USA > Utah > Salt Lake County > Salt Lake > History of Salt Lake City > Part 81
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would have been entirely lost on a man of simple directness of mind, for Mormon parents, who could with so much natural sagacity conceive the plot of capturing the conqueror of southern rebeldom, by an army of their Sunday School children, were surely not wicked parents, nor unworthy of the regard of the representative " father of his country."
The other incident is of Mrs. Grant, on her visit to the Mormon Tabernacle in this city, escorted by Hon. W. H. Hooper and others. As she listened to the chaste yet sonorous music from the grand organ of the tabernacle, which for com- pass and quality has but few equals, and which on this occasion was played by a master organist, with tears in her eyes she exclaimed with deep feeling, her words addressed to the ex-Delegate of Utah, " Oh, I wish I could do something for these good Mormon people !"
CHAPTER LXXIV.
DEATH OF BRIGHAM YOUNG. THE CITY DRAPED FOR ITS FOUNDER. GRAND SOLEMN FUNERAL. SERVICES AT THE TABERNACLE. TRIBUTE OF TIHE CITY COUNCIL TO HIS MEMORY.
On Wednesday, August 29th, 1877, Brigham Young, the founder of Utah, and one of the greatest colonizers the world has seen in a thousand years, died at his residence in Salt Lake City. The life and career of this remarkable man, whose record compasses the whole history of the Mormon people, may be gath- ered from the entirety of this book, and the personal sketch of him in the sup- plement of biographies. Suffice in this chapter to give the record of his death and burial.
On Thursday evening, August 23rd, President Young was attacked with cholera morbus, which was very severe, and continued throughout the whole of the night and the following day until the afternoon. The pain was intense, and quickly prostrated the patient. On Friday afternoon, however, he was somewhat relieved, and was considered by his physician to be convalescing. This favorable condition continued until Saturday afternoon, when his symptoms suddenly be- came worse, and the disease assumed an alarming aspect. The pain in his bowels returned, his bowels began to be distended, and his sufferings were greatly aggra- vated. These symptoms yielded to the use of morphine ; but on Sunday morn- ing a condition of semi-stupor came on continuing throughout the day and night. On Monday there was little change, the patient remaining about in the same con- dition as on Sunday, until Tuesday when his coma deepened. Still he could be roused, and occasionally spoke to those about him. Suddenly on Tuesday morn-
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ing, there was extreme difficulty in breathing, owing to the distension of the bowels. Artificial respiration was resorted to for about nine hours, with the re- sult of enabling him to breathe without assistance. His condition from that time until his death admitted no doubt as to the result of the case. Death ended his work at 4 P. M. on Wednesday. The technical name of the fatal disease of which he died is entero colitis-commonly called inflammation of the bowels ; which, of course, was brought on by cholera morbus. The deceased did not speak for hours previous to his death, although at times he appeared to be conscious, and would make an effort to articulate. He was surrounded by most of the members of his family and a few intimate friends.
During the three last days of his mortal life the people of Utah was in the most profound and anxious suspense. Telegrams fled frequently throughout the Territory informing the Saints of the condition of their leader, and prayer circles met in every settlement to invoke Divine power to stay the stroke, which when it fell, though it appalled the heart of the church for a moment, and baptized in tears the State which Brigham Young had founded, yet brought to the people re- lief from the terrible suspense under which they had stood as with suspended breath for three days. In the world beyond the angel of destiny tolled his bell : the spirit of Brigham Young, a son of destiny, winged its homeward way ; and within the hour every city in Utah was draped in mourning.
The following account of the funeral is culled from the reports of the Deseret News and Salt Lake Herald of that date :
It was the original intention not to admit the public to view the body of President Brigham Young until Sunday morning, two hours before the commence- ment of the funeral services. The very general desire to see the deceased, and the certainty of there being present at the tabernacle on Sunday a tremendous crowd, has led to the making of a satisfactory change in the programme. The body will lie in state, in the new tabernacle, from this morning at nine o'clock until eleven o'clock on Sunday. It will be in the coffin, which will be enclosed in a metallic case, a glass being over the face. The public will be admitted to the tabernacle at any time between the hours indicated above.
OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND INSTRUCTIONS:
" As soon as the probable number of seventies, high priests, elders, and the lesser priesthood is ascertained, places will be assigned them in the tabernacle, during the funeral ceremonies of President Brigham Young. These different quorums will hold meetings this evening for the purpose of learning in relation to this matter, aud will also appoint committees to attend to the seating of their quorums, and to arrange for them to take part in the procession. It is desirable that each quorum should attend to its own organization for the procession so as save time, obviate confusion, and lessen the labor of the marshals.
" The procession will leave the tabernacle eight abreast, and walk through the south gate and up the north sidewalk of South Temple street to the Eagle Gate, thence up through President Young's grounds to his cemetery. A pro- gramme will be arranged for the procession, assigning to each body its proper place. The intention at present is for the general authorities to occupy the stand. For greater convenience, however, it will be well for the presidents of the high 38
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priests, of the elders, and the lesser priesthoood, to sit with their respective quo- rums, so that they can take their places for the procession. The high council of this stake and the visiting presidents and counsellors of stakes from other places, and members of high councils of other stakes will have seats assigned to them on the platform south of the stands. The Tenth Ward brass band, the Glee Club, which will sing at the vault, and the city council will also be seated south of the stands on the platform.
" The platform on the north side of the stands will be occupied by the bishops and their counsellors of this stake, and visiting bishops and counsellors from other stakes. Seats will be reserved immediately in front of the stands on both sides of the centre aisle for the family and relatives of the honored deceased.
" It is desired that all who reside in the city and its vicinity who desire to view the remains of President Young will do so to-day, and once having seen the body will be satisfied with that view and not try to obtain another to the exclu- sion of persons who have not had an opportunity of seeing it at all. If this be strictly observed, the brethren and sisters who come from other settlements on Sunday morning, can have the privilege of getting a view of the body ; and un- less this be observed it would be difficult for them to get into the tabernacle for that purpose. We cannot impress this too much upon the residents of this city and its vicinity.
" Thousands will probably come by the morning trains, all of whom will be anxious to get a last look at the face of their beloved president, prophet and leader. Arrangements will be made for as many as possible to have this privilege, but in the short time remaining, only a limited number can possibly, with the best arrangements, pass by the coffin. Too much cannot be said upon the necessity of observing strict order. There will be a body of men detailed as special police for the occasion; and we hope that every man, woman and child in the community will conform to the arrangements that will be made, and not impose unpleasant duties upon those acting as special policemen. Let us show respect to the memory of our great leader by observing that order of which he himself was so deep an admirer and great example. Let no man, woman or child say or do a thing on the solemn occasion of his funeral, which if he were present in person would grieve or annoy him. Of necessity there will have to be strict arrangements to save con- fusion, as there will be doubtless an immense number of people present."
" The remains of the late President Brigham Young were removed from the Lion house Saturday morning shortly after 8 o'clock, and conveyed on a bier to the new tabernacle. Employees of the deceased carried the body, the apostles now in the city acting as pall bearers. A number of President Young's sons fol - lowed, besides bishops, seventies, elders, etc., forming a procession of between six and seven hundred people. The coffin containing the body was placed at the foot of the centre aisle of the tabernacle, directly in front of the stand, the head being to the west. The coffin is enclosed in an air-tight metallic burial case, a sheet of plate glass covering the face, admitting of a good view of the features. The inside of the coffin is trimmed and dressed plainly, but neatly, with white satin, quilted ; and the drapery overspreading the case is white merino. A hand- some floral cross, encircled by a wreath of flowers, is on the lid. The tabernacle
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is profusely draped, the platform, stands, organ and pillars wearing heavy folds of crape. The features of the dead have undergone much change since his sickness, and indicate plainly the severity of his sufferings.
