Item Detail
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McKell, Esmeralda Andrus
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1865-1926
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MSS SC 1071
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Biography
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On February 24, 1865 Esmeralda Andrus was born in Dry Creek, present day Draper, Utah, to Lucy Tuttle and Milo Andrus. Lucy Tuttle was born in Russell County, Massachusetts and crossed to the Salt Lake Valley with Bishop Edward Hunter's Company in 1847. Milo Andrus was born in Wilmington, Essex County, New York. He was in charge of several companies coming to the Salt Lake Valley. Lucy and Milo met and were married in Salt Lake on June 11, 1851. Esmeralda's mother moved their family to Spanish Fork where she started the operation of a hotel, the Spanish Fork House. It gained prominence and a positive reputation. Esmeralda helped as a young girl with the dusting and light upkeep of the hotel. Esmeralda was baptized and confirmed on September 3, 1874. She attended school and was involved in theatre, taking part in plays. She joined a local company that traveled to nearby cities to put on plays. Later she attended Brigham Young Academy in Provo, Utah, and after finishing school she became a teacher. During this time, she was also courted by several young men, but her principal suitor was William B. McKell, whom she married on January 5, 1887 in the Logan, Utah Temple. They eventually became the parents of 10 children. They lived on a ranch in Utah valley. In her late 50s Esmeralda was struck with cancer, and after a two year battle she passed away on April 22, 1926.
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This 12 page typed manuscript is a little faded and difficult to read. It describes the events in Esmeralda Andrus McKell's life as recalled by her daughter, Lucy Stone. Several interesting little sketches are presented. Among them is a description of her involvement in theatre during her last few school years and a reprint in full of a reading that Esmeralda often gave entitled 'Black Smith Story' by Jane Evans Tanner. Also included is a bit about her teaching days. She was well respected by her colleagues and students alike. She is described by Laura Lewis, with whom she worked, as 'so congenial, so good natured, her company was sought by everyone.' A few years after she and William were married they purchased a ranch at the junction of Spanish Fork River and Diamond Fork River. Esmeralda was often left alone on the ranch since her husband had duties to attend to elsewhere; the various responsibilities of tending the children, housework, and farm work fell to her. But she never shirked her duties and was dedicated in carrying out all of them and this brought out some of Esmeralda's sterling qualities 'bravery, determination in the face of hardships, and faith in the Lord.' She was very active in various church organizations. She organized a Sunday School for all the local ranch people and in 1892 she was appointed as an aid in Primary and held that calling for 31 years. In 1923 she was elected president of the J. Wyle Thorns Post chapter of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers organization, a position which she held for two years. One of the hardest events of her life was the death of her youngest daughter Vera. At the loss of Vera, William and Esmeralda decided to adopt a young girl, Mary, who was a joy and comfort to them. Also described are some of the accomplishments of the six surviving children at the time of the writing of this manuscript.
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1767-