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Show Centennial SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 1, 1995 21 Courageous Emma Lee endured many hardships in pioneer Utah The History Blazer News of Utah's Past from the Utah State Historical Society The life of Emma Batchelor Lee French was often one of hardship, struggle, and loss. In her 61 years, she witnessed and participated in some of the most memorable and important events of Mormon and western that of history. Her story-li-ke so many women on the western frontier-w- as also one of hard John Doyle and Emma set up housekeeping at Harmony, one of Brigham Youngs outer cordon communities established in 1852 at the edge of the Great Basin in southwestern Utah. There, Emma and her growing family lived a rough frontier life, growing their own food and supplying most of their other wants themselves. She eventually gave birth five times, including a set of twins. By the late 1860s, however, work, dedication, and perseverexternal pressures were mountance. Emma Batchelor was bom in ing on Utah. Federal officials Sussex County, England, on and others demanded justice for April 21, 1836. Along with thou- the Mountain Meadows Massasands of other English men and cre, and John D. Lee was the women, she and her friend man most wanted. In 1870 Elizabeth Summers were con- Brigham Young officially exverted to the Latter-Da- y Saint communicated Lee, although faith by Mormon missionaries the church continued to assign him important tasks. In late 1871 Lee was requested to establish a ferry crossing on the Colorado River, approximately 15 miles south of the present and convinced to emigrate. Emma suffered the hardships of a handcart pioneer, crossing the plains and mountains to Utah with the Willie and Martin companies'. These two groups, which got a late start UtahArizona border, near where the Paria River entered the Colorado (hence the early name Paria Crossing). The spot had been used for at least 200 years; it is the only place between Moab, Utah, and Needles, California where a wagon could easily be driven to the rivers banks from either side. Fathers Dominguez and Escalante attempted to cross at the spot, which they called Salsipuedes (get out if you can), during their historic explorations on October 26, 1776, but high and from Iowa City in 1856, suffered perhaps. 200 dead when early winter conditions struck. Emma survived, however, and on December 27, 1857, she met John Doyle Lee, a prominent Mormon pioneer, colonist, and aide to church president Brigham Young. On January 7, 1858, Young sealed the two as man and wife. At the time, Emma was apparently ignorant of the fact that her new husband was in serious trouble. Only months before, in September 1857, Lee had participated in and what infamany said directed-th- e mous Mountain Meadows Mas- sacre in which 120 members of the Fancher immigrant party on their way to California had been attacked and killed by Indians and Mormon militiamen. John and his 19 plural wives, especially Emma, would spend much of the next two decades in an ultimately vain attempt to keep him out of reach of the law. including a substantial house and gardens. Lonely Dell became an important resupply point for thousands of immigrants and explorers; in July 1872, the Lees entertained members of John Wesley Powells Colorado River exploration party. Lee was frequently absent from Lonely Dell, however, sometimes fleeing from the law and sometimes visiting his other homes and wives. Emma and her family were left to manage the ferry and homestead. In the summer of 1873, Lee went into hiding, but the noose was tightening. He was finally captured at Panguitch on November 7, 1874. Emma remained loyal to him for the three years of his confinement and through his two trials; she brought food to him in the Beaver Jail and was even accused of helping to plot his escape. On March 23, 1877, John Doyle Lee was executed by firing squad at the site of the Mountain Meadows Massacre-th- e only person to pay with his life for this noto- Emma continued to operate the ferry, as she so often had during her husbands absences. In 1879 the LDS church purchased the service from her and operated the ferry until 1909. Emma married a prospector named Franklin French and moved to Winslow, Arizona. For the remaining years of her life she put her childbirth experig water frustrated ences to use as a midwife; many of her loyal customers called the attempt. The Lees established their her Dr. French. Emma died on ferry service in 1872, and the November 16, 1897. site soon became an important The History Blazer is produced link between southern Utah Soand the Mormon settlements by the Utah State Historical in Arizona and beyond. Emma ciety and funded in part by a and John built their home here grant from the Utah Statehood For at a site they called Lonely Centennial Commission. Hismor einformation about the Dell, reflecting its isolation. torical Society, telephone Over the ensuingyears Emma, along with Lees wife Rachel and thirteen children who accompanied them to the site, made many improvements, Acrylic, Gel, Fiberglass, French Manicure Ruled PG-1- 3 ) Natural Nail Services through Saturday (11-4- ) Fifth grader Danny Crosby won last weeks Football Contest by getting e nine out often correct. The only game Danny got wrong was the Air that Utah pulled out in the last few seconds for a 22-2- 1 victory. Danny receives congratulations and a $25 Gift Certificate from Mel Glazier of Glazier's Food Town for his efforts. We have a tie in the season long contest between Kenley Glover and Gene Drake. They both have 41 points out of60 possible. Right behind theleaders are Pablo Arroyave and Boyd Glover with 40 apiece. The winner after 10 weeks gets a 3 day 2 night getaway package to The Oasis in Mesquite, Nevada, along with $200 in spending money. Force-Utahgam- ascau vianaiBi5STuF(BQvii!niaii fast-flowin- Licensed Nail Technician New (Fibergel) (11-1- 6 rious crime. Now Showing at Kanab Theatre Wednesday Football Contest Winner Week Showtime 8 p.m. .29 W. Center Take a friend to the movies! Hot Oil Manicure zNcdL cfxb Call for your Appointment Today! 643-754- 0 Orthodontist to be in Kanab Orthodontist Wayne Christian will be in Kanab Wednesday, November 8. He is coming to the Kanab Dental Clinic on a regular basis. Call the office to make an appointment. D.M.D., M.S. siliR)ae0 SflD 5J5T53SlTifiitl5B tts) SlO (1 There is no charge for the initial consultation. Member American Association Of Orthodontists |