Harriett Amelia Folsom (1838-1910)

Biography
Married Brigham Young, 24 Jan 1863, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah as his 50th plural wife.

History - Harriet's father and family embraced the Gospel in 1841, and removed to Nauvoo, Illinois soon afterwards. In the year 1846, when the Saints were driven from that state, they moved to Keokuk, Iowa, and afterwards went to Council Bluffs. Early in 1860 they started across the plains for the Valley of the Great Salt Lake arriving in October of that year. Amelia was then twenty-two years of age, tall and queenly in appearance and was of fair complexion. She was intelligent and charming and also an accomplished pianist and vocalist. Amelia became acquainted with President Brigham Young in 1860, but was not married to him until January 24, 1863.

Shortly before President Young's death he decided to erect an official residence where he could entertain people who came to see him. The family understood that Amelia would live there and was happy that President Young had chosen her to assume the responsibilities of all social affairs. Before the residence was completed President Young passed away. It was finished by President John Taylor and named the Gardo House.

In the Brigham Young room in the Pioneer Memorial Museum hangs a beautifully tinted likeness of Amelia Folsom Young. There is also a case in which are displayed some of her personal belongings. She was a woman of exquisite taste. Among these articles are five lovely shawls; a large black lace, a red silk embroidered and fringed; a white silk, also embroidered, and two small lace shawls. There are collars of intricate lace and bead work; elegant fans and other accessories. Several dresses which belonged to her are on display, notably a light blue taffeta trimmed with cream colored lace which was worn by her at the Inaugural Ball honoring President Ulysses S. Grant in 1869. The dress contains 16 yards of silk, bought in France, and 125 yards of lace at $5.00 a yard. Cost of dress approximately $700. Another lovely dress is a two-piece black silk brocade with pink silk lining, trimmed with black beads. The silk was manufactured in Utah.