Mesa, Ariz

Am well & happy.

Attendance at 10:30 meeting 1602. At 2 P.M. meeting 1640.

I attended a special meeting yesterday afternoon of the Stake Presidency and visiting brethren where the matter of cost & size of temple to be built were considered, also site, the latter to be further considered later. It was decided that a Temple having rooms to seat 100 would be large enough.

At 9 A.M. today We met again and considered several matters. It was there decided to give the Maricopa Stake $4000.00 with which to maintain three seminaries, one at Mesa, one at Chandler and one at Gilbert.

We also decided to let the wards of Hayden and Ray go back to the California Mission.

Names of men were considered for patriarchs.

For the evening Elders McKay & McMurrin were appointed to go to Phoenix.

At the evening meeting in Mesa the attendance was 770. The speakers were Willard Young, myself and Pres. Grant.

I occupied about 25 min. Subject Vicarious work & Eternal Judgement

At 4:20 P.M. I attended a meeting of Seventies and by invitation of Pres. McMurrin, I spoke for a short time upon the Subject of Missionary work. [page break]

The attendance at this conference was by per cent of population the largest I have ever seen, I think. The Sunday meetings were attended by nearly 50% of the population of the stake.

Mesa.

I am well. Weather is beautiful. Temperature ideal. Some grain is about a foot high. Some trees are in bloom.

With Pres. Grant and others I rode about Mesa looking at proberties with a view to deciding upon a temple site.

We arrived at a conclusion and arranged to purchase 29 acres in the Eastern part of town for that purpose. At about 3:30 We left Mesa for Phoenix where by invitation of Governor Campbell we visited him at the State Capitol Building and from there went to the Adams’ Hotel as his guests to dinner. There were present Pres. Heber J. Grant, J. W. McMurrin, Pres. Udall of St Johns’ Stake, Willard Young, Leroy Snow the Maricopa Presidency & myself besides the Governor and two other gentlemen. The Governor & his wife and other prominent citizens attended our evening meeting. 389 were present and it was reported that more than 150 non members were present.

Pres. Grant & I were the speakers. I spoke first and occupied [page break] about 40 min. with exceptional liberty. I spoke of our Standards. Good members of the Church make good citizens of the state. Quoted 12 & 13 art of faith, also “As God is Man may become.”

Preexistence, relationship to God. Gospel origin & oneness, the only way & my testimony.

After meeting we returned to Mesa. Elder D O McKay left for home 5:50

Mesa.

Am well.

Fine weather.

We had intended to go to the Roosevelt dam, 60 miles distant to-day but the roads are reported in bad condition so we abandoned that idea for the present.

We have blessed the sick, ordained patriarchs, set apart people.

We went by auto to Chandler and inspected the meeting house now nearing completion. Pres. Grant spoke to the School Students in the open. We met Dr Chandler after whom the town was named.

We visited Gilbert and rode over much of the Mesa.

We got train at Tempe at 9:40 P.M. for Tucson.

Tucson.

We went out to the Loftus tract of land about 12 miles from Tucson west with a Mr. Johnson & a Mr. Loftus. Later we were taken by banker Mr. Thorp 12 miles south to the [page break] “Xavier Mission”. We visited Mr. Derby Johnson who was ill & administered to him.

Tucson.

Am well.

Delightful climate and weather.

We were driven out to the University buildings and Pres. Grant addressed the students. We took train at 11:30 for Benson where we were met by brethren from St. David and taken to the latter place in time for the 2 P.M. meeting. All five of us spoke I occupied 17 min. on the Subject of “A prophet is not without honor[”] &c. Read from Mat. 23:[blank]

At evening meeting at Pomerel all five spoke. I spoke of Joseph Smith, call to the ministry. I stayed over night at the home of the Branch President Powell Cosby’s. Willard Young remained in Pomerell and the others returned to St David.

Pomerell

I did not have as good a night as usual.

Willard Young & I with Bro Cosby left at 7:20 A.M. and inspected the dam at the head of the canal in Pomerene. We then went on to St David and still on to a dam site in the San Pedro river which we looked over.

Here we joined with Pres. Grant and others. From there we went to Benson where we took train at 12:25 for thatcher. Arrived at [page break] Thather at 5 P.M. and were met at the Station by the Stake Presidency and three autos and taken to the home of Pres. Andrew Kimball. The Choir came and sand three selections. I went to Safford, three miles East frm Thatcher with Pres. Charles Layton and stayed at his home.

Safford or Layton

Am well. It rained during the night.

