Olive Smoot Bean, Correspondence, 1882

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October 20, 1882-Jeffersonville, Virginia
Dearest, Loving Wife
"...Well, I hope that long ere this reaches you, that dear Polly has come home to stay, and that you all are contented and happy, and as healthy as him, of whose life and being you are a part....I suppose you have seen the comet which is attracting the world so much; some of the people here are considerably worked up about it predicting war or some great calamity sure; but saints have nothing to fear...."
October 22, 1882-Provo City, Utah
Dear, loved and loving husband
"...I get lonely and dejected sometimes, for I am a great deal alone, not being able to go out much, and I find there are few of my "friends" that can spare any time to visit me at home. Oh! Will, you cannot realize how I miss your precious company. It seems as if there is nothing to live for in your absence, and time drags with me as it never did before....This may be the last letter I can write you for a time at least, but you will hear from some one else every week if possible...."
October 29, 1882-Provo City, Utah
My own own dear husband
"...You say you dare hardly think of the time which must elapse ere we will meet again, and enjoy each other[s] carresses and affection. I am fully sympathetic with you in that respect, and when I think of it, the longing to see your dear dear face is almost more than I can bear. Now when the time of my trial is so close, I feel as though it would be almost impossible to go through it without your dear comforting presence....Tomorrow is the ratification meeting of the peoples Party here, and there are big preparations being made to have a grand affair. If the weather is favorable, I suppose there will be a big turnout....Oct 31st....We went to the ratification meeting last night,-Pollie and I, and it was splendid, I assure you. The Speakers were. F. S. Richards, John T. Caine, C. W. Penrose, A. O. Smoot, W. W. Cluff, and James Sharp, and each one seemed filled with enthusiasm and eloquence. The Payson, Lehi, and American Fork bands were present and discoursed splendid music through out the meeting and great applause and good will prevailed. It was something to make the so called "Liberals" ashamed of their small "doings"...."
November 14, 1882-Swords Creek, Virginia
My loving Wife Sweetheart and Babes
"...Oh! I thank Him continually for blessing me with the love of those so good, so pure, and true, and that their love and lives are so closely knit together; and will be glad when I am worthy and can say wives, instead of wife and sweetheart, for you will see by Pres. Cannons remarks at Conference, that those who fullfill and keep the whole law, are the ones who will be enabled to endure the trials, and receive a proportionate reward."
JWB
November 20, 1882-Provo City, Utah
Dearest best of husbands
"...We named the baby a week ago yesterday and I hope you will not be dissapointed when I tell you we called her Harriet-Virginia, instead of Olive. My motive was, that she would be a reminder to us of your mission...."

Dates

1882

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