Home.

All usually well.

Rained in forenoon

I attended weekly Council meeting from 10 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. in the temple. Before and after meeting I worked at my desk. Recorded temple work done and listed for sealing work 44 couples and nine sheets of sealings of children to parents. [p. 111]

I this day wrote Dr E. G. Gowans Supt. Public Instruction suggesting that dancing be taught in our State schools.

Home.

All well.

Fine day.

I waited upon the First Presidency and laid before them my son LeGrand’s condition what has been presiding in the Netherlands Mission for 2½ years and the presidency on motion of the President, directed a Cable message be sent to Pres. Hyrum M. Smith at Liverpool requesting him to release LeGrand and appoint as his successor Elder John A. Butterworth now laboring in the office at Rotterdam. The cable, telegram was sent this day. I wrote to my son LeGrand and posted it to-day telling him of the actions. He may leave Holland before the letter reaches him.

Alice & I met Lucena, Rega & baby at station at noon & brought them home with us. This is a big day of rejoicing for the family. [p. 112]

I did some work on the lawn sowed grass seed and carried soil from the rear and covered the seed in the base places. Worked at my desk. Wrote to Neva & to Estella at Tooele, issued checks in payment of current bills.

Home.

All usually well.

Pleasant day.

I took 8:15 A.M. train for Garland in company with Bp. O. P. Miller who returned in the afternoon. I staid at Pres. Joseph Jensen’s. Attended 11:00 A.M. meeting of H. Council & Bps. and the regular conference meeting at 2 P.M. At this meeting I was one of the speakers occupying about 35 min Subj. Tithing.

Bro. Jensen went up to Bro. Kings & administered to his wife Dora. Called on Wm Vanfleet & family. I commenced reading, “In His Steps” by Charles M. Sheldon devoting my spare time to it and borrowed it to bring home with me to finish.

Garland.

Am well

Fasted until 4:30 P.M.

At 10 A.M. meeting attendance 700. I occupied about 25 min. Subject. [p. 113] Saving of souls and persisting on part of officers of organization & the members. Ex. The clock, child growth. Spiritual growth should be in keeping with physical growth.

At 2 P.M. meeting the count was 867. I was one of the speakers occupying an hour. Subject the Gospel defined and our obligation to sacrifice & deny ourselves and labor for the saving of others, those in the world, those who come among us and our own care of the boys, Priesthood should be conferred on those who are worthy and appreciative when their age will justify and then they should be given religious work to do to magnify their callings. What Deacons may do,

1— Collect fast offerings

2. Pass sacrament.

3. Janitor work & usher work

4. Cut wood for meeting house

5. Beautify the grounds at meeting house.

The teacher may assist in all the above work and do teaching besides, being a watchman. The Priest may do all this and administer the Sacrament & baptize. The Elder can do all this & [p. 114] confirm, administer to the sick, ordain others &c. Let them do this work & magnify their callings and they will attend their meeting

After meeting I was driven to Deweyville in Auto by brother Felstead and took intervan car at 5:15 Arrived in Salt Lake at 8: P.M. Spent about an hour with my folks at my son George’s.

Home.

All usually well.

Fine day.

I arose at 5:30 A.M. wrote up my journal & did other writing before breakfast.

I finished reading “In His Steps” “What would Jesus do?[”] 300 p. Good. I paid Jos Christensen $17.25 temple recorder to pay for having 23 names of males endowed for. Attended to other business. Took supper with the folks at Edith’s wher[e] we spent a pleasant evening there.

Home.

All usually well.

Cool day.

At 8:15 A.M. we received the following cable. Telegram from our son LeGrand in Holland; “Released. Sail Seventeenth.” [p. 115] Allowing 14 days to cross the water, they should be here by the Fourth of July.

I went before the County Commissioners requesting that the assessment on my home be reduced. Total assessment 6260 as follows:

Promised to have assessor come and re-appraise it.

I went with the family to Salt Air on 4:15 P.M. train and spent a few hours very pleasantly. Arrived home after 11: P.M.

Home

All well.

Beautiful day.

I attended R Class Board Meeting, YMM Bd. Meeting, Circle meeting and 27th Ward Missionary farewell reception for Elders Droubay & Heckman.

Home.

All well

Warm day.

M.I.A. June Conference commenced to-day.

I was in Council meeting from 10 to 3 P.M. then assisted with the Sealing [p. 116] for about an hour.

In the evening Mama, & I, Edna, Lucena, Rega, Rega’s mother were the guests of my son Joel & wife at the Wilks Theatre “Little Johnie Johnson.” A Comedy.

My daughter Edna is graduating from the Wasatch Grade school this year and she had this day an important part to take in the graduating exercises held at the East Side High School building. Mama attended. Nina has one more year at the L.D.S. High School.

