[Published on 7/2/19 by Digital Imaging Lab (1142)] It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from this/these transcript(s) must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collection Coordinating Committee. [Notes added by transcribers are in square brackets. Dashes in square brackets indicate unclear words or letters. indicate words the author inserted to a previously written line.] MSS 6189 - Jensen family journals and histories Number of Pages: 1241 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p001.jpg) RECORD ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p002.jpg) Order Pres Ben E. Rich P. Bates Dear Brother Please send to me Lewis Reuben Jensen At Post Office County. Tenn The following articles and charge to my account [Margin note] P Bates ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p003.jpg) K243 Property Of L R Jensen Basalt Brigham Co Idaho Bought on the 27th of April 1898 in Salt Lake City, Utah Should this Book ever fall in to the hands of a stranger through being lost, they will be liberly rewarded for their trouble in sending it to its owner Elder. L.R. Jensen. Basalt Brigham Co Idaho The amount of $5.00 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p004.jpg) To David from Dad 2-5-73 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p005.jpg) April 25/1898 In A record of the daily events of L.R. Jensen of Basalt Bingham Co Idaho While absent from home on a mission Preaching the gospil of christ. Left home April 25 in company with my wife and family to take the train at blackfoot at 1.30 the next morning bid them all fare well at 12.30 and took the train at 1.30 and after a pleasant nights ride arrived in S L C at 9.30 took breakfast and then met Father mother and Emma at the B.Y. Monument had an enjoyable time after looking around went in to the grand old tabernacle as there was people go- ing in and out of there all the time heard a pin drop about [--] in and bonn[--] when we were off a distance of about 900 feet also heard the grand organ played and spent the rest of the day taking in the sights of the town went down and stayed with Father all night a distance of about 3 miles ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p006.jpg) Salt L C. Apr 27/1898 After wandering a round town answering my self. at 9 P.M. I went in to the anex of the temple with the rest of my comrads to be ordained and set a part to fill my mission was set a ordained a seventy and set a part by Pres [-] Abeldstead he said I should ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p007.jpg) S.L.C. Apr 28/1898 Not being able to sleep very well I arose very early this morning to write in my journal and to get ready to leave on the train at 7 A.M. Our little party consisted of five four of us enroute for the southern states mission and for the eastern. Borded the train in the morning of the 28th and after a real pleasant days ride through the mountains we left the fertile valleys of the saints and now are flying over the barron deserts over which our noble pioneers pilgrimed their way some 50 years ago and I feel to rejoice in the glorious blessing that we enjoy through their toil and hardships and feel to say in my heart God bless those noble Pioneers who have suffered so much. The names of our party are as follows Louis G Bowen of Samaria Idaho. [-]rac Parry of Seder Sity Utah John [-] Cory " " " " Geo Mitchell "Parrowan" " ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p008.jpg) Apr 29/1898 After rideing all night we ari- [-]ved in Denver at 7.15 A.M. Stopped over at six hours walked around and took in some of the sights of the town. Which did not impress me with that feeling of joy and prai[--] that it dose to visit the city of the saints and view the lovely Temple of the Lord and the beautif- -ull homes lawns orchard and gardens of the Saints. Denver has a population of about 190,000 at 11.25 I am now sitting on an elevated road on which there is two cable street car tracks two wagon roads and two foot paths. The road is a bout 30 ft above the round and is about ¾ of a mile long and crosses the plat river. 12:7 AM In 5 minutes we will be flying along the rails again. a[--]r. [--], We are having a slight rain. We are now flying thro- ugh a lovely country and across plains and ro[-]ling praries with out a brush to be seen and them which looks strange to a western boy. [--]mas City Apr 30/1898 Arived in this city at 7.30 A.M. come very near loosing my record book while sleeping during the night In it had worked out ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p009.jpg) of my pocket and after I had left the cars and sat down to write a little I found my book was gon. but went back and found the cars and got them to unlock them and it all right. This is a strange looking town some parts on real low ground and part on high rolling hills. the population is about [-]80,000 back to the east on higher ground I find it is quite a nice city. we visited the temple block at independence the country is ro[-]lin g hills covered with lovely trees only where they are farm[-]ing the temple block is on elevated ground and a real nice spot and the country is quite thickly settled which was quite different to what I expected. Independence is about 19 mi from kansas. after staying around town all day we leave in the morning at 9.15 (at 7.08 May 1st arrived in east St Louis borded the cars again and went across the Mississippi and in to St. Louis wich is a very nice apear ing city. It is a grand thing to see the many sights to be seen I am not feeling very well this morning but expect to feel better before night ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p010.jpg) The trains are pulling in every few minutes and there is a continuos throng of people passing to and fro every thing is kept neat and clean and iff a person is not trigged up to the top notch he feels a little out of place The station here is covered with a great sh[--]d aranged so that it has windows in the roof to let in light. There is 30 tracks run under this shed with large windo tracks walks between every two tracks. At 3 P.M. this after noon I went out on to an elevated road that crossed over the RR tracks to see the sights and have some exersize the bridge was about ¾ of a mile long and when I was about ⅔ of the way across a heavy rain and wind storm struck me I turned and started bac k as fast as y my legs would take me it seemed like the wind was going to take everything before it and it made me think of the storm they had three years ago. I saw it blow a wom an out on to the car track and make her scream ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p011.jpg) and I dident know but what it was going to blow her clear a cross the road, but a man caught her and helped her and they got behind a large post and I went on by as fast as I could when I got to the end of the road there was a little [---] shop full of people. One boy that was just in head of me dropped down like he was clear exausted. Oh dear. All the street cars stopped and the water was running in all directions and was about 18 in deep just in front of where I was and run in the house but everythi- ing came ont all right and I with wet clothes Left St louis at 9.55 feeling well Nashville Tenn May 2nd 1898 Arrives in this city at 9 A.M. after an all nights ride feeling well just crossed the cumberland river this city has a real nice location we leave at 9.15 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p012.jpg) Nashville Cristana. I am now just beginning to enjoy my journy it is real interesting to see the different kinds of country around this part of the country it is awfel rough and rocky and looks like a hard place to live in We arrived in chattanoga at 9. P.M. all well and we soon had a darky telling us where to go he could soon spot a crowd of mormon elders we regestered at the Rosmore hotell fare $1.25 per day met pres. Kimball went and got our new clothes and sent my old ones home went back to the hotell and after a nice chat where we could get around to suit our selves we went to bed at eleven oclock. Chatt. Tenn May 3d/1898 had a good nights rest something we appreciated as we had not had a bed to sleep on since we left S.L.C. and I had not had my shoes off for 4 days. We had a grand parade here to day which was a grand sight to ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p013.jpg) See population of Chatt is 47,000 in watching the troops of infantry and cavalry pass it was a grand sight but it brought a sad feeling over me to think of such a fine army entering in to battle and no telling how many would be killed and it seemed to me that some of them had a sad look on their face and I felt thankfull that I was not on that kind of a May 4th We rec'd our apoint ments to day and had our instructions given us Had a fine time watching the fire bregade contests which was a grand sight to see It is now 12.40 at night and the city is as busy as day we leave for our field of labor at 1.15 all well good bye to Chattanooga all the people here know an mormon elder but treat them with respect ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p014.jpg) May 5 arrved in Decherd at 2.30 this morning feeling well took our grips and umberella on our back and in our hand and walked 2½ or 3 miles to winchester where we expected to meet our companions at 8 have not heard of them yet 11.30 I went up in town and met our companions we waited til 12.30 and then started for east brook where we arrived along in the middle of the after noon our companions decided which of us should be their companions I was to labor with Elder Wheeler and my companion with elder Dalley we did not have any breakfast or dinner tha til in the after noon stoped with a church family by the name of Orbourn, Osburn. May 6th to day came my walking test and after breakfast we started out for Lois a distance of a bout 22 miles by what the people told us but it seemed to me like it was over 30 we we walked all day over hills and hollows resting at inter[-] -ills with out any dinner ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p015.jpg) and with our heavy grips on our shoulders and Oh how my feet and legs did hurt we arived at one of our church members Bro Hicks at 6:30 and met a warm welcome was glad to get to stop. Sawyer May <6> 7 6 <7> after a good nights rest arose in the morning and through the blessings of the Lord and to my surprise I did scarcly felt the efects of the preavious days walk Went and notified some f of the that we ware going to hold meeting in the school house in the eavening. Held meeting good atendence & good order about 30 presant after opening Exercises I occupied about 9 minutes in speeking to the people and I feel that the Lord asisted me this was my first atempt in the missionary field Bro wheeler occupied the rest of the time ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p016.jpg) May 7 7 <8> It being Sunday and other churches holding meeting w thought it wise to atend their meeting acorgingly we atended the Cumberland Presbeterian sacre- ment meeting which I enjoyed very much they had a jolly good time this was the first time. I ever heard crying singing Praying, Praising jumping shouting laughing all at the same time Which amused me very much and made me think of the saying of the Savioirs saying my house is a house of order and of confusion We held meeting in the evening and a good turn out b about for Elder Whealer occupied the time we were invited to stop with a nice family by the name of Mc.[-]ingly wher were mad very welcome and enjoyed our selves very much. May <9> 8th after a very good nights rest. Enjoyed a very good breakfast that made me think of home went up to where we had been stoping got our grips and started out canvasing but on account of one of my shoes hurting my foot we [---] not go far and stoped at a brothers ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p017.jpg) by the name of Pierce who belonged to the church. May <10> 9 After Breakfast started out on our days labor feeling much better as I had fixed my shoe so that it did not hurt had a real pleasant days Journy visiting among the people all treated us kindly have had none refuse our tracts as and after walking all day, stoping and talking with the people and stoped with a family by the name of br Brown he who ware very kind to us this was the <2nd.> first family we stoped with that did not be long to the chirch. May 11 After a good nights rest and a hearty welcome to return we started out on our days journy visiting from house to house visited 96 family 10 Gospel conversations one nights lodging refused us traveled til after dark but found a friend in time of need and got to stop over night the man we stoped with was a babtist that belaved in predestination but treated us ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p018.jpg) very kind we had very good nights rest and a good breakfast the May 12 After a gospel conversation with the our St[-]stes we started on[--] [--] our days journy Visiting familys and giving tracts Went to up to Lois postoffice and my companion Read his mail and we came went from there down to Bro Sawyers Where we stoped the rest of the after noon and night which gave me a chance to read and study a little a chance that is Scarce. May 13 Went down the creek to the Post office where we met with the Pres of the our conference. Bro Larsen and his counseler Archabal which was a great treat to us talked a few mints and went on our way rejoiceing After visiting a few familys me and my partner parted to visit a couple of familys the folks that I visited were very kind and wanted me to stop to diner which I accepted and had a fine time and was kindly invited to return again their name was Bates. I felt to leave the blessings of the Lord with them. Went on and joined my companion went up to Lois post office ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p019.jpg) and there met Elder Archabal and my companion joined him and I went back to Bro Sawers and joined Pres Larsen and Stayed to the rest of the day and night May 14 In the Person of Pres Larsen I found a true friend and a wise counseler and a Congenial companion I enjoyed his company very much and the day passed smoothly by. At night we Had a good wash and a change of clothes which is always great benefit to a person during the after noon I found out that our Presidts visit was some thing that I neaded and I think it will be of great benefit to me F[---] Ten May 15th 1898 Clear Held meeting in the school house at 11 [-] only three presant held services had a good time Pres Larsen took up the time. Had meeting at night the house was filled Pres Larsen spoke subject is Prophets nessesary in the church good meeting ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p020.jpg) [---] F[-]ga Ten May 16th 1898 [--]sty Went with Pres Larsen up to Los and met with counceler and elder Whealer held a counc- -el meeting and recd Councel and encourgment which was just what we neaded and which made us to rejoice and praise the lord in our hearts Parded and went on our way rejoicing Pres Larsen and I ate dinner with a friend R Baley Stoped over night with D St Call treated real well Lois Ten (May 17th 1898) Cloudy after breakfast started out out our labor feeling well and putting our trust in the lord Stoped for dinner with very kind family by the name of who Invited us to return which we promised to do and went down to Fuga post office to call for our mail. Went from there up to a friends by the of Copland was to stop over night was treated very kind Fuga Ten May 18th 98 Clear Chow Feeling well went up to lois then back Paris creek good time with the people my companion and a ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p021.jpg) minister had an argument which resulted in no good as I could see. But but seemed to result the other y way. As we are counceled to keep out of debates as much as possable. Ten May 19th 1898 It is fast day to day. Am not feeling very well Went over on to Robins creek. Was almost sick about noon But towards night feel all right Stoped for the night with a man by the name of J J Walker she was very kind to us We went down to the creek and had a good bath which was enjoyed very much. Fuga Ten May 20 (1898) Storming As it was raining to day we found the men folks to home and held 6 family meetings enjoyed our selves very much and stoped with a friend by the name of J. S. Deal and his daughter was very sick and desired us to administer to her which we did and she slept ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p022.jpg) and rested good all night and real well the next morning May 21st 1898 } cloudy clear Left feeling well Stoped with a friend for diner by the name of Tipps treated us real well went in and stoped to a Browns and shav -ed and cleaned up and went on and close to a house the church where we ware going to hold meeting in the eavening the familys name was Gore Went to meeting had a good atendence [-]d and a good time was about twelve oclock be fore we went to bed. Sunday S[--]rdlow Ten May 22st 1898 } cloudy Went over to a friends Brown and went up to meeting Sunday School with them after which we held meeting and had a Splendid good time the people doing the singing which was a great treat to us. Had another good meeting at night had a good time. Fuga. Te[--] May 23 (1898) Cloudy rain left our friends and went up to ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p023.jpg) lois and on up Stoped and had dinner with a friend another friend by the name of Brown who was very king to us and told us to stop when ever we past went up to Bro Sawyers and wrote a while and then went back to postoffice for our mail and then went two miles over the bridge to hold meeting. Stoped and ate supper with Mr Walker and then went to meeting and then went back and Stayed with Mr Walker all night. Ridgevill Tenn May 24 (1898) Clear Walked hard canvassing all day traveling to wards Ridgvill stayed all night with Edgeman who treated us very kind dinered at Jesse Moor Ridgevill Tenn May 25th 1898 } Clear Left Mr Edgemans Went through ridgevill pleasant days labor visited 42 familys traveled til after night before we could get a place to stop at stoped at William Sanders ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p024.jpg) Lynchburg Ten May 26th 1898 clear To day being fastday we did not doe much canvansing went down to Lynchburg to get our nails mails recd a letter from home the first one I had recd which was a great treat to me to here that all was well to home. came back to ward ridgevill and Stoped with a kind friend Mr. Roten was kindly invit[--]ed back go again. Ridgeville May 28 98 { Cloudy labored down on herican creek to day as we were going to a[-] house the windows and doors were all open but when we got to the house they were all closed and no one answered our call Stoped with a Mr. [---]. Finsey Ridgevill Tenn May 29 <29> 1898 { Cloudy Went down on Short lost creek and up to ridgeville and back up to pleasant hill where we stoped over night with a mister Sanders and stoped over night Lois May 30 1898 after the folks we we ware stopping with had breakfast we started out for ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p025.jpg) the place that we were going to hold meetings at about 3 miles distant and canvassed some [---] our way arrived at the church house at 9.a.m. in time to meet with the sunday school which we enjoyed very much and at eleven held our meeting after which we was invited to take diner and at 3. P.M. held another meeting which was mostly atended by rough boys did not have good order after meeting walked about 3 miles to Mr. Rotens where we were kindly welcomed and recd ate a good supper after fasting all day Lois Tenn May 31th 1897 { Cloudy after Breakfast we stopped and wrote a while and then started out toward Lois whe canvassing on the way Stopped for dinner with a widow lady whos hub husband had only been dead three weeks and we felt to leave the blessings of the Lord with her for her kindness to us. Went on to lois and stopped with a ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p026.jpg) Mr. J Massey his wife being a member of our faith who kindly did our washing for us. June 1st 1898 } Clear we left sister Masseys this morning after a short chat and started the canvassing to wards lynchburg but my partner not feeling well we laid over in the woods the most of the day and Stopped over night at mister Jack Da[--]els a wealthy batchelter Lynchburg June 2st 1898 } Clear Left Mr. Damsels and up to lynchburg to get our mail as it had been over a week since I had recd any but did not get any there [-] So we went on up to the P[-]school house and back down to Milford Sanders where we stoped over night Lynchburg Tenn June 3nd 1898 } Clear to day it is real warm and the country is in very much nead of some rain as the wheet is geting ripe and will shrunk ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p027.jpg) very much off it does not get some rain we are canvasing on the west side of lynchburg where we have not been before. Stopped for noon at a Mr Foster and and went on west traveling quite fast for a fast days journy and towards night started to try to get entertainment for the night and was refused by seven but the eighth one give us supper lodgeing and breakfast and strange to say I think all that refused us was called them selves christians and the one that entertaned us Mr M[-]rten did not perfess any religion Lynchburg Tenn June 4 1898 } Left Mr Mortens and canvassed back to lynchburg and stopped again at Mr Fosters Lynchburg Tenn June 5 1899 } Clear after breakfast we canvassed back to lynchburg and called for our mail but did not recieve any from home which a small disapointment to me as I had not had an heard from home for [Written sideways in right margin] 9 oclock before we stopped ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p028.jpg) for over nearly two weeks. And a person wants to heare from home quite often when he is so far from his lovedones. ate dinner supper and stopped over night with a friend by the name of J. Law also held meeting at night in the Pea Ridge school house. Lynchburg Tenn Sunday June 6 1898 held meeting to day in the school hous at eleven A M. Small atendence but a quite good meeting and went over to Bro Rodens to take Supper and went over to hold meeting. We had a nice crowd and the meeting went off tolerable well while I was a speeking but when my companion was about in the middle of his Sermon they someone on the out side began to rock the house and throw through the windows and doors at one rock hitting my companion in the breast and the meeting was broke up and after we had left the house there was 6 or 8 shots fired out some distance from us ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p029.jpg) Lynchburg Tenn June 6 <7> 1898 | Cloudy after breakfast we went back to Mr Laws and had a short chat with them was kindly in vited back again went down to lynchburg and called for our mail and then went on up the creek Canvassing I and it happened that we got in to late for dinner and thought we would have to go with out any but we happened up to a wealthy mans place and stopped and told him who we were and gave him a tract and he asked us to come in and rest a bit but we told him we would not detain him from his work and he asked us if we had had our dinner and we told him no whereupon he asked us in and had the folks get us dinner and we had a real pleasant talk and instruc tive conversation and was treated real well. Went on up to county line and then over a couple of miles and Stoped with Mr Gore and wass treated very kind ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p030.jpg) Leikhart Tenn. June 8th/1898 { Clear After breakfast we left and went over in a district that seemed to be quit pred[--]ed a gainst us and our testimony was rejected 4 or 6 times but the Lord raised up a friend to entertain us over night a Mr Mc:Nett { Clear { Hot West Mubery Moore C[-] Tenn June 8 <9>/1898 after a good nights Rest we left and canvassed hard walking hard all day visited 53 familys walked 16 miles Stopped at night with Mr Richardson Played the organ and sang some songs West Mulbery Tenn June 10th 1898 { Clear After a good nights rest we started out canvassing without any breakfast it being fast day felt well all day stood the fast splendid did not stop til after dark but got to stop with Mr Onsley who took us in it seems just through his generosity but dident want any of our doctren but we had a splendid nights rest all the same and enjoyed our meals splendid ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p031.jpg) West Mulbrey Tenn June 11th 1898 Left Mr Onsleys at 5:30 and canvassed over to County Line a distance of 8 miles Went from there over in to bedford Co to see an elder of a church in County line by the name of Jessy Niece to se if we could get a church to speek in Sunday but Stopped with him all night and was treated well County line Tenn June 12th 1898 { Clear went back to Countyline on the rod I got to ride with in a buggy with a real well educated gentleman who asked me a great many questions I also sold him a voice of warning as my feet was getting sore me and my Companion seperated he went on sanvassing I went up to a friends Bro. Brown and had dinner and stopped there the rest of the day and my companion Elder Wheeler joined me and we stopped there over night and was treated real well we failed to get a house to hold meetings in over sunday. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p032.jpg) Countyline June 13th 1989 { Cloudy Sunday June 13 my Companion Being sick I stoped at Mr. Browns to day and rested and wrote to my folks at home and spent the Sunday in conversation and reading my companion seemed to be quite sick has a feaver and headache. Countyline Tenn June 18th <14> 1898 { Clear My Companion not being able to travel we stopped to Stayed at Jas W Browns I walked down to the ofice to post our mail and get some but was dissapointed a gain as usual as there was none there for me concluded that I would have to wait til some comes before I get it. County line June 14th 1898 { Cloudy & raining } Elder Wheeler does not seen any better to day so I spend the time conversing with the folks we are staying with also took some mail down to the post office and got Elder Wheelers mail. County line Tenn June 16 <16> / 1898 { Raining to day Elder Wheeler seems to be some better after dinner ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p033.jpg) I went down to the office and read some mail from home the first in three weeks was glad to here that all was well. and prosp rous, which is a great treat to know when a man is 2,[-]00 miles from home the ones that are the most dear to him on earth. Countyline Tenn June 17-<17> 1898 { Raining Elder Wheeler spent a real bad night last night Slept but very little had a bad head ache and a heavy feaver, Is some better to day and is up out of bed. To day is fast day I have been to the post office a 4 miles walk ther and back which makes good exersize for me Lynchburg Tenn June 18, 1898 { Cloudy Sprinkling We concluded to move quarters to day as it seems to bad to stay with the people to long at a time as they are quite poor Mr Brown took Elder Wheeler over to a Friend Mr Hortens in his buggy and I walked around to the post offices a distance of 7 miles and met at Mr Rotens C Where we met a hearty welcome and Elder wheeler got lots worse and ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p034.jpg) Spent a bad day and nights rest. Lynchburg Tenn June 19-<19> 1898 { Cloudy Another Blessed Sabeth has come again But Oh what a difference there is here and betwen here and home no merry childrens voices sing ing the songs of Zion in the sabeth school as we see them at home and no regular Sunday meetings. People scattered all over and every where but tending a good Sabeth meeting. Walked down to the office to get our mail Elder Wheeler had a hard chill today I have had enough rest and would like to get to work a gain Lynchburg Tenn Tenn /1898 { Cloudy As we were in nead of some writen paper and had some a bout eight miles from here at Bro Sawyers I concluded to walk over and get some Arived at bro Sawyers just at dinner time was gladly received and after dinner chatted and had a good time with them and was kindly invited to return. any time I felt so disposed saying I knew the way and ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p035.jpg) was welcome. Returned by way of lynchburg to get our mail eating blackberrys and plums on the way got back just at dark Lynchburg Tenn June 21th { Raining yesterday as I past lois I found a letter in the office that I had been looking for so long. It had been there over two weeks Elder Wheeler had a nother chill to day After diner I went down to the office to post some litters. My companion wrote to our president to day requesting to be released on acount of his health Lynchburg Tenn June 22st 1898 { Clear Elder Wheeler is lots better to day and I think will be all right in a few days To day I worked some in the cotton also went and picked a nice lot of berrys Lynchburg T Lynchburg Tenn June 23d/1898 { Clear to day is thirsday always fast day for us I have enjoyed my self the best kind walked to Linchburg after mail. on my return had a feast on dew berrys ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p036.jpg) Fuga Tenn June 24/1898 { Cloudy Rain As Elder Wheeler Is feeling beter to day we thought we would leave Mr Columbus Rhoten and visit among some of our friends acordingly we walked over to Bro Sawyers a distance of 7 or 8 miles stopped on the yo way at Squire Ivens had a good time eating peaches. found Bro Sawyers folks all feeling well Fuga Tenn. June 25/1898 { Clear After a good nights rest I arose feeling Splendid just two months to day since I left home and I can see quite a chang in my scircumstances and the way I feel I beleave I have made some progress I hope so at any rate. Went over to Joney Pirses, amember of our faith Elder Wheeler got a letter from the office stateing that he would be released to go home as soon as he could get the money to pay his way Fuga Tenn June 26th/1898 { Sunday rain Spent the day in conversation feeling well and striveing to prepare to my self for future work ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p037.jpg) Fuga Tenn Sunday June 27/1898 Monday Fuga June stayed with Bro Sawyers to day fasted part of the day thinking it would do me good Fuga Tenn June 28/1898 { Clear went up to Squire. Evens to day and spent the night with them was treated well they had an organ and we sang and played and enjoyed out selvs the best kind [--] Tenn June 29/1898 { Clear spent the day in conversation and eating peaches walked back to Bro Sawyers and stayed over night Lois Tenn June 30/1898 { warm to day is fast day and we stayd with Bro Sawyer all day but Elder Wheeler went down to gores to stop over night. Fuga Tenn July 1st/1898 { Clear and Warm I also spent to day in fasting and prayr hopeing to receive a benafit by so doeing and hope my expectations will be realised in ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p038.jpg) Fuga July 2nd/1898 Clear & warm went down to the office and went from there up to Mrs Mr Coplen who treated us very so kindly stayed over night with him Fuga. July 3d/1898. { Sprinkle Held meeting this forenoon at 11 and one in the eavening at 8 had a good time a splendid time at night. Fuga Tenn July 3 <4>d/1898 { Cloudy As my companion was able to go to work to a we went back to start to canvass. went through lynchburg to get our mail and as I went through in the county seat saw nothing to to call our minds back to the great day when our nation gained declared its independence Stopped at night with Mr. Rhotens Countyline Tenn July 5/1898 { Left Mr Rhotens and went to canvasing in the north east end of the county walked 12 mile stopped with Mr Ray on hurrican Creek. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p039.jpg) Countyline Tenn July 6/1898 Clear After a splendid nights rest we took breakfast, was treated real well, canvassed all day walked 20 mile and on account of not getting a place to stop we traveled till after dark stopped with a Mr Birnm but did not get any Supper as there [--]or one home but the man. But had a good bed to Sleep on Countyline Tenn July 7th/1898 { After a good nights rest we arose and started out on our days work with out any breakfast but feeling well Went to Countyline and took dinner with Parsen Irving Read our mail and canvassed down to lynchburg and then over to Columbs Rhotens Lynchburg Tenn July 8th/1898 { Rain Spent the day fore noon fixing up my clothes cut my breeches off and hemed them up and patched a hole in them. also mended a hole in my coat. Went down to the office in the after noon Lynchburg Tenn July 9th 1898 { Rainy This morning, I bade farewell to my Companion Elder Wheeler who was started home as he ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p040.jpg) been Released on account of ill heal -th and I was left a lone for the first time since I had been out here Soon after he had left I was taken real sick with a pain in my stomach which lasted a bout 5 hours and then I vomited after which the pain stoped. I then started to get chilly which lasted some time and then a fever started which lasted till I went to sleep at night. Lynchburg Tenn July 10th 1898 { After a good nights rest I arose feeling much better this morning and althou -gh I was a little worred as to the out come of my sick spell I feel that all will be well with me at eavening I walked down to the office a bout 3 miles to get my mail but the office was closed and I went to the post masters house and tried to get him to get my male for me but he thought it was to much trouble so I had to go back with out it Lynchburg Tenn July 11th 1898 { Got up early and had breakfast by 9'oclock went don to lynchburg ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p041.jpg) and got my male and came back washed my clothes and then went back to after my mail again makeing a walk of a bout 10 mile Lynchburg Tenn July 12th 1898 { Went down to lynchburg again to day to get my male but did not get any. Tullahoma Tenn July 13th 1898 { Cloudy Bid fare well to to Bro Rhoten and family after dinner to day and walked over to turkey creek and stoped with mister Fi[-]mey who treated me very kindly. Tullahoma Tenn July 14th 1898 { Rainy Walked up to tullahoma by 11 A.M. walked around town till evening avoiding the places of intrist after which I thought I had better find a place to stop over night and was called up on 6 places was refused once found one man at home 4 times and stoped at the 6th just before dark was refused but it started to rain and they told me to st[--] till the rain was over and then it was to late to go in ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p042.jpg) So they said I could stop all night but I went to bed without any dinner or supper but felt thankful for a good bed to sleep on Tullahoma Tenn July 15th/1898 { Rainy After a good nights rest I arose and ate breakfast went over in town and after wandering a round a while I met Elder Dalley & Parry which was quite a treat to me they were going to take train for sparta on their way to confer -ence I had a little mony so I joined them as far as my mony would take me rode about 25 mile met two other elders on the train. got of moreston walked a bout 6 mile with Elders Dalley and Parrey and then bade them fare well and started out alone as they were going to take the train a gain. Walked a bout 3 mile and stooped a bout with a nice family by the name of C. Crish who treated me very kindly and I enjoyed my self the best kind New July 16/1898 { Clear Arose this morning feeling real well walked around with the my hostess looking at his place and after ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p043.jpg) Breakfast started on my way Rejoiceing thanking the Lord for the blessings of the past night walked 8 mils and stopped and [-]at dinner went and 8 miles farther and stooped for the night with a very kind man and his wife who treated real kind therr name was James Griffith Hollandworth Tenn July 17th 1898 { After a good nights rest I a rose ate breakfast shook hands with the hostess was kindly invited to call again and went on my way rejoicing traveled a bout 11 miles and stopped at night with a family by the name F F Kigsbey who treated me real kind. Cassville Tenn July 18/1898 { After a good nights rest I arose feeling real well washed my socks and kerchief wrote a letter to my folks and started out on my journy stoped for dinner with a family by the name of Cope and while there it rained and the roads were very muddy the rest of the day traveled [-]3 mile and with a family by the name of howard who treated me very well ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p044.jpg) Cookville Tenn July 19th 1898 { Cloudy after breakfast I started out on my way and after walking a couple of miles I came to a creek that I had to waid so I went up the creek a wais and had a good wash when I came back I found Elders Dalley & Parrey and walked with them till noon and we seperated to get dinner. After dinner we dident meet again and I went on a lone a bout stopping time I got in to a poor disstrict and traveled till quite a while after dark got 9 refuses but found a good place just as I was about to give it up as I was very tired haveing traveled about 22 mile Livingston Tenn July 20th/1898 { Raining After breakfast and a good nights rest I started on my days journy feeling well and thanking the Lord for blessing me and raising friends to provide that what I needed stoped for dinner at a pres peterian ministers for dinne had a good conversation with him met two other Elders traveled a wais with them sepereated and I stopped with a kind family by the name of J[-]o Linder traveled 11 mi ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p045.jpg) Mourd Tenn July 21st/1898 { Last night was the worst the night [-] have spent in the missionary [-]ield the bed bugs tormented me all night so that I did not get hardly any sleep but was treated well by the family traveled 10 mile and met with Seven other elders we held meeting at night and had a real good time stopped at night with a family by the name of Brumit was treated real well had a good swim [-]in our party [-]ormingham Tenn July 22/1898 { after a good nights rest I arose feeling well Elder Forsyth and I stopped to gather last night and we washed our clothes this forenoon shaved and brushed up getting ready for conference and after dinner we started to wards byrdstown when we crossed the river we had a nothe good swim 11 in [-]ur party I and Elder Olsen stopped behind the rest of the family party and stoped about 3½ miles from town with a real nice family who treated us real kind by the name of Matheny Byrdstown Tenn July 23d 1898 { Sto Rainy after a good nights rest we eat ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p046.jpg) a good Breakfast and started to Byrdstown rode in a wagon the most of the way Held our conference meettings comenceing at 10 A.M. and we had the first principles of the gospil taken up and explaned in an interesting manner and I can truly say we had a feast of spiritual Blessings. At the afternoon meeting we had the same subjects continued and the meeting was very interesting I with Elder Crowly were asigned a place to stay 8 mi out of town with a family by the name of Huddleson who were very kind to us and we did not [---] to go to nights meeting Byrdstown July 24th 1898 { Rainy Got up quite early and walked to town to be there at the preisthood meeting which comenced at 7.30 AM lissened to a bout 10 Elder Bare their testimony which was very interesting at 10 AM we had the best meeting we held Pres Nelsen being the speaker and I can say he had the the Spirit of the Lord and spoke By its influence and gave a powerful sermon an the gospil of Christ and the devinity of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saints ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p047.jpg) and also of mission of Joseph Smith and Oh what a feast we had felt many times repaid for my 25 miles walk. At the afternoons meeting Pres Larsen occupied the time and spoke on the necessity of Prophets in the Gospil of Christ had an enjoyable time and Oh how thankfull I was that I had the privelige of atending conference [-]and a young man a member of our faith by the name of Evertt Stilgrow who was a very nice young man walked a bout 1½ mi to stop with a family by the name S A Morgan and as it was and after supper we went back to night meeting Elder Bench occupied the time and Spoke on the necesity of having Inspired Prophets in the church and every thing was made so plane that it seemed to me that it would be impossible for any one not to understand I can truly say that that we have had a glorious time of rejoicing and I can say that enjoyed my self that very best kind and I think it will be a long time before I forget the enjoyable and happy times We also had Priesthood meeting in the after noon ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p048.jpg) Byrdstown July 25th 1898 { Rainy To day we held another Priesthood meeting and all the Elders arose and Bore their testamany and we received our instructions and Oh what a time of rejoiceing we had our meeting lasted about six hours and I don't think any one was tired. After dinner I haveing chance to ride with some of the Bretheren availed my self of the Privelige and we went about 18 miles and stopped with a family by the name of Jno Little who treated us very kind Livington July 26th 1898 { Rainy After Breakfast we walked a bout three miles and found the rest of our party and went on our way passed through bookville wher our Pres Baught a lunch some candy and we drove out of town and stopped for noon. We went on and had a grand time our party consisted of Pres Nelsen Elders Bench bard and Baird and two local Elders by the name of Mainerd and Modley We had a good time and all stopped with a family of saints by the name of Nowlin and we had a fine time singinging and hearing them play on the Or Piano piano and They were the nicest family I ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p049.jpg) have met in the South And I was very reluctent in leaveing them as they had a very nice home and lovely surround ings. And it seems to do a person good [--] meet with such surroundings some times [-]owlin farm Tenn July 27th 1898 { After a good nights rest we eat Breakfast before day light and some of the party left so as to get on the train we Stopped and wrote home to the folks and a good time visiting with the kind family after diner we rode to town with Bro Nowlin and walked from there to Bro Meddleys 3 miles was treated very kind Sparta Tenn July 28th 1898 { clear to day was a very nice day I enjoyed my self very much visit ing among the Saints as ther was a a branch of the church organised here eat dinner with and supper and with Bro Hasting & family who had a real nice home Sparta Tenn July 29th 1898 { Cloudy After a good visit with the Saints we left at 1.30 for our field of labor stopped at night with a kind family by ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p050.jpg) the name of Waler who treated us very kind at night we went to a meeting with where there was Six ministers they abused us some in their sermons and chalanged us and after meeting my Com wanted 5 minutes to defend our cause in which they refused to grant us which showed to the people that they was a fraid of us and I think it made us friends. walked 7 mi Qubec Tenn July 30th 1898 { After a good nights sleep we arose feeling well had a good talk with the Family on our articals of faith and started out on our way feeling well walked 15 mi and stopped at night with a family. By the name of Hartford Malhery after Receiving 2 refusels and was treated very kind by the man. Mc'minvill Tenn July Aug 1st 1898 Rain After a good nights rest we pursued our journy and although It was Sunday we had no place to sop and rest where we were welcome So we went on our way re after walking a bout 15 mile we arrived at Sister Bowerses Tired and hungry was kindly received, ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p051.jpg) McMinville Tenn Aug 1st 1898 { After a Splendid nights rest we arose in the morning feeling real well eat a nice breakfast cooked by Northern people which we enjoy the best kind. It is a treat to meet with northern people once in a while. Stopped til after dinner and then walked 6 mi to a family of saints where we were welcomed as all other elders are by the name of Tennessee where we felt right to home. S Tennessee farm Tenn Aug 2nd 1898 { To day we went down to the creek and had a good wash changed clothes the kind folks offered to do our washing [--] we stopped over and had a good rest and cleaning up had all the peaches and other fruit we wanted [-]kehontess Tenn aug 3d 1898 { Raining After breakfast we got ready to start on our Journy in leaveing the Saints kindly invited us back again to spend a while and have our clothes washed. we walked about 15 mi and stopped with a preacher who treated us very kind. After Supper we sang and had a good time. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p052.jpg) Manchester aug 4th 1898 { Cloudy To day we walked to Teal office wher we stopped and wrote some after lunch we walked to Manchester from there we walked toward hilsborough walked 18 miles & stopped with a family by the name of Shofner Hillsborough Tenn aug 5th 1898 { After breakfast we started out canvasing and trying to get a house to preach in walked about 7 mile stopped with a family by the name of Dickens who treated us very kind Hillsborough Tenn aug 6th 1898 { after breakfast we started out on our days labor had a good time visiting & talking a mongst the people tried to get a house to preach in But failed but as a rule the people treated us very kind met one man who said his mother was the mother of 20 children Although we failed in geting a house to hold meetings in yet we had a good time singing and talking with the people walked a bout 5 miles & stopped at night with a family by the name of Braly to day we had our first good feast on water & musk mellon which was a great treat to us. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p053.jpg) Hillsborouoh Coffee Co Tenn Sunday aug 7th 1898 { Clear Thiss morning was a beautiful nice morning all nature seeming to rejoice we stayed with Our Braley all day to day and but very little to interest us I beleave it was the porest spent sabeth I remember of for a long time and I hope I wont spend a nother in the same way. Hillsborough Aug 8th 1898 { to day we went over to the office a bout 3 miles to send our mail and canvassed the rest of the day at night we made up our minds where wewere going to stay but got refused and went on til it was quite late was refused twice the third time we insisted so much that the gentleman through the persuasion of his wife consented and we had a good bed to sleep on but no supper. But that is quite common but we always feel thankful for a good bed his name was [--]o Thaxton Hillsborough Tenn aug 9th 1898 { Rain we left feeling real well this morning after a good breakfast. After canvassing a while we came to a church house where they was holding protracted meeting so we stopped and atended one they had a Love feast ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p054.jpg) comenceing at 10 a.m. and then had a sermon at 11 a.m. had a very good time and after the meeting was out we started canvassing to ward the post office we thought we were going to miss our dinner but was invited to stop and eat was treated real well in a district where the elders have laid out all night when it was cold weather we had quite a time geting to town as it rained very hard and some places the water was 3 or 4 feet deep and we had to walk and crawl on the fences for a long wase and got real wet but got to stop with the post master who were a very nice family and we had a good supper and bed their name was Harris Hillsbrough Tenn Aug 10th 1898 { after a good nights rest we got up and put our wet clothes on and after breakfast we started out canvassing it was very muddy and dissagreable to walk we atended a methedest prayr meetting and had a good time (we were booth asked to pray and did so also sang a song and Elder Baird spoke a short time after meeting we were invited [--]ys Jessy Charles to come and Stop with him which we did and had a good time days walk 6 miles ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p055.jpg) Hillsborough Tenn Aug 11-1898 { Clear After Breakfast and a good conversation [-]e went over to Sister Wintens where we [-]tayed all day and had a good time [-]alking and eating mellons. Hillsborough Tenn. Aug 12th 1898 { After breakfast we went down to hillsboroug get our grips & mail a distance of 4 mi [-]ame back for dimer and then started [-]ut tracting walked 11 miles and stoped [-]ver night with a family by the name of [-] A Knott where the elders have stayed great deal was treated real kind. [-]illsborough Tenn. Aug 13th 1898 { Clear After Breakfast we tracted Back to Bro Wintons 2 miles where we cleaned up changed clothes and got ready for Sunday stoped Bro wintens again to night. Henrys Cove Tenn aug 14th 1898 { Clear to day being the sabeth we fasted and held meeting at 10.30 AM had a real good meeting and I can say I enjoyed my self a [-]reat deal beter to day than I did a week a go to day and I hope to be able to spend every other Sabeth in a usefull way ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p056.jpg) Henrys Cove Tenn aug 15th 1898 { Clear This morning we washed our clothes and after geting our work done up we started out feeling well tracting walked 7 miles and stopped at night with a very kind family by the name of Ben Lowery. Arbery Tenn aug 16th 1898 { Clear Rain After having a good nights rest we arose feeling well and started out tracting as usual went down to hillsboro and got our mail and then back to henrys cove and stopped with a family by the name of Woodbery Winton who treated us very kind. Miles walked 9 went to bed feeling well Henryscove Tenn aug 17th 1898 { After a good nights rest and a good breakfast we started out at our days woork walked 4 miles Stopped at night with a very kind family by the name of G P Lain was treated very kind. Sainville Tenn Aug 18th 1898 { Cloudy after a good nights rest we went back In our road to see one of the school trustees to get a chance to preach in their school house and got their ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p057.jpg) [-]oncent walked 5 miles and stopped over night with a family By the name of [-] Andrew Stotts. [-]inville Tenn Aug 19th 1898 { last night It Rained quite hard but it [-] real nice this morning but it is quite [-]udy we visited Tracted around in the barronns to da and came back to Henrys Cove walked a bout [-] miles and stopped Mr Charles [-] very strong methedost was treated [-]eal well. Henryscove Tenn aug 20th 1898 { To day we went down to the post [-]ffice to get our mail but I was lucky enough not to get any havent Recd and answer from the letters I wrote over three weeks [-] go. Came back to henrys cove and stopped with Sister Winton miles walked 8 Sansville Tenn Aug 21st 1898 { It being Sunday to day we Went up to Sainsville [-]nd held two meetings I beleave to day [-]as been the Best spent day except conference while I have been out here we walked 5 miles stopped over night with [--]o Dandagriff ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p058.jpg) Sainsville Tenn Aug 22nd 1898 { Clear The Family we were stopping with seemed to want us to stay with them longer so we stopped till after dinner. the old gentelman had a cancer on his face which had eaten one side of his face off and one eye out and he was in a pittaful condition We went down to the store and then over to henrys cove walked 4 mi and stopped with a family by the name of England Henryscove Tenn Aug 23d 1898 { After eating breakfast we went over to Sister Wintons and washed our clothes sayed all day and helped saw some raw logs eat mellons had a good rest 1 miles walk wrote home Studies some out the personality of god eat supper and went to bed Hillsboro Aug 24th 1898 { After breakfast we went to hillsboro and went to a Methedest meeting from there we went South east about 3 miles and started to tracting waked in all about 8 miles Stopped at night with Mr Anderson where we eat mellons and had a good nights rest ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p059.jpg) Flat Plane Tenn Aug 25. 1898 Cloudy After Breakfast and all the mellon I wanted [-] eat we went down to see if we could [-]et a school house to preach in tracted all [-]ay and walked 10 miles stopped at [-]ight with Mr Gun who treated us very [-]ind had a nice home Tenn Aug 26. 1898 { Cloudy [-]o day we went back to the school house [-]nd gave out anapointment for sunday [-]ang some songs to the school and read chapter and opened the school by [-]rays canvassed from there about [--] warens store walked 10 mi stopped with Mr Wamic a christian preacher. [-]illsboro Tenn. Aug 27/98 { walked up to hillsboro to day and [-]ed a good Old letter from my sweet heart how glad I was to heare from [-]ome canvassed back to wards where we were going to hold meeting sunday on our way we saw a white headed niger child and white skin his hair was curly and white as cotton walked 8 miles and stopped at night with Mr Cargile ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p060.jpg) Willis Cove Tenn Aug 28/98 { Clear We got up this morning feeling well after a good nights rest went down to the school house where we held meeting at 10.30 AM and held another at 3 P.M. had a real good meeting in the afternoon house as full as it would hold was invited to home by 5 or 6 Stopped with a kind family who treated us real well By the name of Mr Elkins. Flatplane Tenn Aug 29/1898 { Rain We started out tracting feeling Real well this morning went down to the Elk river and had a good wash bath was late finding a place to stop as the people dident want to take us in But found a real nice place where we were treated fine their names was Campbell Henley Prarie planes Aug 30th 1898 { Rain Left our kind hostess and went up to pleasant plane to get concent to hold meeting in their school house went from there over to prarie planes to get our mail which we were very glad to receive and heare that all was well at home walked 7 miles and stopped at night with Mr ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p061.jpg) Prarie planes Aug 31/1898 { Clear To day we canvassed among the people met some that a posed us quite hard and made us hunt the scripture to defend our selves walked 7 miles Stopped at night with [--]o Henly. Treatment kind Pleasantplanes Tenn Sept 1st/1898 { After a good nights rest we started out canvassing feeling real well went to the school house and talked to the school a short time Sang a couple of songs and gave out notice that we would hold meeting there next Sunday 8 miles Stopped at night with kind family by the name of H G Mosher Prarieplanes Tenn Sept 2nd 1898 { After breakfast we spent most of the forenoon explaneing the principles of the gospil Stayed till after noon had a good time went over to plesa ntplane where we had apointed meeting at night but there was no one there as it was very muddy walked 6 miles stayed all night with a nice family by the name of Corn. It was very muddy and we travelled till after night But we apreciated a good place when we got it ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p062.jpg) Pleasantplanes Tenn Sept 3/1898 After a real pleasant nights rest we arose feeling well eats breakfast and started out walked down to the river had a good wash and shave also washed our garments and socks went over towards the schoool house and stopped with a man by the name of S. P. Partin. walked 4 miles Prarieplanes Tenn Sept 4th 1898 { to day being fast day we did not eat breakfast wrote some in our journal and went over to the floid school[-] house where we had an apointment to preach at 10:30 AM, had a real good meeting sang some songs after meeting was dissmissed. Went and stopped with Creg Mosier the rest of the day and night. miles walked 1 Prarieplanes Tenn Sept 5 1898 { Cloudy To day we tracted and after diner we went up to the post office and wrote to our folks at home after the male had come we started out as usual walked 8 miles and stopped all night with Mr Gulvin on his 70th birthday and they were norterners and a nice home and treated us very kind set a table that made us think of home Thanks to the Lord ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p063.jpg) [-]rarieplanes Tenn Sept 6th 1898 { Clear After a good nights rest we eat good breakfast and started on our way rejoiceing and feeling real well walked 7 miles and Stopped at [-]ight with Mr Wagner [-]illsboro Tenn Sep 7th 1898 { We arose feeling real well this morning and after writeing a couple of songs for the folks we stopped with we started out tracting it was very nice and cool to day and some [-]f the time we kept our coats buttoned walked 9 miles went to hillsboro and got a letter from my dearones at home stoped at night with Mr Gillen and had a splendid nights rest and a good clean bed Hillsboro Tenn Sep 8/1898 { this morning was clear and cool and t put me in minde of home it was [-] nice and fresh. after breakfast we started out tracting in the afternoon as we was passing a house [-] man asked us to come in and get [-]me mellon but when he saw who we was he left for he expected to sell one to us [-]ut we got one any way: walked 11 miles and stopped with Mr Robertson ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p064.jpg) Hillsboro Tenn Sept 9th 1898 { Cloudy After a good nights rest we arose feeling well only I had a slight cold went and got permition to hold meeting in the logan chapel sunday afternoon tracted all day stopped all night with S Dudley. Hillsboro Tenn Sep 10th 1898 { bothere some to day with a cold canvass towards the office got our mail was surprized by finding two letters from home one from my Wife and one from C S Fackrell Walked out bout 1 mile from the office and stopped all night with a kind family by the name of Dixon. Hillboro Tenn Sep 11th 1898 { After a good breakfast we walked up to logan chapel 3 mi w[--] we went to their sunday school and meeting was invited over to the same plase as the preacher was had a fine dinner went back and held meeting at 3.30 had a good time enjoyed our selves the best kind was invited to stop at night with Mr Robinson ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p065.jpg) Henryscove Tenn Sep 12/98 Clear [--] day we left our kind friend [--]a Robinsons feeling well canvassed to hillsboro from there we went up to sister wintons and stopped for the night walked 8 miles Sister winton was quite sick. [-]enryscove Tenn Sep 13th 1898 { after breakfast we done our washing and wrote and studied the rest of the day Sister Winton got to feeling lots better. [-]ainville Tenn Sep 14th 1898 { Clear today y we went up to Sainville to try and get a house to hold meetings in walked 6 miles stopped with a kind friend who treated us very kind by the name of Lewis Sehorne [-]ainville Sep 15th 1898 { After a good nights rest we arose feeling well and after breakfast we bid good bye to our hostes was kindly invited back tried to get a house to preach in but [-]ailed walked back to Henryscove 8 miles stopped with a kind friend by the name of Mr Good where we was invited back again ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p066.jpg) Henryscove Tenn Sep 16th 1898 { Clear To day we went down to Prarieplane to try to get a church to hold a seirous of meetings in walked 9 miles and at night had a rather hard time to get entertainment but a man by the name of L Wileman by pressing him sad he could furnish us a good bed but couldent give us any thing to eat so we went to bed with out any supper and left with out any breakfast Prarieplanes Tenn Sep 17th 1898 { after going to bed without any supper we arose afte a good nights rest and left with out any breakfast but the store keeper asked us to eat with him we spent the most of the day trying to get a house to holde meeting in but failed walked a bout [-] mi stopped withe our kind friend H G Mosher Prarieplanes Sep 18/1898 { After a good night rest we arose feeling well it being a lovely day stopped with the folkes all day dident hold any meetings wrote home and enjoyed my self quite well went down to the river and had a Swim Stopped all night with a kind family by the name of Mr Hindman ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p067.jpg) Pleasantplanes Tenn Sep 19th 1898 To day we walked up to the willes [-]chool house and got concent to [-]old meeting in walked 8 mi and [-]topped with Mr Miller. Hillsboro Tenn. Sep 20th 1898 { Rain Went up to Sister winton Stopped a while [-]nd went on up to A A Knotts walked [-] miles. was treated real kind. Cainsville Tenn Sep 21st 1898 { Rain we went up to sainville this morning [-]nd my companion read some male [-]he first in three weeks we canvass [-] the rest of the day walked 7 miles [-]topped all night with a wealthy [-]amily by the name of Ramsey. [-]inville Tenn Sep 22nd 1898 [-]fter agood nights rest and a good breakfast we started out on our muddy march walked a bout 9 miles and [-]topped with the brother of sister Colins who treated us very kind his name was Mr Prater. [-]ve learned that sister Colins was very sick and was not ab expected to live very long ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p068.jpg) Sainville Tenn Sep 23/1898 { Clear To day we canvassed til after diner. and went to the office and met Elders Crear and Wilson who came to hold meetings with us. We held a meeting at night and at Henryscove School house had a fine meeting Elders Crear & Wilson done the talking at. we were a bout to dismiss there was a bout 12 shots fired a wais from the house. walked a bout 8 mi stopped with Bessy Charles. Pleasantplanes Tenn Sep 24/1898 { To day Elder Crear and I went down the the willes school house to hold meetin but the people dident come out enough to hear us so we dident hold meeting walked 11 mi stopped with Squire Baily. Pleasantplanes Tenn Sep 25/1898 { to day we walked all forenoon and notefied the people of our meeting at 3.00 P.M. held meeting at the apointed time not many presant Elder Creer occupied the time. Stoped over night with Widow Lane ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p069.jpg) [-]asantplanes Tenn Sep 26/1898 { Cloudy [-]fter a good nights rest we arose feeling [-]ll eat breakfast was kindly invited [-] return at any time that we desired [-]alked down to Polly chapel a [-]istance of 5 miles held meeting there [-] night stopped with David Floid [-]leasantplanes Tenn Sep 27/1898 { [-]o day we vissited among the people [-]nd at night held a meeting at night [-]ad a very good meeting Elder Creer occupided the time. Mister Tate Hillsboro Tenn Sep 28/1898 { After biding farewell to the people we [-]ent up to hillsboro and met our [-]mpanions held a council meeting [-]ad an enjoyable time bid farewell [-]o our friends Elders Creer and Wilson [-]ent on up to henry cove walked 15 miles stopped with Mr A A Knott [-]inville Tenn Tenn Sep 29/1898 [-] day we walked out to fountain [-]rove adistance of a bout 8 mi Stopped with S. Bryant after traveling a while after dark he dident want to take us in but [-]ouldent refuse it being late but he treated us real well ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p070.jpg) Fountaingrove Tenn. Oct 30th/98 { Rain This morning it was raining so we dident travel much went and asked permision of the trustees to hold meeting in their school house and after getting their concent we walked over to mister Mortons and stayed the rest of the day and over night. had a real good time Fountaingrove Tenn Oct 1st 1898 { After a good nights rest and breakfast we went out in the woods and studied the most of the day and then went up to Mr. Praters and stopped all night had a good time singing and playing on the organ Fountaingrove Tenn Oct 2nd/1898 { To day was fast day we went down and held meeting a cording to apointment, Had a real good audience in the fore noon services. Not quite so good in the afternoon went back and stopped with mister prater Mr Prater as we had no other invitation Sumitville Tenn Oct 3d/1898 { To day went over to sumitville and read our mail which is always welcome what a pleasure it is to here from the loved ones at home and here that all is well and how often the silent prare asends. God bles my loved ones at home ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p071.jpg) [-]mitville Tenn Oct 4th 1898 { [-]o day we had a real good time visiting [-]ong the people it rained all day so we [-]ident travel but little we stoped with [--] northeren people they had their homes [---] wh real nice in side which made [-] almost feel like I was home Oh how I [-]mire a nice well kept house. Stopped with [-] A Cuningham. [-]mitville Tenn Oct 11th 1898 { [-]ot haveing my Journal with me have mist writeing for nearly a [-]eek. We held one public meeting [-]ednesday Oct 5th and had a good [-]ime spent the rest of the week visiting [-]mong the people on Sunday Oct 9th [-]e held two good meetings at [-]umitville had a good atendence yesterday we walked down to [-]anchester to get our mail walked [-] miles and stoped at night in [-]umitville with the Section Boss [-]r. Stone [---]l Tenn October 15th 1898 [-]n the 12th we visited Mr Prater [-]gain learned that his sister Ms Sister Colins was still getting worse and getting very week [-]swe were on the way we stopped [-] have a wash in the creek ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p072.jpg) as soon as we got undressed it started to rain and all I had to do was to stand on the bank and rub and soap my self and had a good wash in rain water then rence -d of in the creek stopped with Mr Elkins at night. On the 13 we started out to find a new church or school house to hold meeting in visited two or three but couldent get the use of them they were betwen Manchester and Sainville stopped all night with Mr Spears Oct 13th we started for duck River district the other side of manchester Started to try to get entertainment about 1½ mi before going in to town but the people dident seem to want us the next last man we asked told us no he wouldent I asked him if he was a christian he said yes I said I dident see how he could turn us off where upon he told us to get out and off his place I said all right thank you he said shut up and get out you dirty low down cuss go and pay for your fare you lazy cuss went on But got to stop with Mr Christian after some coaxing ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p073.jpg) Manchester 14th 1898 Went through manchester this morning [-]nd down in the duck river country [-]ent and saw the tristees to one school [-]ous and got the use of it on the 30th [-]ent on to try to get a nother for the 16 [-]topped with one of the trustees Mr [-] West who treated us very kind To day we saw the first signs of frost this fall [-]den. Tenn Oct 15th { [-]o day we atended a methodest [-]eetting in the fore noon and [-]istened to a funrel sermon was [-]orced to notice the difference in our [-]eabe and theirs he dident have any [-]dea in what [---] God was also [-]here Heaven was and what kind [-] a place it was never had any [-]dea of ever liveing on this earth [-] a body a gain Stoped at [-]ight with Mr Adams Reden Tenn Oct 1[-]th 1898 [-]o day we started for manchester to get our mail but It started [-]o rain very hard and prevented [-]s and we only went a bout [-] mi [-]topped with Mr W R Roberts ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p074.jpg) Manchester Tenn Oct 17th 1898 to day we went in to manchester & read our mail and I was very please -d to get a letter from home and to here that my folkes was well as I hadent herd from them for two weeks and the last I heard Clinty was sick After receiving Our mail we walked 9 mi and stoped with Mr [---] Bryan Reden Tenn Oct 19/1898 To day we canvassed a mong the people and stopped at night with J E Sanders who invited us to stop with them they have a real nice family and the young men seemed very interested and talked like they would like to visit the west treated us very kind. Reden Tenn Oct 20 1898 { Rainy To day we canvassed a little one place we went to was the worst sight I have ever seen there was a widower liveing there who had four little children the oldest a bout 7 years old he had been in bed a bout 3 years and no one to do any work only the little child -ren and I thought I had never had any reason to complain and felt to pray that the Lord would ever help me to be thankfull for his ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p075.jpg) many mercies in blessing me so abund [--]tly Stopped all night with Mr [--]ms. The next day Oct 27 [-]ssit was raining all day we just went to the next house Mr Shelten -nd stopped with him all day Gale Oct 22/1898 { Cloudy [--] day we canvassed all day had good time and stopped all night [-]ith Mr Tams who refused to entertain [--] at first but after we had started way called us back treated us very kind bought a book of us came to our [-]eeting kindly invited us back again Reden Tenn Oct 23 1898 { Today was a very fine day we went to [-]he methodest Sunday School in the [--]re noon spoke to them a short time [-]nd we sang in our lovely deseret had good time the Suprentendent ask us [-] dinner. I the afternoon we held a [-]ood meeting had a full house and [-]ood atention was invited ho[-]e by Mr J A Harper who treated us real good I can see that our stopping with the people causes [---]se to be laid aside and the people think better of us ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p076.jpg) Reden Tenn Oct 24 1898 { Cloudy To day we went to Mr Y. Wests and washed our clothes. Canvassed and visited went over to The Floid school house during th week to get a give out notice that we would hold meeting there the next Sunday but the trustees had went back on their promise to us and we dident get the use of the house went on the next morning fryaay Oct 28 to manchester and fr[--] there on to wards tullahoma the next morning we stopped in there to see Show Street parade and went on down to turky creek in Coffee Co stopped with Wm Bennett. Cure for piles. One table spoon full of salt peter in a pt of water. One tea spoon full three times a day before eating Bridgeville Oct 30 1898 { to day we spent the day in reading as we had no chance of holding meeting and the family we stoped with were very kind to us and we enjoyed our selves real well. Oct 31 we went over to Ridge[--]ll to mail our letters canvass the res of the da[-] and stoped with Mr Monroe Coop ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p077.jpg) [-]urky creek Nov 1st 1898. After a good nights rest and good [-]reatment and a fine breakfast we [-]ent on our way tracting Stopped all [-]ll night with Wm [-]nchburg Tenn Nov 2 1898 { [-]s my tooth has been acheing quite a bit of late I concluded I would have them pulled out went down to Awalt [-]d told Doctor Ray how I was traveling [-]nd asked him if he would do the work free of charge which he did freely [-]nd done a good job. but my face did not [-]uit hurting and at night almost had the [--]ck jaw couldent scarcely eat any supper [-]ent over to Mr Rotens and he was [-]leased to see me a gain told me that [-] had read a letter from my Wife [-] guessed it was as good a letter [-]s was ever written was very pleased [-]ith it. [--]idgvill Tenn Nov 3 1898 { [-]e stoped all day with Mr Rhoten [-]haved and had a bath had a good time eating apples Reading and [-]onversing on the Gospel etc ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p078.jpg) Ridgeville Nov 4th 1898 To day we went over in the Davis school house to see if we could get it to hold meeting in Sunday got permission and stopped that night with Mr James Eden. the 25th we went back to C D Rhotens as it was raining and stoped with them over night Ridgevill Tenn Sep 6th 1898 We walked over this morning to the school house and held meeting not many present but had a good time in the afternoon the house was full had a good tim[-] walked down to marble hill and stopped with Jessy Moor Sunday night monday and monday night who treated us very kind I had loned him my Book of mormon they had read it through and wanted to keep it longer so I left it with them. Fugo Tenn Nov 8/1898 Cloudy Today we walked over to fugo and stopped with Bro Sawyer received some mail from home also a pair of socks and some pictures which was gladly re[--] ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p079.jpg) Lynchburg Tenn Nov 9 This morning we were feeling well walked over to C D Rhotens for dinner Went on up to Tullahoma and Stoped Sister Dickerhoof. Nov 10 laid over to day at Sister Dickerhoof as it was raining [-]ullahoma Tenn Nov 11th 1898 to day we stopped in town a while saw a fine brass band and herd them play went on over to duck [-]iver to try to get a house to preach in stoped with Mister [-]uckriver Nov 12th to day we saw the rest of the School director but was refused the use of the house crossed the river and went to stopped with Mr Sanders the rest of the day. Sunday Nov 13 As it was raining to day and not haveing apointement out we stopped till night with our friends [-]anderes who treated us very kind went and stopped with over night with Mister Toms ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p080.jpg) Monday Nov 14 we went over on rileys creek to get a house to preach in and also canvassed Stopped all night with J J Roberts who treated us very kind Nov 15 1898 Yesterday we got permission to hold meein the rileys creek school house for on the fourth sunday So we went to hunting a nother one and canvassing Stopped with a kind family by the name of J P Walker. Raining Nov 16th we canvassed part of the day partly got permissi[--] to hold meeting in a Christian church stopped at night with Chas Danal who treated us very kind. Redens Chapel Nov 17th 1898 { To day we went down to to the office and went on canvassing up Rileys creek started to ask for entertainment a bout dark But got refused and it being real dark and rainy and mudy ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p081.jpg) [-]hich made it real bad traveling at last we came to a house and got permission from the lady to stay but [-]hen the man came home he called us ugly good fornothing tramps and [-]ent us of and it was so dark that [-]e could hardly find the way out of his yard so we grouped and way and after traveling a bout [-] miles we got to stop the man that run us of [-]name was James Drake had been a distiller [-]oul Tenn Nov 18 1898 { To day we canvassed all day got permission to hold meeting in the [-]ak hill school house. Stopped all night with Mr Turner who treated us real kind had previous showed considerable oposition to us. Adress of Kanser Docter Jack Overstreet Shelville Bedford Co Tenn [--]dens Chapel Tenn Nov 19 1898 To day we cleaned and Brushed up [---] the rest of the time Stoped over night with T. J. West ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p082.jpg) Oakhill Tenn Nov 20th 1898 We had apointments out to day for two meetings at this place but our audience in the fore noon was so small and there being othe meetings close we concluded we wouldent have meeting in the afternoon so we started out for the panhandel district walked a bout 8 miles and stoped for the night with G W Gentry Panhandle Tenn Nov 21/1898 To day we canvassed all day Stoped at night with a very kin[-] family by the name of Manchester Tenn Sep 22nd 1898 After a splendid nights rest and a good breakfast Beaf being one of the luxries we started to Manchester walked and on past a bout 6 mi and stopped with a family where we had benn before by the name of Ben lowery who treated us fine and it seemed like we had met a family of saints the wife treated us fine. Hillsboro Tenn Nov 23 1898 Went to hillsboro to day and on past [--] about 4 miles Stopped with treated Ms Caw ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p083.jpg) Praireplanes Tenn Nov 24th 1898 After a good nights rest and good treatment and a kind invitation to return we started out canvassing [-]bout 1 PM we entered a house where there was several men and the man [-]t the place refused a tract treated us quite bad one of the others in asking said that Christ said he would confirm the apostles labors with signs and mericals and my com told him to find it he [-]unted it a while but dident see it but said it was there thereupon I said yes it was there After we were out he started to abuse me for saying it one word [-]rought on a nother and at last he called me an infernal devil had no sence etc he wouldent travel with me any longer So I turned back and left him went to Prairieplanes wrote to Pres [-]arsen went on south 2 mi and Stoped with D S Hindman who met me on the road and kindly invited me to come and stop with him Nov 25 1898 visited with a kind friend Mr Mosher had a fine time and went only stoped again with Mister Hindman Wilder ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p084.jpg) Prarieplanes Nov 26th 1898 To day I stoped with Mr. Wilder helped him saw and get out timber for spoke towards night I went over to Mr. Hind[---] and stoped with them over night Sunday Praireplanes Nov 27th 1898 We spent the day pleasantly in the house converceing on the topics of the times and religeous subjects and stoped a gain with Mr Hindman Prairieplanes Tenn Nov 28th 1898 / To day I went over to Mr Mosiers and stopped with him all day and night had a good time conversing them. Prarieplanes Tenn Nov 29th 1898 To day I walked up to Hillsboro and got my mail and went back a couple of miles where there was some canvassing and stopped with a young family by the name of Geo Roddy Nov 30 After a good nights rest I started out on my days work tracting had a good time and stopped at night with widow Lane and had an enjoyable time. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p085.jpg) Baileyscreek Tenn Dec 1st 1898 [---]screek After a good nights rest and breakfast and an invitation to stop again when was passing by I canvassed all day [-]ent to some houses up on the cumberland mountain was where I could get a very nice view of the country below Stopped with a kind family by the name of S H Long. [-]enryscove Tenn Dec 2nd 1898 this morning when I went to leave Mr Long told me I was welcome to stay as long as I wished and invited me back a gain I canvassed a few scattering houses and went up to [-]ister wintons and stoped with them. [-]enryscove Tenn Dec 3rd 1898 [--] day I dyed my coat and washed some of my other clothes Sunday Dec 4th 1898 As I was alone to day I stayed in the house and read and wrote and talked with the folks and enjoyed my self the best [---] to day it was snowing all day ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p086.jpg) Hillsboro Tenn Dec 5th 1898 { Clear To day I got up and spent the fore noon fixing up my shoes and othe clothes and then went to hillsboro to get my mail reed notice that I was to meet Elder Dally in bedford Co also reed leters from my Wife and Children telling me of my Mothers Sickness and death and although it was very sad news still I felt thankful that it was no worse as She was surrounded by friend and Relatives and had not suffered very long And I have now doubt that She is much happier where she is as she has not had good health and has suffered a great deal Redenschapel Tenn Dec 6th 1898 / Clear To day I walked from Sister Wintons through manchester to Redenschapel a distance of 18 mi Stopped with T J West had a good time talking on the Gospil while in conversation he said he said he thought he would join the church. Normandy Tenn Dec 7 1898 / Clear To day I came over here to get male from Bro Dalley telling me where to meet him but did not get any went back and stopped with Mister Sanders over night ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p087.jpg) [-]olleygrove Tenn Dec 8th 1898 [-]day I walked down to Normandy got word [-] Elder Dally where to meet him walked [-]tidy all day and arived to the apointed [-]lace Mr. [---]ers just after dark but before [-]s journy was ended my logs got to [-]aining me so that I could hardly [-]alk found Elders Dally and Forsyth [-]eling well walked 20 mi [-]helbyville Tenn Dec 9th 1898 / [-]his morning we walked down to [-]elbyville and Elder Forsyth started out [-]lone to meet Elder Baird in Franklin So I started out with my new com [-]t got Letter from Prs again that [-] was to return to coffee Co and [-]inish canvassing in Elder Forsyth [-]o join me about the 20th and [-]lder Dally was to receive a new com [-]ust arived in the field went back and stopped with Mr. Bomar again [-]edenschapel Tenn Dec 10 1898 [-]alked through wartrace back into [-]offee Co gaain and went and stopped with Mr Turner Walked [-]8 mi Sunday [-]edenschapel Tenn Dec 11 1898. Clear To day I went after and stopped with T J West had a real good time talking on the gospel ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p088.jpg) Manchester Tenn Dec 12 1898 To day I walked over to the east end of the Co and stopped with B [-] Lowery and has kindly recieve[-] had a good time. Dec 13 Stopped with him all the next day and night Henryscove Tenn Dec 14 1898 { This forenoon I got a good early start and passed through mcminvile before noon and a distance of 18 mi went on 8 miles farther and stopped with H M[-]therly who treated one very kind ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p089.jpg) Sparta Tenn Dec 17th 1898 Clear [-]fter a good nights rest and a fine [-]rly breakfast I started out on my [-]ys journy feeling well but a little [-]re from the previous days walk [-]rived in Sparta a bout 2 P M [-]ent on about two miles farth [-]nd arived at my Journys end stopped with bro Meddly him and all of his family belong to the church are very good people [-]nd treated me well just after dark pres Allred arived and also stopped with us had a [-]ood time the distance I walked to day was 22 miles Sparta Tenn Dec 18th 1898 [-]o day I went to the saints S S and [-]njoyed my self the [-] very best kind after it was out I went back and [-]topped with Bro Meddly again Sparta Dec 19 Went down to the [-]ffice againt the day met in council meeting and Elder Baird and I was sent Back in Coffee Co to labour [-]ogather til other arangements were made [-]topped a gain with Bro Meddly ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p090.jpg) 86 Sparta Tenn Dec 20 1898 Elder Baird and I Started out to gather walked all day and stopped at night quite late with Mr J D Hash who treated us very kind. walked 17 mi Mcminville Tenn Dec 21 1898 after a good breakfast we started out on our days march as we passed by the factory the girls poked their heads out of the windows in wonder -ment to see the mormon preachers and as we passed by I waved my hat as if to say fare the well Bro Watkins ah [-] Stopped at night after walking 18 m[-] witch Mr Hench who had a nice fami[-] of girls [-]nd we were treated real fine 18 mi walked Morrison Tenn Dec 22 1898 Clear Today we did not walk very far being sore and tired and after walking 9 mi we stopped with mr Jas Kid who treated us real kind[-] Sainville Tenn Dec. 98 [-] After a kind invitation to call a gain we went over to Henrys cove to stop till after Xmas stopped to A A Knotts after we had been there a while Elder Forsyth came to join me acording to previous apointment was real glad to see h[-] ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p091.jpg) Henrys cove Tenn Dec 24 1898 Stopped awhile with Bro & Sister Knott then went over to sister wintons done our [-]ashing and I and Elder Forsyth stopped [-]here for the night. [-]enrys cove Tenn Dec 25. To day [-]erry Xmas also Sunday as well we [-]tayed with Bro and sister winton and [-] few of the neighbors gathered there and [-]ot up a fine dinner which I enjoyed the very best kind. This is the fourth Xmas [-]hat the elders have been here to spend the [-]ay and pertake of the presuptrous feast [-]ad a real good enjoyable time [-]he elders names that were her on the [-]ceivous X mas are as folows Dec 25th 1896 Elders Ogden & West " " 1897 " Larsen & Slone " 1898 " Archaball & Nelson " 1899 " Baird & Torsyth & Jensen Dec 26 1898 Stopped here today and[-]one some writing to my folks also [-]pent the time in reading and conversation [-]enryscove Tenn Dec 27th 1898 day Elder Forsuth and I went at the [-]ice after mail and then went upon the mountain and stopped with a kind famly by the name of Sweeton. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p092.jpg) Henryscove Tenn Dec 28th 1898 After a good nights rest we arose had breakfast and then went upon the mountain where we had a very fine view of the country Blow after viewing the sights we went down to sister Wintons and started out tracting stopped at night with Mr Wm Reed Dec 29th To day we canvassed all day and then went to Mr Knotts met Elder Forsyth who had just got word that him and I were to labor together in about [---] days him and I went and stopped with Gilbert winton that night and was treated fine Henryscove Tenn Dec 30th 1898 Elder Baird and I started out tracting to day and went through hillsboro and I found some mail there from home that had been there two or three weeks was very glad to find all well canvassed the rest of the day and stopped at night with a very kind family. Prarieplanes Dec 31st this morning it was raining and up to the til the day we have had the finest kind of weather during holidays as it has been real warm and dry we canvassed some and then went down and stopped with Mr Mosher with whom we have stopped several times and been welcome ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p093.jpg) [---]arieplanes Tenn Jan 1st 1899 [-]ll hail the glad new year the opening of a nother new year finds me [--]eling fine in health and spirits [-]nd a desire to spend my time during the year in the service of the Lord. and my prayr is that he will give me streng [-]h to do so and that He will bless my loved ones in my abcence. to day we stopped with Lincon Mosher where we spent the day pleasantly reading and converseing it was a clear sunshiney day but a little cold May the Lord [--]ward our friends for their hospitality Henryscove Tenn Jan 2nd 1899 To day we came back up here a distance of [-] mi and Elder Forsyth and I went and [-]topped with Mr [---] Good where we enjoyed our selves very much. [--]n 3d 1899 We went to sainvill This { morning to host our mail. Elder Forsyth went manchester afte his mail and I canvass some and stopped till the mail came in the eavening and read a letter from home found all well also a card for Elder Baird Stating he was to join Elder Kirk and labor in Lincon Co [-]alked 10 mi and stopped with Sister Winton ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p094.jpg) Henrsycove Tenn Jan 4th 1899 This morning we had hogs feet for breakfast they had been boild and cooked well then they made a pancake batter and pored over them and fried them in lard till browned and they made an excelant dish. Stopped with sister J no Cook at night Dec Sister Winton. Dec 5th Went down to Sainville and read mail from home same back on { lots of rain Dec 5th To day we dove our work up so as to be ready to meet some visiting elders at manchester I washed 3 shirts 3 pairs of under garments pressed my pants and vest done some other odd jobs walked home mi on the road to manchester and stopped with Charles. Dec 6th This morning we had a early breakfast and started out for Manchester but as it had been raining real hard all night we made very slow progress as the country was all flooded with water we hadent gon for till our feet were met but before long we came to a stream that we had to waid so off came our shoes & socks and in we went and it seemed like it would freeze our legs. we hadent only a short distance till we had to waid another still deeper and ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p095.jpg) [-]wider went on a waise farther and [-]ame to one that was to deep for us [-]bout 5 ft deep and as we had apointed [-] PM. to meet the other Elders we [-]ryed to finde some other way but [-]ailed so we thought the best thing we [-]ould do was to find a place to stop [-]nd get our clothes dr[-]ed stopped [-]ith O J Mcbride where we got dinner and warmed & dryed and [-]s we were real wett Was kindly [-]tertaned and invited. Back. [-]anchester Tenn Dec 7th 1898 { Last night beaing a real cold night [-]his morning we were able to cross the [-]treams just before we entered Manchester [-]e were hailed by C. T. Robinson who [-]ecognized us and invited us to [-]ome and see them and after going [-]o the office we came back and stopped [-]ith them over night as the Elders we [-]ere to meet did not arive. Sunday Manchester Dec 8th 1898 { Clear [-]o day. We stayed all day with our [-]ind Hostess Mr Robinson read and [-]onverced on different subjects Dec 9th we canvassed all day and [-]njoyed our selves the best kind [-]topped at night with Mr Cater ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p096.jpg) Manchester Tenn Dec 10th 1899 Mr Cates informed us that he saw the Elders we were expecting to meet In Manchester on the 9th so as soon as we had breakfast we started to meet them found Elder Creer in Manchester and he inforned me that I was to meet Elder Stewart in Tullahoma and we were to labor in that place and him and Forsuth in Manchester So I started out and met Elder Sewart at Sister Dickerh[-] just after dark after walking 22 mi Tullahoma Tenn Dec 11th 1899 { Rainy To day we walked up to Tullahoma 3 mi and vissited some of the leading men sanvassed some and stopped at night with Mr Carroll who had a fine house and was a B[-]R section Bass was treated real kind. Tullahoma Tenn Dec 12th 1899 { Cloudy to day we went and saw the mayor and got his concent to preach on the streets if we so desired and also to canvas the town and leave then [--] lituture walked down to Sister Dick[--] -hoop had a fine dinner came back and stopped with Mrs Knott who was keepin[-] a hotell was treated real Kind ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p097.jpg) and a fine time playing and on their organ and singing them our mormon songs they seemed to be very pleased [-]ullahoma Tenn Dec 13th 1899 { We canvassed and sold books to day [-]mong the people had a splended time met with some of the wealthiest people [-]f the town was treated quite well as rule Stopped with a very kind family by the name of E S Crick [-]ullahoma Jan 14 1899 { Clear To day we visited a mong some of the principle residences of town and [--]wards night walked to Sister [-]ickerhoof to spend sunday enjoyd [--]y self the very best kind over Sund -ay. [-]ullahoma Tenn Jans 16th 1899 { Rainy This morning we started out to meet [-]ur companions Elders Creer & Forsyth whom we met just before night and then seperated to get entertainment for the night stoped with W J Taylor [-]ullahoma Tenn Jan 17th 1899 { Cloudy [--] day we met again and held Council [-]eeting and had a splendid time after [-]hich Elder Forsyth and I started out [-]n our labors canvassing the town of [-]ullahoma had a real good time stoped [-]ll night at a bording house. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p098.jpg) Tullahoma Tenn Jan 18th 1899 { Last night we had the pleasure of meeting and converceing with a man with a beard long enough to reach down to the floor and 8 in lay on the floor he was the lady of the house;es Father We had a nice time visiting a mong the people and enjoyed our selves real well stopped at night with a fami[--] that kept a holdl by the name of Mr H Bernett. Mr G[---]n Tullahoma Jan 19th 1899 { Clear To day we had a good time among the people and after canvassing all day we stopped the most of the day we met with flowerest and I thought he had the loveliest place I had ever seen he treated us real good he had a regular flower hous[-] with glass roof and in cold weather kept a fire in it for the benafit of his plants At night we stopped at the best Boarding house and was treated the best kind by the proprietor Mrs H Barnett. Jan 20 We had a good time to day but when we asked for entertainment we had ten rejects but found a friend at last by the name of Bob Warren who treated us very kind ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p099.jpg) [-]llahoma Tenn Jan 21st 1899 { Clear [-]ad a real good time to day and after [-]nvassing all day we went down to [-]op with Sister Dickerhoof Sunday [-]llahoma Tenn Jan 22nd 1899 { Clear [-]pent the day writing during our [-]tay in this of less than two weeks [-]here has been three comit suaside. [-]ullahoma Jan 23d 1899 [-]o day we came back in to town [-]nd canvassed stopped with Mr [-]reek and Hill who treated us very [-]ind [-]llahoma Jan 24 Canvassed the remainder of the town to day and made arangements to start to work in the country a gain Stopped with [-]octer Crutcher was treated real but [-]y Com got quite hungry as we had [-] dinner or supper but was well [-]atisfied to have a good bed [-]ullahoma Jan 25th [-]anvassed in the barrons where the houses were very few but had a good time and at night was kindly entertained by Jno. Frazier ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p100.jpg) Hillschappel Tenn Jan 26th 1899 After a good nights rest and fine breakfast we resumed our journy through the mud but had a general good time met with good friends and stopped at night with Jno Arnold who treated us very kind Manchester Tenn Jan 27th 1899 { To day we canvassed went to man chester and call for mail went on and stopped with a kind family W R Lannon who treated us very kind Jan 28 after canvassing a short time we called at the family of Geo Kid and was received very kindly stopped with them saturday night & Sunday held a public meeting in their house had a time of rejoiceing Stopped with them Sunday night and left some very kind friends and sincear investigators of the gosp[-] Jan 30th 1899 To day we called at the office again to day recd a letter from my Father and Wife found all well and happy stopped at night with W H Taylor who treated us very kind ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p101.jpg) Jan 31 To day was a real cold day there being snow on the ground and it snowed some more but cleared up and [-]as the coldest night I have as yet seen [-]n Tenn Stopped with Geo Kid and had a most enjoyable time talking [-]n the gospel. [-] Feb 1st This morning we went over to [---]o Kids mother and left our grips while [-]nvassing. in the eavening went back and [-]e said she had put our dinner in the [-]ove so it would be warm after eating [-]e left our blessings on her and walked short distance and stopped with [-]r Eliza Banks. [-]umitville Tenn Feb 2nd 1899 { Rainy After leaveing our kind hostess we walked [-]ver to sumitvill to post some mail had splendid meeting time held 4 family [-]eetings stopped with F R Cunningham was treated the best kind. For kidney cure write to Church Kidney Cure Co Albony Building [--]invill Jan 3d 1899 Cincinnati Ohoio to day we canvassed betwen Sumitville [-]d Sanville had a good time [-]isiting Stopped with J W Cunningham and had a real good time. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p102.jpg) Sainville Tenn Feb 4th 1898 This morning as we had run out of tracts we went over to Henrys cove to visit some friend stopped and eat dinner at Bro & Sister Knotts fond them feeling well and was recd very kindly went on to Sister Wint[--] recd the same treatment they had received a letter from my Wife and was very pleased with it. Sunday Feb 5th 189[-] / Rainy We stayed with Bro & Sister Winton to day red and converced on the seri[--] ture wrote to the people of my ward also my Dear ones and stayed again at night with sister Winton. Feb 6th to day it was raining all day but desireing to be on the move we started out for Manchester to get our mail after traveling about 5 miles through mud and water we stopped with a rea[-] nice family who treated us real kind by the name of J E Thacker. Feb 7th Walked on to town and red our mail got word from Pres for us to procure a house in Tullahom[-] to hold a conference councle meeting in acordingly we went on to Tullahoma and walked 18 mi stopped with a flo[---] H Winde who had one of the loveliest places I ever saw ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p103.jpg) [-]ullahoma Feb 8th [-]nt to the hurican hotell this [-]orning and made arangements for [-]room that was suitable for our purpos [-]nd send in our report to Pres. went [-]t to sister Dickerhoof and stoped [-]ith them over night [-]9 After washing and changeing [-]othes and g cutting our hair we star [-]d out canvassing there is about 2 in [-] snow on the ground and it seems [-]ke it is as cold a weather as I have [-]er seen stopped at night with [-] W Lynch. [-]eb 10 This morning the thermomitor regester[-] [-] about 6 or 8 below zero after breakfast [-]e started out canvassing. Snow about [-]wo inches deep had real wett feet all [-]ay real cold the most of the time [-]pped in tullahoma with Frank W[---] [-]fter geting 8 refu[-]als [-]b 11 We stayed in town all day to day as [-] was to cold to travel and at night we [-]tarted to find a place to stop but were [-] little unsuccessfull in town went out [-]bout two miles and stopped with Mr [-]eming Sunday [-]b 12 : Went down to sister Dickerhoofs to [-]y snow about 6 in deep real cold Sister [-]ckerhoofs house is the first one we could [-]ep warm in ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p104.jpg) Feb 13th 1899 Last night was the coldest nig[-] of the season the temperture running 20 below zero anight of suffering among many of the poor to day we went out and chopped wood for Bro Dickerhoo[-] I makeing some blisters on my hands real cold all day to day. Feb 14th 1899 Th[-]s morning it is cloudy and the weather has moderated Stopped at Sister Dickerhoofs all day as the weather was very bad to be traveli[--] /snowing Tullahoma Tenn Feb 1[-] 1899 To day we went in to Tullahoma to Selicit Entertainment for all the elders that atend the Pristhood meeting had fairly good success stopped at night with Dr Tripp Hickersonstation Feb 16th 1899 After finishing our labor here we starte[-] out canvassing and the roads were real wett and dissagreable after tra[-] -ling quite late and being refused enterta -nment we stopped with Mr Taylor where we were treated very kind. Feb 17th After a good nights res[-] and a good breakfast we resum[-] our journy Traveled canvassing al[-] day through the mud and wat[-] Stopped with Freeman ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p105.jpg) Rainy [-]ickersonstation Feb 18th 1899 [-]fter breakfast we again started out [-]acting but it was real wett and [-]uddy Will just mention her that the two previous days we only had [-]ur one meal a day as just a breek [-] luck I supose. Just before night [-]e called on Wm Ray wher we [-]topped till monday the 2[-]th [-]as treated real good and when the supper time came I can tell [-]ou it was welcomed by me but [-]y Comp was sick brought on supose by the exposure we had [-]assed through. Sunday [--]day we had a real good time [-]alking on the scripture etc [-]y Com was real poorly all day Bellmont Tenn Feb 20th 1899 [-]fter a splendid nights rest we [-]at breakfast and made arang ments to resume our labors [-]anvassed all after noon and stopped at night with Mr [-]lwood to day was one of those beautifull days that reminded me of Home in the dear west and the warm sunshine and friends & loved ones ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p106.jpg) Bellmont Feb 21 1899 Only two days of weather that is so acceptable and common in our mountain home and in the night we woke up finding it rain ing again as usual To day we went to Tullahoma and stopped with Sister Dickerhoof. Tullahoma Feb 22 to day I had a good bath pressed my pants put on, clean clothes and in the eavning started for Town stopp[-] that night with Mr Smith Tullahoma Feb 23 This morning our hostess said as it would put them to some bother to get breakfas[-] gave us 50 cts and said we could g[-] it at a hotell which we did and was very thankfull. Met Pres Allred and complicated arang ements for our meeting on the morr w and I stopped with Pres at H Winde. Tullahoma Tenn Feb 24 } Rainy To day every thing went of smoothly all of the Elders ariveing by 10 a[-] Pres Rich ariveing at 8.15 our meeti[-] opened at 10 Pres Allred spoke some time and then all the Elders ha[-] took a turn in expressing their feeling all seemed to be [-]elling ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p107.jpg) [--]lendid and I felt proud of being [---] of the a groob of such an honorer [---] lady of men we had a short recess [-]om 2.30 till 3.00 and in the afternoon had a feast that is seldom enforse by people in this world. Pres Rich [-]eing the most of the speeking [-]d out meeting and all aran ments were a grand success I and [-]lder Creer stoped with Dr Tripp [-]ow pleasant it is to meet with our [-]ethern and rec a hearty hand [-]hake and a God Bless you, [-]llahoma Feb 25 This morning bade farewell to those of our [-]mrads that we got to see and [-]tarted out for our field of labor [-]alked about 10 mi canvassed [-]me and stopped with a real and old gentleman by the co[--]l of Sunday Rainy [-]ellmont Tenn Feb 26 1899 [-]his morning as it was Sunday [-]nd very rainy we stayed with Hager went and one of the direct[--] the school hons but was refused. [--]t some and spent the rest of the [-]ay in conversation etc stoped WT Camel ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p108.jpg) Manchester Tenn Feb 27 1899 | Clear We were treated o us real well and after breakfast we went on our way rejoice[-] called at the office and went on up to ragsdale school house stopped with W R Pifer where we had light Bread and cooking in northeren Stile. Ragsdale Feb 28th 1899 / Clear This morning we started out to to notafy the people that we were going to hold meeting at night had a real good time visited Bro and Sister Rid held a real good meeting at night was invited home and stopped with T H Lowery Feb March 1st R Ragsville This morning is a nice warm morning seems like spring to day w[-] started out canvassing Stopped at Bro Knotts found them not feeling very well Stayed all night with them and Before we left we endeavored to teach them the Gospil and their duty to yea[-] obedience to it also read a letter that my wife had writen them they were very well pleased with it. Henryscove March 9 went over to Sister W[-] [-]on for dinner found them feeling well after dinner we resumed our labors. quite muddy and bad traveling stopped with S H Long where we were kindly welco[-] ed had a real good time ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p109.jpg) [-]illsboro Tenn March 3d 1899 | Rainy [-]s morning we started out canvassing [-]nvassed the little town of Hillsboro [-]nt down to prarie planes and stopped [-]ith W B Fleming was treated real well [-]arieplanes Mar 4th 1819 To day we went [-]er to the Floid Schoollhouse to hold [-]eeting Sunday visited with our old [-]end Mr Mosher went over to on our [-]ay stopped all night with W G [-]icknes. requested to write Sunday [-]oid March 5th 1899 [-]ter a few days of pleasant real warm [-]ring weaher we find it quite cold [-]d blustery this morning and as [-]ere was no stove in the school [-]ouse we dident hold any meeting [-]topped with David Floid [-]arieplanes Mar 6th 1899 This morning we woke up and [-]und it morning and real blustering [-]arch weather in reality. Walked over H G Mashers and stopped with [-]m over night and had a real [-]ad time Sold them a book of mormon [-]ills Chapel Mar 7th to day we [-]arted out canvassing it was a [-]itter cold day but we made out ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p110.jpg) very well till toward night and when we started to seek for entertain -ment but was refused untill after dark and then we had to walk through the woods and mud holes no knowing when we would find the next house and besides it being so cold we got our feet wet and our clothes all daubed with mud. But at last we came in sight of a light and walking up to the hou[-] we were very kindly welcomed and after getting warm and dry we went in to the parlor and listened to some very nice playing on the organ and singing and was mad[-] to feel that a friend in need was a friend in deed names W E Pettey. Mar 8th this morning after a hearty ha[-] shake and a warm welcome to retur[-] we took our departure canvassed the rest of the day and stopped with JT Ladd Mar 9th went through manchester to day and reed our mail went ov[-] and stopped for night with W R Lannom ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p111.jpg) Sumitville Mar 10 1899 [-] day we canvassed and revisd [-]d same stopped with a kind [-]riend who received us very kindly by the name of Jessy Marton [-]ar 11 as we had considerable write [-]g to do we stopped with James [-]id all day and done our writing and spent the day pleasantly and was treated real kind Sunday, Samville [-]arch 12th 1899. Last night it rained [-]gain but this morning it is a little [--] but the Sun is shining bright and is a real pleasant day has the aperance [-] coming spring, as we couldent obtane suitabl place to hold meeting in we ate some and read the rest of the day [-]arch 13th This morning we started out [-]anvassing and at night came in [--]on bro Geo Kidd and stopped [-]ll night with him. [-]ar 14 We Stopped to day with Bro [-]idd as it was so wet and [-]ainy. That we couldent travel [-] we Stayed and talked on the [-]rinciples of the gospil our word [-]ming to have a very good afect ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p112.jpg) Manchester Mar 15th 1899 To day we started out canvassing went to manchester and received our mail I walked 11 mi and stopped at night with a northeren family H Gifford. Mar 16 Canvassed to day done a great deal of walking in the timbered district where there was but very few settlers but once in a while we would find a northern family clearing a place in the woods on which they could raise something to subsist upon who had come to the sunny south to spend their days in toil earning their bread by [---] sweat of their brow stopped at night with H C Myers. March 17 Canvassed to day and tried to get a house to preach in but failed. Talked very near all after noon with one man ende[--] voring to convince him that we dident prea[--] or practice poligamy stopped all night with Mr Kates Teal. Mar 18th After two or three days Teal fine weather we woke up this morning and found it raining. After dinner we started out to get a house to preach in but the wat[--] was up so high that we couldent cross the streams we waided through the water and was refuse[-] entertainment by one man just before dark while it was raining very hard [---] but after getting quite wet we were made welcome and entertained by widow Cuningham ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p113.jpg) [-]ial Mar 19th 1899 Sunday ind blowing from the north [-]ared of and cold Being desirious [-] getting to preach we traveled wais stopped with and talked [-]th a few of the people while at [-]mes McGuyre we we stopped all [-]ight we met with a baptist preacher [-]ho did not beleave the earth was [-]und and that any one had ever [-]en around it. [-]anchester Mar 20th To day we went manchester after our mail canvass the rest of the day except while we [-]ere reading on the sunny side of hill about 3 hours stopped with [-]ister Eaton. [-]idonia/Mar 21 To day was my [-]irthday makeing me 34 years old [-] canvassed all day and stopped [-]ith Widow Sarrah Vickers [-]ir hill Tenn Mar 22nd 1899 [-]day we canvassed some also got perm [-]ion to hold meeting in the school house [-]t about the time comence it started [-]lowing and raining and we left to [-]ck entertainment for the night stopped [-]ith J J Fergson treated real well. [-]ar 23 Cleared of some and quite cold [--] morning canvassed and walked [-] mi stopped with Geo Kid and [-]amily who always treated us very kind ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p114.jpg) Manchester Tenn Mar 24 To day we stopped with Bro Kid and bathed and changed cloths and siste[-] Kid offered to do our washing so tha[-] we could leave with clean clothes and we concented to wait as they seemed to be more than willing to do us favors and always treated us very kind I gave them a book of mormon Manchester Tenn Mar 25 To day we canvassed walked over to fa[-] hill to hold meeting distance 1[-] mi waited for the people to come till 8 oclock but no one came left and went and stopped with Sunday Mar 26 1899 went up to the scho[-] house to hold meeting to day but there was but very few came and they were all boys but three. held a short meeting after which we wrote t[-] folks and walked over the hills to Mr Huffman where we were treated very kind Mr H. is an old wealthy batch has fin[-] improvements and stock on his farm a barn 100 ft square 62 ft high water piped all over his place. had stones Mar 27 Dressed to make him a tomb one rock one ft square 18 ft long. Mar 27 canvassed Stopped with thos Morton treated real well. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p115.jpg) Goulds. Tenn Mar 28 1899 canvassed stopped with D B Holland [-]ulds Mar 29 To day we canvassed some [-]nd while at Goulds we borrowed a [-]anteren and visited a cave we were in [-] cave 1½ hours saw some very nice sights [-]rmed by the water driping from above [-]d quite a time finding our way out as there [-]s a quite a few forks After we started out [-] were half [-]n hour geting out. At night [-] stoped with J M Jerning ger [-]dens Chapel Mar 30/99 [-]day we went up to T Wests Stopped with [-]m all day the last time I was with [-]im he was reading our works and we [-]und him still an earnest investigator [-] the gospel and feeling well. He told [-] about the condition of one of the familys [-] the neighborhood Mr Drake who had [-]ated us so bad and turned us off in the [-]rk and rain. he had lost one of his farms [-]s likley to loose the other and had had [-]o or three deaths in his family. Ref. P. 77 Stopped with Bro West all day and [-]udied and wrote also went to his sick [-]others held a meeting. [-]il 1st To day Bro West wanted to go [-]d visit and as we wanted to fast [-] concluded we would stay at his [-]ace alone as we could spend the [-]e as we saw fit ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p116.jpg) Goulds April 2/1899 To day we went to sunday school in the Methodest Church in the fore noon I was called to open the meeting school by pra[-] at 2 P.M. we went to the school house to hold meeting as they were real slow comeing in we were late starting had a poor atendance <[-]> poor order Elder Forsyth done the most of the speaking and done real well at night we held meeting in a priva[-] house Mr West and had a real good tim[-] Gould Apr 3d/99. Today we went back [-] T J Wests and stoped all day studied an[-] wrote to the Dear ones at home. [-] On Mar 28 We met with a man that clamed to of met Pres Morgan and of doing him up on salvation for the dead but we had no trouble holding our own with him on that subject. Gould Apr 4 We stoped with Bro West to day til after dinner then we started towards Tullahoma City canvassing o[-] our way. Stoped L D Dye my Com stoping with Mr Gamel as he said he could keep one of us. So I went and stop[-] with Dyes Treated real well. Apr 5th canvassed a while to day and then went to sister Dickerhoops to pay them [-] visit before they moved to utah found them feeling quite well Stopped with Mr Ledford their nearest neighbor ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p117.jpg) 113 [-]ullahoma Tenn April 6th 1899 [-]is morning it was raining again [-]d about 4 oclock we bade good bye [-] Sister Dickerhoof and family they [-]pecting to leave in two or three days [-]topped with Mr Barnes. [-]llahoma April 7th 1899 [-]anvassed all day to day had [-]good time Stopped J M Riggens [-]ril 8th To day we canvassed to [-]y eat a real light breakfast walke[-] [-]hard all day with out any thing [-] eat and after being refused [-]tertainment a number of times [-]e accepted a good bed without [-]ny super at the hands of Mr D [-]ylor who had retired to bed but [-]dly entertained but in the night [-]woke quite sick but before morning Belmont [-]unday April 9th 1899 We walked over [-] Mr Rays and stoped with them to [-]ay, and as were in a district where [-]e could get a house to preach in we [-]eld no meetings [-]anchester April 10th Went to [-]anchester and received our welcome [-]tters from home and how glad I was [-]heare from that all were well and [-]oserons in the afternoon we visited [-]me ancient ruins ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p118.jpg) April 10 — 18.99 A visit to some ancient ruins About one mile west of manchester is the ruins of an old ruind fortifications located on a real nicely located piece of ground between little and big duck river beginning about one half mile from the junction of the two rivers runing toward the river junction. at this point the rive[-] almost meets forming a narrow neck of land and ameidatly below the river drop into deep ravines. The fortificati[-] cross this narrow neck and seem to. have been very strong at this point and follow down the banks of both streem[-] till it reaches perpind[-]clior walls and at the lower end of these walls it comences again and follows the banks to the brow of a hill where the the land dropping down a bout 40 ft lower than the land on which the fort is built Thus we saw that the location wa[-] natuarly one of the best and no dou[-] was a very strong one from all aperian[-] would judge it inclosed 40 to 60 acre[-] its origen no one in the country has any idea of but but judgeing from the way the walls had decayed and crumbled I would judge it to be of very ancient orig[-]n p[--]aly 1400 yea[-] ago when the nephites were destroyed, stayed all night with C. A. Heely who treated us very kind ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p119.jpg) Manchester Tenn April 11 1899 [-]day we canvassed and walked quite [-]rd all day and at night stopped with [-]eacher Byrom anan an aged Baptist [-]acher who treated us very kind and [-]vited us back again. [-]anchester April 12 As we had finished [-]nvassing we started on our trip to gather [-] some of our things and pay some of [-] warmest friends a farewell visit stoped [-]Bro Geo Kides found them feeling [-]l well and investigateing the Gospil [-]pril 13 Stoped at bro Kids all day and [-]rote and talked to them on the principles [-] the Gospil. [-]nville April 14. Left Bro Kids this morning [-]d went up to henrys cove Stopped at [-] & sister Knots who were feeling quite [-]ll had quite an enjoyable time with [-]m stoped with them so much they seemed [-]st like some of our own folkes. [-]ryscove Tenn April 15th 1899 [-]s morning it is raining again after a spell [-]dry weather about nine days The longest dry [-]ll we have had this year. We planted [-]rn about two acres of corn for [-]rs Knot and about night went [-]er to stop with Sister Wintons [-]und them feeling quite well ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p120.jpg) Henryscove Tenn April 16 Sunday To day being the Sabeth we stayed in the house most of the day Reading but in the eavening we strolle[-] up on the mountain where we had some real nice views of the country below Stopped. with Mr Geo Pratt who treated us very kind. April 17th 1899 Last night it seemed like I had the best nights rest that I have had for a long time as we were up where the air was lighter and it seemed like I slept beter. After talking with all the folks awhile we came down to Wintons and spent the rest of the day with them. April 18 To day we visited among the people and endeavored to explane the necessity of obeying the gospil in [-] Stoping at Bro & Sister Wintons April 19th This morning we bade goodbye To Bro & Sister winton both of them not being able to restrain the tears proveing that they had apreciated our visit also realizing that perhaps it wou[-] be our last meeting in this life. We walked to manchester 1.2 mi and stoped with C T Robinson. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p121.jpg) Manchester Tenn April 20-99 [-]is morning we called at the office for [-]ur mail and received word from Pres [-]hat we would be seperated and given [-]ther companions on the 26 and as we [-]ad finished coffee Co I was and my [-]m were to finish moore Co. [-]e went from here to Preacher Byrom and [-]toped with him all night a gain [-]o fasted. Bellmont April 21. 99 To day we [-]ontinued our fast all day went to [-]he school house and spent the most [-] the day writeing etc. Stoped all [-]ith Mrs. Wiser [-]pril 22 After biding our hostess [-]ood bye we went back to [---] Preacher Byrom and spent the most of the day with him talking on the [-]spil we seemed to make a great impr [-]sion on his mind and when we [-]ade him farewell the tears came in [-]is eyes and he bade us God speed [-]toped at [-] Mr W E Pettys where we [-]ere received very kindly. [-]ellmont April 23. Stoped here [-]ll day and had a very good [-]ime talking and explaining the [-]rinciples of the Gospil also was [-]avered with instrimental and vocal music and enjoyed our selves the best kind ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p122.jpg) Bellmont Tenn April 24 — 99 Stoped with Bro petty till after dinner and fixed my shoes and wrote to my folks etc. and after biding them farewell being requested by Bro Petty to remember him in our prayers we starte[-] to tullahoma. Stoped about three miles from town with a man by the name of A L Ellsworth who treated us real kind. A ceiling may be cleaned with a flannel cloth diped in strong borax water. Tullahoma Tenn April 25. To day we spent the forenoon writeing and sha[---] etc and in the eavening went in to town Stopped at Mr. Hellers a private bording house at the expence of Mr Smith the R R agent Tullahoma Tenn April 26 Stayed in town all day and visited some of our friends Stopped at Mr W[--]inders fo[-] dinner and Sharpened a couple of [---] for him Spent the day enjoyably. Met my new com Elder Brimhall as the 4.40 train arived He and Elder Forsyth stopped to gather and I stoped at Mr Hellers again Tullahoma April 27 Left Copper Co this morning for our labors in Moore Co with my new Com D C Brimhall and after walking all day canvassing Some w[-] Stoped at Mr Coops in More Co all [---]. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p123.jpg) [-]untyline Tenn April 28 — 1899 [-]fter a splendid nights rest we [-]tarted out on our days journy in [-]ood spirits, Canvassed a few houses [-]toped at night with (Mr Duckworth [-]ynchburg Tenn Apr 29 [-] day we canvassed had a real good [-]ne and was treated real well and [-]fter finishing up the canvassing all [-] Lynchburg we made our way to Mr [-] D Rhoton he was real pleased to see [-] real well. [-]pr 30. To day being Sunday we stayed [-]ith Bro Rhoton talking on the [-]inciples of the Gospil a reading our [-]pers. & writing not being able to hold [-]blic meeting. [-]pril May 1st 1899 To day we went in to [-] county seat lynchburg to canvass it [-]w the Mayor and got permission to [-]rk up the town. As a rule we were [-]eated real well. those who treated us [-]her wise wer those who made the greatest [-]etentions and were spirital leaders among [-] people stoped with Mr Peel [-]ay 2nd Lynchburg May 2nd 1899 [-] day we were treated real well and finish [-]e town by 2 oclock and after waiting [-] our mail til 4 [-]ndeavoring to sell [-]me books we left feeling real well ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p124.jpg) Satisfied with our labors although we would of desired to have acomplis hed more than we did. Among those who treated us with contempt was a methodist minister by the name of who trembled and turned white and endeavored to ridi[-] ule us where upon we bore our testamo[-] to him which seemed to make him dumbfounded for a while. The other was a campbellite Mr Blythe. went up and stoped with C D Rhoton Lynchburg May 3d after spending the forenoon with Mr Rhoton talk[-] on the gospil and studying etc we started to fuga stoped with Bro & Sister Sawyers they were feeling rea[-] well and it seemed nice getting with our old friends again. Fuga Tenn May 4 1899 To day we went over to marble hill and visited Some of our friends Stopped with Jess[-] Moore and we had fish for super the first I had tasted in the state. May 5 We went back to Bro Sawyers My Com was a little sick and wen[-] on a lone while I stoped and notified the people that we would hold meeting sunday stoped with Bro Sawye[-] ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p125.jpg) [-]uga Tenn May 6th [--]oped at Bro Sawyers and studied in the [--]re noon and in the afternoon had a [-]ath and put on clean clothes Shaved [--] and had my hair cut etc prepared [--]r Sunday. Sunday [-]is May 7th 1899. Today at two oclock [-]e held meeting and had a Splendid [-]ime and a good congr[-]gation. and [-]t night we held another good meeting [-]nd can say that the Lord blessed me n endeavoring to present before the peo [-]le the principles of the Gospil and [--]aring my testimony. Stopped with Bro Sawyers again. [-]uga May 8 Stopped at bro sawyers after which we went to Lice Thence to [---] C D Rhoton where we Stoped the rest [-]f the day. [-]ynchburg Tenn May 9th 1899 Stayed with Bro Rhoton till after [-]inner pressed my pants and fixed them [-]ome. had a good time bade them farewell and went to lynchburg stopped and [-]alked with the mayor a long time [-]waiting for the maile to come Read a letter from home all OK [-]ent up to Co line and stopped with Jas Brown was treated real well had a good nights rest ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p126.jpg) Countyline Tenn May 10th 1899 After breakfast we bade good by to Bro Brown and was kindly invited back again. Went up to see the trustees of the school house and got their consent to hold meeting in the house after quite a waise we stoped with a Mr Don Furginson and family who were a little reluctant in takeing us in But in the morning express -ed themselves as being very glad that we had stoped with them: Desired us to write Co Office. Rause, Bedford Co. Countyline Tenn May 11 After Biding ou[-] Hostess good bye we canvassed some houses that had been previously missed and notified the people of our meeting and went down to the office for our mail. Came back ate supper with Mr Duckworth. went to the schoo[-] house a nice crowd congrigated and we had a splendid meeting and the best of order and atention was invited home. by Mr Rute Dillingham and had a sple[-] did nights rest. May the 12th after a good breakfa[-] and a good chat on the principles of the gospil we went to the office [-] ain but found no word from Pres. [-] walked back about 4 mi and stoped wit[-] A G Ray who treated us very kind on[-] of his relatives had been in our country and ha[-] the pictures of the tabernacle and temple etc. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p127.jpg) [-]ountyline Tenn May 13th/99 [-]fter a splendid nights rest we arose [-]eling well and after eating a good breakf[-] [-] we bade our friends good bye and went [-]own to the office again But recd no [-]mail walked on up to Sam [-]illingham's for dinner and stoped [-]ith him all day and over night was [-]eated the best kind and enjoyed our [-]plended he had just returned from [-]harlston and had lots to tell Sunday Countyline Tenn May 14/1899 [-] day we atended a methodist meeting [-]n the forenoon. after which we [-]ere invited to take dinner with [-]iton Dillingham. after dinner [-]t 3.30 we held meeting in the [-]ringdale School house had [-] real good turnout and the [-]ouse was full had a good time [-]lso had a good meeting at night was invited by Bro Brit [-]o stop with them. [-]ounty line May 15 After bidding [-]ur friends goodbye we started [-] Countyline for mail but recd [-]one and from there we went to [-]ynchburg and called for our mail [-]ut as there was none we concluded [-] spend a nother week in the Co in the [-]eighborhood of hurdlow, ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p128.jpg) So we concluded we would stop with Jac[-] Dallel a wealthy batchelter who receive[-] us very cool at first on acount of expectin[-] company but afterwards treated us real well. Lynchburg Tenn May 16th 1899 After a splendid nights rest and a good breakfast we started out on our journey to hurdlow stopped on our way for dinner at Bro Sawyers went on down the creek awaise and stopped at Harry Browns for night and was treated real kind Bro Brown has relatives in Utah. Hurdlow Tenn May 17/99. This forenoo[-] we went down to elk River with Bro Brown to see him put his fish traps in the River on the way back we stopped and studied till mail came and then went to the office for our mai[-] but recd none went over to Johney Preices t[-] stay for the night and was received very kind[-] Robins Creek May 18/99 Spent the forenoon at Bro Pierces then went to the office and back to bro Pierces and spent the night with them and held a family meeti[-] sand some songs and had a real good time. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p129.jpg) Fuga Tenn May 19th 1899 [-]urdlow To day we went back to the office [-]pecting to heare from Pres but was [-]ssapointed went from there over to [-]shua Gore and spent the night [-]ith them and was treated the best [-]ind [-]urdlow May 20 Stoped with Bro Gore [-]ll day went down to the river and had [-] splendid bath and swim went back [-] the office and found some mail [-]om home learned that my children [-]ere sick with scarliteena but nothing [-]ious. also recd a bundle of papers from [-] office. [-]urdlow May 21/99 After breakfast and [-]ushing up we went up to liberty hill [-]chool house and took part in their [-]undy school after which we held [-]eeting but not many presant. [-]lso held meeting at night and was [-]nvited home by Mr. Fanning a real [-]ice man and was treated real well [-]urdlow May 22 To day we went [-]own the river to Mr Huse [-]own who had invited us to [-]ome down and stop with. They [-]ere real Kind to us and treated [-] the best kind I went down to the river to fish and had a [-]ood bath ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p130.jpg) Hurdlow Tenn May 23 After spending the most of the day with Mr Brown we went up to the office to get our mail and from there we went to Mr Joshua Gore and stoped with them for the night Hurdlow Tenn May 24 This mornin[-] Went up to Bro Sawyers and made out our report and sent it in also asked our President to write to us and let us know where we were to what Co he wanted us to labor in went over to Robins creek and stop[-] d with Bro Pierce Fuga Tenn May 25 this morning before we left Bro Pierce I got him to subscribe for the Star by me sending the money in and him agreeing to pay me afterwards Started out to C D Rhotens stopped at Bro Sawyers on our way and bade them good bye as we were had recd word from Pres giveing us another Co to labor in and we were on our way out. was kin[-] welcomed by C D Rand had a plesa[-] time with them Will note that one year ago to morrow I had my first fried apll[-] and green apple pie at this and this eavening we had some also the first we had had this season. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p131.jpg) [-]ynchburg Tenn May 26 [-]his morning after breakfast we [-]ashed my clothes preparitory to leaving [-] our new field of labor Parry. Co. [-]nd bade farewell to Bro R with [-]he promice that we would return if [-] become conveniant to do so, [-]topped in lynchburg and recd our [-]ail learned that my family were on [-]he improve stopped with J F [-]axter Was treated real well. [-]nchburg Tenn May 27 To day we [-]alked about 10 mi and tried to get [-] plase to preach and stop at over [-]unday but was unsuccessfull [-]n getting a place to preach. Stopped [-]ver night with Mr Jessie [--]ice [-]nd was treated the best kind Sunday Chestnut Ridge May 28/99 [-]this morning we went up to [-]the Christians Sabeth School [-]nd had a real good time. took [-]art with them in the adult Class [-]ent back and eat dinner at at Mr. [-]ice's but awhile after dinner we [-]ere informed by Mr [-]ieces son in [-]w that in the absence of Mr [-]iece [-]at they couldent keep us any longer [-]cordingly we walked about 8 mi [-]efore we stoped I got quit sick stiff neck [-]nd general ailment stoped with W R Raney ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p132.jpg) Richmond Tenn May 29/1899 Last night I slept very good but was quite restless and woke up once real wett with swett but after getting around some I felt much better and after our usu[-] adnes we started out on our days journy. got a good dinner and while sitting talking was told where a family of saints lived about two miles distan[-] where we went and stopped the rest of the day When we got there Elders Pane & Moss had just left a few minutes before. I followed them up and over took them an[-] they came back and we all spent the night togather with bro Collins sang songs & ha[-] a splendid time. Lewisburg Tenn May 30/99 This morning I found my self some what ill but after takeing a doce of soda I felt all right and after shaveing and tri[-]ing up a little we all went to Lewisburg and stopped with the kindest old lady I have met with since I left home. She looked lots like Sister Fackrell and treated us so kin[-] the Elders have been stoping withe her six or eight year. When we went to leave she would hardly let us. but insisted on us staying all night but we left walked about 7 mi and stoped at Mr Buford Jones was treated Fine. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p133.jpg) Pleasantgrove May 31/1899 [-]is morning I got up feeling quite sick but [-]t a bite with the rest and started on our trip [-]t felt so bad that we traveled real slow. was [-]ick at my stomache and vomited twice and [-]lt some better stoped for dinner but eat but [-]ery little. Traveled on the rest of the day [-]eling quite well stopped with the proprieter [-]the co poor house Maury Co Mr. C. C. [-]arris who treated us real nice. they had [-]real nice house for them selves. also [-]uite respectable dweelings for the inmates [-]ever eat any supper. but felt quite well [-]lumbia Tenn. June 1st 99 [-]his morning I felt some better and eat [-] light breakfast and resumed our journey [-]ent without any dinner walked 16 [-]n and at night I felt quite tired and [-]lmost sick stopped with W. J. Walker [-] passed through the best looking country [-] have been in. [-]uckriver June 2/99 Felt quite poorly [-]is morning but eat a little and started [-] our journy ariveing at bro C S Church [-]out 10.30 he had just caught a large [-]sh So we had fish for dinner which was [-] grand treat and it seemed to make [-]e feel lots better had a good bath [-]n the river I at eavening which was a fine treat also had some fish [-]or supper ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p134.jpg) Duckriver Tenn. June 3d/99 This morning although I had been very carefull about eating I felt wors[-] and concluded I would have to do something to cure my billiousness So began to take purgitive medesin and eat but very little stoped again with Bro Church. Sunday Duckriver or Shadygrove June 4th/99 This morning I took some home made pills made of[-] of sweet wallnut bark and as it was fastday of course an an empty stomach. and they seemed to have the desired efect in mooveing all the bile from my stomach. I walked over to shadygrove where I met Elders Forsyth Archibald & Tryer and the Saints in Sabeth Sch[-] and we had a fine time and after Sabe[-] School was out we held fast meeting and ha[-] a splendid time all of us elders spoke and bo[-] our testimony and the most of the saints bore theirs O it seemed first like being home again and sounded so pleasant to hear one of the sisters bare her testimony. We also held meeting at 3 all of us elders takein[-] apart after meeting was out I and elder Archibald went oft over to Bro & Siste Willam Church and stoped for night ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p135.jpg) [-]hady grove June 5th/99 [-]his morning I borrowed a canooe and [-]nt up the river about a mile and a half [-]ter my rip stopped with Bro Church for [-]nner and got my grip and came down back [-] the canooe and stopped at Sister Hi[-]ees [-] the night felt quite well all day to [-]ay but took a good doce of calamol [-]fore going to bed. [-]une 6th this morning I beleave I am [-]eeling much better and believe I have [-]one all the doctering I will need for a [-]hile eat dinner with Bro Church went [-]ver to Sister Andersons where the rest of the [-]lders were at night went down with Elder [-]rchibald and stoped with Bro Motley [-]une 7th I stayed at Bro Motleys till [-]fter dinner and then went [-]p to Sister [-]ndersons met with the rest of the Elders and stopped withe them over night [-]une 8th Stayed at Sister Andersons all [-]ay had a splendid time [-] [-]ne 9th Not feeling very well to day so I [-]ncluded I would go over to Chas Churches [-]cross the river and get him to docter me [-]h a little came back and stopped [-]ith Geo Church over night had a [-]plendid nights rest ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p136.jpg) Duckriver Tenn May 10/99 Stopped with bro Church the most of the forenoon then went over to Sister Andersons where I stayed the rest of the day. not feeling well. Tenn June 11 had such a sore mouth that I couldent keep my teeth in my mouth so never went to S. S. Cho[-]l St[-] ed at home and wrote went to meetin[-] in the afternoon had a good time seven of us elders presant stoped at night with Bro S. Church Shadygrove Tenn June 12/99 Stayed with the Saints to day and preperations to leave on the morrow stopped with Bro Mobley had a good bath in the river. June 13th Bid the Saints goodby[-] and started for our Co. by way of Kane Creek the Scene of that Bludy Murder of Gibs & Berry Struck Blue Buck about 10 am and eat dinner with a widow lady m[-] Rochard who treated us very kind. from there we went to Swanbluff thence to Simon[-] Branch walked 16 miles got quite tired but felt splendid otherwise stopped with Mr. McClanahan was treated real well, Swan creek Tenn June 14th/99 This morning after breakfast we starte[-] ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p137.jpg) [-] our journy crossed the RR at [-]ffalo switch thence to Brusskey creek [-]here we and stopped near the head [-]or a noon day rest but without any [-]inner went over and onto Deprests [-]anch and then on to Kane Creek [-]y inquiery we found that there was a [-]mily by the name of Talley who had [-]ce belonged to the Church who lived [-] from where massecere was perpetrated [-]ing tired we went up the creek to where [-]ey lived to get to stay all night. they [-]ated us real well but the wife we learned [-]ad joined the Christan Church but B Talley [-]emed to be and expressed him self as being [-]ry firm in the Gospil. They had been to [-]orado but moved back had a real nice [-]ne but poor land. The wife seemed to be very [-]neasy about us staying and said her husband [-]ad been threatened being mobbed if he enterta[---] [-]y of the Elders. But we went and saw the [-]nteleman and he was glad to keep us [-]d risk the conciquence had a splendid [-]ights rest. [-]s mills Tenn June 15th 99 [-]is mornin while Elder Brimhall was writeing [-]ent up to the place where the bluddy crime [-]as perpetrated of the murder of Gi[-]s & Be[--]y [-]nd the two Cander boys walked over the [-]ry identical ground and stood ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p138.jpg) on the ground where the house stood in which they wer murdered in cold blood the house has been burned down for about 5 years there is a apple orchard on the place they have a crop of corn on about one half of the place and peas on the othe[-] half crops looking fairly well Bro Gibbs died with the Bible in his hand and it w[-] claimed by the mob that it was a pistol Saw and talked with a nephew of t[-] man that was killed of the mob gang. The mob rushed in to the house and Shot two of the Elders before there was a bit [-] resistsance then two of the Cander boys who said they would stay with and Share wi[-] the Elders alike came in to the house to help when one was shot down the other grabbed his gun and two of the mob grabbed it one on each side and while they were trying to take it from him he shot without takeing sight hitting the leader of[-] the gang and the one who shot his brother as he was running from the house the Shot hitting him betwen the sholders and killing him. the other Elder presant seein[-] his companions shot down run and mad[-] good his escape. Stopped till after dinner with Bro Talley and then went to Bro Con[-] to spend the night with them while at the old murder ground I broke of a piece of ro[-] from the chimney to keep as a relic ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p139.jpg) [-]ayed till after dinner and then started [-] l[-]ndon by way of Conders but missed [-]er directions to Bro Conders and went a [-]arer way walked about 12 mi and [-]opped all night with Mr Cotton [-]ouserack June 16th After breakfast [-]tarted for Linden distance 11 mi [-]nd arived there at 10 A M [-]tired Recd our mail and retired [-] the outsid of town to spend part [-] the day talking over our work and [-]eading our mail etc Stopped at the [-]eading hotell of town Ma Dodsen. [-]inden Tenn June 17 99 [-]e spent ost of the time to day trying to [-]t a church to preach in and thought [-]e had suceeded spent the rest of the day [-]nvassing alo we had been fasting about [-]hou[--] broke it by eating dinner but went [-]thout our Supper stopped with mr M.S. [-]mes. [-]unday June 18th 95 This morning we went to [-] Cristian S.S. to give out notice of our meeting [-]t was refused their house also the court house [-]uldent get any other suitable building and [-]y wouldent promise to come out and heare [-] on the streats so we had to give up [---]ing [-]ing went out of town about one mile and stopped [-]ith Mr. Pattrige who treated us fine ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p140.jpg) Linden Tenn June 19th 99 O dear how nice it is to have a nice clean bed to sleep in such as we had last night it just makes me feel like I was at home. This morning we [-]le went up to town to continue our labo[-] and while Elder Brimhall was writeing [-] visited the merchants Docters & lawyers o[-] the town and sold six books in the forenoon had a splendid time and wa[-] treated fine. In visiting among the people we found they had a good sup[-] of novels concerning our people. So we see the Lord opened up the way for us to place in their stead the pure princip[-] of the gospel to refute the trash that they had been reading thus I concider our hum[-] le efforts were crowned with success alt[-] [-]ugh we hadent a chance to preache. Stopped with Mr Everett Linden Tenn June 20/99 This morning we left Town and canvassed in the country went over to short creek and got permission to hold meeting in a school house the next day stopped all night with C.C. Clark treated fine. June 21 Stayed with Mr Clark the mo[-] of the day and tokok supper and held a[-] night with O t[--]cker held publick meet[-] and had a splendid time people treat[-] us fine several invitations home ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p141.jpg) [-]nden Tenn June 22/99 [-]is forenoon I spent most of the time [-]riteing. Sent one letter to Bro Rhoton [-]topped with Mr D Tuckers was treated [-]cal good and at night we held a [-]cal good meeting and the people turned [-]ut splendid & gave the best of atention [-]eemed to be real interested, Linden Tenn June 23/99 Went up to [-]ro Clarks and visited with them most of the day and at eavening [-]ent to R T King to stop for the [-]ight and was treated fine had a good rain [-]hortcreek Tenn June 24 Canvassed [-]ome to day came back and held [-]eeting had a good crowd and a [-]plendid time stopped with W J Duncan. [-]unday Shortcreek Tenn June 25/99 [-]o day was a real nice day cloudy [-]leasant held meeting at 10 AM. [-]t on acount of there being another [-]eeting and a big time we had but [-]w listeners gave notice to hold meeting [-]t 3.30 but on the acount of rain there wo [-]e had none stopped with mr E A [-]halbrook treated splendid. [-]une 26 Spent the forenoon at Bro halbrooks [-]riteing in the evening went down to [-] T Duncan where we stopped all [-]ight ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p142.jpg) Cooncreek Tenn June 27/99 This morning we came over on to this creek and began to canvass and figure wher[-] we could get a house to preach in saw the director of the Duncan School house and obtained permission to use it went on up [-] creek to see about getting a nother but whe[-] we got there we found it in a very delapida[-] condition also the leading family livin[-] close by it refused to entertain us and sa[-] we hadent better try to hold meeting there an[-] exibeted a spirit of mobocrasy and hate Stopped with J H Hincen a cousin b[-] the leader of the mob at kane creek th[-] got killed treated us very good but his wife treated us cool he dident up hold his Cousin at all. June 28 This morning we finished canvassing the head of the hollow a[-] went down to where we were going to hold meeting notifying the people held meeting and had a very good crow[-] after meeting we were invited home by J L Barber who treated us very kind. Cooncreek Tenn June 29 to day we went over on brush creek to visit a family that had once belonged to the Church they treated us very kind. came back and held meetin[-] a gain and had a good atentive crow[-] and a good time stopped with J L Barber ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p143.jpg) Linden Tenn June 30/99 [-]oday we went to linden after our mail and [-]opped all night again with Patlery and [-]as made welcome enjoyed our selves splendid [-]ushcreek July 1st 99 [-] canvassed some to day and went up to [-]ushcreek thinking to stay with Mr Rodgers [-] apostate Mormon but the wife sent us [-]rd before we went up to the house that [-]couldent stay there acordingly we went on up [-] creek and was refused about 8 times and [-]last about 9 oclock came to a place where [-] family had gon to bed but they got up [-]ve us supper and a good bed and we [-]r very thankfull to the Lord their name [-]as R H Gibbons [-]oncreek Tenn July 2/99 [-]eld meeting this forenoon had a very [-]ood crowd and had a good time but [-]ter meeting they left us to get our own dinner [-]d as it was fast day it dident take us. [-]g to do that went over on short creek and [-]opped with R T King [-]den July 3d to day we started for the [-]th end of the Co to visit some of the Saints [-]d work in that district walked till [-]ont 3 oclock when we came to Bro S C [-]tes hungry and tired but dident get any [-]ing to eat till after 7 oclock and I [-]ll you we were ready for it when it did [-]ome. A few of the neighbors came in [-]nd we held a good meeting ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p144.jpg) July 4th 99 On this the glorious day of the 4th of Ju[--] we were in a very little timbered lollow wher there were a few people and one family of sants Bro Motes notified a few of the people who came to listen to us and I ha[-] the privelige of giving a speach apropr[--] -te for the ocasion dwelt upon the liberty that we enjoy through the loyalty of t[--] fathers of our country and then spoke on the kingdom of God ending with a testamony of the devinity of the mssio[-] of Joseph Smith. we also held a meetin[-] at night both being held in Bro Mote[-] house. Horner Tenn June 5 we stayed with bro Motes to day and dyed our pants and pressed them Made them look like they were new again held family meeting at night July 6 Stayed at Bro Motes all night day and wrote three letters and do[--] other work and at night we held another meeting. July 7 went over to Mr Joneses thi[-] morning his Wife being a member of the church and he a very strong frie[--] I fixed my shoes up some and we[--] with mr Jones in the eavening and picked blackberreys and at nigh[-] we held a nother public meeting at Mr Jones had a good time ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p145.jpg) July 98 Stayed with Bro Jones to day [-]ad went and helped them pick some black [-]rrys and wrot and talked upon [-]he principles of the Gospil Sunday [-]uly 9th. This morning we went [-]ver to the saints meeting house [-]nd held Sunday school with them [-]fter which we held meeting and hed [-] real good time and stopped with [-]ro L.W. Denton [-]orner Tenn July 10/99 [-]went over to Bro and sister Jones [-]topped with them all day went [-]o the office and got our mail spent [-]the time writing etc. Horner July 11 this morning [-]e started out canvassing went [-]ver on to white oak and after can [-]ssing til night stopped with E. T. Inman [-]hit[-]oak July 12 visited the Saints [-]nstructing them on the principles of [-]the Gospel and at night held [-]eeting at Bro J N Motes J N [-]mm[-]n where we stayed [-]ll night and enjoyed our [-]elves very well ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p146.jpg) Whiteoak Tenn. July 13/99 Stayed with the Saints to day and held meeting at Brother [-] C. Keelings where we stayed all night. Whiteoak Tenn July 14/99 Canvassed Some to day and went over on to Short creek and stopped with Bro Zeak Inman where we enjoyed our selves very much. Shortcreek July 15th/'99 Canvassed on whiteoak a whil and then went over on Cedar Creek and took dinner with woodeses and went from there over to Bro & Sister Joneses where we washed up and chang ed clothes and prepared for the Sabeth Sunday Horner Tenn July 16/99 To day we went over with the folks to S S and had a real good time and after S S was out we held meetin[-] and had real interested congrigation after meeting we came back with Bro and Sister Jones and stayed wit[-] them all night. had a fine rain [--] the eavening July 17/99 Stopped & done our writeing in the forenoon and afte[-] dinner started out to canvass bu[-] for some cause or other Elder Brim ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p147.jpg) [-]all dident come but took a cut [-] and stopped at Bro Moter while [-]went on canvassing saw the school [-]rectors about the School house but [-]as refused the use of it acordingly [-]ot permission to hold meeting in [-] private house C E Inmans where I [-]pped all night. a nice crowd gathered [-] and although I was alone we had [-]splendid time and all seemed to [-]joy them selves. [-]rner Tenn July 18/99 As we had [-]rgotten our tracts I went back to Bro [-]neses after them and I was [-] on the [-]ay My Com overtook me and we [-]nvassed the rest of the day stopping [-]t night with W B Coleman. [-]wera Tenn July 19/99 Canvassed the [-]est of the day and stopped at Bro [-]ak Inman at noon along in the [-]avening we were called in to Bro & Sis [-]mans sons to administer to a very sick [-]hild and it seemed to get some easeier [-]t at dark got worse and seemed like [-]e wouldent live and had a high feaver [-]e retired to the woods in [-]rais and [-]hen we returned the feaver had [-]ft and she rested real well the rest of [-]e night ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p148.jpg) Leago Tenn July 20/99 Stopped with Bro Imnan to day and read the most of the time read ing most all of Mark & Luke throug h. Leago July 21/99 This morning whe[-] we got up we found it raining lik[-] it had set in for the day Spent the day with them and at night called a few of the neighbors and held meeti[--] with them and had a real good time Horner July 22/99 To day we went up to Bro Joneses and stopped with them had a good bath and changed our clothes done our writeing and prepared for the Sabeth. Sunday Horner Tenn July 23/99 This morni[--] we walked over to the saints church ha[-] three mi atended SS after which we held meeting with them and had a real enjoyable time and after meeti[--] went home with Bro & Sister Denton John. Horner Tenn July 24/99 As we were waiting for tracts We stopped with Bro Denton and wrote and read the most of the time raining most of the day and nice and warm also stopped with Bro Denten on the 25 as it was raining ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p149.jpg) Whiteoak Tenn July 26/99 [-]his morning we started out canvassing [-]d a very good time real warm sweet [-]reat deal Stopped at night with a verry [-]ind family by the name of Chas. Tinin [-]ho treated us real king and I gave him a [-] of Warning [-]lp Tenn July 27 This morning we [-]tarted out to get a house to preach in but [-]iled canvassed all day and at night [-]topped on the banks of the Tenn R. [-]ith a real kind family who made us [-]elcome and treated us real kind by the name [-] C Kagle also had a fine swim in the [-]iver and held a meeting withe them [-]nd some neighbors at night and had [-] real good time. [-]edarcreek July 28 [-]anvassed all day got real tired as [-] was real muddy and rainy but about [-]ark pulled in at Bro Zeak Inmans [-]orner July 29 This morning we [-]alked up to bro Jones to get. [-]ashed and shaved and our clean [-]lothes on for Sunday Sunday [-]alked over to the church house and [-]tended and took part in S S after [-]hich we held a real good meeting [-]d a large crowd and good atention [-]ped with Bro W. H. Jones ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p150.jpg) Horner Tenn July 31/99 Stopped with Bro Jones and done my writeing also went down to the office and reed our mail re[--] a letter from home found all well. Farmersvalley Tenn Augst 1st/99 To day we went over to Bro [-] Roberts a distance of about 7 mi and stayed with them til the next morning and held a meeting at their place and had a fine time eating tomatoes and mellons. Horner August 2nd this morning we went back to bro Jones and took dinn[--] with them and from there we went [--] Bro Inmans a distance in all 13 [--] and held meeting and had a go[-] crowd and fine time Cedarcreek Aug 3 to day we write Bro Keeling and eat dinner with t[---] and then walked back to the meeting house and worked at fixing some seats and stopped with Mr J D woods. Horner Tenn Aug 4/99 Finished fixing the benches and went over to the office and read our mail went up to Bro & Sister Jones for the night ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p151.jpg) [-]aturday Aug 5th/99 [-] day was the day that we were [-] comence our conference but our Pres [-]rate us that he would not be here [-]ut as we had called the people togather [-]e held meeting in the forenoon [-]ith them and after meeting went [-]ack to Bro Jones. Sunday [-]rner Tenn Aug 6th/99 This morning [-]e went over to the meeting house and it wasent [-]ng before a large crowd gathered and as [-]ey had all come to heare us preach we [-]ostponed S S and ocupied the the time [-]eaking to the people and had a very [-]ood time all paying strict atention [-]ad seemed to enjoy themselves the best kind [-]ter meeting we went home with Bro Roberts [-]aptized and confirmed his little girl [-]armers valley Aug 7/99 To day we stayed with [-] Roberts and made out our reports and done [-]r writeing. [-]rmers valley Aug 8/99 To day we canvassed [-]d went to the office and when we came [-]ack we found Pres. Allred & Stewart had [-]ived and at night as we had notice [-]iven out that we would hold meeting [-] nice little crowd gathered in and [-]e had a real good time. Elder Brimhall [-]d Pres Allred doeing the speaking ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p152.jpg) Farmersvalley Aug 9th/99 This morning it was decided that we spend the remainder of the week notifying the people of our meeting and trying to get them out acordingly we went over to mister Jones where we stopped dinner But on a count of a bad co[--] I dident eat any supperr from there we went over to Ezekel Inmans where w[-] stayed all night and from there. N Newera Aug 10 To day we went up to Bro Cal Keelings where we stayed all night in the night I swett aw -fel for a long time and finely went to sleep but woke pu with a chill. Cedar creek Aug 11 This morning I I was feeling g quite poorly So as soon as breakfast was over we started for Mr Woods but before I arived there I became So Sick I could hardly travel and twice on the way I layed down to rest and the pain mostly left me til resumeing my journy. When I arived at Mr Woods I took the bed and suffered the remaind[--] of the day so that it seemed like I cou[--] hardly stand it but at sundown when the Pain left and I had a splendid nights rest. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p153.jpg) [-]aar creek Aug 12/1899 [-]is morrrning our conference comenced all [-] Eders & Presidency expcted being here on [-]e Six in all Elders Frier and Fuller [-]ng the other two. Our meeting in the fore- [-]n was very poorly atended and owing [-] the Small atendance we only held [-]eeting publicly and a Council meeting [-] the afternoon and anothe public [-]eeting at night and we truly had [-] feast and an enjoyable time. I and [-]er Fuller stayed to gather at Mr Woods [-]it was close to the meeting house [-]unday Aug 13th 99 This morning we [-]ok up meeting at Eleven had a good full [-]use and the Presidencey done the speaking [-]ad spoke splendid and very forcibly on the [-]ord of wisdom and titheing. After meeting [-] went down to the spring and pertook of [-]hat we call in this country Dinner on the [-]ound Which of course we all enjoyed very [-]uch and then returned to the meeting [-]gain our presidents ocupieing the time [-]nd before the meeting was out it seemed [-]ike all the saints resolved that they would [-]bey the word of wisdom. [-] At night we had another meeting [-]he presidents not being there but we [-]ad a fine time and all enjoyed the [-]peaking very much all going home [-]atisfied. Stopped with Mr Weoods ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p154.jpg) Horner Tenn Aug 14th 1899 This morning we all met over to Bro Jones and held another council meeting and had another spirital feast that is seldom enj[-] yed So that as for me it seems like I hav[-] recd a great deal of spiritual strength It seems like our Presidents are truly men of God and are alive to their calling. Just before night we all bade farewell to each other to continue our usual labors. we stopping with Bro J W Denton. Horner Tenn Aug 15th 99 To day we stayed with Bro Denton all day doeing our writeing as we were waiting for some half soles Elder Brimhalls shoes being to far gon to travel before they were fixed. and I was willing to stay also as I had a very painfull large boil on my rist. Horner Tenn Aug 16th/99 To day we wen[-] over to the office and got our half sales and went up to Mr Jones where Stayed all night. Horner Aug 17th/99 This morning I fixed and half soled my shoes after which we went over to Bro Mates who was quite sick we also held a public meeting after which we walked over to Bro Jones to sleep ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p155.jpg) Horner Tenn Aug 18/99 Stopped with Bro Jones this forenoon and [-]ot my pants mended and umberella mended [-]fter which we went to the office and from [-]here over to Bro Dentons where we stopped [--]r the night. [-]orner Tenn Aug 19th/99 To day we stopped [-]ith Bro Denton and wrote some Gospil [--]tters to some of my old southern friends [--] Coffee Co. and spent the rest of the time studying [-]orner Sunday Aug 20th/99. [-]his morning we went up to S.S. after which we held meeting and had a real [-]ood time and went back and stopped with Bro Denton [-]orner Tenn Aug 21/99 Stopped with [--]o denton til after dinner and done our writeing [-]nd then went to the office and from there [-]tarted out canvassing and stopped at night [-]ith C.W. Turner who perfessed Holiness and [-]hile talking to us got to shouting and [-]aughing Just like he was beside himself [-]hort creek Aug 22 To day we set out [--]nvassing and had a real good time and was treated fine and at night we [-]alled in at Bro Ezekel Imnan and was kindly received and had a splendid nights rest ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p156.jpg) Shortcreek Tenn Aug 23/99 To day we canvassed all day meeting with good success selling two Books met with one man who kindly invited us to come and stop with him and another who was just the opisite and when he saw we could down him in an argument got mad and ordered us off the place but as it wasent his we stayed til we got ready Stopped and held meeting with Bro Ezeke[-] Inman at night and had a splendid time and a full house. Shortcreek Aug 24/99 This morning there wa[-] three honest soules requested baptism at our ha[-] acordingly we with quite a number of other[-] walked about two miles where we found suficient water to perform the ordanance wher we dedicated the grounds and services to the Lord and led them into the waters of baptism Philip of old. After which we returned and held a spirited meeting and confirmed them members of the church and had a real enjoyable time their names an[-] ages ar as follows James Inman 19 years Robert Spence Inman 19 years Milla Catheri[-] Inman 16 years after meeting was ove[-] we had a good dinner which was apreicated as we were all tired and hungry after our walk. Stayed with Bro Inman the rest of the day ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p157.jpg) Shortcreek Aug 25/99 This morning we bade farewell to the [-]olks and started out canvassing went [-]own to the Newera office and received [-]ur papers but there was none there it [--]emes like they have seased comeing entierly [-]ent out our way canvassing and real good [--]ccess and stopped at Bro W H Jones [---] night haveing a real good time [-]orner Tenn Aug 26/99 [-]o day we had a fine rain and [-]tayed with Bro Jones all day and [-]rote and studied also paid a visit [--] Bro motes who has been sick for a [-]ew days, but is improveing. Sunday [-]orner Tenn Aug 27/99 [-]his morning we went over to the [-]hurch house and a tendid S S. after which we held a good meeting and had a real goo time was invited hom[-] [-] Geo Keeling where we stayed all night treated fine. Horner Tenn Aug 28/99 To day we went [-]ver to the office and received our mail [-]ound all well at home. Went up to mr Jones [-]here we stayed all night and made prepera- tions to leave for another district the next day ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p158.jpg) Harner Tenn Aug 29/99 This morning after completeing our preperations we started out with our well ladened grips canvassing over on to Buffalo river. the people seemed to be very indiferent and in some instances very bitter at night we called on a mister Holt for entertainment But was orderd off his place we went on to the next house and left them a pamphlet where the woman an[-] children were all that were at home as soo[-] as we had left we saw the old man and so[-] had followed us and re[-]shed into the ha[-] and we herd the woman bellow the preache[-] the preachers [-] we dont know what they done bu[-] we went on and at about 8 oclock was kindly taken in by mr Sharp and was treated real kind Farmers' valley Tenn Aug 30/99 This morning after walking down to the office we went back up to Bro Roberts and stayed with them the rest of the day talking upon the principles of the Gospil and had an enjoyable time Farmers' valley Tenn Aug 31/99 To day we stopped with bro Roberts all day spending the time in studdying and reading as we were conncted to remain[-] rather quiet during the religious revivels were in session through the country the people unexceptionly predgiced during thes periods. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p159.jpg) Farmersvalley Tenn Sept 1st/99 This morning we started out canvass [-]ng and finished canvassing all of [---]ke[-] creek and returned to Bro Roberts in the eavening. [-]armers valley Sep 2nd Stayed with Bro roberts all day and wrote and [-]t night held a meeting with them Sunday Sep 3 Stayed at Bro Roberts the day and in the afternoon held a Sacrament meeting. Some visitors [-]eing there and talked to them on the principles of the Gospil. Farmersvalley Tenn Sep 4th/99 Done our writeing to day and held meeting at Bro Roberts there being some of the neighbors [-]oming in to listen to us. Sep 5th Stopped with Bro Roberts to day and went down to the office and received our mail spent the [-]est of the day reading. Sep 6 as it was very warm we stayed at Bro Roberts to day Sppending the time studeying and converceing on the Gospil. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p160.jpg) Farmers' valley Tenn Sep 7/99 This morning we started out canva[-] [-]ing went over on to Rock house creek had a real good time sold three Books But at night on the acount I supose of the men being from home we had a hard time geting a place to stop but at last succeded and Stayed with a mr Tenn Sept 8th to day we finished canv[-] ing the neighborhood and returned [-] Bro Roberts where we stayed for the nig[-] Sept 9th Shaved up this morning an[-] packed our grips and bade Bro Roberts folks good by not expecting to visit them again as they were sold out and expected to move to some other distric[-] and we had to leave that neighbor[-] d as it was all worked up; went over to Bro Jones and stopped with them as we wanted to hold another meeti[-] with the saints. Sunday Sep 10/99 Went over to S S and met Elders Berr[-] and Smith who were laboring in beha[-] of the S S of our Conference and had a r[-] good time after which we held meeting and returned to bro Jones wehere we stayed for the night ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p161.jpg) Sep 11th/99 Stopped with Bro Jones this forenoon [-]etting my umbrella fixed and pants mended and after dinner we Started [-]ut canvassing and walked about [-] miles and stopped at night [-]ith Bro J W Denton. Horner Sep 12 This morning [-]ust as we were going to leave Bro [-]entons Son in law Bro Geo Keeling came up and the subject [--] baptism was brought up and [-]fter talking on the subject for [-]ome time he desired us to remain [-]nother day and Baptize him. we glady did so concented Spending the forenoon in notifying some of [-]he neighbors and after dinner we [-]ll repaired to Buffalo river where we baptized him and a couple [--] others t[--] boys of Bro Dentons we had a happy time on the river [-]anks offering Prays and singing and after the ordanances were [-]erformed we returned and after upper we held meeting and offer[--] confirmed them members after which we spoke to them [-]dmonishing them to a strict observance of their dutys [-]topped with J T Woods ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p162.jpg) Farmersvalley Sep 13, 99 To day we went over to Bro Jones and stopped for dinner Elder Borris on [-] acount of being sick was there and was haveing the chills after dinner we administered to him and went o[-] over to Bro Roberts and stopped with them for the night Farmers' valley Sep 14/99 To day we canva[-] Some but the people were most all from ho[-] atending the big meetings after looseing our way in returning we arived at Bro Roberts about 4 oclock and helped kill a mutton[-] and a nice feast. Sep 15 Stopped with Bro Roberts all day and wrote and studie[-] Sep 16 We remained with Bro Roberts to day and had a Bath changed clothes and washed and at night held mee[-] and had a real good time Sunday Sep 17th 99 To day we held meeting at Bro Roberts and had quite a nice crowd and all seemed to be interes[-] also held another at night with the Family and adminis [-]tered the Sacrement and spoke o[-] the same ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p163.jpg) Farmers' valley Tenn Sep 78/99 [-]is morning after makeing out our [-]horts and doeing our other writeing [-]ter dinner we had the last farewell to [-]ro Roberts and Family in old Tennessee [-]nt down to the ofice where we recd [-]r mail and then Started out to [-]nvass Stopped all night with [-]W Anderson where we were treated [-]al kind and had a splendid bed. [-]errican Creek Sept 19/99 [-]his morning after Breakfast we started out [-]nvassing and had very good success But was [-]efused their school hous Stopped at the [-]ead of the creek with mr Generel Barker [-]here a few of the neighbors gathered in and [-]e held a real good meeting with them and was treated real good. [-]ep 20th This morning we finished herican [-]nd went over on to brush Creek and [-]anvassed on it the rest of the day and [-]t night called on Mr Gibbons where [-]e had stopped once before and during [-]r absence my Wife had writen to them. [-] acount of which they wer very glad to see us [-]p 21 we canvassed some this morning [-]nd then crossed over the Short creek [-]d stopped with a friend and wrote [-]l eavening and then walked down the [-]ck to Dick Tuckers where we Stoped for night ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p164.jpg) Sep 22/1899 To day we visited among some of our aquainta[-] and found some of the people with that while we were in their midst before who had treated us real good now had changed and wer Cold to wards us. Called on C C Clark who treated us real kind and remained with him all night Jacks' branch Sep 23d/99 After Breakfast we helped Bro Clark with some chores and talked on the Gospil was asked to write after returning home canvassed a while called at Linden for our mail and went on down to Mr. Paterys where we spent the rest of the day reading also spent the night with them and w[-] treated real kind. Sunday Linden Tenn Sept 24/99 Stopped near Linden all day to day and Oour old welch frind Mr Patery and read as there was no chance to get a house to hold meeting in the neighborhood enjoyed my self splendid as I had plenty of good reading. Linden Sep 25 This morning we woke up and found it had been raining during the night and after a good breakfast we starte[-] out on our way to canvas rejoiceing. The firs[-] man we met was an athiest sold him a book of mormon went on canvassing and stop[-] at Bery Lualls for the night ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p165.jpg) [-]Ken Tenn Sep 26/99 [-]his morning it was quite cool and [-]lthough there dident seem to be any frost [-] saw ice on some of the boards after Breakfeast [-]e started on our way Canvassing and stopped at the [-]ffice and recd a letter from home. went on over [-] Kane creek and canvassed. Stoping at [-]ight with a real kind family by the [-]ame of Wiley Bates. [-]ane Creek Tenn Sep 27 After Breakfast [-]ve started out canvassing and to [-]ermission to use the school house to [-]reach in was treated real well and [-]ot the use of the school house and [-]eld a Splendid meeting we were the [-]irst mormons that had ever preached [-]n the neighborhood. And the people [-]ere very atentive, was invited [-]home by Mr Wm Cregg who treated [-]s very kind. [-]ane creek Sep 28 Acording to last nights [-]pointment we stayed here studying in [-]rder to hold another meeting to night [-]he family with whom we were [-]taying treating us real nice [-]t our nights meeting we had a [-] fine crowd and fine atention [-]old [-] Brooks stopped a gain with [-]Mr Cregg ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p166.jpg) Kane Creek Tenn Sep 29 This morning we went down to Beards Town to mail our letters after whic[-] we went over on to lagoon Creek an[-] canvassed we also obtained the use of their School house to hold meeti[-] in and held a meeting at night But there we only a small crowd and they were all men folks Stoo[-] with Mr. Jno Curry who treated us very nice Lagoon Tenn Sep 30/99. This morning there was quite a heavy frost. After Breakfast [-] started out canvassing Went over on to Russ[-] Creek where we expected to hold meeting Bu[-] the house was engaged. So we finished up the neighborhood and went over on to L[-]st Creek Stopped with Mr Lobelville Sunday Oct 1st/1899 This forenoon we notified the people of a[-] meeting at 2 in the afternoon and a[-] the apointed time there had a small cro[-] gathered in and we held a real nice meetin[-] and gave out notice for another at night but there was only three came and we talke[-] with them a while and then went to wh[-] we were invited for the night Mr. War[-]n[-] Lostcreek Oct 2/99 To day[-] we canvassed all day Got a house to preach in but no one came to listen Stopped at night with H P Pool treated fine ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p167.jpg) [-]aripen <[-]one Spring> Oct 3/99 [-]o day we crossed over the Buffalo R [-]veing canvased all the people on the [-]st Side canvased all day mostly on [-]d bank and obtained permission to [-]ld meeting in the School house gave out [-]ice to all the people that we would hold [-]eting the following night stopped at night [-]ith Mr. Loggin on Taripen [-]aripen Oct 4/99 This morning I walked [-] to Labelville to get our mail as we were [-]t of tracts Recd a letter from home came [-]ack and canvassed the rest of the day and [-]t night held meeting in the School house [-]d stopped again with Mr Loggin. Taripen Tann Oct 5th/99 [-] canvassed all day This forenoon in [-]he conntry and a long in the after [-]oon went in to Lobelville and after [-]ing to the office we started out to procure [-] house to hold meeting in also done [-]me tracting and after spending the eavening [-]ithout much satisfaction as to the use of a [-]use we stopped with Mister Grez who was very kind Labelville Oct 6th/99 [-]r Breakfast this morning we went to see the ones [-]at had the Public houses in charge but they had [-]tched up an excuse to not let us use it acordingly [-]Canvassed the town and Bade farewell and [-]t up the river in the [-]eprest Settlement [-] stopped with another Mr Gray treated fine ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p168.jpg) Depriestvalley Tenn Oct 7/99 To day we were the most of the day trying to get a house to preach in there being three i[-] the neighborhood but we were unable to get the use of any of them acordingly we went ov[-] on Lagoon Creek where we had preached a we[-] before and gave out meeting for Sunday at Eleven and Stopped over night with Mr J W Burnes was treated fine. Lagoon Tenn Oct 8/99 This morning we went down to the Scho[-] house and a quite a crowd gathered in and we held meeting and came back and stopp[-] with Mr Burnes a gain and we were treate[-] real kind Beardstown Oct 9/99 After a good nights rest we went hearty welcome to return we crossed the river and stopped in the Depr[--]t Settlement and done our writeing and canvassed som[-] stopped with Mrs Sanders and her Sons. were treated well. Beardstown Oct 10 99 This morning I went up to the office and stopped with for our mail but ther[-] was none there for us canvassed in the Depreast Settlement and finished canvassing it and Stopped all night with Mr. F G Loveless who treated us very kind ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p169.jpg) Beardstown Tenn Oct 11/99 [-]tarted out canvassing this morning [-]ished Beardstown crossed over the river [-]topped for dinner with a family that [-]ree of their family (all the children they [-]d) were Born with crooked feet and [-]ere so bad that they walked on their [-] joints. went to the friendship neighbor [-]ood Stopped at night with Mr J W Adams Friendship Oct 12/99 [-]fter a Splendid nights rest and a good [-]reakfast we asked mr Adams for the use [-] the School house but he refused. acorgin [-] we finished canvassing the neighborhood [-]d went on Stopped with a family for a while [-]at had a little girl Six years old that only [-]eighed 16 to 18 lbs seemed to Be quite [-]art and run all around but couldent [-]lk and when we asked her she would [-]ome and sit on our laps and act just like [-]baby about 20 months old. Stopped near [-]inden at Mr Patrys. Linden Tenn Oct 13/99 [-]fter a splendid nights rest and a [-]ood breakfast we started on our way [-] Cedar creek Stopped a while at linden [-]or our mail recd a letter and a pair [-] socks from home But my letter that [-]d been due for severel days hadent come [-]ent on to horner and received some more [-]ail from Office St called at Bro Jones [-] the night found all well. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p170.jpg) Horner Tenn Oct 14/99 To day I spent the day in repairing and cleaning up took my cravat apart and changed ends which made it look new Sister Bound my old durby hat with Brai[--] and I Blocked it up which made it look new again also fixed my Grip handle and umbrella shield and Shoe and the day quickly passed by But at night I had my odd Jobs done. Horner Tenn Oct 15th/[--] This morning I ate no breakfast and aft[--] washing and getting ready we went over to the meeting house to atend S S But they dident have any and after a small crowd had gathered in w[-] held meeting with them Then went d[---] to Bro Dentens ate dinner after which we held Sacrement meeting and at night we met in the meeting house an[-] had a splendid meeting and a good sp[-] privaled Stopped with J J Woods. Horner Tenn Oct 16th 99 This morning we went down to Br[-] Dentons and stayed all day on a count of our mail But it seemed asthough my mail had Been pilfire[-] with as I had not receaved my last weeks mail from home and there was none to day for me makeing it over two weeks sinc[-] hearing from home Stopped Dentons ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p171.jpg) Cedarcreek Oct 17/99 This morning when we awoke we [-]ound it raining every puff of wind [-]ills the air full of leaves showing that win [---] is close at hand. and the Dence wooded hill sides with its varied colors in [-]any instances and places make beautiful [-]ictures to feast the eye upon. Not knowing [-]hen it would cease raining we started out [--]-r Bro Ezekel Inmans where we expected to [-]old meeting at night. and arved there for dinner [-]ut there was no one tame to our meeting so [-]e spent the most of the eavening Singing.. Peters landing Oct 18/99 [-]o day we started out and canvassed [-] little neighborhood which we finished up a little after noon and I went up to horner to see if there was any mail and received two letters from my Dear ones at home and found all well, returned again down to Bro [-]nmans and found my Com. Lego Tenn Oct 19/99 To day we stayed at Bro Inmans all day and wrote home to the Dear ones [and] in the afternoon done our washing Lego Oct 20/99 Done some more writeing this foun[-] [---] expected getting to work. But on a [--]ount of Elder Brimhall mail not comeing we stayed again with Bro Inman. A [-]rowd came and we had a fine time Reading ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p172.jpg) New era Tenn Oct 21/99 This morning we bade Bro Inman and family and made a start again with t[-] intentions of finishing up the Co before returning. canvassed all day and had a real good time But was unsuccesfull i[-] obtaining a place to preach in on Sund[-] Stopped with Mr Sam Denton who treated us very nice made us welcome Cedar creek langing Oct 22/9[-] This morning after breakfast we went down to the river to see a boat them loa[-] a barge with cedar posts Twas quite a Sight to see twenty nigers all marching u[-] and down carying big cedar posts on to the Bo[-]t and hear ten Bosses talking and driveing them like they were Brutes Spent the day reading etc being made welcome by Mr Denton where we Stayed til monday morning Cedar creek Landing Oct 23/9[-] After breakfast and we had got ready to leave my Co[-]s hat came up missing and after hunting a while we found it all tore [-] by the dogs But forunately he had another ordered and it was allready at the office So he was all right I went on canvass[-] and Stopped at Bud Flowereses w[-] my Com joined me in the eavening an[-] we were asked to stay all night an[-] were treated fine. Mr Flowers was quite Sick. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p173.jpg) Cedarcreek Landing Oct 24 <1899> [-]his morning we Started out quite [-]rly and went to the office on Syprus [-]here we expected to receive mail from [-]e office but was dissapointed as we [-]ere nearly out of tracts but as we had [-] few we used them up and Spent the [-]st of the day trying to get a place to [-]reach in Stopped at night with one [-] the leading men of the county Mister [-]m Bussell. Pope Oct 25/99 [-]his morning we were elated when we [-]nt to the office at findeing Our tracts [-]here and we started of canvassing in [-]rnest were unsuccessfull in [-]ting a house to preach in on [-]count of the Gentelmen in controle [-]ot being at home Stopped with a Schoo[-] [-] teacher Mr Alfred Kelley Syprus Oct 26/99 [-]anvassed all day to day on marsh [-]reek had a real good time Stopped for [-]inner with an old couple that had [-]een married 57 years were 77 & 80 years [-]ld and were doeing all their own work [-]e had some Saltrizeing Bread the first [-]have tasted in the South I enjoyed it [-]ine we had a rather hard time geting [-]ntertainment But was finaly taken [-]n and cared for treated fine by Mr [-]onto the old ref[--]ed to Dixon. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p174.jpg) Marsh creek Oct 27th 99 To day we canvassed all day sold a Book of Mormon to a Baptist Preacher had a good time and finish[-] -d up the creek and stopped at night with Bud Hasteings. Marsh creek Oct 28th/99 This morning after Breakfast we went over to the office expecting to find some tracts But was disapointed [-]ecd word from Pres that we would hold Conference about the 17th of next m[---] -h. and after writeing some we started out canvassing on Spring creek and at night were kindely entertained by Samuel Lomax an[-] wife Sunday. Mouce tail Oct 29/99 As we had no apointment out for to day and no place to hold meeting we staye[-] with Mr Lamax all day and converced on the principles of the Gostil and read it beaing a Lovely day. Mouce tail Oct 30/99 This morning we started out to labo[-] feeling splendid went to the office an[-] got our tracts canvassed all day haveing a real good time but meeting with no chance to get to hold meetings finished up Spring creek and went over on Lick creek and after 4 refusels stoped with Mr Young. fared Sumptiou[---] ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p175.jpg) Lick Creek Oct 31st 99 [-]fter a splendid nights rest and a good [-]eakfast we started out canvassing it [-]ing a very nice cool day. Talked with a Bap [-]st who had received a coppy of resolutions [-]om the Baptist church of Utah wanting the [-]ople to sign it endeavoring to un seat [-]oberts we canvassed the rest of the [-]ay and stopped with a family by [-]he name of Mr Blackburn who treated [-]s very kind Nathen Nov 1st 1899 This morning we left our Hostes with [-]n invitation to call on them again [-]et a gentelman by the name of [-] P Cable who seemed to be a very [-]onest in heart person seeking after Truth [-]he treated us fine and after haveing [-] long talk with him we sold him three Books one each of Red and Blue and [-]ne Book of mormon and after dinner [-]e bade him good bye with a hearty [-]elcome to return stopped at night [-]ith J W Ledbeter Treated fine Deer creek Nov 2nd, 99 [-]tarted out canvassing in the rain & sleet [-]und a good many men at home and were [-]eated well. Went to the office to get our mail [-]d Tracts But the tracts hadent come and [-]ooner than wait we started for Cedar Creek [-] it was getting time to get ready to go to [-]nference Stopped with Mr Lewis. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p176.jpg) Spring Creek Nov 3d 99 After a Splendid nights rest and a kind welcome and invitation to return we started on our days walk it was real cool and Cl[-] a little different to what it was one weak ago to day when we were in Swiming in the tennessee River. Stopped for dinner a[-] Bud Flowers. Went on and arived at Br[-] Ezekel Inman where we arrived just at dark and were kindly welcomed. Newera Nov 4th 99 To day we stayed with Bro Inman all day and wrote to my folks at home and as we had just recd papers we spent the rest of the day reading them and at night a large crowd gathered in and they had a dance which was very am[-] seing to watch Talk about your Back woods man I'm sure that looked like it some had their hats on and the house was so full we could hardly find Standi[-] room. Newera Nov 5th 99 We stayed with Bro Inman To day and held a meeting with them in which we administered the Sacrement and had a real enjoyable time Newera Nov 6th 99 Stayed with Brother Inman til after dinner af[-] which we bade them good Bye and went up to Bro Dentons and stayed with them haveing a real good time. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p177.jpg) Horner Tenn Nov 7th 99 After Breakfast I went over to [---] Wm Jones to see if my winter clothes were there as I had asked them to get them out of the office when they come. But they were not there and after spending an enjoyable time talkeing with them I returned to Bro Dentons and [-]rom thence to Bro Pete Inmans where we held a real good meeting and stayed with them all night. Whiteoak Nov 8th 99 After Breakfast we returned to Bro Dentons where we took a good Bath and after doeing my writeing etc we went up to the meeting house and held a meeting and had a real [-]ood time stoped at Mr Pit Woods Cedar Creek Nov 9th 99 To day I went over to Bro Jones and dried my coat and vest as my winter suit hadent come yet Horner Nov 10/99 This morning I was up early and pressed my clothes and after Brea kfast we went over on Buffalo [-]iver canvassing and stopped [-]ith Mr Jno Huffstudler. Bethel Nov 11/99 [-]fter finishing canvassing we retu [-]ned visiting with some of the saints [-]toping with Bro Denton ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p178.jpg) Sunday Nov 12th 99 This morning after Breakfast and getting ready we went up to the meeting house and held meetin[-] But there was but few in atendan[-] but we had a very good atendance time and enjoyed the Spirit of the Lord and gave good instructions to those presant as it was our last meeting in the neighborhood and after taking dinner with Bro Geo Ke[-]ling we, went over to Bro Jones for the night Horner Nov. 13th 99 To day I was busy all day drying my clothes and doing other odd job[-] Preparitory to leaveing also re[-]d a loveing letter from my Dear Wif[-] also a kind letter from B.P. wit[-] $2[--] enclosed as a presant to me. which shows that they are interested in my welfare stopped with WH Jone Horner Nove 14th 99 This morning we were real busy finishin[-] the odd jobs sewing buttons on my co[-] fixing shoes also fixed my grip handle and as soon as we got them done we started out allthough it ha[-] started to rain walked to Linden a distance of about 9 mi and stopped with Mr RD Anderson who treated us very kind and invited us Back ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p179.jpg) Linden Tenn Nov 15th 99 [-]his morning we bade the family good [-]ye and started out on our days walk [-]or Mousetail district Stopped for dinner [--] Mr Blackburns. and after a hard days [-]alk ariveing at our destination just [--]fore dark. Stopped for entertainment at [---] W R Conders and were made [---]ly welcome although the Gentleman wasen[-] at home but before we got through eating [--]me and treated us fine. Moucetail Nov 16th 99 [-]fter a splendid nights rest and a good breakfa [--] we started out canvassing receiveing very [-]ood treatment and after finishing up the neighborhood we went over on to Toms creek and [--]arted to canvass that neighborhod stopped [-]ith Mrs Patterson who had a couple of her [-]arried children living with her treated [-]ather cool but fine fare. Townscreek Nov 17th 99 This morning after a splendid nights rest and [-] good breakfast we started out canvassing [-]t with fair success during the day stopped and [--]d a shave and at night stopped with Townscreek Nov 18th 99 To day we spent the day endeavoring [-]o procure Buildings to preach in and [---] permission to use the one on the upper end of the creek known as the [--]tton School house had a real good time [-]topped with Mr O[---] fine fare. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p180.jpg) Toms creek Sunday Nov 19th 1899 After a splendid nights rest we arose feeling well and after Breakfast we repaird to the School house where a small congregation of men folks came to listen to us and we held a short meeting the crowd paying very good atention And after meeting we went up to Bro Cottons where we were made welcome and stayed till nex[-] morning Tomscreek Nov 20th 1899 This morning we started out to [---] hou[-] to hold meetings in while our visiting Brether[-] were with us, went over on rones creek but were unsuccessfull from there we went on to crooked creek were quite late geting entertainment But a while after dark aproched a big fine ho[-] where we were invited in and made welcome and treated fine By two Brothers who were running the place by the names of William Daniel Andy Nov 21 99 This afternoon after spending the fore part of the day in takeing a Bath etc we went up to see the trustees but only saw one who was willing to let us have the use of the house and sai[-] he would see the others. From there we crossed ove[-] on the rones creek and stopped with Mr Sa[-] <(Rane[-]> Rones creek Nov 22 This morning we woke finding it raining in fine shape and after Breakfast we started o[-] in the rain for toms creek where we expected to meete Elder Stewart and Com. But did no[-] meet them stopped with Mr C[-]bel ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p181.jpg) Tomscreek Nov 23/99 [-]ter Breakfast and being kindly invited to [-]turn we made our way down to the office where we [-]t Elders Steward and Reeve and after a few minutes [-]nversation we seperated Elder Sewart and Brimhall [-]aying on Tomscreek while Elder Reeve and I [-]ent over on crooked creek where we held meetings [-]to the Mount Dan School house had a real [-]ood time and stopped with Mr. J.W. Bandy [-]real nice family who treated us nice. Andy Nov 24/99 [-]fter a splendid nights rest and a good [-]reakfast we started to canvass and visit amon [-]the people and enjoyed my self splendid [-]ith Elder Reeve who was a very congenial [-]mpanion we were also treated real well [-]nd at night we held a real good meeting [-]nd after meeting we were invited home [-]ith Mr Danel to stay with them over night. Andy Nov 25/99 This morning we started off canvassing [-]nd went over on to Rones Creek where we [-]anvassed most of the day and sang to [-]he people a good Deal and had a fine [-]ime came back and held meeting after [-]hich we stopped with Mr J W Bandy Sunday Andy Nov 26/99 [-]ast night it rained all night and also [-]ined all day to day and we held no meeting [-]sit was to stormy for the people to come [-]t but we enjoyed our selves the Best [-]ind stopping again with Mr Bandy ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p182.jpg) Andy Nov 27/99 This morning after Bidding our kind friends good bye we started out canvassing expecting to meet our other companions at Mr. Wm. Danials where we arived at the apointed time But our Coms dident come and we stayed over night having a splendid time talking and singing songs among other things we sang some songs which were com -posed by my Wife and read some poetry which was very highly apreciated by those presant And I was Brought to understa[--] how much more pleasant it was to have an unselfish Com than a selfish jelous one. Andy Nov 28 99 After a splendid nights rest we arose and ate breakf[---] and waited for the other Elders took a fine [---] just a week ago to day since we had our last [---] at this place and after dinner Elders came and we held our council meeting and had a real good time after which we seperated I and Elder Brimhall starting to canvass stopping [--] Mr Jno D Blackburns where we were treated fine Brevard Tenn. Nov 29/99 This morning we left our hostess with a kind invita[---] to return and see them again. After canvassing a wh[---] we crossed the Tennessee river in a small skiff to visit some of the Saints on that side of the river eat dinne[-] at [illegible deletion] after which we went over to sister Erw[---] where we stayed over night Bro Erwin treated us fine But was not a member of the church ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p183.jpg) Revard Tenn Nov. 30/99 Stopped with Mr. Revards all day and had washing done and found Sister Revard Be a real firm beleaver in the Gospel [-]e employed our selves splended as their family seemed to be real nice folks. [-]t night we had a real good meeting Revard Dec 1st/99 We stopped with the folks a while this [-]orning until they finished fixing our clothes and I pressed my clothes after we which we started out to canvass and at [-]ight stopped with Mr. S.M. Barnett. Tomscreek Dec 2nd 99. [-]fter a splendid nights rest we arose from nice Bed and eat a good Breakfast and started out canvassing and went over to the office where we received our mail and [-]aving all our canvassing done we started out [-]wards Nashville and stopped at Mr [-] Creggs where we were treated fine and [-]ent to a methodest meeting which we enjoyed [-]al well. Beardstown Dec 3/99 This morning when we left we partly promised write to Sister Cregg who was very kind and Simpathetic went across the creek [-]ver to Mr. G.W. Bates where we stayed the rest of the day and was treated fine had a conversation with a Seventh day advent who was holding meeting [-]n the school home. A little Snow ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p184.jpg) Beardstown Dec 4/99 This morning we left with a kind invitation to return and started out with Nashvill by the way of Shady grove it was real cold which made it fine walking at night we stoped with W A Byers within about three miles of Centerville who treated us real kin[-] Centerville Dec 5/99 This morning we Bade our hostess good bye and started on our way for Shady grove this morning was the coldest morni[--] we have hat this fall missed our way and we down in the totty Bend which put us out of our way 5 or 6 mi Stopped at Bro Mobleys within two mi of Shady. Shady grove Dec 6/99 Stopped with Bro Mobleys this forenoon and mended and halfso[---] my shoes pressed my par to etc and after dinner we went up to Shady in company with Elders Cardwell and Archibald who who had come down [---] half sole shoes. Stopped to see some of the Saints and stopped with Sister Hicks where about 180 of our Elders have stopp[--] Duckriver Dec 7/99 This morning we started out feeling well and Mr H[--]ks gave each of us 50¢ a pe[---] and sister hicks gave us a lunch which came in very good walked about 30 mi an[-] stopped with S S Short treated fine ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p185.jpg) Bingham Tenn. Dec 8/99 [-]his morning we started out on our journy [-] distnace of 20 mi we had a fine hike to [-]avel on all the way Bought a little candy [-]r dinner stopped But a short time to rest [-]d arived in the edge of town about two [-]ock where we took the street car for our hotell [-] Cosmopolitan where we cleaned up after [-]hich we met some of the other Elders and [-]ter supper we met at the Pres office to practice [-]anging wher we had a most enjoyable time shaking [-]ands and then returned to our hotel and retired. Nashvill Dec 9/99 [-]fter a rather restless nights rest on a count [-]f the hustle and noise we arose and after [-]reakfast repaired to meeting to the Hall [-]here we met with the rest of the Elders and [-]res Riches councelers Pres Rich not being presant the first day and O the enjoyable time we had no one can [-]preciate lik the humble Elders do[-] [-]e have three meetings one at 10 [-]m [-] PM & 7 PM where all the Elders [-]ad the privelige of specking and [-]aring their testimony and all [-]manifested a humble Spirit and [-] desire to do their duty. we [-]also Recd some valuable instruc[-] [-]ons from our Pres and counceler Anderson and others after which we returned to our hotell and retired at [-] oclock ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p186.jpg) Nashville Tenn Dec 10/99 This morning being the Sabeth we did[---] eat any breakfast But repaired to the [---] to atend councel meeting at 8 am wher[-] we met Pres Rich and received much valuable instruction and words of encouragement. At 10 A.M. we took up public meeting But there were none there except the Elders and a few Sa[--] ts And Pres Rich had some of the youn[-] Elders speek also Pres Allreds Councelers and we had a real Pleasant time. At 2 P.M. we met again there were a ve[--] few visitors this after noon and the first principles of the Gospil were d[---] upon by the first two speakers after which Pres Rich spoke on the Subjec[-] of revelation for a short time with grea[-] stress and power after which we adjo-- til 7 PM when we met and had a nother real good meeting after whi[--] returned to our Hotels and retired for the night. Nashville Tenn Dec 11/9[-] We met again this morning in com meeting where we were alotted our Companions and asigned our County I and Elder Belnap we to labor together in White Co and as it w[--] very rainy we stayed in town ag[---] having a real good time enjoying each others Company ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p187.jpg) Nashville Dec 12/1899 This morning it had cleared of [-]nd was cool a very Beautiful day to leave the City and after doing [-] writeing etc. We gave each other hearty hand Shake and Started [-]t on our journy rejoiceing. [-]ode out of town on the street car and took the pike on Shanks horces [-]alked all day without Stoping for [-]ner and when we Stopped at [-]ight I was to sick to eat any Supper [-]nd when I went to Bed I had a bad head ache and woke up in the night having an awful heavy night [-]eet We were treated real kind by [-]he folk (Mr Jno Wright and family Bairds Mills Dec 13 99 This morning I felt much better and after eating Breakfast we started on our day journy went By Bairds [-]ill where B[--]t Roberts had a debate [-]fter which he Baptised Sixty persons [-]nto the church. traveled til dark when we called upon Mr Williams who treated us fine and were in the amediate in which Bro Berry [-]as Born and was said to of been there about 90 days before he was killed ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p188.jpg) Wattertown Tenn Dec 14 This morning after a real good nights rest ang a good Breakfast and a kind invitation to return we started out in the rain on our way we Stopped at a St[-] to dry and rest and had the privelige of explaining to quite a crowd Some of t[-] principles of the Gospil and towards nig[-] we continued our journy called at Mr Griffeths for entertainment and told how we traveled he dident say we could stay But told us to Sit down and [---] us in to supper and treated us all right gave us a good Bed. Alexandarea Dec 15/99 This morning when we went to Bid t[-] man goodbye he ask us if we dident intend to pay for our lodging wheren we explaned to him the way we trave[-] But he seemed to be determend to ha[-] us pay and it So happened that we each had over 50¢ in Stamps and we paid him his dollar and went on. The day was cloudy and quite cold which made it real good walking and along about 1 oclo[-] we arived at Sister Bennit where we were very kindly received and after dinner we Spent the rest of the day talking upon and explaining the Scripture Singi[-] and, etc. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p189.jpg) Smithville Dec 16th 99 This morning after breakfast we Started out on our journy passed through Smithville a bout 12 oclock and By inquireing the way we found the near [-]ad and arived at Bro Maynards [-]ust Before dark and were received [-]ery kindly and made welcome and [-]njoyed our Selves very much. Decalb Dec 17/99 To day being the Sabeth and not haveing a chance to hold meeting we Spent the day in conversations on the Gospel and Singing etc [-]nd had a real enjoyable time Elder lee a local Elder joined our [-]rowd and we spent a real plesant [-]vening Found Bro [--]amered [-]nd and Family to Be real Kind to the Elders. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p198.jpg) Glen Abey Tenn May 18th 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F1_p199.jpg) 19/19[-]<10> Jno G Baxter Cure for rumatic One pt whisky ten cts worth of quinine one table Spoon full 3 times per day before meals ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p001.jpg) Missionary Journal of Louis Reuben Jensen [Photograph of a man] April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p003.jpg) CREDITS We wish to express our gratitude to those dedicated individuals who assisted in the transcribing, editing, scanning and printing of Grandpa Jensen's Missionary Journal. This was a labor of love, freely given so that all his descendants might share his experiences as he walked through the woods of Tennessee. Dixie Merrell Waldrip Carrie Jensen John Carter Merrell Loretta Searle Jensen Rachel Jensen Teresa Jensen Hirst To the best of our ability we transcribed it as he wrote it, making only corrections necessary to make it more understandable. We apologize for any errors on our part. We hope this will be passed on to future generations. For additional copies contact Loretta Jensen — (314) 821-0542. Printed August 10, 1998 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p004.jpg) Louis Reuben Jensen left on his mission April 25, 1898. He was married to Kirsten Marie Jensen and they had four children and a farm to be cared for. It was a struggle. He returned home June 5, 1900. He died 19 years later Jan 14, 1909 from pneumonia at age 43 leaving his wife and six children, and a farm. It was a struggle. [The following is written on post-it note] LETTERS FROM WIFE & CHILDREN. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p005.jpg) Missionary Journal of LOUIS REUBEN JENSEN Book One begun April 27, 1898 Inscription on front cover: Property of L. R. Jensen Basalt Bingham Co, Idaho./ Bought on the 27th April 1898 in Salt Lake City Utah Additional note: Should this book ever fall in to the hands of a stranger through being lost. They will be liberally rewarded for their trouble in sending it to its owner. Elder L. R. Jensen, Basalt, Bingham Co, Idaho. The amount of $5.00 April 25, 1898 In accord of the daily events of L. R. Jensen of Basalt, Bingham Co, Idaho while absent from home on a mission preaching the gospel of Christ. Left home on April 25 in company with my wife and family to take the train at Blackfoot at 1:30. The next morning bid them all farewell at 12:30 and took the train at 1:30 and after a pleasant night's ride arrived in Salt Lake City at 9:30. Took breakfast and then met father, mother, and Emma at the Brigham Young monument. Had an enjoyable time. After looking around, went in to the grand old tabernacle as there was people going in and out of there all the time. Heard a pin drop about 4 p.m. and bounce when we were off a distance of about 200 feet. Also heard the grand organ played and spent the rest of the day taking in the sights of the town. Went down and stayed with Father all night, a distance of about three miles. After wandering around town amusing myself, at 2 p.m. I went in to the annex of the temple with the rest of my comrades to be ordained and set apart to fill my mission. Was ordained a seventy and set apart by President Tyfeldstead. April 28, 1898 Salt Lake City Not being able to sleep very well I arose very early this morning to write in my journal and to get ready to leave on the train at 7 a.m. Our little party consisted of five, four of us en route for the Southern States Mission and one for the Eastern. Boarded the train in the morning of the 28th and after a real pleasant day's ride through the mountains we left the fertile valleys of the saints. Now we are flying over the barren dessert over which our noble pioneers pilgrimed their way some 50 years ago. I feel to rejoice in the glorious blessings that we enjoy through their toil and hardships and feel it to say in my heart God gless those noble pioneers who have suffered so much. The names of our party are as follows: Louis J. Bonien of Samaria, Idaho, Jack Parry of Cedar City, Utah, John H. Cory of Cedar City, Utah, George Mitchell of Parrawan, Utah. April 29, 1898 After riding all night we arrived in Denver at 7:15 a.m. Stopped over there six hours. Walked around and took in some of the sights of the town, which did not impress me with that feeling of joy and peace that it does to visit in the city of the Saints and view the lovely Temple of the Lord and beautiful homes, lawns, orchards, and gardens of the saints. Denver has a population of about 170,000. At 11:25 I am now sitting in an elevated road on which there is two cable streetcar tracks, two wagon roads and two foot paths. The road is about 30 feet above the ronny(?) and is about ¾ of a mile long and across the Platt river. 12:07 a.m. In five minutes we will be flying along the rails again. Afternoon, we are having a slight rain. We are now flying through a lovely country and across plains and rolling prairies with out a bush to be seen and then which looks strange to a western boy. April 30, 1898 Kansas City Arrived in this city at 7:30 am. Came very near loosing my record book while sleeping during the night. It had worked out of my pocket and after I had left the cars and sat down to write a little I found my book was gone. But I went back and found the cars and got them to unlock them, and it 's all right. This is a strange looking town. Some parts are real low ground and part on high rolling hills. The population is about 150,000. Back to the east on higher ground I find it is quite a nice city. We visited the temple block at Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p006.jpg) Independence. The country is rolling hills covered with lovely trees. Only where they are farming the temple block is on elevated ground and a real nice spot. The country is quite thickly settled which was quite different to what I expected. Independence is about 19 miles from Kansas. After staying around town all day we leave in the evening at 9:15. May 1, 1898 Arrived in East St. Louis at 7:08. Boarded the cars again and went across the Mississippi and into St. Louis which is a very nice-appearing city. It is a grand thing to see the many sights to be seen. 9 a.m. Not feeling very well this morning but expect to feel better before night. The trains are pulling in and leaving every few minutes, and there is a continuous throng of people passing to and fro. Everything is kept neat and clean and if a person is not trigged up to the top notch he feels a little out of place. The station here is covered with a great shed organized so that it has windows in the roof to let in light. There are 30 tracks run under this shed with large walks between every two tracks. At 3 p.m. this afternoon I went out on to an elevated road that crossed over the RR tracks to see the sights and have some exercise. The bridge was about 3/4 of a mile long and when I was about 2/3 of the way across a heavy rain and windstorm struck me. I turned and started back as fast as my legs would take me. It seemed like the wind was going to take everything before it, and it made me think of the storm they had three years ago. I saw it blow a woman out on to the car track and make her scream. I didn't know but what it was going to blow her clear across the road, but a man caught her and helped her. They got behind a large post and I went on by as fast as I could. When I got to the end of the road there was a little fruit shop full of people. One boy that was just in head of me dropped down like he was clear exhausted. Oh dear. All the street cars stopped and the water was running in all directions and was about 18 inches deep just in front of where I was and came in the house but everything came out all right and I with wet clothes. Left St. Louis at 9:55 feeling well. May 2, 1898 Nashville, Tennessee Arrived in this city at 9 a.m. after an all-night ride feeling well. Just crossed the Cumberland River. This city has a real nice location. We leave at 9:15. Cristana. I am just now beginning to enjoy my journey. It is real interesting to see the different kinds of country around this part of the country. It is awful rough and rocky and looks like a hard place to live in. We arrived in Chattanooga at 2 p.m. all well, and we soon had a darky telling us where to go. He could soon spot a crowd of Mormon Elders. We registered at the Rosmore Hotel, fare $1.25 per day. Met Pres. Kimball. Went and got our new clothes and sent my old ones home. Went back to the hotel and after a nice chat where we could get around to suit ourselves, we went to bed at eleven o'clock. May 3, 1898 Chattanooga, Tennessee Had a good night's rest, something we appreciated as we had not had a bed to sleep on since we left Salt Lake City and I had not had my shoes off for four days. We had a grand parade here today which was a grand sight to see. Population of Chattanooga is 47,000. In watching the troops of infantry and cavalry pass it was a grand sight. But, it brought a sad feeling over me to think of such a fine army entering in to battle and no telling how many would be killed, It seemed to me that some of them had a sad look on their face, and I felt thankful that I was not on that kind of a mission. May 4, 1898 We received our appointments today and had our instructions given us. Had a fine time watching the fire brigade contest, which was a grand sight to see. It is now 12:40 at night and the city is as busy as day. We leave for our field of labor at 1:15. All well. Good bye to Chattanooga. All the people here know a Mormon Elder but treat them with respect. May 5, 1898 Arrived in Decherd at 4:30 this morning feeling well. Took our grips and umbrella on our back and in our hand and walked 2 1/2 or 3 miles to Winchester where we expected to meet our companions at 8. Have not heard of them yet. 11:30. I went up in town and met our companions. We waited till 12:30 and then started for East Brook where we arrived along in the middle of the afternoon. Our companions decided which of us should be their companions. I was to labor with Elder Wheeler and my companion with Elder Dalley. We did not have any breakfast or dinner till in the afternoon. Stopped with a church family by the name of Osburn. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p007.jpg) May 6, 1898 Today came my walking test and after breakfast we started out for Lois, a distance of about 22 miles by what the people told us but it seemed to me like it was over 30. We walked all day over hills and hollows, resting at intervals without any dinner and with our heavy grips on our shoulders and oh, how my feet and legs did hurt. We arrived at one of our church members, Brother Sawyer, at 6:30 and met a warm welcome. Was glad to get to stop. May 7, 1898 After a good night's rest arose in the morning and through the blessings of the Lord and to my surprise I scarcely felt the effects of the previous day's walk. Went and notified some that we were going to hold meeting in the schoolhouse in the evening. Held meeting. Good attendance and good order. About 30 present. After opening exercises I occupied about nine minutes in speaking to the people, and I feel that the Lord assisted me. This was my first attempt in the missionary field. Brother Wheeler occupied the rest of the time. May 8, 1898 It being Sunday and other churches holding meeting, we thought it wise to attend their meeting. Accordingly, we attended the Cumberland Presbyterian sacrament meeting, which I enjoyed very much. They had a jolly good time. This was the first time I ever heard crying — singing - praying - praising — jumping — shouting — laughing all at the same time, which amused me very much and made me think of the saying of the Savior's, saying my house is a house of order and not of confusion. We held meetings in the evening and a good turn out, about 100. Elder Wheeler occupied the time. We were invited to stop with a nice family by the name of McShingly where we were made very welcome and enjoyed ourselves very much. May 9, 1898 After a very good nights rest, enjoyed a very good breakfast that made me think of home. Went up to where we had been stopping, got our grips and started out canvassing, but on account of one of my shoes hurting my foot we did not go far and stopped at a brothers by the name of Pierce who belonged to the church. May 10, 1898 After breakfast started out on our days' labor feeling much better as I had fixed my shoe so that it did not hurt. Had a real pleasant day's journey visiting among the people. All treated us kindly. We had none refuse our tracts and after walking all day stopped and talking with the people, we stopped with a family by the name of Brown who were very kind to us. This was the second family we stopped with that did not belong to the church. May 11, 1898 After a good night's rest and a hearty welcome to return we started out on our day's journey, visiting from house to house. Visited 36 families, 10 gospel conversations, one night's lodging refused us. Traveled till after dark but found a friend in time of need and got to stop overnight. The man we stopped with was a Baptist that believed in predestination but treated us very kind. We had very good night's rest and a good breakfast. May 12, 1898 After a gospel conversation with our hosts we started out on our days journey. Visiting families and giving tracts. Went up to Lois post office, and my companion read his mai. We went from there down to Bro. Sawyers where we stopped the rest of the afternoon and night, which gave me a chance to read and study a little, a chance which is rather scarce. May 13, 1898 Went down the creek to the post office where we met with the President of our conference, Bro. Larsen, and his counselor, Bro. Archabal, which was a great treat to us. Talked a few minutes and went on our way rejoicing. After visiting a few families me and my partner parted to visit a couple of families. The folks that I visited were very kind and wanted me to stop to dinner, which I accepted and had a fine time and was kindly invited to return again. Their name was Bates. I felt to leave the blessings of the Lord with them. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p008.jpg) Went on and joined my companion. Went up to Lois post office and there met Elder Archabal and my companion. Joined him, and I went back to Bro. Sawyers and joined Pres. Larsen and stayed the rest of day and night. May 14, 1898 In the person of Pres. Larsen I found a true friend and a wise counselor and a congenial companion. I enjoyed his company very much and the day passed smoothly by. Had a good wash and a change of clothes, which is always a great benefit to a person. During the afternoon I found out that our President's visit was something that I needed, and I think it will be of great benefit to me. May 15, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Clear. Held meeting in the schoolhouse at 11. Only three present. Held services, had a good time. Pres. Larsen took up the time. Had meeting at night, the house was filled. Pres. Larsen spoke. Subject was Prophets necessary in the Church. Good meeting. May 16, 1898 Fuga, Tennesse Misty. Went with Pres. Larsen up to Lois and met with counselor and Elder Wheeler. Held a council meeting and read the council and encouragement, which was just what we needed, and which made us to rejoice and praise the Lord in our hearts. Parted and went on our way rejoicing. Pres. Larsen and I ate dinner with a friend R. Baley. Stopped over night with D S Ball, treated real well. May 17, 1898 Lois, Tennessee Cloudy. After breakfast started out our labor feeling well and putting our trust in the Lord. Stopped for dinner with very kind family by the name of ___________ who invited us to return, which we promised to do and went down to Fnga post office to call for our mail. Went from there up to a friend's by the name of Copland, was to stop overnight was treated very kind. May 18, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Clear. Feeling well. Went up to Lois then back Harris Creek. Good time with the people. My companion and a minister had an argument, which resulted in no good as I could see. But both seemed to resent the other's way, as we are counseled to keep out of debates as much as possible. May 19, 1898 It is fast day today. Am not feeling well. Went over on to Robins creek. Was almost sick about noon. But towards night feel all right. Stopped for the night with a man by the name of J J Walker. He was very kind to me. We went down to the creek and had a good bath, which was enjoyed very much. May 20, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Storming. Clear. It was raining. Today we found the men folks to home and held six family meetings. Enjoyed ourselves very much and stayed with a friend by the name of J S Deal. His daughter was very sick and desired us to administer to her, which we did, and she slept and rested good all night and felt real well the next morning May 21, 1898 Cloudy. Clear. Left feeling well. Stayed with a friend for dinner by the name of Tiffs. Treated us real well. Went in and stopped to a Browns and shaved and cleaned up. And went on and stopped at a house close to the church where we were going to hold a meeting in the evening. The family's name was Gore. Went to meeting. Had a good attendance and a good time. W as about twelve o'clock before we went to bed. May 22, 1898 Hurdlow, Tennessee Sunday, cloudy. Went over to a friends, Brown, and went up to Sunday school with them. After which we held a meeting and had a splendid good time, the people doing the singing, which was a great treat for us. Had another good meeting at night. Had a good time. