GHAH Move to Idaho
Transcribed by Scott Hinckley, June 2020 Original Spelling
Move to Idaho
10 Jan 88: Stanley Greason Dallin called on me & wanted to sel me a gas burner but I have my objections there must be some waste in lighting & putting out & U have to hav a ful light al the time whether U need it or not.
PG City Jan 24/88 Tues Morn. My dear George. We ar al wel but have a great change in the weather, from 10 deg below zero to no water, to a flood near enough to float a steam boat. The weather is pleasingly warm here now but the measles are W & NW of us….i have more than ½ filled another book & have not burnt ½ my coal yet so I think I am in extra luk…I shall sell my steers for cash or merchandise soon as to remit U some. Robt Loader has not been home, neither does he send to his family ( who are quite destitute & living on public charity). It is a dad condition to be placed in. we have had a great no of widows & orphans at present. U boys ought to be extremely grateful, having 4 or 5 dear women & good cooks to attend to Ur legitimate wants when al of U had only ½ a cook in the old log cabin just behind…Ur fond & affect Father Geo H A Harris.
Salem via Rexburg, Bingham Co Idaho Jan 25 88. Dear Father I was pleased to hear from U & would have answered before but Geo say’s he had told U al the Xmas news….I am about to start in business (Merchantile, Hotel & stables) at Rexburg. I think about the 1st of next month I wil join with a partner. The Stor is running on a small scale now with fair success. I thought I would write U & get a little advice in the mat’er if U would be kind enough to give me it.
GHAH tells the story of the death of Walter Murray Gibson in Jan 88 who went on a mission to the Sandwich Islands and being in ful charge he sold ordinations (like Simon Mayas of old ) to purchase the Island of Haole Lea. The subsequent visit of Apostle Lorenzo Sno resulted in Gibson being excommunicated. He was afterward elected to the legislature & soon became Premier & Minister of Finance.
P G City Jan 31 88 My dear Cyrus…I don’t se but u can do as wel as any other one in the Merchantile, Hotel * livery bus. I don’t know that I can enlighten U as things ar chang’d so during the last 20 years, but I was always of the opion that a small snug store wel fil’d with necessary articles, always paid best….Notions pay a good profit & drugs extra…Excuse more at present as I feel far from wel. Give my love to al ur boys & ever believe me Ur affect Father. Geo H A Harris.
Pleasant Grove &c 4 Feb 88: my dear Benny, James came down to se me last week. He had bad luck last fal as they shut down on him. He has just returned to Rexburg to finish a 600$ wood contract for Ricks & Co during the winter and then he wil be ready for any cash job that may turn up. If u should hear of a contract or felt disposed to take one grading or anything else he wil fil it for you & pay u wel for ur trouble. If U could get a cash ofer for my place so as I can setle that bank det, I shal be please. I would vacate any time. Enclosed are a few stamps, yours truly, Geo H A Harris.
Albion Idaho 20th Feb/88 Dear Father I am sory I have neglected to write U so long, but my mind hasent been very wel since disturbed, since I lost my little girl. When I cam down to see U but to make a bad matter worse my last Baby died on Friday the 17th of February 1888. My hear is almost broke. I wouldn’t care if I could go to. It seems I am 1 alone in this world. I can’t see how the Lord could punish me this way. Little Florence May was 2 yrs & 7 months. She was a smart child so wiling to do as she was told…she died of Pneumonia which is commonly cald lung fever…I wil close for this time hoping to hear from U soon from Ur loving daughter Eliza Tremayne.
P G City Utah 27 Feb 88: my dear Girl was very sory to hear such news from U about the last of ur little darling Florence May. But U must not grieve as those that ar without hope. U know that thro faithfulness U can live to cherish the others that God has given to U & hereafter enjoy the presence of al of them where sin & sorrow wil be unknown and where there wil be no more separation.
Baby Florence May is dead, dark the sky is overhead
Dark the paths beneath our feet Dim the flowers that once were sweet.
