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Brigham Young at Home

Clarissa Young Spencer,

Mabel Harmer

3.58 · Rating details · 36 ratings · 10 reviews

1940. Illustrated with Photographs. Brigham Young at Home is a valuable addition to the history of the home life of pioneer days. Reared in the famous Beehive House, Mrs. Spencer has carried with her through life the patient, loving influence of her parents. As she goes back in memory to the old home, she revives the scenes and varied events which filled her childhood ...more

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Paperback, 300 pages

Published September 1st 2004 by Kessinger Publishing (first published January 1st 1940)

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Feb 15, 2018 Josephalewis rated it it was amazing

"There were never any door moments in our family, I assure you. What one child can think of, several others could," p29
"He could be stern when occasion demand it but he was the wisest, kindest, and most loving of fathers. His constant thoughtfulness for our happiness and well-being endeared him to all of us. The bond between my father and me was as close as if I had been his only child, and I am sure that each of the other children felt the same way. I shall always be grateful that I was born "There were never any door moments in our family, I assure you. What one child can think of, several others could," p29
"He could be stern when occasion demand it but he was the wisest, kindest, and most loving of fathers. His constant thoughtfulness for our happiness and well-being endeared him to all of us. The bond between my father and me was as close as if I had been his only child, and I am sure that each of the other children felt the same way. I shall always be grateful that I was born his daughter."p36
"much has been said and written about the great ingenuity my father displayed in organizing and directing the migration of the Mormon pioneers to the Rocky Mountain's-the greatest trek of its kind ever undertaken in this country. I believe that he displayed a resourcefulness almost as great and keeping contented and happy more than 12 wives under one roof. For happy they were really were... our home was as peaceful and serene as any home could be."p3
"it is not reasonable to supposed the United States government would have gone to the enormous expense of sending an army on the march of over 1000 miles on such flimsy an unverified reports, if there had not been a deeper reason. In The light of later events, the reason became quite apparent. Jon B. Floyd, secretary of war, was a rank secessionist and there was no better way in which he could aid his cause than yo send a large part of the Union forces off to this inaccessible region, leaving governmental arsenals and military stores unprotected in many southern states."
"at one time with Oliver twist was being played, a visiting star gave vent to a bit of realism where she was supposed to be killed by Bill Sykes in such a manner that father declined to allow the plate to be repeated."
"Well, you children have always been taught to behave yourselves. If you will go and not mingle with the Gentiles I guess you can go."
"The entire affair more than surpassed our fondest expectations. The rails were being laid into the city by the workmen, and as soon as they were in place the train would move along behind. The celebration followed right along with the laying of the rails in the oncoming train. It is difficult to imagine what the coming of the railroad meant to the people of that day. No more freighting of the most necessary supplies by Ox team and wagon. No more weeks of weary, Dusty travel in order to reach the civilization that lay beyond the mountains, and no more danger from Indians and robbers while attempting to cover the ground in the stagecoach. I think that my father must have been especially happy about it, because the bringing of thousands of converts to Utah, with the attendant hardships and dangers, had been one of his greatest problems during his leadership of the church. It was small wonder that the Ironhorse was greeted with near hysteria. People were all dressed up in their best, the city was gay with flags and Bunting, and the live bands of music filled the air." p.203
"she will be a free state. Slavery here would be useless and unprofitable. I regarded it generally as a curse to the Masters. I, myself hire many laborers and pay them their wages. I cannot afford to own them. I can do better than subject myself to an obligation to feed and clothe thei families and care for them in sickness and in health. Utah is not a depth of the slave labor."p211
"it was not his wish that the Saints should acquire great wealth, for the religion has been bought at a tremendous price, and he intended that nothing should come among them, if he could prevent it, that wood in the anyway lessen their spirituality. Speaking in a sunbeam meeting of the newly discovered gold in California, he said, "I hope that the gold mind will be no nearer then 800 miles. Prosperity in riches blunt the feelings of man."
"he had a mud wall built around the city, ostensibly for protection against the Indians, but in reality to make work for the hundreds of immigrants who arrived and had nothing to do."
"Henry, I had a egg for breakfast this morning, cooked hard, and in lieu of chopping it through the center, they cut it through anyways and set it on toothpicks. I was strongly impressed that we might use this plan for the building."
"during his lifetime he people this Western territory with about 100,000 souls, founded over 200 cities, established schools, factories, telegraph lines, railroads, and temples. He was dauntless in his great enterprises, fearless in following his beliefs, diplomatic in his dealings with statement or Indians-- and with his family generous, affectionate, and understanding always. I honor and revere his memory." p.292 ...more

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Nov 20, 2008 Jeniann rated it liked it

Shelves: religion

This is a book written by one of Brigham Young's daughters. I'm not going to call it world class literature or anything, and I did skip over some parts of the book a bit, but it had some interesting little stories about Brigham Young and his wives and home life. What was most interesting to me was how several of Brigham Young's wives could live together with their children and live happily and peacefully and share the same man while still being good friends and helping each other. Talk about ...more

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May 25, 2012 Frank rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Anyone interested in LDS Church History

Recommended to Frank by: Wife

A fantastic view into the establishing of Zion in the Deseret Territory (modern day Salt Lake City). Brigham Young is given an endorsement by one of his closest daughters, Clarissa. She says of him that as father, no man can surpass him. He was equitable, forthright, compassionate, loving, and ever intelligent.

It's no wonder, given his great accomplishments, that he stood as a living legend throughout the world. This book will enlighten the reader; it will give them an insight into his daily ...more

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Aug 12, 2014 Scott rated it really liked it

Written by one of Brigham Young's daughter, this book provides a first hand look at pioneer times. Clarissa was 80 years old when she wrote it, so some of the stories may have been fables by the time she wrote them down, but none the less this was an interesting read. In particular I enjoyed reading about the way Brigham would send people on missions to accomplish tasks, such as bringing logs from the mountains, growing sugar beats or building railroads. Brigham had a way of getting things done. ...more

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Jul 27, 2011 Rick Adamson rated it liked it

I enjoyed reading about the home life of Brigham Young. His daughter, of course, is very postive. Known for being a polygamist, but if it wasn't for polygamy I think he would be known for a great, maybe the greatest, city and state creator of all of time. He managed and did things that no other man has done in his lifetime.

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Oct 03, 2011 Jera Gunther rated it liked it

This was written Brigham Young's 51st child (I think...). It was interesting, but a little idealized. I'm not sure every day of their home life was filled with pure joy, but I can't really make that judgment. I enjoyed hearing about Brigham Young from his daughter's point of view.

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Jan 10, 2009 Carel rated it liked it

Written by one of his daughters, this account shows what life was like for Pres. Young's family from day to day. If you like "Little House on the Prairie", you'll enjoy this one too

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Feb 21, 2008 Mandellagreen Green rated it really liked it

...reading this for book club. I was reticent at first, but it has proved to be an enjoyable and enlightening experience. It is a quick read, and gives a new perspective on this man.

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