The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1914-08-25
ey M. E. Smith

~
In 1912, the time had arrived when
angels Of mercy were to be organized
and endowed with authority and pow
er to go forth and bless and comfort
the needy, downtrodden and distress
ed. There were few In the beginning
to assume this responsibility. but
there has been steady growth from
that memorable day, whel the rroph.
ct of God in these last Jays Sc. them
apart for their missions And their
numbers have steadily increased, UNI
til now they number thousands. What
shall be said of those who pioneered
the noble work? Though dead, yet
they live. and the work taey began
has grown in life and usefulness far
eclipsing their fondest expectations
After an exodus of thousands CT
miles Of trackless waste, beginning
in 1S47 marked by death and suffer
ing unparalleled and through which
the grandest opportunity was offered
this organization to show forth the
importance of their mission, they
landed in the Wales Of Utah. Their
numbers had been decimated by,
death on this journey but others came
boldly forward and entered the SER
vice with cheerfulness. As cities and
counties were organized women were
selected to take charge Of this won
derful work, In each subdivision OF
the state, or then. territory " Utah
and here comes in the subjects Of
FOUR sketch. Cache Valley, then sum.
mer pasture for Indian ponies and
uninhabitable In winter. was chosen
40 \ home and battle ground If a
band Of noble pioneers who saw the
possibilities of this beautiful valley
II subdued.
There never was time when sick-
ness, distress and trials did not at
tend human struggle and someone
was always needed to comfort, bless
and aid in this angelic cause. Sister
Mary Ann Vaughan was the fist
president called and set apart to d.
rect this branch of the Relief Society
In the Cache stake. with Elizabeth
Benson as first and Harriet A. Pres
ton as second councillors; Louis Bal
liff secretary; and Elizabeth Shear
man, treasurer. She was devoted
wife and mother. whose experience
and knowledge gave zest. qualification
and energy to the work. As to the
founders of the drst organization. we
must give first place to Sister Maugh.
an, we must give first place In this
county. 1t Is not our purpose to over
look or set aside the names OF hun
dreds who were just as true, faithful
| and devoted as the leaders, but time
and space on this occasion forbids.
| But to their honor be 1t said, that all
are pioneers and will always take
first place jointly. with their leaders
And whatever the story, honor and
credit attaches to one. Is due to all
| On May 5. 1S47, Sister Vaughan
and councillors, were honorably re
leased. Through her untiring efforts
a number Of organizations were men
toned throughout the county by rid
ing horseback from town to town a.
this early period. Time and histor.
and unborn generations will bless he,
name, and when critics have died and
times and deeds are numbered, tn.
great God will Judge the hearts OF
| the souls of men and this woman will
be accorded a place and standing
among the foremost Of this dispense
| ton.
On May IS. 1874. Sister Elizabeth
Benson. another noble soul. was cho
sen president with Louisa b. Ben
son, first councillor; Sarah Holden
secretary. and Elleanore Tarbet al
treasurer. Being qualified by all tn
n l. I-1