Home

Warm day

My throat is sore.

I worked at my desk until the middle of the afternoon, studying and marking my bible.

Alice & I accompanied Joel & Georgina to the Lake & had a bath and supper at Joel’s expense or at least on his invitation. We were late getting home.

Sarah, Ruby, Estella, Clarence & Mamie went to the canyon to spend a few days & took bedding & eatibles.

Nina went with Oren Woodbury to Logan to spend a few days. [p. 134]

Home.

All usually well.

Alice & I attended temple fast meeting and I bore testimony.

We attended 27th ward fast meeting and I spoke there. My son George also spoke. We referred to our intended mission to Europe.

Geo. & Edith & children took dinner with us. I spent the remainder of the day at home comforting my wife.

At meeting I assisted Pres. F. M. Lyman in sealing upon Sister [first and last names redacted] her former blessings, Endowments.

Yesterday July 1st the Entent Allies (the British, French, Russians & Italian) Commenced a concerted Offensive movement against their enemies, the Germans & Austrians & Turks, which seems to be telling and makes it appear that the Teutonic Allies has reached the zenith of their military power & that the tide of war is going against them.

Home

Cooler last night and to-day.

My throat some better others well. [p. 135]

In answer to a wire by Joel to Steam Ship Co. Joel received word to-day that the New Amsterdam on which my son LeGrand & family are sailing will arrive in N.Y. harbor. Thur. July 6th They sailed June 17th I spent the forenoon at my desk studying &c. I spent the afternoon down town. Bought me a black suit at Z.C.M.I. price $37.50 missionary price $30.00. I also bought two pairs of J & M $7.00 shoes and a pair of suit hose to take to England with me. At her request I called at 61 W. So Temple & saw my sister, Sarah Robinson.

Home.

I have some cold.

Most pleasant weather.

Mailed proxy to M. D. Ballard of Portland, Ore. to vote my stock in the company.

I never left home all day. Studied my bible & ready references. Visited with my wife & children in early evening. George & Edith called. [p. 136]

Home.

My throat better. Others well. Warm day.

I attended Quarterly meeting of the Twelve from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. 50 Min recess. By vote the council extended to me their full confidence, love & blessing and wishes for a safe going & returning and successful administration of affairs in the European mission. Adjourned to Oct 3rd next.

At Circle meeting there were 27 present. Bro. Hyrum G. Smith who had been designated to take charge of my Circle while I am absent in Europe was present by invitation and accepted a temporary president by vote.

A reunion of the Circle members and their wives was arranged for to meet at Wm. Clive’s home next Wed. July 12, at 8 P.M. Circle meetings adjourned until Aug 9, 1916. At this meeting many good things were said of me by the brethren including Bro. H. G. Smith to which I responded with expressions of appreciation. Rode home with Dr Fred J. Pack in his Auto. [p. 137]

Home.

All well at home.

Joel’s boy Wayne has the measles. Warm weather.

Attended Quarterly meeting of the First Presidency, the Twelve & the Patriarch in the temple fasting. The sacrament was administered. Attended to business down town. Called on the First Presidency and asked their views as to relative danger going by the Allen or Canadian Pacific lines to England or by the American Line. It was suggested that I write brother Smoot at Washington for his opinion, which I did. We can get a newer, larger & nicer boat at about one half the fare the same accommodations on the American Liners would cost. I have in mind the comparison of the “New York” and the “Missanabie” Dr Fred J. Pack took Alice & me & several of the children for an auto ride in the evening. Alice & I later went up to George’s and spent an hour or longer.

At 5:50 P.M. we received a telegram from my son LeGrand about as follows,: “Arrived at 8 A.M. Had a fine voyage. All are very well. All upset [p. 138] at news of Father’s calls to Europe. Leave this evening. Arrive Salt Lake Monday afternoon 2:10 oclock.” We phoned our folks the news.

Home.

All as yesterday.