Home.

All well.

Warm day.

Attended 10: A.M. Conjoint M.I.A. officers meeting in the Assembly Hall. An excellent meeting. Attended 2 PM. meeting in the Bishop’s building, Contest in public speaking, nine speakers, 10 min each.

In the evening Alice & I attended a reception held in Hotel Utah for the Stake M.I.A. officers and their escorts also for Stake Presidents. The General board members formed a line and the others passed by shaking hands. [p. 117] Dancing was included in and Pres. Smith offered the closing prayr at about 11 P.M. At close of these proceedings Pres. Jos. F. Smith when shaking hands & saying good night requested me to come to the office at 9 A.M. in the morning as he wished to see me.

<My daughter Nerva and two youngest came in from Tooele in morning & returned in evening by auto with C. R. McBride.>¹

Home.

All usually well.

Beautiful weather.

According to appointment I met Pres. Jos. F. Smith at his home the Bee Hive House at 9 A.M. to-day. He asked me how I would feel about an appointment to succeed the present President of the European Mission leaving my family at home until it should become more safe at sea. I answered that what is his will in the matter I should conclude is the will of the Lord and I desired to do the will of the Lord. I told him I felt it would be a tremendous responsibility but others with the Lord’s help had accomplished such work and that I was hopeful, that I appreciated the expression of confi[p. 118]dence. The President then asked me how soon I could get ready. I told him my son LeGrand and family are to sail from Holland the 17th inst: and would probably be home about July 10th or before and I would like until that latter part of July to make ready and assist LeGrand to get established in some business if possible. He said that would be all right and to make my arrangements accordingly. He said he had talked it over with the brethren, meaning, I suppose, his counselors.

I came home and made known to my family the above information. It broke up my wifes feelings and the children cried with her. The Lord has said we should live together in love so that we should mourn for those who die. We should so love that we sorrow at separation. It is pleasing to the Lord that we love one another so it can not be an offense that we sorrow at parting.

My true feelings are that I would naturally shrink from such responsibility and [p. 119] having to leave home and loved ones for such a time as this mission will mean but that having put my hand to the plow there is for me no turning back. I appreciate the honor if I can succeed and I believe I shall have His help else he would not through his servant called me. Perhapse I have said enough. God’s will be done and all glory, praise & honor be His forever through Jesus Christ.

I this day finished reading “The Trail of Lonesome Pine[”] 420 p. The family went down to Liberty Park in the afternoon and witnessed the Pioneer exercises. An immense crowd assembled on the green.

Home.

All usually well. Beautiful day. Mother, Sarah & I attended 8:30 A.M. fast testimonial meeting of M.I.A officers in Assembly Hall. I bore two minute testimony.

Attended meetings in the Large Tabernacle from 10:30 to 12:30 at 2 P.M. & 7 P.M. A busy day. Good meetings. [p. 120]

Home.

All well.

I spent the forenoon at the desk and at noon met at the temple Stephen L., Claud and Preston D. Richards and Irene, Barbara and Aunt Louie and they as proxies & witnesses and I as performed the ceremony of sealing 44 couples of our kindred dead, wives to husbands.

I arranged to have 30 names of males & 27 of females or vice versa, baptized tomorrow and handed in the names for record. Oliver for males & cousins Sadie & Phoebe for females.

Alice, Lucena, Rega & I took supper & spent the evening at Dr. S. L. Richards’. Stayner brought us home in Auto.

Home.

All well

Beautiful day.

Attended a missionary meeting where 40+ missionaries wer[e] set apart & instructed in which work I assisted and was mouth in setting apart the following:

1 Melvin John Rudd, Parker to S. States [p. 121]

2— Jos. Rickenbach, Glenwood, Ut. to W. States

3. Jennie Nielson, Ovid, Ida., W. States

4 Rachel Dye of Basalt, Ida., C. States

5— Alberta Oakslund, Loa, Ut. to C. "²

I addressed the missionaries. Took Oliver to the temple and he was baptized for 27 males. Primary entertainment in 27th ward in evening.

Home.

All usually well.

I went down town with O Rega Card and introduced him to Badger & McCune of the Utah State Nat. Bank Later went down again on phone call and attended a meeting of the Church School Apportionment Committee, Y.M.M.I. Bd. meeting, my Circle meeting and Ensign Stake Priesthood meeting.

Home.

All well.

Warm day.

Attended Council meeting in the temple from 10 A.M. to about 3: I recommended the ordination of Solomon Hale to the Office of a patriarch. The motion was about to be put when I suggested that the Presidency could [p. 122] have brother Hale call on them that they might satisfy themselves as to his having left off objectionable habits & this action was taken.