I attended meetings in Thatcher. At fornoon meeting there were present 900 at afternoon meeting 1000 according to count. At forenoon meeting I occupied about ten minutes and at afternoon meeting about 23 min. Bore testimony and spoke of Pres. G. testified to the worthiness & his calling as mouthpiece of the Lord to the church. Advised the people to consult stake & ward authorities before getting into trouble. That is one means of receiving light. When it comes you will recognize it. I spent a pleasant evening at Pres C M Laytons home. Talked gospel to some young folks

Layton ward, Safford postoffice. Rain during the night.

Am well.

I attended and spoke at the 10:30 A.M. meeting and the 2 P.M. meeting in the tabernacle, [page break] at the overflow meeting in the Academy building and was the speaker in the evening meeting at Layton Ward.

Pres. Charles M. Layton made a few interesting remarks at the close. The Lord has blessed me in my ministry. May his name be praised.

We ordained two patriarchs, two bishops and set apart several other officers between meetings, administered to the sick &c.

Layton, Ariz.

Am well.

We had planned to remain over to-day in Thatcher and visit schools, inspect canal and water projects &c. but on account of the much rain which fell during the night the roads are almost un-traversable so have concluded to call it all off and leave for home to-day.

When we arrived in Thatcher Friday Bro. Frank Otterstrom received a wire from home that there was sickness in his family so he took train next day for home. That left but three of us in party viz.; Pres. Heber J. Grant, Willard Young and myself.

We left for home at 11:15 A.M. Washouts delayed us about 6 hours between the [page break] Gila Valley and Colton so that we missed our connections at the latter place and had to wait until night train

On train

Am well.

Bro. Willard Young and I accompanied Pres. Heber J. Grant to Los Angeles and to the coast and spent the afternoon pleasantly in the auto. We rode over the mountain into the San Fer Nandese Valley and through it and back to Santa Monica and back to Los Angeles. And took the 10 P.M. train for home.

All day on train homeward bound.

Arrived S.L. City at 6:30 A.M. Attended 10 A.M. meeting of Council and at 2 P.M. I attended and spoke at the funeral services of Stevensen Wilcox 30 yrs old.

In the evening, Geo., LeGrand and Joel and their wives came in on my invitation and I made representation to them of opportunities for investing in land with profit in the Gila Valley, Arizona:

I had been offered a farm of 120 acres for $5000- ½ cash [page break] bal. Note & mortgage 5 yrs. 7%. Water for 90 Acres.

Home.

All well.

I attended to business at my office, correspondence &c. Set apart three missionaries to New Zealand. Made application for a loan of $2750.00 at the bank with which to purchase land in Arizona. Taken under advisement by US Nat Bk.

Mother & I attended an Orchestral recital in the Large Tabernacle in the evening. We took dinner at Lucenas’.

Home.

All well.

Fine day.

I spent some time at my office attending to correspondence &c and the remaining time at home at my desk. In the evening George took Mother and me down to LeGrands home where we spent a pleasant hour.

Home.

All well.

Beautiful day.

Mother, Ray & I with George, Edith and their children in Ford to Tooele. We left Salt Lake at 8:20 and arrived in Tooele at 10 A.M. George and I attended Sunday School in the Tooele North Ward and I spoke briefly. We all attended 2 P.M. meeting and George & I each preached. [page break] I spoke of the relationship we sustain to God and His plans for our happiness and salvation actuated by love he bears us.

We should appreciate His solicitude for our interests and aid Him in the good work of saving souls. We returned leaving Tooele at 7:20 P.M. and arrived home 9:20 P.M.

Home.

All well Fine day.

I spent the most of the day in my office, and the evening at home.

Home.

All well Praise the Lord

Beautiful weather.

I spent most of the day at my office. I set apart three missionaries. With Elder R. R. Lyman I went up to the Hill Crest Apartments on 1st Avenue by request and administered to Mrs. Elizabeth M. Lynch who was seriously ill.

Attended committee meeting in R. R. L.’s room.

Attended to some business at my son LeGrands office. Spent the evening at home. Mamie & Clarence and their two children, Nina and Orin & baby were with us to supper and excepting Orin who had an appointment elsewhere, re[page break]mained until after 9 P.M.

In the midst of the Influenza’s prevalence we have thus far escaped and we are very grateful to the Lord for this fact. Many are dying from the dreaded disease.

Home.

All well

Beautiful day.

I spent most of the day at my office. Attended committee meetings, Gen Bd. meeting of the M.I.A. and my circle meeting.

Lucena & Rega took supper and spent the evening with us. Filed 40 names & $30.00 at temple.

Home.

All well

Fine day.

Rain commenced to fall towards evening.