I worked at my desk in the forenoon and in the afternoon Alice and I went to the show given by the General Primary Board and later we went to Salt Air with Alices Sister Annie and others of her family. We had a good bath in the Lake & supper after got home about 11 P.M.

Home.

All fairly well.

I am most rid of my cold and Wayne is better of his measles.

A telegram from LeGrand this morning said he past DesMoin, Iowa at 8 a.m. to-day all well, getting anxious. Another at noon said they were at Omaha at 1 P.M. All well but awfully dirty.

I worked several hours at LeGrand’s home on 10th Ave 629, cleaning paper & calcimining. [p. 139] We had the van come and move LeGrand’s things up there and Alice, Rieley, Aunt Nerva & Oliver & Ray worked cleaning up the house again after about a week and in placing things, fixing up for LeGrand’s & Ina’s reception.

Returning from 10th Ave with my son George on his Motor Cycle as we turned the corner at J Street onto 3rd Ave a large yellow dog ran out at us and bit me on the thy.

I made a trip down town attending to some business. Paid $205 for repairs on Ray’s tricycle and brought it home. Received a lot of finished work from the temple to be recorded in my records.

Home

Very warm.

My dog bite is better, but my throat is commencing to be sore again.

Attended 27th Ward S. School and Tabernacle meeting. At the latter Bro Ivins was the speaker. Bro Talmage offered prayr & Pres. Lyman closing prayr.

Was the speaker at 27th ward [p. 140] evening meeting.

Alice & I took train at about 11 P.M. Pullman and by D & R.G. left for Price at 12:30 A.M.to meet LeGrand & family.

Alice & I arrived in Price at 5:50 A.M. We wired LeGrand on train No 5 that I would meet them at Price. I also wired Joel to bring Ray with him & Georgina to Thistle as they had intended to come. Both wires reached their destination in due time. Alice & I walked about Price and otherwise spent the time until 9 A.M. when No 5 arrived bringing LeG. & family. It was a surprise to them to find Mother with me & when we reached Thistle it was a surprise to them to meet Joel, Georgina & Ray. It was also a surprise to them to learn between time that George and family are to accompany me to England. We had a splendid visit and at the SL depot we were met by the other members of the Richards family & the Ashton family. Ina’s father took LeGrand and [p. 141] family down to his home to dinner. We had a good dinner on the train which we took out with us.

LeGrand & family came to our home to supper & staid the night. George & Joel & their families came in and we had a pleasant evening.

LeGrand & Ina went up to their home on 10th Ave and met with another surprise, finding the house cleaned and their furnishings in.

Home.

All well.

Pleasant day.

LeGrand & Ina & children remained with us until about 5 P.M. when they went down to Ina’s mother’s. LeGrand & I went over our accounts and I turned to him my interest in the 11th E. Property for a little less than $500.00 the amount I paid out on it with 8% int. the same as I have been paying him.

I recorded a large amount of temple work done in afternoon and evening.

My daughter Nerva and the two youngest children came in from Tooele with Bro. J. W. Tate [p. 142] in auto in afternoon and later she, Alice, Ruby & others went with the Tates to Salt Air for a bath.

In the evening I went with Geo. & LeGrand up to the latter’s home on 629—10th Ave and we took two pairs of bed springs up over the roof, through a window to the up stairs, there not being room to take them up the stair way.

Home.

All usually well.

I spent the time until 11 A.M. at home. Went down town with my son LeGrand. Visited with the First Presidency and LeGrand & Ina made their report of mission work.

Attended to other business & called on the Bureau of Information and bro. B. Goddard gave to me a copy of the Book of Mormon with helps & maps by Joel Ricks.

I wrote letters & sent photos to the Herald Republican, the Deseret News and the Imp. Era, the latter by request.