Sky & earth al seem to say, “Baby Florence has gone away!”
Lightly part the shining hair round the forehead brown & fair
Close within the dimpled palm leave a spray of scented balm;
Place white roses round the face beautiful in snowy grace!
Lay the little form away, tenderly for once that clay
Prisoned hom’s most perfect bliss on the lips, press loves last kis
Whisper, “Baby is not there, she has climbed the golden stair”
Baby’s feet wil never stray from loves pure, loves perfect way
Baby’s had wil never glean aught unholy or unclean
Baby’s hear wil never know pain or sorrow, sin or woe!
Baby Florence u cal dead, bright the sky is o’er her head
Bright the paths beneathe her feet, flowerw round her pure & sweet;
In a brighter home than this Baby dwels in perfect bliss.
Tears wil fal, for baby made home so happy while she stayed
But a wieser one than we in our earth-love ere can be
Called her to his home to rest, all is well, he knoweth best!
Kindest love to Hyrum & family from ur ever affectionate Father Geo H A Harris.
First National Bank Provo City 3 22 88. Mr. G H A Harris Pleasant Grove: Ur note for 1031 is past due at this bank. Please fix it at once. Urs &c W. H. Duyenbury, cashier.
P. G. City &c 24 Mar 88- Wm H. Duyenbury Esqr, Dear Sir Ur prompt reminder of my indebtedness to the first Nation bank Provo city is received contents note & I wil say, the boy was doing wel with the outfit at Era Alturas county Idaho hauling ore, until they suddenly shut down, then they stopped. 750$ bal due than an outfit….he wil be able soon to start into anything that there is money in & wil be for ur Bank. If that fails he wil sel the outfit or his ranch or any farm & improvements here or al of it to liquidate the interest & principal of this debt…Ernestly soliciting Ur kind indulgence in a further extension of time, I am Ur true & obedient servant Geo H A Harris.
P G. City 7c 27 Mar 88 My dear James, Rec the enclosed from the bank on Sat. last & haf written a short explanatory note & requested Benny to deliver with any suggestion he may deem proper or suitable. I think u had beter send the interest as it may be due by that time and any remark u may feel to ofer in our favor. This is the Aniversary of my first wedding day. We ar al wel, hope u al ar better. Ever ur affectionate Father Geo H. A . Harris
Rexburg Bingham co Mar 20 88, Dear Father: Urs was received this morning & pleasd was I to learn u was wel, tho very sory things was so gloomy. This interest on my note at the bank is not due until the 3rd of April & I was prepared to meet the interest, but we wil be al better off & u my dear Father if u wil let ur place go & se how true the Poetry is to the very leter when reversed. Write immediately by return mail. Dear Father the interest on that note, until I wil be able to cancel in cash would build a place here north 2 of urs, & please never doubt my sincerity. J. L. Harris. Write soon joined in love to U.
P. G. City 3rd Apr 88—My dear James: Urs of the 30th ult is received & I am very sory at the sentiment therein contained for it shows me what I hate to believe about u that there has been method in Ur madness. The reports from Era last sumer & ur actions since has certainly not increased my confidence in U. Common honesty would have suggested the sale of ur place, before mine, seeing U was the person benefited. I am real sory that my kindnes has made an enemy of my boy. I am unwilling to bring trouble on my friend & benefactor, who has signed his name with mine to do my family good. They wil undoubtedly empty his purse before the foreclose on me. I hav stood the bank official off in Ur behalf until they seem wiling to favor us with a little longer time did U show the disposition of meeting the interest promptly & paying up some on the principal which has been now a year due. Money is getting a little easier in the east & until it gets into circulation in this country I am most unwilling to throw my hard ernd home away for a song. Now understand me I would be most wiling to sel it at a fair price & have offered the place for 2000$ ½ cash down & the rest in load to do u good but I am unwilling to give it away. So U had beter pay up on the interest & se what U can accomplish toward keeping ur word & honor. Believe me ever ur fond & loving Father. Geo H A Harris.
