Item Detail
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Walker, Emily Ann
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1862-
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MSS 8
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Biography
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Emily Ann Walker was born February 20, 1862 in Bristol, England to Joseph and Esther Holbrook Walker. Her parents migrated to America in 1868, and they traveled west not long after reaching New York. They arrived in Utah in 1868, settling in Farmington. Emily worked a great deal in her own home as well as for others, doing housework and caring for children. After her mother's death, Emily cared for her father, even turning down proposals of marriage so that she could care for him. After his death, she lived alone, selling vegetables which she grew in a small garden. She was later hired by a family to care after their baby, until it was eight years old. A strong wind later damaged the roof of her house to such an extent that she was forced to rent a small place nearby, though she continued to garden there.
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This is a two-page typescript biography written by Margaret Steed Hess, and a one-page typescript recollection written by Emily's friend, Ida Southworth Griffith. This biography, included in the Margaret Steed Hess collection, begins with a recollection in which Emily's father took his wife to see the first train arrive, and the team frighted and ran, injuring the wife. Margaret also describes Emily as being a good cook: when replacing an old stove, Emily said it was like losing an old friend. Emily's home was neat, clean, and surrounded by flowers. After her mother died, Emily devoted her time and service to her father, and she even declined proposals of marriage so that she could care for her father. Margaret writes of when Emily called her wedding off for this very reason. After her father died, however, Margaret was left alone but for an aunt, Lizzie Coombs. Emily remained a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and she participated as a member of the ward choir. She had a fun sense of humor and a sweet personality.