" It was 11 o'clock when the gates to the Temple block were opened and the public admitted to take a last look at the deceased. Probably three thousand peo- ple had assembled, and for a couple of hours the crowd was tremendous. How- ever, the arrangements were so complete, that the rush being once over, there was no more crowding, people passing in and out without hurrying. A constant stream of men, women and children went in at one door, looked at the features of the dead, and passed out on the opposite side of the tabernacle, until quite late in the evening when there was a slight cessation, and those in attendance were en . abled to rest. The body was kept in state all night, a guard surrounding it and the building, and it was not until near midnight that people ceased to visit it. An accurate account was kept of the number of those who saw the body, running up to within a few of eleven thousand people. The remains will lie where they are, and the public will be admitted until 11 o'clock to-day, and as all the trains entering the city last night were crowded with passengers-seven carloads arriving from the south and thirteen from the north-and as special trains will run over all the roads this morning to bring people from other places, it can be estimated that ten thousand more people will visit the tabernacle this morning. The greatest order and decorum were observed, and nothing occurred to mar the solemnity of the occasion. * *
" Sunday, September 2d, 1877, will not soon be effaced from the memories of the people of Utah ; not only will it be remembered as the day when the mortal remains of Brigham Young were laid in the tomb, but on account of the great popular demonstration on the occasion. On Saturday night, long after the hour when the city is usually quiet and the inhabitants are hushed in sleep, people could be seen directing their steps towards the tabernacle to obtain a last look at the features of the dead leader. Early Sunday morning the rush began again, and soon it seemed as if the whole of the population was astir and gathering at the Temple block. Notwithstanding the multitude of people bent on the same purpose, the utmost order prevailed. The quiet and decorum observed in the tabernacle were remarked by all. People walked steadily down the aisle, gazed for a moment at the face of the dead and passed out, all seemingly deeply impressed with the solemnity of the occasion. It is gratifying to the family, friends and public gen- erally, that nothing occurred to mar the proceedings, and it reflects credit upon the masters of the ceremonies and the community. This stream of people was not checked until 11.30 Sunday morning, more than 18,000 men, women and children having gazed upon the corpse within the twenty-four hours. After the public was restrained the family gathered around the coffin and looked for the last time upon the loved features. The apostles followed the family, when the met- allic case was removed, exposing the coffin, which was then elevated on a cata- falque, in full view of the entire audience. There was a noticeable absence of all drapery about the coffin ; however, there was a plain black !). ]] over the stand on which it rested. The tabernacle was deeply draped, all the > lars wearing heavy folds of crape, and the stands, platforms, organ and tables were in deep black.
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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.
The floral decorations in the tabernacle were grandly beautiful. Besides those of artificial, festooned from the ceiling and suspended from the gallery, the stands bore many vases of living flowers. The coffin was a plain casket of redwood, var- nished, but devoid of ornament, save the massive silver handles. It was decked with wreaths and garlands of flowers, a beautiful and artistically arranged flower har],, being attached to the foot. The east portion of the auditorium and the galleries were thrown open to the public, and hours before the services commenced people began to occupy the seats, which at 11 o'clock were all full, and thousands were unable to gain admission. The family and relatives of President Young, numbering some hundreds, occupied seats directly in front of the platform and next the coffin. In their rear, and on the right and left, grouped together, were the seventies, high priests, elders, and others of the priesthood. The south side of the platform was occupied by the city council, band, Glee club, presidents of different stakes of the church and high councils. On the north platform were bishops and their counsellors. The upper stand, or that of the first presidency, was occupied by George Q. Cannon, master of ceremonies; Daniel H. Wells and John W. Young, counsellors to the deceased ; and Brigham Young, Jr. The apostles, who were all present except Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith, now in England, the presidency of the Salt Lake stake, and presiding bishop were in their usual seats.
A close estimate of the people in the building places the number at thirteen thousand, while probably as many more were in the yard and around the gates.
The organist and orchestra had been in attendance since 9:30 A. M., and while the body was in state and the tabernacle was being filled, played the " Dead March in Saul," organ and orchestra ; " Brigham Young's Funeral March," com- posed for the occasion by Jos. J. Daynes, organ ; Wilson's Funeral March, organ; Mendessohn's Funeral March, organ and orchestra.
