Mary Jane Mount Tanner papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0200

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Mary Jane Mount Tanner papers consist of an autobiography, diaries, correspondence, notes and contemporary books, the Mary Jane Mount Tanner collection provides an inciteful view of early Utah life. Aspiring to be a writer, Mary Jane's diaries not only record her daily life, but her views on life and the world around her.

The holograph material and contemporary books have been filed together in box one. Included are Mary Jane's autobiography, three diaries, a notebook belonging to her daughter Bessie and one belonging to a son-in-law, Calvin Cragun. There are also four published books, including Mary Jane's volume Fugitive Poems, 1880. The correspondence filed here includes Mary Jane's letters to and from her father, Joseph Mount; her husband, Myron Tanner; and her aunt Mary Hunt. There are also letter between Mary Elizabeth (Bessie) Tanner and Calvin Cragun. One incomplete letter from William H. Bessac to his sister Elizabeth Bessac Mount Pond Foote (Mary Jane's mother) and one from Francis M. Lyman to his uncle Myron Tanner are filed together. A sketch of Joseph Mount, copies of Myron Tanner's land transactions, a report on the Tanner family reunion, Calvin Cragun's and Bessie's wedding invitation, and a poetic tribute to Mary Jane fill out the holograph-contempory materials.

In order to protect the holograph items from damage through use, they have been photocopied, or typescripts have been made. The second box contains typescripts of all the correspondence. Also included is a file of photocopies of newspaper obituaries for Mary Jane Mount Tanner and her family members. Box three holds a photocopy, microfilm copy, and typescript of Mary Jane's autobiography and all three diaries. Also included is a photocopy of a "Memorial" written by Mary Jane. This was written for the 50 year Jubilee of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is a brief autobiography dedicated to her female descendants.

Box 4 contains a large family Bible. The inner pages, provided for the purpose, are inscribed with family genealogical information.

Box 5 contains a masonic apron that belonged to Joseph Mount, Jr., Mary's father.

Family portraits have been removed and placed in the Photograph Archives.

Dates

1829-1908

Creator

Tanner, Mary J. (Person)

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 Note

Mary Jane Mount Tanner was born in 1837 in Toledo, Ohio. From there she moved with her parents to Nauvoo, where she resided for four years. At the age of ten she crossed the plains with her parents and other Mormon pioneers to Salt Lake City. She married Myron Tanner, a polygamist, and together they had several children. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for her entire life.

Extent

4 Linear Feet (5 boxes, 2 oversize boxes and 1 microfilm reel)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Mary Jane Mount Tanner papers (1829-1908) consist of an introspective and insightful diary recording her impressions of her activities and society. It concerns primarily personal matters such as stresses in a polygamous family, problems with family members, church and social activities, and the publication of a volume of her poetry. Correspondence is primarily about family matters; between herself and father in California (1849-1876) about his activities and the settlement of his estate; to her husband Myron Tanner about their courtship; and from other family members. Autobiography and diaries available to patrons on microfilm.