P G City 6 Apr 88. My dear Daughter (Eliza Tremayne) Ur leter of the 1st came safe & I was sory to learn of so much sicknes in ur city but the measels aint so bad anyhow, if you keep the children warm & indoors. I had em when I was about Hayne’s age & they cam out on me twice. I kind of like the Methodists for they have wine for their sacrament. I hav the rheumatism in my right arm & I can hardly hold the pen holder…I have planted a cherry, a pear, a walnut tree & a 100 rasbery bushes.. Ur affect Father Geo H A Harris.
1888 Apr 12 Rexburg, Bingham Co Idaho Dear Father: Urs was received & I was so sory to find things so blue, but on account of Family maters, I could not get away to make any money, but things wil soon be brighter & I wil do al I can, but when that is done Father U wil have to take al I have & I wil rustle for the balance. My reason for not offering my place was because I have no title in it. I could not sel it if I wanted to. I wil get to work somewhere soon, but cannot at present & there is no use crying about spilt milk & I am not going to make a bad mater worse, but do u not think I am not wiling to do al in my power. Love to u from Ur afectiate son J L Harris.
( I put this a little out of date order on purpose but the following is part of a letter from three sons Abner, Bernice and Rolla dated Apr 5th 1888)
One thing has troubled us considerable & that is the great misfortune that occurred sometime ago between our dear Father & our Brother James….We hav taken this mater into consideration & thought would write u to let us know that we hav an interest in the welfare of our dear Father…we received a leter from his Mother stating that he was drinking terrible. U know father that if James would only let drinking alone, that he could do a great deal regards helpin his Father…father we hav decided to write to James this evening & encourage him in this way, that if he wil only straighten up & get on and do the best he can we wil assist him in getting our father another home….father we hope u wil not think us out of place by writing u in this way. … but if nothing is done Pore James has a young wife, the course he is now leading is killing his self, also his wife.
P G City Utah 19 April 88 My dear Jim. Urs of the 12th inst is before me & in answer I wil say (‘Come let us reason together &c’). Over a year ago U asked a favor of ur poor old cripled grey headed dad. His experience had lernt him of the uncertainty of al humane afairs (especially the duration of contracts & doubtfulness of mining maters in general) which he hinted at to u at the time, but his old heart over flowed for his 4th boy (for his Jim) & he granted ur request. Now out of al ur vast acquaintances, relations & friends, the cheerful herler, is the only one damaged & turned out of his hard erned home & farm into the streets a pauper on a few friends who yet respect him. Now is there no way to avoid this. I think so, gather the remenants of ur outfit together & (when ur family maters wil allow u) then pitch into anything that ur good judgement may dicatate & with ur usual persistent zeal. It is bound to win, but u must leave liquor alone if u cant controle it. Is it unkind of u to spend the means due me on the unworthly leaches who throng after u. to rob me of my home & fireside. Were I u I would totally abastain. Remember ur Mother’s brother John might hav been living today had he left alcohol alone & Robt has worked hard enough & ern’d enough to be wel off & make his family comfortable, did he refuse the intoxicating cup. Ur own father had he stuk to farming (instead of merchandizing) would hav had only his own debts to have paid instead of lots of others who have been most unthankfuly ungrateful. (were there not 10 cleansed said the Savior, but where ar the 9). Only 1 returned to thank the Son of God for his healing gratituously given. U wil se by reference (a) what I told the bankers when that note came, it struk me as with a rifle shot (although I had been a year between hope, I fear) what could I tel them. U had not even given me the facts in the case, but stil I did the best for us I knew how & asked Beny to intercede for us as u wil c by reference B. I suggested security on the outfit, but u did not respond, so I did not urge it. 10 cents pr day would have more than paid the interest on the last 3 months which was added to the principal & interest rekond on it & that would have given the bankers some confidence. U say there is no use of spiling any more ( unless in scientific or healthful cases) U ask do I not think U ar wiling to do al in ur power. I answer yes, but u must add to ur zeal, virtue, economy & care & U wil soon se a change. I am getting old & infirm & this thing is wearing one me by day & harassing my slumbers by night. U ar young & able. I shal soon close my eyes to U may yet live 60 or 70 years. To comfort ur dear ones & do a work for those that ar gone home. What more can I say? Ur future course wil weigh ur love for me. May God bles u with his holy spirit & help to keep u in the way of truth & righteousness in the humble prayer of ur devoted father. Geo H A Harris.