The services commenced at noon, precisely, George Q. Cannon announcing the hymn
Hark ! from afar a funeral knell.
This was sung by the tabernacle choir, George Careless leader, and J. J. Daynes organist. The tune to which the hymn was sung was one composed by Prof. Careless on the occasion of the funeral of the late Geo. A. Smith, and is called " Rest."
Then followed the opening prayer by Apostle F. D. Richards.
The prayer was followed by singing
Thou dost not weep to weep alone.
After which his counselor and faithful friend, Daniel H. Wells, delivered a brief and feeling address. He said :
" I arise with an aching heart, but cannot let pass this opportunity of paying at least a tribute of respect to our departed friend and brother, who has just stepped behind the veil. I can only say, let the silent tear fall that it may give relief to the troubled heart ; for we have lost our counselor, our friend, our president ; a friend to God, a friend to His saints, a friend to the Church and a friend to hu- manity.
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" I have no desire or wish to multiply words, feeling that it is rather a time to mourn. Good bye, Brother Brigham, until the morning of the resurrection day, when thy spirit and body shall be reunited, and thou shalt inherit immortality, eternal lives and everlasting glory, and thy life-long companions who will soon follow after, will meet thee in peace and joy."
He was followed by Apostles Wilford Woodruff, Erastus Snow, George Q. Cannon and John Taylor; Orson Hyde pronounced the benediction.
The readiness and absence of friction with which the procession was formed occasioned much comment. The congregation, with the exception of the family, apostles, bishops, and others, who were to march, withdrew from the tabernacle, the Dead March playing on the organ, and the choir singing. The procession then quietly formed-every one falling into his position-and while the band at the head with muffled instruments slowly played the Dead March, filed out of the south gate and up the sidewalk to the Eagle gate, moving eight abreast, and marching with uncovered heads. Following is the order of
THE PROCESSION.
Tenth Ward Band. Glee Club. Tabernacle Choir. Press Reporters. Salt Lake City Council. President Young's employees. President Joseph Young, Bishop Phineas H. Young, Bishop Lorenzo D. Young and Elder Edward Young (President Brigham Young's brothers.) THE BODY, borne by clerks and work- men of the Deceased, with nine of the Twelve Apostles as pall bearers.
Immediately following the body, the counselors of President Brigham Young. The family and relatives. Patriarch of the Church. First seven presidents of the seventies. Presidency and high council of Salt Lake Stake of Zion. Visiting presidents, their counselors and high councils of various stakes of Zion. Bishops and their counselors. High priests. Elders. Lesser priesthood. Seventies. The general public.
An immense crowd lined the sidewalk, and was kept back by ropes stretched along the line of shade trees to the Eagle gate, where the procession entered, and moving up the hill entered the private cemetery of the deceased.
The vault is in the southeast corner, where the family first, and then the pub- lic had an opportunity of seeing it before the coffin was lowered. A heavy red- wood box was then let down, and into this the coffin was placed, the family as- sembling around the vault. The Glee club-male voices -- sang the hymn com- mencing,
O, my Father, Thou that dwellest.
Apostle Wilford Woodruff offered the dedicatory prayer.
At a special meeting of the city council called by Mayor Little to take appro- priate action, the Mayor formally announced the death of President Brigham Young, one of the members of the city council ; whereupon Aldermen Sharp and Raleigh, and Councilors Reynolds, Calder and Winder were appointed a com- mittee to draft and present resolutions ; they reported the following :
"PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTION.
" Whercas, President Brigham Young, our most distinguished and illustrious
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fellow-citizen, and a member of this council, in the providence of Almighty God, has departed this lite ; and
" Whereas, The death of so eminent and good a citizen, leider and mem- ber of our community, is a calamity so great that the mind seems inadequate to grasp, or language express, the extent of the loss that this lamentable event has brought so suddenly upon us ; therefore,
" Resolved, That while we mingle our tears and condole with each other in this sad bereavement, we tender this token of respect and love to the one we mourn, and express our deep sympathy with his family and friends in the overwhelming affliction which has befallen us all."
