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Harriet Ann Thatcher Preston diary

 Item — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS SC 1381
Image of Harriet Ann Thatcher Preston diary
Image of Harriet Ann Thatcher Preston diary

Scope and Contents

Handwritten and bound diary covering a four month period of time, kept by Harriet Thatcher Preston. The item describes daily events from Harriet's life and gives an account of a train trip from Utah to the eastern United States that she took with her husband, William. Dated 1872 to 1873.

Dates

  • 1872-1873

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Original restricted. Digital copy available online for public use. Transcription of original also available for public use.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from Harriet Ann Thatcher Preston diary must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators.

Biographical History

Harriet was born in 1838 in Springfield, Illinois. While in her teens, she and her family were converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and soon traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, to join the Saints. Shortly after, Harriet and her family moved once again, this time to California in pursuit of financial gain during the gold rush. There Harriet and her family met the young William Bowker Preston, who later became Harriet’s husband. After William’s own conversion to the Church and a move back to Utah, he and Harriet were sealed by Brigham Young on February 24, 1858.

William and Harriet served in various positions in the Church throughout their marriage. Harriet had been serving as the Young Women’s president of Cache Valley when William was called to be the Presiding Bishop of the Church in April 1884. Harriet supported her husband throughout his many callings and assignments which often left her at home to raise the children and attend to the affairs of the household. She proved herself a competent businesswoman. William passed away in 1908, and Harriet followed him in death in December 1920.

Extent

3 folders (0.12 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Custodial History

Donated by Brent Ashworth in 1990.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated; Brent Ashworth; 1990.

Appraisal

19th Century Western and Mormon Manuscripts.

Existence and Location of Copies

Digital copy available online. Transcription available in folders 2 and 3.

Processing Information

Processed; Patsy Shin Hernandez, student manuscript processor; 2010.

Title
Register of Harriet Ann Thatcher Preston diary
Status
Completed
Author
Patsy Shin Hernandez
Date
2010 August 12
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English in Latin script.

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

Contact:
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States