P G City U C Utah, My Dear George: ur kind leter of the 12 inst ar safe & found me wel excepting slight touches of rheumatism but I am stil able to use the shovel & the hoe. Bro. Sandgreen ar home on the 14th & we had a gay time down there with the bras band & a no 1 super at which over 100 sat down & geedily devourd. Then consoling remarks were made by counselor Swenson & many others that made Bro Victor feel ‘let home be ever so humble, there’s no place like home’. He looked very thin. I think he had freted a good deal, but now he is fast recovering under the kind care of wives & children & friends.
P G city 26 April 88. My dear boys Abner, Bernice & Rolla. Ur kind & sympathetic joint leter of the 5th came safe & pleased inded was I to learn of ur welfate & comfort….my name on that little piece of paper at the bank is worth more to me than al my erthly possessions & I hav oferd my farm & improvements for the low sum of 1500$. (I am sure I could get 2000$ if I was not forced to sel until fal). It might have been beter for Him had I refused him, but my generous heart always overflows for any of my boys.
Pleasant Grove City Utah Co Utah 11 May 1888-My dear George- On last Tuesday the 8th I sold out to Andrew Halversen, my place & al immovables for 1 new cooper wagon val 100$. I note for 150$ payable in 2 years to Bishop Brown on order and 1300$ in clean spot cash (total 1550$). I then went to Provo with Halversen & paid 1044$ to bank for James, 100$ check to James Buraston for ur & now I am very busy packing up & preparing to leave Pleasant Battle Creek as soon as I fence in our grove yard & a few chores, then trot out for ur Burg….expect to leave here in about 7 or 8 days as Halversen wants to move in. let me know what u need & I may be able to bring it from S.L City for U. Ur affectionate father Geo H A Harris.
MY 14 1888 Monday- Plow’d for Godmother Street & planted her potatoes, bidding her an affectionate adieu over a good glas of hot toddy in which her dear sistr Jane & niece Ada Simonds joind issue. Visited Patience Rosa who presents me with a nice quilt & a large currant cake one like my Mother used to fix back in the long ago, shook hands with dear old Archer & kis’d Amella twice.
1888 May 15 Tues- Had my horses shod at John Longs $3.50 & a quart of wine at Croxfords. Visited the Bishops got my recommend & settled up my tything.
1888 May 17th-Thurs having slept wel, up stairs, the last time here I visit Wadley with my mares, breakfast with Halversen, drives to the depot with my 3 heaviest boxes..loads up, has a cup of coffee with dear old Hanner & starts for American Fork, takes a last drink with Halversen. I now hitch up travel on & from the point of the mountain about 4 AM I take a last fond look of Utah Lake, the pleasing spot that had given me such joy…I put up at the old Porter Rockwel place for the night.
Shades of evening now close oer us Rest in our lovely bed awhile
Morning comes, & now restores us with the distant lake & isle.
Now my fancy can discover sunny spots where friends now dwel
Darker shadows round us hover, lake of beauty fare thee wel.
Tis the hour when happy faces smiling oer the mountain height
Who wil fil our vacant places, who wil read our songs to night
Thro the mist that floats above us, faintly swells the old cow bel
Like a voice from those who love us, breathing fondly ‘Fare thee wel’
When the Jordan waves ar breaking as I travel al alone,
And my eye is vainly seeking some green spot to rst upon;
On that dear farm now I ponder where my old companions swell
Absence make my heart grow fonder-Utah county Fare-thee-well!