In the evening I took Alice and my daughter Nerva with me and attended a reunion of the members of my prayr Circle and [p. 143] their wives held at Wm Clive’s home. A most excellent time was had and brother Hull in behalf of the Circle members presented me with a gold banded umbrella inscribed on the gold band my Monogram and the words “From the Circle, July 1916.” It is needless to say I was greatly pleased with the gift as a token of love & good wishes and as a reminder of the Circle members. I was the first there at 8 P.M. and the last to leave 11:45 P.M. My sons Geo, LeGrand & Joel and their wives were present.

Home.

All usually well.

Very warm day.

Attended regular weekly Council meeting from 10 A.M. to about 2 P.M. Attended to business down town. In the evening Alice, Geo., Edith & I attended a farewell reception tendered us at the home of Sister Mary Smith, ten miles south of Salt Lake by Sister Smith & her family at which the Presidency, the Twelve & Patriarch & their wives were invited and many of them were present. We were served with [p. 144] refreshments and dancing. Sister Mary Smith had met with an accident during the day by which she had hurt her ankle Pres. Smith & I blessed her before leaving for home.

Home.

Some rain fell.

LeGrand’s baby Jane broke out with measles to-day. She contracted the disease while on the boat.

Elder Joseph F. Smith Jr and wife took Alice, Nerva, Ray & me in auto down to the Smith Bros. Jersey farm about five or six miles south of here.

In the evening I attended a reception tendered me by the Primary General Board at their rooms in the Bps. Building at which the members of the Presidency and the Twelve and their wives were invited and a number of them were present. Of my own family all of whom were invited there were present, Mother, Nerva, Geo & Edith, Joel & wife, Sarah & Ruby.

I was presented with a leather stationery case with a $4.00 self filling, non-leaking fountain pen from the Primary General [p. 145] Board. The presentation speech was made by Sister Louy B. Felt to which I made response.

A very enjoyable evening was spent and had. It is needless to say I enjoyed it to the full.

In answer to a letter I wrote to Bro. Reed Smoot July 6th, I received a letter dated July 9th saying he thinks it just as safe to go via by Canadian Pacific or Allen lines with whom we have a contract as by the American line but that the Department of the Interior advises to go by the American line.

I left the letter with the First Presidency, Pres. Smith not being in. His advice will decide us on this point if he feels to advise.

Home.

Am well.

I walked up to Georges & later went up to LeGrand’s home on 10th Ave and back before breakfast. Inas baby Jane sick with measles and George’s Franklin sick last night.

I went and saw the Presidency this morning and considered with them Elder Smoots letter [p. 146] in which he said he thought the Canadian Pacific line about as safe as the American line between U.S. & Liverpool. The Presidency seemed to share this opinion and we decided to take the Canadian Pacific Steam Ship Missanabie which sails from Montreal, Canada, Aug 11th for Liverpool. Fare $51.00 each adult including revenue tax, First Cabin.

Hyrum & Estella Lee & their family came in with Frank Barber in Auto this morning intending to return by auto this evening.

I wrote letters to Hyrum M. Smith at Liverpool, to Reed Smoot at Washington & to my daughter Lucena at Logan, Utah.

I went to Salt Air with the family in the evening and had a bath and supper there about 30 of my family connections including Estella Lee & family.

Home.

All usually well.

Attended Sunday School in the 27th ward & took part in the discussions of Parents Class & offered the benediction. Attended 2 P.M. meet[p. 147]ing in the Large Tabernacle where my son LeGrand was the speaker, occupying 48 min. LeGrand & I with our wives and other members of the family went down to the Burton ward meeting in the evening and LeGrand & I were the speakers.

I occupied 30 min on the High ideals of Mormonism. The laws made for man as perfect as those made for the universe &c. After meeting we were served at our home with sherbet & cake. Geo. Joel, LeGrand & Clarence & their wives being present.

Home.

All usually well.

I corrected discourse manuscript of discourse of 19 pages for publication.

I went with Geo, Edith & children to the Federal building where we made application for our passports, the application mailed to me by Mr. Christie who made them out. W. C. Spense was with us.