I called at Bureau of Information and talked over with brother B. Goddard the kind of tracts used at the Bureau & he offered to make up a package of tracts one each of those he handles.

I mailed to Mrs. Clara Westover of 62 West 12th St. Holland, Mich a Book of Mormon & a copy of the Doctrine & Covenants with some tracts. I met this lady on the train between here & Los Angeles. She paid for D.&C. & I gave her the B of M.

At the meeting Pres. Smith told the brethren that he had spoken to me about going to England to relieve and succeed Elder H M. Smith as Pres. of the European Mission, that he had asked me to go single-handed, leaving my family at home until such time as the conditions will be changed & be more safe on the water and in England. The brethren of the Council endorsed by vote his action, all being pre[p. 123]sent except Elder Hyrum M. Smith & H J Grant. Pres. Smith excused himself when prayers were over. The brethren made expressions of confidence & blessing.

Alice & I took 5:35 P.M. train (car) for Emigration Canyon, the first trip this season. We found our home in good condition. George & Edith left their home about the same time on their Motor Cycle and beat us up there.

Home.

All usually well.

Warm day.

I worked at my desk most all day.

Home.

All well.

Warm day.

I took 8:15 R.G.W. train for Mt. Pleasant after seeing my Son Oliver on the O.L. S. train for Logan. Met Eliza Bennion of the Primary Board & Sarah McLellan of the Relief Bd. on train for same place. Arrived at Mt. Pleasant at 2:25 A.M. I was taken to Pres. Adolph Merz’s home. Attended 2 P.M. Conference meeting. Attendance 246. Stake Population 8346. [p. 124] I occupied 40 minutes with good liberty, may the Lord be praised. Subj. Prohibition— Saving of souls— missionary and temple work, ex. Attended reliefsociety meeting at 4:30 and addressed the meeting.

Mt. Pleasant.

Warm day.

Am well.

Attended 9 A.M. Reliefsociety meeting and at 10:30 Conference meeting. Attendance 1331. I was one of the speakers and occupied 25 min. Subj. The features contributing to the success of the conference, flours, singing, attendance, speaking, sacrament, the help of the Lord. Each is as a blow in breaking the stone. The success of our religious work in the Church is shown same way, each part necessary to the whole. Be not discouraged if you see but slow growth for like the physical growth of the child, it will show in time. At 2 P.M. attendance 1147. I occupied 55 min. Subject Mormonism & perfect Church organization.

I set apart James E. Sorenson a High Counselor & assisted in setting apart others. [p. 125]

Pres. Adolph Merz & I went with Bp. John F. Oldroid to Fountain Green in his Auto where we held meeting at night 15 miles from Mt Pleasant. Ward population 900 & attendance 305. I occupied almost 75 min. Defined the gospel and showed how it might be made helpful to church members. Furnish something for the people to do for the cause & let the member of the priesthood magnify their callings by doing the things they have a right to do, &c. Returned to Mt. Pleasant same car after meeting.

Mt. Pleasant.

Am well.

Warm day.

Called on Peter Matson who is sick in bed and administered to him. Spent a couple of hours looking the town over and read the paper &c.

Pres. Wilson’s Call for 100,000 of the militia of the states and the Adjutant General’s order from this state came to Mt Pleasant last night for their Militia men. The prospects of war with Mexico are very likely.

I took train at 2:50 for [p. 126] home. Had a gospel talk with a miss McArthur of Mt Pleasant, who is a graduate from the Presbyterian School of Mt Pleasant & who attended our meetings. She sought the interview for information on train.

Mother met me at Ry Station. Pres. Adolph Merz & wife with whom I staid while in Mt Pleasant insisted on my bringing home a dressed chicken and a box of 3 dozen eggs. Such generous people.

Home.

All usually well except Ray who has a bad cough.

I arose early and watered the lawn and did other work on the lawn, repaired hose, helped the folks with the cleaning of the walls in the stair hall, bathed &c & worked at my desk.

Letter from LeGrand written May 23rd. I went down town and got finished temple sheets and recorded same.

Home.

Stormy & cold.

All usually well.

I worked at my desk listing Sealings to be performed &c. [p. 127]

I now have listed 51 couples for sealing and 22 sheets or 155 children to be sealed to parents. I expect to do this work before the temple closes for summer June 30th. This will finish all the sealing as far as it can be done until more endowment work for males is done.

Received yesterday from Logan temple two finished sheets of Endowments for females. I made a trip down town to temple and got another sheet of 20 names of males endowed for and recorded same and listed the additional couples & families for sealing. 171 couples and 25 sheets or 174 children to parents.

<Attended Circle meeting 6:30.>³

Home.

All well.

Fine day.