1888 May 18 Friday-I harnes’s hitched up & rolled out feeling it best to poke along. On my west was the beautiful mudy Jordan meanering northerly, on the north was my future road dotted here & there with pleasant farms & liverly cities. On the east the Utah Central pasing north, the train slows up a tramp is put of ( or it looks like one) & makes it limping progress towards my humble wagon. I reason if I take up every footman between here & Salem I shal have more than I can haul, so I makes up my mind to say emphatically No, No, No. when I beholds the form & features of the limping tramp, the image of my Ann, the person of my 1st born son. He had gone south the day previous thinking to meet me there & had returned & over took me some where near Sandy. …I bought a suit of clothes, 3 drinks of beer for Geo, James & self. Geo wrote the following to his dear Frau:
Salt Lake city Utah May 18 Friday-Victoria Harris, Dear Wife- I arrived at Pleasant Grove yesterday evening & found ur folks al wel & that Father had left. So I stayd at ur folks & took the morning train for the north, over took him at Sandy. We hav runaround on busines some & shal drive just out of town to camp. We have to travel slow on account of Kits little cold. Al the folks are wel, joind in love by Father. Love to al from ur affectionate husband Geo H B Harris.
Ogden May 20th 1888 Sunday after traveling on good winding roads, seeing the school children groping for their various school, persuading an old lady to sel us some bacon & crackers on the blesd Sabath our eye soon caught a sign, & it was refreshments & the old chap was a brik & he knew everything about Dundee & its indabitants we had to hav 2 bottles of beer., 1 we swallowed & the other we laid away. Monday morning 21 May- a few miles, about 6 I think brought s to Brigham city.
Tuesday 22nd of May 88 & about 9 miles brought us on the west of Square town. We also pass Oregon Spring 8 m Mudy creek 4 mile and camp. It was here I think we met an Advance Methodist & had a long talk with him. On the 23rd Wed. we pas the line & cross over into Idaho. We then ford Devil Creek, Anderson Creek, Chery Creek & Willow Springs & about noon entered Malad city. Here we bought some crakers and some good home made cheeze & went in a beer saloon. The Bishop & I & we drank 2 qts of good beer at only 20c pr qt.
We leave Malad City about 2 AM & travel over Malad Range & it seems so monotonas about a mile ahead we think we se the sumit & when we get there we think we don’t for we se another, but finaly we get going down & camp on a cozy spring about 10 mile from McCamen Station. Here the rails join on the Oregon Shortline and & Utah Northern. And during the night the heavy trains come thundering past & nearly scared us out of our beds. In the morning we pas Pocatello about 2 miles on our left & now at Rasser fork. This is on an Indian Reservation & we se a few of the dusky tribe. We travel on & camp for the night near Blackfoot. On Sat morning May 26th we enter Blackfoot. We buy some supplies & I pt of whisky we hand out a nikle & get “The Idaho News” of this date.
We now raise the anchor & again set sail & camp. On the morrow we enter Eagle Rock. It is the blessed sabath & we hunt around to find some Oats. The Anderson Brothers lets us have a sach, a bottle of whisky & 75 cents ride over the bridge, laid on some solid lava rock thro which the rapid Snake River rushes perhaps 50 ft deep. We camp. So next morning on Monday the 28th of May 88 we cal at Market Lake Depot to know if our goods had arrived as we had sent for them by leter from Malad City but they had not come se we got an introduction to Capt Hole (who we thought had escaped from an Asylum) & proceeded toward our future home. We pasd the ferry & thro Rexburg Geo. Pointing out to me the various houses & about 5 AM we reach the humble habitation of the Bishop of Salem & was warmly received by his beloved wife & her 2 darling children. We had supper & I then visited Cyrus habitation where we found al wel & hapy. I soon went to bed & they say I snored like the old woman who had taken a powder.