The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1878-08-15
brigham Young's Estate.

The failure of the heirs Of the late
Brigham Young to agree in the distri-
button of his property will in all prob
ability, cause lawsuit that will attract
the attention of the whole country and
create as much scandal as the present
squabble over Vanderbilt's estate. The
contestants will be 20 wives or their
heirs, consisting of 40 children. The
Prophet is generally believed to have
had only 10 wives, but this is undoubt-
edly mistake, and if the law is in
voked it will probably be shown that
Brigham had no less than 20 wives
and would have had 30 if he could
have persuaded certain gOod-looking
ladies to join his family. Among the
most notable of Brigham's numerous
progeny may be mentioned John, Brig
ham, jr., Joseph, Alice and Luna,
children of his first wife. Alice want
ed to marry Mr.. Tobin, but Brigham
gave her to his confidential clerk, Hi
ram b. ClawsOn, who already had a
wife, Luna was wild, and the Pro-
phet soon married her off to Mormon
gentleman. Lucy Seely's son Heber
has already been mentioned as one of
the worst boys in Salt Lake. Mrs.
Waite says: "One mornings after break
fast Heber, then only ten or twelve
years old went into the kitchen and
undertook to help himself to anything
he could find. Mr. Smith, the cook,
would not permit it, when Heber
seized a fork, and, with oaths, tried to
stab him." This boy and son of Har-
riet Cook, laid plan to kill Smith, but
failed. Mrs. Hampton, before her
marriage with the Prophet, had adaugh-
ter, Vilate, whom Heber Young and
Feramez Little wanted to marry, but
what ultimately became of her, | dOnOt
know. Formerly Brigham kept his
wives in the Dion House, a sort of hO-
tel where each had her separate apart
ments. The building cost about $780,
600 and was as good as could be built in
the States for $4,000. The basement
contained cellars, wash rooms, kitchens,
dish rooms, a dining-room, pantry,
cOachman's room, school room and two
large halls. The second-story had four
teen apartments. The third story, or
really the second story (the basement
being under the ground) had twenty
one apartments. The rooms were large,
convenient and well furnished Brig
ham was strict disciplinarian, but
could not always keep down rows in
the family. The Prophet rose early,
dressed and shaved every morning, and
then assembled his wives and children
for prayer. After singing and prayer
they went to breakfast, which was
served in large hall. Brigham sat at
the head of the table and Lucy Decker,
at the foot and poured out the coffee.
The children had side-tables and their
mothers could eat with them if they
wished. 1t was to all appearance a
happy family and as well behaved, po-
lite and mannerly as any in the land.
Whatever heartburnings there were or
jealousies the women kept them to
themselves, and not even the boldest
dare show her temper at the table be-
fore the Prophet, whom they all looked
up to as god. OF late years, Brig
ham did not eat with his wives, his
breakfast being simply bowl of bread
and milk. On rising each lady put her
room in order, making up the bed and
sweeping. After breakfast the women
walked out, sang, played the piano or
sewed. Several of them embroidered
beautifully, made colored cloth, and
were very proud Of their handiwork.
The Prophet kept several carriages, and
the ladies could go shopping or driving
whenever they pleased. In the evening
all went to the theatre, where Brig
hams wives and children had reserved
seats 1t is said the Prophet was very
liberal and gave his wives plenty of
pin money. They had dancing mas
ter, French teacher and an instruc-
tor in music. During his latter years
Young endeavored to give each of his
favorte wives a cottage and 81, l,0OOayear
in pin money. 1t is said he offered
house and 81 900 per annum to any
good-looking young lady who would
marry him.