Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1873-04-05
Life in Utah.

Some interesting facts about the in
ner workings of the peculiar institution
of Utah came out in recent lecture by
Mrs. Stenhouse, who found herself
duplicated and Implicated through the
religious zeal of her husband. The
lecturer was proud to say that the Nor
mon women did not willingly accept
polygamy. They were betrayed into
obeying a revelation which was said to
come from God, which made it neces-
sary for their salvation and exaltation
in heaven that they should give to their
husbands other wives even though that
act of obedience should cruelty them
selves and they were betrayed by that
abnegation which women have always
shown in a religious cause. The more
alluring doctrine Of a kinship of spirit,
the assertion that all women must have
husbands in order to be saved, and that
true marriage was not for time only,
but for all eternity were taught.
The first symptom of coming polyg-
amy that is perceivable by the first wife
is generally little quiet signing on the
part of the husband. He becomes very
serious. His mind evidently occupied.
He exhibits a more than usual zeal for
faith. He goes regularly to church.
He becomes concerned about his future
kingdom. "Coming events cast their
shadows before" If in good circum-
stances, he is certain to bring home
some present, and he tells his "sweet
little wife" how much he loves her, that
"she fills his heart" and that he "is
so happy in her affection" When a
wife in Utah hears this kind of language
she may be certain that there is another
revelation awaiting her. The affection
ate husband becomes very reflective
and observing. His Brother Jones has
three wives, Brother Smith two, and
Brother Robinson, who has not been
half so many years in the church as he
has, has even four wives, while he, poor
man, has only one. He then begins
very gently with, "This will never do,
my dear, we are not living our religion.
[ am sometimes afraid that the anger
of the Lord will be kindled against us. 1"
He makes his wife feel that it is as
much her duty as his. He asks his
wife which of all the young girls of her
acquaintance would make good wife
"a pleasant companion for her-one
who would respect her. He mentions
half dozen, one of whom he has de-
termined upon, and that one is select
ed. The wife, of course, is not deceived; !;
she feels that opposition is useless.
Soon the husband has meetings to at
tend, business engagements after busi-
ness hours. He is seen walking or rid
ing with a young girl, and then she
feels that she has been deceived, and
her idol is broken. If a man has twen-
ty wives he makes the last one believe
she is his first and only loye.
There is class of women in Utah
professedlv devoted to polygamy, as
they are to faith in Christ, who act as
drill-sergeants to the other women.
These lead Norman polygamic society
and get up memorials to Congress, etc
They form what is called the Female
Relief Society, and to women who object
to marriage they say, Would it not
be better for you to be one of the Off
GERS of fine ship of war than to be the
captain of small fishing smack?" mean
ing it is better to be one of the wives of
a great man than the only wife of an
obscure man.
A broken-hearted wife went to Miss
Eliza r. Snow-one of the wives of
Brigham Young-and told her the mis-
cry of her life.
81 cannot endure it," exclaimed the
unhappy woman.
"But you must endure it," said her
comforter.
cit will kill me, know it will l'' she
uttered, in despair.
"Then you will wear q martyrs
crown, sister," replied this soulless
woman.
In Utah it is no uncommon thing
to find wife's own sister or sisters
brought home as wives, and some moth
ers have been obliged to give their own
daughters to be wives to their husbands.
Brigham Young once admitted to Hep
worth Dixon that he saw no objection
to brothers aid sisters marrying.