She writes she was "descended from Scotch parentage on her father's side, Irish on her mother's, Websters and Wards. Was born on July 12th, 1823, at Carlow, Carlow County, Ireland." Was the first child of her parents and says she "had a glorious childhood and girlhood," which can be easily believed, judging by her ever buoyant spirits. She was "married to William Howard, the eldest son of Stott and Catherine Howard, June 9th, 1841. Heard the Gospel in 1851, and came to America in 1853, with husband, two sons, four daughters, two hired girls and two hired men." They arrived in Utah, September, 1853.
At the organizations of the Relief Society in 1867-68, she was appointed Secretary of the Big Cottonwood Ward, which office she filled until she accompanied her husband to England in 1868, returned in 1869 and resumed the same office. During their mission in England, Mrs. Howard was often called upon to explain the principles of our doctrines and answer many questions regarding our people, etc. Divines and others found Mrs. Howard quite ready and able to meet and answer them on every point. In fact her part of the mission has often been referred to as something exceptionally creditable and important. It was at a time, too, when woman had scarcely been heard to speak upon our faith, outside the home circle.
About 1871, when Mrs. M. A. Smoot removed to Provo, Mrs. Howard was chosen Counselor to Mrs. M. I. Horne in the General Retrenchment Association, which position she still holds. When the Relief Societies were organized into Stakes, Mrs. Howard was appointed Secretary of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, which position she holds at the present time. Mrs. Howard has traveled much throughout our Territory in company with other sisters, visiting the different societies and associations in a missionary capacity, giving instructions and infusing cheerfulness and energy by her whole-souled and genial manner. There is something wonderfully earnest and sincere in all she says and does, and it has a most convincing effect upon the hearers who delight to welcome her visits, who is herself a most delightful entertainer and hostess at her own beautiful country home a few miles ride out from the city.
Mrs. Howard is the mother of ten children, eight living; and thirty-seven grand-children.
ELMINA S. TAYLOR.
PRESIDENT OF THE YOUNG LADIES' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS, OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
I was born at Middlefield, Otsego County, State of New York, September 12th, 1830. My parents are Daniel Shepard and Rozita Bailey Shepard. Three daughters were all the children that were born to them, I being the eldest. My parents were staunch Methodists, and I was brought up in that faith. I united myself with that church when about twenty years of age, and during some six years was a zealous and consistent member of the same. At the time I joined the Church I was desirous to be baptized by immersion as I considered that the pattern set by our Savior; although I had always been taught that baptism was not a saving ordinance, but only to answer a good conscience, otherwise, an outward sign of an inward grace. To this my many friends were so much opposed that after some time elapsed I consented, and was admitted a member of the church, by sprinkling; but there were many doctrines and tenets with which I never was satisfied, and when I went to my minister to have them explained I was more beclouded and found myself more in the dark than before; though I sought to the Lord earnestly to be guided aright.
"In the year 1854, circumstances induced me to go to Haverstraw, a large town situated in southern New York, on the banks of the beautiful Hudson River, to engage in teaching. One of the trustees, John Druce, was a Mormon elder, who had a very interesting and intelligent family. My cousin and I frequently visited there, but for a long time they never mentioned religion to us, fearing to frighten us away, but one night, just as I was leaving, he asked me if I would read some Mormon books. I answered, 'O, yes! You know the Bible says prove all things and hold fast that which is good.' His earnestness impressed me. Before opening the books I bowed before the Lord and fervently implored Him to give me His spirit that I might understand if they were true or false. My interest was awakened, and the more I investigated and compared the doctrines with the Scriptures, the more I was convinced of their truth. I fought against my convictions, for I well knew how it would grieve my dear parents to have me unite myself with that despised people; and I also thought I should lose my situation which was a very lucrative one. However, I could not silence my convictions, and as the promise was given, 'If you will obey the doctrine, you shall know whether it is of God or man;' I went forth and was baptized July 5th, 1856. When I was confirmed by the laying on of hands I received the testimony of its truth which I have never lost from that day to this.
"I was united in marriage to George Hamilton Taylor, August 31st, 1856, by Apostle, now President, John Taylor, and in 1859, April fifteenth, we left New York for Utah, where we arrived September 16th of the same year, after a long tedious journey with ox teams. In the spring of 1860 we located in the Fourteenth Ward, where we have since resided, and where our first child, a son, was born July 16th of the same year. While in the States we were never blessed with children, but it was prophesied upon my head that I should go to Zion and should there be blessed with them, which has been fulfilled, for I am now the mother of seven.
"Through the gift of tongues, it was also promised that all my family should come to me, which was verified after we had been here nearly fifteen years, and my father is still with us, having reached the advanced age of seventy-nine years, but none of them ever received the Gospel.