The report was accepted and adopted, and the preamble and resolutions were ordered to be spread upon the minutes of the council.
It was also, on motion, ordered that they be published in the Salt Lake Daily Herald and Deseret News; also that a copy be engrossed and presented to the family of the deceased.
It was further resolved, as an additional token of love and respect for the de- ceased, that the members of the council attend the funeral in a body.
And at a meeting of the directors of the Deseret National Bank, President Wm. H. Hooper in the chair, the following was unanimously adopted :
" We, the officers of the Deseret National bank, realizing the loss sustained by the corporation and the community at large, in the death of our beloved asso- ciate and friend, President Brigham Young, who departed this life on the 29th day of August, 1877, in the 77th year of his age, hereby desire to express our deep sense of the great worth and superlative qualities of the revered deceased. Therefore,
" Resolved, That in President Brigham Young we recognize a wise counselor, a financial genius and a master mind.
" That during the many years he has been a director of this institution, part of which he was its president, having been associated with us from its inception, he has invariably exhibited such qualities of head and heart as have secured the respect, esteem and affection of all its officers.
" That in his death we are deprived of a most valuable director and adviser whose absence will be sadly missed from our official deliberations.
"' That we deeply sympathize with his bereaved family, and condole with the whole community who mourn the departure of a mighty leader and one of the great spirits of our age and race.
" That we bow in submission to the decrees of Providence, while we lament the sad event which has deprived us of so valuable a co-laborer.
" 'That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the board, and that copies be furnished to the family of the deceased, and to the Salt Lake Herald and Deseret News for publica ion.
" By order of the board of directors.
WV. H. HOOPER, President."
It was thought by the outsiders that the death of Brigham would convulse, perhaps destroy the Mormon Church; and that there would arise several rival con-
Johan Bacio.
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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.
testants from the family of President Young and the Twelve Apostles to fiercely strive for the succession to the presidency of the Church. Such had been the speculations during the last seven years of Brigham's life, and columns of what seemed monstrous nonsense to the Mormons had from time to time appeared in the great journals of the country, relative to this succession and the probable dis- solution of the Mormon Church on the demise of the man who by his marvelous exodus had become famous in the age as the " Mormon Moses." But to the as- tonishment of the " unbeliever," the death of Brigham Young produced no vis- ible shock either in the Church or the affairs of our Territory; the Twelve Apostles for awhile stood as the presidency ; and, in due time, Apostle John Taylor, was chosen by the Church as president, as Brigham Young had been before him .*
CHAPTER LXXV.
RETURN TO THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE CITY. EVOLUTION OF THE MOR- MON COLONIZATION PLAN. THE PATRIARCHAL ORDER. EXPOSITION OF THE FORMATION OF SOCIETY IN SALT LAKE CITY.
The general history having been brought down almost to the present date, we return to review numerous lines in the development of society in these Rocky Mountains. In the early chapters, a series of pictures from the pens of travelers to California, and also from Captain Stansbury and Lieut. Gunnison, gave the reader glimpses of the work of these Mormon society builders in its first stages. Since that date the rush of the general history has swept beyond a local scope and interest into the magnitude and importance of a national social " problem," and one, too, which, in the later periods, has assumed so much of a political character that the non-Mormons openly confess that polygamy is the minor part of it.
But, to future generations, the peculiar society work of the Mormons, wrought in the Pacific States, will be of chief and lasting interest in American history, so far as the Mormons and the founding of these States will be concerned ; and, therefore, a regular sociological series of expositions are needed at this central point, covering the thirty-eight years of Utah's social formation.
Taking up the connecting social links, it may be repeated that not only Salt Lake City, but all the cities of Utah grew up under the most perfect system of colonization that the world has seen in latter times. Indeed the early travelers to California invariably spoke of it as a system of religious communism, which Brigham Young and his apostolic compeers were attempting to establish upon the
#For further note see biography of President Taylor in the Supplement.
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