I attended regular weekly Council meeting from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. Met at the temple at 4 P.M. Willard Smith, Stayner Richards, Matthew Miller & their wives and I performed the ceremonies sealing 71 couples husband and wife which required two hours. Arranged to go tomorrow and seal children to parents. Clarence & Mamie spent the evening [p. 128] <and took supper with us.>⁴

Home.

All well.

Beautiful day.

This is the seventh day LeGrand & Ina & children out from Holland on way home.

At home all forenoon arranging sheets with proxies, witnesses, &c for temple sealings. I went through the temple for one Constantine Gill and after coming through the veil thirteen of our folks assisted me and we sealed up 174 children to parents completing the sealing to date all that is ready.

I spent the forenoon preparing a paper to read at the Richards’ family reunion at Salt Air in the afternoon on our progenitors of the Phineas Richards branch of the family. Attended the reunion and read a part of the paper, the time for the talks having been by motion of Dr L. G. Richards limited to 5 min. When a few of the older members of the family are gone we will be able to have a Richards’ family reunion in which we can properly magnify our progenitors through [p. 129] referring to their accomplishments in a religious way.

Home.

All well.

Attended Ensign Stake conference meeting in the 21st ward meeting house at 10 A.M. Also the tabernacle meeting at 2 P.M. at which I was the speaker occupying 50 min. Subj. The perfection and efficiency of the Church organization as viewed by others and as it really exists & its workings a compliment to Joseph Smith and his successors. The care the Church is intended to give its members from childhood up. Cause of neglect of the Priesthood, we do not let them do the work the Lord designed for them to magnify their priesthood.

Attended 11th ward meeting in the evening and was the speaker & occupied 45 minutes. Subj. Testimony of B. of M. witnesses evidence of the truth of the Book of Mormon & all that goes before the date of the witness they received, probably June or July 1849. [p. 130]

The news of today is that war with Mexico is almost a certainty. Pres. Karanza having acknowledged responsibility for the Karanzal attack and treachery of Mexican troops.

Home.

All well

Very warm day.

I spent the forenoon at home at 3 P.M. with Bro. A. W. Ivins met the Primary Presidency of General Bd. and discussed primary matters. At 7 P.M. at City Cemetery I attended services of dedication of a monument erected to the memory of Father John Smith, Geo A. Smith and John Henry Smith Alice & I spent the evening at our son George’s home visiting. At the Primary office Elder Ivins & I set apart two sister members of the Board.

I set apart Sister [blank] Dee & Br. Ivins set apart Sister Nellie Allen Talmage.

Home.

All well.

Very warm.

I spent the forenoon at home reading &c. [p. 131]

Attended missionary meeting at temple annex and assisted in setting apart a company of 25 missionaries. I set apart the following alone:

1— Norma E. Smith, Centerville to N.W.S.

2. Francis Newman S.L. to Hawaii

3. Leslie Albert Smith of Logan to N.W.S.

4. Ward Hopkins Esplin, Orderville, C.S.

5. John C. Dewey, Dewyville, to Cent. States.

I went to Olsens Art Gallery and sat for my pictures to paste on my passport for England.

I made purchase of a new Oxford bible 5.00 disc 1.00 pd. 4.00. Put screen on backdoor &c.

Home.

All well.

Warm day.

I worked at my desk until the middle of the afternoon reading and marking my new bible from my old one. Attended to some business down town bought for my son George the combined B. of M., D.&C. & P. of G. Price & bible the two books for 8.00. Attended my Circle meeting and later went out for a motor cycle ride with my son George. <Committee appointed to arrange for a farewell reception to me [illegible]> Extras announce Mexican De-Facto government yields & releases prisoners. [p. 132]

Home.

All well.

Warm day.

Attended regular weekly Council meeting of the First Presidency, the Twelve & Patriarch from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M.

At this meeting Elder Hyrum G. Smith was appointed to take charge of my prayr Circle while I am absent in Europe.

A paper was read “The Father and the Son.” and approved by the Council as the doctrine of the Church. An important document. I spent remainder of the day and evening marking my new bible from old bible markings.

Home.

All usually well.

Warm day.

I spent the day mostly in trying to get a conference with the First Presidency and in that conference in which I received their approval of Aug 5th as my sailing date from N.J. to Liverpool. Considered the Star Editor, Bro Showendahl and was advised that he better remain there until he signifies a desire to come home. I spoke of conditions at Durham House and the need of someone [p. 133] to have direction and recommended that My son Geo. & his wife Edith receive calls for a mission and accompany me.

The Presidency endorsed my suggestion and made such call. My son George has been planning for years a mission and this affords him the opportunity he & Edith both desired. This is an important action effecting our family. I have prayed earnestly about this matter & feel sure it is the Lord’s will.