The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1866-10-23
How Brigham Young's WivesLive

The new work on the Mormons gives
the following:
"The internal arrangement of affairs at
the Harem is very similar to that of a
young ladies boarding school. Each wo-
man having her own room, her affairs are
all centered there. The culinary depart
ment is under the control of such oe the
wives as Brigham from time to time ap-
points. She is the stewardess,. and car
ries the keys. A cook is employed
generally aman-and several servants be-
sides, who are all under the control of the
stewardess.
"When the meals are prepared and rea-
ldy, the bell rings, and each woman, with
her children ifshe have any, files down
to the dinner-table, and is seated as be-
fore stated.
''Each, on rising, has her children to
attend to, and get ready for breakfast;
this over, she commences the business of
the day, arranges. her rooms, and sits
down to her sewing or other work, as
the case may be-
"a sewing machine is brought into re-
QUESTION, and one of the number appoint
ed to use it. For the benefit of those who
want sewing -machipe, it will be we'll to
state how this one was procured. One
day man from St. Louis came to offer
dns for SALE stating that his price was
ninety dollars. Brigham bought it,
promising to pay the man whenever he
should call. The man being poor called
in a few days. He did not get his pay.
He-called again a number of times, with
the same result. One of the wives became
quite indignant and said; IF I was in
his place, / would never ask it from one
SO high in the priesthood. He had better
give it to him than ask pay of him. =
The poor man never received his money,
and as soon as he could get the means,
left the territory. This is the manner in
which the Prophet becomes possessed of
much of his property.
"Most of the women spin and make
their every day clothing, doing their own
coloring. They are quite proud of the
quantity Of cloth manufactured in their
establishmenteVery year. Allwork hard
and take but very little out-of door ex-
ercise Parties and the theatre are the
fayorite amusemeuts. At the theatre,
Brigham and one or two of the favored
wives sit together in the Kings box, y
but the remainder Of the women and ,the
children sit in what is called 'Brigham's s
corral. This is in the parquette, about
the centre of the area. The Prophet goes
down once or twice during theevening to
the corral, and chats for few moments
with one and another, fbut in a short time
he can be seen beside his dear Amelia
again.
"At the Mormon parties much gayety
prevails. Appearances are maintained,
somewhat by paying more respectful def
erence to the first wives on such occa-
sions. Geutiles, with whom the saints
are on good terms, are well received and
kindly entertained at these parties, and
all join in giving themselves up to the
influences Of mirth and festivity. Dane.
ing is not only favorite amusement, it is
cultivated to such an extent that it be-
lcomes passion.
Brigham's women, though better
clothed than formerly, still work very
hard. They are infatuated with their re
iligion, and devoted to their husband
If they connot obtain his love, they con-
tent themselves with his kindness, and
endeavor to think themselves happy. Al
religion is their only .solace, they try t.
make it their only object. If it does
mot elevate their minds, it deadens thei
suscephbilities, and as they are not per
mitted to be women, they try to convinc,
themselves that it is God s will they shoult
be slaves.
"a music-master, a dancing master
and teacher of the ordinary branch es o
an English education, are employed in tn
family school, Also a teacher of French
His children have much better advantage
than any other in the territory. Dancing
and music are the leading accomplish
Iments, and every thing else is made sub
I Iordinate to these"
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