Annie Harman Fisher: A Beautiful Voice Silenced Too Soon

Annie Audry Harman Fisher (1897–1919): A Voice Stilled Too Soon

Annie Audry Harman Fisher was known throughout the valley not only for her beauty and gentle spirit, but for her exceptional musical gift. Born on January 19, 1897, she was blessed by Daniel McRae and baptized and confirmed in the Granger Ward in May 1905. From a young age, Annie’s well-trained singing voice captured the attention of all who heard it—even attracting notice from a New York opera company. But Annie chose a quieter, more sacred path. Like her mother Caroline, she placed faith and family above fame.

On June 27, 1917, Annie married John E. Fisher of Bountiful in the Salt Lake Temple, sealed by Joseph F. Smith Jr. Soon after, John was called to serve in World War I. The young couple spent a year together in San Diego at Camp Kearny, and then John was transferred to Colorado, while Annie returned home to Granger.

In early 1919, Annie was expecting their first child. But in the final weeks of her pregnancy, she fell ill with influenza pneumonia during the height of the Spanish Flu pandemic. Despite her youth, strength, and faith, she passed away on February 6, 1919, just one month before her baby was due. She was 22 years old.

Those who knew Annie remembered her as a devout and radiant young woman, deeply involved in church service, including as Sunday School chorister, and admired for her strength of character, talent, and kindness. Her death was devastating for her family, especially her mother, Caroline, who bore the grief with faith, though it nearly broke her heart.