Eliza Ann Lee

Sketch of the life of Eliza Foscue Lee

                                        By her daughter Ellen L. Jakeman

(Ellen Lee Jakeman was the seventh child of John Pervical Lee and Eliza Foscue Lee).

My dear mother, Eliza Foscue Lee, was a daughter of the south, born in Florida, September 23, 1829. A Pioneer, she with her husband, John Percival Lee of Virginia, crossed the plains in 1849. In the company of one "Tommy Johns" - Captain. They remained in Salt Lake Valley, but a short time, journeying on to California - members of the Charles C. Rich and Amasa Lyman Company - on the crest of the gold wave.

They helped to found the "Garner" settlement, my father being the first schoolteacher. The place is now San Bernardino. Here my parents engaged in the mercantile business and prospered.

Their faith survived the trial of prosperity, and was sufficient to being them back to the desolate appearing valleys of the Rocky Mountains, when Brigham Young called all faithful saints home in the face of General Sidney Johnson's army of extermination.

Their holdings in California were sold mostly for mostly for cattle, which they drove eight hundred miles to Utah, suffering all the hardships and experiencing the vicissitudes of such a journey. They settled in Beaver City, Utah, where I was born a year later. They remained many years in Beaver sharing with the community the crudities of frontier life.

In order to care for their stock, a ranch was located eight miles south of Beaver, and used as a summer home. Quantities of butter and cheese were made there, and exchanged in Salt Lake City for other commodities. At this ranch my mother took part in an Indian battle, fought out between the Utes and her family with the addition of one man, Joseph Littywhite, who was shot down at the beginning of the fray, but not killed. My mother's courage, good judgment, steadfast faith and devotion to duty remain with her children and intimate friends a strong testimonial to the incorruptible blood of fidelity inherited from her revolutionary and Civil was ancestors. This episode swept away our stock, residue of what my mother had inherited from her father's estate, and which had thus far financed their pilgrimage; a loss which they never financially recovered.

For many years my mother made the cloth that supplied the wants of her family from raw material. Wool from the sheep's back, and for light fabrics, cotton wrap from the spinning wheel of Dixie. Coloring material was had from rabbit-brush in bloom, and from oakbark. It was woven on a clumsy homemade loom and fashioned into garments by her industrious needle. In all these tasks she was assisted by my older sisters.

Before we had recovered from this financial blow, my father accepted a mission to the Southern States; this was in 1867. Our people had been in the track of the contending armies, and he felt the time was ripe to visit them and see if the remnant left were ready for the Gospel. While he was on this mission my mother gave birth to her thirteenth child. She also did her last big of cloth making. She took two hundred pounds of wool as it came from the sheep's back, from Mrs. Fayett Shepherd, of Beaver; washed, carded, spun, colored and wove it into various kinds of cloth-dress flannel, pants cloth, (kersey) shawls, blankets, bed-spreads, (tufted or brocaded in the weave), and filled goods for coats. The building of the woolen mills in Beaver near that time did away with home cloth making to a great extent, but for years we spun our own yarn for stockings and hand knit them, and other articles of apparel such as neck comforters, gloves, mittens, wristlets, and ladies garters.

My mother then turned her attention to glove making to assist her family. That was when the little box I am presenting to the Daughters of the Pioneers came into existence. I cannot remember when it did not sit on the worktable at her left hand holding the patterns, thread, bees-wax and the three-cornered needles of her trade. She become expert at judging the skins she bought of the Indians and also at finishing the dressing of the Indian's rather crude work. She also smoked the skins thoroughly, so they would not stretch or harden. I can remember men who, started on a winter freighting journey, would come in the afternoon for gloves and finding nothing to fit them in the scanty stock she dared to keep on hand, would order such as suited their needs - to be ready in the morning. Freed from every duty distraction she would sit up all night, sewing by the light of a tallow candle she herself had molded, to have them ready. Ladies' gloves, soft and fine, made of fawn skin and silk embroidered on the back, with real beaver fur cuffs, were something very desirable.

Then the railroad came and with it a flood of manufactured goods. Smooth and splendid looking, but lacking the sturdy strength of our home manufacture - and another Pioneer trade was gradually eliminated.

The Manti Temple was built, and in her declining years she saw the fulfillment of a patriarchal blessing given to her when there was no Temple of God under Heaven, viz., that she should do great work for her dead in God's holy House. She took endowments for more then fifteen hundred persons, and laid a genealogical foundation that is still being build upon. She sent me to Texas in 1912 to gather further genealogy, and have verified what she had remembered and what she had gleamed from various sources, for then we had not the facilities we have now at the service of the Church. I learned some wonderful things about my people; some that made me humble, and some that made me proud, for at that time few of my relatives lived that were contemporaneous with my mother.

My mother died at Provo in the spring of 1919, and she sleeps in the shadow of the Manti Temple, with many of her family who had passed on before her.

