Boise.

Warm day

Am well.

I fasted until after afternoon meeting neither eating nor drinking.

At 10 A.M. meeting the attendance was 196. Sacrament admin[p. 121]istered. The speakers were in order as follows: Wilford McKendrick (Stake Clerk) Pres. R. S. Wells and myself. I occupied 30 minutes. Told story of the Master & his Servant. Read from Matt. 6:1–6 and quoted Longfellow, “In the Elder days of Art” & made comments.

At 2 P.M. meeting attendance 175. Authorities sustained. The speakers were Pres H. Q. Hale and myself. I occupied 35 minutes. Subject What my religion has done for me. It teaches me that which is most desirable to attain viz. Joy & Salvation; How to attain or obtain it & it urges me on to that end. How?

After meeting we set apart a number of officers.

We organized the 3rd Elder’s quorum, reorganized the stake Y.M.M.I associations &c. Broke fast at Pres Hales home.

At 7:30 P.M. meeting there were present 155. Auto races, baloon ascentions &c interfered with meeting attendance.

The speakers at this meeting were Pres. Wells, myself & Pres. Hale. The latter gave a recapitulation of the lessons taught. [p. 122] I occupied 35 minutes. Read the clipping on Efficiency of German Empire & Vice Pres Thos. R. Marshalls declaration that the Mormon Church & German Empire are the most efficient organizations on the earth. Made comments. Complimentary to Joseph Smith whether he be acknowledged as a divine prophet or not. We took train about 10:30 P.M. and retired to bed. The train left Boise after mid night.

We had a pleasant time and had many expressions of satisfaction at our efforts. May the Lord be praised.

Left Boise between midnight & daylight and arrived home i.e. Salt Lake at 4:35 P.M. On the train I read to a finish Joseph smith the Prophet Teacher by Roberts 77 pages. Called at barbers & got barbered. Looked over my mail, read paper, watered the lawn, visited with Geo & Edith who are staying with us just now. Geo. F. Jr. & Edith & Clarence Silver & Mamie went to Logan Cache Co Saturday on their Moter Cycles & [p. 123] returned to-day, staid at Lucena’s while there.

My daughter Sarah left here by train yesterday to Logan where she expects to spend about two weeks with my daughter Lucena & her husband Rega.

Home.

All usually well.

I watered lawn & took bath, shave &c & wrote up my journal for the past few days from notes. Worked at my desk. I wrote a five paged letter to my son LeGrand. Also wrote to my daughter Sarah at present with my daughter Lucena in Logan.

Mama and I, Edna & Ray went to Salt Air as Joel’s guests and excepting the children, we had a bath, supper was served. We returned on 8:45 P.M. train & I had the lawn to water after my return.

My son George & Dr. Bird are entertaining a Mr. Clawson & wife from the East. They are spending some time at our Canyon home. [p. 124]

Home.

Warm day.

All well.

I wrote Pres. Heber Q Hale of Boise enclosing article on Socialism failure in South America. Worked at my desk all day until evening when I attended my Circle meeting at the temple.

Home.

All usually well at home

My Uncle John Whitney died at his daughter Annie Saunders’ home this city 263 E. 6th So. at 6:15 P.M. yesterday. This afternoon Alice & I went down there & saw Aunt Ann & others of the folks & spent about two hours. I was in Council & prayr meeting in the temple from 10 A.M. to about 3:00 P.M.

Hyrum & Estella Lee & children came in from Tooele this afternoon and Hyrum & Estella went on to LaGoon. Later Alice & I went to Lagoon and returning on 8:35 P.M. train went to the American picture show.

Home.

All well.

Warm day. [p. 125]

In company with Pres. Levi Edgar Young I took 7:50 A.M. D. & R.G. train for Siggard arriving there at 3:15 P.M. We were met by Moroni Lazenby of the Wayne Stake presidency and we continued our journey by team reaching Burrville 25 miles about 8: P.M. and staid over night at a brother Burr’s home. Adm. to a sister at Burrville.

Burrville,

We left Burrville by team at 5:00 A.M. and arrived at Loa 25 miles at 8:30 A.M. & were taken to the home of Pres. Eckersley where we were nicely cared for while in Loa. After a cleaning up including shave & after the breakfast we attended the 10 A.M. Conference meeting.

