Bethuel's younger brother Moses Thatcher was an eminent businessman and church official. He was born on February 2, 1842. He was superintendent of Cache Valley Sunday Schools from 1868 to 1877 and served ten years in the Territorial Legislative Council. He was president of Cache Valley State from 1877 to 1879 when he was appointed to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. Moses became active in Utah's political affairs particularly in the contest just prior to statehood between Republicans and Democrats.

Like the Thatchers, Abraham Owen Smoot was a prominent businessman, politician and church official. He was born on February 17, 1815 in Owen County, Kentucky. He emigrated to Utah in 1847 and was active in hauling goods from the East for the Church. In 1857 he became Mayor of Salt Lake City. Later, when he moved to Provo he became Mayor of that city. He was active in the support of the Brigham Young Academy. Abraham Owen Smoot died in 1895. Abraham Owen Smoot had four wives. He married Margaret Thompson McMeans in 1838. Although she had no children, Margaret became the matriarch of the Smoot family. Everyone, including Abraham's other wives and their children called her "Ma." In 1850 Abraham married Emily Harris. They had three children. Abraham's third wife was Diana Eldredge, daughter of Ira and Nancy Black Eldredge. Diana had twelve children. Abraham's fourth wife was Annie Kristina Morrison. She had eight children. Olive Smoot was the second daughter of Abraham Owen and Diana Eldredge Smoot. She was born in 1860. In 1876 Olive married James William Bean. Olive and "Will" lived in Provo, Utah and in their later lives in Teton, Idaho. In 1885 Will married Pauline Hardy as a plural wife.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet (1 Box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Paul Thatcher family papers (1809-1972) contain diaries, letters, biographies, and reminiscences from two prominent families of Utah, the Thatcher's of Logan and the Smoot's of Provo.