The subject of the following article is some Lee family letters (1873-1891) from Frances Bushman Peel. The E-Mail of the letters was sent to me by Kent Parsons, who is a great-great-great grandson of Eliza Foscue and she married John Percival Lee. They had Sarah Lucinda Lee, who married my great-great grandfather, Charles Wakeman Dalton. I have taken the liberty to clean up the spelling to make it more present day reading. Kent Parsons has the originals and would be glad to share them with everyone. (RD)

The letters are addressed to Mariah or to her daughter Lois Angeline Smith (Bushman) and have been in the hands of Mariah Foscue's descendants until about a week ago.

Look for the details about John P. Lee and Eliza Foscue's separation in letters 1 and 2.

Beaver - Oct 5th 1873

Dear sister,

I received your kind and welcome letter of Sept. 21st and was glad to hear that your health was better & hope soon to hear that Augusta is entirely recovered. My own family has been sick; nearly all of them this fall. Charles came home from severe 2 or 3 weeks past sick and had a hard time for five days and nights; he is around now. Rosa was sick for a few days and now Rupert and Ellen is sick with what appears to be chills and fever. Lucinda and Mary & their families are well. Emma is gone north. Annie has not commenced school yet, the house is not ready. Beaver has been thrown into quite a

commotion because of a lot of carpet bagers renegades or Lawyers Brown, Beal, and Hauley. These three advised some unprincipled scoundrels to jump the bug field of Beaver and they would defend their case in law. So eight or ten of them built shanties in the field, then began to quarrel about the possession of it and fight over it. There was a man killed. The jumpers say the citizens killed him, but every body else thinks the jumpers did it. I thought the people remarkably quiet about it. Most of them seemed to think they must lose it because for some reason they did not have proper titles. I am told the jumpers have all left the field now and one of their number has left the country it is thought he is the murderer.

I am sorry that Nancy cannot visit us. I am glad to hear of the older girls prosperity. The house is drawing near to completion. Rupert thinks we can move in three weeks with every thing complete. It will be a very handsome house and I shall appreciate it. My children join me in sending love to you and yours write soon.

I remain your loving sister,

Eliza Lee.

p.s. The Hunters have at last subsided in to quiet and for some months past I have enjoyed unbroken peace.

Beaver - June 13th 1875

Dear sister,

I received your letter yesterday and proceed to answer you at once. I am sincerely grieved to hear Augustas affliction. I had hoped she was well. At this present time. Charles is in his usual health but his malady remains and I have scarcely a hope that he will ever be well again. Mary has just come with her sweet little boys and I will quit for the present. I have spent a very pleasant day with Mary and her little boys. Are all well, but her health has never been quite so good since Percy was born.

Lucinda and Emma has both been to see me since their move and think they have done well by going. They have taken up land and have to begin anew. They were both in better health than I have been here for a long time. Annie is tending the telegraph office at Minerville for twenty-five dollars a month with promise of more as she gains in

experience. I had a letter from her yesterday she seems well satisfied. I am glad to hear

Nancy is learning; it will probably be of great benefit some day. Ellen is gone out to milk cows on a ranch. As for me I am tending my garden what the frost has left. I can get nothing to do that will bring in a cent. Times are so hard. Every thing seems at a stand

still. I am glad to hear Abby is trying to overcome her trouble. It is the best way. The Bose and the Lily are well.

The big Hunter is doing some tall grumbling lately about his wife. He says he must build a house for himself to live in for she cares only for her boys. He can't get a clean shirt or a decent meal of vittles. He says that I would keep his clothes in order and his diner ready whatever else went and he according to report they have terrible times.

Give my love to all. Your loving sister,

E. Lee.

Beaver - June 24th 1877

To Lois Bushman

Dear Niece,

I confess my fault but there has been sickness and death with my next door neighbor. There has been a constant call in that direction for a week past, but now all is over and you will forgive me. Sister Oakden's son Robby was buried yesterday had the fatal diphtheria and seemed to die of pneumonia as so many has this spring. Ellen knows them. We are all well and I hope this will find you all enjoying the same blessing. Annie's school is closed and she has gone to visit with Lucinda. I had a letter from Emma yesterday. Your Aunt Sarah is staying with then and all were well

I hear from the Arizona Mishon some time, a neighbor got a letter among other things. It stated that John Bushman was settled with them was well and prosperous. Lucinda and Mary and their children are well, the grain crops are promising. There is some fruit in spite of frost.

I suppose Nancy is with you. Now if so give her my love and tell her I was very sorry she lift several notions of hers but did not know till it was to late to remedy it. I wish I could visit my sister in her loneliness but that is impossible. I have written to her to visit me, but I fear that is equally impossible. There is little news that would interest you.

My love to you and Ellen and all the children, I remain your Aunt,

Eliza L.

Beaver - July 22nd 1877

To Lois Bushman

Dear Niece,

If you think your letter did not interest me you are mistaken. It is a very good letter. I love to hear the small details of every day affairs. I seem to be with you and see it with my eyes. I am so glad to hear your children keep well health is such a blessing your own health too seems greatly improved. I think it owing to being obliged to attend out door chores the open air is good. I (???) Ellen is glad Ivy is out growing the colic and I think my grand daughter must be a very good speller. Ellen can interpret the above. I enjoyed the glorious 4th at home under my own vine and fig tree with none to make me afraid.