The attendance was 141. The Stake population is 1831. The Speakers were in order as follows: 1. Pres. Jos. Eckersley, 2. Patriarch Hanks, myself & Pres. L E Young.

I occupied 40 minutes. Subject. I read Luke 16:14–30. Lazaras & rich man & applied to temple work & individual religious duties. [p. 126]

At 2:00 P.M. meeting the attendance was 244 considered good.

There were a number of speakers. I occupied 25 min. The need of increased population. How offer inducements for your own to remain & others to come. &c

At 7:30 P.M. Public meeting the attendance was 222. Pres. Young & I were the speakers. I occupied 40 minutes. Subject Character defined. How The power of thought in the formation of Character.

At 4:15 P.M. attended a meeting of the Bishops.

Loa, Utah.

Warm.

Am well.

10 A.M. meeting attendance 355. Sacrament administered & Authorities sustained. I was one of six speakers and occupied 25 minutes. Subject. Honor thy father & thy mother. How? 2:00 P.M. meeting, attendance 315. I was one of three speakers and occupied 35 min. The acknowledged greatness & efficiency of the church an evidence of Joseph Smiths calling as divine.

I set apart Jos. E. Ellott of Fremont an Alternate and [p. 127]

Sarah E. Eckersley 2nd counselor in the Stake Presidency of Reliefsociety. Good conference.

At 5:00 P.M. Pres. L E Young, a miss Georgie Bastian & I went with Scott McLellain in his Car (a Ford) to Richfield 55 miles and put up at the Southern hotel a Sister Warren proprietors.

<Attended Seventies meeting at 12:15 P.M.>¹

Richfield, Utah.

Took 10:30 train and arrived in Salt Lake about 6:40 P.M. Bathed & changed linnen, repaired hose & sprinkled lawn &c. Estella and three children here. Oliver gone to Tooele.

Home.

All usually well.

I went down town; called on Pres. Lyman at his office and later on the First Presidency at their office. Was informed that Bro. Reed Smoot would not go with me to Canada and that I was to look after what ever needs doing there & in Big Horn.

Later, Estella Lee, Alice & I went with Joel & wife to the lake & bathed except Mother who did not and [p. 128] had dinner at Cafe with Joel.

Home.

All well.

I attended to business down town in forenoon.

George took me on his Moter Cycle up to 10th Ave & saw the damage done to the house by fire, probably two or three hundred dollars worth done. Made ready to leave for Canada on 2:20 P.M. train. Accordingly I left Salt Lake 2:20 P.M. with out travelling companion. I had lower four which entitled me to seat facing front. I found a young lady in that seat. She started to vacate saying she had upper birth. I told her to keep the seat she had & she did so. This lead to a speaking acquaintance. Later I had an interesting conversation on religion. I explained how our people are missunderstood & miss-judged. Referred to plural marriage, Mountain Meadows &c also to the fact that the Primitive church was every where spoken against I explained the first principles and quoted first five articles of faith. I [p. 129] did not learn the lady’s name but learned that she came from a place in Ill. near to Chicago & was going to Dillon, Mont.

Arrived in Butte at 8:30 A.M. Had a good night’s rest & sleep. Went direct on foot to the Station of the Gt. Northern Ry. and checked my grip and learned that my train leaves for Gt Falls at 3:00 P.M. Took street car up town to the Butte Hotel where I had a shave and breakfast and wrote eight letters on Butte Hotel Stationery as follows; To Mama, My daughters Nerva & Lucena, to Montgomery Ward &c, to Aunt Ann Whitney & Jas. J. Steed, to Jos. F. Smith Jr. and to Pres. Partridge of Cowley Wyo. Took dinner at Butte Grill and walked to depot. Wrote up my journal and took 3:00 P.M. Gt. Northern Ry. train for Gt. Falls Mont.

My health & spirits good.

Arrived at Gt. Falls of 9:40 P.M. and put up at Rainbow hotel. Room 310 price $2.00. Had shave and sponge bath and retired about 11:00 P.M. and had good night’s rest. [p. 130]

Gt. Falls.

Am well.

