Mormon Midwife: The 1846-1888 Diaries of Patty Bartlett Sessions (Life Writings of Frontier Women, V. 2) [Hardcover]

Patty Bartlett Sessions (Author), Donna Toland Smart (Author, Editor)

Book Description

Series: Life Writings of Frontier Women, V. 2 | Publication Date: May 1997

The complete diaries of Patty Bartlett Sessions, detailing early Mormon life from Illinois to Utah and her life as a pioneer midwife.

Editorial Reviews

Review

All too often, the sensational stories of the past overwhelm stories of hard work, drudgery, and frustration--the normal rhythms of the everyday lives of our ancestors. This excellent volume restores that rhythm to its proper balance -- Book of the Month, National Park Service webpage, July 1997

Mormon Midwife is based on the 1846-1888 diaries of Patty Bartlett Sessions. Sessions' diaries provide a detailed record of early Mormon community life from Illinois to Utah through the eyes of Mormondom's most famous midwife. They also recount her important role in women's social networks, her contributions to community health, Utah's economy, education, and horticulture. Sessions assisted at the births of hundreds of early Mormons and first-generation Utahns, and meticulously recorded the events. She had an active role in the founding of the Relief Society and health organizations. She spoke in tongues and administered spiritually as well as medically to the ill. Her diaries are a rich resource for early Mormon and Utah history. Mormon Midwife is highly recommended as biography, history, women's studies, and the simple pleasures of reading the fascinating and eventful life of a remarkable woman. -- Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

Mormon Midwife, volume 2 in the Life Writings of Frontier Women series, was awarded the 1997 Evans Handcart Prize--the second time in two years that a volume from this series was awarded this prize.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 457 pages
• Publisher: Utah State Univ Pr; First Edition edition (May 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874212278
• ISBN-13: 978-0874212273
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,972,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gratitute from a Granddaughter., June 24, 1998

By 

Nancy Palmer([e-mail]) (Fairfax, Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mormon Midwife: The 1846-1888 Diaries of Patty Bartlett Sessions (Life Writings of Frontier Women, V. 2) (Hardcover)

I am the 4th great granddaughter of Patty Sessions. This book is an excellent genealogical source for me. She in one or two places in her journal addresses her descendants. I feel as if she is speaking directly to me. She worked hard all of her life, you can tell by her entries. It humbles me to know that I am related to such a great lady. I am thankful that I am able to have this book in my library.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars women of few words are best women., January 18, 2002

By 

T. Mazerolle "terrymaz" (Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mormon Midwife: The 1846-1888 Diaries of Patty Bartlett Sessions (Life Writings Frontier Women) (Paperback)

Patty Sessions didn't spend a lot of time detailing the happenings of each day, she was too busy doing everything else imaginable. The entries are usually just a few lines for each day, yet month by month, and year by year, she paints a picture that is an effective illustration of what life was like in early polygamy, what folk beliefs influenced her, and the her role she shared with the more recognized greats of the mormon West, like Brigham Young.
Patty Sessions shares her life and passion for religion, but her religion is quite different from the Mormonism of today. Patty Sessions' life makes great reading for any student of history at any level.
The editor, through pain-staking effort, has added notes of background and clarification that really bring some obscure parts to life. I have given other books about Mormon History five stars, and I regret it as this book IS Mormon History, and provides unique insight that only comes from witnessing a life in words of those who lived it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration For All!, August 17, 2009

By 

E. Putnam "Book Girl" (Logan, UT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mormon Midwife: The 1846-1888 Diaries of Patty Bartlett Sessions (Life Writings Frontier Women) (Paperback)

I'm very proud to be her granddaughter. Patty is a great example of a woman who sacrificed everything because of her love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not only is her life a testimony to her family but to all. I hope anyone who reads her entries understands how much she sacrificed. Her story can inspire everyone to be a better person.