Item Detail
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Carpenter, Ann Elizabeth Hopkins
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MSS SC 1506
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Typed Manuscript
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Ann Elizabeth Hopkins Carpenter was born on February 23, 1867 in Virgin City, Utah to Leprelet Joseph Hopkins and Ann Victoria Spendlove. Her father worked in the saw mills, but the family eventually settled in Glendale, Utah. She began working as a house girl and teacher at a young age. In 1890, she married John Stilley Carpenter in the Manti Temple. They had little money at first, and lived on his fathers farm. Ann had four children and was active in her faith. At the age of 74 she moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to live with her daughter. In 1945, she suffered a stroke and died at the age of 78.
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This is a three page typewritten manuscript recorded by Ann Carpenters daughter. The manuscript records fond memories of Anns childhood and how she earned the nickname Lade. Most of her town would never know her real name was Ann rather than Adelaide. The document offers insight into the financial sacrifices Lade made for her family and her incredible work ethic. Ann grew gardens, sewed her childrens clothes, and sold dairy products. Carpenter even worked as Post Mistress of her town, to assist in supporting her family. Her daughter reflects fondly on Ann Carpenters attention to detail over spelling and grammar. Her daughter records the connection Lade felt to her mother upon seeing the ocean for the first time, explaining that Lade finally understood the stories of her mothers emigration to the United States from England. Ann was active in the LDS Church all her life, being involved in the Mutual Improvement Association and as a Relief Society counselor. While she never crossed the plains, her biography gives great insight into the lives of Mormon women early on in the West.
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1867-1945