Arose at 6:00 A.M. & took train at 7:30 A.M. for Cardston, Canada. Arrived at 8:00 P.M. Was met by Pres. E. J. Wood and taken to his home where I made my head quarters. Had a room to myself and had a good night’s rest. Cool night. Telegraphed Joel from [blank]

Cardston, Canada.

Pleasant day.

Am well & happy.

Attended 10:00 AM. Conference meeting, attendance 650 Stake population 3926. I was one of six speakers and occupied 30 minutes. Referred to the people’s disappointment in that the laying of the corner stone of the temple was deferred and only brother Richards had come. Told story of the Old woman & her Cow and fielding her onions & apples but I disclaimed any intention on the part of the Presidency to deceive the people. They have another treat coming. Spoke of the perfection of the Laws of God exemplified in nature and in our lives when we will let it. Our example a blessing to ourselves when consistent with our faith, to our posterity & to all with whom we come [p. 131] in contact. Carrying water on both shoulders. We need checking up &c. Between meetings I conversed with brother [blank] Harker about the sheep business and its probable profitableness in connection with the Cochrane ranch, supposition.

At 2 P.M. meeting Pres. Sterling Williams occupied about 55 min and I took remaining 30 min. Sup. Loyalty & Patriotism suggested by the hymn. We call for valiant hearted men who are not afraid to die &c. Applied it to voting in Conference, in taking record of those present from the different wards, in attending the meetings, paying tithing & that in season, & other church duties.

Commented on report of attendance of Saints at meetings & the work of the teacher &c. Attendance 810.

After meeting I went to Patriarch Henry Hinman’s home and administered to him with others of the brethren. Later, With Pres. Wood, Brothers Jacobs, Barrister, and Bp. Harker of McGrath I went in Auto to Glenwood on Cochrane ranch & returned. Heavy crops in that neighborhood. [p. 132]

Cardston, Canada.

Am well.

Ideal weather.

Before meeting I wrote up my journal to this moment.

At 10:30 Attended conference meeting held on the temple foundation a stand and seats having been prepared for the expected temple services in connection with the laying of the corner stone and which service has been post poned on account of the First Presidency not being present. The place was decorated with flowers. The congregation was large, estimated by Pres. Wood at from 1500 and 2000. It was impossible to count them.

The speakers were in order as fol. Pres. E. J. Wood, Bro. Pope the Architect, Sister Rhoda Hinman & myself. I occupied about 40 minutes with good freedom. We are a temple building people. History of the temples of this dispensation. Why we build temples. The necessity for temple work. Genealogy research, the gospel to be preached for the dead who have their agency to receive or reject it and the ordinances performed for them &c.

Took lunch with Mamie Robinson Steed & family. She is half sister to my wife. [p. 133]

Several years ago a little girl Ela Coombs gave me a carnation and I think sent one to my mother who has been dead four years it was when I was here on Mother’s day. To-day she gave me a nice little book of love sentiments entitled “For Love’s Sake and in the front of it these lines written, “To Brother Richards from his little friend Ela Coombs. Leavitt, Alberta, Canada, 1915.”

At afternoon session in the tabernacle the attendance was 1212. The speakers were in order as follows, Elder Brown (Hugh), myself & Pres Wood. Authorities sustained. I occupied about 50 min. Subj. Efficiency of the “Mormon” Church. Efficiency & freedom in the Church. One gospel only having in it the power of God unto salvation & that had its origin in heaven. “By their fruits ye shall know them.”

At evening session the Attendance was 496. The speakers were a Sister Hinmon of Y.L.M.I.A. reporting June Conference, Bro Romney Price of the Academy at Raymond, Sister Zina Y. Card & myself. I occupied 35 or 40 min. Subject Character Defined & the power of thought in the formation of [p. 134] character. Had good liberty & satisfaction. A good conference. A little boy about 10 yrs old whose head was bandaged he having met with an accident & not a member of the church gave me a beauquet of flowers. A little girl also sent me a beauquet of sweet peas.

<I blessed this day Sister Caldwell, Cloa Blankinship and blessed & named a baby, Dorthea Louise Blankinship.>²

Cardston, Canida.

Am well.

I wrote up my journal before breakfast.