Rosa however dressed in the National colors; enjoyed her self by taking part in the

Exercises. The 24th is at hand, it is to be a very tame affair. The relief Society and Sunday school is to march and sing the Star Strangled Banner and Mr. Stony is to speak. (Padys leather brickes)? There is to be no guns fired for fear of offending the (?k?ing) in Beaver. So I think I shall seek the shade of the vine and fig tree again. I am delighted with the liberty of this glorious Union.

Your cousins Rupert and Mary are well. Annie is still with Lu; were both well last week. The wheat crop in Circle Valley is very good this year, is tolerable good here. We will

have some apples and I don't see any signs of worms yet. I intend going right to work to put up goose berries to keep fresh and make current jelly next week. I have just finished gathering my sage; every available place is covered with it I have made three quilts this summer and have another I intend making. Rosa is not going to school but is reading history and ciphering every day at home. She got through fractions the last quarter and she is going over it again now to fix it in her memory. Rupert has added one great blessing to what we already had, at least I think so. He bought me a cow; just such a one as I have always wanted and has provided feed to keep her up all the time. She gives a pail of milk twice a day and maybe 5 and 6 lbs. butter per week.

I read the account of the death of Preston Thomas. I suppose the bereaved ones are left rather destitute. Tell Ellen I finished the family quilt last week I had commenced so long. Also (Hill?) Mclaren is married to a Danish girl name Sarinson. Abe and Til (?) called

lately and inquired after her. Gen and Charly Ship are here to stay till after the 24th.

Ellen's friends are all well. When you write remember me to your sisters and mother.

Except of my sincere desire for your welfare. With love I remain your Aunt Eliza.

Manti Sanpete Co. Nov. 26 1891

To John and Lois Bushman.

Dear niece and nephew,

Your kind letter at hand it finds me and Guy well. I am glad to know that John's eyes are better and the rest of the family are well. Lu and Cliff are away from home. And I expect to start to California after two more sleeps. I have been at working in the Temple, till this week, and I know I shall be homesick to get back to my work in the house of the Lord. My people have been very kind to write me all the information in their power. The family tree is very comprehensive. I learn there that my ancestors were French and they fled from France with the Hugeenoughts who were persecuted for their Religious belief. Now please excuse this letter, there is so much to do that I cannot do it justice. Kiss the grandsons for me give my love to the fathers and mothers of the and except my love, and kindest regards, for yourselves your faithful friend,

E. Foscue.

As you can see below in the Obituiary of Ellen Lee Jakeman's mother, Eliza, Ellen was wrong by one year on her mother's death date.

Deseret Evening News, 10 March 1920.

"Early Utah Pioneer dies at Home of Daughter"

Provo, March 10 - Mrs. Eliza Forcue Lee died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ellen Saunders in this city yesterday at age of 90 years. The cause of death was a complication of ailments incident to advanced age. Mrs. Lee is survived by five daughters and one son and numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Among her daughters is Mrs. George Sutherland, wife of former United States

Senator. Mrs. Lee moved to this city from Manti five years ago. She was one of the early pioneers and is well known throughout the State. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Eliza S. Foscue and was born Sept. 23 1829 in Florida. Her mother died when the daughter was born. Her father was a soldier under General Jackson. in the war of 1812; afterwards becoming a licensed preacher in the "Hardshell' Baptist denomination. Mrs. Lee was married at the age of 15 to John Percival Lee, a young Kentuckian, himself

only 20. They lived first in one of Mr. Foscue's "quarters' in Alabama, whither the Foscue family had moved and they later went to Southern Texas. In Texas they heard and accepted "Mormonism" and came to Utah in 1850. The following year Mr. Lee joined the company led by the late elders Amasa M. Lyman and Charles C. Rich on a expedition to California. This company returned to Utah in the winter of 1858-59. The Lees settled in Beaver, where Mr. Lee became a prosperous agriculturist in the early days.

In 1866 the Indians destroyed and drove off all his livestock, but the family come safely through a season of adversity. Mr. Lee died in 1871. In 1888 all her children reared, Mrs. Lee moved to Manti to work in the Temple. She was the mother of five sons and eight daughters.

"The body will be taken to Manti for funeral services and interment"

Mrs. Lee is buried in the Manti, Utah Cemetery.

Note: NE corner of the old part of the cemetery, near the highway

• Updated from Find A Grave Memorial via parent Rev Benjamin Foscue by SmartCopy: Sep 25 2015, 2:26:05 UTC

  ---

Daughter of Eliza Scurlock Foscue Inscription: A memorial to her 5 babies who died is behind and to the left of her gravestone. The memorial is shaped somewhat like a small Washington monument.

Note: NE corner of the old part of the cemetery, near the highway

• Updated from Find A Grave Memorial via daughter Emma Roberta Sutherland (born Lee) by SmartCopy: Sep 25 2015, 1:52:56 UTC

  ---

Daughter of Eliza Scurlock Foscue* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Oct 29 2021, 16:44:37 UTC