I attended weekly Council meeting from 10 to 2 P.M.

I spent about four hrs. in my office.

Ruby came from the hospital where she is studying nursing and took supper and she Mother & I spent part of the evening at George’s.

I should have gone to Teton Stake last week end but for the prevalence of Influenza which occasioned the calling off of all the conferences. [page break]

My appointment for the coming weekend was to Bingham Stake and the week following to Panguitch but we have notice that these conferences will not be held on account of Flu.

Much sickness and many deaths are following Influenza and Pneumonia.

I had a talk with Stephen L. Richards to-day and solicited his aid in getting temple work done for Longstroths’ & Gills.

With Mother and the children I spent the evening at Georges’.

Home.

All well. Fine day.

I spent the forenoon in my office and in the afternoon I attended the funeral services of Henry K. Eakle at the Cemetary and offered the opening prayr. R W Young Jr. and B. S. Hinckley were the speakers and Pres. H. J. Cannon dedicated the grave.

I did some writing at my desk &c.

Home.

All well

Fine weather.

The Influenza is still raging.

I spent the forenoon at my office. In the afternoon I attended the funeral services & burial of Henry K Eakle held at the [page break] Cemetery and offered the opening prayer.

My sons George, LeGrand & Joel and I made payment of $500. to secure bargain for 120 Acres of land at Ashurst, Arizona and 18 shares of water for same. The purchase price being $5000.00

Clarance & Mamie called in the evening and Mother and I accompanied them to the Empress.

Home.

All well.

Some rain fell during the day. My daughter Nerva and her children and husband came in from Tooele on the 3:15 P.M. train. Joel met them with his car at the depot. I spent the forenoon at home. All the family at home took dinner at Joels.

He took Mother, Georgina and me to the tabernacle to 2 P.M. meeting and brought us home. Elder Stephen L. Richards was the speaker and Geo. Washington the Subject. He made a commendable talk.

My 59th birthday spent at home with my family it being a public holiday on account of Geo Washington’s birth day coming on Sunday.

Nerva, Geo L. and two of their children came in from [page break] Tooele and all the grown ups of the family and a number of the children were here in the evening. A nice pocket book was presented to me by the five married daughters and their husbands and other presents given me notwithstanding I had instructed them to bring no presents.

A nice day and evening was had.

Home.

All well Cold and stormy weather. The influenza seems to be abating.

I spent the forenoon and until about 2:30 P.M. at my office. Nerva & George being at home, I did not return to my office after late luncheon.

My brother Franklin S. turned over to Sister Cannon of the Genealogical Society a record of endowments had for the Richards’ and Dewys’ which has been lost from us for some years; also other records and papers and at his request I assumed responsibility to push along the temple and genealogical work with his assistance and that of the family.

Nerva & George L. left for home at 7 P.M.

I attended M.I.A. meeting [page break] in the 27th ward and by previous arrangement I addressed the three advanced classes in one on the subject of Eternal Domesticity.

Home.

All well Mild weather

I spent most of the day in my office. Attended M.I.A. Gen’l Bd meeting and circle meeting. I wrote to the ticket agent of Bowie Station Arizona offering $15.00 for the return of my lost memorandum book.

I spent an hour with Mother and Estella at the Empress.

Home.

All well. Nice day.

I attended weekly Council meeting in the Temple from 10 A.M.to 3 P.M. and spent several hours in my office.

Spent the evening at home.

Home.

All well. Fine day.

The influenza is abated & seems to be almost at an end. None of ours have had it this time. Last year 17 of the family had it.

My sister Nerva and her Rhoda had it severely in the forepart of the month

To-day I spent in my office. A committee meeting was held there on Zions’ Canyon¹ matters. [page break]

In the evening Mother & I and Joel & Georgina in their car went to the 29th ward House and attended a testimonial given for Patriarch Samuel F. Ball, a member of my circle. I made a brief talk.

Home.

All well

Stormy day.

I spent the time until one P.M. at my office. After luncheon I went shopping with Mother and Nina and from there to the “Kinema” show.

In the evening Ruby entertained a number of the L.D.S. Hospital nurses and their male escorts. Ice cream cake, salad, sandwiches &c. were served.

Home.

All well

On account of influenza my appointment to Panguitch was cancelled and the Conference was postponed.

I attended 27th ward S. School, the meeting in the Large Tabernacle where President Heber J. Grant was the speaker and the evening meeting in the Farmers’ ward where I by previous arrangement was the speaker I occupied 60 minutes with good liberty Subj. My experiences preaching in London streets and Finsbury park. [illegible] [page break]