With Pres. E. J. Wood and others I went by Auto up to a point opposite the Cochrane ranch house and from there we were taken across the river and two carriage loads of us went on up the ranch about six miles and saw the ranch cattle & the haying in progress. Returning to the Cottonwood grove on the river near the ranch house we found a feast spread and about seventy people at two settings feasted. Some of the brethren had been fishing and got 108 fish & there was ample for all. A most delightful outing.

A member of the Dominion parliament Wm Bucannon was one of the party and he & I were [p. 135] side by side at the table. This gentleman was at our meeting last night and I met him there. We returned to Cardston arriving at 8:25 P.M. Two of the cars were passed on the way having tire & other troubles.

I had conversations with several of the brethren about Cochrane ranch & the advisability of buying a herd of sheep & putting on the ranch. All favor it. One Bro. Hague from Draper a retired sheep man said we ought to put fifty thousand sheep on the ranch.

Yesterday just before sun set it rained lightly and the sun shining through the clouds between us & the sun made a most beautiful scene, but a few miles east from Cardston it developed into a hail storm and beat out & destroyed what is estimated to be one thousand acres.

Cardston.

Pleasant day.

Am well.

I formulated my report to the First Presidency recommending the purchase of 2500 head of good ewe sheep to put on the Cochrane ranch at a cost of probably $6.00 [p. 136] per head or $15,000.

Prepared written report of conference visit for the Council.

Wrote letters to my sons George and LeGrand. Went down town and fixed up papers of sale of 80 acres of land to Myron Layton, my equity in same being $715.00. We undertook to go to the Cochrane ranch but after my going about 4 miles turned back on account of the mud from Sunday’s storm.

Cardston.

Fine day.

I am well & happy.

Awoke at 3:30. Arose at 5:00A.M. & took train for United States at 7:40 A.M. Sister Zina Y. Card took same train, for Utah bound. Sister Viola Allen daughter of Pres. Allen of Taylor Stake boarded the train at Raymond for Ogden. I assisted these sisters with grips &c. All arrived in Gt. Falls at 7:45 P.M. and went to the Stevens Hotel two blocks from depot. Sister Card was sick on the way down and both of them retired without supper in room No 11. I had 29 & got my supper at White Cafe. I had a good visit with Bp. Brown of Cardston on train between [p. 137] Cardston and Raymond and with Octave F. Ursenbach a French man, and teacher, in Knight Academy. i.e. his parents were French. He gave me the following information.

My father married a French woman named Josephine Ludert who had with her a boy named Joseph. This woman was sealed to my father for time & eternity She afterward left my father & at his request, Octave Ursenbach married her for time and the boy Joseph took the Ursenbach name and became quite prominent as an artist. He is now dead. Octave Ursenbach married again and this man bearing his name with whom I talked is his son.

I have a good clean bed & room at Stevens Hotel for $1.00 per nite Thundered, lightened & rained hard in the evening & night. On the train I studied gospel subjects.

Gt. Falls.

Am well.

Warm weather

I saw Aunt Zina & Viola Allen at on train 9:05 for Utah. [p. 138]

I wrote a card to mama and wired to Joel. Left the Falls at 10:00 A.M. and got to Billings at 6:20 P.M. Reserved births on return from Billings to Butte. Went to Northern Hotel and got 1.50 room. Wrote a lengthy letter home to Mama and copied my report to the First Presidency on my findings in Canada as to the Cochrane ranch, cattle, hay, sheep &c 13 pages.

Billings, Mont.

Arose early and bathed & shaved.

Took 7:35 A.M. train for Cowley arriving there at 10:40 A.M. Was met by Dr Croft of the Stake Presidency and taken to Pres. Partridge’s home.

Jos. F. Smith Jr. phoned Pres Partridge from Billings that he had missed connections at Billings and would have to wait there 24 hours.

