Edith Helen Spencer Knowlton

Edith Helen Spencer Clawson was the daughter of Hiram Bradley Clawson and Ellen Spencer. She married Ephraim Quincy Knowlton, 18 Oct 1881, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. Their children were: John Knowlton, Lynne Knowlton, Rhean Knowlton, Juliet Knowlton, Helen Knowlton, Hooper Knowlton, Owen Knowlton, Gwen Knowlton, and Geneve Clawson Knowlton

Heart Throbs of the West, Kate B. Carter, Vol. 4, p. 91

Ellen Spencer Clawson, was a charming and brilliant woman with a beautiful soprano voice, yet she was gentle, modest and refined. For twenty-five years, she played leading roles with the historic Home Dramatic Club, and sang the leading parts for the Salt Lake Opera Company. When the oratorio "Belshazzar" was presented in the Tabernacle, she sang the part of the Queen.

Her dramatic career began at an early age. When only twelve, she played Prince Arthur in Shakespeare's "King John," with Junius Brutus Booth, brother of the great Edwin. Mr. Booth invited Edith to travel with his company, but her father refused permission. Many years later, when she sang "Comin' Through the Rye" in the Tabernacle for the renowned Edwin Booth, he insisted that she sign the Tabernacle guest book as a member of his company because she had once played with his brother.

The first time Edith appeared as leading lady was in 1880, with John S. Lindsay and David McKenzie in the "Celebrated Case." Her last regular performance was in 1894 with J. H. Stoddart, of New Hampshire, in "Saints and Sinners," the final play of the Home Dramatic Club.

One evening, in the spring of 1895, H. G. Whitney and John D. Spencer called at her home on Canyon Road, to ask her to play the part of Priscilla in the opera by that name, billed to open at the Salt Lake Theatre within two weeks. The opera had been in preparation for some time, but unexpectedly, the leading lady had resigned. They found Edith in bed, with her infant son, Hooper, not two weeks old, in a crib near by. She agreed to do the part. In the short time allowed, she learned the score, prepared her costumes, one a dainty pink China silk with organdy collar and cuffs, another a canary yellow; and the curtain rose on schedule. That was her final appearance on the stage. She died December 31, 1940. — Ivy C. Towler.

SOURCE: Find A Grave.com

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