Three Holographs of Patriachal Blessings for Heber Bennion, 1876 May 28

File — Box: 3, Folder: 2

Identifier: II

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: The Bennion family papers (1844-1949) include the diaries of John Bennion (1820-1877), Heber Bennion (1858-1932), and Mary Bennion Powell (born 1890), as well as family correspondence and autobiographical sketches. John and Samuel Bennion and John's son, Heber, were Utah sheep ranchers and polygamists, while Mary Bennion Powell was a daughter of Heber Bennion. The collection begins with the Bennion brothers, John and Samuel, who converted to the Mormon Church in Northern Wales. John was a faithful journal writer, leaving a legacy of his life from 1857 until his death in August 1877. In his journals he tells a great deal of Samuel's activities as well. The collection also contains brief autobiographical sketches plus some correspondence between the Bennion family in America and England. All the material is typed and copied with the exception of the letters which are copies of the holographs.

Included in the collection are the journals of Heber, John's oldest son by his third wife, Mary Turpin. Two are holographs, the others are copies. They date from 1888 to 1923. There is an account book, listing the family's holdings, and an autobiography of the Sterns Family (the family of Susan Winter's mother). There is also a patriarchal blessing given to Heber in 1876 and a few letters of correspondence.

Mary Bennion Powell, Heber's daughter, following the journal writing tradition of her father and grandfather, began writing at the age of eleven and continued throughout most of her life. This collection takes her to the age of 59. She provides the most material for this collection and is the one who had the family's journals copied and the originals sent to the Utah State Historical Society for preservation. The Journal of Heber Bennion, 1912-1923 is a holograph copy. Also included in the collection are some of Mary's writings, telling the events of her childhood and focusing very specifically on the issue of polygamy. These are also holographs.

Dates

1876 May 28

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.