I visited with Pres. Partridge and called on some friends, C. A. Welch’s family, Dr Crofts family, Jesse Crosby’s family &c Did some writing and studying and retired early and had a good night’s sleep & pleasant dreams. [p. 139]

I dreamed that I was with my sweet heart who seemed to be my present wife. She sat at the piano her fingers on the keys. I heard no music but the music of holy love in my soul. I was at her side and a little in the rear and putting my arms about her looked up to her inviting a kiss for it seemed I was slightly below her. She turned her head to me over her left shoulder and gave me the sweetest kiss ever. I said what I felt, [“]Oh I love you so dearly I can scarcely wait until I can call you my own for fear something will happen to prevent my doing so”. I here awoke and later dreamed again that I saw my wife neatly dressed and not particularly occupied which seemed to invite me to embrace her which I most happily did. This dream impressed me with this thought that there are two things which militate against demonstrations of affection on my part, First pre-occupation or being pre occupied or over industrious and Second lack of prim appearance on her part. Dress better and [p. 140] work & worry less would call forth demonstrations of affection.

Cowley, Wyo.

Am well.

Fine weather.

I went in Dr Croft’s car to Lovell & Attended Conference. At 10 A.M. meeting Attendance 197 I was one of seven speakers and occupied 25 minutes. The gospel most perfect. They made the savior what he is and would make us like him if we would let it.

At 2:00 P.M. I was one of five speakers and occupied about 15 or 20 minutes. Explained Sacrifice. When we turn down the proffered blessings of the gospel to satisfy our carnal desired we sacrifice the gospel but that is not the kind of sacrifice the poet speaks of “Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven.” or D&C 39:8. Sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. When we deny our selves what our carnal natures crave and do good for the Gospels sake, go up on missions we sacrifice our desires & immediate interests for the gospels sake. Attendance was 305. Stake population 2949. Elders Peterson & Winger from the Western States missions were present and spoke. [p. 141]

After afternoon meeting I assisted by other brethren administered to Sister Murdock daughter of Bro & Sis. Carlton.

Met with the Stake Presidency and the Lovell Irrigation Co. directors at 4 P.M. and considered the debt of $30,000.00 due ZS. Bk. and ascertained the fact that about 35 or 40 families on the Lovell Canal project are owing the amount and their property is held as security for same.

I returned to Cowley with Dr Croft and spent the night at Pres Wm C. Partridges.

Pres E. W. Croft came in to see me in the evening and we talked over the subject of academy building.

Cowley.

Well & happy.

I went to Lovell 7 miles with Pres. E. W. Croft in his Ford Car and after meetings I returned with him. A thunder Shower came while in afternoon meeting and made muddy roads but we got through all right.

At 10 A.M. meeting the attendance was 493. The Sacrament was [p. 142] administered and I was one of five speakers and occupied 25 Min Subj. Honor Father & Mother & in the same way honor God and your posterity and yourself &c.

At 2 P.M. meeting I was one of three speakers concluding the conference and occupied about 45 minutes, Subject. Advanced thought & principles by Joseph Smith. Eternal duration of matter. Tithing Gospel to be preached for the dead & ordinance work done for them. Little children have eternal life & the heathen not condemned &c.

Took dinner at Pres. May’s.

I had good liberty at afternoon meeting. Attendance 550. Jos F. Smith Jr. remained in Lovell to attend evening meeting and I returned to Cowley to attend evening meeting. At this meeting the attendance was quite large, the house being pretty well filled. The attention was good and I was the only speaker and occupied 75 min. Subject. Character defined. Character building and the power of thought in the building of Character. [p. 143]

Cowley.

Am well

I had quite a wakefull night probably five hours. This morning it is raining and mud ok, clear. I was in counsel with the Stake Presidency all forenoon and until time to take train about 2:00 P.M. considering academy matters. Elder Jos. F. Smith Jr. and I took train at 2:30 P.M. for home. We arrived at Billings about 6: P.M. Went to Hotel Carlin and wrote out outline of report on our findings in Big Horn.

Took 8:15 train N.P. Ry. to Butte.

Butte, Mont.

Am well.

We arrived in Butte about 6:00 A.M. Took train at 7:00 A.M. for home & arrived in Salt Lake at 10:30 P.M. While on the train I was occupied reading and considering reports to be made &c. Miles travelled in making the trip to Canada & the Big Horn and return including Auto and carriage ride while their 2179 miles.

[p. 144]

I worked on my reports to be made at tomorrows meeting & attended 5 P.M. Gen. Bd. meeting of Y.M.M. and my Circle meeting.

Home.

Attended Council meeting from 10 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. presented written reports of findings at Canada on Cochrane ranch matters and Big Horn Academy matters. Received appointment to Rigby Stake for next Saturday & Sunday and to Star Valley the week following.