Obtained lists of finished temple work & recorded same. Warm weather but a move[p. 148]ment of the air made it tolerable.

Home.

Ina’s baby better. Others well.

Geo L. Tate and three children came in from Tooele last evening in auto with a drummer friend, Nerva & two children being here already. This morning in response to a telegram from Wm. C. Spence to the Canadian Pacific Shipping Company asking for reservations on the Missanabie, which is scheduled to sail for Montreal Aug 11th Wire was received saying the Missanabie sailing date changed to Aug 26th but the Metagama sails Aug 5th. I instructed brother Spence to wire reservations on the Metagama.

I had an interview with Pres. Lyman this morning on the subject of my presidency over the European mission. He gave me some good advice.

Later in the day 5:30 a telegram came from Montreal saying the Metagama sailing is called off by order of the government and that the Grampian will sail Aug 12th and that best accommodations are reserved. [p. 149] Bro. Spence wired acceptance. This boat is about 11,000 tons or about the same as the New York. I attended to important business down town. Bought a Steamer trunk, raw hide bound, a sample, price $15.00 given me for ten dollars.

Mother & I and Geo. L. & Nerva spent the evening at LeGrand’s home on 10th Ave and while there we administered to baby Jane who has the measles.

Home.

Weather cooler the past two days & nights.

All well at home.

Received letter from Lucena at Logan saying she & Rega & baby intended to come down Sat 23rd. I answered giving pressing invitation for them to come.

Mailed letter to Pres. Hyrum M. Smith at Liverpool announcing my intention to sail by the Grampian from Montreal Aug 12.

Worked at my desk most of the day.

In the evening I attended a reception tendered me by the 27th Ward in Ward house. [p. 150] Prests. Jos F. Smith, C. W. Penrose & R. W. Young were on the stand and spoke. I also spoke briefly. A nice program was rendered. The attendance was all that I could expect in view of the fact that it was not generally known. No notice having been put in the papers.

Home.

All usually well.

I wrote to Joseph A. West & wife answering one from them of 16th inst. Wishing me well &c. I also on my own initiation wrote to my brother Myron J. Richards asking how he would feel about going to South Africa to preside over the South African Mission, to succeed brother Nicholas G. Smith.

Attended weekly Council meeting from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Attended to business down town and made some repairs at home.

Home.

All usually well at home.

Nina’s baby still sick with Measles. My brother Fred & wife called [p. 151] to see us & took dinner. I spent most of the day at home looking over papers, studying, writing &c.

Geo. LeGrand, Joel, Geo L. & I and our wives took supper with Mamie & Clarence and spent the evening. A very pleasant time & excellent supper.

Home.

All usually well.

LeGrand’s baby better of the measles.

A wire from Senator Smoot at Washington says our passports issued and mailed yesterday. I worked at my desk until 3 P.M. when I went with my family to Salt Air and had a bath & supper. Lucena & Rega came from Logan and joined us at Salt Air.

Home.

Warm day.

I filled my appointment at Liberty stake attending 10 A.M. meeting in Assembly Hall. Bros. LeGrand Young & Seymour B. Young were the speakers.

At the Tabernacle 2 P.M. a Mr. J. E. Rocha from Hawaii, Honolulu and I were the speakers. I occupied 35 min. Saving souls [p. 152] the greatest work of man and the pioneers had a hand in it & laid a good foundation; you workers in the church in any capacity are doing your duty & part &c.

Home.

All well

Warm day.

A heavy thunder storm came about 1:30 P.M.

I took 8 A.M. car for Ogden where by appointment, I met my brother Myron J. and his wife and talked with them ascertaining how they feel about going to South Africa to preside over that mission having in mind to recommend them. They both expressed a willingness to go. It now remains for me to suggest to the Presidency. I witnessed the big Pioneer parade and returned on the 11 A.M. car arriving home about 1 P.M.

