Sarah Maria Davis Thatcher Diary, Typescript

File — Box: 1, Folder: 2

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: 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

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.