I worked at my desk on my return home.

Home.

All usually well.

I spent the day at home working at my desk until 5:20 P.M when I went down town to attend to some business.

Joel gave to Mama & me tickets to the Empress and we went to the performance at 7:30 P.M. Returned home, bathed &c.

Took train at 11:45 P.M. for Rigby Idaho, accompanied by Pres. R. S. Wells. [p. 145]

Rigby, Ida.

Arrived here at 9:15 A.M. we were met at Ry Station by Pres. Josiah Call and walked to his home, thence to meeting

The 10:00 A.M. Conference meeting Attendance 269. Speakers, Pres. John W. Hart and myself. I occupied 60 min. Subject Moral & social evils. The evils of the public dance. Ward teaching. Pres. W. W. Selck said he never listened to as good a discourse upon that subject before.

I went with Pres J. W. Hart in Auto to dinner with High Counselor Call.

At Afternoon meeting, Attendance was 350. The Speakers were in order as fol

1. J. W. Hunter Religion Class work.

2. Pres. W. W. Selck

3. R. S. Wells

4. Self. 30 min. Religion class work.

After meeting Pres. Wells & I at Pres. Josiah Calls home removed our coats and in the shade of the trees on the lawn played croconole with Pres. Calls daughters and a miss Facer. An enjoyable hour or more spent. Retired at 9:00 P.M. A very warm day.

Had a good night’s rest & sleep [p. 146]

Rigby, Idaho.

Warm weather.

Am well & happy.

I attended 9:00 A.M. Religion Class meeting. Attended 10:00 A.M. conference meeting, attendance 703. Sacrament administered.

The speakers were, Pres. Josiah Call, Ex. Pres. Steel, Pres. Geo. Austin, Nathan Ricks & A.B. Christensen.

At 2:00 P.M. meeting the attendance was [blank]. Authorities sustained.

Pres. Wells & I were the speakers.

I occupied about 50 minutes. Subject. “Mormonism” defined. What some say of “mormonism”. Compared with other organizations. A compliment to Joseph Smith. Evidence of the divinity of his calling. N. E. Clemenson’s representation of Presbyterianism. The light given to the world by Jos. Smith.

I took supper with Frank Steed & family.

At evening meeting the speakers were in order as fol. Bro. Burton S.S. R. Classes, myself & Pres. Wells.

I occupied 35 min. Subj. Service as pure religion, applied to Religion Class work.

After Afternoon meeting I set apart Richard Dutson of Perry ward, Sec[p. 147]ond counselor to Bp. David Ririe. I ordained Henry James Burton an High Priest and set him apart second counselor to Bp. Frederick Hatfield of Palesade ward.

I set apart Daniel W. Hunter first Assistant S.S. R. classes.

In the above work I was assisted by the Stake presidency.

Between forenoon and afternoon meetings with the Stake presidency I talked with a brother Thomas a man about 23 yrs of age who has joined two secret orders. He was wanted for Asst. in S.S. R Classes. He was wilful and unyielding. Pres. Wells later had a talk with him. Pres. Wells & I took 9:45 P.M. train he for home & I for Cache Junction thence to Logan. Met my daughter Sarah on the train. She was on her way home from St. Anthony where she had been attending Y.L.M.I. Conference. At Idaho Falls we had a wait from about 10:30 to 1:05 oclock. Pres. Wells, my daughter Sarah & I went out to a cafe and got supper.

I left the train at Cache Junction at 5:40 A.M. and at 7:30 took train to Logan. While waiting, I got my [p. 148] breakfast at Ry. lunch counter. Went aboard the car for Logan and wrote up my journal from notes. Read papers &c. Arrived in Logan at 8:30. Went to my daughter Lucena’s 91 So., 2nd East. Here I found Mama, Edna & Ray as well as Lucena & Rega. I spent the day reading, writing &c. Alice & I walked over to my brother Fred’s towards evening but saw only Alta, the others being away from home.

Logan.

All well.

Warm weather.

Had a good night’s sleep & rest. I spent the day at Lucena’s studying & writing for Commentary.

Alice & I called on my brother Fred & family in the evening.