Mormon Odyssey: The Story of Ida Hunt Udall, Plural Wife

by Maria S. Ellsworth

Mormon Odyssey is the captivating story of Ida Hunt Udall, a plural wife of David K. Udall, an early Mormon leader in Arizona. Her story is told through her memories of her early life; her journal; her "birthday book," in which she made annual entries from 1873 to 1905; selected letters; and Maria Ellsworth's own interpretive material
Born in 1858, Ida Hunt Udall began her Mormon odyssey when she was quite young, pioneering with her family in Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. With the coming of the anti-Mormon crusade focusing on polygamists, Ida was forced to go into hiding soon after her marriage in 1882. She vividly describes her marriage, her life on the "underground" and the prison experiences of her husband as reported to her in letters she copied into her journal.
Maria Ellsworth, Ida's granddaughter, weaves these materials into a compelling tale of hard work, courage, sacrifice, and devotion to a family, a religion, and a cause that defined her being and gave meaning to her life. She includes details of Ida's life based on the journals of Ida's sisters, family recollections, and historical documents.
Mormon Odyssey provides a "window" on polygamy, with all its conflicts and disappointments, as well as its rewards. Here are keen insights into pioneer life in Arizona from the 1880s to 1915. The book will appeal to those interested in family history, Mormon history, frontier history, and women's history.

296 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1992

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will never complain about life again. Reading about my grandmother's grandmother gave me some great perspective. I feel much more connected with my ancestors and am grateful for this glimpse I've had into their lives.