My family gathered at Joel’s home where we were photographed by the Photographer Mr. Olsen. Thirty two in the group. Joel had to leave for Salt Air before we got the picture taken and [p. 153] Ina’s baby Jane was not able to be with us, she is just recovering from an attack of Measles. I went to the train with Rega & Lucena & baby & saw them off on 8 P.M. train for Logan. I bid them good bye not expecting to see them again until my return from Europe.

Home.

All well.

I spent about two hours in the Dentist’s chair in forenoon, had two small fillings and my teeth polished.

Arranged with a Mr North to accompany him up the Canyon (Emigration) this afternoon to see my home with a view to selling it. I took Ray with me to the Canyon.

My son George took supper with us & spent part of the evening here.

A sister Wilson of N Temple St. and her daughter Sister Condie of Preston and her two children James 30 mo. old and Wayne five mo. old came to see me in the evening. Sister Condie’s husband is in Black[p. 154]burn, presiding over the Liverpool Conference. He left home last November. I am to take a parcel to Elder Condie, ties.

Home.

Warm weather continues

I went with my wife to Farmington and bid good bye to some of our friends. Attended to business down town &c.

Alice & I called on our son LeGrand on 10th Ave in the evening.

Home.

Storm showers during the day.

Attended to some business down town. Called at Z.C.M.I. and tried on Prince Albert Coat got quotations $47.50 suit for $37.50.

Attended weekly Council meeting from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Attended to some business at Pres. office. Read letter from Pres. Hyrum M. Smith acknowledging to the First Presidency receipt of the word that I had been chosen to succeed him in the presidency of the European Mission. Following is quotation from his letter: “I feel that the appointment of Elder Richards was a wise [p. 155] one, and I am much pleased thereby. Bro. Richards is a man of experience, wisdom and sound judgment and withal he is a man who possesses good health and an unimpaired nervous system, both of which latter qualifications are absolutely necessary to the man who presides over the mission at the present time.”

I received a nice letter from Pres. John L. Herrick of the W.S. Mission & for his wife my niece & answered same. In the evening attended a ward reception tendered my son George & wife at which a price of $64.00 was presented to them. A nice affair and it made Geo. & Edith very happy.

Home.

Thunder showers are the order of the day. It is quite clowdy this morning.

Spent most of the day at home. Alice & I went to the 2:40 P.M. train and saw my daughter Nerva and her family off for home at Tooele and bade them goodbye. In the evening I went with other members of the family down to Sister Mary E. Connelly’s [p. 156] took supper and stayed the evening on her invitation.

Brother Samuel F. Ball, a member of my prayer circle and a Confectioner by trade gave me a nice fruit cake he had made for me to take with me. He remained at my home about an hour and we had a good visit. He predicted that I would go and return in safety and my family will be all right in my absence. Said he knew this and that I would be successful in my mission work. Bro. Ball is a patriarch.

In the evening with my wife, Geo & Edith, LeGrand & Ina, Joel & Georgina took supper at Mary E. Connelly’s and spent a pleasant evening there.

Home.

All usually well.

I spent the day at my desk. Wrote an article on Prohibition. Studied &c.

Home.

All well.

I spent the forenoon at home with Mother. LeGrand at Ogden. [p. 157] Geo & Edith at Tooele.

Attended Florence Theobold’s funeral services held in 27th ward House and was one of the speakers. Went to the cemetery and witnessed the burial. Attended 27th ward services in the evening, Alma O. Taylor was the speaker Subject, Prohibition. After meeting spent a pleasant hour with my family.

Home.

All well.

Warm day.

Attended to business down town, made purchases &c.

We were visited by Alice’s Aunt Annie Robinson, her sisters Mariah & Annie and in the evening we took supper with my Sister Nerva & family and staid until about 10 o’clock. My sons Geo. LeGrand & Joel & their wives and my daughters Sarah, Ruby & Nina were also with us. A good supper & pleasant evening spent.