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p009.jpg) May 23, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Cloudy, rain. Left our friends and went to Lois and on up. Stopped and had dinner with another friend by the name of Brown, who was very kind to us and told us to stay whenever we past. Went off to Bro. Sawyers and wrote awhile. Then went back to post office for our mail, and then went two miles over the bridge to hold a meeting. Stayed and ate supper with Mr. Walker, then went to the meeting/ then went back and stayed with Mr. Walker all night May 25, 1898 Ridgeville, Tennessee Warm, clear. Walked hard canvassing all day long. Traveling towards Ridgeville. Stayed all night with Edgeman who treated us very kind. Dinner at Jesse Moor. May 25, 1898 Ridgeville, Tennessee Cloudy. Clear. Left Mr. Edgemans. Went through Ridgeville fleas and days labor, visited four families. Traveled till after night before we could get a place to stop at. Stopped at William Sanders. May 26, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Clear. Today being fast day we did not do much canvassing. Went down to Lynchburg to get our mail. Read a letter from home, first one I had read, which was a great treat to me to hear that all was well at home. Came back and stayed with a kind friend, Mr. Roten. Was kindly invited back again. May ?, 1898 Ridgeville, Tennessee Clear, cloudy. Labored down on Hurricane Creek to day. As we were going to a house the windows and doors were all open, but when we got to the house they were all closed. And no one answered our call. Stayed with a Mr. J M Finsey May 29, 1898 Ridgeville, Tennessee Cloudy. Went down on Lost creek and up to Ridgeville and back up to Pleasant Hill where we stayed overnight with a Mr. Sanders. May 30, 1898 Lois, Tennessee After the folks we were staying with had breakfast we started out for the place that we were going to hold meetings at about three miles distance and canvassed some on our way. Arrived at the church house at 9 a.m. in time to meet with the Sunday school, which we enjoyed very much. And at eleven held our meeting, after which we was invited to take dinner, and at 3 p.m. held another meeting, which was mostly attended by rough boys. Did not have good order. After meeting walked about three miles to Mr. Rotens where we were kindly welcomed and ate a good supper after fasting all day. May 31, 1898 Lois, Tennessee Clear. Cloudy. Clear. After breakfast we stopped and wrote a while, and then started out toward Lois canvassing on the way. Stopped for dinner with a widow lady whose husband had only been dead three weeks, and we felt to leave the blessings of the Lord with her for her kindness to us. Went in to Lois and stopped with a Mr. J Massey, his wife being a member of our faith who kindly did our washing for us. June 1, 1898 Clear. We left Sister Massey's this morning after a short chat and started canvassing towards Lynchburg, but my partner not feeling well we laid over in the woods most of the day and stopped over night at Mr. Jack Daniels, a wealthy bachelor. June 2, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Clear. Left Mr. Daniels and went up to Lynchburg to get our mail, as it had been over a week since I had received any but did not get any there. So we went on up to the Pschord house and back down to Milford Sanders where we stayed overnight. June 3, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Cloudy. Clear. Today it is real warm, and the country is in very much need of rain, as the wheat is getting ripe and will shrink very much if it does not get some rain. We are canvassing on the west side of Lynchburg, where we have not been before. Stopped for noon at a Mr. Foster's and went on west traveling Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p010.jpg) quite fast for a fast day's journey. Towards night started to try to get entertainment for the night and was refused by seven, but the eighth one gave us supper, lodging, breakfast. Strange to say I think all that refused us called themselves Christians, and the one that entertained us, Mr. Morten, did not profess any religion. June 4, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Clear. Left Mr. Mortens and canvassed back to Lynchburg and stopped again at Mr. Fosters. June 5, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Clear. After breakfast we canvassed back to Lynchburg. And called for our mail but did not receive any from home which was a small disappointment to me, as I had not heard from home for very nearly two weeks. And a person wants to hear from home when he is so far from his loved ones. Ate dinner supper and stopped over night with a friend by the name of J Law also held a meeting at night in the Pea Ridge schoolhouse. June 6, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Sunday. Clear. Held a meeting at the schoolhouse at eleven. A small attendance but a quite good meeting and went over to Bro. Rotens to take supper and went over to hold a meeting. We had a nice crowd and the meeting went off tolerable well while I was speaking, but when my companion was affront in the middle of his sermon someone on the outside began to rock the house and throw through the windows and door. One rock hitting my companion in the breast, and the meeting was broke up. After we had left the house there was six or eight shots fired but some distance from us. June 7, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Cloudy. After breakfast we went back to Mr. Laws and had a short chat with them. Was kindly invited back again. Went down to Lynchburg and called for our mail then went on up the creek canvassing. It happened that we got in too late for dinner and thought we would have to go without any. But we happened up to a wealthy man's place and stopped and told him who we were and gave him a tract. And he asked us to come in and rest a bit, but we told him we would not detain him from his work. And he asked us if we had had our dinner, and we told him no. Whereupon he asked us in and told the folks to get us dinner, and we had a real pleasant talk and instructive conversation and was treated real well. Went on up to county line and then over a couple of mile and stayed with Mr. Gore and was treated very kind. June 8, 1898 Leikhart, Tennessee Clear. After breakfast we left and went over in a district that seemed to be quite prejudiced against us, and our testimony was rejected 4 or 6 times but the Lord raised up a friend to entertain us over night, a Mr. Mcnett. June 9, 1898 West Mulberry, Moore Co, Tennessee Clear, Hot. After a good night's rest we left and canvassed hard. Walking hard all day. Visited 53 families. Walked 16 miles. Stopped at night with Mr. Richardson. Played the organ and sang some songs. June 10, 1898 West Mulberry, Tennessee Clear. After a good night's rest we started out canvassing without any breakfast, it being fast day. Felt well all day. Stood the fast splendid. Did not stop till after dark but got to stop with Mr. Onbley who took us in, it seems just through his generosity but didn't want any of our doctrine. But, we had a splendid night's rest all the same and enjoyed our meals splendid. June 11, 1898 West Mulberry, Tennessee Left Mr. Onbley's at 5:30 and canvassed over to County Line, a distance of 8 miles. Went from there over into Bedford County to see an Elder of a church in County Line by the name of Jessy Niece. To see if we could get a church to speak in Sunday, but stopped with him all night and was treated well. June 12, 1898 Countyline, Tennessee Cloudy ‑ clear. Went back to Countyline. On the road I got to ride in a buggy with a real well-educated gentleman who asked me a great many questions. I also told him a voice of warning as my feet were getting sore me and my companion separated. He went on canvassing. I went up to a friend's, Bro. Brown, and had Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p011.jpg) dinner and stopped there the rest of the day and my companion, Elder Wheeler, joined me, and we stopped there over night and was treated real well. We failed to get a house to hold meetings in over Sunday. June 13, 1898 Countyline, Tennessee Sunday. Cloudy. My companion being sick I stayed at Mr. Browns today and rested and wrote to my folks at home and spent the Sunday in conversation and reading. My companion seemed to be quite sick, has a fever and headache. June 14, 1898 Countyline, Tennessee Cloudy – Clear – Sprinkle. My companion not being able to travel, we stayed at J W Browns. I walked down to the office to post our mail and get some but was disappointed again as usual as there was none there for me. I concluded that I would have to wait till some comes before I get it. June 15, 1898 Countyline, Tennessee Cloudy and raining. Elder Wheeler does not seem any better today so I spent the time canvassing with the folks we are staying with. Also took some mail down to the post office and got Elder Wheelers mail. June 16, 1898 Countyline, Tennessee Cloudy. Raining. Today Elder Wheeler seems to be some better after dinner. I went down to the office and read some mail from home, the first in three weeks, was glad to hear that all is well and prosperous, which is great to know when a man is 2,900 miles from the ones that are the most dear to him on earth. June 17, 1898 Countyline, Tennessee Cloudy. Raining. Elder Wheeler spent a real bad night last night, slept but very little. Had a bad headache and a heavy fever. Today is fast day. I have been to the post office, a four-mile walk, there and back, which makes good exercise for me. June 18, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Cloudy. Sprinkling. We continued to move quarters today, as it seems too bad to stay with the people too log at a time, as they are quite poor. Mr. Brown took Elder Wheeler over to a friend, Mr. Rhotens, in his buggy, and I walked around to the post office, a distance of 7 miles. Met at Mr. Rhotens, where we met a hearty welcome, and Elder Wheeler got lots worse and spent a hard day and night's rest. June 19, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Cloudy. Another blessed Sabbath has come again, but oh, what a difference there is between here and home. No merry children's voices singing songs of Zion in the Sabbath school as we see them at home, and no regular Sunday meetings. People scattered all over and everywhere but attending a good Sabbath meeting. Walked down to the office to get our mail. Elder Wheeler had a hard chill today. I have had enough rest and would like to get to work again. June 20, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Cloudy. We were in need of some writing paper and had some about 8 miles from here at Bro. Sawyers. I concluded to walk over and get some. Arrived at Bro. Sawyers just at dinnertime. Was gladly received and after dinner chatted and had a good time with them and was kindly invited to return any time I felt so disposed saying I knew the way and was welcome. Returned by way of Lynchburg to get our mail, eating blackberries and plums on the way. Got back just at dark. June 21, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Cloudy, raining. Yesterday as I passed Lois I found a letter in the office that I had been looking for so long. It had been there over two weeks. After dinner I went down to the office to post some letters. My companion wrote to our president today requesting to be released on account of his health. June 22, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Clear. Elder Wheeler is lots better today and I think will be all right in a few days. Today I worked some in the cotton, also went and picked a nice lot of berries. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 7 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p012.jpg) June 23, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Today is Thursday, always fast day for us. I have enjoyed myself the best things. Walked to Lynchburg after mail. On my return had a feast on dew berries. June 24, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Clear. Cloudy. Rain. Elder Wheeler is feeling better today. We thought we would leave Mr. Columbus Rhotens and visit among some of our friends. Accordingly we walked over to Bro. Sawyers, a distance of 7 or 8 miles. Stopped on the way at Squire Evens. Had a good time eating peaches. Found Bro. Sawyer's folks all feeling well. June 25, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Clear. After a good night's rest I arose feeling splendid. Just two months today since I left home, and I can see quite a change in my circumstances and the way I feel. I believe I have made some progress. I hope so, at any rate. Went over to Jony Pirese, a member of our faith. Elder Wheeler got a letter from the office stating that he would be released to go home as soon as he could get the money to pay his way. June 26, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Sunday. Cloudy. Rain. Spent the day in conversation. Feeling well and trying to prepare myself for future work. June 27, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Rainy. Monday, stayed with Bro. Sawyer today. Fasted part of the day, thinking it would do me good. June 28, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Clear. Went up to Squire Evens today and spent the night with them. Were treated well. They had an organ and we sang and played and enjoyed ourselves the best kind. June 29, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Clear. Spent the day in conversation and eating peaches. Walked back to Bro. Sawyers and stayed over night. June 30, 1898 Lois, Tennessee Clear. Warm. Today is fast day and we stayed with Bro. Sawyer all day, but Elder Wheeler went down to Gores to stop overnight. July 1, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Clear and warm. I also spent today in fasting and prayer, hoping to receive a benefit by so doing and hope my expectations will be realized. July 2, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Clear and warm. Went down to the office and went from there up to Mr. Coplen who treated us very kindly. Stayed overnight with him. July 3, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Held meeting this forenoon at 11 and one in the evening at 8. Had a good time, a splendid time at night. July 4, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Cloudy. As my companion was able to go to work we went back to start to canvass. Went through Lynchburg to get our mail and, as I went through the county seat, saw nothing to call our minds back to the great day when our nation declared its independence. Stopped at night with Mr. Rhotens. July 5, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Clear. Left Mr. Rhotens and went to canvassing in the north east end of the county. Walked 12 miles, stopped with Mr. Ray on Hurricane Creek. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p013.jpg) July 6, 1898 Countyline, Tennessee After a splendid nights rest we took breakfast. Was treated real well. Canvassed all day, walked 20 miles and on account of not getting a place to stop, we traveled till after dark. Stopped with a Mr. Brinm but did not get any supper, as there was no one home but the man. But had a good bed to sleep on. July 7, 1898 Countyline, Tennessee After a good nights rest we arose and started out on our days work with out any breakfast, but feeling well. Went to Countyline and took dinner with Parsen Irving. Read our mail and canvassed down to Lynchburg and then over to Columbus Rhotens. July 8, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Spent the forenoon fixing up my clothes. Cut my breeches off and hemmed them up and patched a hole in them. Also mended a hole in my coat. Went down to the office in the afternoon. July 9, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee This morning I bade farewell to my companion, Elder Wheeler, who started home as he's been released on account of ill health. And I was left alone for the first time since I had been out here. Soon after he had left I was taken real sick with a pain in my stomach, which lasted about 5 hours, and then I vomited, after which the pain stopped. I then started to get chilly, which lasted some time, and then a fever started, which lasted till I went to sleep at night. July 10, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee After a good nights rest I arose feeling much better this morning, and although I was a little worried as to the outcome of my sick spell I feel that all will be well with me. At evening I walked down to the office about 3 miles to get my mail, but the office was closed. I went to the post masters home and tried to get him to get my mail for me, but he thought it was too much trouble so I had to go back with out it. July 11, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Got up early and had breakfast by 9 o'clock. Went down to Lynchburg and got my mail and came back. Washed my clothes and then went back after my mail again, making a walk of about 10 miles. July 12, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Clear. Went down to Lynchburg again to day to get my mail but did not get any. July 13, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Rainy, Cloudy. Bid farewell to Bro. Rhoten and family after dinner today and walked over to Turkey Creek and stopped with Mister Friney who treated me very kindly. July 14, 1898 Tullahoma, Tennessee Cloudy. Rainy. Walked up to Tullahoma by 11 a.m. Walked around town till evening. Visiting the places of interest after which I thought I had better find a place to stop over night and called upon 6 places. Was refused once, found no man at home 4 times and stopped at the 6th just before dark. Was refused but it started to rain, and they told me to stay till the rain was over. Then it was too late to go so they said I could stop all night. But, I went to bed without any dinner or supper but felt thankful for a good bed to sleep on. July 15, 1898 Tullahoma, Tennessee Cloudy. Rainy. After a good nights rest I arose and ate breakfast. Went over in town and after wandering around awhile I met Elder Dalley & Parry which was quite a treat to see. They were going to take the train for Sparta on their way to conference. I had a little money so I joined them as far as my money would take me. Rode about 25 miles. Met two other Elders on the train. Got off at Moreston. Walked about 6 miles with Elders Dalley and Parry and then bade them farewell and started out alone as they were going to take the train again. Walked about 3 miles and stopped with a nice family by the name of C. Crisp who treated me very kindly, and I enjoyed myself the best kind. July 16, 1898 New, Tennessee Clear. Arose this morning feeling real well Walked around with my hostess looking at his place, and after breakfast started on my way rejoicing, thanking the Lord for the blessings of the past night. Walked 8 miles Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p014.jpg) and stopped and got dinner. Went 8 miles farther. Stayed with a very kind man and his wife who treated real kind. Their name was James Griffith. July 17, 1898 Hollandworth, Tennessee Sunday. Clear. After a good nights rest I arose, ate breakfast, shook hands with the hostess, was kindly invited to call again and went on my way rejoicing. Traveled about 11 miles and stayed at night with a family by the name of F F Kagsbey who treated me real kind. July 18, 1898 Cassville, Tennessee After a good night's rest I arose feeling real well, washed my socks and kerchief and wrote a letter to my folks and started out on my journey. Stopped for dinner with a family by the name of Cope and while there, it rained and the roads were very muddy. The rest of the day traveled 13 miles and stayed with a family by the name of Howard who treated me very well. July 19, 1898 Cookville, Tennessee Cloudy. Clear. After breakfast I started on my way, and after walking a couple miles I came to a creek that I had to wade. So I went up the creek a ways and had a good wash, and when I came back I found Elders Dalley and Parry and walked with them till noon. We separated to get dinner. After dinner we didn't meet again, and I went on alone. About stopping time I got into a poor district and traveled till quite a while after dark. Got 3 refuses but found a good place just as I was about to give it up. I was very tired having traveled about 29 miles. July 20, 1898 Livingston, Tennessee Clear. Raining. After breakfast and a good night's rest I started on my days journey feeling well and thanking the Lord for blessing me and raising friends to provide that that I needed. Stopped for dinner at a Presbyterian minister's, had a good conversation with him. Met two other Elders, traveled a ways with them, separated, and I stopped with a kind family by the name of J Linder. Traveled 11 miles. July 21, 1898 Monroe, Tennessee Clear. Last night was the worst night I have spent in the missionary field. The bed bugs tormented me all night so that I did not get hardly any sleep, but was treated well by the family. Traveled 10 miles and met with seven other Elders. We had a meeting at night and had a real good time. Stopped with a family by the name of Brennitt, was treated real well. Had a good swim, 7 in our party. July 22, 1898 Wormingham, Tennessee After a good nights rest I arose feeling well. Elder Forsyth and I stopped together last night and we washed our clothes this forenoon, shaved and brushed up, getting ready for conference. After dinner we started towards Brydstown when we crossed the river we had another good swim. 11 in our party, I and Elder Olsen stopped behind the rest of the party and stopped about 3 1/2 miles from town with a real nice family who treated us real well by the name of Matheny. July 23, 1898 Byrdstown, Tennessee Clear. Raining. After a good night's rest we ate a good breakfast and started to Byrdstown. Rode in a wagon the most of the way. Held our conference meetings commencing at 10 a. m. We had the first principles of the gospel taken up and explained in an interesting manner, and I can truly say we had a feast of spiritual blessings. At the afternoon meeting we had the same subjects continued, and the meeting was very interesting. I, with Elder Chanly, were assigned a place to stay 8 miles out of town with a family by the name of Huddleson who were very kind to us, and we did not all go to the nights meeting. July 24, 1898 Byrdstown, Tennessee Sunday. Cloudy, Rainy. Got up quite early and walked to town to be there at the priesthood meeting which commenced at 7:30 a. m. Listened to about 10 elders bare their testimonies, which were very interesting. At 10 a. m. we had the best meeting we held, Pres. Nelson being the speaker. I can say he had the spirit of the Lord and spoke by its influence and gave a powerful sermon on the gospel of Christ and the divinity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and also of the mission of Joseph Smith. Oh what a feast we had. I felt many times repaid for my 125 miles walk. At the afternoon meeting Pres. Larsen occupied the time and spoke on the necessity of prophets in the Gospel of Christ. Had an enjoyable time, and Oh how thankful I was that I had the privilege of attending conference. I and a young man, a member of our faith, by Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p015.jpg) the name of Evertt Stilgrow who was a very nice young man walked about 1 ½ mi. to stop with a family by the name of S. A. Morgan. After supper we went back to night meeting. Elder Bench occupied the time and spoke on the necessity of having inspired prophets in the church and everything was made so plain that it seemed to me that it would be impossible for anyone not to understand. I can truly say that we have had a glorious time of rejoicing, and I can say that I enjoyed myself the very best kind. I think it will be a long time before I forget the enjoyable and happy time. We also had Priesthood meeting in the afternoon. July 25, 1898 Byrdstown, Tennessee. Rainy. Today we held another Priestood meeting and all the Elders arose and bore their testimonies, and we received our instructions. Oh what a time of rejoicing we had. Our meeting lasted about six hours, and I don't think anyone was tired. After dinner, I having a chance to ride with some of the Brethren, availed myself of the privilege, and we went about 18 miles and stopped with a family by the name of Gno Little who treated us very kind. July 26, 1898 Livingston, Tennessee Rainy. After breakfast we walked about three mile and found the rest of our party and went on our way. Passed through Cookville where our Pres. brought a lunch and some candy, and we drove out of town and stopped for noon. We went on and had a grand time. Our party consisted of Pres. Nelson, Elders Bench and Baird and two local elders by the name of Mainerd and Madley. We had a good time, and all stopped with a family of saints by the name of Nowlin. We had a fine time singing and hearing them play on the piano, and they were the nicest family I have met in the South. And I was very reluctant in leaving them, as they had a very nice home and lovely surroundings. And it seems to do a person good to meet with such surroundings some times. July 27, 1898 Nowlin Farm, Tennessee Raining. After a good nights rest we ate breakfast before daylight and some of the party left so as to get on the train. We stopped and wrote home to the folks and a good time visiting with the kind family. After dinner we rode to town, Sparta, with Bro. Nowlin and walked from there to Bro. Meadleys, 3 miles, was treated very kind. July 28, 1898 Sparta, Tennessee Coudy, clear. Today was a very nice day. I enjoyed myself very much, visiting among the saints, as there was a branch of the church organized here. Ate dinner and supper and stopped with Bro. Hasting and family who had a real nice home. July 29, 1898 Sparta, Tennessee Clear, cloudy, rainy. After a good visit with the saints we left at 1:30 for our field of labor. Stopped at night with a kind family by the name of Waler who treated us very kind. At night we went to a meeting where there was six ministers. They abused us some in their sermons and challenged us. After meeting my companion wanted 5 minutes to defend our cause in which they refused to grant us, which showed to the people that they were afraid of us, and I think it made us friends. Walked 7 miles. July 30, 1898 Vuebec, Tennessee Raining. After a good nights sleep we rose feeling well. Had a good talk with the family on our Articles of Faith and started out on our way feeling well. Walked 15 miles and stopped at night with a family by the name of Hartford Malherly after receiving 2 refusals and was treated very kind by the man. July 31, 1898 McMinville, Tennessee Cloudy, rain. After a good nights rest we finished our journey, and although it was Sunday we had no place to stop and rest where we were welcome so we went on our way. After walking about 15 miles we arrived at Sister Bowerser, tired and hungry. Was kindly received. August 1, 1898 McMinville, Tennessee Cloudy. After a splendid nights rest we arose in the morning feeling real well. Ate a nice breakfast cooked by northern people which we enjoyed the best kind. It was a treat to meet with northern people once in a Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p016.jpg) while. Stopped till after dinner and then walked 6 mi. to a family of saints where we were welcomed as all other elders are by the name of Hennessee where we felt right to home. August 2, 1898 Hennessee Farm, Tennessee Cloudy. Today we went down to the creek and had a good wash. Changed clothes. The kind folks offered to do our washing so we stopped over and had a good rest and cleaning up. Had all the peaches and other fruit we wanted. August 3, 1898 Teal, Tennessee Raining. After breakfast we got ready to start on our journey. In leaving, the saints kindly invited us back again to spend a while and have our clothes washed. We walked about 15 mi. and stopped with a preacher who treated us very kind. After supper we sang and had a good time. August 4, 1898 Machester, Tennessee Cloudy. Today we walked to Teal office where we stopped and wrote some after lunch. We walked to Manchester. From there we walked to toward Hillsborough. Walked 18 miles and stopped with a family by the name of Shofner. August 5, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Clear. After breakfast we started out canvassing and trying to get a house to preach in. Walked about 7 miles, stopped with a family by the name of Dickens who treated us very kind. August 6, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee After breakfast started out on our day's labor, had a good time visiting and talking amongst the people. Tried to get a house to preach in but failed, but as a rule the people treated us kind. Met one man who said his mother was the mother of 20 children. Although we failed in getting a house to hold meetings in we had a good time singing and taking with the people. Walked about 5 miles and stopped at night with a family by the name of Brady. Today we had our first good feast on water and muskmelon, which was a great treat to us. August 7, 1898 Hillsboro Coffee Co., Tennessee Sunday. Clear. This morning was a beautiful nice morning, all nature seeming to rejoice. We stayed with Mr. Brady all day today and had but very little to interest us. I believe it was the poorest Sabbath spent. I remember of it for a very long time, and I hope I won't spend another in the same way. August 8, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Clear. Today we went over to the office about 3 miles to send our mail and canvassed the rest of the day. At night we made up our minds where we were going to stay but got refused and went on. It was quite late, was refused twice. The third time we insisted so much that the gentleman, through the persuasion of his wife, consented, and we had a good bed to sleep on but no supper. That is quite common, but we always feel thankful for a good bed. His name was Mr. Thaxton. August 9, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Rain. Rain. We left feeling real well this morning after a good breakfast. After canvassing a while we came to a church house where they were holding meetings so we stopped and attended one. They had a love feast commencing at 10 a.m., and then had a sermon at 11 a.m. Had a very good time, and after the meeting was over we started canvassing toward the post office. We thought we were going to miss our dinner but was invited to stop and eat. Was treated real well in a district where the elders have laid out all night when there was cold weather. We had quite a time getting to town, as it rained very hard and some places the water was 3 or 4 feet deep. We had to walk and crawl on the fences for a long ways and got real wet but got to stop with the post master, who was a very nice family and we had a good supper and bed. Their name was Harris. August 10, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Cloudy. After a good night's rest we got up and put our wet clothes on and after breakfast we started out canvassing. It was very muddy and disagreeable to walk; we attended a Methodist prayer meeting and had a good time. We were both asked to pray and did so, we also sang a song, and Elder Baird spoke a short time. After the meeting we were invited by Mr. Charles to come and stop with him which we did and had a good time. Days walk 6 miles. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p017.jpg) August 11, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Clear. After breakfast and a good conversation we went over to Sister Winters where we had a good time talking and eating melons. August 12, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Cloudy. After breakfast we went down to Hillsborough to get our grips and mail, a distance of 2 miles. Came back for dinner and then went out tracting. Walked 11 miles and stopped with a family by the name of A A Knot where the elders have stayed a great deal and was treated real kind. August 13, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Misty. Clear. After breakfast we tracted back to Brother Winters, 2 miles, where we cleaned up, changed clothes and got ready for Sunday. Stayed at Brother Winters again tonight. August 14, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Clear. Today being the Sabbath we fasted and held meetings at 10:30 a.m. Had a real good meeting, and I can say I enjoyed myself a great deal better today than I did a week ago. I hope to be able to spend every other Sabbath in a useful way. August 15, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Monday. Clear. This morning we washed our clothes and after getting our work done up we started out, feeling well, tracting. Walked 7 miles and stopped at night with a very kind family by the name of Ben Lowery. August 16, 1898 Asbery, Tennessee Clear. Rain. After having a good night's rest we arose feeling well and started out tracting. As usual we went down to Hillsborough and got our mail and then went back to Henry's Cove and stopped with a family by the name of Winston who treated us very kind. Miles walked: 9. Went to bed feeling well. August 17, 1898 Henry's Cove Tennessee Clear. After a good night's rest and a good breakfast we started out at our days work. Walked 4 miles, stopped at night with a very kind family by the name of Lain, was treated very kind. August 18, 1898 Sainville, Tennessee Clear. Cloudy. After a very good nights rest we went back on the road to see one of the school trustees to get a chance to preach in their schoolhouse and get their consent. Walked 5 miles and stopped over night with a family by the name of Andrew Stotts. August 19, 1898 Sainville, Tennessee Clear. Last night it rained quite hard, but it is real nice this morning but it is quite muddy. Tracted in the bar rooms, and came back to Henry's Cove. Walked about 6 miles and stopped at Mr. Charles, a very strong Methodist and was treated real well. August 20, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Clear. Today we went down to the post office to get our mail but I was luck enough not to get any. I haven't read an answer to the letters that I wrote over 3 weeks ago. Came back to Henry's Cove and stopped with Sister Winter. Miles walked: 8. August 21, 1898 Sainsville, Tennessee Clear. It being Sunday today we went up to Sainsville and held 2 meetings. I believe today has been the best spent day except for conference while I have been out here. We walked 5 miles, stopped over night with Bro. Dandagriff August 22, 1898 Sainsville, Tennessee Clear. The family we were staying with seemed to want us to stay with them longer so we stayed till after dinner. The old gentleman had a cancer on his face, which had eaten one side of his nose off and one eye out, and he was in a pitiful condition. We went down to the store and then over to Henry's Cove. Walked 4 miles and stopped with a family by the name of England. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p018.jpg) August 23, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Clear. After eating breakfast we went over to Sister Winter's and washed our clothes. Stayed all day and helped saw some saw logs, ate melons, had a good rest. 1 mile walked, wrote home, studied some out of the writings of God, ate supper and went to bed. August 24, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Clear. After breakfast we went to Hillsboro and went to a Methodist meeting. From there we went southeast about 3 miles and started tracting, walked in all about 8 miles. Stopped at night with Mr. Anderson where we ate melons and had a good night's rest. August 25, 1898 Flat Plane, Tennessee Cloudy. After breakfast and all the melon I wanted to eat we went down to see if we could get a schoolhouse to preach in. Tracted all day and walked 10 miles. Stopped at night with Mr. Ginn, who treated us very kind, had a nice home. August 26, 1898 Tennessee Cloudy. Today we went back to the schoolhouse and gave out an appointment for Sunday. Sang some songs to the school and read a chapter and opened the school by prayer. Canvassed from there about to Warens store, walked 10 miles. Stopped with Mr. Warmie, a Christian preacher. August 27, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Clear. Walked up to Hillsboro today and read a good old letter from my sweetheart. How glad I was to hear from home. Canvassed back towards where we were going to hold meetings Sunday. On our way we saw a white headed nigger child and white skin his hair was curly and white as cotton. Walked 8 miles and stopped at night with Mr. Cargt August 28, 1898 Will's Cove, Tennessee Sunday. Clear. We got up this morning feeling well after a good night's rest. Went down to the schoolhouse where we held a meeting at 10:30 a.m. and held another at 3 p.m. Had a real good meeting in the afternoon and a house as full as it would hold. Was invited home by 5 or 6 families. Stopped with a kind family who treated us real well by the name of Mr. Elkins. August 29, 1898 Flat Plane, Tennessee Clear. We started tracting feeling real well this morning, went down to the Elk River and had a good bath. Was late finding a place to stop as the people didn't want to take us in, but found a real nice place where we were treated fine. Their name was Campbell Henley. August 30, 1898 Pleasantplanes, Tennessee Clear. Rain. Left our kind hostess and went up to Pleasantplane to get consent to hold a meeting in their schoolhouse. Went from there over to Prarieplanes to get our mail, which we were very glad to receive and heard that all was well at home. Walked 7 miles and stopped at night with Mr. ______. August 31, 1898 Prairieplanes, Tennessee Clear. Today we canvassed among the people, met some that pushed us quite hard and made us hunt the scriptures to defend ourselves. Walked 7 miles, stopped at night with Bro. Henly. Treatment kind. September 1, 1898 Pleasantplanes, Tennessee After a good nights rest we started out canvassing feeling real well. Went to the schoolhouse and talked to the school a short time. Sang a couple of songs and gave out notice that we would hold meetings there the next Sunday. 6 miles, stopped at night with a kind family by the name of H G Masher. September 2, 1898 Prarieplanes, Tennessee Raining. After breakfast we spent most of the forenoon explaining the principles of the gospel. Stayed till after noon, had a good time. Went over to Pleasantplane where we had appointed a meeting at night, but there was no one there as it was very muddy. Walked 6 miles stayed all night with a nice family by the name of Barn. It was very muddy and we traveled till after night, but we appreciated a good place when we got it. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p019.jpg) September 3, 1898 Pleasantplanes, Tennessee Raining. After a real pleasant night's rest we arose feeling well, ate breakfast and started out. Walked down to the river, had a good wash and shave, also washed our garments and socks. Went over towards theschoolhouse and stopped with a man by the name of S.P. Bartin. Walked 4 miles. September 4, 1898 Prarieplanes, Tennessee Sunday. Clear. Today being fast day, we did not eat breakfast. We wrote some in our journal and went over to the old schoolhouse where we had an appointment to preach at 10:30 a.m. Had a real good meeting, sang some songs after the meeting was dismissed. Went and stopped with Creg Mosier the rest of the day and night. Miles walked: 1. September 5, 1898 Prarieplanes, Tennessee Clear. Cloudy. Today we tracted and after dinner we went up to the post office and wrote to our folks at home. After the mail had come we started out as usual, walked 8 miles and stopped all night with Mr. Gulvin on his 70th birthday. They were notherners, had a nice home and treated us very kind. He set a table that made me think of home. Thanks to the Lord. September 6, 1898 Prarieplanes, Tennessee Clear. After a great night's rest we ate a good breakfast and started on our way rejoicing and feeling real well. Walked 7 miles and stayed at night with Mr. Wagner. September 7, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Cloudy. We arose feeling real well this morning. After writing a couple of songs for the folks we stopped with, we started out tracting. It was very nice and cool today and some of the time we kept our coats buttoned. Walked 9 miles, went to Hillsboro and got a letter from my dear ones at home. Stopped at night with Mr. Gillen and had a splendid nights rest and a good clean bed. September 8, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Clear. This morning was clear and cool, and it put me in mind of home, it was so nice and fresh. After breakfast we started out tracting. In the afternoon, as we were passing a house, a man asked us to come in and get some melon. But when he saw who we were he left, for he expected to sell one to us, but we got one anyway. Walked 11 miles and stopped with Mr. Robertson. September 9, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Clear. Cloudy. After a good nights rest we arose feeling well only I had a slight cold. Went and got permission to hold a meeting in the Logan chapel Sunday afternoon. Tracted all day; stopped all night with S Dudley. September 10, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Clear. Bothered some today with a cold. Canvassed towards the office, got our mail, was surprised by finding two letters from home, one from my wife and one from C S Fackerell. Walked about 1 mile from the office and stopped all night with a kind family by the name of Dixon. September 11, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Sunday. Clear. After a good breakfast we walked up to Logan chapel, 8 miles, where we went to their Sunday school and meeting. Was invited over to the same place as the preacher was and had a fine dinner. Went back and held a meeting at 3:30. Had a good time, enjoyed ourselves the best kind. Was invited to stop the night with Mr. Robinson. September 12, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Clear. Sprinkle. Today we left our kind friend Mr. Robinson feeling well. Canvassed to Hillsboro. From there we went up to Sister Winter's and stopped for the night. Walked 8 miles. Sister Winters was quite sick. September 13, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Cloudy. After breakfast we did our washing and wrote and studied the rest of the day. Sister Winters got to feeling lots better. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p020.jpg) September 14, 1898 Sainsville, Tennessee Cloudy. Clear. Today we went up to Sainsville to try and get a house to hold meetings. Walked 6 miles. Stopped with a kind friend who treated us very kind by the name of Lewis Schorne. September 15, 1898 Sainsville, Tennessee Cloudy. After a good nights rest we arose feeling well. We bid goodbye to our hostess, was kindly invited back. Tried to get a house to preach in but failed. Walked back to Henry's Cove 8 miles. Stopped with a kind friend by the name of Mr. Good, where we were invited back again. September 16, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Clear. Today we went down to Prarieplanes to try to get a church to hold a series of meetings in. Walked 9 miles and at night we had a rather hard time to get entertainment. But a man by the name of L Wileman, by pressing him, said he could furnish us a good bed but couldn't give us anything to eat so we went to bed without any supper and left without any breakfast. September 17, 1898 Prarieplanes, Tennesee Clear. After going to bed without any supper we arose after a good nights rest and left without any breakfast, but the storekeeper asked us to eat with him. We spent most of the day trying to get a house to hold meetings in but failed. Walked about 4 miles, stopped with our kind friend, H G Mosher. September 18, 1898 Prarieplanes, Tennessee Sunday. Clear. After a good night rest we arose feeling well, it being a lovely day. Stopped with the folks all day. Didn't hold any meetings. Wrote home and enjoyed myself quite well. Went down to the river and had a swim. Stopped all night with a kind family by the name of Mr. Hindman. September 19, 1898 Pleasantplanes, Tennessee Cloudy. Today we walked up to the Willes School House and got consent to hold meeting. Then walked 8 mi. and stopped with Mr. Miller. September 20, 1898. Hillsboro, Tennessee Cloudy, Rain. Went up to Sister Wintons. Stopped a while and went on up to A A Knotts. Walked 11 miles. Was treated real kind. September 21, 1898. Sainsville, Tennessee Cloudy, Rain. We went up to Sainsville this morning and my companion received some mail, the first in three weeks. We canvassed the rest of the day. Walked 7 miles. Stopped all night with a wealthy family by the name of Ramsey. September 22, 1898 Sainsville Tennessee After good nights rest and a good breakfast we started out on our muddy march. Walked about 7 miles and stopped with the brother of Sister Colins who treated us very kind. His name was Mr. Prater. We learned that Sister Colins was very sick and was not expected to live very long. September 23, 1898 Sainsville, Tennessee Today we canvassed till after dinner and went to the office and met Elders Crear and Wilson who came to hold meetings with us. We held a meeting at night at Henry's Cove schoolhouse; had a fine meeting. Elders Crear & Wilson done the talking. As we were about to dismiss there was about 12 shots fired a ways from the house. Walked about 8 mi. and stopped with Bessy Charles. September 25, 1898 Pleasantplanes, Tennessee Today Elder Crear and I went down to the Willes School House to hold meeting, but the people didn't come out to hear us so we didn't hold meeting. Walked 11 miles stopped with Squire Baily. September 25, 1898 Pleasantplantes, Tennessee Sunday. Today we walked all forenoon and notified the people of our meeting at 3 p.m. Held meeting at the appointed time; not many were present. Elder Crear occupied the time. Stopped overnight with Widow Lane. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p021.jpg) September 26, 1898 Pleasantplanes, Tennessee Clear. After a good nights rest we arose feeling well. Eat breakfast, was kindly invited to return at any time that we desired. Walked down to Polly Chapel, a distance of 5 miles. Held meeting there. At night stopped with David Floid September 27, 1898 Pleasantplanes, Tennessee Today we visited among the people and at night held a meeting. Had a very good meeting. Elder Crear occupied the time. Mister Tate. September 28, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee After biding farewell to the people we went up to Hillsboro and met our companions. Held a meeting, had an enjoyable time. Bid farewell to our friends Elders Crear and Wilson. Went on up to Henrycove. Walked 15 miles stopped with Mr. A. A. Knott. September 29, 1898 Sainsville Tennessee Today we walked out to Fountain Grove, a distance of about 8 mi. Stopped with S. Bryant after traveling a while after dark. He didn't want to take us in but couldn't refuse, it being late. But he treated us real well. September 30, 1898 Fountain Grove, Tennessee Rain. This morning it was raining so we didn't travel much. Went and asked permission of the trustees to hold meeting in their school house, and after getting their consent we walked over to Mister Nortons and stayed the rest of the day and over night. Had a real good time. October 1, 1898 Fountain Grove, Tennessee After a good nights rest and breakfast we went out in the woods and studied the most of the day and then went up to Mr. Praters and stopped all night. Had a good time singing and playing on the organ. October 2, 1898 Fountain Grove, Tennessee Sunday. Cloudy. Today was fast day. We went down and held meeting according to appointment. Had a real good audience in the forenoon services. Not quite as good in the afternoon. Went back and stopped with Mr. Prater as we had no other invitation. October 3, 1898 Sumitville, Tennessee Raining. Today went over to Sumitville and received our mail, which is always welcome. What a pleasure it is to hear from the loved ones at home that all is well and hear how often the silent prayer ascends. God bless my loved ones at home. October 4, 1898 Sumitville, Tennessee Rainy. Today we had a real good time visiting among the people. It rained all day so we didn't travel but little. We stopped with some northern people. They had their homes fixed up real nice inside, which made me almost feel like I was home. Oh how I admire a nice, well-kept house. Stopped with GA Cunningham. October 11, 1898 Sumitville, Tennessee Cloudy. Not having my journal with me I have missed writing for nearly a week. We held one public meeting Wednesday, Oct 5th and had a good time. Spent the rest of the week visiting among the people. On Sunday, Oct 19th, we held two good meetings at Sumitville. Had a good attendance. Yesterday we walked down to Manchester to get our mail. Walked 16 miles and stopped at night in Sumitville with the Section Boss, Mr. Stone. October 13, 1898 Soal, Tennessee On the 12th we visited Mr. Prater again. Learned that his sister, Sister Colins, was still getting worse and getting very weak. As we were on the way we stopped to have a wash in the creek. As soon as we got undressed it started to rain, and all I had to do was to stand Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p022.jpg) on the bank, scrub and soap myself. Had a good wash in rain water, and then rinsed it off in the creek. Stopped with the Elkins at night. On the 13th we started out to find a new church or school house to hold meetings in. Visited two or three but couldn't get the use of them. They were between Manchester and Gainsville. Stopped all night with Mr. Shears. Oct 13th we started for Duck River district the other side of Manchester. Started to try to get entertainment about 1 1/2 miles before going into town, but the people didn't seem to want us. The next last man we asked told us no he wouldn't. I asked him if he was a Christian. He said Yes. I said I didn't see how he could turn us off, whereupon he told us to get out and off his place. I said all right, thank you. He said, shut up and get out you dirty low down cuss. Go and pay for your fare you lazy cuss. Went on. But got to stop with Mr. Christians after some coaxing. October 14, 1898 Machester, Tennessee Went through Manchester this morning and down in the Duck River Country went and saw the trustees to one school house and got the use of it on the 30th. Went on to try to get another for the 16th. Stopped with one of the trustees, Mr. T J. West who treated us very kind. Today we saw the first signs of frost this fall. October 15, 1898 Reden, Tennessee Sunday. Clear. Today we attended a Methodist meeting in the forenoon and listened to a funeral sermon. Was forced to notice the difference in our belief and theirs. He didn't have any idea in what form God was, also where Heaven was and what place it was. Never having idea of ever living on this earth in a body again. Stopped at night with Mr. Adams. October 16, 1898 Reden, Tennessee Today we started for Manchester to get our mail, but it started to rain very hard and prevented us. We only went about 4 mi. Stopped with Mr. W. R Roberts. . October 19, 1898 Manchester, Tennessee Today we went in to Manchester and received our mail, and I was very pleased to get a letter from home and to hear that my folks was well, as I hadn't heard from them for two weeks and the last I heard Clinty was sick. After receiving our mail we walked 9 mi. and stopped with Mr. Gno Bryan. October 19, 1898 Reden, Tennessee Today we canvassed among the people and stopped at night with JB Sanders who invited us to stop with them. They had a real nice family and the young man seemed very interested and talked like they would like to visit the west. Treated us very kind. October 20, 1898 Reden, Tennessee Cloudy. Today we canvassed a little. One place we went to was the worst sight I have ever seen. There was a widower living there who had four little children. The oldest was about 7 years old. He had been in bed about 3 years. There was no one to do any work, only the little children. I thought I had never had any reason to complain and felt to pray that the Lord would ever help me to be thankful for his many mercies in blessing me so abundantly. Stopped all night with Mr. Toms. The next day was October 21. As it was raining all day, we just went to the next house, Mr. Shelten, and stopped with him all day. October 22, 1898 Soal, Tennessee Cloudy. Today we canvassed all day. Had a good time and stopped all night with Mr Toms who refused to entertain us at first, but after we had started away he called us back. Treated us very kind. Bought a book of us, came to our meeting and kindly invited us back again. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p023.jpg) October 23, 1898 Reden, Tennessee Sunday. Clear. Today was a very fine day. We went to the Methodist Sunday school in the forenoon. Spoke to them a short time, and we sang "In our Lovely Deseret". Had a good time. The superintendent asked us to dinner. In the afternoon we had a good meeting. Had a full house and good attention. Was invited home by Mr. JA Harper who treated us real good. I can see that our stopping with the people causes prejudice to be laid aside, and the people think better of us. October 24, 1898 Reden, Tennessee Cloudy. Today we went to Mr. T. West's and washed our clothes. Canvassed and visited. Went over to the Floia School house during the week to give out notice that we would hold meeting there the next Sunday. But the Trustees went back on their promise to us, and we didn't get the use of the house. Went on the next morning, October 28, to Manchester, and from there on towards Tullahoma. The next morning we stopped in there to see the Show Street parade and went on down to Turky Creek in Coffee County. Stopped with Wm Bennett. Cure for piles: one tablespoon full of saltpeter in a pot of water. One teaspoonful three times a day before eating. October 30, 1898 Ridgeville, Tennessee Sunday. Clear. Today we spent the day in reading, as we had no chance of holding meeting. The family we stopped with were very kind to us, and we enjoyed ourselves real well. October 31, 1898 We went over to Ridgeville to mail our letters. Canvassed the rest of the day and stopped with Mr. Monroe Cook. November 1, 1898 Turkey Creek, Tennessee After a good night's rest and good treatment and a fine breakfast, we went on our way tracting. Stopped all night with Wm ____. November 2, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee Clear. As my tooth has been aching quite a bit of late I concluded I would have them pulled out. Went down to Arvolt and told Doctor Ray how I was traveling and asked him if he would do the work free of charge, which he did freely and done a good job. But my face did not quit hurting and at night almost had the lockjaw. Couldn't scarcely eat any supper. Went over to Mr. Totens and he was pleased to see me again. Told me that he had read a letter from my wife. He guessed it was as good a letter as was ever written. Was very pleased with it. November 3, 1898 Ridgville, Tennessee Clear. We stopped all day with Mr. Rhoton. Shaved and had a bath and a good time eating apples, reading and conversing on the gospel, etc. November 4, 1898 Ridgeville, Tennessee Today we went over in the Davis School House to see if we could get it to hold meeting in Sunday. Got permission and stopped that night with Mr. James Eden. The 5th we went back to C. D. Rhotens as it was raining and stopped with them overnight. November 6, 1898 Ridgeville, Tennessee We walked over this morning to the school house and held meeting. Not many present but had a good time. In the afternoon the house was full. Had a good time. Walked down to Marble Hill and stopped with Jessy Moor Sunday, Monday and Monday night. They treated us very kind. I had loaned him by Book of Mormon. They had read it through and wanted to keep it longer so I left it with them. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p024.jpg) November 8, 1898 Fuga, Tennessee Cloudy. Today we walked over to Fuga and stopped with Bro. Sawyer. Received some mail from home, also a pair of socks and some pictures which was gladly received. November 9, 1898 Lynchburg, Tennessee This morning we were feeling well. Walked over to C. D. Rhotens for dinner. Went on up to Tullahoma and stopped with Sister Dickerhoof. Nov 10 laid over today at Sister Dickerhoff as it was raining. November 11, 1898 Tullahoma, Tennessee Today we stopped in town a while. Saw a fine brass band and herd them play. Went on over to Duck River to try to get a house to preach in. Stopped with Mister _____ November 12, 1898 Duck River, Tennessee Today we saw the rest of the school director but was refused use of the house. Crossed the river and stopped with Mr. Sanders the rest of the day. November 13, 1898 Sunday. As it was raining today and not having appointment out, we stopped till night with our friends Sanders who treated us very kind. Went and stopped overnight with Mister Tams. November 14, 1898 Monday. We went over on Rileys Creek to get a house to preach in and also canvassed. Stopped all night with JJ Roberts who treated us very kind. November 15, 1898 Yesterday we got permission to hold meeting in the Rileys Creek schoolhouse on the fourth Sunday so we went to hunting another one and canvassing. Stopped with a kind family by the name of JP Walker. November 16, 1898 Raining. We canvassed part of the day, partly got permission to hold meeting in a Christian Church. Stopped at night with Chas Danal who treated us very kind. November 17, 1898 Redens Chapel, Tennessee Today we went down to the office and went on canvassing up Rileys Creek. Started to ask for entertainment about dark. But got refused and it being real dark and raining and muddy which made it real bad traveling. At last we came to a house and got permission from the lady to stay, but when the man came home he called us lazy, good-for-nothing tramps and sent us off. And it was so dark that we could hardly find the way out of his yard. So we groped our way, and after traveling about 1 1/2 miles we got to stop. The man that run us off, his name was James Drake, had been a distiller. November 18, 1898 Soal, Tennessee Raining. Today we canvassed all day. Got permission to hold meeting in the Oak Hill schoolhouse. Stopped all night with Mr. Turner who treated us real kind, had previously showed considerable opposition to me. Address of kanser Doctor: Jack Overstreet Shelville, Bedfore County, Tennessee. November 19, 1898 Redens Chapel, Tennessee Today we cleaned and brushed up. Studied the rest of the time. Stopped overnight with T. J. West. November 20, 1898 Oakhill, Tennessee Suday. We had appointment today for two meetings at this place, but our audience in the forenoon was so small and there being other meetings close, we cancelled. We wouldn't have meeting in the afternoon. So we started out for the panhandle district. Walked about 8 miles and stopped for the night with GW Gentry. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p025.jpg) November 21, 1898 Panhandle, Tennessee Today we canvassed all day. Stopped at night with a very kind family by the name of ________. November 22, 1898 Manchester, Tennessee After a splendid night's rest and a good breakfast, beef being one of the luxuries, we started to Manchester. Went on past about 6 miles and stopped with a family where we had been before by the name of Ben Lowery, who treated us fine and it seemed like we had met a family of saints. The wife treated us fine. November 23, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Went to Hillsboro today and on past about a mile. Stopped with McCans. November 24, 1898 Prarieplanes, Tennessee After a good nights rest and good treatment and a kind invitation to return, we started out canvassing about 1 p.m. We entered a house where there were several men and the man of the place refused a tract. Treated us quite bad. One of the others in talking said that Christ said he would confirm the apostle's labors with signs and miracles, and my companion told him to find it. He hunted for it a while but didn't see it, but he said it was there. Whereupon I said, yes it was there. After we were out he started to abuse me for saying it. One word brought on another and at last he called me an infernal devil, had no sense, etc. He wouldn't travel with me any longer. So I traveled back and left him. Went to Prarieplanes, wrote to Pres. Larsen, went on south 9 miles and stopped with D. S. Hindman who met me on the road and kindly invited me to come and stop with him. November 25, 1898 Visited with a kind friend, Mr. Mosher. Had a fine time and went and stopped with Mr. Wilder. November 26, 1898 Prarieplanes Tennessee Today I stopped with Mr. Wilder. Helped him sew and get out timber for spokes. Towards night I went over to Mr. Hindmans and stopped with them over night. November 27, 1898 Prarieplanes, Tennessee Sunday. We spent the day pleasantly in the house conversing on the topics of the times and religious subjects and stopped again with Mr. Hindman. November 30, 1898 After a good nights rest I started out on my days work, tracting. Had a good time and stopped at night with Widow Lane and had an enjoyable time. December 1, 1898 Beans Creek, Tennessee After a good nights rest and breakfast and an invitation to stop again when I was passing by, I canvassed all day. Went to some houses upon the Cumberland Mountain. Was where I could get a very nice view of the country below. Stopped with a kind family by the name of SH Long. December 2, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tennessee This morning when I went to leave Mr. Long told me I was welcome to stay as long as I wished and invited me back again. I canvassed a few scattering houses and went up to Sister Winton's and stopped with them. December 3, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Today I dried my coat and washed some of my other clothes. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1898 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p026.jpg) December 4, 1898 Sunday. As I was alone today I stayed in the house and read and wrote and talked with the folks and enjoyed myself the best way today. It was snowing all day. December 5, 1898 Hillsboro, Tennessee Clear. Today I got up and spent the forenoon fixing up my shoes and other clothes and then went to Hillsboro to get my mail. Read notice that I was to meet Elder Dally in Bedford County. Also read letters from my wife and children, telling me of my mother's sickness and death. Although it was very sad news, still I felt thankful that it was no worse as she was surrounded by friends and relatives. She had not suffered very long, and I have no doubt that she is much happier where she is as she has not had good health and has suffered a great deal. December 6, 1898 Redens Chapel, Tennessee Clear. Today I walked from Sister Winton's through Manchester to Redenschapel, a distance of 18 miles. Stopped with TJ West. Had a good time talking on the gospel. While in conversation he said he thought he would join the church. December 7, 1898 Normandy, Tennessee Clear. Today I came over here to get mail from Bro. Dalley telling me where to meet him but did not get any. Went back and stopped with Mr. Sanders overnight. December 8, 1898 Holley Grove, Tennessee Today I walked down to Normandy to get word from Elder Dally where to meet him. Walked steady all day and arrived to the appointed place, Mr. Boners, just after dark. December 9, 1898 Shelbyville, Tennessee Cloudy & cold. This morning we walked down to Shelbyville, and Elder Forsyth started out alone to meet Elder Baird in Franklin County. So I started out with my new companion, but I got a letter from President again that I was to return to Coffee County and finish canvassing. Elder Forsyth was to join me about the 20th, and Elder Dally was to receive a new companion just arrived in the field. Went back and stopped with Mr. Bomar again. December 10, 1898 Redens Chapel, Tennessee Clear. Walked through Wartrace back into Coffee County again and went and stopped with Mr. Tirrer. Walked 18 miles. December 11, 1898 Redens Chapel, Tennessee Sunday. Clear. Today I went over and stopped with TJ West. Had a real good time talking on the gospel. December 12-13, 1898 Manchester, Tennessee Snowing. Today I walked over to the east end of the county and stopped with B A Lomery and was kindly received. Had a good time. Stopped with him all the next day and night. December 12, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Clear & cold. Walked over to Sister Wintons today a distance of 6 miles. Found all well and stopped with them the rest of the day and night. December 15, 1898 Today I went to the office and found a letter there requesting me to be at Sparta on Saturday night. Accordingly, I went back, washed my clothes, took a bath, put on clean clothes and started out in the evening. Went about two miles and stopped with Mr. Knott. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p027.jpg) December 16, 1898 McMinville, Tennessee Clear. This forenoon I got a good early start and passed through McMinville before noon a distance of 18 miles. Went on 8 miles farther and stopped with H. Matherly who treated me very kind. December 17, 1898 Sparta, Tennessee Clear. After a good night's rest and a fine early breakfast, I started out on my day's journey feeling well but a little sore from the previous day. Arrived in Sparta about 2 p.m. Went on about two miles farther and arrived at my journey's end. Stopped with Bro. Meddly. He and all of his family belong to the church. They are very good people and treated me well. Just after dark Pres. Allred arrived and also stopped with us. Had a good time. The distance I walked today was 22 miles. December 18, 1898 Sparta, Tennessee Sunday. Raining. Today I went to the Saints S. S. and enjoyed myself the very best kind. After it was out I went back and stopped with Bro. Meddly again. December 19, 1898 Sparta, Tennessee Went down to the office again today. Met in council meeting and Elder Baird and I was sent back in Coffee County to labor together till other arrangements were made. Stopped again with Bro. Meddly. December 20, 1898 Sparta, Tennessee Elder Baird and I started out together. Walked all day and stopped at night quite late with Mr. J. D. Hask who treated us very kind. Walked 18 miles. December 21, 1898 McMinville, Tennessee After a good breakfast we started out on our days march. As we passed by the factory in McMinville the girls poked their heads out of the windows in wonderment to see the Mormon preachers, and as we passed by I waved my hat as if to say, "fare the well Bro. Watkins Oh!" Stopped at night, after walking 18 miles, with Mr. Hench who had a nice family of girls. We were treated real fine. December 22, 1898 Morrison, Tennessee Today we did not walk very far, being sore and tired. After walking 9 miles we stopped with Mr. Jas Kid who treated us real kind. December 23, 1898 Sainesville, Tennessee After a kind invitation to call again we went over to Henryscove to stop till after Xmas. Stopped to AA Knott's. After we had been there a while Elder Forsyth came to join me according to previous appointment. Was real glad to see him. December 24, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Stopped a while with Bro. & Sister Knott. Then went over to Sister Winton's. Done our washing and I and Elder Forsyth stopped there for the night. December 25, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Today being Xmas, also Sunday as well, we stayed with Bro. and Sister Winton. A few of the neighbors gathered there and got up a fine dinner, which I enjoyed the very best kind. This is the fourth Xmas that the elders have been here to spend the day and partake of the sumptuous feast. Had a real good, enjoyable time. The Elders name's that were there on the previous Xmas are as follows. December 25, 1895 Elders Ogden and West December 25, 1896 Elders Larsen & Slone December 25, 1897 Archaball & Nelson December 25, 1898 Baird, Forsyth & Jensen Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p028.jpg) December 26, 1898 Stopped here today and done some writing to my folks. Also spent the time in reading and canvassing. December 27, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Today Elder Forsyth and I went at the office after mail and then went upon the mountain and stopped with a kind family by the name of Sweeton. December 28, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tennessee After a good night's rest we arose, had breakfast and then went upon the top of the mountain where we had a very fine view of the country below. After viewing the sights I and Elder Barid went down to Sister Winton's and started out tracting. Stopped at night with Mr Wm Reed. December 29, 1898 Today we canvassed all day and then went to Mr. Knott. Met Elder Forsyth who had just got word that him and I were to labor together in about four days. He and I went and stopped with Gilbert Winton that night and was treated fine. December 31, 1898 Prarieplanes, Tennessee This morning it was raining and up till today we have had the finest kind of weather during holidays as it has been real warm and dry. We canvassed some and then went down and stopped with Mr. Mosher with whom we have stopped several times and been welcomed. January 1, 1899 Prarieplanes, Tennessee All hail the glad new year. The opening of another new year finds me feeling fine, in health and spirits and with a desire to spend my time during the year in the service of the Lord. My prayer is that he will give me strength to do so and that he will bless my loved ones in my absence. Today we stopped with Lincoln Mosher where we spent the day pleasantly reading and conversing. It was a clear sunshiny day but a little cold. May the Lord reward our friends for their hospitality. January 2, 1899 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Today we came back up here, a distance of 10 miles, and Elder Forsyth and I went and stopped with Mr. Gno Goad where we enjoyed ourselves very much. January 3, 1899 Raining. We went to Sainsville this morning to post our mail. Elder Forsyth went to Manchester after his mail, and I canvassed some and stopped till the mail came out in the evening and read a letter from home. Found all well, also a card from Elder Baird stating he was to join Elder Kirk and labor in Lincoln County. Walked 10 miles and stopped with Sister Winton. January 4, 1899 Henry's Cove, Tennessee This morning we had hogs feet for breakfast. They had been boiled and cooked well then they made a pancake batter and poured over them and fried them in lard till browned. And they made an excellent dish. Stopped with Sister Winton. January 5, 1899 Lots of rain. Today we done our work up so as to be ready to meet some visiting elders at Manchester. I washed three shirts, three pairs of under garments, pressed my pants, and we did some other odd jobs. Walked four miles on the road to Manchester and stopped with Charles. January 6, 1899 This morning we had an early breakfast and started out for Manchester, but as it had been raining real hard all night we made very slow progress, as the country was all flooded with Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p029.jpg) water. We hadn't gone far till our feet were wet, but before long we came to a stream that we had to wade so off came our shoes and socks. And in we went, and it would freeze our legs. We had only a short distance till we had to wade another still deeper and wider. Went on a ways farther and came to one that was too deep for us about 5 ft deep. As we had appointed 7 p.m. to meet the other Elders. We tried to find some other way but failed. So we thought the best thing we could do was to find a place to stop and get our clothes dry. Stopped with O J. McBride where we got dinner and warmed and dried as we were real wet. Was kindly entertained and invited back. January 7, 1899 Manchester, Tennessee Last night being a real cold night, this morning we were able to cross the streams. Just before we entered Manchester we were hailed by CT Robinson who recognized us and invited us to come and see them. After going to the office we came back and stopped with them overnight as the Elders we were to meet did not arrive. January 8, 1899 Manchester, Tennessee Sunday. Today we stayed all day with our kind Hostess Mrs. Robinson. Read and conversed on different subjects. January 9, 1899 We canvassed all day and enjoyed ourselves the best kind. Stopped a night with Mr. Cates. January 10, 1899 Manchester, Tennessee Mr. Cates informed us that he saw the Elders we were expecting to meet in Manchester on the 9th. So as soon as we had breakfast we started to meet them. Found Elder Creer in Manchester, and he informed me that I was to meet Elder Stewart in Tullahoma and we were to labor in that place and him and Forsyth in Manchester. So I started out and met Elder Stewart at Sister Dickersons just after dark, after walking 22 miles. January 11, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Rainy. Today we walked up to Tullahoma, 3 miles, and visited some of the leading men. Canvassed some and stopped at night with Mr. Carroll who had a fine house and was a RR station boss. Was treated real kind. January 12, 1899 Cloudy. Today we went and saw the mayor and got his consent to preach on the streets if we so desired and also to canvas the town and leave them our literature. Walked down to Sister Dickenhoof. Had a fine dinner. Came back and stopped with Mrs. Knott who was keeping a hotel. Was treated real kind. Had a fine time playing their organ and singing them our Mormon songs. They seemed to be very pleasant. . January 13, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Cloudy. We canvassed and sold books today among the people. Had a splendid time. Met with some of the wealthiest people of the town. Was treated quite well as a rule. Stopped with a very kind family by the name of E S Crick. . January 14, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Clear. Today we visited among some of the principle residences of town and towards night walked to Sister Dickerhoofs to spend Sunday. Enjoyed myself the vey best kind over Sunday. . January 16, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Rainy. This morning we started our to meet our companions, Elders Creer & Forsyth, whom we met just before night and then separated to get entertainment for the night. Stopped with W. J. Talor. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p030.jpg) January 17, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Cloudy. Today we met again and held council meeting and had a splendid time. After which Elder Forsyth and I started out on our labors, canvassing the town of Tullahoma. Had a real good time. Stopped all night at a boarding house. January 18, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Cloudy. Last night we had the pleasure of meeting and conversing with a man with a beard long enough to reach down to the floor and 8 inches lay on the floor. He was the lady of the house's father. We had a nice time visiting among the people and enjoyed our stay real well. Stopped at night with a family by the name of Mr. Grunen. January 19, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Clear. Today we had a good time among the people. After canvassing the most of the day we met with flower, and I thought he had the loveliest place I had ever seen. He gave us 25 cents, and we gave him a 15-cent book. He treated us real good. He had a regular flower house with glass roof, and in cold weather he would light a fire in it for the benefit of his plants. At night we stopped at the best boarding house and was treated the best kind by the proprietor, Mrs. H. Barnett. January 20, 1899 We had a good time today, but when we asked for entertainment we had ten rejects. But found a friend at last by the name of Bob Warson who treated us very kind. January 21, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Clear. Had a real good time today and after canvassing all day we went down to stop with Sister Dickerhoof. January 22, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Sunday. Clear. Spent the day writing during our stay in this town. In less than two weeks there has been three commit suicide. January 23, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Today we came back to the town and canvassed. Stopped with Mr. Dreek and Hill who treated us very kind. January 24, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Canvassed the remainder of the town today and made arrangements to start to work in the country again. Stopped with Doster Crutcher. Was treated real kind. My companion got quite hungry as we had no dinner or supper but was well satisfied to have a good bed. January 25, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Canvassed in the barrows where the houses were very few but had a good time. At night was kindly entertained by Gno Frazier. January 26, 1899 Hills Chappel, Tennessee After a good night's rest and fine breakfast we resumed our journey through the mud but had a general good time. Met with good friends and stopped at night with Jaro Arnold who treated us very kind. January 27, 1899 Manchester, Tennessee Rainy. Today we canvassed. Went to Manchester and called for mail. Went on and stopped with a kind family, WR Lannon, who treated us very kind. January 28, 1899 After canvassing a short time we called at the family of Cleo Kid and was received very kindly. Stopped with them Saturday night. Sunday held a public meeting in their house. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p031.jpg) Had a time of rejoicing. Stopped with them Sunday night and left some very kind friends and sincere investigators of the gospel. January 30, 1899 Today we called at the office again. Read a letter from my Father and Wife. Found all well and happy. Stopped at night with WH Taylor who treated us very kind. January 31, 1899 Today was a real cold day, there being snow on the ground. And it snowed some more but cleared up and was the coldest night I have s yet seen in Tennessee. Stopped with Geo Kid and had a most enjoyable time talking on the gospel. February 1, 1899 This morning we went over to Bro. Kid's mother and left our grips while canvassing. In the evening went back, and she said she had put our dinner in the stove so it would be warm. After eating we left our blessings on her and walked a short distance and stopped with Mr. Eliga Banks. February 2, 1899 Sumitville, Tennessee Raining. After leaving our kind hostess we walked over to Sumitville to post some mail. Had a splendid time. Held four family meetings. Stopped with J R. Cunningham. Was treated the best kind. For kidney cure write to: The Church Kidney Cure Company, Albony Building, Cincinnati, Ohio. February 3, 1899 Sainsville, Tennessee Today we canvassed between Sumitville and Sainville. Had a good time visiting. Stopped with J. W. Cunningham and had a real good time. February 4, 1899 Sainsville, Tennessee This morning as we had run out of tracts. We went over to Henryscove to visit some friends. Stopped and eat dinner at Bro. & Sister Knotts. Found them feeling well and was received very kindly. Went on to Sister Winton. Received the same treatment. They had received a letter from my wife and was very pleased with it. February 5, 1899 Sunday. Rainy. We stayed with Bro. & Sister Winton today. Read and conversed on the scriptures. Wrote to the people of my ward, also my dear ones. Stayed again at night with Sister Winton. February 6, 1899 Today it was raining all day but desiring to be on the move, we started out for Manchester to get our mail. After traveling about 5 miles through mud and water we stopped with a real nice family who treated us real kind by the name of JE Flacker. February 7, 1899 Walked on to town and read our mail. Got word from Pres. for us to procure a house in Tullahoma to hold a conference council meeting. In accordance we went on to Tullahoma, walked 18 miles. Stopped with a Flourit H Windle who had one of the loveliest places I ever saw. February 8, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Went to the Hurricane Hotel this morning and made arrangements for a room that was suitable for our group and sent in our report to Pres. Went out to Sister Dickerhoof and talked with them over night. February 9, 1899 After washing and changing clothes and cutting our hair, we started out canvassing. There is about 2 inches of snow on the ground, and it seems like it is as cold a weather as I have ever seen. Stopped at night with E. W. Lynch. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p032.jpg) February 10, 1899 This morning the thermometer registered about 6 or 8 degrees below zero. After breakfast we started out canvassing. Snow about two inches deep. Had real wet feet all day. Real cold the most of the time. Stopped in Tullahoma with Frank Ward after getting eight refusals. February 11, 1899 We waited in town all day today as it was too cold to travel, and at night we started to find a place to stop but were little unsuccessful in town. Went out about two miles and stopped with Mr. Fleming. February 12, 1899 Sunday, Went down to Sister Dickerhoff's to stay. Snow about 6 in deep, real cold. Sister Dickerhoff's house is the first one we could keep warm in. February 13, 1899 Last night was the coldest night of the season. The temperature running 20 below zero, a night of suffering among many of the poor. Today we went out and chopped wood for Bro. Dickerhoof. I made some blisters on my hands. Real cold all day today. February 14, 1899 This morning it is cloudy and the weather has moderated. Stopped at Sister Dickerhoofs all day as weather was very bad to be traveling. February 15, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Snowing. Today we went in to Tullahoma to solicit entertainment for all the elders that attend the Priesthood meeting. Had fairly good success. Stopped at night with Dr. Tripp. February 16, 1899 Hickerson Station, Tennessee After finishing our labor here we started out canvassing. The roads were real wet and disagreeable. After traveling quite late and being refused entertainment, we stopped with Mr. Taylor where we were treated very kind. February 17, 1899 After a good night's rest and a good breakfast we resumed our journey. Traveled, canvassing all day, though the mud and water. Stopped with Mr. Freeman. February 18, 1899 Hickerson Station, Tennessee Raining. After breakfast we again started out tracting, but it was real wet and muddy. Will just mention here that the two previous days we only had our one meal a day as just a break of luck I suppose. Just before night we called on Wm Ray where we stopped till Monday, the 20th. Was treated real good and when the supper time came I can tell you it was welcomed by me. But my companion was sick, brought on I suppose by the exposure we had passed through. February 19, 1899 Sunday. Today we had a great good time talking on the scripture, etc. My companion was real poorly all day. February 20, 1899 Bellmont, Tennessee After a splendid nights rest we ate breakfast and made arrangements to resume our labors. Canvassed all afternoon and stopped at night with Mr. Alward. Today was one of those beautiful days that reminded me of home in the dear west and the warm sunshine over friends and loved ones. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p033.jpg) February 21, 1899 Bellmont, Tennessee Only two days of weather that is so acceptable and common in our mountain home and in the night we woke up finding it raining again as usual. Today we went to Tullahoma and stopped with Sister Dickerhoof. February 22, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Today I had a good bath, pressed my pants, put on clean clothes and in the evening started for town. Stopped that night with Mr. Smith. February 23, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee This morning our hostess said as it would put them to some bother to get breakfast gave us 50 cents to get it at a hotel, which we did, and was very thankful. Met Pres. Allred and completed arrangements for our meeting on the morrow, and I stopped with Pres at H. Winde. February 24, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Raining. Today everything went off smoothly, all of the Elders arriving by 10 am. Pres. Rich arriving at 8:15. Our meeting opened at 10. Pres. Allred spoke some time and then all the Elders had took a turn in expressing their feeling. All seemed to be feeling splendid, and I felt proud of being one of a group of such an honorable body of men. We had a short recess from 2:30 to 3:00, and in the afternoon we had a feast that is seldom enjoyed by people in this world. Pres Rich did most of the speaking. And our meeting and all arrangements were a grand success. I and Elder Creer stopped with Dr. Tripp. How pleasant it is to meet with our brethren and receive a hearty and shade and a God Bless You. February 25, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee This morning we bade farewell to those of our comrades that we got to see and started out for our fiend of labor. Walked about 10 miles, canvassed some and stopped with a real kind old gentleman by the name of ________. February 26, 1899 Bellmont, Tennessee Sunday. Raining. This morning, as it was Sunday and very rainy, we stayed with Mr. Hager. Went to one of the directors of the schoolhouse but was refused. Wrote some and spent the rest of the day in conversation. Stopped with W T Camel. February 27, 1899 Manchester, Tennessee Clear. This morning we started out to notify the people that we were going to hold meeting at night. Had a real good time. Visited Bro. and Sister Kidd. Held a real good meeting at night. Was invited home and stopped with T H Lowery. March 1, 1899 Ragsville, Tennessee This morning is a nice warm morning. Seems like spring today. We started out canvassing. Stopped at Bro. Knotts. Found them not feeling very well. Stayed all night with them, and before we left we endeavored to teach them the gospel and their duty to yield obedience to it. Also read a letter that my wife had written them. They were very well pleased with it. March 2, 1899 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Went over to Sister Winton for dinner. Found them feeling well. After dinner we resumed our labors. Quite muddy and bad traveling. Stopped with S. H. Long where we were kindly welcomed. Had a real good time. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p034.jpg) March 3, 1899 Hillsboro, Tennessee Rainy. This morning we started out canvassing. Canvassed the little town of Hillsboro. Went down to Prairieplanes and stopped with W. B. Fleming. Was treated real well. March 4, 1899 Prairieplanes, Tennessee Today we went over to the Floid schoolhouse to hold meeting. Sunday we visited with our old friend Mr. Mosher. On our way we stopped all night with W. G. Bricknes. Requested to write. March 5, 1899 Floid, Tennessee Sunday. After a few days of pleasant real warm spring weather we find it quite cold and blustery this morning, and as there was no stove in the schoolhouse we didn't hold any meeting. Stopped with David Floid. March 6, 1899 Prairieplanes, Tennessee This morning we woke up and found it snowing and real blustery. March weather in reality. Walked over to H. G. Moshers and stopped with them overnight and had a real good time. Sold them a Book of Mormon. March 7, 1899 Hills Chapel, Tennessee Today we started out canvassing. It was a bitter cold day, but we made out very well till toward night. When we started to seek for entertainment we were refused until after dark. We had to walk through the woods and mud holes not knowing when we would find the next house. Besides it being so cold we got our feet wet and our clothes all covered with mud. But at last we came in sight of a light, and walking up to the house we were very kindly welcomed. After getting warm and dry we went in to the parlor and listened to some very nice playing on the organ and singing and was made to feel that a friend in need was a friend in deed. Names W E. Pettey. March 8, 1899 This morning after a hearty handshake and a warm welcome to return we took our departure. Canvassed the rest of the day and stopped with TT Ladd. March 9, 1899 Went through Manchester today and read our mail. Went on and stopped for night with W. R. Lannom. March 10, 1899 Sumitville, Tennessee Today we canvassed and revisited some. Stopped with a kind friend who received us very kindly by the name of Jessy Morton. March 11, 1899 As we had considerable writing to do we stopped with James Kid all day and done our writing and spent the day pleasantly and was treated real kind. March 12, 1899 Sumitville, Tennessee Sunday. Last night it rained again but this morning it is a little cool but the sun is shining bright and tis a real pleasant day. Has the appearance of coming spring. As we couldn't obtain a suitable place to hold meeting in we write some and read the rest of the day. March 13, 1899 This morning we started out canvassing and at night came in upon Bro. Geo Kidd and stopped all night with him. March 14, 1899 We stopped today with Bro. Kidd as it was so wet and rainy that we couldn't travel. We stayed and talked on the principles of the gospel. Our word seemed to have a very good affect. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p035.jpg) March 15, 1899 Manchester, Tennessee Today we started out canvassing. Went to Manchester and received our mail. Walked 11 miles and stopped at night with a northern family, H. Groford. March 16, 1899 Canvassed today. Done a great deal of talking in the timbered district where there was but very few settlers. Once in a while we would find a northern family clearing a place in the woods on which they could raise something to subsist upon, who had come to the sunny south to spend their days in toil, earning their bread by the sweat of their brow. Stopped at night with H.C. Myers. March 17, 1899 Canvassed today and tried to get a house to preach in but failed. Talked very near all after noon with one man endeavoring to convince him that we didn't preach or practice polygamy. Stopped all night with Mr. Kates. March 18, 1899 Teal, Tennessee After two or three days of fine weather we woke up this morning and found it raining. After dinner we started out to get a house to preach in, but the weather was up too high that we shouldn't cross the streams. We waded through the water and were refused entertainment by one man just before dark while it was raining very hard. But after getting quite wet we were made welcome and entertained by Widow Cunningham. March 19, 1899 Teal, Tennessee Sunday. Wind blowing from the north and cold. Being desirous of getting to preach we traveled a ways. Stopped with and talked with a few of the people while at James McGuyre where we stopped all night. We met with a Baptist preacher who did not believe the earth was round and that anyone had ever been around it. March 20, 1899 Manchester, Tennessee Today we went to Manchester after our mail. Canvassed the rest of the day except while we were reading on the sunny side of a hill about two hours. Stopped with Mister Eaton. March 21, 1899 Fredonio, Tennessee Today was my birthday, making me 34 years old. We canvassed all day and stopped with Widow Sarrah Vickers. March 22, 1899 Farhill, Tennessee Today we canvassed some, also got permission to hold meeting in the schoolhouse. But, about the time commence it started to blowing and raining, and we left to seek entertainment for the night. Stopped with JJ Fergson, treated real well. March 23, 1899 Cleared of some and quite cold this morning. Canvassed and walked 14 miles. Stopped with Geo Kid and family who always treated us very kind. March 24, 1899 Manchester, Tennessee Today we stopped with Bro. Kid and bathed and changed clothes, and Sister Kid offered to do our washing so that we could leave with clean clothes. We consented to wait as they seemed to be more than willing to do no favors and always treated us very kind. I gave them a Book of Mormon. March 25, 1899 Manchester, Tennessee Today walked over to Far Hill to hold meeting, distance 14 miles. Waited for the people to come till 8 o'clock, but no one came. Left and went and stopped with ______________. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p036.jpg) March 26, 1899 Sunday. Went up to the schoolhouse to hold meeting today, but there was but very few came and they were all boys but three. Held a short meeting, after which we wrote to folks and walked over the hills to Mr. Huffman where we were treated very kind. Mr. Huffman is an old wealthy batch. Has fine improvements and stock on his farm. A barn 700 ft square 69 ft high. Water piped all over his place. Had stones dressed to make him a tomb one-rock one ft square 18 ft long. March 27, 1899 Canvassed. Stopped with Thos. Morton, treated real well. March 28, 1899 Goulds, Tennessee Canvassed. Stopped with D B Holland. March 29, 1899 Goulds, Tennessee Today we canvassed some, and while at Goulds we borrowed a lantern and visited a cave. We were in the cave 1½ hours. Saw some very nice sights formed by the water dripping from above. Had quite a time finding our way out, as there was quite a few forks. After we started out we were half an hour getting out. At night we stopped with G. M. Gerningger. March 30, 1899 Redens Chapel, Tennessee Today we went up to T. West's. Stopped with him all day. The last time I was with him he was reading our works, and we found him still an earnest investigator of the gospel and feeling well. He told us about the condition of one of the families in the neighborhood, Mr. Drake, who has treated us so bad and turned us off in the dark and rain. He had lost one of his farms. Was likely to loose the other and had had two or three deaths in his family. (Refer to Nov 17, 1898) March 31, 1899 Stopped with Bro. West all day and studied and wrote. Also went to his sick brothers. Held a meeting. April 1, 1899 Today Bro. West wanted to go and visit, and as we wanted to fast we concluded we would stop at his place alone as we could spend the time as we saw fit. April 2, 1899 Goulds, Tennessee Sunday. Today we went to Sunday School in the Methodist Church in the forenoon. I was called to open the school by prayer. At 2 p.m. we went to the schoolhouse to hold meeting. As they were real slow coming in, we were late starting. Had a poor attendance and poor order. Elder Forsyth done the most of the speaking and done real well. At night we held meeting in a private house, Mr. West, and had a real good time. April 3, 1899 Goulds, Tennessee Today we went back to T J West's and stopped all day. Studied and wrote to the dear ones at home. On March 27th we met with a man that claimed to have met Bro. Morgan and of doing him up on salvation for the dead, but we had no trouble holding our own with him on that subject. April 4, 1899 Goulds, Tennessee We stopped with Bro. West today till after dinner then we started towards Tullahoma City, canvassing on our way. Stopped at L D Dye. My companion stopping with Mr. Gamel as he said he could keep but one of us. So I went and stopped with Dyes. Treated real well. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p037.jpg) April 5, 1899 Canvassed a while today and then went to Sister Dickerhoof's to pay them a visit before they moved to Utah. Found them feeling quite well. Stopped with Mr. Ladford, their nearest neighbor. April 6, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee This morning it was raining again and about 4 o'clock we bade good bye to Sister Dickerhoof and family. They are expecting to leave in two or three days. Stopped with Mr. Barnes. April 7, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Today we canvassed. Eat a real light breakfast. Walked hard all day with out anything to eat. After being refused entertainment a number of times we accepted a good bed without any supper at the hands of Mr. D. Taylor who had retired to bed but kindly entertained. But in the night I awoke quite sick but got better before morning. April 9, 1899 Belmont, Tennessee Sunday. We walked over to Mr. Rays and stopped with them today, and as we were in a district where we couldn't get a house to preach in we held no meetings. April 10, 1899 Manchester, Tennessee Went to Manchester and received our welcome letters from home and how glad I was to hear that all were well and prosperous. In the afternoon we visited some ancient ruins. Our visit to some ancient ruins about one mile west of Manchester as the ruins of some old ruined fortifications located on a real nicely located piece of ground between little and big duck rivers, being about one half mile from the junction of the two rivers. Running towards the junction at this point the rivers almost meet, forming a narrow neck of land and immediately below the rivers drop into deep ravines. The fortifications cross this narrow neck and seem to have been very strong at this point and follow down the banks of both streams till it reaches perpendicular walls. At the lower end of these walls it commences again and follows the banks to the brow of a hill. The land dropping down about 20 ft lower than the land on which the fort is built. Thus we saw that the location was naturally one of the best and no doubt was a very strong one from all appearances. Would judge it enclosed 40 to 60 acres. Its origin no one in the country has any idea of but judging from the way the wall had decayed and crumbled, I would judge it to be of very ancient origin. Probably 1400 years ago, when the Nephites were destroyed. Stayed all night with C. A. Heel who treated us very kind. April 11, 1899 Manchester, Tennessee Today we canvassed and walked quite hard all day and at night stopped with Preacher Byrom, an aged Baptist preacher who treated us very kind and invited us back again. April 12, 1899 Manchester, Tennessee As we had finished canvassing we started on our trip to get some of our things and pay some of our warmest friends farewell visit. Stopped at Bro. Geo Kids, found them feeling real well and investigating the Gospel. April 13, 1899 Stopped at Bro. Kids all day and wrote and talked to them on the principles of the Gospel. April 14, 1899 Sainsville, Tennessee Left Bro. Kids this morning and went up to Henry's Cove. Stopped at Bro. & Sister Knots who were feeling quite well. Had quite an enjoyable time with them. Stopped with them so much they seemed just like some of our own folks. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p038.jpg) April 15, 1899 Henry's Cove, Tennessee This morning it is raining again after a spell of dry weather of about nine days, the longest dry spell we have had this year. We planted about two acres of corn for Bro. Knot, and about night we went over to stop with Sister Winton. Found then feeling quite well. April 16, 1899 Henry's Cove, Tennessee Sunday. Today being the Sabbath we stayed in the house most of the day reading, but in the evening we strolled up on the mountain where we had some real nice views of the country below. Stopped with Mr. Geo Pratt who treated us very kind. April 17, 1899 Last night it seemed like I had the best night's rest that I have had for a long time, as we were up where the air was lighter, and it seemed like I slept better. After talking with the folks a while we came down to Wintons and spent the rest of the day with them. April 18, 1899 Today we visited among the people and endeavored to explain the necessity of obeying the gospel. Stopped at Bro. & Sister Wintons. April 19, 1899 This morning we bade goodbye to Bro. & Sister Winton, both of them not being able to restrain the tears. Proving that they had appreciated our visit. Also realizing that perhaps it will be our last meeting in this life. We walked to Manchester 12 miles and stopped with C. T. Robinson. April 20, 1899 Manchester, Tennessee This morning we called at the office for our mail and received word from Pres. that we would be separated and given other companions on the 26th, and as we had finished Coffee Coounty I and my companion were to finish Moore County. We went from here to Preacher Byrom and stopped with him all night again, also fasted. April 21, 1899 Bellmont, Tenneessee Today we continued our fast all day. Went to the schoolhouse and spent the most of the day writing etc. Stopped all night with Mrs. Wiser. April 22, 1899 After biding our hostess goodbye we went back to Preacher Byrom and spent the most of the day with him talking on the gospel. We seemed to make a great impression on his mind, and when we bade him farewell the tears came in his eyes and he bade us God Speed. Stopped at Mr. W. E. Petty's where we were received very kindly. April 23, 1899 Bellmont, Tennessee Stopped here all day and had a very good time talking and explaining the principles of the gospel. Also was favored with instrumental and vocal music and enjoyed ourselves the best kind. April 24, 1899 Bellmont, Tennessee Stopped with Bro. Petty till after dinner and fixed my shoes and wrote to my folks etc. And after biding them farewell, being requested by Bro. Petty to remember him in our prayer we started to Tullahoma. Stopped about three miles from town with a man by the name of A. L Ellsworth who treated us real kind. A ceiling may be cleaned with a flannel cloth dipped in strong borax water. April 25, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Today we spent the forenoon writing and shaving etc and in the evening went in to town. Stopped at Mr. Heller's, a private boarding house at the expense of Mr. Smith, the R. R. agent. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p039.jpg) April 26, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Stayed in town all day and visited some of our friends. Stopped at Mr. Wrinde's for dinner and sharpened a couple of saws for him. Spent the day enjoyably. Met my new companion, Elder Brimhall as the 4:40 train arrived. He and Elder Forsyth stopped together, and I stopped at Mr. Heller's again. April 27, 1899 Tullahoma, Tennessee Left Coffee County with my new companion, D. C. Brimhall, and after walking all day and canvassing some we stopped at Mr. Coops in Moore County all night. April 28, 1899 Countyline, Tennessee After a splendid nights rest we started out on our days journey in good spirits. Canvassed a few houses. Stopped at night with Mr. Duckworth. April 29, 1899 Lynchburg, Tennessee Today we canvassed. Had a real good time and was treated real well. After finishing up the canvassing all but Lynchburg we made our way to Mr. C. D. Rhaton. He was real pleased to see us. Treated us real well. April 30, 1899 Today being Sunday we stayed with Bro. Rhaton talking on the principles of the gospel and reading our papers and visiting, not being able to hold public meeting. May 1, 1899 Today we went in to the county seat, Lynchburg, to canvass it. Saw the Mayor and got permission to work up the town. As a rule we were treated real well. Those who treated otherwise were those who made the greatest pretensions and were spiritual leaders among the people. Stopped with Mr. Peel. May 2, 1899 Lynchburg, Tennessee Today we were treated real well and finished the town by 2 o'clock. After waiting for our mail till 4, endeavoring to sell some books, we left feeling real well satisfied with our labors, although we would of desired to have accomplished more than we did. Among those who treated us with contempt were a Methodist minister by the name of _________ who trembled and turned white and endeavored to ridicule us where upon we bore our testimony to him which seemed to make him uncomforted for a while. The other was a Cambillite, Mr. Blythe. Went up and stopped with C. D. Rhaton. May 3, 1899 Lynchburg, Tennessee After spending the forenoon with Mr. Rhaton talking on the gospel and studying etc. we started to Fuga. Stopped with Bro. & Sister Sawyer. They were feeling real well and it seemed nice getting with our old friends again. May 4, 1899 Fuga, Tennessee Today we went over to Marble Hill and visited some of our friends. Stopped with Jessy Moore, and we had fish for supper. The first I had tasted in the state. May 5, 1899 We went back to Bro. Sawyers. My companion was a little sick and went on alone while I stopped and notified the people that we would hold meeting Sunday. Stopped with Bro. Sawyer. May 6, 1899 Fuga, Tennessee Stopped at Bro. Sawyers and studied in the forenoon and in the afternoon had a bath and put on clean clothes. Shaved up and prepared for Sunday. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p040.jpg) May 7, 1899 Lois, Tennessee Sunday. Today at two o'clock we held meeting and had a splendid time and a good congregation. At night we held another good meeting and can say that the Lord blessed us in endeavoring to present before the people the principles of the gospel and baring my testimony. Stopped with Bro. Sawyer again. May 8, 1899 Fuga, Tennessee Stopped at Bro. Sawyers the most of the forenoon and wrote. After which we went to Lorice Thense & to C. D. Rhaton where we stopped the rest of the day. May 9, 1899 Lynchburg, Tennessee Stayed with Bro. Rhaton till after dinner. Pressed my pants and fixed them some. Had a good time. Bade them farewell and went to Lynchburg. Stopped and talked with the mayor a long time. Waiting for the mails to come. Read a letter from home. All O K. Went up to Countyline and stopped with Jas. Brown. Was treated real well. Had a good night's rest. May 10, 1899 Countyline, Tennessee After breakfast we bade good bye to Bro. Brown and was kindly invited back again. Went up to see the Trustees of the schoolhouse and got their consent to hold meeting in the house. After quite a ways we stopped with a Mr. Don Furginson and family who were a little reluctant in taking us in, but in the morning expressed themselves as being very glad that we had stopped with them. Desired us to write. Office, Ranse, Bedford County. May 11, 1899 Countyline, Tennessee After biding our hostess goodbye we canvassed some houses that had been previously missed and notified the people of our meeting and went down to the office for our mail. Came back, ate supper with Mr. Duckworth, went to the schoolhouse. A nice crowd congregated, and we had a splendid meeting and the best of order and attention. Was invited home by Mr. Rute Dillingham and had a splendid night's rest. May 12, 1899 After a good breakfast and a good chat on the principles of the gospel we went to the office of am but found no word from Pres. Walked back about 4 miles and stopped with A. G. Ray who treated us very kind. One of his relatives had been in our country and had the pictures of the tabernacle and temple etc. May 13, 1899 Countyline, Tennessee After a splendid nights rest we arose feeling well and after eating a good breakfast we bade our friends good bye and went down to the office again. But read no mail. Walked on up to Sam Dillingham's for dinner and stopped with him all day and overnight. Was treated the best kind and enjoyed our splendid stay. He had just returned from Charleston and had lots to tell. May 14, 1899 Countyline, Tennessee Sunday. Today we attended a Methodist meeting in the forenoon, after which we were invited to take dinner with Briton Dillingham. After dinner at 3:30 we held meeting in the Springdale schoolhouse. Had a real good turnout and the house was full. Had a good time. Also had a good meeting at night. Was invited by Bro. Birt to stop with them. May 15, 1899 Countyline, Tennessee After bidding our friends goodbye we started to Countyline for mail but read none. From there we went to Lynchburg and called for our mail, but as there was none we concluded to send another week in the county in the neighborhood of Hurdlow. So we concluded we would stop with Jack Dallel, a wealthy bachelor who received us very cool at first on account of expecting company but afterwards treated us real well. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p041.jpg) May 16, 1899 Lynchburg, Tennessee After a splendid night's rest and a good breakfast we started out on our journey to Hurdlow. Stopped on our way for dinner at Bro. Sawyer's. Went on down the creek a while and stopped at Harry Browns for night and was treated real kind. Bro. Brown has relatives in Utah. May 17, 1899 Hurdlow, Tennessee This forenoon we went down to Elk River with Bro. Brown to see him put his fish traps in the river. On the way back we stopped and studied till mail came and then went to the office for our mail. But read none. Went over to Johney Rirees to stay for the night and was received very kindly. May 18, 1899 Robins Creek, Tennessee Spent the forenoon at Bro. Rirees and spent the night with them and held a family meeting. Sang some songs and had a real good time. May 19, 1899 Fuga or Hurdlow, Tennessee Today we went back to the office expecting to hear from Pres. but was disappointed. Went from there over to Joshua Gore and spent the night with them and was treated the best kind. May 20, 1899 Hurdlow, Tennessee Stopped with Bro. Gore all day. Went down to the river and had a splendid bath and swim. Went back to the office and found some mail from home. Learned that my children were sick with scarletina but nothing serious. Also received a bundle of papers from the office. May 21, 1899 Hurdlow, Tennessee Sunday. After breakfast and brushing up we went up to Liberty Hill Schoolhouse and took part in their Sunday school after which we held meeting. But not many present. Also held meeting at night and was invited home by Mr. Famming, a real nice man, and was treated real well. May 22, 1899 Hurdlow, Tennessee Today we went down the river to Mr. Hure Brown who had invited us to come down and stop with. They were real kind to us and treated us the best kind. I went down to the river to fish and had a good bath. May 23, 1899 Hurdlow, Tennessee After spending the most of the day with Mr. Brown we went up to the office to get our mail and from there we went to Mr. Joshua Gore and stopped with them for the night. May 24, 1899 Hurdlow, Tennessee This morning went up to Bro. Sawyers and made out our report and sent it in. Also asked our President to write to us and let us know what county he wanted us to labor in. Went over to Robins Creek and stopped with Bro. Pierce. May 25, 1899 Fuga, Tennessee This morning before we left Bro. Pierce I got him to subscribe for the Star by me sending the money in and him agreeing to pay me afterwards. Started out to C D Rhotens. Stopped at Bro. Sawyers on our way and bade them good bye as we had received word from Pres. giving us another county to labor in and we were on our way out. Was kindly welcomed by C. D. Ranos. Had a pleasant time with them. Will note that one year ago tomorrow I had my first fried green apples and green apple pie at this. This evening we had same, also the first we had this season. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p042.jpg) May 26, 1899 Lynchburg, Tennessee This morning after breakfast I washed my clothes preparatory to leaving for our new field of labor, Parry County, and bade farewell to Bro. R with the promise that we would return if it became convenient to do so. Stopped in Lynchburg and received our mail. Learned that my family were on the improve. Stopped with J. F. Baxter. Was treated real well. May 27, 1899 Lynchburg, Tennessee Today we walked about 10 miles and tried to get a place to preach and stop at over Sunday but was unsuccessful in getting a place to preach. Stopped over night with Mr. Jessie Price and was treated the best kind. May 28, 1899 Chestnut Ridge, Tennessee Sunday. This morning we went up to the Christians Sabbath school and had a real good time. Took part with them in the adult class. Went back and eat dinner at Bro. Prices, but awhile after dinner we were informed by Mr. Price's son-in-law that in the absence of Mr. Price that they couldn't keep us any longer. Before we stopped I got quite sick. Stiff neck and general ailment. Stopped with W. R. Raney. May 29, 1899 Richmond, Tennessee Last night I slept very good but was quite restless and woke up once real wet with sweat. But after getting around some, I felt much better and after our usual __ we started our days journey. Got a good dinner and while sitting talking was told where a family of saints lived about two miles distance, where we went and stopped the rest of the day. When we got there Elders Pane & Pross had just left a few minutes before. I followed them up and overtook them, and they came back and we all spent the night together with Bro. Collins. Sang songs and had a splendid time. May 30, 1899 Lewisburg, Tennessee This morning I found myself somewhat ill, but after taking a dose of soda I felt all right. After shaving and tidying up a little we all went to Lewisburg and stopped with the kindest old lady I have met with since I left home. She looked a lot like Sister Fackrel and treated us so kind. The Elders have been stopping with her six or eight years. When we went to leave she would hardly let us go. Insisted on us staying all night. But we left and walked about 7 miles and stopped at Mr. Buford Jones. May 31, 1899 Pleasant Grove, Tennessee This morning I got up feeling quite sick. Eat a bite with the rest and started on our trip, but felt so bad that we traveled real slow. Was sick at my stomach and vomited twice and felt some better. Stopped for dinner, but eat but very little. Traveled on the rest of the day feeling quite well. Stopped with the proprietor of the County poor house Manry County, Mr. C. C. Harris, who treated us real nice. They had a real nice house for themselves. Also, quite respectable dwellings for the inmates. I never ate any supper but felt quite well. June 1, 1899 Columbia, Tennessee This morning I felt some better and eat a light breakfast and resumed our journey. Went without any dinner. Walked 16 miles, and at night I felt quite tired and almost sick. Stopped with W. T. Walker. We passed through the best looking country I have been in. June 2, 1899 Duck River, Tennessee Felt quite poorly this morning but eat a little and started on our journey, arriving at Bro. C. S. Church about 10:30. He had just caught a large fish so we had fish for dinner which was a great treat, and it seemed to make me feel lots better. Had a good bath in the river at evening, which was a fine treat also. Had some fish for supper. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p043.jpg) June 3, 1899 Duck River, Tennessee This morning, although I had been very careful about eating, I felt worse and concluded I would have to do something to cure my billiousness. So began to take purgitive medicine and eat but very little. Stopped again with Bro. Church. June 4, 1899 Duck River or Shady Grove, Tennessee Sunday. This morning I took some homemade pills made of sweet walnut bark, and as it was fastday of course on an empty stomach. They seemed to have the desired effect in moving all the bile from my stomach. I walked over to Shady Grove where I met Elders Fosyth, Archibald, Tryer and the Saints in Sabbath school, and we had a fine time and after Sabbath school was out we held fast meeting and had a splendid time. All of us Elders spoke and bore our testimony, and the most of the Saints bore theirs. It seemed just like being home again and sounded so pleasant to hear one of our sisters bare her testimony. We also held meeting at 3, all of us Elders taking a part. After meeting was out I and Elder Archibald went over to Bro. & Sister William Church and stopped for night. June 5, 1899 Shady Grove, Tennessee This morning I borrowed a canoe and went up the river about a mile and a half after my grip. Stopped with Bro. Church for dinner and got my grip and came back in the canoe and stopped at Sister Hirus for the night. Felt quite well all day today but took a good dose of calamol before going to bed. June 6, 1899 This morning I believe I am feeling much better and believe I have done all the doctoring I will need for a while. Eat dinner with Bro. Church. Went over to Sister Anderson's where the rest of the Elders were at night. Went down with Elder Archibald and stopped with Bro. Mobley. June 7, 1899 I stayed at Bro. Mobley's till after dinner and then went up to Sister Anderson's. Met with the rest of the Elders and stopped with them over night. June 8, 1899 Stayed at Sister Anderson's all day. Had a splendid time. June 9, 1899 Not feeling very well today so I concluded I would go over to Chas. Churches across the river and get him to doctor me up a little. Came back and stopped with Geo Church over night. Had a splendid night's rest. May 10, 1899 Duck River, Tennessee Stopped with Bro. Church the most of the forenoon then went over to Sister Anderson's where I stayed the rest of the day. Not feeling well. June 17, 1899 Had such a sore mouth that I couldn't keep my teeth in my mouth, so never went to S. S. Chool. Stayed at home and wrote. Went to meeting in the afternoon. Had a good time. Seven of us Elders present. Stopped at night with Bro. S. Chruch. June 12, 1899 Shady Grove, Tennessee Stopped with the Saints today and preparations to leave on the morrow. Stopped with Bro. Mobley. Had a good bath in the river. June 13, 1899 Bid the saints goodbye and started for our county by way of Kane Creek, the scene of that bloody murder of Gibbs & Berry. Struck Blue Buck about 10 a m and eat dinner with a widow lady Mrs. Rochard who treated us very kind. From there we went to Swanbluff, Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p044.jpg) thence to Simons Branch. Walked 16 miles, got quite tired but felt splendid otherwise. Stopped with Mr. McClanahan and was treated real well. June 14, 1899 Swan Creek, Tennessee This morning after breakfast we started on our journey. Crossed the RR at Buffalo switch thence to Brusshey creek and stopped near the head for a noon day rest but without any dinner. Went over on to Deprests branch and then on to Kane Creek. By inquiry we found that there was a family by the name of Tolley who had once belonged to the church who lived 1/2 mi. from the where the massacre was perpetrated. Being tired we went up the creek to where they lived to get to stay all night. They treated us real well but the wife we learned had joined the Christian Church, but B. Tolley seemed to be and expressed himself as being very firm in the gospel. They had been to Colorado but moved back. Had a real nice home but poor land. The wife seemed to be very uneasy about us staying and said her husband had been threatened being mobbed if he entertained any of the Elders. But we went and saw the gentleman, and he was glad to keep us and risk the consequences. Had a splendid night's rest. June 15, 1899 Longs mills, Tennessee This morning while Elder Brimhall was writing I went up to the place where the bloody crime was perpetrated on the murder of Gibbs & Berry and the two Conder boys. Walked over the very identical ground and stood on the ground where the house stood in which they were murdered in cold blood. The house has been burned down for about 5 years. There is an apple orchard on the place. They have a crop of corn on about one half of the place and peas on the other half. Crops looking fairly well. Bro. Gibbs died with the Bible in his hand, and it was claimed by the mob that it was a pistol. Saw and talked with a nephew of the man that was killed of the mob gang. The mob rushed in to the house and shot two of the Elders before there was a bit of resistance. Then two of the Conder boys who said they would stay with and share with the Elders alike came in to the house to help. When one was shot down the other grabbed his gun and two of the mob grabbed it, one on each side. While they were trying to take it from him he shot without taking sight, hitting the leader of the gang and the one who shot his brother as he was running from the house. The shot hitting him between the shoulders and killing him. The other Elder Kresant seeing his companions shot down ran and made good his escape. Stopped till after dinner with Bro. Talley and then went to Bro. Conders to spend the night with them. While at the old murder ground I broke off a piece of rock from the chimney to keep as a relic. Stayed till after dinner and then started for Lindon by way of Conders. But missed our directions to Bro. Conders and went a nearer way. Walked about 12 miles and stopped all night with Mr. Cotton. June 16, 1899 Hanscrock, Tennessee After breakfast started for Linden, distance 11 miles, and arrived there at 10 a.m. Received our mail and retired to the outside of town to spend part of the day talking over our work and reading our mail etc. Stooped at the leading hotel of town, Mr. Dodsen. June 17, 1899 Linden, Tennessee We spent most of the time today trying to get a church to preach in and thought we had succeeded. Spent the rest of the day canvassing. Also, we had been fasting about 36 hours. Broke it by eating dinner but went without our supper. Stopped with Mr. M. S. James. June 18, 1899 Sunday. This morning we went to the Christian Sunday school to give out notice of our meeting but was refused their house and also the courthouse. Couldn't get any other suitable building, and they wouldn't promise to come out and hear us on the streets so we had to give up holding meeting. Went out of town about one mile and stopped with Mr. Pattrige who treated us fine. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p045.jpg) June 19, 1899 Linden, Tennessee O hear, how nice it is to have a nice clean bed to sleep in such as we had last night. It first makes me feel like I was at home. This morning we went up to town to continue our labor. While Elder Brimhall was writing I visited the merchants, doctors, & lawyers of the town and sold six books in the forenoon. Had a splendid time and was treated fine. In visiting among the people we found they had a good supply of novels concerning our people. So we see the Lord spend up the way for us to place in their stead the true principles of the gospel to refute the trash that they had been reading. Thus I consider our humble efforts were crowned with success, although we hadn't a chance to preach. Stopped with Mr. Everett. June 20, 1899 Linden, Tennessee This morning we left town and canvassed in the country. Went over to Short Creek and got permission to hold meeting in a schoolhouse the next day. Stopped all night with C. C. Clark, treated fine. June 21, 1899 Stayed with Mr. Clark rest of the day and took supper and stopped all night with O. Ticker. Held public meeting and had a splendid time. People treated us fine. Several invitations home. June 22, 1899 Linden, Tennessee This forenoon I spent most of the time writing. Sent one letter to Bro. Rhoton. Stopped with W. F. Duncan. Was treated real good and at night we held a real good meeting and the people turned out. Splendid gave the best of attention. Seemed to be real interested. June 23, 1899 Linden, Tennessee Went up to Bro. Clark and visited with them most of the day and at evening went to R. T. King to stop for the night and was treated fine. Had a good rain. June 24, 1899 Short Creek, Tennessee Canvassed some today. Came back and held meeting. Had a good crowd and a splendid time. Stopped with W. F. Duncan. June 25, 1899 Short Creek, Tennessee Sunday. Today was a real nice day. Cloudy and pleasant. Held meeting at 10 a.m., but on account of there being another meeting and a big time we had but few listeners. Gave notice to hold meeting at 3:30 but on the account of rain we had none. Stopped with Mr. E. A. Walbrook. Treated splendid. June 26, 1899 Spent the forenoon at Bro. Walbrooks writing. In the evening went down to W. F Duncan where we stopped all night. June 27, 1899 Coan Creek, Tennessee This morning we came over on to this creek and began to canvass and inquire where we could get a house to preach in. Saw the director of the Duncan Schoolhouse and obtained permission to use it. Went on up the creek to see about getting another, but when we got there we found it in a very dilapidated condition. Also, the leading family living close by it refused to entertain us and said we hadn't better try to hold meeting there and exhibited a spirit of mobocracy and hate. Stopped with J. H. Hincen, a cousin to the leader of the mob at Kane Creek that got killed. Treated us very good, but his wife treated us cool. He didn't uphold his cousin at all. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p046.jpg) June 28, 1899 This morning we finished canvassing the head of the hallow, and went down to where we were going to hold meeting, notifying the people. Held meeting and had a very good crowd. After meeting we were invited home by J L Barber who treated us very kind. June 29, 1899 Coan Creek, Tennessee Today we went over on Brush Creek to visit a family that had once belonged to the Church. They treated us very kind. Came back and held meeting again and had a good attentive crowd and a good time. Stopped with J L Barber. June 30, 1899 Linden, Tennessee Today we went to Linden after our mail and stopped all night again with Mr. Pattery and was made welcome. Enjoyed ourselves splendidly. July 1, 1899 Brush Creek, Tennessee We canvassed some today and went up to Brush Creek thinking to stay with Mr. Rodgers, our apostate Mormon, but the wife sent us word before we went up to the house that we couldn't stay there. Accordingly, we went on up the creek and was refused about eight times, and at last about 9 o'clock came to a place where the family had gone to bed. But they got up, gave us supper and a good bed, and we were very thankful to the Lord. Their name was R. H. Gibbons. July 2, 1899 Coan Creek, Tennessee Sunday. Held meeting this forenoon. Had a very good crowd and had a good time, but after meeting they left us to get our own dinner and as it was fastday it didn't take us long to do that. Went over on short creek and stopped with R. T. King. July 3, 1899 Linden, Tennessee Today we started for the south end of the county to visit some of the saints and also work in that district. Walked till about 3 o'clock when we came to Bro. S. C. Motes. Hungry and tired but didn't get any thing to eat till after 7 o'clock, and I tell you we were ready for it when it did come. A few of the neighbors came in and we held a good meeting. July 4, 1899 On this the glorious day of the 4th of July we were in a very little timbered hollow where there were a few people and one family of saints. Bro. Motts notified a few of the people who came to listen to us, and I had the privilege of giving a speech appropriate for the occasion. Dwelt upon the liberty that we enjoy through the loyalty of the fathers of our country and then spoke on the kingdom of God. Ending with a testimony of the divinity of the mission of Joseph Smith. We also held a meeting at nigh, both being held in Bro. Motes house. July 5, 1899 Horner, Tennessee We stopped with Bro. Motes today and dyed our pants and pressed them. Made them look like they were new again. Held family meeting at night. July 6, 1899 Stayed at Bro. Motes all day and wrote three letters and done other work, and at night we held another family meeting. July 7, 1899 Went over to Mr. Jones's this morning, his wife being a member of the church and he a very strong friend. I fixed my shoes up some and went with Mr. Jones in the evening and picked blackberries, and at noon we held another public meeting at Mr. Jones. Had a good time. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p047.jpg) July 8, 1899 Stayed with Bro. Jones today and wrote and talked upon the principles of the Gospel July 9, 1899 Sunday. This morning we went over to the Saints meeting house and held Sunday school with them. After which we held meeting and had a real good time and stopped with Bro. F. W. Denton. July 10, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Went over to Bro. & Sister Jones. Stopped with them all day. Went to the office and got our mail. Spent the time writing etc. July 11, 1899 Horner, Tennessee This morning we started out canvassing. Went over up to White Oak and after canvassing till night stopped with E. F. Inman. July 12, 1899 Whiteoak, Tennessee Visited the saints, instructing them on the principles of the Church, and at night held meeting at Bro. T N Inman, where we stayed all night and enjoyed ourselves very well. July 13, 1899 Whiteoak, Tennessee Stayed with the Saints today and held meeting at Brother G C Keeling's where we stayed all night. July 14, 1899 Whiteoak, Tennessee Canvassed some today and went over into short creek and stopped with Bro. Zeak Inman, where we enjoyed ourselves very much. July 15, 1899 Short Creek, Tennessee Canvassed on Whiteoak a while and then went over on Cedar Creek and took dinner with Woodes's. Went from there over to Bro. & Sister Jones's where we washed up and changed clothes and prepared for the Sabbath. July 16, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Sunday. Today we went over with the folks to Sunday school and had a real good time, and after Sunday school was out we held meeting and had a real interested congregation. After meeting we came back with Bro. and Sister Jones and stayed with them all night. Had a fine raining evening. July 17, 1899 Stopped and done our writing in the forenoon and after dinner started out to canvass. But for some cause or other Elder Brimhall didn't come and stopped at Bro. Moter while I went on canvassing. Saw the school director about the schoolhouse but was refused the use of it. Accordingly, I got permission to hold meeting in a private house, C. E. Inman's, where I stopped all night. A nice crowd gathered in and, although I was alone, we had a splendid time and all seemed to enjoy themselves. July 18, 1899 Horner, Tennessee As we had forgotten our tracts I went back to Bro. Jones after them. And as I was on the way my companion overtook me, and we canvassed the rest of the way. Stopped at night with W. B. Colman. July 19, 1899 Newera, Tennessee Canvassed the most of the day and stopped at Bro. Zeak Inman in the evening. We were called in to Bro. & Sis. Inman's son's to administer to a very sick child. It seemed to get some easier, but at dark got worse and seemed like she wouldn't live and had a high fever. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p048.jpg) We retired to the woods in prayer. When we returned the fever had left, and she rested real well the rest of the night. July 20, 1899 Leago, Tennessee Stopped with Bro. Inman today and read the most of the time. Reading most all of Mark & Luke through. July 21, 1899 Leago, Tennessee This morning when we got up we found it raining like it had set in for the day. Spent the day with them, and at night called a few of the neighbors and held meeting with them and had a real good time. July 22, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Today we went up to Bro. Jones and stopped with them. Had a good bath and changed our clothes. Done our writing and prepared for the Sabbath. July 23, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Sunday. This morning we walked over to the Saints church house, three miles. Attended Sunday school, after which we held meeting with them. Had a real enjoyable time, and after meeting went home with Bro. & Sister Denton, John. July 24, 1899 Horner, Tennessee As we were waiting for tracts we stopped with Bro. Denton and wrote and read the most of the time. Raining most of the day and nice and warm. Also stopped with Bro. Denton on the 25th as it was raining. July 26, 1899 Whiteoak, Tennessee This morning we started out canvassing. Had a very good time. Real warm. Sweat a great deal. Stopped at night with a very kind family by the name of Chas. Finn who treated us real kind, and I gave him a "Voice of Warning". July 27, 1899 Culp, Tennessee This morning we started out to get a house to preach in but failed. Canvassed all day and at night. Stopped on the banks of the Tennessee River with a real kind family who made us welcome and treated us real kind by the name of W. C. Kagle. Also had a fine swim in the river and held a meeting with them and some neighbors at night. Had a real good time. July 28, 1899 Cedar Creek, Tennessee Canvassed all day. Got real tired, as it was real muddy and rainy. But about dark pulled in at Bro. Zeak Inman's. July 29, 1899 Horner, Tennessee This morning we walked up to Bro. Jones to get washed, shaved, and our clean clothes on for Sunday. July 28, 1899 Sunday. Walked over to the church house and attended and took part in Sunday school. After which we held a real good meeting. Had a large crowd and good attention. Stopped with Bro. W. H. Jones. July 27, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Stopped with Bro. Jones and done my writing. Also went down to the office and received our mail. Received a letter from home, found all well. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p049.jpg) August 1, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tennessee Today we went over to Bro. E. Roberts, a distance of about 7 miles and stayed with them till the next morning. Held a meeting at their place and had a fine time eating tomatoes and melons. August 2, 1899 Horner, Tennessee This morning we went back to Bro. Jones and took dinner with them. From there we went to Bro. Inmans, a distance in all 13 miles and held meeting and had a good crowd and fine time. August 3, 1899 Cedar Creek, Tennessee Today we visited Bro. Keeling and eat dinner with them. Then walked back to the meetinghouse and worked at fixing some seats and stopped with Mr. J. D. Woods. August 4, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Finished fixing the benches and went over to the office and read our mail. Went up to Bro. & Sister Jones of the night. August 5, 1899 Saturday. Today was the day that we were to commence our conference, but our Pres. wrote us that he would not be here. But as we had called the people together we held meeting in the forenoon with them and after meeting went back to Bro. Jones. August 6, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Sunday. This morning we went over to the meetinghouse, and it wasn't too long before a large crowd gathered. And as they had all come to hear us preach, we postponed Sunday school and occupied the time speaking to the people and had a very good time. All paying strict attention and seemed to enjoy themselves the best kind. After meeting we went home with Bro. Roberts. Baptized and confirmed his little girl. August 7, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tennessee Today we stayed with Bro. Roberts and made out our reports and done our writing. August 8, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tennessee Today we canvassed and went to the office and when we came back we found Pres. Allured & Stewart had arrived and at night as we had notice given out that we would hold meeting, a nice little crowd gathered in and we had a real good time. Elders Brimhall and Pres. Allred doing the speaking August 9, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tennessee This morning it was decided that we spend the remainder of the week notifying the people of our meeting and trying to get them out. Accordingly, we went over to Mister Jones where we stopped for dinner, but on account of a bad cold I didn't eat any. From there we went over to Ezekel Inmans where we stayed all night. August 10, 1899 Newera, Tennessee Today we went up to Bro. Cal Keelings where we stopped all night. In the night I felt awful for a long time and finally went to sleep but woke up with a chill. August 11, 1899 Cedar Creek, Tennessee This morning I was feeling quite poorly so as soon as breakfast was over we started for Mr. Woods. But before I arrived there I became so sick I could hardly travel, and twice on the way I laid down to rest and the pain mostly left me till resuming my journey. When Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p050.jpg) I arrived at Mr. Woods I took the bed and suffered the remainder of the day. So that it seemed like I could hardly stand it, but at sundown the pain left and I had a splendid night's rest. August 12, 1899 Cedar Creek, Tennessee This morning our conference commenced. All the Elders & Presidency expected being here on time. Six in all, Elders Frier and Fuller being the other two. Our meeting in the forenoon was very poorly attended, and owing to the small attendance, we only held one meeting publicly, a council meeting in the afternoon, and another public meeting at night. We truly had a feast and an enjoyable time. I and Elder Fuller stayed together at Mr. Woods as it was close to the meetinghouse. August 13, 1899 Sunday. This morning we took up meeting at eleven. Had a good full house and the presidency done the speaking and spoke splendid and very forcibly on the word of wisdom and tithing. After meeting we went down to the spring and partook of wheat that we call in this country Dinner on the Ground, which of course we all enjoyed very much and then returned to the meeting again. Our Presidents occupying the time and before the meeting was out it seemed like all the saints resolved that they would obey the word of wisdom. At night we had another meeting. The presidents not being there, but we had a fine time and all enjoyed the speaking very much, all going home satisfied. Stopped with Mr. Woods. August 14, 1899 Horner, Tennessee This morning we all met over to Bro. Jones and held another council meeting and had another spiritual feast that is seldom enjoyed. So that as for me it seems like I have received a great deal of spiritual strength. It seems like our Presidents are truly men of God and are alive to their calling. Just before night we all bade farewell to each other to continue our usual labors. We stopped with Bro. J. W. Denton. August 15, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Today we stayed with Bro. Denton all day, doing our writing, as we were wanting for some half soles. Elder Brimhall's shoes being too far gone to travel before they were fixed. I was willing to stay also as I had a very painful large boil on my wrist. August 16, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Today we went over to the office and got our half soles and went up to Mr. Jones where we stayed all night. August 17, 1899 Horner, Tennessee This morning I fixed and half-soled my shoes after which we went over to Bro. Motes who was quite sick. We also held a public meeting, after which we walked over to Bro. Jones to sleep. August 18, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Stopped at Bro. Jones this forenoon and got my pants mended and umbrella mended, after which we went to the office and from there over to Bro. Denton's where we stopped for the night. August 19, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Today we stopped with Bro. Denton and wrote some gospel letters to some of my old southern friends in Coffee County and spent the rest of the time studying. August 20, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Sunday. This morning we went up to Sunday school after which we held meeting and had a real good time and went back and stopped with Bro. Denton. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p051.jpg) August 21, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Stopped with Bro. Denton till after dinner and done our writing. Then went to the office and from there started out canvassing. Stopped at night with C. W. Turner, who professed holiness and while talking to us got to shouting just like he was beside himself. August 22, 1899 Short Creek, Tennessee Today we set out canvassing and had a real good time and was treated fine, and at night we called in at Bro. Ezekel Inman and was kindly received and had a splendid nights rest. August 23, 1899 Short Creek, Tennessee Today we canvassed all day meeting with good success, selling two books. Met with one man who kindly invited us to come and stop with him and another who was just the opposite. And when he saw we could down him in an argument, got mad and ordered us off the place. But, as it wasn't his we stayed till we got ready. Stopped and held meeting with Bro. Ezekel Inman at night and had a splendid time and a full house. August 24, 1899 Short Creek, Tennessee This morning there was three honest souls requested baptism at our hand. Accordingly we, with quite a number of others, walked about two miles where we found sufficient water to perform the ordinance. We dedicated the grounds and services to the Lord and led them into the waters of baptism. Philip of old. After which we returned and held a spirited meeting and confirmed them members of the church and had a real enjoyable time. Their names and ages are as follows. James Inman, 19 years. Robert Spence Inman, 19 years. Mills Catherine Inman, 16 years. After meeting was over we had a good dinner, which was appreciated, as we were all tired and hungry after our walk. Stayed with Bro. Inman the rest of the day. August 25, 1899 Short Creek, Tennessee This morning we bade farewell to the folks and started out canvassing. Went down to the Brewera office to receive our papers, but there was none. There it seems like they have ceased coming entirely. Went on our way canvassing and real good success and stopped at Bro. W. H. Jones for night, having a real good time. August 26, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Today we had a fine rain and stayed with Bro. Jones all day and wrote and studied. Also, paid a visit to Bro. Motes who has been sick for a few days but is improving. August 27, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Sunday. This morning we went over to the church house and attended Sunday school after which we held a good meeting and had a real good time. Was invited home by Geo. Keeling where we stayed all night, treated fine. August 28, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Today we went over to the office and received our mail. Found all well at home. Went up to Mr. Jone's where we stayed all night and made preparations to leave for another district the next day. August 29, 1899 Horner, Tennessee This morning after completing our preparations we started out with our well-laden grips canvassing over on to Buffalo River. The people seemed to be very indifferent and in some instances very bitter. At night we called on a Mister Hold for entertainment but was ordered off his place. We went on to the next house and left them a pamphlet where the woman and children were all that were at home. As soon as we had left we saw the old man and son had followed us and rushed into the house, and we heard the woman, holler the preachers! the preachers! We didn't know what they done, but we went on and at about 8 o'clock was kindly taken in by Mr. Sharp and was treated real kind. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p052.jpg) August 30, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tennessee This morning after walking down to the office we went back up Bro. Roberts and stayed with them the rest of the day, talking upon the principles of the Gospel and had an enjoyable time. August 31, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tennessee Today we stopped with Bro. Roberts all day, spending the time in studying and reading as we were counseled to remain rather quiet during the religious revivals were in session through the country. The people are exceptionally prejudiced during these periods. September 1, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tennessee This morning we started out canvassing and finished canvassing all of Sinken creek and returned to Bro. Roberts in the evening. September 2, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tennessee Stayed with Bro. Roberts all day and wrote and at night held a meeting with them. September 3, 1899 Sunday. Stayed at Bro. Roberts today and in the afternoon held a sacrament meeting. Some visitors being there and talked to them on the principles of the Gospel. September 4, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tennessee Done our writing today and held meeting at Bro. Roberts, there being some of the neighbors coming in to listen to us. September 5,1899 Stopped with Bro. Roberts today and went down to the office and received our mail. Spent the rest of the day reading. September 6, 1899 As it was very warm we stayed at Bro. Robert's today. Spending the time studying and conversing on the gospel. September 7, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tennessee This morning we started out canvassing. Went over on to Rockhouse Creek. Had a real good time. Sold three Books but at night on the account of several of the men being from home we had a hard time getting a place to stop but at last succeeded and stayed with a Mr. ______. September 8, 1899 Today we finished canvassing the neighborhood and returned to Bro. Roberts where we stayed for the night. September 9, 1899 Shaved up this morning and packed our grips and bade Bro. Robert's folks good bye. We were not expecting to visit them again as they had sold out and expected to move to some other district, and we had to leave that neighborhood as it was all worked up. Went over to Bro. Jones and stopped with them as we wanted to hold another meeting with the saints. September 10, 1899 Sunday. Went over to Sunday school and met Elders Barris and Smith who were laboring in behalf of the Sunday school of our conference and had a real good time. After which we held meeting and returned to Bro. Jones where we stayed for the night. September 11, 1899 Stopped with Bro. Jones this forenoon, getting my umbrella fixed and pants mended. After dinner we started out canvassing, walked about 16 miles, and stopped at night with Bro. J. W. Denton. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p053.jpg) September 12, 1899 Horner, Tennessee This morning, just as we were going to leave, Bro. Denton's son-in-law, Bro. Geo. Keeling, came up, and the subject of baptism was brought up. After talking on the subject for some time he desired us to remain another day and baptize him. We gladly consented. Spending the forenoon in notifying some of the neighbors. After dinner we all retired to Buffalo River where we baptized him and a couple of others, two boys of Bro. Denton's. We had a happy time in the river banks offering prayer and singing. After the ordinances were performed we returned. After supper we held meeting and cconfirmed them members, after which we spoke to them admonishing them to strict observance of their duties. Stopped with F T Woods. September 13, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tennessee Today we went over to Bro. Jones and stopped for dinner. Elder Barris, on account of being sick, was there and was having the chills. After dinner we administered to him and went on over to Bro. Roberts and stopped with them for the night. September 14, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tennessee Today we canvassed some, but the people were most all from home attending the big meetings. After loosing our way in returning we arrived at Bro. Roberts about 4 o'clock and helped kill a mutton and a nice feast. September 15, 1899 Stopped with Bro. Roberts all day and wrote and studied. September 16, 1899 We remained with Bro. Roberts today and had a bath. Changed clothes and washed and at night held meeting and had a real good time. September 17, 1899 Sunday. Today we held meeting at Bro. Roberts and had quite a nice crowd, and all seemed to be interested. Also held another at night with the family and administered the sacrament and spoke on the same. September 18, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tennessee This morning after making out our reports and doing our other writing after dinner, we had the last farewell to Bro. Roberts and family in old Tennessee. Went down to the office where we received our mail and then started out to canvass. Stopped all night with J. W. Anderson where we were treated real kind and had a splendid bed. September 19, 1899 Herrican Creek, Tennessee This morning after breakfast we started out canvassing and had very good success. But was refused their schoolhouse. Stopped at the head of the creek with Mr. General Braber where a few of the neighbors gathered in, and we held a real good meeting with them and was treated real good. September 20, 1899 This morning we finished Herrican and went over on to Brush Creek. We canvassed on it the rest of the day and at night called on Mr. Giboons where we had stopped once before. During our absence my wife had written to them an account of which they were very glad to share. September 21, 1899 We canvassed some this morning and then crossed over to Short Creek and stopped with a friend. Wrote till evening and then walked down the Creek to Dick Tuckers where we stopped for the night. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p054.jpg) September 22, 1899 Today we visited among some of our acquaintances. We found some of the people that while we were in their midst before who had treated no real good, now had changed and were cold towards us. Called on CC Clark who treated us real kind and remained with him all night. September 23, 1899 Jacks Branch, Tennessee After breakfast we helped Bro. Clark with some chores and talked on the gospel. Was asked to write after returning home. Canvassed a while. Called at Linden for our mail and went on down to Mr. Patery's where we spent the rest of the day reading. Also spent the night with them and was treated real kind. September 24, 1899 Linden, Tennessee Sunday. Stopped near Linden all day today with our old Welch friend, Mr. Patery. And read, as there was no chance to get a house to hold meeting in the neighborhood. Enjoyed myself splendid as I have plenty of good reading. September 25, 1899 LInden, Tennessee This morning we woke up and found it had been raining during the night and after a good breakfast we started out on our way to canvass rejoicing. The first man we met was an atheist. Sold him a book of Mormon. Went on canvassing and stopped at Berg Inallo for the night. September 26, 1899 Kane Creek, Tennessee This morning it was quite cool, and although there didn't seem to be any frost, we saw ice on some of the boards. After breakfast we started on our way canvassing and stopped at the office and read a letter from home. Went on over to Kane Creek and canvassed. Stopping at night with a real kind family by the name of Wiley Bates. September 27, 1899 Kane Creek, Tennessee After breakfast we started out canvassing and to get permission to use the schoolhouse to preach in. Was treated real well and got the use of the schoolhouse and held a splendid meetng. We were the first Mormons that had ever preached in the neighborhood, and the people were very attentive. Was invited home by Mr. Wm Cregg who treated us very kind. September 28, 1899 Kane Creek, Tennessee According to last nights appointment we stopped here studying in order to hold another meeting tonight. The family with whom we were staying treated us real nice. At our night's meeting we had a fine crowd and find attention. Sold four books. Stopped again with Mr. Cregg. September 29, 1899 Kane Creek, Tennessee This morning we went down to Beards Town to mail our letters. After which we went over on to Lagoon Creek and canvassed. We also obtained the use of their schoolhouse to hold meetings in and held a meeting at night. But there we only had a small crowd, and they were all men folks. Stopped with Mr. Jno Curry who treated us very nice. September 30, 1899 Lagoon, Tennessee This morning there was quite a heavy frost. After breakfast we started out canvassing. Went over on to Russels Creek where we expected to hold meeting, but the house was engaged. So we finished up the neighborhood and went over on to Sort Creek. Stopped with Mr. . Ocotber 1, 1899 Sabilville, Tennessee Sunday. This afternoon we notified the people of our meeting at 2 in the afternoon and at the appointed time there had a small crowd gathered in and we held a real nice meeting Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p055.jpg) and gave our notice for another at night. But there was only three came, and we talked with them a while and then went to where we were invited for the night, Mr. Warsens. October 2, 1899 Lost Creek, Tennessee Today we canvassed all day. Got a house to preach in, but no one came to listen. Stopped at night with H. P. Pool, treated fine. October 3, 1899 Bone Spring, Tennessee Today we crossed over the Buffalo River, having canvassed all the people on the east side. Canvassed all day, mostly on Red bank and obtained permission to hold meeting in the schoolhouse. Gave out notice to all the people that we would hold meeting the following night. Stopped at night with Mr. Loggin on Taripen. October 4, 1899 Taripen, Tennessee This morning I walked up to Lobelville to get our mail as we were out of tracts. Received a letter from home. Came back and canvassed the rest of the day, and at night held meeting in the school house and stopped again with Mr. Login. October 5, 1899 Taripen, Tennessee We canvassed this forenoon in the country and a long in the afternoon went in to Lobelville, and after going to the office we started out to procure a house to hold meeting in. Also done some tracting. After spending the evening without much satisfaction as to the use of a house we stopped with Mister Grey who was very kind. October 6, 1899 Lobelville, Tennessee After breakfast this morning we went to see the ones that had the public houses in charge but they had hatched up an exercise to not let us use it. Accordingly we canvassed the town and bade farewell and went up the river in the Depreist Settlement and stopped with another Mr. Gray. Treated fine. October 7, 1899 Depriest Valley, Tennessee Today we were the most of the day trying to get a house to preach in, there being three in the neighborhood, but we were unable to get the use of any of them. Accordingly, we went over on Lagoon Creek where we had preached a week before and gave out meeting for Sunday at eleven and stopped over night with Mr. J. W. Burnes. Was treated fine. October 8, 1899 Lagoon, Tennessee This morning we went down to the school house and a quite a crowd gathered in, We held meeting and came back and stopped with Mr. Burnes again, and we were treated real kind. October 9, 1899 Beardstown, Tennessee After a good nights rest and a hearty welcome to return we crossed the river and stopped in the DePriest Settlement and done our writing and canvassed some. Stopped with Mr. Sanders and her sons. Were treated well. October 10, 1899 Beardstown, Tennessee This morning I went up to the office for our mail, but there was none there for us. Canvassed in the Depriest Settlement and finished canvassing it. Stopped all night with Mr. F. G. Loveless who treated us very kind. October 11, 1899 Beardstown, Tennessee Started out canvassing this morning. Finished Beardstown, crossed over the river. Stopped for dinner with a family that had three of the family (all the children they had) were born with crooked feet and were so bad that they walked on their ankle joints. Went to the friendship neighborhood. Stopped at night with Mr. J. W. Adams. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p056.jpg) October 12, 1899 Friendship, Tennessee After a splendid night's rest and a good breakfast we asked Mr. Adams for the use of the schoolhouse, but he refused. Accordingly, we finished canvassing the neighborhood and went on. Stopped with a family for a while that had a little girl six years old that only weighed 16 to 18 lbs. Seemed to be quite smart and ran all around but couldn't talk. When we asked her she would come and sit on our laps and act just like a baby about 20 months old. Stopped near Linden at Mr. Patery's. October 13, 1899 Linden, Tennessee After a splendid night's rest and a good breakfast we started on our way to Cedar Creek. Stopped awhile at Linden for our mail. Received a handkerchief and a pair of socks from home, but my letter that had been done for several days hadn't come. Went on to Horner and received some more mail from office. We called at Bro. Jones' for the night, found all well. October 14, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Today I spent the day in repairing and cleaning up. Took my cravat apart and changed ends, which made it look new. Sister bound my old derby hat with braid, and I blocked it up, which made it look new again. Also fixed my grip handle and umbrella shield and shoes. The day quickly passed by. At night I had only odd jobs done. October 15, 1899 Horner, Tennessee This morning I ate no breakfast, and after washing and getting ready we went over to the meetinghouse to attend Sunday School. But they didn't have any, and after a small crowd had gathered in we held meeting with them. Then went down to Bro. Dentons. Ate dinner after which we held sacrament meeting, and at night we met in the meetinghouse and had a splendid meeting and a good spirit prevailed. Stopped with J. T. Woods. October 16, 1899 Horner, Tennessee This morning we went down to Bro. Dentons and stayed all day on account of our mail. But it seemed as though my mail had been pilfered with, as I had not received my last week's mail from home and there was none today for me. Making it over two weeks since hearing from home. Stopped at Dentons. October 17, 1899 This morning when we awoke we found it raining. Every puff of wind fills the air full of leaves showing that winter is close at hand. The dense wooded hillsides with its varied colors in many instances and places make beautiful pictures to feast the eye upon. Not knowing when it would cease raining we started out for Bro. Ezekel Inmans where we expected to hold meeting at night and arrived there for dinner. But there was no one came to our meeting, so we spent the most of the evening singing, etc. October 18, 1899 Peters Landing, Tennessee Today I've started out and canvassed a little neighborhood which we finished up a little after noon. I went up to Horner to see if there was any mail and received two letters from my dear ones at home and found all well. Returned again down to Bro. Inmans and joined my companion. October 19, 1899 Leago, Tennessee Today we stayed at Bro. Inmans all day and wrote home to the dear ones and in the afternoon done our washing. October 20, 1899 Leago, Tennessee Done some more writing this down on expected getting to work. But, on account of Elder Brimhall's mail not coming we stayed again with Bro. Inman. A crowd came, and we had a fine time reading, etc. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p057.jpg) October 21, 1899 Newera, Tennessee This morning we bade Bro. Inman and family goodbye and made a start again with the intentions of finishing up the county before returning. Canvassed all day and had a real good time. But was unsuccessful in obtaining a place to preach in on Sunday. Stopped with Mr. Sam Denton who treated us very nice and made us welcome. October 22, 1899 Cedar Creek Landing, Tennessee This morning after breakfast we went down to the river to see them land a barge with cedar posts. It was quite a sight to see twenty riggers all marching up and down carrying big cedar post on to the boat and hear the bosses talking and driving them like they were beasts. Spend the day reading etc. being made welcome by Mr. Denton, where we stayed till Monday morning. October 23, 1899 Cedar Creek Landing, Tennessee After breakfast and we had got ready to leave my companion's hat came up missing, and after hunting a while we found it all torn up by the dogs. But fortunately he had another ordered, and it was already at the office so he was all right. I went on canvassing and stopped at Bud Flowers where my companion joined me in the evening, and we were treated fine. Mr. Flowers was quite sick. October 24, 1899 Cedar Creek Landing, Tennessee This morning we started out quite early and went to the office in Syprno where we expected to receive mail from the office. We were disappointed as we were nearly out of tracts, but as we had a few we used them up and spent the rest of the day trying to get a place to preach in. Stopped at night with one of the leading men of the county, Mister Pason Brussell. October 25, 1899 Pope, Tennessee This morning we were elated when we went to the office at finding our tracts there, and we started off canvassing in earnest. Were unsuccessful in getting a house to preach in on account of the gentlemen in control not being at home. Stopped with a school teacher, Mr. Alfred Kelley. October 26, 1899 Syprno, Tennessee Canvassed all day today on Marsh Creek. Had a real good time. Stopped for dinner with an old couple that had been married 57 years, were 77 and 80 years old and were doing all their own work. We had some saltrising bread, the first I have tasted in the south and enjoyed it fine. We had a rather hard time getting entertainment but was finally taken in and cared for, treated fine by Mr. Santo, the old referred to Dixon. October 27, 1899 Marsh Creek, Tennessee Today we canvassed all day. Sold a Book of Mormon to a Baptist Preacher. Had a good time and finished up the Creek. Stopped at night with Bud Hastings. October 28, 1899 Marsh Creek, Tennessee This morning after breakfast we went over to the office expecting to find some tracts but was disappointed. Received word from President that we would hold conference about the 17th of next month, and after writing some we started out canvassing on Spring Creek. At night were kindly entertained by Samual Lomax and wife. October 29, 1899 Monce Trail, Tennessee Sunday. As we had no appointment out for today and no place to hold meeting we stopped with Mr. Lomax all day and conversed on the principles of the gospel and read, it being a lovely day. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p058.jpg) October 30, 1899 Monce Trail, Tennessee This morning we started out to labor, feeling splendid. Went to the office and got our tracts. Canvassed all day, having a real good time. But meeting with no chance to get to hold meetings, we finished up Spring Creek and went over on Lick Creek. After four refusals stopped with Mr. Young. October 31, 1899 Lick Creek, Tennessee After a splendid night's rest and a good breakfast we started out cavassing, it being a very nice cool day. Talked with a Baptist who had received a copy of resolutions from the Baptist Church of Utah, wanting all the people to sign it endeavoring to unseat Roberts. We canvassed the rest of the day and stopped with a family by the name of Mr. Blackburn who treated us very kind. November 1, 1899 Rothen, Tennessee This morning we left our host's with an invitation to call on them again. Met a gentleman by the name of T. P. Able who seemed to be a very honest in heart person. Seeking after truth he treated us fine and after having a long talk with him we sold him three books, one each of Red and Blue and one Book of Mormon. After dinner we bade him goodbye with a hearty welcome to return. Stopped at night with J. W. Ledbeter, treated fine. November 2, 1899 Deer Creek, Tennessee Started out canvassing in the rain and sleet. Found a good many men at home and were treated well. Went to the office to get our mail and tracts, but the tracts hadn't come. Sooner than wait we started for Cedar Creek for it was getting time to get ready to go to conference. Stopped with Mr. Lewis. November 3, 1899 Spring Creek, Tennessee After a splendid nights rest, a kind welcome, and an invitation to return, we started out on our day's walk. It was real cool and cloudy, a little different to what it was one week ago today when we were in swimming in the Tennessee River. Stopped for dinner at Bud Flowers. Went on and arrived at Bro. Ezekel Inman where we arrived just at dark and were kindly welcomed. November 4, 1899 Newera, Tennessee Today we stopped with Bro. Inman all day and wrote to my folks at home. As we had just received papers we spent the rest of the day reading them. At night a large crowd gathered in and they had a dance which was very amusing to watch. Talk about your back woods man, I'm sure that I looked like it. Some had their hats on, and the house was so full we could hardly find standing room. November 5, 1899 Newera, Tennessee Sunday. We stayed with Bro. Inman today and held a meeting with them in which we administered the sacrament and had a real enjoyable time. November 6, 1899 Newera, Tennessee Stayed with Brother Inman till after dinner. After which we bade them goodbye. Went up to Bro. Denton's and stayed with them, having a real good time. November 7, 1899 Horner, Tennessee After breakfast I went over to Mr. Wm. Jones to see if my winter clothes were there as I had asked them to get them out of the office when they came. But they were not there, and after spending an enjoyable time talking with them I returned to Bro. Dentons. From there went to Bro. Pete Inmans where we held a real good meeting and stayed with them all night. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p059.jpg) November 8, 1899 Whiteoak, Tennessee After breakfast we returned to Bro. Dentons where we took a good bath, and after doing my writing etc. we went up to the meeting house and held a meeting and had a real good time. Stopped at Mr. Pete Woods. November 9, 1899 Cedar Creek, Tennessee Today I went over to Bro. Jones and dyed my coat and vest as my winter suit hadn't come yet. November 10, 1899 Horner, Tennessee This morning I was up early and pressed my clothes, and after breakfast we went over on Buffalo River canvassing and stopped with Mr. George Huffstudler. November 11, 1899 Bethel, Tennessee After finishing canvassing we returned, visiting with some of the saints, stopping with Bro. Denton. November 12, 1899 Sunday. This morning after breakfast and getting ready we went up to the meeting houses and held meeting. But there was but few in attendance but we had a very good time and enjoyed the spirit of the Lord and gave good instructions to those present. As it was our last meeting in the neighborhood and after taking dinner with Bro. George Keeling we went over to Bro. Jones for the night. November 13, 1899 Horner, Tennessee Today I was busy all day dying my clothes and doing other odd jobs, preparing to leave. Also received a loving letter from my dear wife. Also a kind letter from B. P. with $2.00 enclosed as a present to me, which shows that they are interested in my welfare. Stopped with W. H. Jones. November 14, 1899 Horner, Tennessee This morning we were real busy finishing the odd jobs: sewing buttons on my coat, fixing shoes, fixing my grip handle. As soon as we got them done we started out. Although it had started to rain we walked to Linden, a distance of about 9 miles and stopped with Mr. R. D. Anderson who treated us very kind and invited us back. November 15, 1899 Linden, Tennessee This morning we bade the family goodbye and started out on our day's walk for Mousetrail district. Stopped for dinner at Mr. Blackburns, and after a hard day's walk arrived at our destination just before dark. Stopped for entertainment at Mr. W. R. Conders and were made extremely welcome, although the gentleman wasn't at home. Before we got through eating he came and treated us fine. November 16, 1899 Monce Trail, Tennessee After a splendid nights rest and a good breakfast we started out canvassing, receiving very good treatment. After finishing up the neighborhood we went over on the Toms Creek and started to canvass that neighborhood. Stopped with Mrs. Patterson who had a couple of her married children living with her. Treated rather cool but fine fare. Novebmer 17, 1899 Toms Creek, Tennessee This morning after a splendid nights rest and a good breakfast we started out canvassing. Met with fair success during the day. Stopped and had a shave and at night stopped with _________. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p060.jpg) November 18, 1899 Toms Creek, Tennessee Today we spent the day endeavoring to procure buildings to preach in and got permission to use the one on the upper end of the creek known as the Cotton Schoolhouse. Had a real good time. Stopped with Mr. Ogninm, fine fare. November 19, 1899 Toms Creek, Tennessee After a splendid nights rest we arose feeling well. And after breakfast we retired to the schoolhouse where a small congregation of men folks came to listen to us, and we held a short meeting. The crowd was paying very good attention. And after meeting we went up to Bro. Cottons where we were made welcome and stayed till next morning. November 20, 1899 Toms Creek, Tennessee This morning we started out to procure houses to hold meetings in while our visiting brothers were with us. Went over on Rones Creek but were unsuccessful. From there we went on to Crooked Creek. Were quite late getting entertainment but a while after dark approached a big fine house where we were invited in and made welcome and treated fine by two brothers by the names of William and Daniel, who were running the place. November 21, 1899 Andy, Tennessee This afternoon after spending the fore part of the day in taking a bath, etc., we went up to see the trustees but only saw one who was willing to let us have the use of the house and said he would see the others. From there we crossed over on to Rones Creek and stopped with Mr. Samire. November 22, 1899 Rones Creek, Tennessee Rainy. This morning we woke finding it raining in fine shape. After breakfast we started out in the rain for Toms Creek where we expected to meet Elder Stewart and companion but did not meet them. Stopped with Mr. Cabel. November 23, 1899 Toms Creek, Tennessee After breakfast and being kindly invited to return we made our way down to the office where we met Elders Stewart and Reeve, and after a few minutes conversation we separated. Elders Stewart and Brimhall, staying on Toms Creek, while Elder Reeve and I went over on Crooked Creek, where we held meeting at the Mount Dan Schoolhouse. Had a real good time and stopped with Mr. J. W. Bandy, a real nice family who treated us nice. November 24, 1899 Andy, Tennessee After a splendid night's rest and a good breakfast we started to canvass and visit among the people, and I enjoyed myself splendid with Elder Reeve who was a very congenial companion. We were also treated real well, and at night we held a real good meeting. After meeting we were invited home with Mr. Daniel to stay with them overnight. November 25, 1899 Andy, Tennessee This morning we started off canvassing and went over on to Rones Creek where we canvassed most of the day and sang to the people a good deal and had a fine time. Came back and held meeting after which we stopped with Mr. J. W. Bandy. November 26, 1899 Andy, Tennessee Sunday. Last night it rained all night and also rained all day today. We held no meeting as it was too stormy for the people to come out, but we enjoyed our selves the best kind. Stopping again with Mr. Bandy. November 27, 1899 Andy, Tennessee This morning after bidding our kind friends goodbye we started canvassing, expecting to meet our other companions at Mr. Wm. Danials where we arrived at the appointed time. Bbut our companions didn't come, and we stayed overnight having a splendid time talking and singing songs. Among other things we sang some songs which were composed by my Missioniary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p061.jpg) wife and had some poetry which was very highly appreciated by those present. And I was brought to understand how much more pleasant it was to have an unselfish companion than a selfish fellow as one. November 28, 1899 Andy, Tennessee After a splendid nights rest we arose and ate breakfast and visited while the other elders took a fine bath, a week ago today since we had our last one at this place. After dinner the Elders came, and we held our council meeting and had a real good time after which we separated. I and Elder Brimhall starting to canvass. Stopping at Mr. Gno D. Balckburns where we were treated fine. November 29, 1899 Revard, Tennessee This morning we left our hostess with a kind invitation to return and see them again. After canvassing awhile we crossed the Tennessee River in a small skiff to visit some of the saints on that side of the river. Ate dinner at H. Bellers, after which we went over to sister Erwins, where we stayed over night. Bro. Erwin treated us fine but was not a member of the church. November 30, 1899 Revard, Tennessee Stopped with Mr. Revards all day and had our washing done and found Sister Revard to be a real firm believer in the gospel. We enjoyed ourselves splendid, as their family seemed to be real nice folks. At night we had a real good meeting. December 1, 1899 Revard, Tennessee We stopped with the folks a while this morning while they finished fixing our clothes and pressed my clothes, after which we started out to canvass. At night stopped with Mr. S. M. Barnett. December 2, 1899 Toms Creek, Tennessee After a splendid nights rest we arose from a nice bed and eat a good breakfast and started our canvassing. Went over to the office where we received our mail. Having our canvassing done we started out towards Nashville and stopped at Mr. Wm. Creggs where we were treated fine. Went to a Methodist meeting which we enjoyed real well. December 3, 1899 Beardstown, Tennessee This morning when we left, we heartily promised to write to Sister Cregg who was very kind and sympathetic. Went across the creek over to Mr. G. W. Bates where we stayed the rest of the day and was treated fine. Had a conversation with a Seventh day Adventist who was holding meeting in the schoolhouse. A little snow. December 4, 1899 Beardstown, Tennessee This morning we left with a kind invitation to return and started out for Nashville by the way of Shady Grove. It was real cold, which made it fine walking. At night we stopped with W. A. Byers within about three miles of Centerville, who treated us real kind. December 5, 1899 Centerville, Tennessee This morning we bade our hostess goodbye and started on our way for Shady Grove. This morning was the coldest morning we have had this fall. We mired our way and went down in the Totty Bend, which put us out of our way 5 or 6 miles. Stopped at Bro. Mobleys, within two miles of Shady Grove. December 6, 1899 Shady Grove, Tennessee Stopped with Bro. Mobley this forenoon and mended and halfsoled my shoes. Pressed my pants too, etc. After dinner we went up to Shady Grove in company with Elders Cardwell and Archibald who had come down to half sole shoes. Stopped to see some of the Saints and stopped with Sister Hicks, where about 180 of our Elders have stopped. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p062.jpg) December 7, 1899 Duck River, Tennessee This morning we started out felling well, and Mr. Hicks gave each of us 50 cents. Sister Hickes gave us a lunch, which came in very good. Walked about 30 miles and stopped with S. S. Short, treated fine. December 8, 1899 Bingham, Tennessee This morning we started out on our journey, a distance of 20 miles. We had a fine pike to travel on all the way. Bought a little candy for dinner. Stopped but a short time to rest. Arrived in the edge of town about two o'clock where we took the street car for our hotel, the Cosmopolitan, where we cleaned up, after which we met some of the other Elders. After supper we met at the Pres. Office to practice singing where we had a most enjoyable time shaking hands, and then returned to our hotel and retired. December 9, 1899 Nashville, Tennessee After a rather restless night's rest on account of the hustle and noise, we arose. After breakfast we retired to meeting to the hall where we met with the rest of the Elders and Pres. Rich's counselors, Pres. Rich not being present the first day. And the enjoyable time we did have no one can appreciate like the humble elders do. We had three meetings at 10 am, 2 p.m., and 7 p.m., where all the Elders had the privilege of speaking and bearing their testimony. All manifested a humble spirit and a desire to do their duty. We also read some valuable instructions from our President and counselor Anderson and others, after which we returned to our hotel and retired at 11 o'clock. December 10, 1899 Nashville, Tennessee This morning being the Sabbath we didn't eat any breakfast but retired to the hall to attend council meeting at 8 am. We met Pres. Rich and received much valuable instruction and words of encouragement. At 10 am we took up public meeting, but there were none there except the Elders and a few saints. Pres. Rich had some of the young Elders speak, also Pres. Allred's counselors and we had a real pleasant time. At 2 p.m. we met again. There were a very few visitors this afternoon, and the first principles of the gospel were dwelt upon by the first two speakers, after which Pres. Rich spoke on the subject of revelation for a short time with great stress and power. After that we adjourned till 7 p.m. When we met we had another real good meeting., after which we returned to our hotel and retired for the night. December 11, 1899 Nashville, Tennessee We met again this morning in council meeting where we were allotted our companions and assigned our counties. Elder Belnap and I are to labor together in White County, and as it was very rainy we stayed in town again, having a real good time enjoying each other's company. December 12, 1899 Nashville, Tennessee This morning it had cleared off and was cool, a very beautiful day to leave the city after doing our writing, etc. We gave each other a hearty handshake and started out on our journey rejoicing. Rode out of town on the street car and took the pike on shanks horses. Walked all day without stopping for dinner, and when we stopped at night I was too sick to eat any supper. When I went to bed I had a bad headache and woke up in the night having awful heavy night sweats. We were treated real kind by the folks, Mr. Gno Wright and family. December 13, 1899 Bairds Mills, Tennessee This morning I felt much better and after eating breakfast we started on our day's journey. Went by Baird's mill where B. H. Roberts had a debate, after which he baptized sixty persons into the church. Traveled till dark when we called upon Mr. Willams, who treated us fine. Were in the immediate area in which Bro. Berry was born and was said to have been there about 90 days before he was killed. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p063.jpg) December 14, 1899 Watertown, Tennessee This morning after a real good nights rest and a good breakfast and a kind invitation to return we started out in the rain. On our way we stopped at a store to dry and rest. Had the privilege of explaining to quite a crowd some of the principles of the gospel, and towards night we continued our journey. Called at Mr. Griffith for entertainment and told how we traveled. He didn't say we could stay but told us to sit down and asked us in to supper and treated us all right, gave us a good bed. December 15, 1899 Alexandra, Tennessee This morning when we went to bid the man goodbye he ask us if we didn't intend to pay for our lodging, whereupon we explained to him the way we traveled. But he seemed to be determined to having us pay. It so happened that we each had our 50 cents in stamps, and we paid him his dollar and went on. The day was cloudy and quite cold, which made it real good walking. Along about 7 o'clock we arrived at Sister Bennetts where we were very kindly received. After dinner we spent the rest of the day talking upon and explaining the scriptures to be real kind to the Elders, singing, etc. December 16, 1899 Smithville, Tennessee This morning after breakfast we started out on our journey. Passed through Smithville about 12 o'clock and by inquiring the way we found the near road and arrived at Bro. Maynards just before dark and were received very kindly and made welcome and enjoyed ourselves very much. December 17, 1899 Decalb, Tennessee Today being the Sabbath and not having a chance to hold meeting we spent the day in conversations on the gospel and singing, etc. Had a real enjoyable time. Elder Lee, a local Elder, joined our crowd, and we spent a real pleasant evening. Found Bro. Maynard and family. Missionary Journal of Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p064.jpg) Missionary Journal of LOUIS REUBEN JENSEN Book Two Dated December 26, 1899 Jots and Sentiments, Etc. Impatient people water their troubles and hoe up their comforts. Sorrows are visitors that come without invitations but complaining minds send a wagon to bring home their troubles in. Joy is more divine than sorrow for joy is bread but sorrow is medicine--Beecher Receipt for a happy day Take a little dash of cold water A little leaven of prayer A little bit of golden sunshine Dissolved in morning air Plenty of work throwd in With a little dash of play Help very much to make a happy day. Go to the oyster, thou prattler, and learn to be useful with thy mouth shut. You do not sweeten your mouth by saying honey. It is the dead fish that are carried down the stream. Of all imitations the worst is that of our selves. The world is my home and humanity my kindred. Religion is for both worlds, and right living in this is the best preparation for the next. Character is decisive of destiny. He who lives to benefit others benefits himself and the world also. He who lives to benefit self only benefits the world when he dies. Truth wears no mask. Bows at no human shrine. Seeks neither sympathy or applause. She only asks a fair hearing. If thou art too lazy to think thou wilt be too poor to know. To some people I is larger than all the rest of the alphabet of life. Good folks are instructed to shake dust from their feet under certain conditions. But nowhere are they given authority to sling mud. There is a great difference in the golden rule and the rule of gold. If you wish to be poor, use your mouth for a purse. Men who leave the fold in search of gold seldom return. Homemade wines make homemade drunkards. Collect the human blood spilt in America by drunken violence and it would float the American navy. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p065.jpg) A man's true wealth is the good he does in this world. It is not easy to see how a man who is cross to his family and wife at the supper table at 6 o'clock can be pleasing to God in a prayer meeting at 8 o'clock. Consideration of consequences has made cowards of thousands of our fellowmen. He who is truly happy chooses the right and resolutely stays with it. The golden setting in which is the brightest jewel is the mother. Home is the blossom of which heaven is the fruit. The Father's Kingdom the Children's Paradise the Mother's World. The only place on earth where the faults and failings of humanity is hidden is under the mantle of Charity, Grief is the agony of an instant the indulgence of which is the blunder of life. He that is a good man is three-quarters of his way toward being a good Christian wheresoever he lives or whatsoever he may be called. Marriage is the strictest tie of perpetual friendship and there can be no friendship without confidence and no confidence without integrity. And he must expect to be brought to disappointment who pays to beauty, riches or politeness that which only belongs to piety, virtue and truth. Home is the blossom of which heaven is the fruit. I am sick all over, timid as a girl: Slave to tobacco. Congressman. Which Wife or Whisky Babies bottle and Home and hell You are on the shady side of seventy, I expect was asked of an aged man. "No" was the reply. "I am on the sunny side, for I am on the side nearest glory." We cling to our faults with a firmer grasp than we do to our virtues. Nursing your anger is nursing a viper. All things come to him who waits: bad luck included. Some men are always worrying about their health and yet claim they haven't any. If you love to speak the truth be sure you speak the truth in love. Better be rich in good than only rich in goods. Whole life consecration is whole lifelong consolation. Prize your mother's Bible but don't despise your mother's God. You must realize your wrong condition before you can take your right position. To know some people is a standing invitation to be good. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p066.jpg) Living to self is a death in life. Dying to self is a life in death. No man loves God with all his heart who loves to tell bad news. More men are drowned in the flowing bowl than in the rolling sea. If you are not living for the right you have no right to be living. If you want to get people to live right you must first get them to believe right. If you lack the beauty of face you should strive all the harder for the beauty of grace. When you dig a man out of trouble you can bury your own trouble in the same hole. The truly unselfish soul will enjoy this life and the life to come while the selfish one enjoys neither. A man is wise who only lives one day at a time. Sin makes us cross and sour, unhappy and poor. Be guided by principle rather than popularity, by conscience rather than expediency. While in this mortal life of ours We form the life that is to be Our habits form our characters, Our characters our destiny. There is no one great thing that man can do and then do no more and obtain salvation. Home in the West There's a land far away in the west And that land is a dear one to me; 'Tis a refuge of many oppressed Who have gone to its vales to be free. Chorus: In that sweet by and by No more as a stranger I'll roam; In that sweet by and by I'll return to my friends and my home. ////// Yes, my home is out there in the West Where the waters and breezes are pure, They descend from the snow-covered crest Of the mountains that make us secure. ////// From that home and my friends I came forth The Gospel of Jesus to bear To tell of His coming to earth And bid them for Him to prepare. ////// Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p067.jpg) For the sake of the gospel of peace And to honor the call from on high And to bring the sin-captive release, Home and friends I have bidden goodbye. ////// The time will arrive by and by When my work in the South will be done And then as on wings I will fly To the West to my friends and my home. ///// In the sweet by and by At my home in the West I will be In the sweet by and by With my friends who are waiting for me. The test of real affection is patience. Work is a great panacea for a sore heart. We are placed here on this earth to prove whether we are to go into the celestial world, the terrestrial or the telestial or to hell. Southern Friends The dear friends I have met in the old Sunny South In leaving you it fills my heart with pain; Your tenderness to me I never shall forget Though on earth we may never meet again. Chorus: Going home, Going home For my loved ones I now am going home For the home of the Saints and the bosom of the Church Fare thee well dearest friends, I'm going home. With sad thoughts of regret I now leave you behind In Babel's land of sorrow and of care, That you may all be gathered to Zion's happy land As God's judgment sweeps the earth is my prayer. Chorus Oh I think of the good times I've had at your homes, How with pleasure and with joy our bosom swelled, Of the Gospel conversations and the songs we used to sing. By which care and all sorrow were dispelled. Of my tramps through the mud and o'er the rocky road Among strangers seeking shelter for the night amid scorning frowns and jeers by many turned away While I sought to impart the Gospel's light. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p068.jpg) Chorus I now bid these scenes adieu and say dear friends goodbye. For the sweet land of birth I'm going home Where the Saints of God doth dwell and virtue doth prevail. And no more in your midst I will roam. Tell me, gentle traveler who through the world has gone And seen the sweetest roses blow. And brightest gliding rivers flow. Of all thine eyes have looked upon. What is the fairest land? Child, shall I tell where nature has best and fairest flowers? It is where those we love abide; Though small that space it is more wide than through a desert bare. The rivers of the Kingdom; gods go there. And there are the enchanted Bowers. Idleness is the hour of temptation, and an idle person is the devil's Tennis ball, which he tosses at his pleasure. Every thought, word and act of our lives immediately raises us toward Heaven or lowers us toward hell. God's love endureth forever. His mercy reaches as far into Eternity as does man's sin. The past is gone, do not grieve for it. The future is ours. What will we do with it? Never mourn because you make mistakes. It is the people who make mistakes that lead the world, while the people who make none keep books for them at a small salary. Another Verse to Southern Friends While we're going through this life With its sorrows, pains and cares, The Gospel truths I hope you'll keep in view Ever holding to the faith Enter into joy and rest Crowned with glory with the faithful and the true. Then go home, etc. Must Jesus bear the cross alone And all the world go free? No! There's a cross for everyone And there's a cross for me. Each man can learn something from his neighbor: at least he can learn to have patience with him--to live and let live. The gospel hath neither recalled nor forbidden what was permitted in the law of Moses with respect to marriage: Luther Council Don't wait for great things, for while you wait the door to little ones may be closed. Egg, Turnip J.A. Everitt, Seedsam Indianapolis, Indiana Do about half of what you can and you will be surprised at the result of your own diligence. Industry is the royal road to fortune and eminence. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p069.jpg) Proof that signs were to follow the believers and those who obey his servants and not the unbelievers Mark 16:16-17 Jno 14:12 Mat 17;20-27. God is unchangeable James 1:17. A lack of faith is the cause of the absence of any of the gifts of the Holy Ghost; yet the people will ask for signs. Mat 12:39 I Cor 1:22 Mat 4:3 Luke 23:8 Mat 13:29 Jews not converted by miracles Acts 4:13-19 Jno 11:46-47 Powers to work miracles not always of God Rev 13:14 Ex 7:22 If men are the salt of the earth, woman are undoubtedly sugar. Salt is a necessity, sugar a luxury. Viscious men are saltpeter. Stern men are rock salt. Nice men are table salt. Old maids are brown sugar and good matrons are loaf sugar. Pretty girls are fine pulverized sugar. Pass the pulverized sugar. Contentment If we are cheerful and contented all nature smiles with us: the air more balmy, the sky clearer, the ground has a brighter green, the trees have a richer foliage, the flowers a more fragrant smell, the birds sing more sweetly, and the sun moon and stars all appear more beautiful, The God of the Bible can walk, talk, see, hear, feel, taste and smell--in fact He has all the attributes of man, only in a more perfect manner. He walked with Adam in the Garden of Eden, walked, talked and partook of food with Abraham. on the plains of Mamre. Wrestled with Jacob, conversed with Moses in the burning bush, and talked with him as one man talks with another. Was seen by Isaiah who described His Glorious appearance and when Stephen was stoned to death He was seen on the left hand of Jesus who is described as the express image and brightness of his Glory. Among all the accomplishments of life, none is more important than refinement. It is not like beauty, and can only be acquired by cultivation and practice. Cure for Neuralga (nuralaga--sp): about 10 gr. quinine mixed in a spoon full of lard. Rub well on back of neck on leaders. While wandering amid strangers here, The Gospel to proclaim, How often do I think of home And long to be there again. Chorus: Oh my home, my happy home Far away, far away Among thy vales I love to roam Happy home so far away. But God has called me this to do The message to declare That the Gospel is restored to earth For Christ's coming to prepare. Chorus: And when my labors here are done With joy I'll fly away To the dear ones I have left behind To my home so far away. Chorus: We're going to preach the Gospel to all who want to hear. A message of salvation unto the meek we bear. Jehovah has commanded us and therefore we must go. For none does preach the Gospel like the Mormons do. Like the etc. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p070.jpg) Faith in God and Jesus, the first thing that we teach. A Genuine repentance the next thing that we preach. Baptism by immersion the next thing that we know For none do etc. How to obtain the Spirit the next thing that we say; As in the days of Peter the same as in our day. Tis by the laying on of hands and we can plainly show, That none do preach the Gospel etc. Read Acts the second chapter the 8th and 19th too. The 16th of Mark's Gospel and that will plainly show That the Mormons' faith is scriptural as well as true. For none do etc. The old time religion is what we want, you know, With prophets and apostles as in years long ago. Read Ephesians the fourth chapter and that will plainly show That none do preach the Gospel etc. December 20, 1899 Decalb, Tennessee. This morning we left Bro. Mainard's and started for our country. But we hadn't went far before we encountered quite a large stream that we had to cross, After hollering for some time to the people across the creek to get them to assist us in crossing, we concluded our efforts in that direction was futile. I pulled off my shoes, socks, and pants and concluded to wade. But to my surprise, it was much deeper than I expected and came nearly to my waist and wet my underwear. 0h how cold it was--nearly freezing me, and after we got out our legs were as red as if they had been spanked. Elder Belnap followed suit, and soon we were on our way rejoicing. Arrived at Bro. Nowlin's at about dark, where we were very kindly received and cared for after quite a hard day's walk. December 21, 1899 Elijah, Tennessee Spent the day with Bro. Nowlin. Elder Belnap helping him haul wood in the forenoon and I in the afternoon. After supper we went into the parlor, and Sister Nowlin played for us on the piano. Had a splendid time singing, etc. December 22, 1899 Elijah, Tennessee After breakfast and a kind invitation to spend the New Year Day with them, we took our departure for Sparta, and .from there on to Bro. and Sister Hastings, where we were kindly welcomed. It almost seemed like getting back home again. December 23, 1899 Sparta, Tennessee Spent the day visiting with the Saints who were all glad to see us. On account of our mail, we stayed again at Bro. Hastings. December 24, 1899 Sparta, Tennessee This forenoon we attended the S.S., which we enjoyed very much. It being a year since I had met with them, I could see a vast improvement and we had just a lovely time and after a short recess we held meeting, where we had a splendid time, enjoying very much the Spirit of the Lord. December 25, 1899 Sparta, Tennessee Spent the day at Bro. Hastings', where we and a few of the neighbors partook of a bounteous Christmas feast and had a splendid time. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p071.jpg) December 26, 1899 Sparta, Tennessee This morning I went down to the office where I received some mail from home, among which was the sweetest and best letter. It was almost enough to make me a little homesick, and on the other hand, be more determined than ever to fill my mission in honor. Elders Forsyth and Hall gave us a call. December 27, 1899 Sparta, Tennessee Spent part of the day at Bro. Hastings pressing my pants and writing, etc., after which we went up to Sister Carrick's and spent the rest of the day. Also stayed all night with them. December 28, 1899 Sparta, Tennessee Went down to Bro Hastings where we stayed the most of the day writing, etc. and at night went over to Sister Hickenbottom, where we spent the evening very pleasantly singing and conversing upon the Gospel. Also stayed all night. December 29, 1899 Sparta, Tennessee As Sister Itickenbottom had previously requested baptism at our hands, although it was a very cold day, at about 10 o'clock we made ready. Bro. Hastings & Medly hitched up their teams and took us down to the river, a distance of over two miles, where we found a beautiful place and attended the ordinance and returned. Sister H. leaving her wet clothes on till we returned to Bro. Haston's, and although it was very cold she said she didn't suffer anymore coming back than she did going down. After our return we held confirmation meeting, having a real good time, and at night I went over to Bro. Medley's, where I had a real good time and remained with them overnight. December 30, 1899 Sparta, Tennessee This morning I returned to Bro. Haston's where we made preparations and were soon on our way to Bro. Nowlin's to spend Sunday and the first day of the new year. Were very kindly received and found them feeling real well. The day was real cold. December 31, 1899 Elijah, Tennessee Sunday. This morning we met with Bro. Nowlin's family in S.S. in one of their rooms, as they have a S.S. organized and hold the same every Sunday. We had a real good and enjoyable time, and after we were through with the general exercises we sang. Both spent a few minutes speaking to them and encouraging them. The rest of the day was spent very pleasantly in singing, etc. January 1, 1900 Elijah, Tennessee Today, after waiting until the weather moderated a little, we started for Bro. Haston's (Hastings?), a distance of 9 miles, where we arrived a little before sundown. Some of the neighbors gathered in, and we had a real good time singing, etc. January 3, 1900 Elijah, Tennessee This morning we had a fine bath, and after changing our clothes, we started up to the big sink on the Cumberland Mountain, where we arrived just before night. Stopped at Bro. and Sister Clint. Frazier's, who are real good Latter-day Saints. Had a real enjoyable time. January 4, 1900 Dodson, Tennessee Went up on Kane Fork today to make arrangements for holding meetings on Sunday. Returned and at night held meeting at Bro. Frazier's brothers, Mumford Fraziers, where we stayed all night and had a good time. January 5, 1900 Dodson, Tennessee This morning after eating breakfast we went back down to Bro Clint. We spent the day studying. Along towards night Elders Forsyth and Hall came and stayed with us, and we had a splendid time singing, etc. January 6, 1900 Dodson, Tennessee Stayed with Bro. Clint till nearly night, and then we went over on the river to fill our appointment. Held meeting at M. Dodson's. Quite a crowd gathered in, and we had a real good time and the best of attention. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p072.jpg) Were treated the best kind. After meeting the crowd stayed, and we sung some. Were kindly asked to remain with them overnight, which we did, and had a splendid night's rest. January 7, 1900 Dodson, Tennessee Sunday. This morning being the Sabbath, we repaired to fill our appointment in the schoolhouse. A small crowd came to hear us, and we had a very good time. After meeting we went home with Bro. and Sister Clint Frazier, spending the rest of the day very pleasantly. January 8, 1900 Dodson, Tennessee This morning, before I got up, I was wondering just how long it would be before I returned home and have the good time. As the good Southern people say, "Kill a punkin Churn and have a big time." After breakfast we bade our dear friends goodbye an`d started for Sparta. Just here. I will describe the country a little. The hills or mountains are very steep, in places very rough, rocky, and covered with the native timber of the country. Except here and there in the hollows and hillsides and on the ridges, where we see a small place cleared with a log cabin on it. Some places being so steep and rocky, also covered with stumps, that they make their crops by hand. And some of them never use a wagon from one year's end to the other. In fact the country looks so steep that it would be almost impossible to get a wagon to all their houses. The most of them have a small orchard, and in fact fruit seems to do better here than down in the valley. Arrived at Bro. Hastons at a little before night. Kindly received. January 9, 1900 Sparta, Tennessee Spent the day at Bro. Hastings doing my writing, etc. January 10, 1900 Sparta, Tennessee This morning we woke up before daylight and found the rain just coming down. Stayed until after dinner and then started for a new district to labor in. And as Bro. Nowlins was on our way we stopped with them and had an enjoyable time. January 11, 1900 Elijah, Tennessee Stayed at. Bro. Nowljns today as it was raining most of the day. Spent the time reading, singing, etc, January 12, 1900 Elijah, Tennessee This morning it had turned a little cooler, and after completing arrangements we were soon on our way to get a place to preach. Traveled about 1 mile and stopped at a little place called Yatestown, where we got the use of a house and talked with Mr. Swindell. Treated kind. January 13, 1900 Yatestown, Tennessee This morning we visited among the people our appointment and were treated real kind. Took supper with Mr. Swindell, after which we went and filled our appointment. Had a real good time, although there were a few very rowdy boys. Some of them went outside and throwed some rocks against the house. And when we were on our way to Mr. E. P. Knowls, where we stayed all night, some of them tried to scare us and make us run, threatening to ride us on a rail and rock us, etc., but we never took any notice of them. January 14, 1900 Yatestown, Tennessee After a splendid night's rest we arose and eat breakfast after which we read till meetingtime when we went and filled our appointment, having a fairly good time. Returned home with Mr. Swindell and had dinner and stayed until near sunset, when we went over to a Baptist preacher's to stay, as he had previously invited us to stop with him. We had just a fine time talking scripture on the best of terms. January 15, 1900 Yatestown, Tennessee This morning after finishing, declaring to our Revener (Revenuer?) the Gospel with its gifts and blessings as restored in latter days, we bade them goodbye. Went up to the store where we preached the gospel to those present and tried without success to sell them some books, after which we started for Bro. Nowlins. We arrived in the middle of the afternoon and was delighted to find some mail from the loved ones at home. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p073.jpg) January 16, 1900 Elijah, Tennessee As my companion was sick today we stayed at Bro. Nowlins while he took some pills, etc. January 17, 1900 Elijah, Tennessee My companion not feeling able to travel, and desiring to stay at Bro. Nowlins, I went over to Bro. Hastons to get our papers and second class mail, a distance of 9 miles. Decided to stay at Bro. Hastons and while there Pres. Allred came, and I had the pleasure of staying all night, having a good talk with him. January 18, 1900 Sparta, Tennessee This morning I went back to Bro. Nowlins and stayed the rest of the day reading the news, etc. Restoration of the Gospel Before Second Coming of Christ Acts 3:19-21, 1:11 Matt 24:14 Rev 14: 6 Mal 3:1 Mic'h 4: 1-2 Acts 1: 6-7 Dan ____ney 1 1/2 Amesie ____ney 1 1/2 Alfred Tuillhil 4 1/2 John Chapman 4 1/2 January 19, 1900 Elijah, Tennessee Today it, was raining the most of the time. We stayed at Bro. Nowlins, and at night we had a lovely time singing with the piano, etc. as we thought it might be our last visit all together for a while. January 20, 1900 Elijah, Tennessee This morning after completing our arrangements, we started to Bro. Hastons to meet the other Elders and president. Stopped at Sister Varracks. January 21, 1900 Sparta, Tennessee Today we had a real good time. Met with the S. S., had a real good time. The Sunday School in this place is making fine progress. After S.S. we held meeting, having a fine time. Pres. Allred occupying most of the time. At night we held another meeting and all had the privilege of speaking a short time and had an enjoyable time. Stopped at A. A. Hickenbottom. January 22, 1900 Sparta, Tennessee This forenoon we held a council meeting and received some very valuable instruction from our President, after which we were assigned our companions and counties. I and Elder Elam Olsen were given Cumberland County, and after dinner we were soon on our way. Stopped at Bonair, a coal mining town, with Bro. and Sister Young. January 23, 1900 Bonair, Tennessee This morning we left on our journey and soon we were in our county. At the first place, Pleasanthill, we met a minister and had a long talk with him and number of persons gathered around to listen. We gave them considerable Gospel, went on and stopped at a wealthy family from the north where we were treated royal by the name of Mrs. Grave, who were Catholics. January 24, 1900 Romona, Tennessee After a splendid night's rest, we partook of a splendid breakfast. We thanked our hostess, left some pamphlets, and continued our journey to Linara, where we arrived just before night after a long day's walk. Met some very kind friends, but they were strongly opposed to some of the principles of the Gospel. Accordingly, we had a lively time until late bedtime. Their name was Daniel Maning. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p074.jpg) January 25, 1900 Linaria, Tennessee This morning after having a long talk on the Gospel with the people of the place, we went over to the Post Office to Mister Jno. Renfrows, where we were treated very kindly. Stayed the remainder of the day and had a very good time singing songs, etc. January 26, 1900 Linaria, Tennessee Last night and this morning were real cold. After breakfast we returned to Mr. Manning's, where we remained all day, talking continuously on the principles of the Gospel. Mr. Maning is the worst man to argue I have ever met. January 27, 1900 Linaria, Tennessee As we had an appointment out to preach tonight we stopped with Mr. Mannings, talking, studying, etc., having a real pleasant time. At night we had a splendid meeting as there was a good crowd and the best of attention, and in speaking we enjoyed the Spirit of the Lord. After meeting we went home with Mr. Maning. January 28, 1900 Linaria, Tennessee Sunday. This morning we attended Sunday School and enjoyed ourselves real well. After S.S. we held meeting, and all stayed to listen and done our singing. Were invited home by Mr. L. S. Hale. January 29, 1900 Linaria, Tennessee This morning we went back to Mr. Maning's and done our writing and eat dinner, after which we started for a new neighborhood, Oakgrove, where we arrived a while before night. After visiting with one family we called on Mr. Addams for entertainment and was treated real nice. After supper their children sang for us and done some as nice singing as I ever heard children do. January 30, 1900 Biglick, Tennessee Today we visited the school directors and got permission to use the schoolhouse. Also visited others of the neighborhood, being treated real kind. At night stopped at Mr. Jno. Brown's where we were treated fine. Had mashed potatoes, the first I remember having in the South. January 31, 1900 Biglick, Tennessee After the best night's rest we eat breakfast and started out canvassing. It was very cold, and the first house we came to asked us in and treated us real well so we stayed with them the most of the day. At night went and filled our appointment. But there was but very few present and all them young folks. Through a previous invitation we went and stopped with Mr. Nuten Curley. Oh yes, I saw a woman today that run away and married when eleven years old. February 1, 1900 Biglick, Tennessee Today it was very cold so we stayed in the house the most of the day. But in the evening we went over to Mr. Richardson's where we stayed overnight and were treated real good. February 2, 1900 Biglick, Tennessee This morning we started in to a new neighborhood to get a house to use Sunday, and after seeing one of the trustees of the Methodist church he saw the others and got their consent to let us use it. Stopped overnight with Charley Hinch. February 3, 1900 Burk, Tennessee As we had previously got us some half soles we went over this morning to one of neighbors and put them on and were treated very kind. Also one of the trustees informed us that we could use the Methodist meetinghouse to preach in Sunday at eleven. Went to the office where we stayed until nearly night. Were invited home by one of the trustees to the church, Andrew Burmett, and had a real enjoyable time singing, etc. February 4, 1900 Burk, Tennessee This morning when we woke up it was blowing and raining so hard that it looked as though we wouldn't be able to hold meeting, but after awhile it stopped. We went down the church, and a real nice crowd gathered, most of them menfolks. They done real nice singing, about the best I've heard in the State. We Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p075.jpg) had a real good meeting, fine attention. This is the first time I ever had the privilege of holding meeting in a Methodist church. Were invited home with Mr. Charley Hinch. Before night it started to raining and blowing again. February 5, 1900 Burk, Tennessee This morning we bade our friends farewell and went back in the Biglick neighborhood to canvass. Called at the office and received a dear letter from home. Stopped at Mrs. Webb's who had a couple of grown sons. Were treated real kind. February 6, 1900 Biglick, Tennessee Canvassed all day in the neighborhood. Called to see Preacher Crofts. His wife refused to take a pamphlet. Met Mr. Adams and were invited to stop with which we did and had a real good time with the exceptions of me suffering considerable with a boil in my nose, which made the end of it swell and red as a beet. February 7, 1900 Biglick, Tennessee Finished canvassing the neighborhood, and in the evening went down off the mountain. Stopped at the store awhile where we had a real good Gospel conversation with crowd of men. Were invited home by the merchant Crave Hinch. February 8, 1900 Burk, Tennessee After getting permission to use the Cave Spring schoolhouse Saturday and Sunday, we started out canvassing. On our way we met a party or funeral procession which looked real strange to me. First were two men on horseback and one with a woman on behind him. I guess they were the father and mother of the deceased child. Next were two more on horseback, one of them carrying the corpse in the coffin and last a couple of small children. I suppose they were the deceased sisters. Towards night it commenced raining real hard, but we were fortunate in getting entertainment at a real nice family's by the name of W.J. Parham. February 9, 1900 Burk, Tennessee Canvassed all day, had a fine time. Were refused their schoolhouse, but otherwise were treated real well. Stopped with D.S. Crofts, real nice folks. February 10, 1900 Burk, Tennessee Canvassed awhile and then went up to the Cave schoolhouse where we had an appointment to preach at three o'clock. A few gathered in, and we had a real good meeting and were invited home by Mr. _______ and were treated real kind. February 11, 1900 Sunday. This morning we met and held meeting at 10, a Mr. Elder Olsen doing speaking. Had a real good meeting. Spoke on the Kingdom of God. Met again at three, and I occupied the time, talking on the Apostasy and restitution of the Gospel. Also had a real good meeting. Stopped with Charley Hosler. February 12, 1900 Burk, Tennessee Today it was raining all day, canvassed a little and stopped with J. W. Brown. Treated fine. February 13, 1900 Burk, Tennessee Finished up canvassing in the neighborhood today and stopped with Wm. Parham. There was also another minister. Stayed there, and we had a real good time talking on the Gospel. February 14, 1900 Burk, Tennessee Today after the mail come in we went upon the mountain to labor. Canvassed among some pretty hard looking places, but were treated well. Stopped with Dan Sales. February 16, 1900 Newera, Tennessee Canvassed all day today. Got out an appointment to preach at night, but there was no one came except Mr. J. H. Smith, a widower with whom we stayed all night. We're in a very poor-looking country. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p076.jpg) February. 16, 1900 Newera, Tennessee This morning after shaving we left for Hales Chapel where we were in hopes of getting to preach to the people. The day was very cold and cloudy. Were treated real good by the people. Stopped with Mr. H. J. Walker where we were treated real kind. Saw a cradle made from a chunk of a hollow log split in two without any rockers or ends. February 17, 1900 Hales Chapel Today being a very cold day, we just visited one family, Mr. Jesse Wyat, where we stayed the rest of the day. Had a real good time singing and playing the organ and were treated very kind. February 18, 1900 Hales Chapel Held a meeting in the chapel. Real nice crowd present. Stopped with A. C. Hider. Real cold but were kindly cared for. February 19, 1900 Hales Chapel Today we stayed in the house most of the time as it was cold. Just visited a couple of families. Stopped with Mrs. Wyatt where a number of young folks gathered in to stay all night. We had a lovely time singing, etc. with the organ. February 20, 1900 Hales Chapel This morning we canvassed down to the Winesap, expecting to get our mail, but it didn't arrive, and as the mail only comes every other day, we concluded to stay till the next mail come in. Accordingly, we went up to the Burgess Settlement about two miles and stopped with W. K. Burgess. February 21, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee This morning it was raining real hard and after breakfast we had a good bath. Done a little washing, and as it was raining all day and we were treated kind we stayed where we were. February 22, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee This morning when we got up we found the ground covered with snow. We went down to the office, and I read a letter from home with one dollar in stamps enclosed, which came in good as I was owing some to my companion and were entirely without any stamps or money. Snowed all day. Went up in the Hales Chapel neighborhood; stopped with Mr. J. B. Webb. Treated fine. February 23, 1900 Hales Chapel, Tennessee This morning a while after sunup it cleared off and was a real nice warm day. Canvassed and visited among the people and were treated real nice. Stopped with Mr. Mat Davis. February 24, 1900 Hales Chapel, Tennessee This morning when we awoke we found it raining again. But all at once the wind changed in the north, and it commenced snowing and turned real cold. Stayed in the house most of the day. Stayed at night with Mr. Riley Wyatt. February 25, 1900 Hales Chapel, Tennessee Sunday. We had an appointment out for today, but it was so cold that there was only a few young men came. The most of them left and we didn't hold meeting. But were invited home by Mikel Hale, where we held a real good meeting in the afternoon, and remained with them overnight, being treated real kind. One family I ought to write to. February 26, 1900 Hales Chapel, Tennessee This morning we found it snowing again, and after shingling my companion we bade our kind friends goodbye and started on our day's labor to canvass. Stopped with Mr. February 27, 1900 Biglick, Tennessee This morning after going to the office we started for the Lantana Settlement. The first two houses we called at we were flatly rejected (one place was Preacher Lows), something that almost surprised us as it was rather cold and real disagreeable travelling. We sought early entertainment. The first family we called on were Northern people and were real nice and treated us real kind. They had two such sweet little Missionary Jounal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p077.jpg) children, so full of play they couldn't hardly keep still. Seemed so much like my own children. Their names were Jno Curtis. February 28, 1900 Lantana, Tennessee After a good night's rest and such a good breakfast we started out canvassing. During the day it rained considerable. But we happened to get shelter the most of the time. Stopped at night with J. M. Driver. March 1, 1900 Lantana, Tennessee This morning we woke up finding it snowing, looking like March weather in earnest. Just visited a few families as it turned real cold. Stopped with Mr. Jno. Fields. March 2, 1900 Lantana, Tennessee This morning it was still cloudy and real cold, so we done as little travelling as possible. Went to the office, thinking that we would receive some mail from Pres. and our papers, but were disappointed. Stopped all night with Mrs. Field. March 3, 1900 Lantana, Tennessee This morning it was rather cold and cloudy, and after breakfast we started canvassing on our way to the Flint Cove Settlement, whereat we obtained the use of their schoolhouse for the next day. Stopped with Mr. March 4, 1900 Flint Cove, Tennessee Sunday. Today we went down to the schoolhouse, swept it out, made a fire and waited for the crowd to come, but there was only one person come. We stayed the rest of the day until after four as our appointments were at eleven and three. No one came. Stopped at Widow Field's. March 5, 1900 Canvassed some today and got our mail and left for the Winesap neighborhood. Stopped with Mr. J. B. Webb. March 6, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee Raining most of the day today so we done but very little traveling. Stopped with March 7, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee This morning we stayed with the kind people and had a bath, shaved, etc., and after dinner we started out canvassing. Met with a family from Nashville who seemed to be desirous of investigating. Sold them a book and left other literature. Stopped with a sawmill man, H. Reece. March 8, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee Canvassed some and went to the office where we read some mail and a loving letter from home. Found all well. Spent most of the rest of the day reading. Stopped with a real nice family, P. D. Burqess. March 9, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee Canvassed today, having a real good time. Stopped with Mrs. Mary Burgess, a widow lady with a large family. Treated real well. March 10, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee Finished canvassing the Burgess neighborhood and visited with some of the good people and according to appointment held meeting at night. Invited home by Mr. Burgess. March 11, 1900 Sunday. Today we held two real good meetings, and after the last was out a real nice lady came and shook hands with us. Said she was sorry she hadn't brought some money to contribute, but we told her we never took up collections. But she would give us a nickel apiece and invited us to come and see them. Stopped with Mr. Camel. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p078.jpg) March 12, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee This morning after mailing our letters, etc., we started down to Bro. and Sister Clint Frasier to fix our clothes up and get them washed, etc. On our way we stopped at night at Mr. Carrol Seales. March 13, 1900 Dodson, Tennessee Went on down to Bro. Frasier's, where we met a hearty welcome and before long we had our clothes in the wash. At night we held a public meeting. Bro. Hastings was there to listen to us, was up surveying. After meeting we had a good bath and changed clothes. March 14, 1900 Dodson, Tennessee Stayed with Bro. Fraiser all day, pressed our pants and kept Sister Frasier busy all day washing and mending, etc. Were calculating to leave in the afternoon, but my companion desired to stay. It was raining so we stayed. March 15, 1900 Dodson, Tennessee This morning when we awoke we found the ground all covered with snow, and after breakfast we started out. It snowed on us all day, and after walking about 12 miles we stopped at Mrs. C. Wyatt about one o'clock. As we were in our county again, the snow being about 26 inches deep. We were quite tired as the day was real bad, and us wet through. We stayed with them, and at night held meeting. March 16, 1900 Newton, Tennessee This morning we went up to Winesap for our mail. It was a bitter cold day. At the office I received two letters from home and the pictures of my dear wife and family. O the joy it brought me to gaze on their dear faces, as it was the first picture I had had of them since I left home. We returned to Newton and stopped with the storekeeper, Burt Brewer. March 17, 1900 Newton, Tennessee Today was a real cool day. Spent the forenoon fixing my shoes. Visited a couple of families and stopped at Daniel Campbell's, where we held a real good meeting at night. March 18, 1900 Sunday. As we had been refused the use of the schoolhouse to preach in and it was raining, we stayed at Mr. Campbell's all day and were treated very kind. Held another good meeting at night. If I have time after I return home, I ought to write to them. March 19, 1900 Newton, Tennessee This morning we found it raining and the snow gone. Canvassed until towards night when we came to a widow's who had a grown son and whose husband had been very bitter towards Mormons. We asked if we could stay, and she said her husband had been so bitter against us she didn't feel like she would be doing right by keeping us. But after talking to her and telling her it wasn't right to judge us by what our enemies said of us, she consented to keep us and treated us real well. Name Mrs. Miller. March 20, 1900 Newton, Tennessee Last night it thundered and rained real hard, but this morning it was clear and spring-like. Canvassed all day. Stayed with J.F. Wyatt. March 21, 1900 Newton, Tennessee This morning after finishing canvassing the neighborhood we went to Winesap to work that neighborhood. After getting our mail we canvassed again, stopping with a Baptist preacher, Mr. Ben Brewer. Were treated fine. March 22, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee Finished canvassing the neighborhood, all but a couple of houses, and after notifying the people concerning our appointment of preaching Saturday and Sunday, we left and went up to Mr. Nate Bolen. March 23, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee Visited among the people today, and towards evening went up to Mr. Walker's, Steve, about three miles and were very kindly and nicely cared for. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p079.jpg) March 24, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee Today we went to the office and got our mail, and at three o'clock in the afternoon we went to the schoolhouse to fill an appointment to preach, but there was only one woman and her daughter that come. We had a real good talk with her but held no meeting. Stopped with Pat Norris. March 25, 1900 Sunday. This morning we found it raining, and it continued the most of the day. But there was a few turned out to both our meetings. Were invited home for dinner also to stay overnight and held a real good meeting at night. A few of their neighbors coming in and had a splendid time. Wm. Owensky. March 26, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee Today we went into the Thomas Spring neighborhood and stopped with Jas. Vanwinkle. March 27, 1900 Thos. Springs, Tennessee Today we visited all the settlement and gave out meeting, and at night there was a small crowd came. We held a good meeting and were invited to stop with Mr. Logan Willson. March 28, 1900 Thos. Springs, Tennessee This morning was a beautiful sunshine day. After breakfast we visited a couple of families, taking dinner with one, after which I took a bath in the creek and changed clothes. Held a real good meeting at night and were invited home with Mr. G. M. Bowlin. March 29, 1900 Erasmus, Tennessee Went down to the office this morning and received a letter from my dear ones at home. Went back to hold meeting, but it rained, which prevented the people from coming out. Stayed overnight with Mr. H. Reese. March 30, 1900 Thos. Springs, Tennessee This morning it was nice and clear, and after breakfast we started for Erasmus. Visited families and gave out an appointment to preach Sunday and stopped with Mr. Thos. Flynn. March 31, 1900 Erasmus, Tennessee Visited a few families today and held a meeting in the schoolhouse. Stopped with R. G. Lewis. April 1, 1900 Sunday. This morning was a real nice day, and we went to the schoolhouse. Made a nice fire and waited for our crowd to come, but not a soul came for the forenoon meeting. We remained in the house, and at three there was a small crowd came. We held a real good meeting, stopping at night with a real nice family, Mr. S. A. Tucker. April 2, 1900 Finished canvassing the neighborhood, stopping with Mr. T. J. Parks. April 3, 1900 Erasmus, Tennessee Went down to Winesap today to see about our mail, after which we returned some distance. Called at a northern man's place who had been in Nashville for years in business but had moved out on the mountain on account of their health. They kindly invited us to stay with them the rest of the day and one night and if we would three or four days. We were treated very kind and enjoyed our visit with them very much. To sit up to the table seemed like I was home again. Their name was V. W. Dort. April 4, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee This morning we reluctantly left Mr. Dort's. They desired us to remain with them the rest of the week and insisted that we should call on them again, which we promised to do if we were in the neighborhood. Stopped at night with J. W. Campbell. April 5, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee Went down to the office and from there to the Haleschapel settlement and stayed with Mrs. Mary Wyatt and were treated very kind and had a good time playing the organ and singing etc. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p080.jpg) April 6, 1900 Winesap, Tennessee Today we visited some among the people notifying them that we would hold meeting the next night. Stopped at Mr. Jesse Wyatt, whose folks had received a letter from my wife and were so elated they couldn't treat us kind enough. Enjoyed ourselves with them. Splendid. April 7, 1900 Lantana, Tennessee Today we walked to the office for our mail and received a loving letter from home. Returned and held meeting at night, stopping again with Mr. Wyatt. April 8, 1900 Sunday. This morning we attended S.S. after which we held meeting. Stayed at the S house and fasted till about four o'clock and there was wasn't a crowd come so we left and went and stopped with Isem Hale, where we were treated kindly. April 9, 1900 Hales Chapel, Tennessee This morning we bade our friends goodbye, being kindly invited to return and started for another neighborhood. Stopped at Biglick with Mr. J. W. Crofts, who treated us real kind. Apt 10, 1900 Biglick, Tennessee This morning we went in to the Lineria neighborhood, went to the office and received our papers, etc. Stopped with Mr. Dan Manning. April 11, 1900 Linaria, Tennessee Having a boil on my leg that made it very difficult to walk, we stayed at Mr. Manings and talked on the gospel and read. April 12, 1900 Linaria, Tennessee Received more mail and a letter from home. Stopped with Mr. Maning the most of the day, but towards night we walked over to Mr. G. H. Carpenters, where we stopped all night and were treated fine. Had a real good talk on the Gospel with them. April 13, 1900 Linaria, Tennessee Went back to Mr. Mannings where we remained all day writing reading, etc. April 14, 1900 Linaria, Tennessee This morning we left Mr. Manings and went to Carpenter where we remained and done our washing. Also, received a letter from Pres. stating that we were to meet him and the elders of Fentress County at Glenoby, Fentress County in Conference. April 15, 1900 Sunday. We stayed with Carpenters all day. In the evening some of the neighbors gathered in, and we held a real good meeting and enjoyed ourselves splendid. April 16, 1900 Linaria, Tennessee Today it rained so steady that we remained in the house the most of the time. I done some patching and towards night we went to Mr. Jno. Lewises, where we were treated real kind and remained all night. April 17, 1900 Linaria, Tennessee This morning we found it raining hard as ever. Stayed with Mr. Carpenter, who wished me to write to them after I got home, as they were thinking of moving into our country. April 18, 1900 Linaria, Tennessee We found it still raining this morning, but towards noon it abated and after dinner we made a start for Conference. Stopped with Mr. G. Barnell, who treated us very kind and seemed to be a true investigator after the truth. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p081.jpg) April 19, 1900 Woody, Tennessee This morning we resumed our journey, taking it quite slow, as it was real warm. Some places the houses would be five and six miles apart. In asking for entertainment we were refused several times, but at last got to stop with Dr. Lockhart. April 20, 1900 Clarkrange, Tennessee This morning we found it raining again, and after waiting awhile for it to cease we started out in the rain. And it rained on us all forenoon. Stopped with Mr. Isah Stephens. April 21, 1900 Glenoby, Tennessee Still raining but it soon cleared up. We went down to the office. In the evening met with the Pres. and Elders, and at night held a meeting and stopped with Mrs. Coopers. April 22, 1900 Glenoby, Tennessee Sunday. Today we held three real good meetings and received some of the best preaching and instructions I have heard in the mission. Stopped with Elijah Watters who were very kind and earnest investigators. April 23, 1900 Glenoby, Tennessee This morning we held our council meeting. Pres. Allred and Counselor Reves spoke splendid to us and gave some very valuable instructions, and we had a splendid time, after which Pres. and Counselor left. At night we held another real good meeting, three of us being there, Elders Cardwell and Olsen doing the speaking. And although it was raining we had a good crowd. Stopped with Bro. W. H. Stephens. April 24, 1900 Glenoby, Tennessee Stayed with Bro. Stephens all day as my companion wasn't feeling able to travel April 25, 1900 Spent the day reading, etc. April 26, 1900 Went down to the office for mail, but it hadn't come. Spent the rest of the day reading. April 27, 1900 Went to the office and got our papers so I was busy the rest of the day reading. Elder Randall felt some better today as the rising boil on his forehead had started to run a little. April 28, 1900 Spent the day reading and visiting among the people. Stayed overnight with Elijah Watters. April 29, 1900 Sunday. Today we held two real good meetings to a real nice congregation, where we enjoyed ourselves splendid. April 30, 1900 Glenoby, Tennessee Went to the office where we received some mail from home, and after doing our writing we went to visit a Mr. Thos. Beaty, where we stayed all night and were treated fine. May 1, 1900 Glenoby, Tennessee Visited with the people, wrote some; stopped with Mrs. Cooper. May 2, 1900 After doing our writing and other odd jobs we went upon the mountain stopping with Bro. and Sister Marks. Sister Marks is a daughter of the noted Jno. E. Page, who was very kind to us. She still holds to the Mormon faith but don't belong to the Church. Has a strong desire to know which is right, us or one of the factions that have broke off from the church. But it seems as though she favors the Brighamites as she calls them. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p082.jpg) May 3, 1900 Jamestown, Tennessee As it was raining today we stayed with Mr. Marks. In our conversations they learned that I could sheer sheep so they got me to put on some old clothes and sheer one or two to show them how it was done. And after I got started they kept fetching them on until I had sheared 15 of them, all they had, before stopping. May 4, 1900 Jamestown, Tennessee This morning after helping kill a pig I wrote a letter to B. R. Inglestrom, after which we eat dinner and left for Pleasanthill neighborhood, where we stopped with a Baptist Sanctified preacher by the name of W. P. Brown. May 5, 1900 Allardt, Tennessee Stopped at Mr. Brown's until after dinner, when we were invited by his son Berry Brown to go and stop with them. Along in the evening I started to have the sick headache, which lasted about six hours and until I had vomited, after which it stopped, and I slept real well during the night. May 6, 1900 Sunday. This forenoon we attended the S.S., after which we gave out an appointment to preach at eleven and three. But the Sanctified people didn't want to stop and hear us, but enough did stay so that we held two real good meetings. Were invited to stop with Mr. J. C. Phillips, and were treated real kind. May 7, 1900 Allardt, Tennessee Canvassed among the people of the Finch neighborhood, giving out an appointment of our meeting to be held that night in the Finch schoolhouse. Had a real good attendance and a real good meeting, stopping with Mr. Tim G. Finch. May 8, 1900 Allardt, Tennessee Today we visited among the people, and at night held a meeting having a very good crowd, stopping again with Mr. Tim G. Finch. May 9, 1900 Allardt, Tennessee This morning we found it raining again, and after breakfast we held a fine conversation with the family, selling them a Book of Mormon, after which we sang some. Left for Bro. Marks', visiting among the people on our way. May 10, 1900 Jamestown, Tennessee We stayed with Bro. Marks today, my companion helping him lay of land in the afternoon. I spent the time writing, and also went to the office for mail. May 11, 1900 Jamestown, Tennessee My companion helped lay of land again today and I went down to Glenoby after mail and other things. Received word from home, finding all well. Stopped for dinner at Bro. Stephens after which I returned, getting quite tired. May 13, 1900 Jamestown, Tennessee Sunday. This morning we attended a meeting at Allardt, a couple of Primitive Baptists being the speakers. After meeting we gave out a meeting for the afternoon and had a real good crowd out and a splendid time and sang songs with the accompaniment of the organ. Stopped again with Bro. Marks. May 14, 1900 Jamestown, Tennessee Today after doing our writing, etc. and eating dinner we started out for the Northern part of our county, getting our mail on the road as we passed through Jamestown. Night came on before we got a place to stop, and we traveled until after nine o'clock and had to wake up the people where we stopped, Mr. Pile, who asked if we had any ropes. Said if we did he would take us out to the barn and hang us. But treated us fine and gave us the best bed we had had for months. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p083.jpg) May 15, 1900 Rhodes, Tennessee After breakfast started out canvassing and along in the day we met with Bro. N. H. Stanley from Birdstown. We all stopped with Mr. A. R. Roisdon, where they called some of the folks in, and we held a real good meeting, not going to bed until after 12 o'clock. May 16, 1900 Rhodes, Tennessee Today we started out canvassing again. Bro. Stailey with us until nearly night. We were on top of the mountain and had quite a time finding any houses, but after following a path for a mile or two we were led off into a deep holler and found a house just at dark and were kindly entertained by the family, E. Thompson. May 17, 1900 Rhodes, Tennessee Were granted the privilege of holding meeting at Mr. Thompson's, so we visited among the people telling them of the same. At about four o'clock in the evening a nice crowd gathered in, and we had a splendid time, stopping with Mr. Thompson. May 18, 1900 Rhodes, Tennessee Spent the forenoon studying. In the afternoon held a fine meeting at Mr. J. S. Ferry's, where we stayed during the night. May 19, 1900 Rhodes, Tennessee Stayed with Mr. Terry all day spending the most of the day writing and studying. Attended an appointment for meeting by a Baptist, but it seemed that he had got mad because we were in the neighborhood and wouldn't attend or was afraid to meet us. May 20, 1900 Rhodes, Tennessee Sunday. Our Baptist brethren didn't hold meeting today on the appointed time so in the evening at the appointed time for our meeting a nice crowd gathered in, and we had a splendid time, stopping again at Mr. Terry's. May 21, 1900 Rhodes, Tennessee This morning we started out for the office, pal mal, where our mail had been accumulating for some time. It seemed that I was unusually anxious to get some letter today as it had been quite awhile since I had heard from home. Also, I was anxiously expecting notice of my release, but to my disappointment there was no letters for me, so I sat down sadly disappointed to try and interest myself in reading the papers. But before long my companion opened a letter from Pres. notifying me of my release June 1st, and when I read the contents, 0 what relief and joy it was to me. From here we went back up Wolf River (six miles), getting real tired and being refused entertainment, but just after dark we called on Mr. Phil Williams, who took us in and treated us royally. May 22, 1900 Rhodes, Tennessee This morning, after a hearty welcome to return, we left to visit the neighborhood, notifying them of a meeting, which we held at four o'clock in the evening, having a real good time. Were invited home with Jno. Delk and treated real kind. May 23, 1900 Rhodes, Tennessee Stayed at Mr. Delk's until after dinner, and then went down to the schoolhouse where we were to hold meeting at four o'clock. But the people never come out, and we stayed till five and then left for the office, after which we returned and went to Mr. Wm. Sharp, where we were very kindly entertained. May 24, 1900 Rhodes, Tennessee This morning we went back upon the mountain, visiting among a small neighborhood where we stopped with Mr. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p084.jpg) May 25, 1900 Jamestown, Tennessee This morning we started over to the Stocton Settlement to see if we could hold meetings there Sunday, but we found there were going to be other preaching so that we couldn't any there at that time. Stopped with Saul Winingham. May 26, 1900 Jamestown, Tennessee As we had no appointment out we went up to Jamestown, where we received our mail and from there we went to Bro. Mark's where we stayed the rest of the day, writing, etc. May 27, 1900 Sunday. Having made no arrangements for holding meeting, we fasted in the forenoon and stayed at Bro. Mark's all day. For dinner we had strawberry shortcake. The afternoon we spent the most of the time talking on the gospel. And for supper we had strawberries and cream, which was a fine treat. May 28, 1900 Jamestown, Tennessee This morning we left for Glenoby. When I bade Sister Marks goodbye the tears came to her eyes in spite of her efforts to keep them back. Poor woman, she has been taught all her life that the Brighamites are wrong, and she hasn't any faith in any other people and seems to be at a loss. We went to the office and then returned to Mr. Waters where we stayed all night. May 29, 1900 Glenoby, Tennessee I visited among the people today, gave them some hymnbooks and made preparations to leave for Sparta on the morrow. The folks were telling me some rat stories. They told me of several instances where the rats had bit persons while they were asleep. Most all of them had been bit--some on the toes, some on the arms and others on the ear, face and nose. Stayed with Bro. Wade Stephens. Sang songs and had a real pleasant time. May 30, 1900 Glenoby, Tennessee After breakfast I went over to Mr. Waters to get my clothes, which they had washed and done up. Bade them goodbye and returned to Sister Stephens. After a good chat I reluctantly bade them farewell, my companion accompanying me a ways on the road. And when we parted the tears made their appearance in spite of us. But soon I was on my way, starting at quarter to eleven. Fortunately Sister Stephens had prepared me a lunch, which I relished very much along dinner time. Traveled past Bledsaw Stand about two miles, making in all about 20 miles and stopped with Mr. Wm. Vorck, who very reluctantly consented to entertain me for the night. May 31, 1900 Bledsaw Stand, Tennessee I explained last night how I traveled, but this morning when I went to leave he wanted me to pay him and said if I didn't have any money he would take a shirt or some of my extra clothing or my umbrella. So before I left I put on my clean shirt and left him my old one so as to satisfy him. From where I stayed at night I went to Johnson's Stand, a distance of 14 miles--very thickly timbered and not a house on the road. Emmery, who treated me real nice. I was real tired, as I had been walking in the rain and mud the last three miles, and enjoyed the supper and good bed. Was soon asleep. June 1, 1900 Bonair, Tennessee Today I walked down to Bro. Hastons, where I had a good bath, changed clothes, etc. Got real tired, as I had walked in the mud the most of the day. June 2, 1900 Sparta, Tennessee After finishing fixing my clothes and visiting the families of saints and taking dinner, I walked over to Bro. Nowlins, where I arrived just at dark. They seemed to be overjoyed to see me, and we had a fine time talking upon various subjects. Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p085.jpg) June 3, 1900 We held S.S. this forenoon and spent the day very pleasantly in fasting and prayer and at night had a lovely time playing the piano, singing, etc. June 4, 1900 Sparta, Tennessee This morning after a lovely night's rest we were busily engaged in making arrangements to get things ready for me to start. O my, when I started to leave it seemed almost like leaving home. Bro. and Sister Nowlin were very particular in doing all they could for me and prepared some sassafras bark and roots, also put me up a nice lunch and took me to Sparta in the wagon. I was real busy getting ready and finished packing up my things and just got it done in time. Took the train 11:55 and soon I was traveling over roads where I had walked with my grip on my shoulder, passing by towns where I had been refused entertainment, also those where I had been kindly entertained. O my, what a pleasure it is to be seated in comfortable seats where I can get over the distance with such ease. Rode about 5 hours over country where I had traveled on foot. Stopped in Tullahoma and visited Mister Windy a few minutes. He seemed to be real glad to se me--gave me some flower seeds. Arrived in Nashville about V p.m. and left about 8, making the trip from there in the night to St. Louis. Arriving on the morning of the 6th at 7:30, leaving again for Kansas at 8 and crossing back on the east side of the river into Illinois, thence north up the Mississippi, until we struck the Kansas and Chicago line Where we crossed the Illinois River and the Mississippi, thence west through Missouri, which is the most beautiful country I ever saw. Arrived in Kansas at about 7:30. As our train never left again until next day, we put up at a hotel and had a splendid night's rest, leaving the next day, June 6th at 2:30. Taking the D & (?) R. G. route, arriving in Pueblo the next day June 7th at 9:30. Laid over till 11:55, when we took train again for Salt Lake City. The trip was a very pleasant one, and the scenery was magnificent to look upon as we passed through the most scenic part of the route in daylight, The beautiful valleys of Utah and Salt Lake surpassed them all in grandeur, and O the thrill of joy it brings to an Elder that has been away for a couple of years. Arrived in Salt Lake City 9:30 a.m. End Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p086.jpg) Cities visited by Louis Reuben Jensen on his mission in chronological order [Column 1] Salt Lake City Utah 27, April 1898 Denver, Colorado Apr 29, 1898 Kansas City, Missouri Apr 30, 1898 East St. Louis, Missouri May 1, 1898 Nashville Tenn May 2, 1898 Chattanooga, Tenn May 3, 1898 Decherd, TennMay 5, 1898 Lois, Tenn May 12, 1898 Fuga, Tenn May 15, 1898 Hurdlow Tenn May 22, 1898 Sunday Ridgeville Tenn May 25, 1898 Lynchburg Tenn May 26, 1898 Leikhart, Tenn June 8, 1898 West Mulberry, Tenn June 9, 1898 Countyline, Tenn June 12 1898 Tullahoma, Tenn July 14, 1898 New, Tenn July 16, 1898 Hollandworth, Tenn Sunday July 17, 1898 Cassville, Tenn July 18, 1898 Cookville Tenn July 19, 1898 Livingston, Tenn July 20, 1898 Monroe, Tenn July 21, 1898 Wormingham, Tenn July 22, 1898 Byrdstown, Tenn July 23, 1898 Livingston, Tenn July 26, 1898 Nowlin Farm, Tenn July 27, 1898 Sparta, Tenn July 30, 1898 Vuebec, Tenn July 30, 1898 McMinville Tenn July 31, 1898 HennesseeFarm, Tenn Aug 2, 1898 Teal, Tenn Aug 3, 1898 Manchester, Tenn Aug 4, 1898 Hillsboro, Tenn Aug 5, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tenn Aug 14, 1898 Asbery, Tenn Aug 16, 1898 Sainsvile, Tenn Aug 18, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tenn Aug 20, 1898 Sainsville, Tenn Aug 21, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tenn Aug 23, 1898 Hillsboro, Tenn Aug 24, 1898 Flat Plane, Tenn Aug 25, 1898 Hillsboro, Tenn Aug 27, 1898 Will's Cove, Tenn Sunday Aug 28, 1898 Flatplane, Tenn Aug 29, 1898 Pleasantplanes, Tenn Aug 30, 1898 Prairieplanes, Tenn Aug 31, 1898 Pleasantplanes Tenn Sept 1, 1898 Prarieplanes Tenn Sept 2, 1898 Pleasantplanes Tenn Sunday Sept 4, 1898 Hillsboro Tenn Sept 7, 1898 [Column 2] Henryscove, Tenn Sept 12, 1898 Gainsville, Tenn Sept 14, 1898 Henryscove, Tenn Sept 16, 1898 Prarieplanes, Tenn Sept 17, 1898 Pleasantplanes, Tenn Sep 19, 1898. Hillsboro, Tenn Sep 20, 1898. Sainsville, Tenn Sep 21, 1898. Pleasantplanes, Tenn Sep 25, 1898 Hillsboro, Tenn Sep 28, 1898 Gainsville, Tenn Sep 29, 1898 Fountain Grove, Tenn Sep 30, 1898 Sumitville, Tenn Oct 3, 1898 Soal, Tenn Oct 15, 1898 Manchester, Tenn 14, 1898 Reden, Tenn Sunday Oct 15, 1899 Manchester, Ten Oct 19, 1898. Reden,Tenn Oct 19, 1898 Soal, Tenn Oct 22, 1898 Reden, Tenn Sunday, Oct 23, 1898 Ridgeville Tenn Sunday, Oct 30, 1898 Turky Creek, Tenn Nov 1, 1898 Lynchburg, Tenn Nov 9, 1898 Ridgeville, Tenn Nov 3, 1898 Ridgeville, Tenn Nov 4, 1898 Fuga, Tenn Nov 8, 1898 Lynchburg, Tenn Nov 9, 1898 Tullahoma, Tenn Nov 11, 1898 Duck River, Tenn Nov 12, 1898 Redens Chapel, Tenn Nov 17, 1898 Soal, Tenn Nov 18, 1898 Redens Chapel, Tenn Nov 19, 1898 Oakhill , Tenn Sunday Nov 20, 1898 Panhandle, Tenn Nov 29, 1898 Manchester, Tenn Nov 22, 1898 Hillsboro, Tenn Nov 23, 1898 Prarieplanes, Tenn Nov 24, 1898 Beans Creek Tenn Dec 1, 1898 Henry's Cove Tenn Dec 2, 1898 Hillsboro Tenn Dec 5, 1898 Redens Chapel, Tenn Dec 6, 1898 Normandy, Tenn Dec 7, 1898 Holley Grove Tenn Dec 8, 1898 Shelbyville, Tenn Dec 9, 1898 Redens Chapel Tenn Dec 10, 1898 Manchester, Tenn Dec 12 & 13, 1898 Henry's Cove Tenn Dec 12, 1898 McMinville Dec 16, 1898 Sparta Tenn Dec 17, 1898 McMinville, Tenn Dec 21, 1898 Morrison, Tenn Dec 22, 1898 Sainesville, Tenn Dec 23, 1898 Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p087.jpg) [Column 1] Henry's Cove, Tenn Dec 24, 1898 Prairieplanes, Tenn Dec 31, 1898 Henry's Cove, Tenn Jan 2, 1899 Manchester, Tenn Jan 7, 1899 Tullahoma, Tenn Jan 11, 1899 Hills Chappel Tenn Jan 26, 1899 Manchester, Tenn Jan 27, 1899 Sumitville, Tenn Feb 2, 1899 Sainville, Feb 3, 1899 Tullahoma, Feb 8, 1800 Hickerson Station, Feb 16, 1899 Bellmont, Tenn Feb 20, 1899 Tullahoma, Feb 22, 1899 Bellmont, Tenn Sunday Feb 26, 1899 Manchester, Tenn Feb 27, 1899 Ragsville, Tenn Feb 28, 1899 Ragsville March 1, 1899 Henry's Cove, Tenn March 2, 1899 Hillsboro, Tenn March 3, 1899 Prarieplanes, Tenn Mar 4, 1899 Floid, March 5, 1899 Prarieplanes Mar 6, 1899 Hills Chapel Mar 7, 1899 Sumitville Tenn Mar 10, 1899 Samville, Tenn March 12, 1899 Manchester, Tenn Mar 14, 1899 Teal, Tenn Mar 18, 1899 Manchester, Tenn Mar 20, 1899 Fredonio . Tenn Mar 21, 1899 Farhill, Tenn Mar 22, 1899 Manchester, Tenn Mar 24, 1899 Goulds, Tenn Tenn Mar 28, 1899 Redens Chapel, Mar 30, 1899 Goulds, Sunday April 2, 1899 Tullahoma, Tenn Apr 6, 1899 Belmont, Tenn April 9, 1899 (OK) Manchester, Tenn April 10, 1899 Sainsville, Tenn April 14, 1899 Manchester, Tenn April 20, 1899 Bellmont, Tenn April 21, 1899 Tullahoma, Tenn April 25, 1899 Henry's Cove, Tenn April 16, 1899 Countyline, Tenn April 28, 1899 Lynchburg, Tenn Apr 29, 1899 Fuga, Tenn May 4, 1899 Lois, Tenn May 7, 1899 Fuga, Tenn May 8, 1899 Lynchburg, Tenn May 9, 1899 Countyline, Tenn May 10, 1899 Lynchburg, Tenn May 16, 1899 Hurdlow, Tenn May 17, 1899 Robins Creek, May 18, 1899 Fuga or Hurdlow, Tenn May 19, 1899 Hurdlow, Tenn May 20, 1899 Fuga, Tenn May 25, 1899 Lynchburg, Tenn May 26, 1899 [Column 2] Chestnut Ridge, Sunday May 28, Richmond, Tenn May 29, 1899 Lewisburg, Tenn May 30, 1899 Pleasant Grove, Tenn May 31, 1899 Columbia, Tenn June 1, 1899 Duck River, Tenn June 2, 1899 Shady Grove, Tenn June 5, 1899 Duck River, Tenn June 10, 1899 Shady Grove, Tenn June 12, 1899 Swan Creek Tenn June 14, 1899 Longs Mills Tenn June 15, 1899 Hanscrock, Tenn June 16, 1899 Linden, Tenn June 17, 1899 Short Creek, Tenn June 24, 1899 Coan Creek, Tenn June 27, 1899 Linden, Tenn June 30, 1899 Brush Creek, Tenn Jul 1, 1899 Coan Creek, Tenn July 2, 1899 Linden, Tenn July 3, 1899 Horner, Tenn July 5, 1899 Whiteoak, Tenn July 12, 1899 Short Creek, Tenn July 15, 1899 Horner, Tenn Sunday July 16, 1899 Newera, Tenn July 19, 1899 Leago, Tenn July 20, 1899 Horner, Tenn July 22, 1899 Whiteoak , Tenn July 26, 1899 Culp, Tenn July 27, 1899 Cedar Creek, Tenn July 28, 1899 Horner, Tenn July 29, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tenn August 1, 1899 Horner, Tenn August 2, 1899 Cedar Creek, Tenn Aug 3, 1899 Horner, Tenn Aug 4, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tenn Aug 7, 1899 Newera, Tenn Aug 10, 1899 Cedar Creek, Tenn Aug 11, 1899 Horner, Tenn Aug 14, 1899 Short Creek, Aug 22, 1899 Horner, Tenn Aug 26, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tenn Aug 30, 1899 Horner, Tenn Sep 12, 1899 Farmers Valley, Tenn Sep 13, 1899 Herrican Creek, Tenn Sep 19, 1899 Jacks Branch, Tenn Sep 23, 1899 Linden, Tenn Sunday Sep 24, 1899 Ken, Tenn Sep 26, 1899 Kane Creek, Ten Sep 27, 1899 Lagoon, Tenn Sep 30, 1899 Sabilville, Tenn Oct 1, 1899 Lost Creek, Tenn Oct 2, 1899 Bone Spring, Tenn Oct 3, 1899 Tarripen, Tenn Oct 4, 1899 Lobelville, Tenn Oct 6, 1899 Depriest Valley, Tenn Oct 7, 1899 Lagoon, Tenn Oct 8, 1899 Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F2_p088.jpg) [Column 1] Beardstown Oct 9, 1899 Friendship Oct 12, 1899 Linden Tenn Oct 13, 1899 Horner Tenn Oct 14, 1899 Peters Landing, Tenn Oct 18, 1899 Leago, Tenn Oct 19, 1899 Newera, Tenn Oct 21, 1899 Cedar Creek Landing, Oct 11, 1899 Pope, Tenn Oct 25, 1899 Syprno, Tenn Oct 26, 1899 Marsh Creek, Tenn Oct 27, 1899 Monce Trail, Tenn Oct 29, 1899 Lick Creek, Tenn Oct 31, 1899 Rothen, Tenn Nov 1, 1899 Deer Creek, Tenn Nov 2, 1899 Spring Creek, Tenn Nov 3, 1899 Newera, Tenn November 4, 1899 Horner, Tenn November 7, 1899 Whiteoak, Tenn November 8, 1899 Cedar Creek, Tenn Novr 9, 1899 Horner, Tenn November 10, 1899 Bethel, Tenn November 11, 1899 Horner, Tenn November 13, 1899 Linden, Tenn November 15, 1899 Monce Trail, Tenn Nov 16, 1899 Toms Creek, Tenn Novr 17, 1899 Andy, Tenn November 21, 1899 Rones Creek, Tenn Nov 22, 1899 Toms Creek, Tenn Nov 23, 1899 Andy, Tenn November 24, 1899 Revard, Tenn November 29, 1899 Toms Creek, Tenn December 2, 1899 Beardstown, Tenn December 3, 1899 Centerville, Tenn Dec 5, 1899 Shady Grove, Tenn Dec 6, 1899 Duck River, Tenn Dec 7, 1899 Bingham, Tenn Dec 8, 1899 Nashville, Tenn Dec 9, 1899 Bairds Mills, Tenn Dec 13, 1899 Watertown, Tenn Dec 14, 1899 Alexandra, Tenn Dec 15, 1899 Smithville, Tenn Dec 16, 1899 Decalb, Tenn Dec 17, 1899 Decalb, Tenn. Dec. 20, 1899 Elijah, Tenn Dec 21, 1899 Sparta, Tenn Dec 23, 1899 Elijah, Tenn Dec 31, 99 Dodson, Tenn Jan 4, 1900 Sparta, Tenn Jan 9, 1900 Elijah, Tenn Jan 11, 1900 Yatestown, TennJan 13, 1900 Elijah, Tenn Jan 16, 1900 Sparta, Tenn Jan 18, 1900 Elijah, Tenn Jan 19, 1900 Bonair, Tenn Jan 23, 1900 Romona, Tenn Jan 24, 1900 [Column 2] Linaria, Tenn Jan 25, 1900 Biglick, Tenn Jan 30, 1900 Burk, Tenn Jan 3rd, 1900 Biglick, Tenn Feb 6, 1900 Burk, Tenn Feb 8, 1900 Newera, Tenn Feb 16, 1900 Hales Chapel, Tenn Feb 17, 1900 Winesap, Tenn Feb 21, 1900 Hales Chapel, Tenn Feb 23, 1900 Biglick, Tenn Feb 27, 1900 Lantana, Tenn Feb 28, 1900 Flint Cove, Tenn March 4, 1900 Winesap, Tenn Mar 6, 1900 Dodson, Tenn Mar 13, 1900 Newton, Tenn Mar 16, 1900 Winesap, Tenn Mar 22, 1900 Thos. Springs, Tenn Mar 27, 1900 Erasmus, Tenn Mar 29, 1900 Thos. Springs, Tenn Mar 30, 1900 Erasmus, Tenn March 31, 1900 Winesap, Tenn April 4, 1900 Lantana, Tenn Apr 7, 1900 Hales Chapel, Tennl April 9, 1900 Biglick, Tenn April 10, 1900 Linaria, Tenn. Apr 11, 1900 Woody, Tenn Apr 19, 1900 Clarkrange, Tenn Apr 20, 1900 Glenoby, Tenn Apr 21, 1900 Jamestown, Tenn May 3, 1900 Allardt, Tenn May 5, 1900 Jamestown, Tenn May 10, 1900 Rhodes, Tenn May 15, 1900 Glenoby, Tenn May 29, 1900 Bledsaw Stand, Tenn May 31, 1900 Bonair, Tenn June 1, 1900 Sparta, Tenn June 2, 1900 Salt Lake City, Utah .June 8, 1900 Missionary Journal of Louis Ruben Jensen April 1898 to June 1900 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p001.jpg) Don't Quit A History, Diary, and Poetry of Kirsten Marie Jensen ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p003.jpg) Don't Quit A History, Diary, and Poetry of Kirsten Marie Jensen ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p004.jpg) WRITTEN FOR MY CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN AND RELATIVES: MANY THANKS FOR YOUR HISTORIES AND THE HELP GIVEN BY AUNT BEA AUNT MINNIE JEAN ANN AUNT RUTH AND AUNT ANNIE AND ALL OTHERS WHO HAVE HELPED Compiled and finished by Verda Daw on January 20, 1988. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p005.jpg) [Picture of a woman] KIRSTEN MARIE SORENSEN JENSEN 1868 - 1973 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p007.jpg) [Photograph of a woman] GRANDMA KIRSTEN MARIE SORENSEN JENSEN Seventh child of Mads Sorensen and Kirsten Larsen. She married Louis Reuben Jensen. Their children are: Reuben Jensen Louis Ivan Jensen Doyle S. Jensen Clinton Jensen Ruby Jensen Rulon M. Jensen Hattie Jensen Ray Jensen Minnie Marie Jensen Reed Smoot Jensen Beatrice Jensen ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p009.jpg) LIFE HISTORY of KIRSTEN MARIE SORENSEN JENSEN Chapter I OUR JOURNEY TO AMERICA My parents had been saving enough money to try to come to Zion, as we called America, since they had joined the Church. In 1872, Jacob, 19 years of age; Nels, 17; Sern, 14; Sine, 11; and Hans, 6; came to America with Father's brother, Andrew. He moved to Fillmore where his sister, Anna Beauregard lived. Hans went with them to Fillmore. The other four stayed near Salt Lake where they found work. Sine lived with a lady in Salt Lake who made and sold hats, and soon learned to speak English. I remember the night in Denmark when Father brought a letter home from America. I had been asleep but I was soon awakened by the crying of my Mother. Father had brought a picture of the four oldest and was telling her how glad she should be they were all in Zion, but she said, "Little Hans is not with them in the picture." How she would read the letters over and over and how anxious they were to be united with their children. Mother was now 48 and Father was three years younger. She was straight and tall for a Danish woman. Father was shorter and stout and of sandy complexion. We were living in a little rented house. Father went to work every day, while Mother did the house work and cared for us two little girls. I was 5 and Eliza 3 when my brothers and sister sailed for America. My parents would go to all the meetings the misionaries had within walking distance. I remember Father carrying me on his back from a meeting, it was late at night and I believe I went to sleep. Nearly two years passed and another company was ready to sail for America. Father's sister had sent him $127.00 and the boys had sent all they could, but yet it was not enough. A family my parents knew were getting ready to come with that company. Mother suggested to Father to try and borrow what he lacked of Brother Madsen. Father said, "No, I don't believe he would let me have it." Father took his lunch and started for his work. I remember him soon coming back. He told Mother something seemed to say to him, "Wouldn't you do that much to get to Zion?" He had gone to the man and received the money he needed. How Mother prayed while he was gone. She could ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p010.jpg) tell by his walk that her prayers had been answered. No home was happier in Denmark. A woman came and made a new dress for mother and for us girls. She stood me on the table to try it on. We didn't have much to sell before we left, but just kept our clothing and our bedding. On June 17, 1874, we left for Zion with happy hearts. The land we were leaving was still dear to our hearts but to me, I thought of a place where I could get white bread. Someone had even told me I could have butter on it, but I thought, if I could just have white bread, I didn't want butter. My parents left all who were dear, the land of their birth, to go among strangers who spoke a different language. Mother was an only child, born when her mother was forty. Her mother lived and died in a little rock house in Korrup. She worked two days a week for her rent. Her name was Kirsten Petersen Larson. The women there worked in the fields like the men did and it was the girls and the women who milked the cows three times a day. Grandmother never joined the Church. She was a Lutheran as most of the Scandinavian people were. Mother had to say goodbye to her Mother's grave in the little village of Korrup, where her youthful, lonely days had been spent. I remember the man who came in his little cart to take us to the ship. My father's sister was sending their son, Chris Jensen, to Utah with us. He was about 14. His father went on the ship with him, showing him the cattle and hogs that were being taken over to England from Denmark. While his son was looking around, he slipped away, and when the ship began moving, I remember Chris yelling, "Where is my Father, where is my Father!" But he never saw him again. I often wonder how Mother felt, leaving her home for an unknown land and a strange language to learn. Yet her 5 children were in this country, and the leaders of the Church were there, and to the land of Freedom she was glad to go. We were in the lowest steerage in the ship. I could hear the water way above our heads as it struck against the ship. The North Sea was rough. I remember seeing the sailors throw a pig overboard. It was dead, but to me, it looked as if it were good enough to eat. I remember Father getting sea sick, but I wasn't. I just remember getting thirsty at times, as we could not have all the water we wanted. I know my parents gave us part of their ration. I can remember when we got to Liverpool, Mother carrying Eliza and holding fast to my hand, and Father carrying all we owned on his back. The young folks would laugh at such a picture and wonder why the Church would convert such old fashioned folks. But today, as I sit here in Zion under our own fig tree, for ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p011.jpg) [Three pictures appear on page with the following captions] MADS SORENSEN AND KIRSTEN LARSEN SORENSEN - 1860 Father and Mother of Kirsten Marie Sorensen Jensen, Grandma Mads Sorensen Born March 20, 1830 Viva, Aalborg, Denmark. Came to Utah in July, 1874 Hans Christian Sorensen Son of Mads Sorensen and Kirsten Larson. Born Nov. 30 1861, Dastrup, Aalborg, Denmark. Missionary; Bishop of Mt. Carmel, Utah. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p012.jpg) have eaten some this morning; from Father's humble family, I can count 57 of his grandchildren, 3 of whom have filled missions to Denmark, and many others here in our America, 15 that I know of, and several great grandchildren have filled missions. I hope all are remembering why our parents came to America, to serve the Lord. He has had grandsons in both wars, 7 of mine are now serving, some have been gone 8 years. Zion has been good to us. Our native land could never have given us such opportunities. Had the Gospel not found my parents, had they not been poor enough and humble enough, perhaps they would never have joined the church which has done so much for us all. I remember when we arrived in New York. It was July, and some boys were diving in the ocean. The Church Chronology of 1874 says: The Steamship Idaho, sailed from Liverpool, England with 810 Saints aboard, 700 Scandinavian, 110 British. The Company arrived in New York 6 July, and in Salt Lake City the 15th of July, 1874. We camped in the old Tithing Office in Salt Lake. Three of my brothers were working down in Big Cottonwood. Sern heard that the immigrants had arrived and started walking to the city to see if he could find anyone who might know his parents whom he thought were still in Denmark. When near the city, he met a man who told him his parents were at the Tithing Office. He took off his shoes and ran all the rest of the way. Among all those immigrants there was one he was hunting for more than anyone — his Mother. What a happy reunion, tears of joy. My oldest brother, Jacob, worked for a widow, Karen Saby, and married her. She had a good home and three children. Even if she was 22 years older, they were happy for several years. F.F. Hintze, where Nels and Sern worked, came with his wagon and took us out to his Father's home. His sister Camela, was with him. I could hear them talking in English as they sat in the front seat, and I wondered if I could ever learn that language. Both Mother and Father were so happy. There were their 3 oldest sons making more in one month than they could earn in a year in Denmark. My oldest sister was living in Salt Lake. I know Mother went to see her, but I can't remember seeing her till we moved to Millcreek. We lived in a little lean-to off the Hintze's old house, as they had moved into their new home. The first thing Mother wanted more than anything else was Hans, then all the family would be near her. As soon as Father got us settled, he started on foot for Fillmore, 150 miles south. He walked all the way, sometimes sleeping ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p013.jpg) a haystack at night. A few times someone gave him a few miles ride. Father saw his brother and sister and their families, but they had give Hans to a Brother Stephenson at Scipio. He was at school when Father went there, so over there my Father went. Hans knew Father and was so glad to see him. He said Father had on his Sunday suit and shirt that he had worn in Denmark. It lasted him for 25 years for Sunday best. I have traveled over that old road many times the modern way, but each time I think of a little Danish boy, holding his Father's hand as he walked, hungry, and sleeping where they could, but so happy because they were together in the land of Zion. No one recognized them or ever thought that that little 10 year old boy, walking afoot, would be going back to Denmark in 12 years as a missionary. They arrived home after dark. Mother was telling us a story by candlelight We still liked to hear her stories. Someone knocked on the door and a little sunburned boy came in, smilingly pulled off his cap and with his hands behind him, he leaned against the wall. Mother said, "er do Chrihmers alrong?" or "Are you the neighbor boy?" He said, "No, I'm Hans!" In a second, she had him in her arms, crying and kissing him. Father came in smiling and said he had sent Hans in first to see if Mother would recognize him. After a two-year mission in Denmark, Hans returned bringing with him nine immigrants, married his sweetheart, the Bishop's sister. That fall he was called to be Bishop of Mt. Carmel which office he held for 30 years, had 8 sons and daughters. Three of his children filled missions. He was accidently killed in 1925. His son is now Bishop of Orderville. Our lives were truly happy now. Father got work grubbing sagebrush and digging ditches, Mother doing all she could. Father rented a few acres in Mill- Creek. Sine was with us now and also Nels who was now twenty. He was married to Sena while we lived there, but soon moved to Sanpete County where he had five sons and three daughters. He died there very suddenly in 1897. Hans would teach us how to talk English and laugh so hard when we got it wrong. Here it was I saw my first Indian. How I did race to tell Mother. They were on horses, which were dragging poles. Mother said one was coming down the path and sure enough, I was so scared I ran out in the little stable and hid. It took a long time before I was not afraid when I saw an Indian. It was here we had our first little dog in Utah. Eliza and I had such fun with it. Father's brother's daughter lived in Panguitch. Her husband Chris, hauled freight from Salt Lake. He came to see us on one of his trips and told Father ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p014.jpg) it was easier to get land in Southern Utah and said he would haul us down there. Mother bade good-bye to her two oldest sons. Jacob, I never saw again, and Nels only twice. We moved to Panguitch and lived in a little cellar. Sine got work for Mrs. Steele. Hans herded the town cows. Sern went out to East Fork and worked until that day when he came on his fine horse and bade us good-bye, never to see his parents again. I saw him 50 years later in Phoenix when he was very ill. Sern had gone back to Denmark on a two-year mission before he married Maggie McDonald. She bore him 6 sons and one daughter. His daughter is a widow and has been living there since. When he left Panguitch he said, "I am going to Arizona to make more dollars and will come back." Mother cried as he left. Fifty years after that day my brother wired me the money for my ticket to come to him. I came to Arizona then with my baby girl. I had been a widow for 17 years. Sern said to me when we first saw each other, "You look just like Mother did the last time I saw her." And I replied, "You look just like Father if he had whiskers." Sern was wearing only a mustache, and Father had a full beard. He remembers things of long ago, when he went on his mission back to Denmark, for the first thing he did was to take his hat off and thank the Lord for helping all his family to come to America. He visited the little home where I was born in Dustrup. He talked to many people who looked down on us for being Mormons but who liked to hear about America. One day he called on a family who was out cutting grain. He went out to the fields to watch the girls tie after the reapers. After he watched, he spoke, "Let me show you how we do it in America." He picked up some grain, gave the heads a twist or two, bound a bundle and threw it aside for another. It was done so quickly the girls took up the bundle to shake it, thinking it would fall apart. When they learned it the American way, they said he would always be welcome to come again. The people liked to see his pictures of Utah although most of them were too well satisfied with their life as it was, and were not interested in the Gospel. Here I take off my hat to my parents who believed it was true at the first sermon they heard. I was at Sunday School yesterday, the Church is built on the corner of my brother's farm. He was their Bishop for 10 years, now his labor is nearly over, and he lives in the past, quoting the Scriptures he learned so long ago. Now back to our life in Panguitch. Sometimes I would get to go with Hans to herd the cows. He had a tin canteen with our water in for the day. Mother always met him and helped to take the cows to their owners and she helped him gather them in the mornings. Father worked at anything he could get. He bought ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p015.jpg) Mother a little pig and we would help her gather weeds for it and sometimes Mother would sweep out the Mill and get a little feed for him. Hans, Nels and I were baptized here on October 29, 1876. It seems that they wanted me to go first, and Mother had to coax me for a while. I started to school here. A Sister Henry was the teacher. I remember a boy had a stick sharpened and punched me until it bled. When I showed the spot to Mother, she said she would get after him, so I wasn't afraid to go back to school. Here it was that I had my ears pierced. I had sore eyes and they told Mother that having sore ears would help my eyes. Sine put a ball of yarn behind my ear, gave me some pine-gum to chew on and it was over, but they were sore a long time, and what a lot of nonsense! My Father heard about the United Order so he decided to move. It was 40 miles from Panguitch so Chris hauled us to Orderville. Sern didn't want to go there so he, in a company with others, went to Mesa, Arizona. When I came down here a month ago on the bus, over the fine roads, my, the short time it takes to travel, I saw the remains of the old Saw Mill where we camped that night 66 years ago. On down the canyon there was Orderville where my next 20 years was spent, where my parents were buried, my brother Hans, and some of his children and two of my own children were also buried there. I wish I could tell you how that town looked when we moved there. One big house, two story, with a porch all around was in the center. When I came through Kanab, at the bus stop I saw a man standing who lived in Orderville. He looked familiar, and I asked if he were Alfred Meeks and he answered, yes. Forty-six years had passed since I had seen him. "Little Alfred" we called him. His father always called him that, he was 85 years old when 'little Alfred' was born. Alfred told me that Amy Carroll had written a book about Orderville, and it is now in the State Capitol. I'll try to get it so you can see it from her eyes, but I'll tell you a little as I remember it. I believe we had beans for our first meal there. All the houses joined except at the corners of the square. A little ditch ran close by. I remember the first boy I saw there, I didn't like him because he laughed at my talk. He was dark and I learned later his name was Charlie, but he would tease us and I never learned to like him. The big kitchen and bakery on back of the big living room which was in the center of the square was where all the meals were prepared. When Brother Robertson blew the bugle, we knew it was time to eat. All the children ate at one long table. There were some women who stood behind us. One woman we all ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p016.jpg) remembered, Auntie Harmon. She saw to it that we always cleaned our tin plates of all the food, and when we were through eating, I learned to say to her, "Auntie Harmon, please, I'm done." She would nod her head and away we would go as full and satisfied as if we had sat at a Queen's table. The women took turns cooking and girls waited on the tables. A Brother Black baked all the bread. There were double fire-places — openings at each corner of the room. All our meetings were held in this room, also Sunday School. A Brother Nielsen and his wife, who had no children asked Mother to let me stay with them. He was very religious and said it was wicked to kiss him on the mouth, but I could kiss his forehead. He made white-wash brushes out of a weed called ooze. It grew in flat, hard leaves on the hills. He had a board with a sharp nail driven through and he would sit and pull the leaves until they were in strings on the nails. Then he would bind them together and, there our paint brush was done. The only paint we had was lime. He'd put a handle on it and it would make a good brush. Father worked in the fields, digging ditches mostly. Every time it rained, the town ditch along the hills would fill and run over. I told you we lived there for 20 years and not a well there. But for many years now, they have the springs up where we used to call the calf pasture, these springs are piped into town and it is modern in every way. No wonder there used to be such a lot of sickness and fever. Now everything is modern, even the cemetery across the valley looks green instead of the sage we used to see. They would always have prayer before the morning and evening meals. One evening I remember some of the people were crying. Mother told me Brigham Young had died that day, August 29, 1877. I had seen him once while we lived in Panguitch. Mother told me he was our Church President. What a wonderful man he was! We had a fine Sunday School, Brother Claridge was our Superintendent. The first song I learned was, 'Lo, a Temple Long Expected, in St. George Shall Stand.' Mother told me they would soon have it finished and she hoped she could go there. They had gone through the Endowment House before leaving Salt Lake, also my brother Sern had gone to the Endowment House and he said to me, "The Covenants I made that day have kept me going for all my life, I have never forgotten that day." And he said that he had kept them sacred. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p017.jpg) My first school in Orderville was in a bowery south of the big house. A Brother Marshall, who had a stiff leg, was our teacher. He would let us take turns in ringing the bell. Some of the boys could tell you stories of how they ran away from him when he wanted to punish them. I only had to stand in the corner on one leg once, for not getting my lesson. We had planks for seats, no desks. When winter came we would meet in a shop or in the old dining room. Later a schoolhouse was built. Hans could help me spell and we had a slate to write on. Only once I spelled my whole class down in a spelling bee, and how they all clapped. Carma Porter and I were the last up. Eliza, my baby sister, was put in the barrel one day, which was another form of punishment. But we were all happy. We all dressed alike in homemade clothes. Zina Young, Mirinda Black, and others did the spinning and weaving. They colored the yarn and wove it into good cloth for our dresses. They were good and warm. I can't remember of ever having a coat. We also had homemade soap. Brother Fackrell was the head man in making soap. I can still remember how my hair got stuck so Mother couldn't comb it because she put sticky gum with the grease in it. Brother Meeks made combs of horns, they would last forever but would pull our long hair. Thomas Blackburn was the head of the shoe shop. A pair of shoes would last a year as we went barefoot in the summer. I had to sleep with one shoe on all night as I couldn't untie or break the buckskin string. Warner Porter and others had the carpenter shop. I still have a chest that was made there 64 years ago. Our big celebration was the 24th of July. Orderville had a fine band. They would practice often around the Liberty Pole in the center of the town. Here we would gather around to listen and have fun. I still remember Henry Ammon, he would beat the snare drum; John Carling, the base drum; Lars Jensen, the piccolo; and Brother Butler was their leader. His oldest son, William, was a good drummer and we learned a verse about him which we would sing: William Ira beat the drum, William Ira Dandy, William Ira beats the drum with a pocket full of candy. I never saw any candy there, only that was made of molasses. On the 24th of July the band would be up early so we all would not want to miss anything. Soon after the bugle call, the parade would form. Each group would carry a banner. One group was headed by Joseph Allen, it was the Mormon Battalion. Another, Brother Palmer headed, etc. What pleased me most was that the boys all dressed up carrying the banner, 'Youth of Zion, Strength of Israel.' ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p018.jpg) And the girl's banner was 'Daughters of Zion, Pride of Israel.' They would march in the hall carrying their banners and each leader was given a part on the program. I'll bet Brother Carling had spent a long time painting and lettering those banners. He was the finest artist we had. He had 10 daughters who were above the average in doing fine things. They were the best singers we had too. He had a shop run by water power, where he made fine little toys, all useful articles, wooden tubes, wooden buckets, wash bowls, brooms, painted pictures, and he would always bear a good honest testimony. His three sons were fine singers too, all made a real success of their opportunities. Many of the daughters married in polygamy and not better families could be found. Just last winter, I met a fine looking woman at Relief Society at Ririe where I was visiting. She looked like her Aunt Ellen and I said to her, "Are you from Orderville?' She answered that she was born there and I asked her if she were John Carling's daughter. "Yes, I am the third one." They had moved to Mexico where she met her future husband. He is now the Seminary teacher for the Rigby School. That is the kind all the Carling descendants turned out to be. Another kind, fine man was our Bishop, Howard Spencer, Brother Carling's son-in-law. What a good, kind father he was. We children would gather around the big house, and he would give us all a piece of dried deer meat. I'll never forget the prayer he offered at the close of a meeting where Apostle John M. Smith and John W. Taylor had been speaking. I guess they had been telling us what kind of saints we should be, I can't recall what they said. But after the singing by the choir, he dismissed the meeting and as I remember, he first thanked the Lord for the good meeting and said, "Oh, Lord, make something of us if you can, Amen." I can still see Brother Smith laughing after the benediciton. Bishop Chamberlain, another of Brother Carling's sons-in-law, was a fine man. He had the largest family in Orderville, his 45th child was named Utah. Now something happened that took us away from Orderville for two years. The order had purchased some land near Washington there, a cotton factory had been built. It had a big advantage for the people to get cloth made by machinery, therefore, several families were called to go down there. My parents were one of those called. We still lived in the Order and ate at the big table. We were six days on the trip where now they go through the tunnel at Mt. Carmel and get to St. George in time to go through the temple at 8 in the morning. Hans drove the cows. Here I had my first horseback ride. We had camped for the evening and Hans came riding up on his horse. I asked him to let me ride. He helped me on the horse, told me how to hold the bridle and say "Get ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p019.jpg) up." I did not know he was going to play a joke on me. The horse jumped, Hans was behind me with a willow, I clung to the horse and Father, getting afraid of me falling, started running after the horse. The horse could outrun Father though and when Father finally gave up, the horse stopped and I got off in a hurry. The sand was so deep he stood still until I caught him by the bridle and led him back. Mother often told me she never saw anyone laugh like that crowd did, all but Father. But when they asked me if I wanted another ride I would just walk away. I remember the Black Ridge where all the wagon wheels were locked and we all walked while going down. Father made a shack of willows where we slept. They built a two-room basement, one room was the Palmers bedroom and the other was our kitchen where we all ate. Sister Palmer had her 12 babies here. We always sang and prayed at night before we ate. Henry Ammon would lead the singing. Sometimes Joe Crofts, another young man, would nudge him or say something and he would sing flat. Brother Palmer's second wife died at Orderville so his 5 children came to live with Aunt Sally. She was as good a wife as I ever saw, cooked, sewed for all that family and all the rest of us. Of course Mother and Sister Nielson, Lettie Cox and others would help, but she had the responsibility. Mary Etta Crofts was our school teacher. We had a willow shade and one or two books, she would have us read and spell. I spent my 10th birthday there and I was so happy. I had learned to knit the American way, the yarn in my right hand, how I did try. Emma Palmer was my best teacher and I got so I could knit my stockings as fast as she. I thought I was really smart. We would measure the cotton yarn, tie a loop knot and away we'd knit. That fall there were 12 boys and girls sent from Orderville to pick cotton. Among them was my future husband. His father had moved to Orderville after we were sent to the cotton farm. I fell in love with him as soon as I saw him. I had him picked out from the whole lot. I believe another girl did too, as she had him the first Sunday. They were expecting another wagon from Orderville that afternoon. We were all outside and the boys and girls were pairing off to go hand in hand. Emma Palmer was over by my Reuben, Milo had his girl, Binnie had one that came from Orderville. I was about the last girl picked out. Emma or someone said, "You can come with Hi Eldridge, but I just tossed my head and went home. That night they were still in pairs. Emma still had Reuben cornered. I remember them saying something and I replied, "Don't they think they are smart," and she said I was just jealous. Eight years after that, I married him, over ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p020.jpg) those enticings of others who thought he was tops, and he was. He was good natured fun, clean fun. One day, while we were resting after lunch, the boys wanted to cross the River. That old river would change its course, muddy at times, and it was all we had to drink. No wonder the chills and fever. I hearn Sister Porter tell Binnie not to wade across, he was her baby and she was very careful of him. My Reuben offered to carry him on his back across while all the rest waded. When in the middle of the stream he stumbled, how Binnie did cling to him, but they were both knocked under. I always did know that stumble was a put-on. That was the Virgin River and could be high some- times. Binnie was sent home for dry clothes while my hero worked in his wet ones all afternoon. What fun we had, fighting mosquitoes around the fire, playing Run Sheep Run and other fun games. Sometimes we had a melon but not once in my life did I ever see anyone smoke while at the Cotton Farm or all the years I lived in Orderville. Where else can you you find a village of 500 and never smell tobacco? Orderville was just O. K. for us youngsters. I will tell you about a wonderful Mother and that Mother was mine. Kirsten Larson Sorensen was born March 8, 1827, in Korrup, Denmark. I never remember her saying anything about her father. She was an only child, born when her mother was forty. She lived in a little rock house with her mother who worked 2 days every week for the landlord to pay for her rent. Mother was straight and had dark hair, the most beautiful woman I ever saw, to me. She married Mads Sorensen who was born March 29, 1830, in 1850; they were both Lutherans, so was her mother. Their 8 children were all born in Denmark. Their first son died there in infancy. Mother was about 41 when I was born. She was always good natured, never saw one so kind to everybody. Even the Indians found something to eat when they would come begging. Auntie Ina Corrall would always get a piece of butter every Sunday from mother. Her little room joined Mothers when the order broke up. Father left that shack there till she died. She could tell us cat stories, for her cat was all she had, though she helped raise her husband's second wife's 7 children. One day Mother found her dead. She had been cooking her breakfast over the fireplace. She had often said to Mother, "Don't let me lay long when I drop off." Mother was frightened but glad to have found her first. The first temple in Utah was dedicated in 1877 in St. George. What a blessing for Father and Mother that they were called to live at the Cotton Farm not many miles from the temple. In 1878 my Mother and Hans, who was only 14, worked there for all the names they had. Father went through for his 2 brothers, ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p021.jpg) [Two photographs on the page have the following captions] KIRSTEN PEDERSEN and CHRISTIAN JENSEN With Child KIRSTEN LARSEN (Grandma Marie's Mother) Kirsten Larsen, Grandma's Mother ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p022.jpg) but he couldn't speak English very well so they let Hans do the Temple work for the men. We girls stayed with Father at the Cotton Farm. Eliza and I went over there once with Ed Palmer to take some provisions for Mother and Hans. They rented a little room not far from the Temple. Mother would go out washing on the days she was not in the Temple, not much to eat or keep house with. Yet they stayed there until all her names were finished that she had any record of. Her little son never forgot his sacred work there. I wonder if Mother could not see into the future and know he would be the only one with her holding her hand when she died. I must tell you what a misionary she was. When this son went on his misison to Denmark, he was there over two years. During that time, she was busy visiting the people in 8 little towns in our valley, telling them of the poor conditions the saints lived in where her son was. An old man, who had a good home, was the first to save $75.00 to send for a house-keeper. A Sister Larsen, with an only daughter, agreed to come and marry him and send for her daughter later. I must say what she thought of him at first sight. We had taken her to see him, mother, little Ivan, who was born while Hans was on his mission, and me. Mother was the interpreter. The old man was so glad to see her he almost cried and he stuttered a bit. She said in Danish, "No tak ye vill sike ha hem." He said, to Mother, "What did she say?" When he found it was "No, thanks, I won't have him," he said, "Very well, go and earn the money and pay me back and I'll send for another." She went and worked for Brother Esplin for 8 months, then came over and told Mother to tell Hodnett she wanted to marry him. Hans took them to the St. George Temple and they were happily married. Father had sent $75.00 for his sister's immigration but she would not come as her husband wouldn't come, they were old. So Hans let another old maid come. She had taken care of a little boy, Emmanuel, who a Mrs. Jolly sent for. When the boy was taken to Mt. Carmel, he couldn't understand them and cried so they came up after her and she went to care for him. A Brother Jolly had lost his wife. He fell in love with her and married her, paid Father the $75.00. He had also sent for a 14 year old boy, so it was good for them both to be together. One of the girls the Primary sent for lived with me till her folks came. She has a good husband, fine home and family. The little girl, Christine, Sister Fackrell sent for, married the Bishop's son, had 8 daughters, was a good mother. She died in Idaho a few years ago. All the others turned out well. A few years ago I was in Salt Lake to Primary Conference and I met one of the boys. He had a good job, was married and glad to be in Utah. So the nine immigrants who my brother brought with him were in Zion all because a little Danish woman would ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p023.jpg) [an image appears on page] MADS SORENSEN AND KIRSTEN LARSEN SORENSEN Their children are: Soren Christian Sorensen Jacob Sorensen Nels Miller Sorensen Soren christian Sorensen Sine Sorensen Hans Christian Sorensen Kirsten Marie Sorensen Eliza Sorensen ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p024.jpg) walk for days pleading in her broken English for someone to send for a poor immigrant. She was a real missionary. My Father, Mads Sorensen, was born March 29, 1830, in Veve, Denmark, son of Sern Hansen and Sene Andersen. He was sturdy and strong built, always doing the hard work, digging ditches, grubbing sagebrush, after he came to America. He used to dig pete, we called it turro, from the lowlands. They would cut it like dobies. It was cut from large holes in the swamps, then it was dried for fuel. I remember helping Mother turn it over to dry. That was to burn in the winter, it was the poor people's firewood. Sometimes they used it as a roof for their house. I can never remember my Father kissing me, although I know he did. We were not a kissing family. My brother kissed me last night when I said good night to him. We all had faults. Father had a few, but not bad ones. I believe his parents were a little stern or cross and Father leaned a little that way. I never saw him whip any of his children, though he hit me one day on the skirt with a cane stalk. I thought it was terrible though it didn't hurt a bit. He set us a good example, was a true, blue Mormon. I never saw him taste anything forbidden in the Word of Wisdom. He always went to his meetings. I sometimes wonder how he was so willing to go when he could not understand all that was said. He never forgot his prayers, would kneel alone if he ever came after we were in bed and prayed out loud. He was willing to do what he was asked to do while living at the Cotton Farm. His legs would get big ulcers. He had a bad rupture, always wore a truss. It made him sore, no wonder he was a little cross at times. When his old body was wearing out, how glad he was when we'd go to see him. One day I was down there, his 4 room house was always so neat and clean. His brass milk bucket was shining in the sun. Father went out, I was talking to Mother, and my two little boys, how Father did love them. I stepped out into the room that was little used and there was Father on his knees. He said, "Marie, I'm praying." I was so touched, and I just stepped out, couldn't say a word. Poor old Father, stiff and old, heavy with dropsy, yet willing to get down on his knees and thank his Father in Heaven for all his loving kind- ness to him. Today as I sit here with my brother who has lived 20 years longer than you did, I pay tribute to you, my Father, whom we did not always understand. But you lived the Gospel and set us an example we never forget. From the day he was baptized, he never tasted tea, coffee, tobacco, liquor; was always true and kind to Mother, leaned on her as she was quick to understand and always decided right. God Bless His Memory. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p025.jpg) Chapter II BACK TO ORDERVILLE FROM THE COTTON FARM After two years, how glad we were to get back to Orderville. We had a good school and a house to meet in. Now my schooling really began. Willard Carrol and L. Porter were our teachers, afterward, Edward Webb. What a splendid teacher he was. We studied all in one room, but later we separated and had more rooms. The Young Ladies had started their meetings. How I longed to be old enough to join. Now a Primary was to be started, I'll never forget that. Two ladies from Salt Lake came, Eliza R. Snow and Zina D. H. Young. How we listened and looked at these finely dressed women. I heard Sister Snow speak in tongues. A girl next to me began to titter and I poked her for I was really interested. The Interpretation was given by Sister Young. We were so excited to have a meeting of our own. Sally Palmer, her sister, Lydia Young, and Sister Fackrell were our leaders. Will Young was called to be Secretary and I, his assistant. He let me do most of the writing. That was a big help to me. I was Primary student and teacher till I was married. I helped get all the entertainments and made enough to have one little immigrant girl sent from Denmark. One New Year's Eve, we were to have a play. Sister Young had written it for us. Her husband and part of his family had moved to Mexico. She said she would get the money some way to pay for her ticket and sure enough, that very next day, she had it. The mail carrier brought a letter from her father-in-law who sent it from Salt Lake. Her prayers had been answered. How we all loved her and the wonderful lesson in faith and prayer I shall never forget. I still remember the little cedar tree where Vina Carrol, Chastie Covington, and I used to go every day to say our secret prayers. Each one had her place, all clean, where each would pray. Old Orderville was good to us, in work and play and religion. We braided our own hats and also for others, of straw. When I braided 10 yards, a days work, I would get 20¢ credit. The girls would get credit for spinning. What a family, what a happy family! ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p026.jpg) FROM HAND SPINNING AND WEAVING TO THE WOOLEN FACTORY Before I was married, Orderville had a factory, run by water power, and a spinning wheel that would draw out 200 threads at a time. Brother Porter ran our spinner. It was located up the little River about 5 miles. A Brother McClelland from England was the head man. They wove the cloth, made bats for quilts, yarn for stockings and other things. Brother Cochrans knew how to thread and run the looms. I was one of the first girls to work there. Sylvia Meeks, Clara Esplin and other girls worked there too. We got paid in the things we made. Brother Chamberlain owned the farm it was on and the Hidden Lake, a round blue Lake, with a stream always running from it. If that lake were here in this Valley, the owner would soon be a millionaire. Today here in Arizona, it is 100°. The last time I drove around Hidden Lake there was a race track all around it, a dance pavillion and hundreds of trees all around. Some of the finest apples grew there then. My brother Hans worked there for Brother Chamberlain before he left for his mission. Brother Chamberlain bought Hans' fine team of horses when he left, for $300.00. I often wonder why the Order broke up. Several families had moved away, some said they were given permission to do so. My father-in-law and his second wife moved to Provo Bench. Agnes had 5 children when she married him and now has two little girls by Brother Jensen. Reuben's mother stayed in Orderville, although her husband left with his second wife. She was quite sickly and had the most beautiful hair. Reuben, Annie, Frank, Rhoda, Emma, and her baby, Sammy were there. Sammy died before he could walk. Reuben was a carpenter and learned the trade from Dillie Webb. The money they used for lumber was made of pasteboard, round like a milk bottle cap, and stamped with the amount of value. I believe Brother Carling made it and it was our means of trade. Reuben had saved enough to buy material for a three room house and porch. I believe it was the first built after things were divided up. I was 16 then. I spent the next 6 months in Fillmore and gave Reuben a chance to let some others win him, but how glad I was he didn't even try. FILLMORE IN 1884 My Uncle had long red whiskers, they said he had married a second wife, a widow, Mrs. Day. They said she had gone back another way, Uncle Sam was making it hot for the polygamists. I was a little surprised to see them drink coffee. It was when we stopped one night with some of their friends in Sevier County. When the lady offered me coffee, Aunt said so quickly, "Oh, she doesn't drink ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p027.jpg) coffee, she's from Orderville." I guess I was a little peeved, for I thought she was making fun of the little town I thought was the best place on earth. But, I had a secret she didn't know. That summer under an apple tree, I had made a promise with the Lord. I had been told I would go blind by a traveling Doctor unless I had something done. I knew the Lord would heal me so I promised him if he would save my sight, I would never taste tea or coffee again. That was 61 years ago. I still have my eyesight and I have kept my promise. But in many other ways I've failed. The Lord has surely been good and patient with me. Father had another brother and his family in Fillmore. How I did enjoy my visit with them. Hans came to see his cousins, was there the day I was 17. I was working for Joe Ray's wife as I wanted some pretty dresses before going home. Hans came down to see me, he had spent the evening with Auntie. We walked down eight blocks to see her, but she wasn't home so we spent the evening with Antone. He lived with his sister, Sine. She was sitting nursing her baby. Soon the middle door opened and here came my Aunt, she caught me around the waist and began dancing around the room. I still didn't realize it was a surprise party for me until I saw the room full of relatives, the first ever party I had ever had. I was so happy but so tired. Shall I tell you why I was so tired? A tragedy happened across the street where Mrs. Ray's sister lived. The day before Young Huntsman, her husband came over to borrow the ramrod, saying a crowd was going rabbit hunting about 3 that afternoon and he was going with them. That afternoon word came that young Huntsman had been shot by William Y. King, later a U. S. Senator. It seems that 6 of them were in a wagon together on the way home when they saw a rabbit. King had said, "Let me shoot it." Huntsman, in the front seat, fearing it would get away was just raising to shoot when King, in the back seat, fired his gun. Huntsman was shot in the head and died on the way home. And that day, the day I turned 17, I went over and washed all the bloody clothes. He was a fine fellow. His brother married my cousin Francis. But the saddest thing of all was young King, a fine attorney, how sad, sorry, and pitiful he was to think of what he had done. What a sad funeral they had. My Uncle was sent to the prison later on, just after the birth of his first son. Many other fine men did the same instead of giving up their families. The life of a polygamist was hard. Today that son is now mayor of Fillmore. Hans went home on his horse and I stayed on until April. How happy I was to again see my loved ones. I still have the only letter Reuben wrote me while I was in Fillmore. I only wrote one to him, but he was still tops with me. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p028.jpg) While I worked, I was lucky to get $1.00 a week. But yes, I had my fine dresses to go home with. My cousin Stella made them for me. There was a red one, a black velvet one, and a striped one. Girls were wearing bustles then, but I didn't wear one. That summer was a happy one. While I was away, Reuben's sister had got married, also two other couples, all in our crowd. Reuben had his new house built and had some nice furniture. His mother, a fine little English woman was living with her four children, and I had a fine brother and sister who had a little home, good garden, good cow, and Father was beginning to get a start. Hans and I worked most of the time. Summer passed happily. Annie and her new husband were living in the new home. She was a fine little girl, and I used to go over and see her. She could make the best salt-rising bread. We were happy and our Church duties were never forgotten. One evening Reuben said, "Why not get married?" I found in his pocket a braid of hair, my curl, the one he had stolen when I was Queen of the May the year before. He had carried it in his pocket since. I still have that braid in my Memory Box. MY WEDDING DAY One morning my Father came in and said to me, "Marie, I have just given you away, now don't ever come back and say you are sorry." Bishop Esplin lived across the street. He said to Reuben as he was passing, "What did the old man say?" "He said yes, now what do you say?" after he made the Bishop think he was in earnest, he gave us a recommend to be married in the Temple. I had a few quilts, but we didn't have shower as they do now. A Brother Harmon, who was sent from Orderville to be a Temple worker, was up there on a visit. He and a Miss Ella Segmiller, who lived at upper Kanab, went with us to St. George to be married. We had some potatoes and other vegetables in the wagon for Brother Harmon. The first day we girls got lost. While crossing the creek below the dugway, the wagon went down in quicksand and we said we'd walk up the hill while Reuben and Brother Harmon got the wagon out. We kept on walking and when we got to the forks of the road we took the wrong road. We were getting thirsty and finally sat down in the sand. I went to sleep and here came Reuben. He saw our tracks when he came to the forks and left the team and followed. How we all laughed! I guess he thought then I needed someone to keep me on the right track. How proud I was of him. When we were at one camping place he said that he thought ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p029.jpg) LOUIS REUBEN JENSEN AND KIRSTEN MARIE SORENSEN Married 18 of December, 1885, In the St. George Temple. It took two weeks to make the trip From Orderville to St. George and back to Orderville. They went in a wagon and camped along the way. THEY SURELY HAVE LEFT US A GOOD HERITAGE. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p030.jpg) he would get something for me. A big hawk was way up on a limb, he fired, and it fluttered and came to the ground. We were married the 18th of December 1885. And I have never had the occasion to tell Father I was sorry. Ella stayed with her relatives and we went home alone. It took a week to go over to St. George and a week to get back to Orderville. One night we camped near where Brother Berry and his wife were killed by Indians some years before. The mules began to snort that night, and I said to Reuben, "They can smell Indians." I thought I could too, but it was the grain that they had sniffed, Reuben told me that anyway and I took his word for it. Always I have found he was right. This morning when I lay looking at the stars, wishing, wondering, why some things have happened, I said to myself, "Heaven holds all the blessings for which we sigh and will reveal to us what we now can only understand." We arrived home safely and I then was called by a new name, Sister Jensen. I will have to tell you the song my sister and I sang the next Sunday in M. I. A. meeting. Eliza was a very good alto. I could sing a little but nothing like she could, but we often sang together. Here is the song: You have told me that you loved me And your heart thoughts seem to speak, As you look on me so fondly, While the life blood tints your cheek. May I trust that there were feelings Never will grow cold and strange, But that you will remain unaltered, In this weary world of change, When the shades of care and sorrow, Dim my eyes and cloud my brow, And my spirit sinks withing me, Will you love me then as now? Though our youth pass by so fondly, In a peaceful happy home, But as year on year advances, Changes will upon us come, For the step will lose its lightness, And the hair will change to gray, Eyes once bright give up their brightness, And the hopes of youth decay, When all these have passed upon me, And old age has touched my brow, Will the change find you unchanging, Will you love me then as now? Little did I think that night that my sweetheart would only live with me for 23 years, but such busy and happy years we had together. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p031.jpg) We had been home but a few days when three of my cousins from Fillmore came, I was still at Mother's. As there was not room enough for Reuben, he stayed with his folks. So the next ten days while they were there, I was a young girl again. But we had a good time. Reuben would try to talk Danish, always full of fun and making others happy. We had supper one night, which we called "My Wedding Supper." Antone, my cousin, gave me 6 plates, that was the size of my presents, but we were not used to any gifts and I thought that was really a big gift. Mother kept us all eating and happy. I seemed to be one of them. Just after they left, Father said to me, "Now you are married Marie, you had better go with your husband." I wanted to do that, and yet, I wonder if every girl feels as I did leaving my happy home to enter another, sad and sweet, too. Such wonderful memories I have of that summer. During the next few months I wove my rag carpet. Sister Young had a loom. I'd go out to her place and weave. I embroidered some pillow cases too. And I still went to Primary and was a counselor in M. I A. I soon had a secret to tell. How I enjoyed sneaking away from Rhoda and Emma, Reuben's young sisters, and sew on those first little things. We lived in the same house, each had two rooms. Frank was 14, a fine fellow. One day I heard him say to his Mother, she was hard of hearing and we all talked loud to her, "Mother, you pray so long, I wear my knees out." Reuben and Frank would work together building barns and houses, a school house and the church house. Many of the dwelling houses in that valley he built. To this day, the Church House is being used and the home he built, both kept up and are in good condition. On the 2nd of November, my first son was born. It was Saturday, Reuben was away building a barn. I was in pain so I went up to Mothers. I was cold and chilled all day. Reuben came home, Sister Meeks, a midwife, came, and the Bishop and elders administered to me. But poor mother realized something was not going well at all. The Bishop blessed him and gave him the name of his Father, Reuben, but he died at birth, my first great sorrow. Mother went home, woke Hans, and crying said, "Marie's baby is dead." He hurried to me, stood talking a few minutes and fell across the bed. It was the only time I ever saw him faint. When I was well again, I asked Reuben, "Why can't I go back to school?" So I did. I was busy, took part in plays. We gave Uncle Tom's Cabin and several others. Weeks passed into months and spring came. This year the Deputy Marshall made raids in our valley trying to find all who had more than one wife. My Mother-in-law had gone north for the summer, so I had all the house. One day ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p032.jpg) I was sitting alone with the door open, when two strange men came to the door and said, "We'd like to phone to Salt Lake." Ours was the only phone in the town. Their message was, "What have you done today?" That was just sent to Kanab, 20 miles away, and they sent it by wire to Salt Lake. I knew our former Bishop, Howard Spencer had gone to Salt Lake to work. They had been trying to arrest him for years. When a boy of 18, he refused to give hay to the U.S. Troops, who came to Utah, for feed for their horses. He had been hired to protect that hay. Major Pike had struck this young fellow over the head with his gun and left him for dead. Years after, when Pike was killed on the streets of Salt Lake, they laid the blame to Howard Spencer or Porter Rockwell. The two strangers took the chairs I offered them, to wait for the answer. I took my tin cup and said, "Excuse me, I must go across the street and get some yeast." I heard the one fellow pull up his chair to the door as he sat watching. I just stood in Sister Esplin's door so he could see me hand her the cup, and I said in a whisper. "Run and tell Persis and Emma Spencer to hurry and get away." Clarence Fackrell, who was there, ran out the back door to tell them. I came back home with my yeast. The men stayed an hour, no answer, so they went. Then came this message to Brother Spencer's family, "Uncle Howard was arrested today, act at once." Reuben was home when the men came back. They said, "We found by searching the Spencer house that there were two families living in it, but we found the house empty." How relieved I was, I had seen them driving along the black ridge in the wagon, free from the watchful men. Brother Spencer went to trial, but came back a free man. How happy we all were! One day when I was up to Mothers, Hans came in with a letter from Box B, Salt Lake City. He handed it to me, saying, "What does this mean?" It was calling him to go to Denmark on a mission. I can still see how happy Mother looked. I helped him answer that letter, saying he could go at once. He was the first unmarried man called. I told you how he sold his team. He kissed us all good-bye, his sweetheart was there at Mothers too. How we loved him, but Mother knew her prayers had been answered. Her son was going back to our native land with a message that had brought so much comfort to her. I was happy in my little home, we had a good garden plenty of milk, and plenty of work. Frank and his Mother bought another little home near us. My baby sister, Eliza, was married just two years after I was, to Fernando Fackrell, so Mother and Father were alone. It was nearing winter again. Reuben came home one day with our first clock, what a beauty! ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p033.jpg) On January 20, 1888, my son, Louis Ivan, was born. How I longed for that day and to hear his first cry. Some of the women said Mother looked worse than I did after it was over, but I had a baby, a perfect baby! The first night I dreamed that his father in his sleep, threw his hand and struck him. I awoke with a terrible fear and would never go to sleep till after he was asleep and I would put Ivan over so we would not smother him. If we had only known that babies could sleep better alone, how much easier it is now. We thought we shoud nurse and rock them whenever they fussed. I sent for Mrs. Bowes one day saying my baby was sick. As soon as she came in, she said, "Let me see him nurse." She laughed saying, "As long as a baby can nurse like that, nothing ails him." I must have made it miserable for his father at times, for I forgot him and lived only for our baby. Mother always loved him and would say, "Bitty Ivan." I now had something to do. I quit going to Primary, but was chosen President of the Y. L. M. I. A. Reuben was away that winter, working and building. Ivan was growing. I had Mother near me. A young man wanted to board with me and go to school. One night I dreamed he came in my bedroom. I had Ivan in my arms, on the outside of me, in bed. He came in and said, "Don't say a word or I'll kill you kid." I awoke trembling, thought it was a warning to me and although he had never said or done a thing out of the way, he did get another place to stay and we were happy alone. A couple from Salt Lake, quite an old gray man with a young wife and two children, lived in part of the house that next summer. They were keeping away from the deputies, who had sent two of our best men from Orderville to prison, Brother Chamberlain and Brother Covington. One day after conference was out, Apostle Taylor called to see Sister Bardswell. I also shook hands with him. After he was gone, she said, "I used to go with him. When I saw him last, he met me at the gate to the tabernacle, I had my baby in my arms. He asked me who the father was, and I could not tell him then, but today he saw him." She wondered if she had chosen right, I'll bet. Many years after while we were at conference in Salt Lake, we saw the little house she lived in, now she was a widow. That little baby was almost grown, said her mother had gone to her days work. The rich man she married, they said did not leave her very much at his death, but perhaps it was alright anyway. When Hans returned from his mission, he brought Ivan a pretty jersey suit, beautiful, from Denmark. How fine he did look in that little red suit with the gold buttons, he called them. Little did I dream he would one day pass through ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p034.jpg) school, graduate from Law College of Chattanooga, and all through the years make good in his profession and still never forget his religion. He is now stake clerk, and has been for thirty years. Reuben and Hans bought George Hicks farm near Carmel. We sold our little house in Orderville, what we got for it was part payment on the farm. Hans and his sweet wife lived in two rooms and we in the other two. That winter her first son was born, the day she was 18. What a beautiful son and how happy we all were, especially Mother. Could she and Father see him now, they would be prouder still, for he is now Bishop of Orderville. Father wanted to be near and work with Hans. Reuben had taken a contract to build a large home for Hicks in Orderville as payment on the farm. So we moved up to Orderville and lived in Mother's home that summer, and they lived with Hans. How happy I was! I had not been to Church for some weeks. My sister came and said for me to go to Church that night. I was feeling fine so went, but I was taken sick that night. Sister Bowers came early Monday morning, 14 April, 1890, and my sweet little Doyle was born. He was so sweet and fair. Last February as I saw him in his casket, still beautiful, I thought no one in death ever looked so beautiful. No one that I ever knew lived a better life, filled two missions, was a stake worker, and had one of the best wives I ever knew, and ten fine children, and yet had to leave them all. He was killed 13 February, 1945, falling off a haystack. God moves in a mysterious way, His will be done. We lived in Orderville all summer, my two sons growing, and getting sweeter every day. I still found time to work in M. I. A., was a Sunday School teacher and had a fine class of boys. How they liked Doyle and wanted to hold him while I taught. Leonard Cox was one of them. As I left to come down here to Arizona, he was dying at his big ranch in Shelley. They said not to come down. That little boy who has a fine family, came to Idaho with his wife and $200, has accumulated more land and sheep than any man in the Snake River Valley, and yet would give it all if death could have been kept away. All of that Sunday School Class is scattered now and here I sit at 77, watching my poor brother as he lays asleep, wondering when Death, the kind old nurse, will come and rock him to sleep. Reuben built us a house on the farm. Father sold his home in Orderville and moved down with Hans, who had been called to be bishop of Mt. Carmel. We found plenty of work, but enjoyed it. We were in need of a little money in M. I. A., so decided to take a play over to Kanab, 'Uncle Tom's Cabin.' I took part, even little Doyle was in it, riding on the fellows back who was getting him away. Reuben's sister, Rhoda, had the part of Topsy. She was a good actress, so was ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p035.jpg) Reuben and Frank. She made a big hit, got a job in Kanab, and in April, John Rider, who was some years older, came over to ask her Mother if she could be his bride. They were married. She died last fall leaving 8 fine children. It was summer again, and I went for a swim in the little duck pond we had built. The next morning, my Clinton was born, 29 June, 1892. Three fine sons now and he was the cutest little fellow. We had all been talking of the Salt Lake Temple being dedicated, 6 April, 1893. Reuben was planning on going. We had a fine buggy and old Curly, our buggy horse. I didn't want to go as I had to leave the two little fellows, but he persuaded me. I'll never get over thinking about those two little boys, although their Grandmother was so good to them. And yet I would not do it again. Good little Clinton was my comfort, eight months old now and as sweet a baby as I ever knew. That was a hard trip, snow on the divide, but we got through. On the 9th of April, our stake went through the wonderful Dedicatory Service. Grand- ma Jensen took care of the baby, Clinton. How little then did I dream when I held him to my breast that he would now be a Bishop in Montana. Reuben went home, took his sister, while I stayed in Provo where I attended the first M. I. A. course put on by our Church. Maria Porter and her sister Amanda Palmer also came and Sister Palmer cared for our babies. We did that because I was President of Young Ladies and it was our duty, we thought. I was there a month, that was the length of each term. I'd dream of being home but thought I was doing my duty. Little Doyle had the croup while I was away, but no one told me until I arrived home. I found them all well. I was the happiest woman on earth to get back to them again. (Now we will go to Grandma, Marie Jensen's Diary, then we will finish this history at the end of the Diary. There will be some duplication, but the spirituality in her Diary will be well worth telling some of her stories again.) ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p036.jpg) Chapter III PRIVATE JOURNAL OF KIRSTEN MARIE SORENSEN JENSEN October 20, 1893 We had our Relief Society Party this evening, but it proved to be no Relief Party to my sister and me. F. wounded her feelings severely, she confided her troubles to me and I was a sharer in her sorrow. My spirit was weighed down by knowing how she felt, and I could not enjoy our Party. A pretty good program was carried out. They wanted my husband and I to sing. He came down by the door where I was sitting to accompany me to the stand, and I stepped in front of him to go, when I felt someone pull at my arm. I gave a quick jerk, not thinking what I did, and it offended him, and it was enough to offend any man, for his wife to jerk from him when he wanted to take her arm. He took his seat and I could not get him to sing. Just imagine my feelings to know I had hurt the feelings of my dearest friend, and afraid others would know it too! I can't imagine what possessed me to give that little pull, for I felt so well toward him, but I felt hateful to think how my sister's husband would treat her and I believe that was why I did it. You see I thought I had no need of guarding myself very much, for I did not think I would offend anyone that I felt so well toward, and I was thinking more of others than watching and guarding myself. I will take warning from this, and put on a better protection after this, which PROTECTION AND SHIELD is SINCERE SECRET PRAYER. I did not attend to this today, that is the reason I have been "Walking Crooked." I ought to know by this time to never neglect this important duty, if I desire to be happy and leave a good record each day. My husband is so kind, he knew how to Forgive and Forget, and after returning home, the kiss of Peace was printed on my lips. I think more than ever of him, and hope I will be more worthy of so kind and faithful Partner. I wish my sister had made as good a choice, and was as happy as I. I do not deserve more joy and comfort than they, but I surely got them. How times and people change. It is getting out of fashion for some folks to go to meeting and to have prayers. But it's mostly the men and they take delight in making fun of sacred things. But they are not all of that kind, thank goodness. Mine has never refused to have prayers or go to meeting with me. But other men do it, and some who ought to know better. We all do things we shouldn't do, and make many mistakes, but they tell us there is no failures till we quit trying, and I believe I can try as hard as anybody. For I have tried and failed mnay times, and I intend to try as long as I make failures. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p037.jpg) October 22, 1893 Sunday has come again, a day of prayer and rest. It is cloudy and raining at intervals. Reuben came up from the field too late to go to meeting so I thought I would go to Y. L. Meeting anyway. I started to walk, but a big rain storm over- took me. So I sought shelter in Mother's house, I read to her till the storm ceased and then came back home. I do hate to remain home when I know I ought to be at "My Post of Duty." Last Sunday, baby was sick and today I can't go to meeting either, but Election Day is near and a new President will be chosen who will be better qualified, more at liberty, and fulfill that position better. But I don't think they can find anyone more willing, and who takes more joy in this office than I do. We have such good sisterly feelings at out Meetings, and I don't see how some Sisters can absent themselves from our Meetings so much; but the more we attend to Spiritual duties, the better we love them, and if we stay away for any length of time through neglect, we think it is tiresome to go. But we should educate our- selves to do things, things we don't like to do, if our Religion requires it. Our holy Religion will lead us upward if we follow its admonitions. Without it, we would go wrong many times, and drift into the virtues of sin and degradation, but it steers us right and will lead us to Celestial Glory. How thankful I am for my Religion, it has made me what I am, and though there is not much good in me, there would have been much bad if I had no Religion to steer my footsteps. How can any- one be happy who has no standard to live up to? But who does thus and so, regard- less of displeasing their Creator. Anyone who will not revere his Maker and try to obey His laws, has not tasted complete happiness. The person who lives a pure life, seeks the welfare of his associates and fears his God, is the one who is happy under all circumstances. The one who is strict in seeking after his Creator, and doing all in their power to carry out His will and obtaining a portion of His Spirit is the one who is richer and enjoys their wealth far better than the irreverent man does who rolls in gold. November 1, 1893 I have just returned home from Fast Meeting. It has been cold and cloudy all day, and looks like winter will soon be here. Brother Bowman, having just returned from Salt Lake where he attended conference, gave a brief account of the instructions given. The principle theme which the speakers dwelt upon were the financial condition of the Saints and false doctrine. Some of the Saints are being blinded by the evil one, and are teaching doctrines contrary to the noble leaders of Israel. O, how careful a person needs to be in order to withstand the darts of Satan. He is always ready to lead us from the narrow path, and it seems that often when we plant our feet as we think very firmly ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p038.jpg) in the right channel, we are sometimes out of it almost before being aware of it. We need to watch and pray continually. Our leaders are brave noble men, devoting all their time and also means to elevate mankind to teach others the Plan of Salvation. Now if they were selfish, they would be content with saving themselves. But they are eager to tell to others what the Lord reveals to them. They bid us prepare for the Second Coming of the Savior and prepare ourselves for the great events that will and are taking place ere His coming. President Woodruff said that all the terrible predictions which the Prophets have predicted should precede His coming, would all come to pass, famine included. He also ad- vised the people to pay their debts honestly, and to patronize home industries. We had a Young Ladies Party last Tuesday night. The girls made some very pretty bouquets, and wrote their names on them, which was placed from sight under the flowers. The gentlemen chose the flowers, number one having the first choice. The boys seemed pleased with their bouquets, girls and the dancing too. We also voted for officers, everyone belonging to our association wrote on a slip of paper the name of the one they wanted for President and counselors. Our Bishop and our Stake President counted the votes. Bishop Esplin said he had been where voting by ballot had been done many times, but never before had he seen so many vote for the same person. I was chosen President and received all the votes but two. They were the ones I wrote for my sister-in-law and my own sister. I felt both proud and happy to think I had the love and confidence of the members of our association, and I will, God being my helper, magnigy that office better in the future than I have done before. How thankful I am that we have these Improvement Meetings. We learn to love each other better, learn to love the Lord, and the cause of truth and become acquainted with the Plan of Salvation, which means being placed beyond the Power of our enemies. November 3, 1893 Saturday night. I am tired of patching, so I will write a line or two before I go to bed. What a happy woman I am, a kind noble husband to councel and encourag me, three sweet little boys to make our home ring with noise, so sweet and healthy; a comfortable home, peace and plenty on every hand. But above all which I have to thank my Heavenly Father for, is the testimony which he has given me of the truth of the Gospel which he has restored in these latter days through his noble Prophet, Joseph, and that I am counted worthy to be one with my brethren and sisters in helping to establish truth and righteousness on the earth. How often I fail in living up to the light which he has given me. But I know he is a merciful being or I would have been cast out ere this. My trust is in Him, and I humbly ask Him ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p039.jpg) to extend his merciful care over me in the future; as well as over all who are trying to overcome their imperfections. Last April at the Dedication of the Salt Lake Temple, we were promised that the Lord would forgive us of our past sins if we would humbly and earnestly do His will in the future, and that the powers of Satan were limited and we would have more power over evil than in the past if we obeyed the commandments of God, and nobly fought on His side. Do we apprecaite that blessing as we ought to? No, we do not, we often neglect to meditate upon it. We should ever keep it in view, and then we would be more firm in observing His will. We need much of His spirit with us daily. Evil is cropping out among those who once were diligent in serving the Lord. They have lost the Spirit of the Gospel, and no longer care to meet with the Saints on the Holy Sabbath and receive spiritual food. Their hearts and desires are elsewhere. We see them congregating in groups on the streets, idly talking, playing cards, and laughing by making light of sacred things. Yes, Sons of good and noble parents, sons who have been taught from their cradle up to remember their Creator and obey His commands. But now when they have grown to manhood, and consider themselves from under their parents controls, to turn from the truth, dishonor themselves, defile themselves with tobacco and vulgarity, and bring sorrow upon their aged parents and friends. O, if they could only see the condition they are placing themselves in, perhaps they would forsake their evils, but they think they are safe. But they are mistaken, and will someday see the great mistake they made when they willfully yielded to the temptations of Satan. December, 18, 1893 Eight years ago today we were happily married. Those years have passed peacefully away, though a few thorns have pricked my fingers while I gathered the roses that have freely bloomed along each side of my pathway, but there could be no perfect rose without the thorn to accompany it. We must expect to be scratched a little while gathering those beautiful flowers, until we become so thoroughly schooled in plucking them that we can avoid the thorns. But this takes care and patience on our part. There is no thorn that leaves as keen a smart as the one we thrust into our fingers by our own carelessness. I have found this to be true in my short experience. I know there is nothing that can make me feel as gloomy as the knowledge of my own faults and sins. If my conscience tells me that all is well within, what power outside of self can disturb me? None very much, though I will admit that others can do a great deal to make my life happy or miserable, but I am the main one who holds this power. When I say I, that includes husband too, for we are one. But there is ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p040.jpg) no joy or sorrow felt by one but what the other knows it and is a sharer thereof. I trust that the next eight years will pass along in peace and that we will continue to live in harmony and peace, and grow better each year, ever striving to do good, and seek for the spirit of truth to be our shield and guide, and walk uprightly in the strait and narrow path. The General Conference of this stake was held here two weeks ago. The main topic that the speakers dwelt on was the evil of profanity and drinking liquor. This evil they said was growing in our midst, and in our neighboring settlement there is a saloon being built. Apostle Taylor predicted about two years ago that a saloon would be set up in that town within two years, and says the curse of the Almighty will follow the man who does this thing. This is the first saloon we have ever had in this county. I hope it fails in its object and that it will dwindle and die for want of customers. Many temptations make their appearance on every hand. A person must be prayerful and careful or they will surely be led into some of them. Another year is drawing to a close and by the news of the day, it is closing on misery and want. Many, especially in the old country are slowly starving. O, what a pitiful condition to be in. There are no people that I have read or heard of who can compare with the Latter Day Saints for peace and the comforts of life. Our organization is so complete that no one needs to suffer. If any are unable to make their own living, they need not go without for they receive their portion and are provided for. Those saving principles of Salvation are given to us freely without price. How slow we are to listen to the good shepherds who are constantly warning us of the evils which are before us and who would gladly show us the way to escape them if we would but lend a listening ear. There is considerable sickness lately among old and young. But no deaths have occurred yet. I have been husking corn all day. Quite a good way to celebrate one's wedding day. But I had quite a compliment paid me for it. Husband said I could beat any man in the county husking out corn. I felt quite elated, that's bad on the men, for if it was true there wouldn't be very many workers among them. My sweet little family are all in dream-land, and I believe I'll run over there too. So good night dear old Wedding Day. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p041.jpg) December 26, 1893 Christmas passed quietly away, sleigh-bells were jingling. Fred Heaton and wife, Jesse Carling and wife ate Christmas dinner with us, and we had a pleasant visit together, but I did one little deed that made me feel like whipping myself. It wasn't so awful bad, no one noticed it as much as Marie did, and I promised her if she would quit tormenting me I would not be guilty of it again. December 29, 1893 Today, husband went to town to get our Recommends, as we had decided to join Mt. Carmel Ward, in obedience to the counsel given about two weeks before our last conference. We sat talking one evening about moving to town in the winter, before two days was gone we owned a building spot in Orderville, and a pretty one too. At conference, the Bishop of Carmel suggested to the members of the High Council that us four families on this side of the creek ought to belong to his ward. They talked the matter up and finally came to the decision that all who lived below the Cove should belong to the Mt. Carmel Ward. Though none of the Stake Presidency said anything to any of us but to Hans. Still we have talked about it to ourselves considerable since then and concluded to join the Carmel Ward, till we moved to town which would be in less than a year and show the leaders that we were willing to do so if they thought best. Reuben asked the Bishop for our Recommends, but he counseled him to remain in the ward where he was as he would soon belong to it again. As soon as Reuben left the house I bowed myself before the Lord humbly asking Him to over rule everything according to His mind and will and to help us to willingly do as we were told in all things. And I know He has done so, and trust we may be faithful and true and be ever ready to obey the counsel of those over us in the Holy Priesthood. I can plainly see wherein He has directed our course in the past. His hand has always been over us. And in looking back over the past eight years, I can see how He has directed our course in temporal as well as spiritual matters. At times it would look as though we had made a wrong step or move but ere long we could plainly see the wise overruling hand of providence and every turn has been to our advantage and brought us more of the blessings of life. Should the Lord ever see fit to change our good luck and try us by bringing poverty and trouble at every turn, I only crave one blessing of Him and that is, that He will give us strength to endure, and willingly say, Thy will not ours be done. And that He will make known to us that His hand is still over us for good. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p042.jpg) But He is only proving and schooling us that we may be prepared for future blessings and to do more good in His Church and Kingdom here on earth. January 17, 1894 The New Year has been ushered in and we hail it with delight. It seems to bring joy and gladness, everybody around here seems happy. We had a pleasant social night before last, a surprise on our music teacher, a good program with plenty of nice picnic was highly appreciated by all. After singing let out, we have had many good times together, and nothing but goodness is before us if we will just think so. The Y. L. M. I. Association is getting up a theater. The proceeds of which will be forwarded to the first Presidency of the Mutual. I was twenty-six years old last Friday and we had a pleasant time at Marie Carling's house. Ten years ago, I was a young somewhat reckless girl, but I will remember a vow I made with my Heavenly Father, that has been kept sacred till this day. I was away from home working out at the time. No one ever said a word about the matter to me, it was all my own doing. I had the sore eyes, and one day I went out in the garden, and looking around to see if I was alone, I knelt down and told my Heavenly Father what my humble desires were and I solemnly promised Him that if He would cure my eyes, I would never again taste tea or coffee. I had been a lover of coffee and said it was the thing I loved better than everything else, and would often drink it. But since that day, my lips have never touched it, though many strong temptations have been placed be- fore me. Not many days passed ere I was in company with a girl whom I had before associated and drank coffee with. She placed the cup at my plate when dinner time came, and on seeing me let it alone wanted to know my reasons. I told her I wasn't hungry for it and did not care to drink it. She told the company that she knew I loved it as well as she did, and tried very hard to get me to drink it. But Heavenly Father was beside me giving me strength to resist. And after, I felt a pride I had not known before, to know I came off conqueror. Many times kind friends have pressed me to drink, not knowing the vow I have made, for I told it to no one for years, and then but one or two beside my good husband. They offered the cup in sickness saying it would be for my benefit, but each time have I, with the Lord's help, resisted it, though sometimes offending the ones who offered it to me. I know that God has given me the power to overcome this habit and keep sacred my vow and the glory is entirely His. But a joy and satisfaction abides in my heart to know that I have, through the mercies of Him, overcome one evil. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p043.jpg) Though I can see more imperfections in myself now than I could at sweet sixteen, I believe I had just as many then but hadn't found them out. When I get pondering over the mistakes I made and the weaknesses of my nature, it is a great sorrow to me and but one comfort can I find when reflecting this way. That is that the Lord shows people their failings to keep them humble and teach them to rely on Him for aid to battle against them. And when they conquer, they realize it has been through His mercies and give the honor to Him where it justly belongs. My eyes have never been very sore since then. Though when I am careless and wear them out, they get weak, but I have always been able to perform all my duties and I read and write, and write a great deal. Before this time, I applied to an eye doctor and he said I might go blind in less than a year. Money was scarcer than it is now. My mother had just one dollar in the house, and she gave it to me to buy medicine with. I walked to Glendale where the doctor was stopping and got two small bottles full of medicine. I gave his wife the dollar, as she was the one who handed it to me, and she said I will let you have it for fifty cents, but there is a dollar's worth there, and gave me half of my money back. When I got home, I told Mother how I came to bring some money back, and she said that after I left, she asked our Heavenly Father to over rule it in a way that I might bring half of it home again as she needed it for other purposes very bad. Could I help but see how His hand has been guiding this matter? No I could not. I know His hand has been over me many times, to warn me of evil and to lead me onward in doing right. At one of our annual meetings about five years ago, I was re-elected president of the Young Ladies and the day was set for me to choose my counselors. I fasted all day and humbly asked the Lord to lead me in making this choice. I went to meeting at the appointed time, 'three in the afternoon,' not knowing who I would choose, as I depended on the Lord to direct me in this matter. While the first hymn was being sung, our Stake President whispered to me and asked me who I was going to choose and I told her I didn't know yet. I silently told the Lord that I still depended on Him to make known to me who to choose, and while the opening prayer was offered, the answer came. I heard no voice, but the names of my counselors was impressed so plainly in my mind that I was as satisfied as though I had heard a voice proclaim their names. I humbly thank the Lord for answering my prayer. And I know He is always willing to aid His children if they want Him to, and will live so as to gain His favor. I know if a weak sinful mortal like myself can get the Lord to condescend and grant their requests, that it is within the reach of thousands of others to do the same. He is full of love and mercy ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p044.jpg) and will forgive us our failings if we ask him sincerely and strive to the best of our ability to do His will. April 5, 1894 I've been around helping get donations for a blind woman and the people all gave of their substance quite freely. She will have enough to live on for several months. We had such a good Fast Meeting today and I also went to the Relief Meeting this afternoon. We always hear something to strengthen our testi- mony if we are seeking for it. I do know there is a lot of good women in Ordervill[-] I hope we will continue to be united. Who is there outside of the Mormon Church that are truly happy? There is something in our doctrines that are truly worth seeking for, if you are one who desires true happiness. The more you study the principles of our sacred religion and try to carry them out the more happy you are. I used to think when I heard Brother Norwood say in meeting that he did not know what happiness was till he became a Mormon, that he did not mean it. But I believe it was the truth that he said. If I could always live so as to retain and have for my constant companion a goodly portion of the Holy Spirit, I would be a happy woman. I have felt it in my soul at times and I believe I have a small portion of it to be with me every day. But not as much as I need, though I am entitled to no more. How earnestly we should strive for this living light, it is worth more than all else to us. We need it, yes need it every moment, and in all our words and movements. How easily we could go through life and surmount every obstacle if we were constantly in possession of divine aid and light. I earnestly want to try harder to live my religion more perfect, so I will merit the assistance of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. April 8, 1894 Sunday Evening. Children all busy at play, husband reading the Young Women's Journal, so will write a little. This morning I was busy writing poetry for the reception of our returned missionaries, F. C. and H. M. A neighbor called in to see me. She is a good meaning woman, but sometimes her calls don't make me feel altogether pleasant, for I am sometimes too — what shall I say — tired of her tales of woe, to coincide with her and pity her as I should. But anyone gets tired of hearing a good story if it's repeated every day to them, whether they want to hear it or not. Well after she left I didn't continue writing on the strain I had begun I commenced another rhyme and I believe I'll just write in this Private Journal for then no one will ever read it but myself. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p045.jpg) MY POOR NEIGHBOR A gracious woman, glad she's gone, With that same doleful strain, Which every time she comes around, Is just about the same, It's, "Oh, my health it is so poor, And then I'm slighted so, By neighbors all, and kindred too, It's dreadful to undergo. "You can't imagine how I feel, I just despise this place, A little shut-out country hole, It's surely a disgrace To have my children living here, Where nothing's going on, I wish to goodness I had stayed away when I was gone. "Oh, dear my back, my head it roars, And flashes cold and hot, Flash o'er me just like lightning, There isn't on me a spot But what it aches, you cannot know, What a sickly thing I am, I wish a change for good would come, Most wish I was a man. And then I'd do just as I please, I'd come and go at will, But oh dear, dear, for me thus wrought, But suffering sharp and shrill." And thus her theme it daily ran from early morn till night, No wonder that she's never well, Nor anything is right. Pity such people who thus look at life and ne'er is free From wishing and wanting better things, When they might happy be, If they would look for happiness, Instead of useless grief, They'd find a little every day, From pain would get relief. April 29, 1894 Sweet Sabbath Day has come again when we can from our work refrain, and turn our thoughts to God above who shows to us such wonderous love. It's hard work to compose when one's baby is pulling at your arm and crying for bread and butter, so I must ado. Well, Emma came and wanted baby to go with her to Sunday School and he's gone. Bless his little heart, we've made more over him than over the other two. It seems like the more we have the better we love and appreciate them. A person who never has had children, doesn't know much about love. Life would be a dreary waste to me without them. This last week husband sold my pretty black curly horse. He got a white stud for him. I didn't like it a bit and wasn't slow to tell him so. I said I never would take care of his horse again when he was gone, but he knows it wasn't the truth for I'll do it for him in spite of myself. But I'll try to keep my word for a while at least. I didn't think I could like a horse very much till he sold Mart, but I'll soon get over it. Isn't this a funny world anyhow. Happiness and sorrow are so closely connected that it's hard to tell them apart at first sight. Sometimes you think you've done some- thing or have something that's got happiness for you in it, but ere long you begin to see your mistake and happiness flees while sorrow approaches. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p046.jpg) There aren't many things entirely composed of pleasure and bliss, only living our religion. Nothing outside of this is real happiness. I know this, there is something accompanying the obedience of every one of our Father's commands that brings peace and joy to the soul. When this joy is ours, care and perplexities seem much smaller. What a glorious work we are engaged in. How thankful we should be to our Heavenly Father for sending us to the earth in this dispensation and giving us a desire to seek after truth and obeying His laws. We cannot appreciate this blessing to its fullest extent. How diligent we should be to live in humility before our maker who watches over us and reveals his mind and will to us. Should we not faithfully carry them out? This month in General Conference, President Wilford Woodruff revealed to the Saints assembled in Conference, further light on the Plan of Adoption. How thankful I am for being a member of a Church that can get revelation and advice from God, and have all the blessings of the Everlasting Priesthood bestowed upon us. May we as His children be more diligent than ever in carrying out His mind and will, that He will continue to bless us, and give us further light when needed. May 15, 1894 The Children celebrated May Day, but it's been cold all day, colder than for several weeks before. It snowed real hard this morning. I am writing Hannah Sorensen's lectures on Obstetrics, so I will learn more about woman's mission and how to perform it better and purer for I've become ------- again. I'm silly I suppose for being so tickled about it, but I am all the same. I guess I am different to many other women, for some talk like they had this forced upon them, when they did not want it, and were always mad when it occurred. But I'm always glad, and I trust my Heavenly Father will bless and assist me in understanding His beautiful laws and give me a desire and power to live them right before Him. Some women think as soon as they become pregnant, that work must not be done by them, but I know I can work and eat and enjoy it too. I believe a woman needs exercise then as much as ever, and can work to a cerain extent without injury to herself or child if done properly. Let her eat proper food, dress properly, always sleeping to herself during those nine months and she won't suffer very much, at least not so much as she does now, and a feeling of pride will burn in her bosom. When she knows that she is living as near right as possible, while she can bow before God, and claim His divine aid and wisdom to lead her while she is bringing a being into this world and I believe He will assist her. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p047.jpg) September 6, 1894 Many days have passed since I wrote in my Journal. June Conference, Sunday School Jubilee, and our September Conference have all passed since I wrote last. Apostle Lyman has been with us this time to warn and instruct us. His words were full of love and admonition, I will jot a few down so as not to forget them. He says, when ordinations are conferred on a person, they are eternal and only given once. After being endowed and ordained to the Priesthood, and a man falls away from the truth, if he repents, returns to the Church, his en- dowments are just renewed. So with his ordination, they are given to a person to be eternal and only by transgressing the Laws of Our Maker will they be taken from us. But the appointments in our Church, such as Bishops, Presidents of Quorums, Presidents of Stakes, etc., they are temporary, only for the time being and for this life or till a change is made. When a Bishop dies, that is the end of him as a Bishop, not so with his ordinations to the Priesthood, death does not rob him of that. But if he dies worthy, his Priesthood is with him and he can exercise it throughout all eternity. In regard to transgressors, he said, they have a certain right to be protected from the scorn of the public. If persons who disagree and have trouble can settle it among themselves, it is nobody's business, and no one should know it, not even the Bishop. If they cannot settle it among themselves, but call in the help of others, it is a reproach upon them. Still the settlement should be made before the authority and they have no right to advertise and circulate the failing of those whom they should protect, for there are many people who can not endure and face down the talk of the public. The unfortunate should be protected from such censure for are we not all unfortunate? Do we not all fail? And when we do, do we wish our failings spread and talked about? No, that is a reproach to us. Wrongs should all be made right, but this can be done without everybody knowing about it. When they are made right, God will forgive you, and there is no need of you telling your shortcomings and mistakes. Keep them to yourself if possible, and be saved from the reproach of the community. Be forgiving if you desire forgiveness. It is impossible for a man to be saved without humility. He may be a tithepayer, go to meeting, observe the Sabbath, etc., but if he fails to be humble, he will fail in gaining the reward of him in the Church. In humility, make his wrongs right in the proper place or he never can be exalted. Be wronged rather than do wrong. Be full of love and charity. Love mankind, for by loving humanity and seeking to do others good, we show our love for God, we cannot ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p048.jpg) love Him and hate His children. Those who are entrusted to keep the Church records, or the records of the various associations in the Church, should be diligent to be strict in keeping them perfect and correct. Heads of families and individuals too, should be strict in this regards. It will benefit them in the future, and is their duty to do it. People harm themselves and are doing as great a wrong by giving way to their ugly ways. As to drinking tea and coffee, a saint should refrain from this. It disturbs their soul to get angry, it mars their peace. It mars them to a certain extent to see others angry, to see them use the things forbideen, to hear them profane the name of Deity, and should try and keep away from such company. You are pretty sure to be tempted if you go into temptation, but this is no wrong if you give not way to it. Still it is the safest to keep away from every temptation and evil alurement. The virtue of modesty should be cultivated by man as well as woman. It is a shield to them. A woman having this virtue as she should, could travel around the world alone without being insulted. Some think it is a credit to them to smoke and swear before others, and not be hypocritical and do those things when no one sees you if you must do them, for then you tempt no one. Everyone must answer for their own sins, and I believe for the temptations they place before the weak, and there is no happiness for a Saint to indulge in these things. More sweet enjoyment in doing the will of the Lord than in anything else, and there is a reward awaiting you in the future as well. So it pays to live the life of a Saint. October 29, 1894 A new thought occurred to me this morning, it came about in this way. A neighbor took the pains to call in and ask me if I didn't think I talked too much. I told her I knew I did, and I wished I could stop it. She is a friend to tell me when I make blunders, but I didn't use to like these friendly calls. Nor could I take them in good part, but this morning after she went, I thought to myself that I wished our homes were far farther apart. Although I can control my anger much better than I used to, but while thinking this way, it came to me quite suddenly, that perhaps she is just the woman I need for a neighbor, one that will rub me a little now and then to keep me from getting dull on some points. I wonder why I hadn't thought of this before, but this thought has never entered my mind till this morning. I believe I will profit ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p049.jpg) by her advice more than ever before. I wonder if all don't have just the kind of neighbors we need. I have come to a sudden conclusion that I have just the kind I need to keep me in the right track, and I'll put a stronger guard over my failing lest they discover them, for when they make a new discovery, I am sure to become acquainted with it. It's a true friend who tells us our failings, why then should I ever forget this. I don't think I will after this, and perhaps I will be able to overcome my evil ways faster than I've been doing in the past. Christmas Eve 1894 The dear little stockings are hanging around the chimney. I am here alone, how happy I am to have a faithful husband, three healthy children, a good home, and be a member in God's kingdom. A condemned convict once said, "And what is life that all so dearly love, that kings will give their crowns for, and the miser will give the hoardings of many a year, but for an hour of thee, thou art but a day, a little day whose sunshine and showers are scarcely worth working for?" He may have thought so, others may think the same, but I differ with them in my opinion. It seems as though I get more than paid for all I do as I go along. Love, Joy and Peace are my constant companions. What could I ask for more! To be sure, I look forward with a hopeful heart, for a glorious future hereafter, but I also get enough pay for all the good I do day by day, that I want to keep on doing all in my power for the happiness of others, and the advancement of truth. I know if this life was all some people expected to enjoy that their joy and pleasures would be few indeed, but anyone who leads a life that will insure them eternal happiness can afford to pass through many trials, and still be cheerful, and scatter sunshine where ever they go. Our lives are to a great extent what we ourselves make them. Yesterday was our noble prophet's birthday. Five years ago was the general "Fast" of our Church. What a change has taken place since that day. In thinking and watching the progress of this work and how the Lord has de- livered Latter-Day Israel out of every trial and bondage, I often say to myself: "ZION PROSPERS, ALL IS WELL." Five weddings in Carmel this fall. Sixteen births in Orderville since August, mostly boys. Some have come to the conclusion the letter "B" which was seen by many on the oat leaves last summer, meant 'Boys' instead of 'Blood.' ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p050.jpg) When Ivan said his prayers this evening, among other things he said, "Bless Santa Claus that he will bring me a nice new first Reader and lots more things." They are now in dreamland, perhaps dreaming of well filled stockings. O, how I wish every little child in this world were as comfortably situated as mine are, and every wife and mother were as well provided for as I am. Then there would not be much misery or sorrow in this world. NEW YEARS NIGHT 1895 Hans has gone to town to get Reuben. Doyle took down with the croup this evening, is sleeping now, but breathing very heavily. Clintie has been sick all day, there is considerable sickness, especially among children. Welcome New Year of 1895, may you end with more peace and happiness to all God's children than did the closing year. May virtue and good work be on the increase, while misery and sin, be less frequent among all the children of men. January 31, 1895 Came to brighten our home four weeks ago today "A Sweet Little Girl," our first daughter. She is the prettiest baby we've had yet, dark silk hair, blue eyes, rather large nose like mine, and a sweet little mouth. I don't do much but tend and play with her. I am rocking her while I write, for she's a little grunter and likes to be tended. I've spoiled her a little I guess, but I can't help it, for she seems so sweet and loving. I know every one I have, gets lovelier or at least I take more comfort and enjoyment with them. I can't write more this time for my eyes have been so weak since my confinement. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p051.jpg) PRESIDENT'S OFFICE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. P.O. BOX B Salt Lake U.T. Nov 5th, 1895 Mrs Marie Jensen Orderville. My Dear Sister:- I thank you kindly for the two group pictures which came safely to me. God bless you, and all whose faces are grouped with ours in that picture. That we may be true to our Heavenly Father and never weary in welldoing till we are welcomed with all the faithful into His Celestial Kingdom and presence is the earnest prayer of your affectionate brother - Francis M. Lyman PS. please send me a list of the names and I will write theirs on the back of the card. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p052.jpg) Chapter IV February 28, 1895 "ONLY A GIRL" My Husband will never know how he hurt my feelings when he made this expression. It was when Ruby was a few days old and he had said quite a bit about her being 'only a girl.' and so on. Though he said it all in fun, still I began to believe he meant it, you know a sick person has all sorts of notions. So one night as I lay gazing at my darling babe beside me, I called him to my bedside and asked him if she didn't look sweet. He laughed and said, "Yes, but she's only a girl." I choked the lump back that came in my throat, tried to check the tears, and though I kept them hid from others, I could not keep them from falling on my pillow. I tried to throw off the feeling, for I knew Reuben meant no harm, but I could not, and can't yet, and in dreamland it hovered o'er me to torment me there. I dreamed that night, my husband turned me out, to wander alone with my little babe, just because she happened to be a girl. I can't keep from crying when I recall how terrible I felt in that dream. I wandered about in the dark- ness alone, pressing her closely to my breast knowing that if she was old enough, she would not despise me. I thought I was coming down from the old stables they had in the Order, and I felt so tired. I went into my Mother's home on the corner where I lived when I first learned to love Rube, but they treated me so coldly. My sister was there with her two boys, she slept on one of the beds. My parents occupied the other, while Mother made me a place to lie on by the fire. They thought that was good enough for me for they had ceased to love me since I had a girl. I laid down with my head to the east, clinging fast to my sweet little treasure, for I would not let her get out of my arms, and I seemed to rest a little. I felt that husband, parents and the whole world despised me because I had a girl. I awoke but still that feeling would not leave me, and when husband spoke to me, I could control my emotions no longer, and I had a good cry. The more he tried to soothe me the harder I cried, till I felt better, for tears can lighten a heart, I know that. 'Tis two months since then, but why I cried that morning I've told no one my dream, no one knows. But I noticed since then husband does not say much about her being 'only a girl.' Perhaps he guessed at my grief. I know he loves her, and I believe just as much as he does the boys, but I never hear him calling ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p053.jpg) her sweet names, but what a funny feeling creeps over me, though I try hard to throw it all to one side. I never would have believed he could have made me feel so gloomy just with his fun, but a sick person can't stand much fun when they think it has a little meaning attached to it. Fun can be carried too far, so far that it ceases to be funny, and by it damage is often done. Sometimes it takes years to erase an impression that was made in fun. I hope to soon forget all about this, for I know I'm none the worse because I've got a girl. May 5, 1895 Our new house was completed and dedicated today. The prettiest and most well finished house in Long Valley, so many say, and I don't disbelieve it. How hard Reuben has worked to have it such, and it certainly is an honor to him and it shows his talent and ability as a carpenter and planner. May 12, 1895 Husband and boys have gone to Sunday School. How nice it is to sit down and rest a few moments when all is still. Someone knocking ‑ Sunday School out ‑ not much quiet after all. But I ought not get tired of sweet company of children. They're all hungry, so I must get dinner. I will have to leave the most of what I want to write till I'm old and alone! No, that won't do either for then I would be too melancholy to write. I'll just jot down a few words now and then as I'm growing old, so I will have them to look at when I'm old and all my sweet little birds have flown, yes flown away from their childhood home. May 14, 1896 I have been tied down with sickness a great deal this winter, more than ever before in my life. First the children had the measles, and now the whooping cough, but in it all, I have certainly been blessed for I have them all with me. Reuben is learning dentistry, will soon have the trade mastered. He excels in everything he undertakes and will in that line too. It has been an unusually pleasant winter this season, scarcely any snow, but there has been plenty of sickness. Henry Blackburn started on a mission to England today. Dr. Harris, as well as teaching Reuben dentistry, has been giving me lessons in painting, and I have some quite nice landscapes. I have been taking lessons in obstetrics, and like I've said many times, I will be master of that art someday. I believe in learning all I can as I go through life. I will be more useful by taking this course. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p054.jpg) [photograph appears on page with the following caption] THE JENSEN HOME IN ORDERVILLE, These are the Sorensen's who bought it when Louis Reuben and Marie and family moved to Idaho. [photograph of church appears on the page with the following caption] THE CHURCH IN ORDERVILLE THAT LOUIS REUBEN HELPED BUILD. [photograph of home appears on page with the following caption] ANOTHER VIEW OF THEIR HOME IN ORDERVILLE. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p055.jpg) March 18, 1896 Beautiful spring, Thy praise I sing, With joy we hail thee now, Thy sunny days with gentle rays Bring joy o'er every brow. Everybody is busy now. The ditch they clean, the land they plow, And every man doth scheme and plan, To earn a dollar now while they can. For winter with its chilly days, Has emptied cupboard bare, and ways For money to go was numberless, But where 'tis gone I cannot guess. But never mind, the spring has come, And I can work and bring the money home. 'Tis good to work and those who shirk, From labor all they can, Will never thrive within the hive Of a daily laboring man. I did not think to write in verse, when I my pen did take, but I must stop, the baby whoops, my little pet is awake. April 12, 1896 Baby will never whoop again, her days of suffering are over, the little soul we loved so well has gone back to God. The little hands which used to reach for the door, to go bye-bye can never do so again, for she has gone to sleep, yes sleep, the sleep which knows no waking. I can see from my window her little grave. Her death caused a vacancy in our home that can never be filled again. Oh, we loved her so well, she always seemed like a little angel sent here to gladden our hearts for a time, but I did not realize her stay would be so short. The Lord giveth and He taketh again and blessed be His name. And if he will only aid me in overcoming all sin, that I may again be worthy of my little darling, I can bear my loss and affliction bravely. But if my imperfections would forever keep us separated, my sorrow would be unbearable. I trust in Him who is full of mercy and hope I will some day meet my treasure in a world where sorrow and separation is never known. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p056.jpg) MY DARLING RUBY Ruby, sweet baby, the joy of my life Is sleeping so sweetly and free from all strife, Though thy loss it is great, we would not call thee back To struggle mid pain, on life's dreary track. Rest on little doll, you never can know How you're missed by your parents and all her below, 'Tis only a week, it seems like a year, Since they laid you away, in the cold silent bier. But we know you are happy with angels above, This knowledge gives joy to your mother my love, Watch o'er me, my darling, be near me each day, That I may have courage to tread the right way, And when I am called, my Maker to meet, May you little Sister, your mother first greet. Then my joy would be full, if with thee I could stay, For that bliss I can bear all that comes in my way. So aid me kind Father, send peace to my heart, You alone are the One who can heal the deep smart. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p057.jpg) Trials do not come singly. About a month ago, our 'Danish Girl' came to make her home with us. Her relatives had tried very hard to get her to cease keeping company with a young man who lately came here and has a rough name. They could not, so thinking we might have more influence over her, asked her to come and live with us. We thought that kindness would win her over, and have counseled her and done all we could to get her to see her mistake. Not long ago, I dreamed there came an old rough looking miner and Thora seemed determined to go with him. We all objected to it, but after we found that she gave no heed to us, we agreed to let her go with him. I thought she took a few steps like she meant to go off with him and then looked back at us, laughed and came back saying she would not go with him. Last night was the first time I had given up hope of winning her to our side, and this morning husband and I decided to say no more to her but let her do as she felt like. When I came in from a walk, I found her talking to her brother-in-law, and she told him she had concluded to stop going with that fellow, and told him so the evening previous. It was a pleasure to me, and I thought of my dream. I hope she will carry out her good resolution then we will feel repayed for all the anxiety we've had about her. How wilful and blind we sometimes are. June 24, 1896 My Father died on the 20th of this month. He'd been sick about one year and a half. I was with him every day for two weeks before his death. He often told me he was glad I was with him for I could just suit him. How good he talked to us all. He suffered very much and was swelled very bad, but bore all his sufferings with patience. He died Saturday at half past six. Twice that week he had asked me if it was Saturday. He sat up that evening while I made his bed. Hans was fanning him while I ate a little. He called for me and wanted me to help him in bed. Hans went down to the granary, for I thought I could get him into bed alone. He got up on the bed on his knees, and then began to reel. I called to Hans, gave him some water to drink. He said, "I am dying." Hans came running and he said to him, "Why didn't you come?" and took another drink. We turned him over, but he died in Hans' arms. Funeral services took place under the shade trees in front of Hans' home. There was the largest gathering of people there I have seen at a funeral for sometime. Twenty-three wagons and buggies followed him to his resting place and we feel to thank the Lord for taking him away from his suffering and giving him the rest he has so long asked for. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p058.jpg) I believe he will get a glorious reward, for although he had failings, still he sought after God and made many sacrifices for the Gospel sake. He was ever a hard working man, and made great exertions to come to Zion. He sent five of his children to Utah the year before he left his native country, Denmark, and brought his two youngest when he and mother came. Since he migrated, he worked hard, very hard, for years to pay back the money he had borrowed to bring us here, and he paid every cent cheerfully. He was an honest tithe payer, and always had something on hand for donations. He was also very prayerful. I have never known him to neglect family prayers, and if we came home at night after we had retired, he always bowed himself before God and thanked Him for His blessings. I have found him on his knees in secret prayer praying to His Father in Heaven. He was true to his religion and his family. The day he died, he said, "I have asked the Lord to let me suffer in this life for all the wrongs I have done and perhaps that is why I linger and suffer so long. His sorrow and pain is ended. The trials of life are done, and he has gone to rest and I believe, he is enjoying a blessed reward. If we, his children will carry out his counsel and follow his example, all will be well with us. HOME Dear home within thy portals, my happiest hours are spent, Hours which are passed within thee, in blessed sweet content, Each corner has its beauty, each spot is dear to me, No other home can ere be found which suits me just like thee. 'Tis here my little children and husband do reside, The sweetest gifts a wife could crave upon life's surging tide. 'Tis true dear home, one treasure has gone from thy embrace, Our dearest joy and idol, no more we see her face. But home, because she lingered within thy walls awhile, And with her love and sunshine did many hours beguile, 'Tis why I love thee fondly, because no other home, Give token of our darling, who from us had to roam, And while thy walls are standing, I'll love thee, oh so well, Will love thee for dear Ruby's sake, who here awhile did dwell. — July 22, 1896 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p059.jpg) October 28, 1896 The home I love so well, no more is mine. Soon I will bid it adieu forever, and my dear friends of Orderville I will see no more. The hills and narrow valley which I have so much admired for the last twenty years, must be left behind. I must try to make warm friends elsewhere, which I know I can do. Though I find kind friends and true ones, they will never quite equal these I'm leaving now. The graves of my loved ones are the hardest yet to leave, no more to visit those sacred spots. But yet with all the sighs of parting I believe it will all be for our good. Husband and I have made it a matter of earnest prayer, and things have come about so I am convinced that the move we are about to make will be over ruled for our benefit. Yet, with this belief 'tis hard to leave my dear kindred and friends. I have always thought to live and die here, but all is well that is over ruled by our Maker. January 12, 1897 I am twenty-nine years old today, my life has been a happy one so far, a few trials have I met with, but so few compared with what many have to endure. They are merely trifles in all the changes which have come to me, and the Lord has ever been mindful of me and his loving kindness is still over me for good. I know I often fail to obey His commands as I should, but yet I love His work better than all else on earth, and trust the rest of my life will be spent in His service. It is snowing and raining today, began yesterday, Clinton is playing with his kitten, rolling a ball. January 17, 1897 My dear old Mother fell and broke her leg on the 14th of this month. She was going across a high foot bridge and it being covered with snow, she slipped and fell, but not in the water. Poor Mother lay there with her broken leg and she thought a broken arm for two long hours before she was found. My brother heard her cries for help, but little thought it was her, supposing it was the children over in town. An old man came down to water his horse and found her. She lay in the snow holding her broken limb and had fixed her shawl under her head, thinking she must lay there hours longer. My brother came up to the house and went in Mother's room to talk with her, but not finding her there, asked his little girl where she was. She told him she had gone over to my sisters. He then started out and was met by a man who told him of my poor Mother lying down by the creek with her leg broken. He fainted when he saw her, help was at hand and she was brought home. Brother could not stay in the house while they set ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p060.jpg) her leg. Poor Mother has suffered very much, but is standing it better than I thought she could. Though I am unable to go and see her, I hear from her every day, and trust and hope for her recovery. March 8, 1897 Mother is seventy years old today, she is with me, my sisters are here today. Perhaps it's the last time we will all be together on her birthday. How sad the thought. Mother can walk on her crutches now, how pitiful she looks. How thankful we all are that she has recovered thus far. I know the Lord ahs greatly blessed her and she often speaks of His kind protecting care which has been over her, and her faith in Him has increased. What shall I do when I have left her? How can I ever find another one who can half fill her place? She has promised to come and see me in my new home when she gets able to travel. If we did not have the gift of hope to cheer and encourage us on our journey through life, what would us poor mortals do? March 13, 1897 I have been blessed with another darling son, born on the 26th of January. Weighed six pounds. It may seem strange, but I did not have the same love for him at first as I have had for the others, but when little Ruby was laid away, she was so cute and big enough to know almost all we said, that it took some time to get another baby to fill her place, and I don't believe another one can ever do that. There seemed to be that charm and sweetness about her that we have never noticed around any of the other children. But my love for baby Rulon increases every day, and he is so dear and sweet that the children as well as myself think he is about right. His papa is out to Magisons. March 28, 1897 Sunday has come again, the mud is about dried up. It has been the wettest winter we have known for years. The little boys have gone to Sunday School. Little Rulon is asleep, he begins to know me and seems so cute when he smiles at me. His papa has not come home yet. What would I do without a husband and children? I often wonder if every wife loves her home and loved ones as well as I do, I hope so. Then they will always be thankful and cannot help but be happy. When we are thankful for what we have, it becomes doubly sweet unto us. Oh, if I can only do right day by day so as to merit a portion of the Spirit of the Lord to give me wisdom and understanding to raise my little ones up to serve Him. Then my greatest desire will be realized and when they have left me and have ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p061.jpg) begun to bear the responsibilities of life and perhaps may wander far from me, as I now have to leave my Mother. Still in my lonely moments, there will a sweet peace hover over me and I will find joy in my solitude. Heavenly Father, wilt thou give me wisdom to lead them right. Guide my footsteps in the road to Eternal Life and incline their hearts to follow me. Help me to ever be kind to them and be true and faithful to my dear companion, that we may continue to live in peace and union together. April 8, 1897 I have been to Relief Society Meeting today. We had such a good time. Today is the first time I've had baby out doors. He is over ten weeks old. He is growing so fast and begins to notice us all and seems so smart. Doyle is holding him. The women and girls are playing ball today for a dance. I guess the women will have to make up the dance, for the boys just came and told me they were getting beat. Yes, the women got beat badly. April 12, 1897 One year ago today, we laid our little rosebud, darling Ruby to rest. How sadly we have missed her, never have I seen a child that had the charm about them like she had and though I may yet be blessed with many children, I don't think any will ever be able to fill her place. Her papa has just been making a nice fence for her grave. Sweetly sleep our little treasure, you will never, never know how we all have missed our 'Darling' ‑ since we had to let you go. I was down to see my mother's home yesterday for the last time and I slept in her bed, perhaps for the last time too. I could scarcely endure to think of it. I have been trying to make myself think I could be brave and easily control my feelings, but now that the time for parting is drawing near, my emotions begin to control me. If I did not know that our move was over ruled by a kind Father above, I would certainly remain here. But I know all will be well, and I will try to make the best of it. If I do leave my dear ones behind, I still have five loving ones to take with me, and they are worth more to me than all else, but yet I wish my dear Mother was going with us. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p062.jpg) These are locals I wrote for the boys to put in the "Mutual Star". DANCING ON THE SLY As the boys and girls last evening were out having singing school, Practicing for Sunday Morning, someone thought they broke the rule, For as singing grew so tiresome, a wise plan came in their head, And they said to one another, "Let us dance a while instead." All agreed as quick as lightening, soon was spinning o'er the floor, When the Bishop's counselor happened to peep in the open door. And their music leader quickly changed his color and his cheer, While they whispered, "What in thunder are the old folks doing here." 'Twas explained to satisfaction, that a dance once in a while Was the way to get the young folks to choir practice in fine style, And their leader saw the Bishop no reproof from him they got, So the boys and girls felt better, got off easier than they thought. You know that they were a waltzing, when the men all did appear, And they knew they hadn't ought to, so it filled their hearts with fear, But today they got the scolding, and you're right they got it good, For while getting it for dancing, got it too for burning wood; Which they hadn't burned a stick of, and they felt the censure great, When it came in Sunday Meeting, but to all we say, just wait Till another day for hauling wood, which will ensure a dance, And we'll haul a double portion if you'll give us half a chance. WHICH ONE CAUGHT JACK? They tell us our two prettiest girls A night or two ago, Went fishing up the Glendale Creek To try to catch a beau. Now both had promised other lads Their partners for to be, They did not care for that a bit, If they just got to see The one they sought and hunted for Their hearts would be so gay And if he would but smile on them Oh, that would make their day. But then you see, both throwed their hooks To catch the selfsame trout, And one of course got left we know, But how it came about, We cannot guess, Now that's a whack, So tell us which one caught the Jack. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p063.jpg) Chapter V BASALT June 6, 1897 Here I am in Idaho, living in a wagon. Husband, Ivan and Doyle have gone to meeting. Clinton and Rulon are asleep. I am almost sick with a bad cold. We left our dear Long Valley home on the 26th of April, arrived here the 27th of May, 1897. I will not recall the tiresome hours we spent traveling for through it all the Lord blessed us and no harm or accident befell us. How hard it was to leave relatives, friends and home. My poor crippled Mother, how sad she looked when I bade her goodbye. But we all tried to make the best of it. My sister and her family came here with us, but now we are separated too, for they moved to Riverside yesterday. Still my husband and children are with me, and I have yet very much to be thankful for. I had been making myself think that I could not get disappointed when I saw this place, for I had pictured in my mind as dreary a picture as I thought I would behold. But I was sadly disappointed, everything looked more gloomy than I expected, and though the parting with loved ones at home was severe, I've shed more tears through disappointment since I arrived here than when I left home. But now that we are here, I will make the best of it. And if the Lord will let his blessings rest upon our efforts, I know in time we can make us a good home here. I received a letter from home yesterday, and Mother was sick. It makes me sigh when I think of the distance that separates us, nearly 600 miles. It's just like a friend said to me when she bade me goodbye, "The Lord can bless you just as well in Idaho as he can here, if you serve Him." I know her words are true, and though it is hard to live this way, it won't last long and I will know how to appreciate a home when I get one again. I must try to be more prayerful, then I won't have the blues so much, for prayer is a sure cure for all our little woes and vexations. It has been so hard for me to pray since I came here, but I must make an extra effort or I will never get over being homesick. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p064.jpg) Basalt, August 10, 1897 A LETTER FROM HOME Last night in my dreams I beheld The home that to me is yet dear, I stood 'neath its roof and I said, Oh, why could I not linger here Where Mother could wander to me In times of sorrow and pain, But all those sweet joys now are past, In life, they will not come again. Chorus: But Mother though I'm far away, And far from your dear face I roam, Yet Mother does never forget To write me a letter from home. In childhood and youth she was near To cheer me in danger each day. I now can her dear words recall Though from her I'm far, far away. Sweet Mother, you aided me too When I took up the duties of wife, Oh, if you could ever be near, To aid me along in this life. Dear Mother, the sorrows you've borne, Are mine now by nature to bear, Oh, why should I murmur or think, That Mother with me should them share. You have borne all the sorrows I've felt And have tasted a great many more, Then why can I not bear my own, When Mother has borne them before. You stand in the twilight of life, A beacon for your children all, Leaning firm on the word of the Lord, Ever heeding the good shepherd's call, And Mother, though we are apart, Perhaps never more we shall meet, Your letters are dear to my heart, With them comes a spirit so sweet. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p065.jpg) September 3, 1897 On the evening of the first of this month, we had an enjoyable time listening to the remarks of Susa Gates. She was traveling in the interest of the Mutual Improvement Association. I have not had the privilege or taken it of attending my Young Ladies Meeting since I came here. Last Sunday, the Bishop asked me if I would not preside over the Young Ladies of this place. I told him they had better try me as a member first, but he desired me to accept the office, saying it was the will of the Young Ladies. So I told him I would do the best I could if he had faith in me. I know there is nothing to lose by obeying those over us in the Holy Priesthood. So night before last, I was sustained in that position. If the Lord will bless me with wisdom and light, I will try and do some good, and I know by my past experience that He will if I will only do my part. Though I am almost a stranger here, yet I hope to gain the love and confidence of the Saints here, and will try to do all the good I can in my weak way, for that is about all the enjoyment I have found yet. It rained last night, and is cold and cloudy today. Little Rulon is cross, he has got the thrush quite bad. He is sleeping so sweetly on my lap, he is a dear sweet baby, but cannot quite fill the place of that sweet little girl of mine whose picture I kissed a few minutes ago. The hopes of meeting with her again and having her to love and carress and that too forever, is worth passing through the most severe trials that can be met on this earth. She was more than an ordinary child. There was about her that sweetness, which I never expect to behold until I see her again in Father's Kingdom. October 1897 Written For a Boyfriend Dear girl, the little flower that blossomed in my heart Is drooping, it will perish, when you from me depart. But then, I ne'er would ask you to give your hand to me, When your heart was anxious for the day when from me you'd be free. As lovers, we will meet no more, Oh, would it were not so But your own words have spoken it, Oh, cruel is the blow. And when you find another friend, that's dearer to your heart, Accept him and be happy, while I in pain depart. Love is sometimes fickle, it does not always stay, Its absence often brings regret, when it has passed away. Then plant the flower you cherish, the sweet 'Forget-me-not' Mine has taken root, 'twill never die, though I may be forgot. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p066.jpg) BACK TO GRANDMA'S HISTORY Wouldn't you like to know why the move to Basalt? Grandma tells why in detail in her history. She also tells of Grandpa Jensen building their home in Orderville. Now from the History The years were passing. Reuben had promised me that if I would move down on the farm for five years, he would build us a home in Orderville, but we would still keep the farm. Before we moved back, my first daughter was born. The sweetest little girl. She was born 5 January, 1894. My, how I loved her. I had my children just like Mother, four sons and now a daughter. One day as I lay holding her, her Father came to the bed. I said, "Isn't she sweet?" He laughed and said, "Yes, but she is only a girl." I took it seriously. He laughed and hurried away to his work. When he came back, my eyes were all red, and he said he had only been fooling and she really was sweet. That night I dreamed he sent me away and I had gone up to Mothers. She too treated me cold and made a bed for me on the floor. I cried and clung to my little girl and said to myself, "If the whole world turns against me, I'll still be gald I have a girl." Reuben now began planning for our home in town. He bought a lot from Brother Cox and built a six room house. It was a beautiful home and still is, as I saw it coming through there. I don't believe anyone was as happy as I. We had it painted and furnished so well. I had only block to go to Church where before, we had two miles. My cup of happiness was running over. Little Ruby was now a year old. My three boys came down with the whooping cough. Their Father was away some that winter, and it was quite hard for us. Ivan could feed the cows, although I generally milked. One day little Ruby took sick. She had the whooping cough. There was no doctor. All was done that could be done. Her Father was home now, caring and praying for us all, but in April, our sweet little girl was taken from us. Five others in that village died that month. Mother and everyone was so kind to us, but it seemed as if life could never be the same again. The Young Ladies and Young Men were still publishing the Mutual Star. Mari[-] Porter, our Stake President, was a fine writer and many of us tried our hand at writing. I found great joy in that work. We would write for all occasions. We had great times in our little southern home. My sister and I sang at one confer[-] a song I had written about Orderville. Part of it was, "'Tis here I want to liv[-] and die, in Orderville my home." ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p067.jpg) Ten months after little Ruby died, my next son was born. We named him Rulon. He was so tiny and not as pretty as Ruby, but I loved him dearly. His Father had gone to Salt Lake to conference that fall before. His sister and husband were living in Idaho so he went on up to see them. While there, he found there was a farm for sale near them, and made a payment on it. When he came back, he was so elated about Idaho, the big river, so much land, and what a future. His Mother, Frank, and Emma were to have 40 acres, his sister, Rhoda and husband forty acres, and we the rest. So they moved to Idaho that winter. We stayed until Rulon was 3 months old, then sold our fine home and farm to Hans, taking sheep for nearly everything. They were worth $1.00 a head. What a difference now. On the 26th of April, I bade farewell to the little valley where I had lived so many years, to my old Mother, who was still on crutches from a broken leg; to the graves of my two children, to everything dear on earth it seemed, and started north. I had then been married ten years, was the mother of six children and was just 29 years old. I still have a Book of Remembrance that the Young Ladies gave me at my farewell party. God bless them. My sister Eliza, and her four sons and husband went too. We arrived in Basalt, Idaho in May, 1897. I must have been a dragline for I could see nothing in that sagebrush land and said, "Let's sell out and move back to Orderville!" The Church Fifty Year Jubilee was a big affair that July. My Mother-in-law and Emma went down. She never came back. She died in Provo in her husband's home and was buried in Alpine. Emma married David Price. They have a fine family and still live in Salt Lake. Frank was called on a mission and we moved into their home while ours was being built. He loved his neighbor's daughter, and when he returned, he married sweet Laura Whitmill. We built our house across the tracks, far from the Rail- road tracks. So many tramps were going up and down hunting work. It was my fault we built back so far as I didn't like the tramps, but I had not counted on the deep snow in the winter. And what a winter! The river was frozen over and they hauled all the wood across on the ice. We were soon in our brick house and Frank was in his. John had built on his land. Everything was so different from Utah. It seemed the meetings were run different. I even stayed home for a while, and would not even try to be contented. But I guess I learned my lesson. The first meeting I attended, the Bishop had stake officers there and a visitor from Salt Lake. His wife, who had been president of the Young Ladies, was called to be president of the ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p068.jpg) Relief Society. They called me to be president of the Young Ladies. In looking back, I wonder why I didn't refuse and let someone else be president and I her counselor. But I had never refused a call, so I was voted in. My lonesome days were soon over. A President Bowman was the Sunday School teacher and I remember him asking me to come and join the Parent's Class. Never have I forgotten how happy I was when he asked me. I always tried to pass the good word along to anyone who first moved into our ward. The boys were growing, the land was cleared and some hay and wheat was planted. The future was looking bright. We had been in Basalt eleven months when my Reuben left for a mission to the Southern States. I learned a few things in the 28 months he was gone. I learned to value him more than any- thing on earth. My boys were growing, my baby was 15 months old when Reuben kissed us all goodbye. I have my letters from him which I prize highly. They will tell you of the wonderful mission he was on. While he was in Salt Lake, before his departure, he met his mother's sister and family. They were just leaving for their new home in Canada and he told them to stop a few days with me. What a fine family they were. They came back that fall, not satisfied with Canada. He said he only had $5.00, so I told them they could live in part of my house, have all they could raise if they planted lucerne with the wheat, which they did. Two of his sons married the Bishop's daughters. I don't believe I ever saw a more kind and patient woman than Aunt Jane. They stayed with me until just a few weeks before Reuben returned. I had my dark days, but could always see the sun through the clouds. We still had a few hundred sheep in Orderville. That kept Reuben on his mission. He had grain planted and we had quite a good crop that fall. I was called to be the Stake Secretary of M. I. A. The Basalt people I learned to love. One day Brother Berg gave me a dollar and another man gave me 50 cents. That was all I ever received from anyone. The Relief Society president[-] offered me a pound of butter, but I said we didn't need it, though we hadn't taste[-] butter for some time as our cow was dry. Brother Joseph Dye was going on a missi[-] that fall, and he sold us his cow so we had plenty of milk again. I knitted sock[-] for the store and would get as much yarn as I knit. I made some quilts and sold them. I won't say how we met our losses, try to forget that. But when our cow died, I had to write and tell Reuben. I shouldn't have done that. One letter he said, "Don't tell me your financial troubles. That doesn't trouble me now." So I kept them to myself. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p069.jpg) Chapter VI THE DIARY CONTINUED February 19, 1898 Winter is beginning to leave us, and the warm sunshine seems so pleasant to behold. It has been a cold winter, but I have been quite happy. We all enjoyed good health and though we are far from many whom we hold dear, still we are trying to gather warm friends around us in our new home, and I try to keep my mind and hads occupied with something useful for I've found this to be the main thing which will make one happy and contented and then never forgetting to return our thanks to our kind Father in Heaven for all His tender mercies upon us, and try to serve Him to the best of our ability. Then we will be happy, no matter where our home is. Our own selves are the main ones which causes us joy or sorrow and we, if we live right, we will feel right. The Young Ladies entertainment went off nicely last evening, it was a success and everybody seemed pleased and satisfied with it. No more for today, I must get dinner. March 21, 1898 My husband is thirty-three years old today, he has just taken baby out for a walk, he will soon have to leave his baby boy, but he is going on a noble errand. He has been called on a mission to the Southern States and will leave Salt Lake City on the 28th of next month. He is willing to go and although I will be lonely in my new home here without him, still I am willing to bid him good-bye and remain alone with my little ones for a few years. That we are counted worthy to make a little sacrifice for the Gospel sake, 'tis but small in comparison to what many have done, but we trust the Lord will accpet this small sacrifice and bless us both with His good spirit to lead us day by day for we both need it so much. I know I have complained much more than I should have done since we moved here, but I will try to be contented for I know the Lord is blessing us here and will continue to if we love and obey Him. I attended Relief Society conference in Eagle Rock day before yesterday, and a good spirit prevailed. A large attendance and nearly every society was represented, although the weather was very disagreeable. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p070.jpg) May 15, 1898 'Tis Sunday evening, another day of rest has passed in the thoughts of doing our duty. How well we feel when such is the case, how bitter is the opposite feeling. None can testify to the difference till they have tasted of both. Oh, if evil was only my slave and I knew I had the control of it forever, I would then be happy, but I must be on my guard continually lest it creeps in unaware and does me damage. My trust is in a greater power than I am in possession of myself, for I know if I do not receive strength from on high, I can never conquer the evil power that lurks in my pathway to lead me astray. This is my joy and hope, for I feel day by day that my Father's watch care is over me and is leading me to do His will. Though sometimes I am led through sorrow ere I learn to submit, I want to serve Him and 'tis not will- fully that I disobey Him, the weaknesses of the flesh are ever with me, and 'tis through them that I often fail. But I am striving to overcome all evil, and hope to succeed. 'Tis now three weeks since my husband started on his mission, he writes so hopeful and feels so contented in his field of labor, and I am striving to imitate his noble example and be content with my lot here at home and do what little good I can in my humble sphere. June 10, 1898 Oh, summer is so fair and beautiful, the birds are sweetly singing, the grain looks so green and thrifty, and all nature smiles with glee and I too am content and happy. Husband writes such hopeful letters that it makes me partake of the same spirit and I feel like striving to do the best with all I have and not to worry if the object I had in view is not always attained. I know that the Lord's way is not always nor seldom like ours, and I feel more than ever to yield obedience to His will, for I know by so doing, I will be save and things will come out better in the end. Baby is not feeling well, I am weaning him. The Masons have our front room nearly finished. Eliza has been over to pay us a visit. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p071.jpg) June 27, 1898 Little Rulon, in years to come, if you chance to scan these pages, you will know when you come to these words, that your mother penned them while holding you. You are such a treasure, so dear to me, and yet you can't quite fill the vacancy in my heart that little sister made when she left me. But I love you dearly, and now you are such a comfort to me, for your dear papa is so many miles away, preaching the Gospel. And dear babe, I hope to see you in the future, laboring in the same good cause. Little one, always love the Lord and do His will. No matter where you may be called to go while on this earth, never forget to call upon God, and you will not be overcome. August 6, 1898 Sister Fisher and Ruth have been over to see me. We had a good time talking of home and loved ones. The day they came, they went with me to Relief Society Meeting and after we came home, Sister Fisher told us she had seen our Meeting House in a dream before she left Utah. She knew it was in Idaho, but did not know what town. She also said the benches and the number present at our meeting that day was like she had seen it in her dream; and it came vividly to her mind on seeing our meeting house. Reuben is doing so well in the mission field. I believe it's on account of his humility and obedience. How proud I am of such a noble husband. Oh, if I can only be as obedient to him as he is to his Maker, and I am trying to learn this great lesson, to be obedient to those over me in the Priesthood, and obey thier council, no matter how much my wilful heart may rebel. PAPA'S BABY IS SO CUTE Could you see your baby papa, running playing all the day, You would scarcely know your Rulon for I've changed since you went away. I can now tell lots of stories, chattering pointing as I run, Keep my ma from getting lonesome, by telling her what I have done. Papa dear, your baby darling often thinks you should come home, And I listen hard to hear you singing, calling me to come. But you never answer Papa, though I often look around, For I think you must be hiding, and that you will yet be found. But my mamma hugs me for you, kisses my little hurts away, And I often stand beside her, as she on her knees doth pray. And when I'm a little older, I'll become quite reconciled Here without you, when they tell me, I'm a Missionary's child. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p072.jpg) September 2, 1898 I find so much to do, that I hardly have time to write a few words, but I hope I won't always be so busy. We have our threshing done and I've enough flour now to last for two years. How thankful I am to my Heavenly Father for His many blessings to me. I do know He has greatly blessed me and how unworthy I am, but I want to live nearer to Him and serve Him as I should. My dear Mother came to live with us while I am alone. She has been here a week and what a comfort and help she is to us and she is contented here with us. We had our annual meeting yesterday. I was re-elected to be president of the Young Ladies. I do hope I, with the other officers, will be diligent in performing our duties and do that which is required of us. How I will appreciate Reuben when he is with me again, and it seems like my burdens will be so light when he is here to carry his. God bless him. September 26, 1898 'Tis five months today since Reuben silently kissed me and walked away. How easy he did it, so others would have thought had they witnessed his departure, but we ourselves best knew how we felt. I certainly have been blessed as well as him, but yet I have had a few misfortunes. I will jot them down, perhaps in the future years I can laugh at what now makes me sigh a little. One of our work-horses got choked to death, which left us without a team. I sold a cow, and in a few days after, she got on her back and died, and I stood half the loss. And today my pretty heifer that we have petted and kept so fat, lay dead in the field. Perhaps it is all to learn me things which is needed for my welfare. I am so thankful that it was not little Clintie. Bless him, he has been quite sick over a week with a fever, but seems a little better today. Oh, if my Heavenly Father will only spare my children unto me, and help me to be hopeful and humble through life and bring back again my darling, I will and should be content. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be His holy name. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p073.jpg) November 24, 1898 'Tis Thanksgiving evening. Cold without, but I have a warm house to shelter me, four healthy romping boys to keep me busy and cheer me and we all enjoy good health. My thoughts have been miles away, thinking of the absent one and wonder- ing if he has enjoyed Thanksgiving day. We indeed have much to thank our Heavenly Father for. The glorious principles of the Gospel, which he has given to us and the desires which He gives us of trying to live them. The hopes of eternal life, as well as the hope of again meeting our absent ones again in this life, and living many happy years with them here on earth. We live here in this land of liberty and freedom with everything to encourage us and give us hope. Yet with all these advantages and blessings surrounding us on every hand, we sometimes give away to a spirit of murmuring and complaining of what we think is a hard life to lead at times. But my eternal Parent, forgive me wherein I have offended thee by my complaints, give me wisdom to walk in the path or truth, and not deviate therefrom. Bless my absent husband and give him strength and courage to fulfill his mission honorably in thy sight and ever be with him to sustain him by thy power. And if it be thy will, bring him safely back to me in thine own due time. Give me a portion of thy spirit to lead me day by day and bless my little ones with a spirit of love and reverence for thee and thy work. Uncle Dan went to Salt Lake today, to attend the Sunday School convention. How lonely I would be were they not living with us this winter. They have held a Soldier's Reunion today in the schoolhouse. We have spent the day at home, as happy as we could be, trying to amuse ourselves and make the little ones happy. We truly have many things to make us happy when we stop to think of them, and try to forget our trials. Clintie wants me to help him with his lesson, so Ill bid my Journal-friend good night. January 26, 1899 Little Rulon is two years old today, he is playing so cute and wants to write too. He has been quite sick, but is nearly well again. He received an apron and some candy from his Grandma Jensen last night, which she had made for him before she died. She called him her birthday present because he was born on her birthday. Frank returned home last Saturday the 21st from a mission to the Indian Territory. He was released on account of sickness. The winter so far has been a pleasant one for us all, we have been blessed ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p074.jpg) with good health and have plenty to make us comfortable. Only one thing is lacking to make our home complete, but though we miss him, yet I would not have him return home until his mission is finished for anything on earth. Bless that husband of mine, if he ever meets with sorrow or disappointment, his letters never tell of it. He always writes so hopeful and encouraging. And his letters are such a comfort to me. Heavenly Father bless him together with all who are out spreading the truths of thy Gospel among thy children. Comfort and enlighten their minds and in thine own due time, permit them to return to their homes and loved ones. July 20, 1899 I have written a great deal since last I took time to write on these pages. The months pass away in peace. I have plenty to do so I don't find much time to lament on the absent one. But he is in my thoughts every day, and his encouraging letters give me hope and determination to try to do my duties here at home to the best of my ability. The warm summer days are upon us. Grandpa Jensen has been here about a month and we all enjoy his presence. I write to my darling every week and have also written to several of his friends in the South And lest I should in the future forget that I had written any such letters, I will copy one that I have just been writing for I have not kept a copy of any of the others. Basalt, Bingham County, Idaho July 20, 1899 Mrs. W. E. Petty and Husband, Bellmont, Tennessee 'Tis with pleasure I comply with a request of my husband, Elder Lewis Reuben Jensen, who has made your acquaintance, that I write you a few lines in appreciation of your kindness to him. It makes me rejoice when he mentions the names of strangers who have so kindly entertained him, though some may differ with him in religious matters. And I wish in my heart that I could show them kindness in return, but distance prevents me from doing this. Please accept these few lines as a token of my appreciation for your kindness to him. As he is very busy in his travels, if he does not find time to write to you, I know you have his best wishes, and let my letter answer for what he should desire to write. We are all children of our Heavenly Father, we are striving in our weak way while here on earth to find the plan of life and Salvation, that by complying with the same, we may when we leave this existence, be worthy to enter back into the presence of our Heavenly Father. There are many different views taken of the Gospel. There are so many different creeds of religion, all professing to be the true followers of Christ, that if a person depends entirely on their own wisdom, they would be at a loss which sect to join. All Christians profess to believe in the Bible as the word of God, yet we can plainly see that all are not actuated by the same spirit in ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p075.jpg) explaining the writings of that Sacred Book. There are so many different opinions as to what the Scriptures mean, and man though he may be sincere in his belief, who relies on his own wisdom in giving the meaning of certain passages of scripture, will be confused and at a loss to know just what it does mean. The Scriptures tell us, "There is but one Lord, one faith, and one baptism." Our Heavenly Father is not the author of confusion but of peace. So there can only be one true plan of salvation, and we cannot be saved but by that plan. By reading the Bible, we learn that there were different opinions in regard to religion, and of the true method of serving God when Jesus was upon the earth. But He restored the Gospel in its purity, and taught mankind the proper plan to obtain eternal life. He was crucified for doing good to men, but through His willingness to die for our sins, He brought about the resurrection of our bodies, and atoned for the sin of Adam. His followers received the scorn of the world for the testimony they bore, and many laid down their lives for testifying that Jesus was the Christ. Though the Saints in former days were persecuted by those who had different views of religion, still the trials they endured did not take their testimony from them. It only increased their faith and they pressed onward regardless of what their fate would be and testified to all who would listen to them that Salvation had come to earth and that Jesus was the Christ. They promised those who would obey the Gospel and hold out faithful to the end, an exaltation in the mansions of God. Wasn't such a promise worth living and dying for? Where are the ministers today who make similar promises? Can they be found in Christiandom? My friends, for I esteem you such, do not join any religion, unless it is in accordance with the Gospel which Jesus restored in His day; for the Lord changes not, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and if the true plan of Salvation is upon the earth it must correspond exactly with the pure Gospel as restored in Christ's day. You need to be humble and prayerful in your search for the truth. In the First Chapter of James, the 5th Verse reads, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." I don't ask you to join the faith of the Latter-Day-Saints because I believe and know it is true, but I do ask you to investigate it sincerely, and you will come to a knowledge of the truth of it for yourself. The Gospel has been restored to save all who will obey its requirements. We must all travel the same path to obtain Eternal Life, and that path is not always strewn with roses, thorns have often pierced the humble traveler on his way. But he had an object in view while journeying in the Valley of Sorrow for he knew at its terminus, if he could only endure to the end, and not faint by the way, there would be awaiting him a crown of Celestial Glory. When a person has this faith and knowledge, then trials are swallowed up in the hope they have of a glory here after. Study the history of the Latter-Day-Saints, and compare their persecutions with what the Saints in former days had to endure, and see if their integrity has not been the same. I will gladly send you one of our Church History books, if you will read it, and will be pleased to send you any of our Church Works. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p076.jpg) I know that the Gospel has made thousands of people happy. There is a joy in knowing we have the truth that an unbeliever does not know. 'Tis true the Gospel cannot or does not make us perfect at once, but we struggle to overcome our failings. We falter many times, but the Gospel is very merciful, and if we repent and strive anew to serve God, we can obtain forgiveness for our faults, and by being humble and prayerful, we can gain power over evil and sin. 'Tis nearly thirteen months since my husband bid me good-bye and willingly left his home to go among strangers to proclaim the principles of the Holy Gospel. I have seen a few lonely moments here with my four little children, but I feel so thankful he was so willing to go and impart to all who would listen to him of the glorious principles of our holy religion. He speaks so well of the people in the south and I know you will be blessed for the good treatment the servants of God receive from you. It is a struggle to lay aside the belief that was instilled into our heads at our mother's knee, for we think our parents so good that the religion they believed in is good enough for us. But be not satisfied with a religion that though it may have some truth in it, and some errors, when there is the true Gospel to be found on the earth. I have wrote enough to weary you, but friends prove all things and hold fast to that which is good. With Best Wishes, I remain _______________. September 8, 1899 The days and months are passing swiftly away. The Lord in His tender mercy is revealing His mind and will unto His children here on earth. Will we as a people believe and obey the counsel of our nobel leaders? By obedience, there is safety. I know I am one of the weak daughters of Zion. Yet the desire of my heart is to do right, but often I find myself making mistakes not wilfully, but through weakness and I do desire to become strong and valiant for this is the Lord's work. And in order to obtain strength and power over evil, I have fasted now two days to find favor in my Father's sight that He will bless me more abundantly with His holy spirit, that it may be a light to my feet, to lead me through this dark world. I do feel humble and want to live nearer unto my Fathers word and to take such a course in the future, that my feet may not lead me in forbidden paths. Keep me in the narrow path which leadeth to Life Eternal. What a comfort and strength there is in prayer. I could not lead a happy life did I not depend upon my Father's protection. No earthly power can comfort me in the hour of my affliction, but I know one way to obtain relief from every sorrow, by humbling myself in prayer. My Father comforts me and gently leads me along. He knows what trials to place in my pathway to humble me and bring me nearer to Him. Though the trial is often very severe, still I bow in sub- mission to His will, and in time those trials which now cut so deeply will prove a blessing to us. My prayer is continually to my Heavenly Father to send me such ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p077.jpg) trials that will bring me nearer unto Him, and which will humble me. He knows what I need, and which will benefit me most and in His hands I place myself, hoping, trusting Him for aid and faith to lead my feet in the path which will lead me to Him. Holy Father guide my footsteps Guide them in the narrow way. Leave me not amid temptations Which would surely lead astray. Oh, be with me Heavenly Father, Be my shield unto the end, Give me faith and strength and courage, And ever on thee to depend. December 18, 1899 Fourteen years ago today, I took the most important and happy step I have ever taken. I was sealed for time and eternity to my choice and to one who has been kind and true to me. Never can I recall one instance where he has ever influenced me to disobey the commands of God. He has counseled and encouraged me to live my religion faithfully before my Maker. How happy our life had been. A few sorrows have touched our hearts, but they have been those which was given us by our Heavenly Father for a wise purpose and He has given us strength to bear them. Some would look upon my situation now as a trial, my husband thousands of miles away, and all is silent tonight except the ticking of the clock. But I am as happy on this our wedding day as I have been when my dear one was by my side, for I know he is where the Lord desires him to be, and I do not desire him to return to me till his mission is honorably finished. Then and then only, will I feel happy in his presence. But when that happy time arrives how joyfully will I welcome him home and how tenderly will I press him to that heart which I willingly gave him fourteen years ago today, and which has never beat for none but him. God bless my faithful husband, protect him from every evil snare, lead him onward in the path of duty and give him courage and joy to walk therein, and in thine own due time bring him back to the home he left nearly twenty months ago. We had such a good Ward Conference yesterday, the best meeting I ever attended here. President Steele, Brother Bennett, and Brother T. Nixon encouraged us to live our religion, respect the Priesthood, give heed to their counsel, and keep all the laws of the Lord, for by so doing would He bless us and give us power to again behold His face. I am sleepy and the fire has gone out, so it is getting cold, so I will join my dear children in dreamland, and perhaps there I may see the one who can only now greet me when sleep and happy dreams bring him to me. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p078.jpg) January 12, 1900 Again has another birthday dawned for me. All is quiet in my home, save the crackling of the fire and the ticking of the clock. The children are still asleep. I am so happy, why should I be otherwise? The New Year has been ushered in with gladness. All is well with us at home and what is better than all else, my husband is still prospering in his missionary labors in "Dear Old Tennessee." This thought lightens every labor, soothes every pain and often brings a smile of joy upon my countenance. 'Tis the greatest pleasure I could enjoy to know that he is blessed so abundantly of the Lord, that he finds peace and joy in his labors day after day. And my constant prayer is "Oh, Father bless all thy ministering servants with peace and courage to accomplish the labors assigned them, and oh help us their families, to be faithful to thee and to them, that we may also be worthy to receive a blessing at thy hand and be contented and happy under all our varied circumstances." I know the Lord has blessed me in abundance, I have felt His tender hand over me to a greater extent than ever before, and I do want to keep his commandments better every day. Yesterday Brother Hans Berg came and talked with me so encouragingly, and gave me a dollar to send my husband, I could not hide my grateful tears for his kindness and thoughtfulness and for the kind spirit in which he gave it to me. 'Tis the first one from our ward that has done as he did, and it touched a tender cord in my bosom, for it showed that the absent missionary was remembered by someone beside myself. "Oh, my Heavenly Father, bless Brother Berg a hundred fold for his goodness unto one of thy servants, and never leave him to be overcome by the temptations of the evil one." On the third of this month, Brother Belnap returned home from a four months mission to California, he was honorably released on account of sickness. How sad the words sounded when he arose and said, "'Tis with some regret I stand before you," but he was very sick and unable to perform his labors. But yet I believe he would have felt happier had his health permitted him to have remained upon his mission. Perhaps he can do as much good at home. Missionaries are needed here. We are having such a mild, pleasant winter, the river is not frozen over yet. The holidays passed quietly and peacefully by. The wives of the missionaries were kindly entertained at our worthy Bishop's home, and we had such an enjoyable time together. My brother sent me such a pretty silk handkerchief for my birth- day present. We are 600 miles apart, yet he has not forgotten the sister who always looked upon him as her pride and joy when we dwelt beneath our parents roof and enjoyed the pleasures of happy childhood. Those days are now forever passed, but yet our happiness has not fled, there is still joy on every side if ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p079.jpg) we do sometimes brush away the thorns to find it. It only takes patience, love and prayer to come in possession of the spirit of the Lord, and when that is obtained, happiness lingers for us in every walk of life. Amid disappointments and reverses, we still can see the kind hand of a loving Father extend to help us onward till we partake of the fruit which the Gospel will lead us to. Oh, may we all be willing to walk in duty's pathway, and be worthy of the blessings of the glorious Gospel of Christ. [photograph appears on page with the following caption] Grandma's brother Hans Sorensen and his wife, Miranda Esplin. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p080.jpg) - - Chapter VII OUR FAMILY TOGETHER AGAIN June 17, 1900 Yesterday my husband and I returned home. I met him in Salt Lake City last Sunday and no one but those who have passed through the same experience knows how happy our meeting was. We remained there one week attending Mutual Conference, Primary Meeting, some of the Scandinavian Jubilee; and went through the Temple of the Lord one day, which was the happiest day of all. Oh, the glorious gospel plan, given so freely to us. How little we prize its value, but on living its laws will happiness or sorrow come to us. And my desire to live a life as my Maker desires, has increased since I met my noble husband. The spirit which he is in possession of is of the Lord, and he follows in the narrow path which our Saviour trod. I sincerely desire to journey in his footsteps, and keep as near him as possible, but I am weak and frail, and did I not have a faithful noble husband to lead me, I am afraid I would grow faint and weary by the wayside. But as long as his pure true love and confidence is mine I can follow him on the road to perfection. His face shows signs of suffering, and sickness, but his spirit is strong and I know his mission has been honorably fulfilled and oh, how I love and admire his integrity. God bless him forever. His humble testimony today in meeting was full of love for the Gospel and for all of God's children and he gave God all the honor and praise for His mercies and blessings to him for what he had done through Him. May I strive to live worthy of such a noble companion. Kind Heavenly Father wilt thou help me to do this, and keep me in the narrow path leading by thy power and love until we stand in thy presence as conquerors over sin and the grave. September 25, 1900 Last evening we returned home from Stake Conference held at Menan. Three bretheren and two sisters from Salt Lake were with us giving us good advice and teaching us the way to obtain Eternal Life. Brother Kimball said we must do right because we love to, not from fear of punishment. If this was implanted credit for keeping those laws which are easy or almost natural for us to observe. It is the difficult tasks when mastered that brings praise. The duties we shrink from when faithfully done will bring their own reward in the due time of the Lord. The keeping of good company was touched upon. Our influenc[-] is felt among our associates, theirs also make an impression upon our minds for good or evil. Choose good companions, good books to read, and think of the ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p081.jpg) good in life and you will not go far astray. Honor and obey the Priesthood of God. It is certain death to a person who refuses to partake of it for any length of time, and a person who refuses to partake of spiritual food will finally die spiritually. And this spiritual nourishment is obtained by prayer, faithful performance of religious duties, and by strictly obeying the Priest-hood of God. We should be laborers in this Church not drones. Let our earthly blessings or temporal things be a second consideration, the spiritual first. The teachings at all the meetings were very instructive. The Young Ladies Stake Fair was a success. Coming home, Sister Inglestrom and I were remarking what a good time we had, but says she thought it seems like when we think the cup of happiness is nearly full in spiritual things, something generally temporal will come to cast a gloom upon us. And when we arrived home and found out our old cow had died that morning, I thought Sister Inglestrom's words were right, but yet we are not pining over our loss. I felt in my heart that the Lord giveth and He also taketh away. Blessed be His holy name. This is the second cow that died for us this month. But as long as we have our children, we ought not to complain. My husband is gaining in health every day, what a blessing this is and above all, he is faithful and true to the religion which will save and exalt all who will explore it and live it. Next Friday night Brother Berg starts on a mission to Norway. God bless him while away from home. January 12, 1902 Today I am thirty-four years old. Rulon has the measles, so I am at home instead of being at Sunday School. My sweet little Hattie is sitting in her carriage watching me. I know there never was a sweeter, better baby. Nor did one ever come to our home that was more welcome than she. Born on the 17th of August last, one week after Hattie Hutchinson's funeral, we named her in remembrance of that dear pure girl who was cut down like a lily in full bloom. Our home is now so happy and complete, we all adore our little treasure and she is so good natured that all who sees her loves her. Husband is working on the meeting house every day, he is superintending the carpenter work. The sun shines so warm through the windows, no snow and such pleasant weather. My dear old Mother passed away on the 27th of September. She was a kind, loving Mother to us children and I know her reward will be great. It seems since her departure that heaven is not so far off as it used to be, and I hope to meet her again and dwell close by her in the world to ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p082.jpg) come. And if I can act my part in life as well as she did hers, how happy I will be when I am called hence. May this year of my life be a blessing to someone. December 18, 1903 Basalt, Bingham County, Idaho Eighteen years ago today since I was married. My husband is dearer to me than he was that happy day. We have certainly been blessed since we took that important step. Love, happiness and peace has shone on our pathway. Few shadows, plenty of sunshine has always been ours. We have been busy as well as contented. So busy this year that my Journal has been neglected entirely. On the fourth of August, little Ray came to bless our home, he is such a big good-natured baby. Hattie thinks he ought to be her doll, and treats him as one sometimes. Annie Fackrell came up and stayed with me two months this summer, what a noble girl she is, well can my sister be proud of her daughter. She will come again some day I hope. Ivan is attending the Ricks Academy this winter, I am proud of my boy, and the way he conducts himself. He will be home tomorrow for the holidays. Ray wants his mamma! CORRESPONDING HISTORY My sons were growing, I wondered if their father would know them. I wonder now, when so much is said, how they ever developed into such fine men with what I had to feed them, but we were happy and seldom hungry. The spring Reuben had been gone two years, I was blue and discouraged for he should have been released in time to get the crops in. I was putting myself up against the Lord's will and when his sweet spirit tried to comfort and guide me to see the Light, I even said in my heart, "Leave me alone for once." He did. I don't see how I could have suffered more mentally. For some weeks, everything went wrong, losses, nothing seemed worth living for. I fasted three days, time and again I asked the Lord to forgive me, even said one day, "Take everything I have, husband, children, but let me be worthy to live and die in the Church." In June he was released. I met him in Salt Lake City, and when I was in his arms again, I knew the world was bright again! How happy we were to have him home again. The boys could now hitch up the team. Everything looked rosey, but my Reuben looked pale and could not work as he had done. The old malaria had taken its toll in looks and strength. I said to Ivan one day, "Where is ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p083.jpg) your Father?" He replied, "Oh, he is lying down there, bossing." He was so sick, he would have to lie down in the fields. I didn't know how to pity him. He was sick for several weeks, but he was home and that was all that really mattered. He was chosen as counselor to President Steele in the Stake. I was still busy with my home, boys, and the M. I. A. We cleared land and I kept a school teacher that winter. On the 18th of August, my sweet missionary girl was born. We named her Hattie, in remembrance of my counselor, Hattie Hutchinson, who died two weeks before. What a fine baby! Wherever we went, they would say she was a missionary baby. The way her Father idolized her! She had the prettiest hair, which I could soon braid into five little braids. Her father was well and busy helping to build a new meeting house on the townsite above the railroad tracks. Everybody was advised to buy lots and build there so our little home on the farm was never finished. Two years passed of hard work and on the 4th of August, my biggest baby was born. He weighed 8 pounds and we named him Ray. The finest little fellow to follow his daddy around. Our Bingham Stake was divided and the Blackfoot Stake was organized with Elias Kimball as President. I was chosen as counselor to the Stake President of the Primary. Reuben was chosen as counselor to William M. Dye. That next winter, they were building a new schoolhouse in Basalt. Ivan wanted to attend Ricks College, so I took the family and went to Rexburg, all were going to school but Hattie and Ray. Their Father was busy building the rock house on the townsite. Martha Webb and her sons lived at the ranch and were going to farm some of it. After I came home in June, my sweet Minnie Marie was born in our new house, on the 7th of June, 1905. The house wasn't quite finished yet. How little Hattie did love that baby! Mrs Shelley came to get me that morning to go to Blackfoot to an officer's meeting, but I told her I was excused as I didn't feel well. When she came back, she called to see me and there she saw my little doll baby, as we called her. You would have thought I'd quit Primary, but I didn't. All the years we belonged to Bingham Stake, I was in the M. I. A. but now the Primary was my work. I loved the fine officers and I loved my Primary work. Our family was growing and so was our farm, but something came to cause us financial loss. President Kimball was a business man as well as stake President. His family would move to Idaho, he was President of the Southern States Mission when Reuben was there. He would often come to see us. He had something to sell, ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p084.jpg) [photograph appears on page with the following caption] Picture taken about 1910 of the Jensen home in Basalt, Idaho. The home was built in 1904 by Louis Reuben. It had indoor water and plumbing, carbide lighting, coal and wood heating, a walk-out basement and five bedrooms. The people in front are Clint, Bea, Mother Marie, Old Tip and Ray. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p085.jpg) [photograph appears on page with the following caption] 1917 THE BASALT WARD SUNDAY SCHOOL TAKEN ON THE JENSEN FRONT LAWN BY THE BEAUTIFUL HOME GRANDPA JENSEN BUILT. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p086.jpg) banana stock as well as insurance and mining stock. My husband invested in all, much to our sorrow later. We put a mortgage on our farm to raise the money as many others did the same. The Snake River Valley Irrigation System issued bonds. When we should have held them, we let their salesmen, who promised us quick returns have the bonds. Why were we so foolish? Two years passed. My oldest son was on a mission to Northern States. How proud we were of him! He left when the San Francisco earthquake happened. On the 9th of August, my 10th baby was born. It was the first time I had ever taken chloriform, and when I woke, they said I started crying and calling for Ivan. My pain stopped as the midwife came. She gave me a few drops of something that seemed to send the pain to my right leg. I suffered with the pain for a long time, my milk nearly left me. I had to raise little Reed on the bottle, but he grew to be a fine little fellow. When he was 10 months old, Ivan returned from his mission, after being away for two years. We were so happy to see him. Doyle was called to fill a mission to Germany. He left in December 1908. What a fine looking son. I could not go to his farewell party as my last baby, a firl was born the last day of that month, the 31st of December. I remember her Father holding her and saying, "This is the sweetest one yet." And I said I guess this will be the last. He answered, "No, we should have one more to make it a dozen." Beatrice Freeman promised to work for me. She was taken suddenly sick and died soon after from an appendix operation. I said to Reuben, "Perhaps you don't want the baby called Beatrice now." He answered, "We can't think of calling her anything else." I could hear them making Beatrice's casket as I lay upstairs. How little did I know what great sorrow was so near for me. My Reuben said the night of her funeral, "I'm tired, and a little sick. If someone will get little Reed ready for bed, I'll soon be asleep." That night he had a chill. The next morning, Brother Freeman came and wanted him to go to Blackfoot to have a picture of his daughter, amid her flowers. I didn't want Reuben to go that morning as he didn't feel well, but he said he felt better and would wear his fur overcoat and would keep warm. That night he came and got in bed with me as he was still chilling. I hugged him to me to keep him warm. He was better the next morning, but began spitting blood. The midwife who came to see me, said to keep him in- side and keep him warm. Ivan gave him a bath that day, but he seemed to be getting worse. I was not able to be out of bed and they moved him out of my room. When he left that day, he turned and said to me, "I'll soon be well ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p087.jpg) enough to come back and help you when you can get up." I began to worry, but I had my two little babies to care for. Little Reed, 16 months old, would come to my bed and lay his head on the side. I would pull him up to me and change his wet didy, and soon he wanted to be with me all the time when he couldn't find his daddy. January 12th, I was 41 years old. Grandma Bybee brought over a lunch. All were so good to me. Ivan got a fine nurse, one Doctor Cutler recommended. The Doctor came evey day. I wondered if the Doctor was angry with me as he never came in to see me. They said I was doing okay, but I must not see Reuben until the crisis was over. On my birthday, I knew something terrible was near. I turned my face to the wall and began praying. No one saw me, but I seemed to hear, or my soul heard, "Remember your promise?" I said, "Don't ask it now. Wait until I get stronger." I told Ivan and Clint to be sure and have the elders come, and they did come. I was in the basement, and could not be near Reuben, but I would dream of crawling up the stairs to try and get to him. I could never quite make it. Two days passed, I was dressed that day. I knew the Doctor had been there, but he seemed to avoid me. Ivan came and I asked him how his Father was. He asked if I wanted to go up and see him. Oh yes, I wanted that more than anything. I remember glancing around the room and saw several people standing. I shook off the one who helped me up the stairs and hurried to his bedside, saying that I was going to stay with him now. He said, "That's so good," and tried to raise his arm to put around me as I knelt by him. His arms and hands were so cold. He said, "Ivan play me a tune on the piano." His eyes closed as he listened and I knew the time had come. I heard Ivan call for Clinton and the next thing I remember, I was sitting and someone had their arms around me. I remember Aunt Jane saying that it was all over, and I was taken down to my baby. That was 36 years ago, all was dark. I almost felt I had nothing to live for. How foolish to feel that way even for a minute. I had nine living children and many fine friends. I saw him again as he was so peacefully sleeping, just before the funeral. I went back to bed until it was over. I felt glad to be alone for a few moments with my thoughts. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p088.jpg) [photograph appears on page with the following caption] In the center on the back you see Ivan, Reuben and Doyle, with Clint in the center. Grandma is in the Center holding Minnie and Rulon and Hattie are in The Center Front. [photograph appears on page with the following caption] Back Row: Mads Sorensen, Kirsten Sorensen, Eliza Next Row: Hans, Reuben Jensen, Ferdinand Fackrell Nest Row: Marinda, Binnie, Juan, Marie Jensen The three children are Doyle Jensen, Cy Fackrell and Hugh Fackrell ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p089.jpg) BACK TO THE DIARY July 3, 1905 Just think of it, such a long time since I wrote a word in my Journal. I have been to Rexburg with my children this winter attending school. Since coming home, I have been so busy with my work, that work is all I've done. No it isn't, just take a peep at the little treasure lying on my lap, a sweet little girl. Oh, so small, but so sweet, came the seventh of June and here I am well again. Never has the Lord blessed me more than this time during my sickness. I hardly take time to thank Him as I should but oh, He is so good to me and mine in every way He blesses us. We are so comfortable in our new house. Lay down sweet little sister, let me step in the parlor where it's cooler and write a word there. Pretty couble parlor, how I love thee, for the one who built thee loves me and is every seeking my comfort. He is the same good, patient Rube he was long ago. So good to his children too, especially Hattie who sleeps with him, but that's alright as I have one to slumber by my breast now, little Stamper, as we sometimes call Ray, is Clintie's boy, at night. He is now asleep, oh so fat. Hattie has gone over to the butcher shop, is not as heavy as Ray, but runs and flies around like a bird, and her tongue flies about as fast, but she's sweet and cute. Beets, work, rustle all day, building, yes, Basalt is growing. The butcher shop, store, so many new houses. Bishop Ingelestrom will not know the place when he gets back from Sweden. One year since he went away. Life is full of changes, we ought to be preparing for them. Life today, death tomorrow. No celebration here tomorrow as Brother Jones will be buried then. Poor old man, he looked so forsaken when last I saw him. But life is what we weak mortals make it. One year ago the 14th of last February, I was called as counselor to Pres- ident Rich in the Primary. How I have enjoyed our labors, and I do hope to have the privilege of being able to continue my labors therein. My hands are tired with my little ones, but we are all healthy and I will try to do my duties for I know I will get along better with my home duties if I attend my spiritual ones. Poor Sister Eliza has been sick for eighteen weeks and I've not seen her. But Annie is there with her. Oh, may she recover soon. Another Sugar Factory song is beginning to be sung by the people over the river. Surely the Mormons do something beside going to meetings. I'm proud to be one of them. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p090.jpg) June 7, 1906 Little Minnie Marie is one year old today, she is in my arms where she has been most of the time for the last six weeks, since she had the whooping cough. But she is nearly well now and so are the other two children. Ivan left Salt Lake City the 25th of April, 1906 for a mission to the Northern States. He is certainly a boy to be proud of, writes such good cheerful letters, and exhibits a spirit of determination to fill an honorable mission. He is in the city of Detroit, I can't help but glance up at his picture and thank the Lord for such a son, just eighteen and away so far from home. We have now been living in our new home in town a little over a year, and it seems good to be in town and close to the meeting house. Reuben and Clintie went to Pocatello today with hay. Doyle and Rulon are thinning beets, and the three little ones are home with me. How thankful I am for my sweet little treasures and for my happy home. Minnie is one of the sweetest babies on earth, so little and so cute. It has rained more this spring than it has since we moved here. I expected to have been in Salt Lake City today, but on account of the cough, I could not attend our Primary Conference. But my heart is with that work, and I hope I will be able to fill that calling. Elsie and James will be married today. Nearly a year since her mother and sister were drowned, and her father away on a mission, but the Lord is over all, and we bow to His will. January 1, 1908 So many important events have transpired since I wrote in my Journal, but my pen has not been idle. Ivan dear, has received a letter from me every week since he left us for the mission field, two years next April. How proud I am of that son. He has been so faithful and true that my heart daily rejoices for his noble efforts to spread the Gospel truths. When I sometimes get a little tired and down cast, I only have to think of him and what he is doing and my sorrows vanish. Brother Walker was just in tonight and read one of his letters. Oh, Ivan, how I love thee, others may rejoice at their parties, or be happy when fortune smiles upon them, but my happiness comes when I think of you and alone here to- night my heart goes out in supplication to the Lord for His merciful care to be over you. Little Reed Smoot came to gladden our home the ninth of August last, he lays asleep on the cot, such a sweet darling. Hattie, Ray and Minnie are also in dreamland. The others are at the Leap Year Party. Doyle is home from the Academy during the holidays. He was ordained a Teacher last Sunday the 29th. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p091.jpg) He is taking the Missionary Course and is certainly interested therein. His little Bea is so sweet, we all admire and love her. Clinton is the same good fellow, is just learning to dance and enjoys it greatly. We were up to Frank's for dinner today. Quite warm and pleasant, not snow enough for a sleigh ride. Last Sunday, I was at Shelley visiting the Primary at their Sunday review. I do love the children and it keeps me young to associate with them. I have almost enough of my own for a Primary. Little Ray threw his mitten and knocked a bowl over and broke it tonight. I got a little vexed and scolded, but I must begin with the New Year and be better every way. More patient, more kind, and with divine help, I mean to try. I am blessed on every hand, that I must not forget the giver of all my blessings. I want to serve Him better, be truer, more faithful, in every respect. Oh Father, my thoughts unto thee doth ascend, I need thy assistance, wilt thou be my friend, Help me as a mother my mission to fill, In meekness to serve thee and bow to thy will, And not stop to pine when sometimes things go wrong, But be hopeful and give care away with my song. Then help me this year to live closer to thee, Give me strenth to overcome every evil in me, That I may ere long from all weakness be free. Logan, Utah December, 18, 1909 Twenty-four years ago today, I married one of God's noble men. Oh, how happy I was that day. Nothing but joy and sunshine seemed to be waiting for me in the future. Today, as I gaze at his picture, he still seems as dear, yes, a thousand times dearer than he did on that happy day so long ago. Little did I think what a change the years would bring. Oh, Reuben, could you see me today, as I have wandered around so lonely, trying to work, but I could not for my spirit was with you. You too, would long for my sake to come and share our wedding day with me. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p092.jpg) January 14, 1910 REUBEN One year ago today love, Death called you from my side, You left me sad and lonely, Your twenty-three year bride. I did not think that I could live, Without your love and care, But God has greatly blessed me In answer to my prayer. Each morning on awakening, I raise my eyes to see Your photo close beside me, Which gives such hope to me. You seem to say, "My darling, Another day has come, Be happy, work with faith love, You are one day nearer home. "The home which I'm preparing For you and children dear, The home which is eternal, Within another sphere, And I will sometimes linger Around your earthly home, To give you hope and comfort, Till unto me you come." Then why should tears of sorrow Bedim my weary eyes, When God and husband holds such hope To me from yonder skies, I'll trust them ever, for I know, They are watching over me, Their love will lead me through the gates Of sweet eternity. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p093.jpg) August 9, 1910 If my sweet little Reed had remained with me he would have been three years old today, but he was wanted on the other side and left me so suddenly nearly a year ago. I have been looking at his little dresses, pressing them to my lips and trying to keep back the tears which lie too near the surface. A few weeks after his papa left me, I dreamed I was standing at the foot of a hill among the sagebrush. I looked up and saw my husband hurrying up the hill. He smiled back at me making my heart leap with joy, and I said, "Shall I raise eight little ducks for you?" He said, so sweetly, "Yes," and glancing back at me so kindly, hurried on, and left me standing looking at the little ducks in my apron. I thought, why didn't I say nine, as that would have been just the number of children I had. I told the dream to Sister Freeman shortly afterward, and thought no more about it till I was reminded of it after little Reed died. No baby ever loved his papa better than he did, he was weaned so young, and was always the happiest when with his kind, patient papa. Now they rest closely together. Their graves are silent reminders of happy days ahead, though the separation is dark and drear at times. But I feel that the Lord has his watch care over them as well as over me, and that if I can be true and faith- ful, they will be mine to love and cherish in a world where I can meet and mingle with my treasure without fear of separation. Kind loving Father, give my heart strength and power to rise above every sin and be worthy of my heavenly jewels. [Photograph of six adults] ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p094.jpg) Chapter VIII LIFE ALONE And now back to the History The first letter Doyle received from home was of his Father's death. He was among strangers, learning a new language. He was the one whom all should have pitied, not me. I had five children under 8. Ivan, Clinton and Rulon were all doing men's work. What fine boys they were! Rulon only 12, and yet no boy did more work. Clint, just 16, was helping to make our living. We were in debt, our banana and mining stock worthless. Had I known what I do now, we would have used the insurance money to lift the mortgage. Reuben had started to get timber for the barn. I heard him say he wanted it to be 50 feet long, so of course, I wanted it as he had planned. That was the first big mistake I made. I never see it when I pass through the little village, but what I think of its cost and foolish extravagance. Well, I won't recall any more mistakes, but I've bitterly regretted some of the foolish financial failures we encountered, as Reuben had left us with plenty of finances if they had been managed right. My baby was growing. Doyle wrote such encouraging letters. I believe he made them cheerful to help me, for I know he had plenty of troubles. Ivan was a fine son and I learned to rely on him. That summer, he went to Shelley to see a girl and when he said he was going to buy a ring, I knew I would soon lose him, but she was a fine girl. I dreamed one night that I saw my Reuben hurrying away. I had eight little ducks in my apron that I was going to raise for him. When he disappeared, I counted them and said to myself, "Why didn't I say nine, as I have nine children." Sister Freeman, who had just lost her daughter a few days before our sorrow, used to come over and see me. I told her my dream and then forgot about it. She was so stricken with grief, I pitied her. She was so alone, while I had my house full to occupy my time. Ivan married Rosetta Griffith in the Salt Lake Temple August 18, 1909. They went to Beaver for their honeymoon, her relatives lived there. They had intended to go to Logan to school that fall, but fate changed their plans. One day an agent brought us a picture we had ordered. We all stood around him as he hung it on the wall. I said, "Where is little Reed?" Rulon said that he had just been with him. I told him to run over to Dyes to see if he was there. We were hurrying out to the barn to find him, Clint was ahead, Hattie running ahead of me. I saw her stop and scream, "Little Reed is dead!" I saw Clint ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p095.jpg) jump for him and pull him out of the watering trough. Reason must have left me for I heard Clint yell, "Oh, Ma, come back!" I know my only thought was to get Brother Dye to administer to him. Before I could get there, someone met me at the gate and led me back. I remember seeing a crowd. Someone was trying to restore his life. Clint came to me, and kneeling by me, we prayed. Someone said it wasn't my fault when I said that it was, for I should have had him in my arms. The doctor gave me something to put me asleep. I had forgotten my baby for those few awful moments until someone brought her and I held her to my breast, then sleep claimed me. Someone wired Ivan, but I can't remember when they came. I know he was there for he had his arms around me at the funeral. My friends must have cared for the children, but I can't recall who they were. Ivan said he was going to stay home and that I should go to Logan to forget my sorrow. That was a mistake on my part, the children would have had it easier if I had stayed at home. I was selfish in going for I've found out that you can't run away from sorrow, it follows you. Rulon, Hattie, and Ray went to school in North Logan. Minnie and Bea were with me. Where was Clinton? Perhaps down at the mine working out the assessment. When spring came, I was glad to get home, but wanted to live on the farm, and they let me live there for awhile. Ivan got hurt so we moved back in our home in Basalt. Everyone was so good to me. That spring, a man from Arizona came to see his wife's folks. He was going to Chatanooga to attend law school. Ivan wanted to go as he had always wanted to study law. I thought it was a fine place to study as the President of the Southern States Mission lived there and he would be under Church influence. In two years Ivan graduated from law school. Their oldest son was two months old when they returned. We were happy to see them again. Doyle returned from his mission to a home of sadness. Now I wonder why I couldn't have made it more cheerful for him. We went to Logan after the crops were up. Just before that, Ivan had gone to Boise and passed the Bar of Idaho so he could practice there. We had bought a home in Logan from my brother, he took a home we owned in Basalt. The big boys could go on the streetcar to the Agricultural College in Logan while the smaller ones went to North Logan where we lived. Clint had gone to the mine again to work for us. The Probate Judge of Bingham County had died. One morning, before the boys left for school, I told them that I dreamed Ivan had been appointed Probate Judge. How I did wait and look for the postman but no letter came to me. My sister's ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p096.jpg) son received a letter that day. I was frying meat for supper. Cy came home first that night. He said, "Listen Aunt Marie, what Dad writes. Ivan has been appointed Probate Judge of Bingham County." Ivan moved to Blackfoot then, and his second son was born there. Clinton had come to help put the crops in again. He had one of the finest girls in Basalt, Annie Berg. On the 3rd of July, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Doyle was now my bachelor son. Clinton came and lived in part of our house. How happy we all were. I'm not a very good mother or I'd have a big shower for all my children. I was too busy or lazy, but I loved them all dearly. I now had two fine daughters-in-law and two grandchildren. Before the next election, Ivan decided to run for County Attorney. On the day of the election, I was called to the phone and it was Ivan saying he had been defeated. He said, "I wanted to be the first to tell you so you wouldn't feel so badly." He sold his home in Blackfoot and moved to Shelley where they still reside, glad to be out of politics. He has a fine practice there and never forgets his religion. His fine wife has been his best support, true blue. A fine young lady school teacher from Rexburg came to teach school in Basalt. She boarded with Sister Freeman, as fine a girl as anyone could meet. The second winter she came, I knew she would stay. She and Doyle were married in Salt Lake Temple that fall. She kept on teaching that winter and towards spring, she quit and they moved up on the dryfarm in Wolverine and put in crops, and were a happy couple. One day I was coming in from milking when Doyle came leading his dripping horse and said, "Oh Ma, Ruth has been poisoned. She had been eating radishes the night before." I ran into the house, saw her condition as she lay moaning in pain. I ran to the phone and called doctor. He was soon there and before noon, she had a new son. How happy we all were. That son is now in the South Pacific. Clinton's first son was born a short time later. He is also now in the Pacific, has been there three years. His other son is a pilot in Europe. What a fine family I now had. We made another mistake in selling one of our farms to L. D. Cox. Though I have worried about it a lot, now I see it may have been for the best. Years of struggle has found them all on top again, each boy starting anew, they have won and lost. I wanted my children to have an easier life than I could give them. They have made it by themselves and all have good homes and families. My Rulon, what a fine son he was, never gave me one moment of worry. He worked from a little boy just like a man, and without comforts to help others. He was nearing 21. A family from St. Anthony moved into our ward. Rulon was soon in love. He now had someone else besides his sisters to take out. The ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p097.jpg) day before he was to leave for the temple, I heard him calling. I hurried out and he was under the wagon. The rack had tipped on him and a bolt had struck him in the stomach. It was early in the morning, and my screams brought a crowd and soon he was liberated. Doyle laughed at me as he came hurrying and said, "Ma, Basalt ought to hire you as the town crier!" What a fine couple they made. Rulon and Ellen Singleton were married in the Salt Lake Temple on the 28th of August, 1918. What a good wife he got, she proved true to him through all the years of their married life and the 14 years of her widowhood. Their oldest son is now serving in the Pacific too. Shall I tell you about Hattie, my little helper? She was seven when she lost her father. She slept with me and helped me with the babies. All I had to do was call her name and she was up to help me. One day Rulon, who was five years older than Hattie, came home from Primary and said, "Ma, you must tell Hattie not to sing so loud until she learns how. Today she volunteered to sing and made up the words and tune as she went along." What a fine young lady she grew up to be. She went to BYC at Logan three years. She then went on a mission to the Southern States. My letters up home will tell you how faithful she was in her labors. A young missionary from Canada stopped at our home on his return from the Southern States Mission. We knew he was coming again when Hattie returned. He did. It was my fault there was a hasty wedding. I thought what a fine missionary couple. She hesitated, didn't want to get married yet. Why didn't I counsel her to wait as she wanted to. It would have saved her many years of sorrow. Never once have I heard her lay the blame on someone else. She would say, "It's my fault as much as his." Twelve years passed, another call to fill a mission to the South again, which she did. She is now taking a nursing course at Long Beach, California. Ray was a little different type, not quite so religious. He was the best little fellow to stay with his daddy. His father said that Ray could see what he needed quicker than any of the others. What a tragedy for a boy of his nature to lose his father. The other boys loved him, but when it came time for anyone to stay and herd cows on a Sunday, it was Ray. We were down on the dryfarm, Rulon and Ray each driving four horses on a sulky plow. I saw Rulon come running and I knew something was wrong. He cried to me, "Ray is lying up there with a broken leg." The plow had struck some sage and threw him into the wheel, poor Ray. When I got to him, his face was streaked with tears and dust. We had to take him miles before getting to a phone. They were having a circus in Blackfoot. Doyle was in the crowd and when he heard a call for Dr. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p098.jpg) Hoover, little did Doyle realize it was for Ray. My heart ached for him. I had to leave the room when they set it. I could hear his pitiful cries. We stayed at Sister Hammond's until he was able to be moved. He used to go up and thin beets, crawling with a broken leg as he worked. The dryfarm was discontinued. We got $1,000 for it, about what the fence had cost. Ray was ordained a Deacon, would go to Sunday School and pass the Sacrament, but he somehow lost interest. I should have talked with the Bishop and had him advanced in the Priesthood. I can see now where I could have been a better mother and teacher to him, not tried to force him to go. The Bishop once said, "Some of the boys keep so far from us, we can't get near enough to lay hands on them." Years passed, he was quite a boy now. One morning Dr. Cutler called saying that he had a call for someone at our place. I hurried and dressed, but I knew that no one was sick here. Soon we heard an auto and Brother McGarry said, "Here is Ray with a broken leg." He and a crowd of boys had been riding horses over the hills. One of the boys didn't have a saddle on his horse so Ray let him ride his and he took the other. The horse stumbled and fell and Ray broke the same leg and ankle. Dr. Cutler set his leg and left. He was in such pain he wanted me to get Brother Dye to administer to him. Soon after Brother Dye left, he fell asleep. We planted potatoes. Hattie was away on her mission and Ray called them 'her patch.' He was proud of her, but he would take streaks of roaming. One night after Hattie had returned, we had an icecream party. One of the freezers had some of the icecream missing. Hattie said, "If Ray were around, I'd say he had taken it." He heard her say that for he had come home and was hungry, but was too bashful to come in. He went out and slept in the barn. How happy we all were when he came in the next morning. Our Rock House in Basalt was sold to Brother Pasket for his farm. I hated to say goodbye to the best home I ever owned, but it had to go. We had it all cleared one time, but the crash came and we lost. The girls and I went to work in Idaho Falls in the White Star Laundry. Hattie was in Arizona. Our beets were ready to thin, and when I came home on Saturday night, how I wished and longed for Ray. I felt he was in need or trouble, and I didn't know where he was. I fasted and prayed all day Sunday, told the Lord if he would only send Ray back to me, I'd know He was still watching over us. I went to Sunday School and then over to Ellen's and she gave me a bottle of milk, bread and some vegetables to take home. When we came to night meeting, I put my box under the hedge by Brother Pasket's. I had a part that night, the Genealogical Society was putting ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p099.jpg) on the program. I intended to catch the night train, but our meeting was quite long. I hung around afterward thinking perhaps someone would take me up, but all went home. I went over to the Post Office with a letter and was getting my box when Brother Paskett saw me and asked, "You're not going to walk home, are you?" I said, "Oh, yes, that's not far." As I walked home alone, my legs were tired and my eyes wet. I felt so alone and forsaken. When I got home, I hurried to the house. I cupped my hands and looked in the window. I thought I saw a fire in the stove. I tried the door and it opened. I got some matches and struck one. No-one was there. I struck another one, and stepped into the bedroom. Ray was in bed. He stretched out his arms and said, "Oh, Ma, I never was so happy." I said that I guess he didn't find much to eat at home. I ran out after my box. He sat drinking the milk and eating the bread. I was so happy that I could hardly sleep. I thanked the Lord for his return. I was up early the next morning, as I had two miles to walk to the depot. As I hurried out I felt that I must go back and tell Ray where to find the file as he was going to thin some beets, but something urged me on. I heard a car coming, but could not see one. Soon one came up over the canal. I stood there, the driver stopped. "Which way are you going?" he asked. I pointed north. I got in the car. There were eight young people just returning from a Sunday trip to Lava. One girl sat on one of the boy's lap. The driver said, "Don't mind her, she is just sleeping." Soon we were in Idaho Falls, and I never saw him again. I got to my girl's be- fore they were up. I went to work with a thankful and cheerful heart. My Father in Heaven was still watching over us. Why should I ever doubt Him again. What a fine farmer Ray was. Through the years that I was here in Arizona, he raised the best crops, but prices were low. One year he sold all the hogs for 3¢ a pound, and they weighed 200 pounds, $6.00 for a big hog like that. You should see Ray now. He has the finest wife and three sons. They started from scratch in Montana. He has a fine home, 300 acres, sheep and cattle, and runs a mail route, netting him more than we ever realized on our farm. No wonder he likes Montana. Some say he smokes, but to his credit, he has never done so before me, for which I thank him. He has his faults like the rest of the Jensens, but he has a big generous heart overflowing with kindness for everyone. His religion is deep and lasting. His heart is with his parent's religion and no other will ever find a place in his soul. How he adores his family, to see him so tender toward them and they love him in return. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p100.jpg) Minnie Marie, my namesake, was one of my happiest children, so little, so cute and loved by everyone. She knew how to work from a tiny tot, never complained taking what she got to make the best of it. She grew to womanhood unspoiled. A young man from Iona won her heart. I went to Salt Lake with them when they were married in the Temple. I had not met his people, but they were first-class, good farmers and steady. Minnie soon won her way into their hearts. They had a big wedding banquet. I went up with the boys, but was sick all evening and when I got home, I was in bed for several weeks. Minnie is a real friend to everyone, opening her home to all who come and making them feel at home and welcome. She is jolly and gay and makes the best of all life brings. She has four living children, lost a son and a daughter. Her sorrow for her little son was heart rending. No one could comfort her, but time is healing and she will be the happy girl whom we all love. She says she remembers one thing about her father. She fell and bumped her lip on the stair- way. Her Father picked her up, petted her and said, "Mormon girls don't cry." My little baby, whom her Father named, was only a few days old when he died. How they all missed a Father's love and care. I can see now how one little girl can envy another if they can dress better than she does. Bea told me not long ago how she used to almost hate some of the Primary girls as they were always dressed so nice when they came to Primary, she felt inferior. But she is ahead of them today. She took her share of working in the fields, herding cows and many things she didn't like. The fall I went to the Temple to labor in Arizona, Bea received her call to go on a mission to the Central States. How she worked in the potatoes that fall, had her crew of pickers and made money. In my little book that I wrote when in Arizona, it tells how she came to see me before I left and how she returned to me after two years mission had ended. The best part of it is that she is still a real missionary and the mother of six children. She married her equal, a fine young man whom all love for his good qualities and for being so good to his family. They struggled when they first started, but he pulled steadily upward until now he has a fine farm and home. He is a real L. D. S. helper in his stake and ward duties. They always work together like a fine team grandfather had. On "V" Day, August 14, 1945, I left Arizona and started for home. My brother was better. His daughter had moved in to care for him so I was really not needed there. I had learned to love his family. They are warm and friendly. I was glad to get home, back into my own house, all paid for now. It is a little lonely at times. Ivan is near me and I see him every day. What more could I ask for. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p101.jpg) I took a trip up to Montana after the Dedication of our Temple at Idaho Falls. A week ago, I received a letter from President Smith calling me as an officiator to labor in the Holy Temple. What an honor! How I hope and pray that I will be worthy to fill that mission with honor. I was going up this week, but I got the flu, so I will report there when the Temple opens January 2, 1946. December 18, my wedding day, 60 years ago, but still I would like to live a few years longer. I've been thinking of my many blessings and how good the Lord has been to me all my days. My children are so good to me. Ivan carries in my coal and last night, Zetta brought over a nice supper. She said to me, "I'm so happy. I learned today I have over 400 names of my ancestors in the Temple ready for the work to be done." How the Lord is blessing all of us. I have 102 names there now. We can never repay the Lord nor our parents for bringing us to this land of ours, this land of America. It was the missionary labors that brought us here. We must never forget our debt to the Gospel. It is certainly cold, 15 below. I'm keeping a fire all night. (I found another page of Grandma's Journal at the end of her book.) January 12, 1962 Well, I've made it to 94. How much longer can I live. I still can work, and enjoy life. Every one's so good to me. Last year I was at Minnie's and they gave me a growing flower. This year I'm out here in Washington with Beatrice and her fine family. It's so wonderful to be here. Bea and her fam- ily are so good to me. She is quilting today, has a fine home. Hattie is enjoying the fine warm sunshine of Arizona and Minnie is in the cold floods of Idaho. Here it's just like spring all winter. It's a good country, good people who live here. I must fill my book with letters and pictures not what I can write. But I want them to know how thankful I am for all the good things they do for me. Life thou art a changing river Flowing onward to the sea, And we sail upon thy bosom, Forward in uncertainty. For today our hearts are merry, But at eve, the tears may flow, So I'll take what fate may send me, Pain or pleasure, weal or woe. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p102.jpg) Quoting Aunt Bea: Mother was a marvelous teacher and taught Sunday School about 60 years. She was an officiator in the Mesa Temple when it first opened in 1927, and worked there longer than any officiator at that time, the only worker called outside the state of Arizona. She also worked in the Idaho Falls Temple when it opened, and worked there until after she was 85 years old. She served as a visiting teacher until past 90. When the Second Ward in Shelley was being remodeled, she asked the Bishop what her assessment was. He told her they weren't assessing her anything, that afte one was ninety years old they weren't expected to pay. She said, "You bet, I'll pay my share." Mother was happiest when her children were serving the Lord. She supported father on his mission. Ivan served a mission to Northern States and always was active in the church and when he died he was stake clerk and had been longer than any clerk at that time. His wife filled a mission in the Southern States. When he graduated from law school it was with the highest honors. Two of their children served missions. Doyle filled a mission in Germany, and later one in California. Two of his children filled missions. When he died he was mission president of Boise Stake. His wife, Ruth, filled a stake mission after his death. Clint was a bishop and he and his wife filled stake missions. Two of his children filled missions, and one daughter married President Marion G. Romney's son. Rulon was a bishop when he died, and he had filled a stake mission. After the family was raised, his wife went to Texas on a mission. Merle filled a mission. Hattie filled three missions to the Southern States, also her husband, Austin, filled two missions and her second husband also filled two missions. Ray had one of his sons fill a mission to Mexico. Minnie had one grandson go on a mission. She is one of the best people. When it is said, "Ye fed me, clothed me, visited me when sick, cared for the fatherless and orphans in their afflictions" they speak of dear Minnie. Beatrice filled a mission to the Central States and also two stake missions with Victor. All four boys, Dallas, Max, Marlo and David and two daughters, Mary and Terry Jean have filled missions. Then Victor and Beatrice have been to the Micronesian Mission and the Little Rock Arkansas Mission, plus a two year Temple mission. Mother would have been on the front lines when President Kimball tells us to "lengthen our stride." She died June 17, 1973 at 105½ years of age. Of her eleven children, she raised 8 to maturity. At her death, she had 45 grandchildren, ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p103.jpg) 135 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren. She was survived by three of her children, Minnie Thornton, Beatrice Merrell and Ray Jensen. [Photo appears in middle of page with the following caption] BEATRICE IS STANDING ON THE CHAIR MINNIE TO THE SIDE. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p104.jpg) [Column 1] Faith Wait in majestic peace The hour of heaven. Generously trust Thy fortune's net to the beneficent hand That until now has put His world in fee To thee. He watches o'er thee still. His love Broads o'er thee, and as God lives in heaven, However long thou walkest solitary, The hour of heaven shall come. RALPH WALDO EMERSON [Column 2] In Loving Memory of Kirsten Marie Jensen January 12, 1868 June 17, 1973 Second Ward L.D.S. Chapel Wednesday, June 20, 1973 1:00 o'Clock P.M. Bishop Myron Bair, Conducting Family Prayer Albert Daw Prelude Muriel Clark Vocal Solo Connie Hunter "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked" Accompanied by Muriel Clark Invocation Ronald Jensen Life Sketch Jean Taylor Speaker Louis I. Jensen Speaker Bishop Ross Berg Remarks Bishop Myron Bair Song Relief Society Chorus "Perfect Day" Accompanied by Muriel Clark Benediction Victor Merrill Postlude Muriel Clark Interment Basalt Cemetery Dedicatory Prayer Bishop Austin Brown Pallbearers John Thornton Jay Roylance Doyle Jensen Merle Jensen Bob Sanford Earl Jensen Flowers under the direction of the Second Ward Relief Society with President Elaine Frongner, Donna McGary and Lula Lund- quist in charge, assisted by granddaugh- ters and great granddaughters. Will those driving in the funeral proces- sion please turn on the headlights of their car until arrival at the cemetery. APPRECIATION On behalf of the family, we wish to ex- press their gratitude for your kindness, evi- denced in thought and deed, and for your attendance. NALDER FUNERAL HOME ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p105.jpg) [Two images appear with the following captions] SALLY, MINNIE, GRANDMA, HATTIE AND ELAINE HATTIE, MINNIE, GRANDMA AND BEA ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p106.jpg) [A photograph appears with the following caption] Jensen Family Reunion ‑ Hattie, Bea, Ray, Ellen, Ruth, Grandma in center. Held at Alpine, Utah ‑ 1958 [A photograph appears with the following caption] Family Reunion at Tautphaus, Ray, Ruth, Annie, Ellen and Minnie, Grandma and Hattie in front ‑ 1960 [A photograph appears with the following caption] Reunion at Shelley, 1984 ‑ Lucille, Minnie, Dick, Jean and Cliff ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p107.jpg) [Three images appear with the following captions] HATTIE, RUTH, ELLEN AND GRANDMA IN FRONT OF ELLEN'S HOME. Hattie, Minnie, Grandma, Bea, Ellen Hattie, Ruth, Minnie ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p108.jpg) [Two photos appear with the following captions] As Buddy left for his Mission to Taiwan Grandma's first great-grandson to fill a mission, Marice Daw Front row: Verda, Grandma Jensen and Ellen ELLEN, VERDA AND JANET WITH GRANDMA JENSEN First Great-Granddaughter to marry. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p109.jpg) [A photograph appears with the following caption] FIVE GENERATIONS are shown here with ages ranging from 6 weeks to 93 years of age. Left front, is Mrs. Marie Jensen, 93, of Shelley, great great grandmother; above her is Mrs. Albert Daw, Rt. 5 Idaho Falls, grandmother; beside her is Mrs. Ellen Jensen, 1043 Canal Ave., great grandmother; at right seated is Mrs. Robert Smith, Chandler, Ariz., with her daughter Elissa Kay, 6 weeks old, to complete the gathering. Mrs. Smith has been visiting for a week from Arizona where her husband is a lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force at Williams Field. This was the first time Mrs. Jensen had seen her first great great granddaughter. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p110.jpg) [Four images appear with the following captions] GRANDMA DISPLAYING HER BEAUTIFUL HANDIWORK. GRANDMA ON HER 100th BIRTHDAY. Grandma on her 102nd Birthday. Grandma, 103; Verda, Ellen and Jane. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p111.jpg) HONORED AT OLD FOLKS PARTY [A photograph of four people with the following caption] HONORED AT THE annual Senior Citizens party, sponsored by the Shelley LDS Stake Thurs- day were from left, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Miller, both 88, the oldest couple; Mrs. Marie Jen- sen, 97, oldest woman present, and Max Founds, 93, oldest man in attendance. (Post-Regis- ter Staff Photo) Senior Citizens Feted By Shelley LDS Stake [Column 1] (Special To The Post-Register) SHELLEY, Sept. 10 — Shelley old folks were honored Thurs- day at a Senior Citizens party with a record turnout. Receiving special prizes for the most birthdays were Marie Jensen, 97, oldest woman; Max Founds, 93, oldest man, and Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Mil- ker, both 88 years, the oldest couple. All were from Shelley except Founds, who is an Idaho Falls resident. Mrs. Nelson was also given special mention due to the fact that her birthday was also celebrated Thursday. The Millers have been married 65 years. The day began at 10 a.m. with a special program worked out by the senior citizens under the direction of chairman of the old folks celebration, Thales Leavitt. This was followed by a visting period and dinner was served by the 11 wards of the Shelley stake at 12 noon, with Jameston as the host ward. Program members included Don Johnson, master of cere- monies; prayers by Bishop Dar- rell Cook and Dean Smith; wel- come address by Maurice John- son; Hazen Jensen, historical notes; duet by Alice Hebdon and Mary Ellen Thompson, ac- companied by Vita Dye; num- ber by Malachorus accordian music by L. J. Cook and June Skoy. Favors were presented and door prizes were given. Mr. and [Column 2] Mrs. Arson Landon were hon- ored for having the most chil- dren and Mr. and Mrs. Orin Nickerson for being the most recently married. Other members of the stake' committee assisting Leavitt were Mona Leavitt, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Christensen, Mr. and Mrs. Don Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Searle. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p112.jpg) Friday, January 12, 1968 Mrs. Marie Jensen... Pioneer Celebrates 100th Birthday [Column 1] (Special To The Post-Register) SHELLEY, Jan. 12 — Mrs. Kirsten Marie Sorensen Jensen, known to her many friends as "Grandma Jensen", greet- ed the century mark in her life Friday. The panorama of her life has taken her from the setting of her birthplace in Denmark, across the Atlantic Ocean on a mastered schooner, on to Utah by train and into Idaho by wagon- all before the turn of the nine- teenth century. Mrs. Jensen was born in Da- strup, Aalborg, Denmark Jan, 12, 1868, to Scandanavian par- ents. Her older brothers work- ed to save money and during 1872 four of them left Denmark with Mrs. Jensen's uncle and migrated to Zion, Utah. Her parents looked forward to the time that they and their two daughters, Marie and Eliza could join the others in Utah. To United States This became possible during 1874, and on June 17, the re- maining four members of the Sorenson family boarded a ship in Copenhagen and started their journey to the new land. En- route, it was necessary for them [Column 2] [A photo appears with the following caption: Mrs. Marie Jensen] to change ships in Liverpool, England, and, ironically, they continued their journey across the Atlantic Ocean on a mastered schooner having the same name as the state in which Mrs. Jen- sen was to spend the greater part of her life -- Idaho. The only possessions which they carried with them were contain- ed in a bag which Mr. Soren- sen carried on his back. Mrs. Jensen recounts her ar- rival in New York City as an entry into "another world near to heaven." With some difficulty because of the language barrier, they continued their westward jour- ney across the United States by train and arrived in Salt Lake City one month from the date of their departure from Copen- hagen. On arrival in Salt Lake City, the immigrant group was taken to the tithing office grounds, the location where Hotel Utah now stands, where they were retained until someone claimed them. Marie's brother, Sern, who had earlier obtained work near Cottonwood, Utah, in response to news that some immigrants had arrived in Salt Lake City, went to the tithing office grounds to inquire concerning the whereabouts of his pa- rents and sisters. Marie recalls her brother's surprise and over- whelming joy at the unexpected reunion. During the following months they made homes in Cottonwood and Panquitch. Most of the members of the family later moved to Orderville and there lived the United Order until it was disbanded. [Column 3] other useful tasks in the com- munity. She served as secre- tary in the Primary organiza- tion. Marries In St. George Just before her 18th birthday she and Louis Jensen were married in the St. George, Ut- ah, LDS Temple and made their home in a new house which Mr. Jensen had built in Order- ville. Both their first home and a second home later built by Mr. Jensen are standing in Or- derville today. Mr. and Mrs. Jensen became the parents of six children while they lived in Orderville. Two children died while the family lived in Orderville. Mrs. Jensen continued her service to the church by participating in MIA, Sunday School, community dra- ma, singing and dancing. Move To Idaho Their longing for increased economic opportunity led them and their four remaining boys to leave Orderville during 1897 and establish a new home along the Snake River near the pre- sent city of Basalt, Idaho. There they grubbed sage brush, cleared farming land and built a three-room brick home where Mrs. Jensen and her four small sons lived and farmed while Mr. Jensen filled a mission in Tennessee. Following his re- turn, they built a new brick home, still standing in the pre- sent city of Basalt, which be- came the setting for the con- cluding years of the Jensen's married life. They became the parents of five more children while living in Basalt. In 1909, Mr. Jensen raised eight remaining children to maturity. Talents Her talents of oil painting, po- etry, writing and public speak- ing have been appreciated by many. But the highest compli- ment that has been given comes from those she has taught in class and home environment through the expression "The best teacher we have ever had." Mrs. Jensen served as an of- ficiator in the Arizona Temple follwoing its dedication. Follow- ing several years of service there she was appointed as an officiator in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple where she served until she was 85 years of age. Mrs. Jensen spent her 100th birthday with her daughter, Mrs. Victor Merrill, in Moses Lake, Wash. She lives most of the year with another daughter, Mrs. Hattie Price, in Shelley. Mrs. Jensen has four of her eleven children still living and ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p113.jpg) 'Grandma Jensen' Notes 207 Posterity At 100 [Column 1] Many residents of Shelley, Idaho, honored Mrs. Kirsten Marie Soren- sen Jensen on Friday, Jan. 12, even though she was celebrating her 100th birthday with her daughter, Mrs. Victor Merrill, in Moses Lake, Wash- ington. Mrs. Jensen, known as "Grandma Jensen" in Shelley, is expected to re- turn to Idaho in a few weeks to live with another daughter, Mrs. Hattie Price. Born in Dastrup, Denmark, Mrs. Sorensen left with her parents for Zion in Utah in 1874. The Sorensens had joined the Church seven years before Marie was born. After the cus- tomary difficulties of getting settled in pioneer days, they made homes in Cottonwood and Panguitch, Utah, [Column 2] then moved to Orderville to try out teh United Order program estab- lished in that southern Utah settle- ment. After her marriage to Louis Reu- ben Jensen, they moved to Idaho, farmed, raised a family and sent their two oldest sons on mission be- fore the father died. Mrs. Jensen turned to teaching, painting, poetry and writing to help raise her family and send five more children on missions. She was later called to serve as an officiator in the Arizona Temple and then returned to serve in the Idaho Falls Temple until she was 85 years of age. Her posterity of 207 children, g r a n d c h i l d r e n a n d g r e a t [Column 3] [A photograph appears with the following caption] MRS. KIRSTEN JENSEN ...Notes 100th Birthday grandchildren, associates and friends, honor her as one of Idaho's outstanding personalities. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p114.jpg) [A photograph appears with the following caption] Mayor of Shelley giving Grandma the Certificate from President Johnson My sincere congratulations upon your birthday. May good health be yours through many more happy years. Lyndon B Johnson ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p115.jpg) The Blackfoot News Published in Blackfoot, Idaho, Thursday Morning, September 12, 1968 VOLUME SIXTY-FIVE, NO. 293 PRICE 10 CENTS [A photograph appears with the following caption] BINGHAM'S OLDEST CITIZEN VISITS FAIR: Mrs. Marie Jensen, who will be 101 years of age Jan. 12, and who is acknowledged to be the oldest person in the county, paid a visit Wednesday to the Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot. Mrs. Jensen, who first visited the annual Blackfoot fair in 1904, said the years have brought many changes. "We came to the fair in wagons, brought our own lunches‑you couldn't buy anything to eat here then-and brought our own feed for the horses," the still spry centenarian said. "Parking was no problem in those days," she added. Mrs. Jensen crossed the Atlantic as a girl of six and is a veteran of early pioneering settlements in Utah and Idaho. --News photo ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p116.jpg) Area Woman To Note 101st Birthday [Column 1] (Special To The Post Register) SHELLEY, Jan. 10 — Sunday will mark the 101st birthday of a woman who left Denmark to sail to the United States in the year 1874 on a master schooner called, strangely enough, "Ida- ho." Mrs. Kirsten Marie Sorensen Jensen, known to Shelley resi- dents as "Grandma Jensen," will celebrate her birthday with her daughter, Mrs. Hattie Price, at 208 East Locust St. in Shel- ley. She was born in 1868 in Dastrup, Aalborg, Denmark, on Jan. 12, and crossed the Atlantic Ocean with part of her family in 1874. She remembers the long journey and the rough wa- ters of the North Sea as the boat sailed from Liverpool, England, to New York. T h e family then left New York July 6, 1874, headed for Utah. They arrived by train on July 15. The family lived at Mill Creek and then Panguitch, Utah, where Mrs. Jensen started to school. The family then moved to Orderville where she met and later married Louis Reuben Jensen. They were married Dec. 18, 1885, in the St. George LDS Temple. Mr. Jensen was a carpenter and built a home in Orderville for his wife. The six- room house is still standing. Six children were born to the couple in Orderville, two of whom died. On April 26, 1897, with four small sons, the cou- ple moved to Idaho. They took sheep in payment for their home in Orderville, and lived in a wagon during their first days in Idaho. Mr. Jensen then built a rock house in Basalt which is still standing. Eleven months after the couple arrived in Bas- alt Mr. Jensen was called on a mission for the LDS Church. While he was gone, Mrs. Jen- sen was called to be president of the YWMIA in her ward and secretary of the YWMIA in her stake. When her husband re- turned in June of 1900 he was called as a high councilman in the Bingham LDS Stake. The couple worked together to clear their land and turn their farm into a profitable operation. In 1903 when the Bingham Stake was divided Mrs. Jensen was called as a stake primary officer, first a counselor and then president. She remembers riding in a buggy to visit mem- bers from Riverside to More- land on the south of Eagle Rock and Woodville on the north. Mr. Jensen died in January of 1909, leaving Mrs. Jensen with nine children. After all were married she spent her time as [Column 2] [A photograph appears with the following caption] THERE ARE not too many people who can boast of being 101 years old. But, Sunday Mrs. Kirsten Marie Jensen of Shelley can do just that for on that day she will celebrate her birth- day. She resides with her daughter, Mrs. Hattie Price, and is still on of Shelley's active citizens. (Post-Register Staff Photo) a worker in the Arizona and Idaho Falls LDS Temples. She was able to work regularly in the temple until she was 86 years old. Mrs. Jensen had 45 grandchil- dren, 154 great-grandchildren, and 18 great-great-grandchil- dren. Four of her sons and daughters are still living. They are: Hattie Price, Shelley; Mrs. Clifford (Minnie) Thornton, Io- na; Mrs. Victor (Beatrice) Mer- rell, Moses Lake, Wash.; and Ray Jensen, Fairfield, Mont. Mrs. Jensen is still in good health, attends church regular- ly, and works actively in her garden. She has written many poems and stories, and many in the area remember her as an excellent teacher in the church organizations. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p117.jpg) [A photo appears with the following caption] MRS. KRISTEN MARIE JENSEN Reaches Century Mark Tomorrow Responsibility Said '100- Year Recipe' By VEE HARCHAS If you want to try Mrs. Kristen Marie Jensen's recipe for 100 years of good living, gather unto yourself 11 children which you may care for with no help after the death of your spouse, shoulder the pleasures and problems of family, friends and church, and you may make it to a happy old age after a job well done. Mrs. Jensen will reach her cen- truy mark tomorrow. She has been a winter resident in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Victor Mer- rell, south of Moses Lake, for the past eight years. She raised her family in Shel- ley, near Idaho Falls, Idaho, and lives there during the summers with another daughter, Mrs. Cliff Thornton. NO SPECIAL celebration is plan- ned, but the family of four survi- ving children, 45 grandchildren, 150 great - grandchildren and six great - great - grandchildren are well aware that not many clans are blessed with the observance of a 100th birthday anniversary. One notable birthday card is from President Lyndon Johnson. A great - granddaughter, Miss Sylvia Taylor of Duchesne, Utah, proudly informed the President's office of the upcoming event, and President Johnson responded im- mediately with congratulations. Mrs. Jensen is not remarkably impressed by her anniversary. She is looking ahead to spring and getting a garden established. Spea- king to son-in-law Victor Mer- rell she said, "If you will go to Shelley with me and help me get the garden in, we'll have the best vegetables in town." BORN Kristen Marie Sorenson in Dastrup Aalborg, Denmark on Jan. 12, 1868, She came to the United States with her family when she was six years old. Af- ter about a year in Salt Lake City the family moved to Pangu- ich, Utah, where their permanent home was established. On Dec. 18, 1885, the young Kris- ten was married to Louis Reuben Jensen, farmer and carpenter. They moved to Shelley in 1896 where Mr. Jensen died on his wife's birthday anniversary in 1909, two weeks after the birth of their last child. The young widow and her chil- dren maintained the farm, but win- ters were spent in Logan, Utah, to enable the eligible children to at- tend college. Mrs. Jensen devoted much time to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a teacher and lecturer for the Idaho Fall LDS Temple and later, after most of her children were grown, she helped in the Arizona LDS Temple near Mesa. ONE INTEREST begun in her youth and continued throughout her life are journals of everyday incidents, original essays and po- ems. Mrs. Merrell has saved the Continued on Page 2 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p118.jpg) Don't quit When things go wrong as they Sometimes will When the road youre Trudging seems all uphill When the funds are low and your debts are high And you want to smile but you have to sigh. When care is crowding you down a bit— rest if you must—but never quit Life is queer with its twists and turns As every one of us sometimes learn— And merry a fellow turns about When he might have won had he stuck it out. Stick to your task tho your pace is slow You may succeed with another blow. Success is failure turned inside out The Silver tints of the clouds of doubt. And you never can tell how close you are It may be near when it seems afar. So stick to the fight when youre hardest hit Its when things seem worse that you mustnt quit ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p119.jpg) My Home There is a vision I sometimes see As I lay awake and dream, Of the home that will never be broken As the mortal home I mean. its walls will be made of Jasper And the rooms will be large I know, So this home will house my family When I'm ready to leave below. There will no tones of anger, There will be words of love, When we enter that home Eternal In the Mansions of God above And the ruler, the Husband and father, Will govern his family fair, With the love which is more than mortal With faith when we enter there. O God may my mortal wisdom, Not let my vision die, But be a star to that land afar, My guiding light stay on high, Let no cloud bedim that vision, But let it forever shine, To lead the way ‑ to that brighter day, That awaits both me and mine. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p120.jpg) Woman, 102, Still Enjoys Having Birthday Parties [Column 1] Iola Hill Post-Register Correspondent (Special To The Post-Register) RIGBY, Jan. 20 – Mrs. Marie Jensen, who this week turned 102 years of age, does not look like a woman who was born ov- er 100 years ago. Rather, she appears to be in her 80's, for she is still full of enthusiasm. When a party honored her re- cently at the Extended Care Un- it of the LDS Hospital, she said, "I'll remember this day until I die. Many of her close relativ- es grandchildren and great- great- grandchildren were on hand for the happy occasion. Mrs. Marie Jensen was born in Denmark, Jan. 12, 1868, where her family joined the LDS Church. They were eager to emigrate to the United States to be near the headquarters of the Church. The five older sons came first, secured work in and around Salt Lake City, Utah, and saved all the money they could, sending it to their parents to help finance the journey for the balance of the family. The family came in 1874, and after spending two years in Salt Lake County, moved southward, settling in Orderville. When Marie was 12 years of age, Eliza R. Snow came to Or- derville to organize the Prima- ry, and Marie was chosen as assistant secretary. When she was 14, she became a Sunday School teacher, a position she held for 58 years in Utah and later in Idaho She was married to Louise Reuben Jensen, Dec. 18 1885, in the St. George, Utah, LDS Tem- ple. They made their first home in Orderville, where six chil- dren were born to them before moving to Basalt, in 1897. Five other children were born at Ba- salt. Mr. Jensen was a carpenter and built his family a six room home in Orderville. Not long af- terward, they decided to move [Column 2] [Photo appears with the following caption] Mrs. Marie Jensen to Idaho, so he accepted sheep as payment for the home. Upon their arrival at Basalt, they lived in their wagon for several days, and later the en- ergetic husband began the con- struction of a rock home, which is still standing. Together they worked to clear the land of sagebrush, and make it productive. In addition, Mr. Jensen and sons and daughters filled missions for their church, and Mrs. Jensen worked in the Primary, Sunday School, the YWMIA and Relief Society holding various positions in each. Mrs. Jensen has been a wid- [Column 3] ow for 61 years. Her husband died in 1909. During the years following her husband's death, she has financed LDS missions for the children. An avid hobby- ist, she was an expert seam- stress, adept at all kinds of handwork, including knitting. She made her own soap, did her gardening and canned an amaz- ing amount of foodstuffs, as well as working constantly in the church. During the past few years her hobby has turned to the art of poetry writing, which has brought enjoyment to her family and friends. She was called to be an of- [Column 4] ficiator at the Mesa, Ariz., LDS Temple, and worked for a num- ber of years. After the construc- tion of the Idaho Falls Temple, she was called to this same position, serving until her 86th year. Her posterity is amazing. On- ly three of her 11 children are living, but she has 45 grandchil- dren; 158 great-grandchildren and 24 great- great- granchil- dren. Her sons and daughters are: Minnie Thornton, Iona; Beat- rice Merrill, Moses Lake, Wash. and Roy Jensen, Fairfield Mont. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p121.jpg) [Photo appears with the following caption] Mrs. Kirsten Marie Sorensen Jensen, now 103½, remembers when she was "Queen of the May" in Orderville. [By Their Fruits insignia] By ELAYNE BYBEE LIVED IN UNITED ORDER 'We Had A Lot Of Love' [Column 1] IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO It's been a long time since Kirsten Marie Sorensen Jensen was Queen of the May in Orderville, Utah. The words, scribbled on a scrap of paper . . . "48 years ago I was Queen of the May in Orderville" bring back a flood of memories for the 103½-year-old Idaho Falls woman, believed to be the last survi- vor of the United Order at Orderville in the 1800s. And even Marie has forgotten just when she penned them. Born in Denmark, Jan. 12, 1868, Marie came to the United States and the Salt Lake Valley at the age of five, joining the United Order with her parents at the age of seven in 1876. She loved Orderville and its share - and - share - alike life. "Oh, it was hard," she admitted when she inspected the set of the musical "The Order Is Love" pre- sented during Pioneer Week in Idaho Falls. "We didn't have very good houses . . . about like these. (A couple of cabin facades and a huge barn with a loft.) "We had love . . . lots of love. . . ." Marie was 12 years old when Eliza R. Snow came to Orderville to organize the Primary. Marie was sustained as assistant secretary. She took great pride in her work and two years later was called to be a Sun- day School teacher. It was to be a [Column 2] favorite calling. She taught Sunday School in Utah and Idaho for 58 years. Married to Louis Reuben Jensen in the St. George Temple, Dec. 18, 1885, the couple had 11 children, six of whom were born before they left Orderville and moved to Basalt, Idaho. Louis, a carpenter, built a six- room home in Orderville. The couple accepted some sheep as payment for this home, believed to be still stand- ing, when they moved to Idaho. With the time for the final uprooting came this entry April 12, 1897. "I was down to see my moth- er's home yesterday for the last time. I slept in her bed, perhaps for the last time, too. I could scarcely endure to think about it. I have been trying to make myself think I could be brave, and could easily control my feelings. But now that the time for parting is drawing near, my emotions begin to control me. If I did not know that our move was approved by a kind Father above, I would certainly remain here." Missionary zeal inspired her hus- band to fill a mission after they moved to Idaho, with Marie and the older children running the farm at Basalt in his absence. Louis died when Beatrice (now Be- atrice Merrill of Moses Lake, Wash.) was a newborn baby. Leaving Marie [Column 3] with nine children, a son on a mis- sion in Germany and another just home from a mission. Undaunted, she tended children, they farmed, she lived in college towns during winters so they could pursue their educations and she in- spired them to missions. In all, Marie financed eight mis- sions, including her husband's. One of her sons filled two missions, two daughters were missionaries -- with one serving three times, a daughter, Minnie Thornton of Idaho Falls recalls. Marie's only living son is Ray Jensen of Fairfield, Mont. There are 45 grandchildren, 138 great- grandchildren and 27 great - great - grandchildren. For the past two years she has been in the extended care unit of the Idaho Falls LDS Hospital. At age 96 she broke her leg, but with will power and the aid of a "walker" she walked seven months later. Always active, at the age of 101 she was pulling weeds in her garden, slipped to the ground breaking her shoulder and collarbone. Today, somewhat hard of hearing and wheelchair bound, Marie Jensen remains bright, cheerful and stead- fast in her desire, as she expressed in a poem . . . "to live my day, standing strong for my church and all that's in it and by action demon- strate its truth." WEEK ENDING AUGUST 28, 1971 CHURCH—11 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p122.jpg) C-4 The Post-Register, Sunday, July 25, 1971 [Photo appears] [Column 1] MRS. MARIE Sorenson Jensen, 103, a resident of the Idaho Falls LDS Nursing Home, was scheduled to be honored Satur- day evening by the cast members and those attending the final performance of the July 24th production of "The Order Is Love." The musical is based on the United Order (a system used by early members of the LDS Church) which was in ex- istance in Orderville, Utah, from 1855 to 1888. Mrs. Jensen is the last surviving member of the Orderville Order and can recall many fond memories from those days so long ago. She was raised, married and had several of her children in that [Column 2] Utah town before coming to Basalt with her husband, Louis, and family many years ago. She has been a widown for many years. Mrs. Jensen is pictured above as she tells stories of her Orderville days to several of the young cast members on the set of "The Order Is Love." Left to right are: Paul Hammond, 10, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne C. Hammond; Robb Ras- mussen, 13, son of Mr. and Mrs. Reed Rasmussen; Mike Ren- nie, 15, son of Mr. and Mrs. Owen Rennie, and Elisa Sca- lander, 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clause Scalander. (Post- Register Staff Photo.) ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p123.jpg) [Column 1] 6 THE SHELLEY PIONEER Thursday, Jan. 18, 1973 [A photo appears] Oldest valley resident recalls early days A MEMORIAL TO MARIE SORENSON JENSEN by Hortense Hanson Earlier this month it sud- denly dawned on me that Snake River Valley's eldest living pi- oneer would turn 105 years old on January 12. Realizing this, I immediately called her daughter, Mrs. Cliff (Minnie) Thornton, Iona, to inquire about her mo- ther's health. "Yesterday we did not know if she would make it through the night." she replied. "Today we had her up in the wheelchair. As she gazed out over the Snake River from the hospital window she mused, 'My but there is a lot of ice on the river, but I can remember when it has been much worse. We used to be able to go clear across the river on the ice.' Grandmother Jensen was born Kristine Marie Sorenson January 12, 1872, at Dustrup Aalbor, Den- mark. Her parents had joined the Mormon church and in 1872, they sent five sons with an uncle to Salt Lake City, Utah. [Column 2] With the money sent back to Denmark by these sons, Marie and a sister, Eliza, were able to come to America with their par- ents in 1874. The thrill of seeing the skyline of New York and the Statue of Liberty, which, to her, was the symbol of America, has remained with her the rest of her life. In 1966 I was asked to write a "Portrait of A Mother" for Mother's Day and I chose Marie as my subject. In my interview with her she told me of her ex- periences on that trip to Utah. They boarded a train at Omaha, Nebraska, (the railroad had been built then,) and she remembered that a baby had died and the mother tried to keep the body hid until they arrived at their dest- ination but failed. They stopped at a place long enough for burial services somewhere in Wyoming. During Marie's youth the Sor- enson family lived at Orderville, Utah. When she was eighteen she married Louis Reuben Jensen, December 18, 1872, at St.George, Utah. She and her husband and their four sons moved to Idaho in 1897 and purchased virgin land along the Snake River at the Ba- salt townsite. They grubbed the sagebrush and prepared the ground for farming. She recalled that the first time she attended church in Idaho she was asked to be president of the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association. Eleven months later her husband was called to fill a mission for his church. [Column 3] At that time only a few of the 120 acres had been cleared and made ready for planting. She and her oldest sons, then eight and ten, planted and harvested the crops. She managed to make a down payment on another 80 acre[-] of farmland just north of Basalt. Mr. Jensen was gone for 28 months. Five more children were born to the Jensens after Mr. Jensen returned from his mission,(two had died in Orderville.) When the father was 42 years old and serving in the Basalt bishopric, he became ill with pneumonia and died, leaving nine children under 21 years old. The success this mother had with raising this family was al- most unbelievable. She not only educated them in temporal things but spiritual as well. When they were ready for college she moved to Logan with them. She has been an active member of her church teaching in the Primary organization when she was fourteen and she taught one class or another in the Sunday School for 58 years. One of the highlights of her life was when she was called to officiate in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. While there she obtained outside employ- ment to supplement her income so that she could keep her daughter, Hattie, on a mission. When the Idaho Falls Temple was completed she returned here to serve in this temple. She worked here until she was 84 years old. In 1938 she moved to a home in Shelley at 202 East Locust where she and Hattie spent many happy years. Drawers in her dresser were kept filled with beautiful hand work which she gave generously to friends and relatives. What is so amazing that she could do this is that when she was just a young girl she had very poor eyesight. When she was 16 a doctor told her she would be blind within a year. When John F. Shelley was honored by Shelley and the sur- rounding area, in the Shelley Tabernacle, Marie was one of the principal speakers. She loved to write poetry and would express her deep convictions in verse. Her philosphy of life was, "Life is what you make it. If you want heaven when you die you first [Column 4] have to make it here on earth and, "If I can't say what I have to say in ten minutes it will have to remain unsaid." She wrote the following poem but never put a name to it. They came to me so tenderly Sweet thoughts of long ago, When I, a maiden, merrily Thought of all the world aglow. Sweet dreams of future happiness Were daily, hourly mine. They have come in all reality But thorns with them I find. But why should I the roses pluck Without the thorns to feel ? T'was useless such fancies make Tho I supposed them real. For every joy there is a pain, A sigh will follow song. God placed them here Our soles to try. To life, they all belong. After she retired from her temple work she tended young children for working mothers. "Isn't it a wonder I can do this?" In 1962 when she was visiting with her daughter, Bea, she fell and fractured her leg. The bone was shattered and was required to have surgery which lasted four hours. The doctor who operated predicted she would never recover but she did. Soon after the Mother's Day Tribute was printed Hattie and her mother came to visit me. They brought me a gift of a beautiful handkerchief. Said Marie, "I just had to bring a little something to the lady who glorified my name." The stamina of Marie Jensen has been incredible. One of her neighbor once said to me, "I wouldn't be surprised is Marie outlives Hattie." And she did. Hattie passed away in 1969. Marie has three living child- ren, a son, Ray, of Fairfield, Montana and two daughters, Min- nie Thornton, Iona and Beatrice Merrill, Moses Lake, Montana. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p124.jpg) 105 Years... Mrs. Marie Jensen Observes Birthday [Column 1] Mrs. Marie Jensen, longtime resident of Idaho Falls, noted her 105 birthday Friday. Mrs. Jensen was born in Den- mark Jan. 12, 1868. She came to the United States in 1874, settling near Salt Lake County the family moved to Orderville, Utah. When Mrs. Jensen was 12 she was chosen as assistant secre- tary of the Orderville Primary Organization, organized by Eliza R. Snow. When she was 14 she became a Sunday School teacher, a position she held for 58 years, first in Utah, and later in Idaho. Mrs. Jensen is believed to be the last survivor of the United Order at Order- ville, begun in the 1800s. She married Louis Reuben Jensen on Dec. 18, 1885, in the St. George, Utah, LDS Temple. They made their first home in [Column 2] Orderville, moving to Basalt, Idaho, in 1897 where they were engaged in farming. The couple had 11 children. Mrs. Jensen, a widow for 62 years, has worked in the Primary, Sunday School, YM- MIA and Relief Society. Her hobbies have included sewing, knitting, crocheting, soap making, gardening, canning, and writing poetry. She has served as an officia- tor in the Mesa, Ariz., LDS Temple and when the Idaho Falls Temple was opened she became an officiator of that temple, a position she held until she was 86. Mrs. Jensen has three living children, 45 grandchildren, 165 great-grandchildren and 34 great-great-grandchildren. For the past several years Mrs. Jensen has been a patient at the extended care unit of the Idaho Falls LDS Hospital. [A photo appears with the following caption] Mrs. Marie Jensen ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p125.jpg) [A photograph appears on page] Pioneer resident dies at age 105 [Column 1] Kirsten Marie Jensen, Shel- ley's oldest resident and one of Idaho's, died Sunday in an Idaho Falls hospital at the age of 105. Born January 12, 1868 in Das- trup, Denmark, to Mads Soren- sen and Kirsten Larsen, she mov- ed to Salt Lake City with her parents in 1873. During her youth the Sorensen family lived at Or- derville, Utah. When she was about eighteen she married Louis Reuben Jensen, on December 18, 1897, at St. George. She and her husband and their four sons moved to Idaho in 1897 and purchased land along the Snake River at the Basalt townsite. They cleared the land for farming, Mr. Jensen served a 28-month mission for the LDS Church, and with her two oldest sons, aged 8 and 10, she cleared and planted and havested crops from 120 acres. Five more child- ren were born to the Jensens after Mr. Jensen returned from his mission. When the father was 42 years old and serving in the Basalt bishopric he became ill with pneumonia and died, leaving his widow and nine children under [Column 2] 21 years old. Active in the LDS Church, Mrs. Jensen has served as Presi- dent of the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association, taught primary, served as a Sunday school teacher for 58 years, and served as a temple worker in Mesa, Ariz., and Idaho Falls. Known for her beautiful hand work, lovely garden flowers, she also composed poetry and after her family was raised she tended children for working mothers. She is survived by a son and two daughters: Ray Jensen, Fairview, Mont.; Mrs. Cliff (Min- nie) Thornton, Iona; and Mrs. Victor (Beatrice) Merrell, Moses Lake, Wash. Surviving also are 45 grand children, 175 great grandchildren, and 30 great great grandchildren. She was preceeded in death by her parents, five brothers, three sisters, her husband and eight children. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, June 20, in the Second Ward LDS Chapel, with Bishop Myron Bair officiat- ing. [Column 3] Family prayer was given by Albert Daw and the musical pre- lude and postlude was played by Muriel Clark. A vocal solo, "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walk- ed," was sung by Connie Hunt- er. The invocation was given by Ronald Jensen and Jean Taylor presented the life sketch. Louis I. Jensen and Bishop Ross Berg served as speakers and remarks followed by Bishop Myron Bair. The Relief Society Chorus sang "Perfect Day," and were ac- companied by Muriel Clark. The benediction was given by Vic- tor Merrill. Interment was in the Basalt Cemetery with the dedicatory prayer by Bishop Austin Brown. Serving as pallbearers were John Thornton, Doyle Jensen, Bob San- ford, Jay Roylance, Merle Jen- sen and Earl Jensen. Flowers were under the dir- ection of the Second Ward Re- lief Society with President Elaine Frongner, Donna McGary, and Lula Lundquist in charge. They were assisted by granddaughters and great granddaughters. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p127.jpg) [Two photographs appear on page] LARS ROVE JENSEN AND ELIZABETH ANN FREESTONE Their children are: LOUIS REUBEN JENSEN LOUISA ANNIE JENSEN WILLIAM B. JENSEN JOSEPH JENSEN JAMES FRANKLIN JENSEN LEONARD ALONZO JENSEN RHODA LAURA JENSEN EMMA JANE JENSEN ROBERT SAMUEL HAMILTON JENSEN ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p128.jpg) LIFE HISTORY OF LARS ROVE JENSEN 1825 - 1909 In the beautiful little town of Frederikshaven on the north shores of Denmark, a son was born to Jens Hansen Rove and Maren Kristen Larson, on the 3rd day of May, 1825. They named him Lars Rove Jensen. At an early age, Lars Rove became a sailor, as most of the young men did in those days, in the countries that bordered the seas. He was shipwrecked off the coast of Brazil, and also near Galveston, Texas. This must have been some- what frightening to a young man still in his teens, yet they were exciting for him also. In April, 1849, Lars Rove was a crew member on the ship 'Harley,' that was sailing from Liverpool, England to the United States of America. This ship was carrying 'Mormons' across the waters to their beloved Zion, and while on this special ocean trip Lars Rove Jensen heard his first Mormon sermon preached by Elder William Hulme, who was presiding over the saints on this voyage. Lars was very interested in what he heard and he had a feeling that this doctrine was true. So upon the ship's arrival in New Orleans, he was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on the 29th day of April 1849, just before he turned twenty-four years of age. A John Everett and George and Alfred Percy were baptized the same day, but Lars Rove Jensen was the first Scandinavian to be baptized a member of the "Mormon" Church. Lars, in company with John Everett, returned to Europe once more, but in the fall of that same year, 1849, he again returned to New Orleans, this being the ninth time for him to cross the ocean. Lars stopped in New Orleans that winter, and secured a job fishing for oysters. In the spring of 1850, he began the trip to Utah, but when he arrived at Council Bluffs, he again stopped and secured work on a ferry boat until spring of 1851. Then he crossed the plains in the James Allred Company, arriving in Salt Lake City in September of 1851. That fall, he built a house for Leonard Smith and lived with him that winter. He was then ordained a Seventy and with the permission of Joseph Young, who was President of the Seventies, Lars went to California, returning three years later. He had a purse filled with gold dust and he went directly to President Young's office and told the clerk to take out one-tenth of the gold dust for his tithing. It was at this time that Lars Rove was first introduced to President Brigham Young. Lars then reported himself to President Joseph Young, who asked him, "Have you kept yourself straight?" Lars answered, "Yes." In the fall of 1855, the same year that he returned from California, Lars married Jane Dunston of Alpine, Utah. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p129.jpg) ‑ Lars Rove Jensen In 1857, at the time that Johnston's Army was marching into Salt lake City, a call came for a company of Cavalry from Lehi, Utah, and Lars Rove was one of the men chosen for this company. On September 28, 1857, under the direction of Captain Sidney Willes, this company was stationed in Echo Canyon. Their job was to block Echo Canyon against the entrance of the troops. They constructed fortifications in the mountains. Two months later, the company was released to return to their homes, on November 30, 1857. Lars Rove was a private in this company. In 1862, Brigham Young, at a request from President Abraham Lincoln, for a company of Utah Cavalry to serve for the United States, sent the Cavalry east to protect the mail and telegraph lines from the North Platte River below Independence Rock to Fort Bridger, from the Indian attacks. Lars joined the Lot Smith Company in Salt Lake City on the 3rd of April, 1862. This group had traveled this same route during the attack of Johnston's Army and now their job was to protect the "property of the Overland Telegraph and Mails Company." These men, including Lars Rove Jensen, furnished their own horses, saddles, bridles, and all their own equipment at their own expense, serving at their own expense, which was some- thing otherwise "unknown in the history of the Civil War." The men rendered specific service during the Civil War, a national service and it was credibly and patriotically rendered. These pioneer soldiers guarded the mail route and telegraph lines successfully. Upon Lars' release, the family moved to Cache Valley and they were some of the first settlers there. Four children were born to Lars Rove and Jane Dunston Jensen: 1. Lars Dunston was born 14 Febraury, 1858 at Alpine, Utah. He married Laura Stanton. He died 1 January, 1946, at San Diego, California. 2. Thomas Hansen, was born 23 April 1860 at Alpine, Utah. He married Julia Hills Johnson. They had six children. He died 3 December, 1938 at San Diego, California. 3. Christina Maria was born 29 September, 1861 at Richmond, Utah. She married David A Johnson and had 10 children. She died 9 July, 1933 at National City, California. 4. Jane Mariah was born 2 November, 1863, at Richmond Utah and died the 6th of December 1863. Soon after the baby's death, Lars' wife, Jane died, leaving him with three small children, so he returned to Alpine. While in Alpine, Lars Rove met Elizabeth Ann Freestone who was born 26 January, 1842, in Huntersville, Harding, Ohio. She was the daughter of Thomas Freestone and Ann Fall Freestone. Elizabeth Ann was ten years old when her parents came to Utah and she walked much of the way. In 1857, during the ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p130.jpg) ‑ Lars Rove Jensen time of polygamy, or the reformation, it was arranged by Elizabeth Ann's parents that she marry John Langston, who was twenty years older than Elizabeth Ann. She was just fifteen years and three months old at the time. On March 7, 1857, Elizabeth Ann Freestone and John Langston were married. John Langston had another wife, Clearlinda Phillips Langston. Elizabeth Ann and John Langston had two children, Elizabeth Ellen was born 4 April, 1858, and George Heber was born 21 September, 1860. Elizabeth Ellen married Lyman Johnson Swett, on 4 July, 1877 and they had thirteen children. She died 11 December 1926, in Vernal, Utah. George Heber married Anna Mary Nielson on 1 January, 1884. They had seven children, he died 23 April, 1939 in Vernal, Utah. Elizabeth Ann lived with John Langston about four years, she then divorced him and returned to Alpine, Utah, to live with her mother. On the 27th of August, 1864, Elizabeth Ann Freestone and Lars Rove Jensen were married and they settled in Alpine, Utah. Now Elizabeth Ann had two children and Lars Rove had three, so they started out their new married life with five children. Lars Rove raised Elizabeth Ann's two children and his two boys were raised by Elizabeth Ann, and his daughter lived with them much of the time and with her grandmother part of the time. Lars Rove's two sons by Jane Dunston, Lars and Thomas, paid a beautiful tribute to Elizabeth Ann at the time of her death, saying that she was a noble and wonderful women and that their own mother could not have been better to them nor have taught them better. While Lars and Elizabeth Ann lived in Alpine, they had six children born to them: 1. Louis Reuben was born 21 March, 1865, married Kirsten Marie Sorensen and they had eleven children, he died 12 January, 1909. 2. Ann Louisa, born 16 April, 1867, married Abinadi Porter and they had ten children. She died 20 March, 1934. 3. William Richard was born 7 October, 1868 and died 10 October 1869. 4. Joseph was born 19 Febuary, 1870 and died the same day. 5. James Franklin, born 31 March, 1872, married Laura Estella Whitmill. They had three children. Laura passed away at twenty-nine years of age and Franklin married Eva Law, they had one child. Franklin was accidentally shot and killed on 1 September 1917. 6. Leonard Alonzo was born 7 September 1874, and died 9 October 1875. Elizabeth Ann and Lars Rove worked hard on their little farm in Alpine and they were active in civic and social affairs. Lars Rove played the violin very well as did some of his sons, and he played for the dances, so he was known as "Fiddler Jensen." ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p131.jpg) ‑ Lars Rove They moved to Springlake, Utah and here their seventh child was born: 7. Rhoda Laura was born 27 September 1876. She married John McDonald RiderRider on 24 April, 1894 in St. George, Utah. They had nine children. She died 1 November 1944. While the Jensens lived in Springlake, they had two children marry. Lars' daughter, Christina Marie by his first wife, and Elizabeth Ann's daughter by John Langston, Elizabeth Ellen. In the fall of 1878, Lars sold their farm in Springlake and rode away to find another farm. When he reached Salt Lake City, he met a friend, who told Lars about a widow and her five children, who needed someone to pay their fare from Scotland. Lars said he needed his money to buy another farm, but his friend said, "You don't need a farm, go to Orderville." So Lars spent the money to pay the fares from Scotland for Agnes Work Smith, who was born 28 December, 1840 and her five children. On 23 September, 1878, while still in Salt Lake, Lars Rove married Agnes Work Smith in the endowment house, and took her and her five little children to Springlake with him. That same year he moved both his wives and his two families to Orderville, Utah, where they lived the United Order for five years. Here the houses were small and built side by side, forming four walls, like a fort, with a large hall in the center. This was a very different life for Lars and his families. The wives would spin and knit. Two of the boys, Reuben and Frank worked in the Carpenter shop, while Annie worked in the kitchen and in the factory. Everyone had a job. Lars herded sheep and while he was with the herd, he had a dream. He was walking up Maine Street in Salt Lake City. When he came to an alley, upon walking in the alley, he saw on the right-hand side, Brigham Young, who had a veil over him. Brigham Young stretched out his hand, shaking hands and smiling, he said, "You have gotten through all right." Life in Orderville was very different. In the morning a bugle was blown, and everyone came into the large hall where community prayer was held, then everyone sat at long tables and ate their breakfast. No one was allowed to have food in their living quarters. It was all in one big kitchen. Some people worked in the garden and some in the orchard, and some in the factory where they made all the clothing and bedding. A bell rang at lunch time and they all would assemble in the center hall again and ate lunch. At supper time, the bugle was sounded and they all assembled for supper, and here they had their evening prayers together. All their meetings were held in this large center hall also. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p132.jpg) 5 — Lars Rove Jensen While Lars and his two wives lived in Orderville, two children were born to Elizabeth Ann: 8. Emma Jane was born 3 October, 1879. She married David Louis Price on 29 January, 1901. They had seven children. She died 20 September 1950. 9. Robert Samuel Hamilton Jensen was born 29 January, 1882 and died 16 July 1883. Two daughers were born to Agnes Work Smith Jensen. Agnes Sarah was born 27 August 1879. Agnes Sarah married Thorit Peck and they had 6 children. She died 27 March 1949. Jane Elizabeth was born 11 March 1882. Jane married Henry Smith and she died 11 July 1951. In 1883, Lars Rove left Elizabeth and his children in Orderville and took Agnes and her children and moved to Vineyard west of Orem. Elizabeth had a very hard time to get food, clothing, and shelter for herself and her children. Her sons built her a three room house with a porch when they were old enough to work for themselves. In 1897, Lars Rove's children and their Mother, Elizabeth Ann, moved to Basalt, Idaho. It took them 5 weeks and 5 days to make the trip by wagon train. Elizabeth and her daughter, Emma, came to Salt Lake by train so Elizabeth could do temple work for her dead ancestors. Their son, James Franklin, was called on a mission and left 9 July 1897. Elizabeth Ann sent for Lars Rove, as she was in very poor health. She went to Vinyard with Lars and remained with him until 5 September, when the Temple opened. At this time she saw a doctor and found that her heart was in a very poor condition. In April 1898, their son, Louis Reuben Jensen went on a mission to the Southern States. Elizabeth and her daughter, Emma, were living in Vineyard at the time of Elizabeth's death on 27 November, 1898. Their two sons were still on their missions. Elizabeth Ann was buried in Alpine, Utah. Lars Rove Jensen experienced the crickets eating their crops there in Alpine, and at times, he lived on sego roots and wild onions. He had a hard life but an interesting life. He was a High Priest, in good standing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the time of his death, 9 November, 1909. He died at the home of Jane, his youngest daughter by Agnes Work Smith Jensen at the age of 84. At his request, he was buried beside Elizabeth Ann in Alpine, Utah. This history was written by Mary Price Larson and Verda Price Flint. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p133.jpg) ELIZABETH ANN FREESTONE 1842 ‑ 1898 In 1840, Ann Fall and Thomas Freestone left Prince Edward Island and came to America. They settled in Ohio. Elizabeth was born 26 January, 1842. In 1851 they accepted the Gospel. Elizabeth was between six and seven years of age, just a young child and very sincere and obedient. The Gospel meant much to her and had a great influence on her entire life. Her life was never an easy life, as a child, she often knew the pangs of hunger and suffered from cold and hardships. Her parents were good people, they knew the Gospel was true and loved it. They sacrificed everything materially to get to Zion. They sold their land and what they could, buying a few provisions, put their children and all they could take with them in a light wagon that was pulled by two cows. I think they had a few other animals they drove along with them, a few sheep and a calf or two. I'm sure the children took turns driving this stock. It was late in the year when they left, August 1852. It was a cold, wet fall and they traveled all the way in rain and mud and snow. The days they had sunshine and dry roads, their hearts were flooded with sunshine and the necessary courage to keep going. Cows are slow and their progress was slow. After almost five months, hungry, wet and almost frozen, they arrived in Pisgay, Iowa, in a big snow storm on December 25th. They had traveled six or seven hundred miles and still had 125 miles to go to Council Bluff, Iowa where a body of Saints were camped. What money and food they had started out with was gone and the entire family were suffering from cold and hunger. They spent the next two months in Pisgay, working a little here and there to get a scant amount of food and waiting for the cold weather to pass. One of their cows died. As weather moderated, they hooked up a two year old heifer with the cow, reaching Council Bluffs about April. In company of fifty wagons on June 10, 1853, they continued across the plains to Utah. They arrived September 1853. They went to American Fork where they lived for about a year. Then they moved to Alpine, Utah in 1854. Elizabeth knew hunger and poverty at Alpine. The crickets ate almost all their crops one year, but they were with the Saints in that beautiful valley and they were happy because of their love of the Gospel and the joy of worshipping with their loved ones and neighbors. Elizabeth Ann said they were always afraid of the Indians. There was an attack on Alpine one night and Elizabeth, with some of her family, hid up in the loft of the old blacksmith shop all night. The Indians didn't burn or hurt the ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p134.jpg) ‑ Elizabeth Ann Freestone people but they did get away with some of the stock owned by the settlers. In the year 1858, after living in Alpine four years, Elizabeth's father, Thomas Freestone, decided to go further south and look for a new home for his family. He had a good outfit that he took with him, a wagon and horses. Traveling that way he had ample time to look the country over. He was in southern Utah near the Virgin River, probably somewhere in the area of St. George, that he was attacked by the Indians and was killed. Information came back to the southern settlements through one of the Indians later that the Indians hadn't intended to kill, but just to scare him. But they did kill him, buried him and stole all of the outfit. This information came from Jane Freestone to Marie Jensen. So in 1858, at the age of fourteen, Elizabeth was left without a father. She had herded the sheep and a few other stock over the hills around Alpine from the time they had moved there, and out away from the settlement, they were always afraid of the Indians. Elizabeth married John Langston in 1859 when she was fifteen. He already had one wife and was twenty years older than she. The marriage was arranged by her mother. Langston and Elizabeth Ann had two children, Ellen and George Heber. He didn't take very good care of her and wasn't good to her so she divorced him. In 1864, Elizabeth Ann married Lars Rove Jensen in the old Endowment House in Salt Lake City. She was about twenty when she married Lars. He had also been married before and had three children. My father, Louis Reuben Jensen, was their first child. He was born March 21, 1865. Elizabeth had nine children. Four of her children died in infancy. She raised five children by this marriage to maturity, two sons and three daughters. She also raised her first two children and the three of Lars and Jane's. What a wonderful mother she must have been. Elizabeth Ann and her husband and family moved from Alpine to Springlake, then to Orderville in 1878. They went there to live in the United Order because they believed that was the Lord's way for them to live. The little home they lived in was right close to the old Dining Room. She was a deeply religious woman. Many missions have been fill by her descendants, her two sons filled missions and I know of 18 just counting the descendants of one of her sons, my father, Reuben Jensen. Her children by Jensen were all good firm Latter- day Saints. She believed in prayer and taught her children to pray. She was a very strict observer of the Word of Wisdom. She wouldn't eat pork and was a great hand for gathering greens, dandelions, pigweeds or other kind of plants. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p135.jpg) 3 — Elizabeth Ann Freestone She was well known for the good bread she made. She baked her bread in big open ovens. Her salt-rising bread couldn't be beat. She sewed very well, making their clothes. She was saving and took good care of everything she had. She loved pretty things, sometimes sewed ruffles on her hats. She raised flowers in front of her home, was neat and clean though she never had a lot at any time to do with. Elizabeth Ann was a small woman, perhaps not over five feet, two inches. She probably never exceeded 120 or 125 pounds in weight. She was rather hard- hearing in her later years and somewhat sickly. She was a good Doctor herself, knew many home remedies. She was a pretty woman, clear skin, dark brown hair that waved naturally, and dark brown eyes that sparkled. She had a large generous mouth. She and her home were always neat and clean. She was a gifted writer, wrote poetry. She often went up to the Uinta Country around Vernal, Utah to see her brother, George Freestone and her son Frank who worked there one summer. Elizabeth's husband, Lars Jensen, married Agnes Smith and they all lived together while they were in Orderville living in the United Order. He later moved to Provo, but Elizabeth didn't go. She didn't want to leave the United Order. When the Order broke up, her sons, Louis Reuben and Frank built her a nice home there in Orderville. These two sons decided to move to Idaho and in January, 1897, she and Frank and Emma moved to Idaho. They bought 120 acres and lived in a log house that was on the place. Reuben went up in April and bought land on the east side of the railroad from them. In July, 1897, she and Emma went to Provo and stayed with her husband. She wasn't very well then. They had gone to Salt Lake to the Centennial Celebration of the Church and decided to stay there because of her health. She died there in Provo, Septemeber 27, 1898, at the age of 54. She was buried in Alpine, Utah. All of her descendants are good firm Latter-day Saints. . . . Written by Hattie Jensen Price, franddaughter of Elizabeth Ann Jensen LARS ROVE JENSEN ELIZABETH ANN FREESTONE Father and Mother of Louis Reuben Jensen. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p136.jpg) ANN FALL MARRIED TO THOMAS FREESTONE Their children were: GEORGE FREESTONE JAMES FALL FREESTONE ELIZABETH ANN FREESTONE RHODA FREESTONE PHOEBE ELLEN FREESTONE MARY FREESTONE JOHANNA FREESTONE EMMA SARAH FREESTONE JANE MARIA FREESTONE ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p137.jpg) HISTORY OF ANN FALL (Information told to Hattie Jensen Price by her Mother, Marie Jensen, who was a grand daughter-in-law of Ann Fall. Marie Jensen knew her well when she lived in Orderville, Utah. Some of the information was given to Marie Jensen by Jane Freestone Johnson, youngest daughter of Ann Fall, who lived in Basalt, Idaho in her later years, four blocks from the home of Marie Jensen. Some of the information was received from the rocords of Lillian Millett.) From a distinguished man in London, Lord Portsea, member of the House of Lords, we learn that the Fall family originated in Normandy. From there they crossed the straits to Jersey Island, many of them later going to England, Scotland, and Wales. The branch of the family from which Ann Fall descended, lived in Yorkshire, England, as far as we know. Ann Fall was born August 6, 1812, in Aldbrough, Yorkshire, England, a small town in Northern England on the North Sea. When she was about six years of age, her parents, James Fall and Elizabeth Rouston Fall, moved to Canada, where her father bought 100 acres of wooded land in the Province of Prince Edward Island. He later purchased another 100 acres according to Canadian records, about nine miles from Charlettetown, the capitol of the Island. Prince Edward Island is crescent in shape, and is the smallest province in Canada, being only 140 miles in length and from four to forty miles wide. To James Fall, it must have appeared to lie low in the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, as it has no high elevations, but is a countryside of rolling green hills, and has a coast that meant riches to the fisherman. The Indians called it "The Home Cradled on the Waves." Jacques Cartier first saw the island in 1534, and he described it as a low and beautiful land. It was not until 1798 that it received its present name after Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. It is within ferrying distance from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. From a letter written by James Fall's grandson, George Fall, it is learned that his grandfather later sold one of these properties and built a house in Grapaud, which is on the south side of the Island and the letter states, "lived on his money." The first home near Covehead was called "Little York," according to this same grandson, because James Fall came from York, England. It would appear that Ann Fall had more financial security in her father's home than she would ever have after her marriage. While living at Grapaud, or Little York," Ann Fall met Thomas Freestone from England, who had come to Canada with his sister Sarah and brother-in-law William Ward. They were married on August 4, 1836, he being 41 years of age, and she 24. Two years later, their first child, George was born and when he was almost two years old, they went by ship to the United States to find a new home. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p138.jpg) ‑ Ann Fall Ann Fall's nephew, George, tells a little incident in his letter about Ann which indicates her religious character and her determination to do what she believed what was right. A certain Scotsman, by the name of McDonald, came to the Island and started a new church, the members being known as McDonaldites. History tells us he carried a yellow cane, and on Sundays stood at the fork of the road and waved all churchgoers to his church. Ann joined this cult and wore the long black veil which was prescribed for the women of the congregation. But then McDonald had a change of heart, and forbade the wearing of black veils, but Ann insisted on using the veil. Two deacons were instructed to put her out of the Church, but as her nephew tells the story, "they never put a hand on her, for she walked out and never returned." While on board the ship coming to the United States, their second son, James, was born, May 5, 1840, near Nebo Light House, on American waters. Ann Fall and her husband, Thomas, with their two sons, immigrated to the state of Ohio and settled on 40 acres of land in Harden County. They had a great deal of sickness, and the farm was mortgaged for debt and sold. They went to Sandusky City and stayed there a short time, then went back and bought 20 acres of land. James Freestone, second son of Ann and Thomas, was the first one of the family to hear the young Mormon Missionaries speak in a school house near their home. Previous to this, James had made it a matter of prayer, though then about nine years of age. He went into the woods every day and prayed to the Lord that if he had a people upon the earth who were true followers of the Saviour, that he, James, might know for himself, that he might be numbered among them. He afterwards heard the Mormon elders and believed every word he heard and was so impressed by their testimony that he asked his mother, Ann Fall Freestone, to attend the next meeting. At this time Ann Fall and Thomas Freestone were members of the Methodist church. Ann Fall was the first member of the family to be baptized, on November 10, 1850. Her husband, Thomas Freestone was next to be baptized in 1851. The entire family loved the gospel and had a testimony of its truthfulness and were anxious to join the Saints and go to Utah. Thomas Freestone sold everything they had and bought a light wagon to which they hooked two young cows. They started from Ohio in August 1852. They aver- aged about 12 miles a day. Day after day they traveled through rain and mud, weary and sick from being wet most of the time. They landed in the territory of Iowa at a place called Pisgay on the 25th of December in a big snow storm. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p139.jpg) ‑ Ann Fall While in Ohio, six children were born to the Freestones. Elizabeth Ann was born 26 January, 1842; Rhoda, 30 December 1844; Phoebe Ellen, July 1847; Mary, 1848; Johanna, 16 June 1849; Emma Sarah, 30 May 1852. They were all born at Huntersville, Hardin County, Ohio except Johanna who was born in Erie, Ohio. Their last daughter was born 1 December 1855 in Alpine, Jane Maria, after their long trek across the United States for the sake of the Gospel. When they were at Pisgay, winter had set in, the cold was intense. They had no money and Thomas worked around when he cold find work to get food to take care of his family. Ann Fall wrote a letter to the President of the Branch at Council Bluffs, telling of their financial condition. She was told afterward that the letter was read in church and many shed tears when they heard it. The President wrote back that if they could get to Council Bluffs, the Church would help them get through to Utah. This was a trying and dis- couraging time for Ann And Thomas with their little family of eight children. They had little food during this period. They stayed there part of the winter, then moved twenty miles to a place called Minstat. The two sons, George and James, cut saw logs and husked corn. They received corn meal and fat beef for pay. One of their cows died during the winter. They had a two year old heifer that they hitched in and they started early in the spring and reached Council Bluffs in April. A company was organized to go to Utah and they joined the company. There were fifty wagons. They were given a young yoke of cattle to work with the cows. They started west on the 10th of June, 1853. It was a good company they traveled with and they had a good journey across the plains, arriving in Utah the 9th of September 1853. They went to American Fork, Utah and lived there one year, then moved to Mountainville and afterward to Alpine, Utah in 1854. They planted crops, but times were hard. The grasshoppers came and swept almost everything off the land. They lived almost entirely on greens and pig weeds. When they were fortunate enough to get a pot of wild onions for soup, they felt very lucky and grateful. Ann Fall and the children fought the crickets every day and they were the only family in Alpine to raise any wheat to mature and harvest in the year of the cricket. One day, a man from American Fork, told Ann he was going to butcher a beef, and if she would come to American Fork, he would give her the head. She walked the five miles from Alpine, but was disappointed to find he had taken the tongue out, so she did not get much for her long walk. She must have found life very difficult in comparison to what she was used to in her father's home. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p140.jpg) ‑ Ann Fall The Indians became quite troublesome, and they had to move into Forts. President Brigham Young visited Alpine and counseled the people to build a fort 12 feet high and 6 feet wide, which they did. Thomas Freestone and his two oldest sons worked on this project a great part of the summer of 1854. In the year 1857, the United States sent an army known as Johnston's Army to Utah. The did not enter Utah until 1858, but all able-bodied men were called out to defend the people. Peace was later in 1858 declared. The years of 1857 and 1858 were years of great unrest and fear among the Saints. The fact that the United States had sent an Army to Utah caused many to fear that an army might be sent again. Many of the Saints remembered the experiences of Missouri, remembered that when they plead for mercy; Haun's Mill Massacre was their answer. When they asked for help and protection from the government, their homes were burned and many were killed and their women violated. The experiences of Illinois, of being driven from their homes in the dead of winter, looking back and seeing their homes in flames had not been forgotten. And still the Gentiles had followed them and hounded them, and there was fear that again an army might be sent to exterminate them. Many men left their homes 1858, going north into Cache Valley, or south to Southern Utah seeking fertile valleys to take their families to where they felt there would be greater security and perhaps new opportunities to build up the country also to get more and better land later for farming. This caused terrific tension among the people throughout Utah, and they feared of a reprisal against the Mormons who were blamed for it. In the fall of 1857, the United States Department of War, sent Lt. Joseph C. Ives to explore the Colorado River for the purpose of learning whether it could be used to advantage in the transportation of soldiers and munitions on the way to the valley of Salt Lake. Ives expedition went about as far north as Las Vegas, then turned back. When the report reached Salt Lake City, that examination of the Colorado River for navigation was being conducted by the U. S. Government, President Young waited hardly long enough for Ive's expedition to sail down stream before he sent George A. Smith with a company of men to explore the Rio Colorado and the country adjacent to it for suitable locations for settlements for his people. George A. Smith and his company left Cedar City on March 31, 1858. Later they returned without finding desirable locations, but it was made known that the area where St. George was later established was a desirable place with a mild climate. Also it was said that President Young had made a statement that a Temple would be built in Southern Utah. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p141.jpg) 5 — Ann Fall It was during these critical and tense times in 1858, four years after Ann and Thomas Freestone and family had settled in Alpine that they discussed the proposition of looking for a new home that might give them more security. There is also the possibility that Thomas may have been called with some group to ex- plore for new locations. He was not a young man, being 60 years of age, so he must have felt the necessity of moving or had been called to look with others for a new location, to leave his family, and go to Southern Utah and look for a safe and fertile place to take his family. He left for Southern Utah and never returned. It was learned afterward that he had been stoned to death by the Indians down near Parawan. Stories that have been handed down in the Freestone family are that an Indian later found Thomas Freestone after he had been stoned, mutilated, and in extreme pain. The Indian felt he would do him a favor by killing him and ending his pain. The Indian killed him, wrapped him in his blanket, and buried him. This Indian sent a message to Ann Fall or went in person to tell her that her husband was dead by the hands of Indians and been killed and buried near Parawan, Utah. As far as we know, no white man knows where the grave of Thomas Freestone is. It is stated that the Indians had a plot to kill the first white man who crossed a certain trail, and Thomas was that man. Dr. William R. Palmer, noted historian of the Southern Utah area, former Stake President for 15 years of Parawan Stake, enthusiastic leader in many church positions wrote Lillian Millett this letter: Cedar City, Utah December 29, 1951 Dear Sister Millett: Do you believe in mental telepathy? Two weeks or so ago, I awoke early with the name Thomas Freestone on my mind. I lay awake for an hour or more trying to remember where I heard or saw that name. It was associated with Parawan and with Indians, but I could not get the story clear. At noon, I went to the Post Office and received your letter inquiring about the same man. Since then I have put in many hours searching for some record of his death and have found none. 1858 was a year pf great excitement and the records are very skippy and irregular for the period. Johnston's army was marching on Utah and many men were tied up with preparations for another move. Some groups had gone west to meet and assist the San Bernadino Saints in. Others had gone north to assist the Salt Lake Saints in their flight. Others were busy harvesting the crops and in finding caches in the mountains where the grain could be hidden and stored if there had to be a wholesale immigration. Still others were exploring for new locations across the Colorado River and in Nevada to which the people could move. Then too, the Mountain Meadows affair of September of 1857 had thrown Iron County, Cedar City and Parawan into gloom and melancholy, and so, altogether, not many records were made for several years along there. Everything was confusion. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p142.jpg) ‑ Ann Fall But I feel certain that somewhere I have seen something about Thomas Freestone, it may be in some old diary. I will keep your letter on file and if I find anything, I will write you again. Sorry I cannot be more helpful. Sincerely Yours, signed Wm. R. Palmer Ann Fall's life had been one of hardship and deprivation from the time she had joined the church. And now the greatest sadness of her life had come to her in losing her husband and not even having the privilege of having her dear husband's body brought home for burial. Though Ann was a sturdy and capable woman, she and her children keenly felt the loss of husband and father. Ann was a prayerful woman and she relied on her Heavenly Father for comfort and help. Ann taught her children as she and her husband had always done, to seek the Lord first in all they did. Together they gathered their small crop in the fall of 1858. They gathered wood from the canyon to keep them warm. It was a very gloomy winter that faced them in 1858 and 1859. Food was scarce and Ann suffered and often deprived herself to give a little more to her younger children. Ann became desperate, she had no food, no flour or wheat. It was hard to ask some one to help her but she finally knew she must ask her Bishop for help. She walked from Alpine to American Fork. She told the Bishop of her need for flour and he told her she should get married. Her reply was, "Who would want to marry a woman with eight children?" Some of her children were grown and married by then. The Bishop told her there was a well-to-do immigrant from London, England that he would take her to see. The immigrant had a year's supply of food stored away. She was taken by the Bishop to see Andrew Hodnett and immediately they recognized their need for each other and seemed to have a mutual appeal. The very next day, they went to Salt Lake City and were married in the Endowment House, May 17, 1862. Andrew Hodnett brought money with him from England; he was a good provider, and she probably had more financial security than she had had in her previous married life. Ann Fall and her family that was not married, moved with Andrew Hodnett to Orderville and joined the United Order. They turned all their sheep into the Order. When the United Order broke up, they were given back their sheep and they had enough to buy a little farm near Mt. Carmel, south of Orderville, at Tom's Rock. They seem to have been fairly prosperous for the time and location. Andrew Hodnett had Ann's children walk through the fields after he plowed to break up the clods with a stick. They worked in the fields and herded his sheep. This was not unusual for those days, as women were accustomed to work in the fields ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p143.jpg) ‑ Ann Fall along with the men. It was necessary to make a living. Hodnett was a hot- tempered man, tight fisted, a hard worker and expected others to do the same. Ann Fall was a mild tempered, kindly woman, with great faith in her Heavenly Father. She spoke kindly to her children and others. She always looked fresh and clean and dressed nicely. She had dark hair and dark eyes and as she grew older, was more on the fleshy side. She raised her family to be true followers of Christ with a great love and appreciation of the Gospel. She had great faith and was loyal and true to her Church, her leaders and her Heavenly Father. In the biography of her youngest child, Jane, she states that whenever she was frightened of the Indians, her mother would tell her that God would protect her. Andrew Hodnett gave all her children some sheep, which shows his love and respect for her family. In the later years of Ann Fall's life, her health failed and she was not able to take care of herself. She was taken back to Alpine to the home of her youngest child. Here Jane, who was such a kind and loving individual, tenderly cared for her mother. Ann died at the age of 76, the death record says of "acute indigestion." Ann's eyes grew dim, yet they glowed with the love she had for her loved ones and the gospel. Though feeble she still expressed her appreciation for the gospel and what others did for her. Her willing feet that had traveled far, never failed in a step that was right. The autumn of her life had passed and as softly as the snowflakes fell, Ann's beautiful spirit left her tired old body on Christmas day, December 25, 1888. Her husband and father of her children Thomas Freestone, stood there waiting for her and together, they walked into the beyond to find the place which God for them prepared. THE BEYOND It seemeth such a little way to me Across to that strange country, The Beyond; And yet, not strange, for it has grown to be The home of those of whom I am so fond. (Aunt Hattie said when she and Lillian Millett finished this history, they looked at each other, and Hattie said, "Do you feel what I feel? I feel the presence of Ann Fall." She said Lillian answered that she had felt her presence also and felt that what they had written was approved of.) ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p144.jpg) LIFE HISTORY OF JAMES FREESTONE Son of Thomas Freestone and Ann Fall written by himself. I was born May the 5th, 1840, on American Waters near Boston. My father's name was Thomas Freestone and my Mothers name was Ann Fall. They immigrated from Prince Edward Island to America in the year 1840. They settled in Ohio and the Gospel found them about the year 1851. They joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and prepared to start for the Salt Lake Valley, which was about 2000 miles distance. When they heard that the Mormons worked cows, they sold 20 acres of land for a light wagon and hitched up two unbroke cows and started for Zion; I think in the month of August 1852. We traveled thru mud and storm and landed in the Territory of Iowa, at a place called Pisgay, in a big snow storm on the 25th of December. We were then 125 miles from Council Bluffs. Having traveled between six and seven hundred miles. We did not have one dollar to help ourselves with. We worked around and got something to eat. One of our cows died during the winter. My mother wrote to the President of the Branch at Council Bluffs and told him our circumstances. It was read in meeting, and caused many to shed tears. They sent us word that if we could get there, they would help us thru. We had a two year old heifer we hitched up in place of the cow that died and started in the spring to Council Bluffs. I think we got there about April. They organized a company of 50 wagons and started to cross the plains on the 10th of June, 1853. They let us have a yoke of young cattle to work with our cows. I drove sheep a thousand miles barefooted. A man accompanied me. We had a horse we changed riding upon. I was then twelve years old. We got in the Valley about the middle of September 1853. We went to American Fork, stayed there one year. I was baptized into the church there in the fall of 1853. We moved to Mountain Ville, afterwards called Alpine. In the fall of 1854, President Brigham Young counselled the people to build a fort wall, six feet at the bottom and fourteen feet high. I worked on it all summer. The grass-hoppers came and ate almost all of our crops. We saw very hard times the summer of 1860. I worked and got me a young yoke of cattle and in 1861 the Bishop called on me to go back to the States after immigrants and take my cattle, then three years old. I started back in April and returned in September. I made the round trip of 2,000 miles in one summer. There were 200 wagons went back that year, four yoke of oxen on each wagon. I got back safe with all my oxen that year. I sold my oxen the next year and sent back for a new wagon. I worked out and got me another yoke of cattle the year of 1863, when the Bishop asked me if I would go back again after immigrants. So I went back in 1863, brought three families in my wagon each time. I bot a set of dishes and stove and had them brought thru with me. The next year I built me a new house and furnished it the following year. I met my wife on Christmas in 1867. In February 1868 we went to the old en- dowment house in Salt Lake City and were married. In the following year I married another wife. I paid the immigration debt of each from Denmark. I had a family of seven children by the first wife, and twelve children by the second wife. We had a moderately comfortable home in moderate circumstances in Alpine, Utah. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p145.jpg) We decided to move to Arizona, as there was trouble brewing by the Government of the United States on account of polygamy. So in the year of 1882 we sold our home and started on the 1st of October for Arizona. When we reached there, we located in Apache County, and stopped there one year. All those in polygamy were advised to go to Mexico, so I went with the first company that left. I left all my family in Apache County. They saw very hard times during my absence. I stopped in Mexico a short time. Things did not turn out as we expected; we were advised to go out and get work. I found two women going to the Gila River and they wanted a driver, so I drove the team for them to the Gila and arrived there April 1884. I had left my teams in Apache County and was traveling alone. I got to the Gila Valley with twenty-five cents in my pocket. I bought twenty-five pounds of corn and planted it. I worked for a team and my board. I got ten acres of corn planted, some sugar cane, melons and squash. I knelt down on my land and asked the Lord to bless it, then I left it and went back to Apache, the first of August, after my family. I returned with a part of my family the 20th of October. I found a good crop of corn, had a barrel of molasses, ten loads of squash and melons, and they had never been watered. I bought a farm and sent back and had the remainder of my family brought to Gila. Times grew very warm. I was advised to take a portion of my family and go back to Mexico, which I did. I located ninety miles above Diaz, in the mountains and cut and sawed logs for a living at $1 per thousand feet, or 50¢ American money. I had to pay $7.50 per hundred for flour, and we raised some garden. We lived there two years. The storm blew over some and I ventured to return to the Gila. After return- ing I started again to try to make a home. I took up some land, also bought some land, and Lord blessed us in our labors. We later got good homes, plenty of land and good water rights. Three of my sons were called to fill missions, which they performed, costing in the proximity of twelve hundred dollars, but we did not begrudge the money. I have had the privilege of doing some work in the Temple for some of our relatives and paid into the Genealogical Society $50.00 for gathering up our Genealogy. I hope my children will continue to do the work that I have not been able to accomplish. I am now close to 73 years old, and do not know how long I may be permitted to remain on the earth, but I thought perhaps some of my grand- children might be interested in reading a very short sketch of my life. ‑ James Freestone Oct. 1913 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p146.jpg) [A photograph appears with the following caption] Back Row: RAY, IVAN AND DOYLE Front Row: RULON, MOTHER MARIE, CLINTON ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p147.jpg) [A photograph appears with the following caption] LOUIS IVAN JENSEN Second child of Louis Reuben Jensen and Kirsten Marie Sorensen. He married Sarah Rosetta Griffiths. Their children are: Louis Ivan Jensen II James Earl Jensen Ellen Marie Jensen Maurine Jensen Eleanor Jensen ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p148.jpg) LIFE HISTORY of LOUIS IVAN JENSEN and SARAH ROSETTA GRIFFITHS JENSEN Louis Ivan Jensen was born in Orderville, Utah on January 20, 1888. He was the son of Kirsten Marie Sorensen Jensen and Louis Reuben Jensen. He moved to Basalt, Idaho with his parents the 26th of April, 1897. His mother, Marie, was very unhappy in leaving her new Utah home, but after several days of fasting and prayer, she became happy in the move to the Snake River Valley with her beloved husband and their four little sons. Ivan's father harvested one crop of grain and was then called on a three year mission for the L. D. S. Church. On his return, he built his wife and family a beautiful three story stone house just north of the Basalt Church. It was a very happy home with lots of love and affection and hard work. Ivan's father had also built the church and school in Basalt, and many of the homes that are still standing. Ivan went to Ricks Academy in Rexburg and to the Agricultural Academy at Logan. He was ordained a deacon, and later a teacher, by Brother Charles Criddle on the 12th of June, 1904. He was ordained an Elder by Hyrum Smith on the 21st of April, 1906. He filled a mission to the Northern States with headquarters in Chicago, Illinois from 1906 to 1908. Sadness came into the Jensen family when Louis Reuben, Ivan's father died of pneumonia the 14th of January, 1909 leaving a widow with nine children to mourn his passing. Marie and Reuben had lived only twenty-four short years together on earth, but will be forever lovers. Grandfather knew he was dying and asked his sons, Ivan included, to carry Grandmother Marie from upstairs where she had recently given birth to Beatrice. She came to her husband's side and Grandfather requested his son Ivan to play all his favorite songs on the piano as his spirit left his body. I was told this by my father, L. Ivan Jensen. Ivan was really a talented musician. Aunt Minnie said that if one of the musicians couldn't be at a dance, Ivan could pick up any instrument and pinch-hit for whoever wasn't there, whether it be piano, violin, drums or wind instruments. But he was a genius at the piano. After Ivan returned home from his mission he went with several girls, but the one he was most impressed with was the telephone operator at Shelley by the name of Sarah Rosetta Griffiths from Beaver, Utah. She was the first child of James Lloyd Griffiths and Sarah Ellen Jones. Rosetta was born November 10, 1887, at Adamsville, Utah near Beaver. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p149.jpg) ‑ Ivan and Zetta Rosetta's father was born in Pennygarndee, South Wales on June 30, 1863. Sarah Ellen Jones, her mother, was born September 24th, 1870 at Lehi, Utah. Her mother died when Rosetta was two years old, leaving her and a baby son, John Lloyd Griffith. I was told she died because after several loved ones died in the typhoid epidemic of 1890 ‑ 1891, her heart actually broke with grief. Her two children were raised by relatives. James Lloyd Griffiths married Clara Elizabeth Slaughter and had a large, but loving second family. Rosetta loved her step-brother and step-sisters as much as any true sister could. Louis Ivan Jensen and Sarah Rosetta Griffiths were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 18, 1909. L. Ivan was ordained a Seventy by John Henry Smith in 1910. They soon went back to Chattanooga, Tennessee so L. Ivan could attend the Law School there. While in the South, Rosetta was called to serve in the Southern States Mission, living in the Mission Home with President and Sister Charles A. Callis and family at Atlanta, Georgia. L. Ivan really did well at Law School and was Valedictorian of his graduating class in 1912. Their first child, Louis Ivan II was born in Chattanooga, February 14, 1912. What wonderful experiences they had in the south, and now they had a son. After the graduation, the Jensen family moved back to Idaho. Ivan became Probate Judge of Bingham County and they lived in Blackfoot in 1913 and 1914. This is where their second son, James Earle Jensen was born, in November, 1913. In 1915, the family moved to Shelley where L. Ivan practiced law until his death in 1961, September 27th. Three daughters were born in Shelley. Ellen Marie was born in 1915, but lived only a short time and died of pneumonia. Maurine was born December 5, 1917 and Eleanor Rosetta was born March 28, 1920. L. Ivan served many years as Secretary and Treasurer of the Snake River Valley Irrigation District. He was city attorney for many years. He was always a booster for all good causes in Shelley. He was a member of the school board for many years. He was appointed Shelley Stake Clerk in 1928 and held that position for 32 consecutive years. He was set apart for Stake Clerk by Apostle Melvin J. Ballard. Many general authorities ate lunch with Ivan and Rosetta when they came to visit the Stake. Among these were, Alma Soone, President Heber J. Grant, Apostle Lyman and President and Sister Charles A. Callis stayed at their home when the Temple in Idaho Falls was dedicated. Many stayed all night with them and were always made to feel welcome. They lived near the Tabernacle and it was very convenient for Rosetta to feed them; and she was an exceptionally good cook. Aunt Minnie tells of one time when Apostle Lyman was staying with the Jensen's. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p150.jpg) Page — Ivan and Rosetta Grandma Marie Jensen had mastoid problems and was in a lot of pain. Apostle Lyman said he knew someone needed his help, and needed him to administer to her. He did give Grandma a blessing and soon the abcess broke and drained, relieving the pressure and the pain. She was soon well and bore her testimony that she knew she was healed through the blessings of the Priesthood given by Apostle Lyman, and her son Ivan. Ivan was an avid sportman. He always had a season's pass at the Russett games in Idaho Falls in the summer. And he always supported the football and basketball games in Shelley. He loved to fish and hunt. One time when the Jensen's had all the Jensen family for Thanksgiving dinner, besides the usual turkey, we all had to have a piece of bear roast that Ivan had shot up in Montana. One thing the family enjoyed tremendously were the trips they took together. They attended almost all general conferences in Salt Lake City. We would visit with Doyle and Ruth Jensen and family after they moved to Salt Lake. They made countless trips to Yellowstone Park. Once they went there with the John Kelley family. They were next door neighbors to the Jensen's and we always had such good times together. One time we were with Uncle Doyle and Aunt Ruth and family. I remember how it rained in Uncle Doyle's open car and we ran out of gas before we met with Dad and Mother in their car at West Yellowstone. I loved running out of gas in the rain and shall never forget how wonderful the food smelled in the large log cabin where both families stayed together. On one trip, we drove to Great Falls, Montana where we visited Uncle Clint and Aunt Anna Berg Jensen. They had the most wonderful natural pool where all the children spent their time in the water. Mother Rosetta and Eleanor were very car sick on those hilly Montana roads, but we had a wonderful time. On one Yellowstone trop, we were following a big yellow open air Yellowstone bus, and a man's hat blew off. Papa had Louis run after the hat and the old gentleman gave young Louis a big black cigar. Ivan and Zetta took long trips also. They went on one trip to Portland, Oregon with Freeman and LaVerne Mallory. They took one trip to Arizona and California and places in between with Bert and Nell Holland. They went to Amarillo, Texas; Houston, Texas; Mexico City and Long Beach, California. They both had hosts of good friends that they loved and admired and were kind to them countless times. The pathway was not as smooth as silk and life had many problems that all families have to face, but we children were raised in a ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p151.jpg) ‑ Ivan and Rosetta religious home where we were wanted and loved and educated and taught to love and honor our parents and our church. L. Ivan and Rosetta Griffiths Jensen have many grandchildren who were loved and love their grandparents in return. They are all proud of their heritage and know their grandparents were proud of them and their achievements. They are: Marsha Lynette Taggart (McBride) born May 15, 1944 to Earl and Maurine. Scott Lowell Thornley, born to Lowell and Eleanor Thornley. Louis Ivan Jensen III born to Louis I. and Bessie Jensen. Eleanor Jan Thornley (Wheeler) born March 28 to Lowell and Eleanor. Ann Lindsay Jensen (Winder) born to Louis I. and Bessie Jensen. Kyle Thornley born to Lowell and Eleanor Thornley. Eric Thornley born to Lowell and Eleanor Thornley. Rosetta Laree Taggart (Johnson) born January 4, 1956 to Earl and Maurine Taggart. A favorite of Dad's was a little poem written by Grandma Marie Jensen: THE CLOCK OF LIFE The clock of life is wound but once, And no man has the power To tell just when the hands will stop At late or early hour. Now is the only time we own, So live, love, toil with a will, Place no faith in tomorrow, For the clock may then be still. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p152.jpg) [Photo appears with the following caption] L. IVAN JENSEN was Valedictorian When he graduated from Law School in Chattanooga, Tennessee Judd Chattanooga ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p153.jpg) [Photo appears with the following caption] SARAH ROSETTA GRIFFITHS JENSEN ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p154.jpg) [Two photos appear with the following captions] Louis and Bessie visit with Grandma Monte, Berg, Earl and Louis on old Tobe ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p155.jpg) L. Ivan Jensen, Shelley Attorney, Passes At 73 [Column 1] [A photo appears with the following caption] L. Ivan Jensen L. IVAN JENSEN .. Shelley ..... SHELLEY, Sept. 27 — L. Ivan Jensen, prominent Shelley attor- ney and resident of Idaho for 65 years, died at LDS Hospital in Idaho Falls Wed- nesday morning after a three- months' illness. He was 73. Mr. Jensen, who practiced law in Shelley for 45 years, was a former city at- torney, probate judge at Black- foot, and a direc- tor of the State Reclamation Association. Born at Orderville, Utah, Jan. 20, 1888, son of Louis Reuben and Kie- sten Marie Jensen, he was a grad- uate of Chattanooga Law College, Chattanooga, Tenn. He was mar- ried to Sarah Rosetta Griffiths at the LDS Temple in Salt Lake City Aug. 8, 1909. She preceded him in death several years ago. A member of the LDS Church, he served a mission to the northern states in his youth, and was the oldest LDS Stake Clerk from the standpoint of service, having served in that capacity for 33 years. Mr. Jensen was a longtime mem- ber of the Idaho State Bar Asso- sociation and the American Bar As- sociation, and was a former mem- ber of the Idaho Falls Lodge, Ben- evolent and Protective Order of Elks. A secretary of the Snake River Irrigation District he served for many years in reclamation work, and was a member of the Committee of Nine. He also was a mmber of the Shelley Kiwanis, and a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Jensen is survived by his mother, Mrs. Kiesten Marie Jen- sen, 93, of Shelley; two sons, Louis I. and J. Earle, both of Shelley; two daughters, Mrs. Lowell (Elea- nor) Thornley, and Mrs. Earl (Maurine) Taggart, both of Aber- deen; three sisters, Mrs. Cliff Thornton, Iona; Mrs. George F. Price, Shelley; Mrs. Victor Merrill, [Column 2] Moses Lake, Wash.; two brothers, Clinton of Fort Shaw, Mont., and Ray, of Fairfield, Mont.; also, nine grandchildren. Funeral services are tentatively set for 1 p.m. Monday in the LDS Tabernacle at Shelley, Bishop Wel- don Griffiths officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and until time of services Monday at Nalder Funeral Home. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p156.jpg) [A photograph appears on page] DOYLE S. JENSEN Third child of Louis Reuben Jensen and Kirsten Marie Sorensen. He married Ruth Zimmerman. Their children are: Montreux Jensen Iris Jensen Jean Jensen Garth Z. Jensen Laurel Jensen Janice Jensen Paul Jensen LaPreal Jensen Richard Jensen Winston Jensen ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p157.jpg) DOYLE S. JENSEN and RUTH ISABELL ZIMMERMAN Doyle S. Jensen was the third child of Louis Reuben Jensen and Kirsten Marie Sorensen Jensen. He was born the 14th of April, 1890 in Orderville, Utah. He was blessed the 5th of June, 1890 by Willard Carrol. He was baptized the 16th of July, 1898 by his Uncle Abinadi Porter. His parents had lived the United Order as children in Orderville. His father was a farmer and carpenter. There are many of the homes he built still standing. When the Order broke up, a large group of these people moved to eastern Idaho, south of Shelley and grubbed sagebrush off the land and farmed it. Dad was only 7 years old when they left Orderville. It took them several weeks to make the trip to Idaho with their wagons and animals. Their first home was just east of the Basalt Cemetery, where they cleared the land and planted some crops. Just a short while later, Grandpa Jensen was called to a mission to the Southern States. He was gone over 2 years; it was hard times for Grandma with all those small children, new land, no fences and no income. When Grandpa came home, they built a large stone home in Basalt. It was a mansion. The Jensen Kids had a good education for people of those days. Grandma moved to Logan, Utah several winters and took in boarders so her older children could attend college there. Doyle was sent on a mission to Germany when he was 18 years old, a green country kid. He left in December 1908, and the first letter he received from home told of the death of his girl friend, Beatrice Freeman. The next letter told of the death of his Father, which happened in January, 1909. It was a sad time for him but Grandma never complained of her sorrows, but always encouraged him so he would complete an honorable mission. He was released July 4, 1911. Doyle had a very inquiring mind and he loved to learn. He also loved to share this knowledge with us. He was a handsome man with dark curly hair that he wore straight back. He had beautiful teeth and had a big smile all the time. He was about 5 foot ten inches tall. Everyone loved him as he had a ready wit. He was a great tease, a good dancer and was very popular. Ruth was born at Traverse, Minnesota, September 16, 1892 to Benjamin F. and Pauline Z. Zimmerman. Her folks were farmers. After her father joined the Mormon Church, they moved to North Ogden, Utah. (From Jean's history, and let's read Aunt Ruth's story of their move.) ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p158.jpg) (Page of Doyle and Ruth) Aunt Ruth wrote: I am an old woman now, so this happened many years ago when I was about twelve years old. We had moved from Minnesota to Utah as my parents had become converts to the Mormon faith, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My father invested the money from his farm in a mercantile store in a small town in northern Utah, and here we lived for five years. Through mismanagement, he lost out and we found ourselves as poor as church mice. Father had been up in Idaho one summer peddling fruit and heard of homestead land to be had near Lorenzo, so that was our next location. Mother had received five hundred dollars from her mother's estate which paid for transportation to Idaho and also bought two Jersey cows and a calf and ninety chickens. In addition to this we had two horses and a delivery wagon which had been used to deliver groceries to Father's store customers, a shoe repair machine and some second-hand furniture. How well I remember the day we left Utah, early in March 1904. A friend carried us to the train as my father and two brothers had left before with the freight. The roads were terrible, soft and muddy, in fact so bad that the white-top buggy in which we rode nearly got stuck, so the driver drove between the telephone poles and the fence in several places to avoid the deep mud-holes in the road. We had a nice lunch with us in a water-bucket and our bedding that we had to use a night or so in the empty house we were leaving. No doubt the neighbors had invited us to stay with them, but mother was very independent so we slept on the floor. I remember when the train stopped a few minutes in Pocatello which was only a small town then, also the man that met the train at Lorenzo and that took us to his home for the time being. Night had fallen and it was very dark and when we clattered over the long bridge that crossed the Snake River, we children asked why the horses made so much noise on the boards. The structure sounded really rickety. In a couple of days, father and my two brothers came to take us to our home- stead which was located in the timber and brush by the Bannock Jim River. It is a branch of the Snake River. Here was the hunting ground of the bob-cat and the coyote and no neighbors nearer than a mile away. We were warned never to go into the brush alone for we could easily become lost. The tents were up and furniture inside when we finally arrived and we children were so excited over our strange surroundings. Little did we know of the hardships of living in a newly settled country and in such an out of way place. Sometimes we were frightened by the howl of the coyotes or the mating call of the porcupine. In May, the river started to spill over its banks and flooded the spot where ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p159.jpg) (Page of Doyle and Ruth) the tents were pitched so we had to find higher ground and move. After several moves we ended on higher ground real close to the river and there we lived until Christmas. Father and the boys cleared the land of brush, plowed and planted grain, potatoes, turnips and a small garden. We little girls had to herd the cows and chickens off this planting. I remember chasing cows until I fell down from exhaustion. There were no fences and no money to buy any. The river rose higher and higher, we would see large trees and brush sailing along in its roily currents. A large part of our grain was washed away. We were stranded for days with the river on the south and east side, the slough as it was called (a large canal) on the north side and the dry-bed, an old loop of the river which was anything but dry in high water times, on the west. We were completely isolated, deep swift water on all sides and no bridges. After the high water was over, we were nearly eaten up by mosquitoes. They came in clouds, especially after sundown and we had to build smudge fires of green brush to keep them out of the tents so we could sleep at all. One day when my older sister and I were hoeing potatoes, we saw a bob-cat come down to the river to drink and she had two kittens following her. Our flock of hens kept getting smaller and smaller, so we knew it must be either coyotes or bob-cats that were feasting on them. We very soon found out, for one morning very early, the boys felt something crawl over their heads in the tent in which they slept. Then heard a a hen squawking, she had gone to roost on the tent ridge-pole. My younger brother jumped up to see what was happening and there was a big bob-cat with the hen in it's mouth. Imagine, Bud, bare-footed and in his shirt-tail, running as fast as he could over the frosty ground to the big tent where father kept his gun. But he was too late to even shoot at the varmint that was robbing us of our poultry. Father and the boys went to work on the Great Feeder as it was called, near Ririe, to earn a few dollars to buy clothes and food for the winter. This Great Feeder was a system of headgates, dams and canals that were being built to water farms below. After working hard and the job was ended, father and several of his friends got out logs and hauled them to our homestead so he had a start for a house. These were fine straight pine logs, our cottonwood trees were too crooked for building houses. Now father and the boys began our house and my oldest sister went to do house-work for a family of eight who had lost their mother. She received all of three dollars per week and this helped somewhat, we were in patches and rags. Mother took sick with erysipelas and her eyes swelled nearly shut, but she did not complain and tried hard to do her share of the work. We little girls needed sewing done for school would soon open. I had a knack for that, for I had been ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p160.jpg) (Page 4 of Doyle and Ruth) making doll clothes from scraps since I was large enough to hold a needle. So mother cut out the patterns for me and I was happy to cut the material and sew the seams. I sewed two gingham dresses for myself and two for my younger sister. We made panties, garter-waists, petticoats and nightgowns of bleached flour sacks and felt well dressed even if all the lettering did not bleach out, and we had "Pride of the Valley" branded in some inconspicuous place. My sister, who was nine, and I had to walk three miles to the little log school house. Father had felled a tall cottonwood tree to serve as a foot-bridge over the slough. We carried our lunch in a tin lard pail. Our first teacher was Tilly Fergeson and she had all eight grades if there were pupils enough to fill them. Days kept getting colder and the tents could not be kept warm because they had no floors nor walls except canvas. By baby sister was not old enough to attend school, so mother kept her in bed for part of the day in order to keep her warm. The house was slowly going up, this house which we needed for warmth and security. But log houses are not built in a day or two and the men were working hard from daylight to dark and as fast as they could. We had little snow storms now and then but they did not last. How well I remember Christmas Eve; we could stand it no longer in the tents, the snow was coming down fast in great big wet flakes and winter was really here. The house was not finished for it had no roof, but there was a poor bark edged floor above and this had to serve for the roof for the time being and we would have to shovel out the snow each morning before it melted and came down on our heads. Only one window had glass panes, the others had boards over them and there was no door, only a blanket to keep the cold out. When the house was finished, it had a willow thatched roof which kept out most of the snow and all of the rain. Log houses were in favor then because people were poor and could not afford better. Most of them had dirt roofs that leaked profusely when it rained. How grand it was to have a house, to be in out of the storm and to be able to keep reasonably warm without staying in bed. Yes, Santa Claus came, for my sweet older sister had made presents for all of us. My little sister was thrilled over a homemade doll and my younger sister and I got beautiful yarn balls, mine was pink. I also received a story book. Sister had something for everyone although I do not remember each gift. That was a wonderful and a happy Christmas and a never to be forgotten one. I recall many other Christmases but this one stands out more vividly than all the others. We did not have to have a tree nor lots of expensive presents for we had a HOUSE, WARMTH, LOVE FOR EACH OTHER AND VERY THANKFUL HEARTS. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p161.jpg) (Page 5 of Doyle and Ruth) Jean's story continues: Ruth did well in school and graduated with the second highest grades in Fremont County. Her folks were very poor, but she did manage to go to Ricks Academy. She batched and sometimes lived for days on cocoa made with water and a few fried spuds, all she had at that time. She borrowed money to go to summer school at Pocatello for 6 weeks in order to teach school. She taught at Lyman, Idaho for $50.00 a month and she had 5 grades to teach, and had over 50 pupils. In 1912, Ruth began teaching Third Grade at Basalt, Idaho. This is where she met Doyle. He had been home from his mission for 2 years. Doyle thought she was a bit better than the local girls who hung around him. She had an education and seemed more refined. They went together for 2 years, then were married on October 2, 1914 in the Salt Lake Temple. At first, Doyle farmed on a dryfarm east of Basalt and then was given 20 acres north of Basalt. He partly paid for this. Then they bought 5 acres across the street and built a house on it. Later on they lost this, then they rented land. Three children were born in the big rock house of Grandma Jensen in Basalt: Doyle Montreaux, Ruth Iris who died when only a month old and Jean. Garth Z. and Laurel. Lorraine were born in their new house. Janice and Paul were born when we had moved to the Paskett farm that they had rented. Garth was killed while we lived at this place. He fell from a cement drop in a dry canal and broke his neck. He was nearly 7 years old. Paul was the baby at this time. He was a sickly child and later on it was decided that he was retarded. The winter of 1928 and 1929, Doyle was sent on a short term mission to Arizona. Ruth was Primary President at this time and used to hitch up the old bobsled and team and cut across the fields to gather up her Primary workers so they could have Primary. No wonder she felt she had had enough of that hard farm life. In January, 1930, Doyle and Ruth sold part of their furniture, their Ford car, horses and all they owned and moved to Salt Lake. Here people were raising chickens and Dad figured he would get in on this and life would be easier for Mother. LaPreal was born the next July in Utah. The folks bought chickens, but the bottom dropped out of everything and there was no sale for them. Dad tried to work at anything he could get. He sold insurance, peddled cottage cheese, oranges, etc. He even worked one summer in a mine at Kingman, Arizona, but got no pay for it. Mother had a hard time finding food for all the little ones at home. She took in washings. The kids worked for people. One time she had no flour, no bread, no money and no place to get any. She prayed for help. The next morning, there came a knock on the door and it was a nieghbor who asked if we were in need. Mother started ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p162.jpg) (Doyle & Ruth, Page 6) to cry and told him her problems. He said they had a few sacks of flour at the Church, so he went and got some and added 10 pounds of sugar to it. He said he had a dream that we were in need. How grateful Mother was to receive such an answer to her prayers. Gary Richard was born that October 30, 1932. Finally Doyle went into the Civil Conservation Corp. at $30 a month. He was away from home. He sent $25 home to Mother each month. The house they were renting was sold so they had to move. Then they lived in the back rooms of an empty store. Here they would have nearly starved to death if they hadn't accepted relief from the county which was hard for all of us to take. Jean graduated from Granite Highschool here at age 16. They moved back to Cottonwood and Winston McKay was born here. Finally the folks decided to move back to the farm as that was all Dad really knew how to do. They moved to Nyssa, Oregon in March, 1938 and rented a farm. Times were still hard. In December of 1941 the folks moved to Emmett, Idaho on a Church Project where they could buy 40 acres with a low down payment and low interest. They were so happy to get this opportunity to get started again. Dad fixed up the old house on the place, and things were looking up. All of the family took part in the Church. However, just three years later, Dad was feeding cows and a haystack slid out from under him and he fell. He broke his neck and was paralyzed from the neck down for two days and then died when his lungs stopped working. It was a sad time. He told Mother he didn't want to die as they were just getting on their feet once again. Mother still had 5 unmarried kids, three were at home. The farm was paid for in 1945. The kids with the help of good neighbors ran the farm until Monte got out of service in October. He ran it for 2 years then Dick took over and has run it since. He was only 15 at that time. Mother lived in this farm house until she died April 1, 1973. She was called to two Stake Missions after Dad died and did a wonderful job. She had been Primary President, M. I. A. President, worked in the Genealogy and had been a Visiting Teacher throughout the years. Doyle was a Missionary all his life and was the Mission President when he died, at the age of 54, February 13, 1945. He loved Missionary work. Our folks set us examples of hard work, honesty, a love for the Gospel and a desire to achieve and be somebody. We were taught a love for music and for the finer things of life. We were taught to respect ourselves and take pride in looking nice and trying to be tops in whatever we tried to do. They had faith ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p163.jpg) (Doyle and Ruth, page ) in us and knew we could succeed. We are proud of our Heritage. (Written by Jean Jensen Taylor) ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p164.jpg) [Three photographs appears on page with the following captions] DOYLE S. JENSEN ‑ 1919 HATTIE AND DOYLE ‑ 1916 DOYLE AND HATTIE ‑ 1904 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p165.jpg) [Three photos appear with the following captions] JEAN JENSEN MONTE JENSEN RUTH AND JEAN, MONTE JENSEN and RULON AND ELLEN JENSEN — 1918 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p166.jpg) [Two photos appear with the following captions] Peg and Ann on back row. Garth, Pauline, Jean, Sylvia, Dick and Greg Taylor. Laurel and children in Atlanta, Georgia ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p167.jpg) [Two photos appear with the following captions] DICK AND JEANS TAYLOR — 1986 Ruth and kids in foreground, see Doyle's car we all thought was so neat at back, left — about 1925. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p168.jpg) [Two photographs appear with the following caption] DICK AND WINONA JENSEN And their Family Below ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p169.jpg) [A photograph appears on page] CLINTON JENSEN Fourth child of Louis Reuben and Kirsten Marie Jensen He married Anna Bertha Berg. Their children are: Berg Jensen June Jensen Dean Jensen Wanda Jensen Fontella Jensen DonnaLou Jensen Joan Jensen ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p170.jpg) HISTORY OF CLINTON JENSEN BY CLINTON JENSEN I was born in Orderville, Utah, 29 June, 1892, of goodly parents. There were eleven children in the family. The first thing I remember was helping my father while he was building the Church House, he was a very good carpenter. I would pick up the shingles, pieces of waste lumber, and put them in piles. I remember a little hill we called the "Sugar Knoll." I was five years old at that time. When we came to Idaho, I saw my first train. It was just going out of sight and I remember how scared I was. It was called "The Flier." The next train was going around the point of the mountain between Provo and Salt Lake City. I was so frightened for fear it would scare the horses down into the River. My father left Orderville, Utah to make a new home for his family. He had a band of sheep and 30 or 40 head of cattle. He sold the house and in payment took more sheep as the people did not have money as they do now. It was too much trouble to drive the cattle and sheep together so he traded the cattle for more sheep. When we arrived in Idaho our first home was a cellar and a wagon box with a cover over it. A few years later, Father built Mother a brick house, one large room and others were added later. (This was the house where my son Dean was born.) The first time I ever worked away from home was in the hay. My father told me he would buy me a clarinet if I would pay half. I made $30.00 but didn't quite make it to pay on the clarinet because I spent too much going to the fair. I was covered with trinkets of all sorts and was nearly starved when I got home that night. It cost me about $15, but what a big time I had. I started school at Basalt, Idaho. The old schoolhouse was close to the railroad tracks. About the middle of the afternoon 3 or 4 of us boys could hear the old freight coming, then one at a time, we would raise our hand and ask the teacher for permission to leave the room. We would beat it out to the track, catch the train, and go for a ride. One certain day we had caught it and rode about a mile when the train stopped because of a hot box on one of the cars. We thought they had stopped to catch us so we ran over the canal among the willows. My uncle lived close to the tracks and the train had stopped in front of his house. We were hiding back of his barns and Uncle Frank saw us and yelled: "Here they are, right down by the barn!" Were we ever scared, we all ran down the canal in the water. We figured they would not be able to track us down as easily this way. We finally saw the train move and we climbed out of the canal, ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p171.jpg) (Page — Clint) went down the road until we reached the school house where we all marched in at once. We had those big wood and coal stoves in the school and as we entered the school we immediately walked to the stove and sat down. We began taking off our shoes and drying our clothes. The way our clothes steamed, you would have thought we were having a steam bath. My brother Doyle, two years older than I, was on a mission in Germany when my Father died, leaving my Mother with 9 children to care for. I was the oldest at home and took care of the farm at 16 years. When I was 19 years of age, instead of going to school, I left for Kingman, Arizona to work in the gold mine. My Father had bought an interest in it. The assessments were due. I stayed down there for 6 months and during that time, I worked out $700 assessment. I had to sell my suit of clothes to get enough money to get home. I was glad to be back on the farm. I have never been off one since. I went to Rexburg to a missionary class. I was called home before I finished my course so was never called to go on a mission. I came home from school to take care of the farm. We raised lots of sugar beets, hay and grain. We used to have real fun skating and playing hockey. In the summertime it was swimming. One day while swimming, I jumped off the railroad track to dive into the canal. I struck the water and it felt like something broke in my head. After that, I never did care about diving. One of our pals, my cousin Omni Porter, had also jumped in and none of us saw him come up. We got scared and all of us slid off the canal bank, holding hands. We walked down the canal with our heads down to see if he was at the bottom of the canal. We had wanted to see who could hold their breath the longest before coming up for air. Finally we spied him; he had gone further than any of us, was sitting back of a big sage brush. He was completely tired out as he had held his breath so long he nearly drowned. He was rubbing his face and gasping for air and said as soon as he could talk, "I darn near stayed too long." I heard my Father tell about going in a swimming hole by a waterfall. They used to dive and see who could stay under the longest. Father said he would dive in, then come up back of the waterfall and make them think he had stayed under the water all the time. Father used to say to us often, "Why, you can't skate!" Then he would show us how. I never saw a person who could skate like he could; he was a marvelous skater. One day as Father watched us wrestle, he said to my brother Doyle, "Why you don't know how to wrestle, let me show you how." Doyle thought surely he could throw Father, but Father grabbed him and threw him so quickly that Doyle was really surprised. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p172.jpg) (Page — Clint) My Dad was a good farmer as well as a carpenter. He took great pride in the things he did. He always kept his horses looking fat and slick, the harness was always in good condition. It made you feel proud to drive them. Father always let Doyle care for the horses and he always took me with him to teach me how to irrigate. It was he who taught me how. The farm has always been the place I have always enjoyed. To get a piece of land, lay it out and fix it up. I still like to do it even if I am 71 years old. The good old earth is my way of life, to watch things grow and mature; it is where I have always wanted to live. And I used to say, "If I ever get married, I hope I can raise my family on the farm." As you know, I did get married, am still on the farm and hope I will never be anywhere else. (Written in the fall of 1963. Clint died of a heart attack 14 Febraury, 1964.) ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p173.jpg) LIFE HISTORY of ANNIE BERTHA BERG JENSEN I was born 1 May, 1894 in Basalt, Idaho. My father, John Hansen Berg, was born 28 February, 1857 in Riser, Aust-Agder, Norway. He came to America as a young man. My mother, Nicolene Clementene Klemensen, was born 13 July, 1872 in Ovid, Bear Lake, Idaho. It was here she met my father; he was not a member of the Church. As a young man my Father operated a saloon, selling liquor, ice cream and soft drinks. I have in my possession one of the spoons that was used for ice cream sodas; it is over 70 years old. There were many people who owed Father money. In the fall of the year he went to the different homes to collect bills and after seeing the destitute women, and children poorly clad, barefooted, hungry and cold, he immediately sold out his business. He could not stand to see such poverty due to the men drinking and depriving their families of necessities of life. Thus ended the saloon business. He met mother's parents during a diptheria epidemic. Everyone in the town was very scared. Children as well as older people died and were buried at night. During this sickness it was so hard to get help. My Father and other men offered to sit up at night with those who were sick. My grandmother was taken very ill and two of her children who later died. Father was so good to my Grandparents at this time that my Grandmother made the remark to my Mother, that the girl who married him would be a very lucky girl. Years later he proposed to Mother; she accepted on one condition, that if he would join the Church and take her through the temple she would marry him. I remember mother telling us he could not under- stand why he had to wear white underwear as he always had been used to red flannels. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple 31 March, 1893. They moved to Basalt, Idaho, where my Father took up a homestead. It was on this homestead on 1 May, 1894 that my twin brother and I were born, the oldest of 13 children, 8 boys and 5 girls. Our first home was a 2 room log cabin. It was always so clean; Mother was a good housekeeper, scrubbed the floor with soap and water and a good scrub brush. The land was covered with sagebrush; canals had to be made, ditches made for irrigation. There were no plows or scrapers to ride; it was drive the horses and walk when harrowing, leveling or working the land. One day my twin brother and I were alone in the house, Mother had gone out to help Father with some chores. Lorenzo and I found a bullet. We ran out and ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p174.jpg) (page — Clint and Annie) called to Mother and asked her what we should do with it. She said, "Put it in the stove." She had thought we had said 'woodtick.' We ran back in the house, removed the lid from the stove, dropped the bullet in the fire and stepped back. The next thing we heard was a bang; all the lids flew off the stove and were we scared! Poor Father and Mother came running as fast as they could, thinking some- one had been shot. We learned our lesson that day about bullets. When Father and Mother had five children, we had left our old log house, and moved in a new house with one large bedroom, a large kitchen and a pantry. It also had a nice front porch and a dirt cellar that Mother filled with jellies, fruits, apples, berries, cured hams. Pork was put in large 30 gallon barrels of salt brine to be cured. Mother had the best fruit orchard in the Valley. After moving in our new house, Father was called on a mission to Norway. Mother was left with 5 small children. The farm was rented out and we were hired to thin beets, hoe beets which helped mother out. She also milked a few cows, made butter and sold it. When Father returned, he bought a home in Basalt, and there our little Mother lived until she died in 1963. When their eighth child was born, Father was called on another mission to Norway. The baby was only two weeks old. How mother cried that night. I stayed up with her until Father bade us all goodbye and went to catch the train; it was past midnight when the train whistled for the station. It seemed to pierce the air; such a feeling of loneliness seemed to hover over Mother and I. Whenever I go back to my old home and hear that midnight train go by, my thoughts go back to that night when Father left my poor little mother with eight little children to worry about and keep Father on another mission. Our school days were fun. We girls played basketball as good as the boys. My brother would get me to play catch with him after school, I wasn't afraid to catch and could run as fast as any boy too. We always were sent to Primary and went to all our church meetings, our parents took us to all our meetings. Never did they stay home and send us unless Mother was in bed with a new baby, then Father always took us. We were taught to pray, keep the Word of wisdom and pay tithing. As the years went by, there were other interests in life. I was so happy when I could join Mutual. I worked as the young Ladies MIA Secretary for years and en- joyed it so much. There were always our Friday night dances, our singing practice and our ballgames. It was always a thrill as I sat in the choir on Sunday and Clint would look up and wink at me. In the year 1914, I went to work for a family, the man's name was Ray Young. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p175.jpg) (Page — Clint and Annie) He was head of a Sheep Shearing Company. Did I ever get homesick, it was terrible! I have never had such homesickness as then. I got so tired of washing dishes and mixing bread, so many sheep, and so many men to feed 3 meals a day. I would have gone home so quickly had I known someone cared and was interested in me. To my happy surprise, a letter came with a proposal in it from Clint. I was so excited and happy, I lost my appetite. It didn't take me long to answer it. I told Mrs. Young I was GOING HOME. It was a good thing perhaps that I was working away from home, as we were both timid and Clint proposed in a letter, otherwise, he may not have proposed yet. Two weeks later I was on my way to Salt Lake City with the one I loved so dearly. I was married to Clinton Jensen, 3 July, 1914. How happy I was! Also I was so thankful for the teachings I had received from my parents that made me realize how important it was for me to be married the right way. I hope and pray that I will be strong enough to teach my children the right way to live. After our marriage, we went to Basalt to live. We lived in the basement of Clint's Mother's home. It was the nicest house in Basalt. On 19 August, 1915, our first baby was born. He was such a fat, little robust fellow, he was blessed and given the name of Clinton Berg. Then June was born 24 June, 1917, a little girl to brighten our home. We moved up to the little home on the farm and that was where our third baby was born, little Dean Reuben, 17 May, 1920. Wanda our fourth baby was born 4 September, 1923. Mother and her Aunt came to see me. The baby started to cry and Mother's Aunt said in Danish, "She is going to be a bawl baby." She was born with a veil over her face. Auntie said, "That baby will accomplish much in her life and will overcome many obstacles." I can't remember what else, I wish I had written it down. She was such a good baby and always was well and healthy. A man from Montana was trying to get people to come to Montana to settle. He got hold of Clint and it wasn't long until Clint began to investigate. Finally ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p176.jpg) (Page — Clint and Annie) he decided to go to Montana. How I disliked leaving my home. We were at that time living in Idaho Falls. We had rented a house and I was taking in boarders. They were my sisters, Elida, Ida; Clint's Mother and one of his sisters, Minnie and another girl. Clint had made up his mind for sure we were going to Montana in the spring. We had 4 little children, an old Ford car with curtains on the sides. We had quilts piled on the seats to sit on and keep warm. Clint left first with Berg and Dean. I went on the train with the other children. The roads were so muddy, the car was shipped from Dubois to Lima, Montana. We started from there in our car, had tire trouble. All the money we had was $5.00. Clint had been aske[-] to come up here and try raising sugar beets in this country. We could have a house to live in and then have all the money we made on beet raising. When we arrived at the Wheeler Cole Ranch, Clint got a wagon and team to go over to get what furniture we had shipped while I kept the children with me. We had no stove to start a fire in the house. It had 3 rooms, bare rought floors, no cupboards or anything. I wondered then what did we come up to this country for. Poor Clint worked so hard that year. In the fall he had to plow out the beets and walk back of the plow holding on the two handles driving the team by fastening the lines together and throwing them around his neck. The beets looked like piles of coal, they were frozen so hard. We hauled them over to Bole, unloaded them by hand using scoop shovels, and threw them up in the railroad cars all alone. That winter we went to the town of Fairfield. It was here Fontella was born, The first Mormon born in Fairfield. Clint used to come home from work at nights and do the washing, get up early in the morning and finish before going down to Cole's to dig beets. Berg and June were in school, but I kept one out one day to help me then the other the next day. Poor little June was with me one day and I told her to put some coal and wood in the stove. She couldn't handle the heavy lids and she dropped them down in the stove, the house filled with smoke. I got out of bed and fixed them, went back to bed and how I cried. I knew I would have to get up and take care of things the best I could. Clint told me if I would stay for 5 years and we couldn't make good, he would move back. After the 5 years were over, we were too poor to move anywhere. One morning Clint turned the cows and calves in the pasture while he put up hay. There had been some dew that morning on the alfalfa. It wasn't long until 5 head had bloated and died. That fall it was so wet we couldn't get the grain threshed. If you tried to get out on the fields you would mire down to the wheel hub. Grain stood in shocks all over that fall and got so damp from the snow that it started to grow in the shocks. It blew so hard it carried the barley bundles in the air ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p177.jpg) (Page 8 ‑ Clint and Annie) across the fields. We had a few turkeys to sell. A storm came up during the night and blew the turkeys off their perch and several turkeys were lying on the ground frozen to death. We had raised lots of hay that year so had it to sell, but Clint didn't get much out of it and the barley prices were so low. We left Fairfield, Clint sold our cows and we moved to Simms. We had had no church organization in Fairfield. Brother Barlow came over from Cascade to see about a Sunday School. He was Branch President at Cascade. We had gone to Cascade a few times but it was so far. We were glad when we could go to Fort Shaw to church. We held Sunday School in one of the houses where the School is now. We then started to hold it in a large room in Keipers Store. It was from this building on a Sunday morning that Wanda fell to the ground. It had an outside stairway leading to the upstairs and she fell from that platform. Had it not been for the cars parked below that took the jar for her before she struck the ground, her fall might have been very serious. We took her home. After she woke up from a nap, she went out and played with no bad effects showing. How blessed we were, I know the Lord was watching over her that day. When my sixth child was about due, I went back to Basalt and stayed with Mother a couple of weeks. I took June, Wanda, Fontella with me and Clint kept the boys. He didn't know if he could find another place to rent the next year or not. Donna Lou was born 11 January 1928 there at Basalt. June got the mumps, Fontella got pneumonia and we almost lost her. My thanks went up to my Heavenly Father for his healing power. Clint had found a place to rent from Mr. Bloom and Mr Skinner. No one will every know the joy I felt when I saw Clint and my sons. I said I would never leave them again. We had only been home a few days when Wanda came down with the mumps, soon Dean and Berg, then Clint had them too. I nearly lost my dear husband at this time, he was so ill. After he had been sick for a few weeks he told me he had no feeling in his legs and feet. I would pinch them but he couldn't feel anything. I asked if he wanted to be administered to and he said yes. We got Brother Ferall and Brother Earl. That night after he was administered to, for the first time for days, Clint pulled himself up from bed and asked me to put some pillows back of him and he talked to the brethren; how pale he was. Again we saw the power of the Priesthood. He began to get better, but it was along time before he got his strength back. We were poor but we had each other. Then we moved down on the place where Brother and Sister Gray now live. Clint bought a team of horses from Mrs. Hawks and a $2.00 plow and started farming. He made good on the place and we were able to get a few cows, more machinery and felt better and more independent. Out children were happy, all went to school at Simms. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p178.jpg) (Page — Clint and Annie) We were living here when our last baby was born in the hospital, she was so little and cute and had so much black hair, our seventh. A Church House at Simms was started; the work was all done by the members. Brother Hitchcock was the carpenter. Clint was told he could be paid if he would do work for those who wanted hire someone to take their place. He worked all that winter but never received any pay. The Church was started in the summer of 1929 and was finished April 1931, dedicated 20 September 1931 by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith. The Simms Church House was the first Mormon edifice in the Valley. Our Relief Society membership increased from 13 to 18. The distance was so great to travel we divided into two branches, Simms and Vaughn. The first 24th of July Celebration was held to help our branch. After the Church was paid for we had socials, food sales, donations of chickens and eggs and all went to pay for the new piano. We were glad when it was paid for. None of us had much money and it was quite a struggle for everyone. The piano is still being used in the new Sun River Valley Chapel. We lived on McPherson's place for 12 years. One day Berg and Dean had gone to Simms to help clean the Church for summer cleaning. There were others there too. We had a team and buggy. That afternoon it got very hot and dark clouds began to form. I decided to get my eggs to the store while Berg got the team ready to go home. Clint was home working in the field. I bought my groceries, Dean was with me and when we got nearly to the church, the storm started, a loud thunder and crackling flash of lightning struck. When I came to my senses I was getting up from the ground. My egg buckets were on the ground with the groceries scattered all over. I then looked to see where Berg was, he was also getting up, the horses broke loose and were leaving. I felt like I had been hit on the top of my head with a ball bat or something very hard. We arrived home just as Clint was coming from the field with the team, riding on the horses. He just had to let them go as the hail was hitting so hard, he really took a hard ride. Another scare we had was when a small cyclone or twister passed through the upper part of the field, tore down the fence posts, burned the alfalfa in its path. We were sure glad it didn't come closer to the house. And one night while in bed, Clint and I were awakened with our bed moving forth and back. We jumped out of bed, looked out the window and could see everyone lighting their lamps. There had been an earthquake in Helena; several buildings were demolished. That afternoon again I felt the earth tremble, the cupboards and dishes began rattling. I ran outside and called the children. I was so scared. It only lasted for a minute or two. Then WWII came, which meant Berg was called in the Service from his mission. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p179.jpg) (Page 10 ‑ Clint and Annie) He had been on his mission 18 months, and was glad he had gone on a mission, it helped him to withstand temptations. (Do you remember when the Church News had a picture of Berg baptizing one of the servicemen while he was Chaplain in the Army?) Dean joined the Air Force. He drove the Thunderbolt Airplane. He made 72 missions over enemy territory, 12 oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal and Belgian Cross. He said he always took an extra pair of socks when he left on a flying mission for luck. How glad we were when letters came, but how sad we felt when it got winter and cold. Our thoughts and prayers were with our sons, wondering if they had enough to eat, if they had clothes to keep them dry and warm. Christmas time came and they were so far from home. The Lord blessed them and both were brought back home to us. How grateful we were to our Heavenly Father for their return. Wanda joined the WAVES. The night she left, we took her to Great Falls to catch the train. How we cried and dreaded to see her leave. What a happy day when Wanda came home too. We were living in our new home when Berg returned. Our children began to think of homes of their own. It wasn't long before Berg, Dean and Wanda were married. June had been married several years before. And they all have families of their own now. Donna was married to Ladell Anderson, Fonnie to Cleon Hodges, both boys from Utah they met while attending college at Logan. Donna has 5 boys, Fontella has two little girls. Joanne left on a mission. After her mission she went to BYU to finish her college, where she graduated. It was there she met George Romney who had just come home from a mission. They were married in the temple at Salt Lake. They have two little girls and a son. We are so proud of our children. Wanda added: Annie died April 1, 1980 in Great Falls, Montana. She had been in a nursing home for several years. She had lost her mind and her health. She only weighed 50 pounds at death, she was 85 years and 11 months old. Her funeral was held at Sun River Ward Chapel, Friday, April 4, 1980, and she was buried in the Sun River Cemetery beside her beloved companion. All her children were there except Dean. All her brothers and sisters were there but LaVon, also her sister and brother-in-law Victor and Beatrice Merrell. Bishop Larry Lutke took charge, organist Helen Gray, Obituary by Diane Porter, June's daughter, Song "He That Hath Clean Hands" by granddaughters Terry Christensen, and Cindy Jensen, Berg's daughters. Son-in-law Jim Nelson, Wanda's husband, sang "Going Home" accompanied by his son Logan. Alvin Gray dedicated the grave. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p180.jpg) (Page — Clint and Annie) TRIBUTES TO THEIR PARENTS The last part of Fontella's tribute reads: Childhood passes far too swiftly! Life goes on. How thrilled we all were with our new home in Ashuelot with electricity, running water and indoor bathroom! Dad was the best ever Father and provider, and Mother the best "Mom" and Homemaker. My daughters even now remember "Grandpa" as a great story-teller, as he was. Boating on Flathead Lake, eating cherries, and waterskiing helped make vacations memorable. I would that I could be as good an example of spiritual strength to our daughters as my parents have been to me. May I one day be able to be with them both again to show my deep gratitude and love. How could I be so Lucky! Donna Lou wrote at the last of her tribute: I always felt the Gospel was important to Mother and Dad. They never forgot that they were "Mormons." I felt they were the backbone of the Church in Montana. I know Mother and Dad loved each other deeply. With that and the love of the Gospel, I feel those were the two most important things they passed on to us as a family. I think they were the "BEST." Joann summed up her tribute: In this day of escape from work, children or whatever, Mother and Dad would have been truly unique. I can never recall an occasion when they did anything alone. Perhaps it was not entirely by choice, but our togetherness as a family brought a lasting and fond impression on me that serves as a worthwhile example in rearing my own family. Loving and being loved, contribut- ing as well as receiving, and being taught correct principles by example and precept, gives a child a foundation truly built upon a rock. Quite simply, this is what Mother and Dad did for me: They prepared me for Life, girded for the contest. Wanda said in part: My childhood is filled with fond memories. I missed nothing in my youth and I realize now I had all the important things, good parents, brothers and sisters, and the Church . . . Dad was a fortress, always there in my life, I was safe and secure. A few quotes from Berg's tribute: I don't remember Mother and Dad singing many duets together, but when they did, I thought that no one could make music more beautiful. The song "The Teacher's Work is Done" is one they sang at a Sacrament Meeting which I could have listened to over and over again. Dad had a full bass voice, Mother had an excellent alto and they blended beautifully. . . . I have heard Dad say so many times to Mother, "You're the best wife I've got." Mother would always reply, "Well, I hope so." . . . As I trotted behind Dad trying to keep up, when I was younger, I often thought "What a giant of a man!" Dad was about 5' 6", but the older we both became, the more he became a giant of a man. . . . Mother and Dad worked together as a team. . . . Mom and Dad were an excellent example of what the Lord meant when he said "thou shalt become as one." They were united in serving the Lord and setting a righteous course for their children to follow. Mother and Dad both had strong testimonies and showed it by the lives they lived. Mother taught me to pray and Dad taught me to work. It is an unbeatable combination. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p181.jpg) [Three photographs appear on page with the following captions] CLINTON JENSEN ‑ 1918 June, DonnaLou and Ladell Andersen Rulon and Verda, June and Berg ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p182.jpg) [Column 1] God hath not promised skies always blue. Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through; God hath not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow peace without pain. But God hath promised strength for the day, Rest for the labor, light for the way, Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy undying love. [Column 2] CLINTON JENSEN Born June 29, 1892 Passed Away February 14, 1964 6:05 AM Great Falls, Montana Age 71 years 7 months 15 days Place of Service Sun River Valley, Church of the L. D. S. Time of Service Monday, February 17, 1964, 2:00 P.M. Order of Service Opening Prayer Thaine Moss Solo "I Need Thee Every Hour" by Elder Lloyd M. Croxford Obituary Bishop Wayne Christensen Organ Solo Helen Gray Speaker Elder Vivian Squires Solo "Oh My Father" by Elder James Nielsen Jr. Closing Prayer Elder Sterlin Nielsen Place of Interment Sun River Cemetery Dedication at Graveside Elder Eugene Gray Pallbearers Robert Sanford LaDell Anderson George Romney Cleon Nielsen James Nielsen Howard Nash The casket will remain closed following the services. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p183.jpg) [Column 1] Pages From The Past —Hortense Hansen The history of Basalt and Firth would not be complete with- out a story of John H. and Tena Berg, whose first home was built on the old Basalt townsite. Thir- teen children were born to this couple and those of us that re- remember them think of what fine athletes their sons were and the contributions they made to the Firth High School. The life story of these early pioneers is told by a son, Ross, who is now a deputy sheriff of Bingham County. John Hansen and Tena Clemensen Berg By Ross Berg A lot of history has been re- coreded since John Hansen Berg brought his wife, Tena Clemen- sen, to Basalt to begin their mar- ried life. It was March 31, 1893 when this couple celebrated their wedding at Logan, Utah. After the wedding they went to Salt Lake City for the dedication of the Salt Lake Mormon Temple. A few days later mother left to go back to Ovid, Idaho, to take care of her mother who was very ill. John H. traveled on to Snake River to prepare a home for his new bride. On June 1, he returned to get his wife. They traveled by wagon and were three days coming from Ovid to Basalt where they had homesteaded 160 acres of land. It was late when they arrived but they awoke early the next morn- ing and mother cried out, "All I can see is sagebrush." With a pioneer spirit they cleared the sagebrush by day and burned it by night. Crops were poor that year and prices were low. Wheat was 60 cents per bushel and potatoes 25 cents per 100 pounds. During their spare time they built their first home and planted an orchard with all varieties of apples, etc. This was just across the road from the present home of Carl [Column 2] Armstrong. Mother told us that in the spring of 1894 the water of the Snake River went over its banks and the people worked night and day hauling straw and sand bags to stop the water from flooding the ground where Chris Kontes now lives, down thru Firth and into Kimball. In May of 1894 twins were born to mother. A son, Lorenzo, and a daughter, Anna. Each baby weighed 8½ pounds. Soon after the babies were born Grandmother Clemensen came to live with mother to assist her in taking care of the twins. In 1900 Dad was called to serve a mission in Norway for his church. By this time they had been blessed with five children. Sickness seemed common with all children at that time and thru faith and the help of good neigh- bors, their lives were spared. Mother worked hard to support father on his mission and provide for the five children. Mother had exchanged wheat for flour at the Shelley mill and in 1901 the mill went bankrupt and she lost it all. She had 700 pounds stored there. Dick Dye helped mother by giving her 200 pounds of flour and Joseph Dye, Walter Dye and John Rider fur- nished her with several loads of wood all cut and split for the stove. On January 8, 1903, father re- turned from his mission and that same year the Blackfoot Stake was organized and father was set apart as a member of the High Council. During the next three years three more children were born, then on January 8, 1908, father was called to serve another mission in Norway, this time as Regional President. Mother was at home with eight children to care for besides keep- [Column 3] THE SHELLEY PIONEER 13 Thursday, Feb. 22, 1973 ing father on his mission. Work was scarce and mother and Grand- ma Johnson asked for the job of cleaning the school house. They received $11.00 for their months labor which was divided between them. Mother boarded a school teacher for which she received $15.00 per month. Along with the other jobs she churned butter and supplied the neighbors well with good churned butter. These were trying times and required a lot of hard work, much faith and courage. Mother and her family moved from the old home to Basalt about 1908. They lived in a home that had been built by Abinidi Porter, which was their place of residence until the time of mother's death, August 17, 1963. Father returned from his sec- ond mission in 1910 and when the Shelley Stake was organized, 1914, and Joseph Dye as president, father was again sustained a high councilman in the Shelley Stake. In 1911 my parents moved to the mountains and homesteaded a place that is called Spring Creek and it was named after my father. Mother and father would move to the dry farm in the spring and when the crops had been harvested they would move back to their home in Basalt. Farming in the mountains was all done by horse drawn machinery. The children would take their turns at plowing, har- rowing, and running the header wagons when the threshing began in the fall. Father also had a band of sheep which the younger members of the family would herd (Continued on Page 11) [A photo appears at bottom of page with the following caption] Tena Berg signing the charter of the Idaho Mother's Association. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p184.jpg) [A photograph appears on page] 'Our First home' as described by the Bergs. +Pages from the Past [Column 1] (Continued from page 13) during the early hours of the morning. By 1916 there were five more children born to this union. Paul, a son, lived only one month. My father and mother's lives were filled with joy and happi- ness along with sorrow and many years of poverty, but with that spirit of courage, faith and devotion, and a strong testimony of the gospel, they lived as true and devoted parents. Many times mother would take us boys fishing on the Blackfoot River, carrying our poles so that we could crawl over the large rocks that line the river bed. She loved playing ball in her youth then watching others when she was too old to participate. We went to a lot of ball games until she was 89 years old because she enjoyed seeing her grand- [Column 2] children play. When World War I came along their son, Lorenzo, was called into the service of his country. July 17, 1935 a terrible trag- edy came to the family. Father was killed by a train, which caused much pain and sorrow to mother. Then death came to Ida, our sis- ter who died with cancer. Mother became a mother to her two grandchildren. When World War II was at hand four of mother's boys were called to the colors. In July, 1943, mother received word that LaMaun had died from injuries in the war. Nearly a year later in June, 1944, she was called to sacrifice another son, Newell, who was a lieutenant in the Marine Corps. My mother and father served their ward and church all the days of their lives; mother in the capa- [Column 3] city of a teacher in the Sunday School, Primary and Relief So- ciety. She also served in the presidency of these organizations. Making quilts and visiting the sick were things she really loved to do. She was always sending money to the missionaries that were sent out from Basalt and to the other wards that a grandson or grand- daugher was in the mission field. When mother was 81 years old she was nominated as Idaho Mother of the Year and was a- warded a life membership by the Idaho Mother's Association, as a tribute for her long life of service and being a charter member of that organization. The scroll in- scribed, said, in part: "With plea- sure and a great humility, we will never be able to repay you for all you have done." [Column 4] In 1954 Mother Berg wrote her life history and in closing she said: I am still a teacher in the Relief Society. There have been many changes in the last few years. Phillip Paskett, Rulon Jensen, Earl Kelsey, Frank Christensen, Austin Brown, Wayne Esplin and Earl Tew have all been bishops of this ward. They reorganized our stake the seventh of January 1954 and J. Berkley Larsen and his coun- selors were released. He had held that position for thirty years. George Grover was made stake president with Allen Larsen first counselor and our Bishop Tew as second counselor. On February 27, 1954, our ward was reorganized and my son, Ross Berg, was chosen bishop, with Harding Gibbs as first coun- selor and Forrest Stringham as second counselor. At this writing I have 32 grandchildren and 28 great grand- children. They had a birthday party for me in 1952, when I was 80 years old. My son, Charles, has been called to work as a Home Mis- sionary in the Stake. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p185.jpg) [A photograph appears on the page] RULON M. JENSEN Sixth child of Louis Reuben and Kirsten Marie Jensen He married Mary Ellen Singleton. Their children are: Verda Jensen Thain Jensen Venice Jensen Merle Jensen Ronald Jensen ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p186.jpg) RULON M. JENSEN We only have a few pages of my Dad's diary and things he had written. This is a letter he had written to Uncle Clint while Clint was in the mines working. The letter is dated March 30, 1913. The letter reads: Dear Brother, It is Sunday afternoon and Mother has just come from meeting. There were only a few there on the account of so many having the mumps and measles. They haven't had any meetings, dances or anything for two weeks, not even school. But there will be school tomorrow I guess. I won't be able to go on account of being so weak. I look like some skeleton now, but have been sitting up the last two days. Doyle just came from the train to get Hattie, she was going to stay with Ivan, but got sick and had to come home, I think she has the mumps. Ray was kind of sick last night and Ma thinks he has the measles, so I guess that means two more weeks of quarantine. But we don't have the smallpox as some do. There are eighty cases of measles here in Basalt. We just fumigated last Thursday for them and now we have them again. Beatrice and Minnie were the only ones that had it though. I couldn't eat anything for two weeks and a half and the last week I didn't eat very much until three days ago. It is almost four weeks from day after tomorrow since I got sick so I certainly am tired of the bed and being in the house so long. The Bishop said there were sixteen hundred cases of measles in Ogden, and he said there was someone not of our faith who wasn't expected to live until sundown. Doyle thinks it is Mr. John Johnson, but Sister Porter thinks it is Mr. Vicories Boy. There has been quite a few cases of mumps where they have been bad but none have stayed in as long as I have. Ray, he had the mumps and was just getting so he could work good and got sick again with the measles. When I was the sickest, I got so I couldn't hardly stand it, I just ached all over and I got Doyle to get Mr. Joseph Dye to administer to me and I improved from then on. We had Dr. Cutler here and he gave me medicine that helped me too. This is all the news I can think of so I guess I will have to close. Goodbye from your Brother, Rulon. (I wanted to share this letter with you because it shows such love and closeness in the family, and also tells of some of the hardships they had.) ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p187.jpg) — Rulon This is the only page of a diary that is left: February 20, 1922 — Having been instructed by Apostle Ballard of the importance of keeping record, I'm going to try to do what I can about it. This winter, I have hauled and helped cut ten loads of cedar wood, and five was for myself, one for mother and four for in-laws who live in part of our house. I hauled potatoes for Uncle Sam Davis about two months altogether. Have hauled a few loads of straw to their place. I have helped Clint by hauling his potatoes to Firth. The 18th and 19th of February, we attended the most wonderful conference I have ever been to. Apostle Ballard was there, who is certainly a living apostle of the Lord. Oh, what beautiful prophecies and such good and timely instructions he gave us. We were told to plant every foot of ground we could, and to sell our crops as soon as they were harvested, not to speculate for those that kept gaining a little each year were the ones that made the best in the long run. We were to raise and keep our calves, hogs and chickens, so as to feed more of our crops on the farm. We were told to pay our tithing and to attend our sac- rament meetings so as to renew our covenant with our Lord and Savior and to get the spiritual food which is so necessary for our welfare and spiritual growth. February 21, 1922 — Seven o'clock, still have lamp alight. The Edison is playing and outside it looks rather cloudy. In conference, Brother Ballard told us of working among the Indians in Montana doing missionary work. When he had gone to bed one night, he said he was transported instantly, body and soul, to the Salt Lake Temple and there had a meeting with the other leading authorities of the Church. When the meeting was over, he was getting ready to leave, when he was told there was something else yet for him and told him to go in the other room. On entering, he saw the Savior seated who arose and with outstretched arms (the Savior arose) and came to him, embraced Brother Ballard who could feel the warmth of the Savior's body. The Savior also kissed Brother Ballard who fell to his feet and then he saw the nail prints in the feet of the Savior. The Savior said to him, "I'm not ashamed of you Brother Ballard, because you're not ashamed of me." Oh, that I may live so that the same may be said of me, and with the help of the Lord, I am going to do my best. (I wish we had more of my father's diary, wouldn't it be wonderful to have more.) ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p188.jpg) LIFE HISTORY OF RULON M. JENSEN Rulon M. Jensen was born January 26, 1897, at Orderville, Utah to Louis Reuben Jensen and Kirsten Marie Sorensen Jensen, the sixth of a family of eleven children. Rulon was a tiny baby; Grandma called him a "blue" baby and they won- dered if he would live. He was soon a healthy, happy child and was always very good-natured. Rulon was blessed by his father April 4, 1897 in the Orderville Ward Church that his father had helped build. His father was a carpenter by trade and their house they lived in was so well built, it is now being used as a Church building. When Rulon was only three months old, they left Orderville, and moved by team and wagon to Basalt, Idaho. They left on April 26th and arrived in Basalt on May 27, 1897. Grandpa Jensen took sheep at $1.00 a head in payment for his farm. It took them four months to drive the sheep to Idaho. Some of the boys drove them the long distance, letting them eat on the way and stopping at a stream for the night. Two of the young boys who helped drive the sheep from Utah were Leonard Cox and Peter Yorgensen, who also settled in the Basalt area. Grandma always sort of thought they were her 'boys.' Grandma wondered what good could come of the move to this land of sagebrush, but Grandpa had dreams of a fine farm that would produce beautiful crops in the fertile valley. Grandma loved her home in "The Long Green Valley" in Utah so much she was very reluctant to leave, but she learned to love Idaho just as well. They lived in the wagon for a few weeks after their arrival, but Grandpa soon be- gan to build a house. Their first home was a little brick house just east of the Basalt Cemetery. When Rulon was only fifteen months old, his father was called on a mission to the Southern States. It certainly took a lot of faith and courage to leave his four little boys and his young wife in a new land to teach the Gospel. Their home was not yet finished, and there was still much land to clear and cultivate. Love of the Gospel over-ruled any other feelings they had, and Grandma sent him with her blessings. In her Journal she tells of what a fine and noble work Reuben was doing and was having much success because of his humility and his obedience and willingness to obey council to those over them in the Priesthood. Quoting her Journal, she wrote, "Little Rulon, always love the Lord and do His will no matter where you may be called while on this earth, never forget to call upon God, and you will never be overcome." Perhaps this was the reason Rulon said it was never a temptation to him to ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p189.jpg) ‑ Rulon break the Word of Wisdom, and it was easy to keep the commandments. He seemed to be close to his Heavenly Father and obeyed the promptings of the Spirit many times. He was baptized May 8, 1905 by his father in Basalt, and was confirmed by Brother Reuben Belnap who had just returned from a mission. Jensens bought more land and built a rock home across from the Church in Basalt. The house still stands. It was the first home in Basalt to have modern plumbing and is really a sturdy, well built home. Grandpa also helped build the Church and School in Basalt. He served in the Church as Counselor in the Bishop- ric after his return from his mission. Grandma was YWMIA President and later became Stake President of the Primary. The Stake included Blackfoot and Rose on the south, Menan and Ucon on the north, and Challis on the west. It took two weeks to travel for conference or to visit the wards and branches in the buggy. Rulon attended school at Basalt and was a real good student, although he liked to tease his pretty teacher. His hair was so white, he was nicknamed "Cotton." He learned to work hard while he was very young, and although he was small in stature, he had a lot of ambition and a lot of ability, and I always thought of him as a "Giant of a Man." He attended Ricks Academy in Rexburg and then Agricultural College in Logan. We still have some of his handiwork he made in one of his classes at Ricks, a fine bookcase and a rolling pin. Mom is still using them in her home. Rulon was one of the first members of Future Farmers of America and won a trip to Chicago to the World Fair with his Potato Project. He told of the high buildings and the crowded city, and said how blessed we are to live here in the West on the farm, here in this fertile valley surrounded by the mountains, with a large river flowing through the heart of the valley. Grandpa contracted the Malaria while in the South on his mission and suffered relapses frequently. In the winter of 1909, he had a seige that left him with pneumonia. On Grandma's forty-first birthday, he passed away, just two weeks after the birth of their daughter Beatrice. From then on, Rulon worked as hard as any grown man. Ivan was going to law school, after returning from a mission, and Doyle was on a mission in Germany when Grandpa Jensen died. The responsibility of the farming was left to Clint and Rulon. The day before Rulon's twelfth birthday, he was ordained a deacon by Brother Charles Criddle, January 25, 1909. Robert T. Quinn ordained him a teacher on December 7, 1914. Rulon was president of his Quorum, and as a project, went to chop wood for a widow of the ward. She insisted on paying them a little for the work even though they tried to refuse. Rulon took the money to the store and bought some pretty combs for her long hair. She was so pleased and said she didn't ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p190.jpg) ‑ Rulon realize there were such fine boys in the world. When Rulon was about 14, he had the mumps really bad. When he began to feel that he should be up and about, he went out to plow. It was too soon, he had not fully recovered from the sickness, and he really had a set-back, very nearly died. Grandma called in the elders to administer to him and through faith and prayers he regained his health. Only a few months later, Dr. Cutler came to the Jensen home to remove Rulon's tonsils. He had Rulon lay on the kitchen table, and per- formed the operation there in the kitchen with morphine as the anesthetic. During that night, he began to hemorrhage. Again the elders were called, and Rulon felt the healing powers of their prayers restore his strength. William M. Dye ordained him a Priest on January 3, 1916, then he ordained him an Elder August 19, 1918. In the spring of 1916, a new family moved to Basalt named Singleton, and Rulon met Ellen at a dance. They danced together two or three times, he asked her how she liked Basalt and she told him she hated it. He told her as soon as she got her a boyfriend, she would like it. He asked if he could sit by her at Sacrament Meeting the next week, took her home, and that began their courtship. About a year later, they planned a wedding. The day before they were to be married, Rulon was greasing a wagon, and the wheel slipped off, letting the wagon down, pinning him to the ground. Grandma screamed so loudly, Ellen could hear her clear over to their place which was nearly a mile away. She was so frightened, she just knew something had happened to Rulon, but couldn't make herself go to see. Her sister offered to run over to see what was going on. Neighbors came to help lift the wagon off, and after walking around a few minutes, he seemed to be all right. On August 28, 1918, Rulon and Ellen rode the train to Salt Lake City where they were married in the temple by Alvin Smith for time and eternity. They were at the temple at seven o'clock in the morning; there were thirty-seven weddings that day, and they were there until five in the afternoon. Then they went to have their picture taken. Ellen had made her dress with her sister's help. They went to the temple by themselves, but knew that was the kind of marriage they wanted and needed to give them the foundation for a wonderful life together. They made their first home in a house belonging to Lorin Freeman, where the Ed Nelson family lived for many years. The rent was $4.00 a month. That was the winter the 'flu epidemic' was rampant. No school nor church was held for most of that winter. That fall, the Armistice was signed, bells rang, whistles blew, and everyone shouted, they were so happy the war had ended. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p191.jpg) — Rulon [Photo appears on page] Their first daughter was born August 26, 1919. When Verda was born, the Doctor said she was so dark, no use working with her, that they had better try to save the mother. Soon she started to kick and cry and they were so happy, Rulon also began to cry. He chose the name Verda, and mom didn't know it was one of his old girl friend's names. Papa wanted to buy a farm of their own, so they moved to the Chipman place up on the highway, north of Basalt. Then when Grandma Singleton died, Uncle Charle, her brother sold the farm to Rulon and Ellen. Clint wanted to farm the Chipman place so it was a good move for all. They made this home for many years, until Rulon passed away, and then Ellen stayed there until she sold it to Ronald and she moved to Idaho Falls where she took nurses' training. Rulon always worked in the Church, and was always interested in sports. When he was a young man, he was quite a foot racer. He was given many opportunitites to work with the youth. He had a wonderful talent and was very popular with the young people. He was Scoutmaster for many years and had more boys participating in the program than had ever before been active. He loved to go on hikes, and went to Scout Camp with the boys, climbing to the top of Table Rock with them. Not many leaders made it to the top. He told of a Scout Jamboree that he took the boys out to Woodville Ward. He brought home medals and badges for his boys and was so proud of them. He was then asked to be Counselor in the MIA, and later became President. He also filled a Stake Mission. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p192.jpg) ‑ Rulon Elijah Freeman gave him a wonderful Patriarchal Blessing. He was told that he would always have the spirit to guide him, and this blessing was fulfilled many times. I think perhaps he lived closer to his Heavenly Father than any person I have ever known. He was also told that he would be a Missionary. Another thing that he was told, was that he would teach those who sit in darkness, and we believe that he is filling that mission now. In one instance where the spirit guided him, was when a family was about to leave the Church to join another church. The Bishop asked Rulon and Brother Criddle to visit those members. The questions were all directed to Rulon, because they thought he was young and inexperienced. Brother Criddle was well versed in the Scriptures and had also filled a mission to England. When Rulon was asked questions, he said he had never felt the spirit so strongly. Each time he was prompted and the words and scriptures were given to him and he was able to answer the people in the way that was needed to convince them that the Gospel was true and complete. The family didn't leave the Church and he felt that he was able to help them keep their testimonies from leaving them through the help he re- ceived from the Holy Ghost. Papa loved to farm and was one of the best farmers in the valley. He made such straight rows, that he was asked by several of the neighbors to plant their beets and other crops. He loved horses and had some fine animals. He also had a lot of milk cows and fed cattle during the winter to fatten them. He hauled beet pulp from the Shelley Sugar Factory on a sleigh in the winter to carry out his feeding program. How cold it was, and it was so far he could sometimes get two loads a day, but usually only one. It was so smelly too, I remember of riding with him in the sleigh wrapped in quilts to keep me warm and the beet pulp would steam and stink, but I loved to be with him. If he could see how the pulp is dried now, he would marvel at our modern methods of feeding. Old Maude and Bolly were our faithful old work horses. Old Snip was a wild one and when we were picking spuds, we all rode horses to the house to eat dinner one day and papa rode old Snip. One of my cousins was riding behind him and the horse reared clear over backward, throwing them to the ground, spraining papa's wrist as he tried to catch the young boy and break his fall. One of the horses we had was named old Tobe, and was such a smart animal. He was the one we would hook to the buggy to take us to church. Several times when we went out of Church to get to the buggy, it would be gone. I never could figure how that horse could untie the rope, but when we reached home, tired from walking, the horse stood in the barn door with the buggy just outside. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p193.jpg) — Rulon Thain was born March 15, 1924; Venice, July 5, 1926; Merle, September 23, 1928; and Ronald, September 23, 1930. When Thain was able to walk, he started to follow Papa wherever he went. Papa took us fishing out on the Blackfoot River and up to Wolverine for fun campouts. He took us to Yellowstone one time when Uncle Doyle's family and Uncle Ivan's family went too. We had Sunday School at Mammoth Campground. We sang hymns and bore testimonies and it was a special spiritual occasion. Rulon always wanted Ellen and his family to go with him. Being good to the young people almost cost him his life once. A young fellow wanted to work and Papa gave him a job helping put up hay. When he went to trip the fork with a forkful of hay, he wasn't careful to keep the rope tight and it caught Papa near the temple. He was stacking the hay and the fork swung back and forth and he couldn't get out of the way. The Doctor said had it been a fraction of an inch one way or the other, it would have killed him instantly. Mom was fold- ing diapers there on the porch and saw it happen, grabbed a handful of the clean diapers and ran to hold them to his bleeding head, trying to stop the bleeding until the Doctor came. President Larsen and his counselors came to our house one evening looking for Papa. He was at the Church attending a meeting so they went there to talk to him. Merle was born that night. The Stake Presidency came back while Mom was still lying in bed with her new son to talk to her. They asked if she would support her young husband if he were called to be Bishop of the Basalt Ward. They were both stunned, but so happy that they had lived to be worthy of such an important call. He was installed as Bishop on September 28, 1928 with Warren Dye and Wilburn Rob- inson as his counselors and Leo Sorensen as clerk. Apostle Melvin J. Ballard set him apart in November. Although he was only 31 years old, he had the respect and love of the older people and he had the love and cooperation of the younger people of the ward. He always encouraged the young people to go on missions and also in all other activities. Aunt Bea was in the mission field when Papa was put in as Bishop and he was really proud of his little sister. Lloyd Frandsen, Merrill Gregerson, and Thelma Robinson all filled missions during the short time Rulon was Bishop. During the year and a half that Rulon was Bishop, much was accomplished in the Ward. New seats were installed, new stoves were purchased. The old pot-bellied stoves that were in the center of the building were replaced by heatrolas on each side, leaving the hall large enough for the boys to play basketball. He wanted them to be able to play in their home ward so they didn't have to travel to another town and building to play. It was under his supervision, that the Budget Plan was started as a maintenance ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p194.jpg) ‑ Rulon project that also helped with entertainment for the young people of the ward. He wanted to have a good choir, so he told them he would be there every time if they would start to practice. He kept his word, and although he had many other meetings he was there every time and they did develop a real fine choir. One night in Sacrament Meeting, a few of the boys were cutting up in the back of the building, so Rulon said, "Would you boys on the back bench please come up here on the bench in the front row?" Most of them did, but a couple of the boys went out the back door instead. Rulon went on with the meeting and said, "Well, now we have the good boys separated from the bad." The Christmas when Rulon was Bishop, he had probably the most memorable and the most enjoyable Christmas of his entire life. He donned a Santa Claus suit and visited nearly every member of the ward. Each of the widows had a ton of coal delivered to their home. Some mentioned that it came as such a blessing to receive it at that time. He gave candy and nuts and gifts to many. He then visited his own home and held out a lovely doll to a lovelier little girl, little Venice with her blue eyes and white hair, holding to her mama's skirt, so frightened to go get the doll, but wanting it so much that she finally did go to Santa and reach up for the doll. Then Rulon asked her to kiss him. How he loved his girls and boys and his lovely wife. Little Venice was taken from us so soon after. All the children got the measles soon after Christmas and all recovered but little Venice. She just seemed unable to get over the sickness, and it was thought afterward that she probably got rheumatic fever as an after effect of the measles. She died February 25, 1930 and Rulon and Ellen were heartbroken; she was so cute, could talk so well and say all the nursery rhymes without prompting. Warren Dye took charge of the funeral. Little did we know that just six weeks later, Rulon would also be taken. He took us to conference, where we stayed with Uncle Doyle and attended the meetings in the Tabernacle and enjoyed the trip so much as a family. Just a few days after returning home, he was planting beets for Ras Freeman and said he had such a bad headache that he didn't know if he could see to plant or not. He bent over to pick up the lines and fell unconscious. They took him over to Aunt Hattie's where he lay on the lawn until the Doctor came. He was taken to the hospital and never did regain consciousness. Three days later he died, April 13, 1930 and the autopsy said cerebral hemorrhage. He was survived by his wife Ellen, three sons, Thain, Merle and Ronald, and one daughter, Verda. He was also survived by his mother, Marie Jensen; four brothers, Ivan, Doyle, Clinton and Ray; and three sisters, Hattie, Minnie and Beatrice. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p195.jpg) ‑ Rulon Rulon was always kind and considerate and never spoke evil of anyone. He always saw the good in people which made him a good Bishop when the Lord called him. Quoting from the clipping in the Shelley Pioneer, it read, "Bishop Jensen was the youngest Bishop of the Shelley Stake. Funeral services were held in the Basalt Ward Chapel Tuesday afternoon, April 15, under the direction of Wilburn Robinson and Frank Christensen, counselors to Bishop Jensen. All the members of the Shelley Stake Presidency were in attendance as well as the members of the Blackfoot Stake Presidency. The funeral was the largest ever held in the Basalt Ward. "The speakers were President J. Berkley Larsen, President Nofear Davis, and Joseph H. Dye. The invocation was given by former Bishop Phillip Paskett, and the benediction was by President Francis M. Davis. The Ward Choir took part under the direction of Erastus Freeman. Interment was made in the Basalt Cemetery. The grave was dedicated by John E. Kelley, Bishop of the Shelley Second Ward." It has been hard for Mom all the years following Papa's death, but we are glad we have the memories of a good, faithful, wonderful father. We are so very thankful for our heritage and hope we can live worthy to be with our parents in the eternities. We are also thankful for our grandparents who came to this land for the Gospel's sake so that we might have these blessings. [Two photographs appear on page] ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p196.jpg) LIFE HISTORY OF MARY ELLEN SINGLETON JENSEN Mary Ellen Singleton was born at Wilford, Fremont County, Idaho on July 21, 1901 in a little log house. Her parents were Charles William Singleton and Nancy Saloma Davis Singleton. Grandpa Singleton homesteaded a quarter of a section of land joining his brother's land on the north. He built a fine six room house and this was Ellen's home until she was sixteen. This land was located one mile south of St. Anthony. Ellen's mother had a talent of making a wonderful home for her husband and children, she was a fine cook and seamstress and worked hard to keep her eight children fed and taken care of. Grandpa Singleton had worked on the canal and had helped in every way to build up the community. He even donated two acres of his land to build a school. The children learned to work and enjoyed the feeling of earning spending money by taking care of the school. Ellen and Leora worked after school sweeping and cleaning the school rooms and were so happy to have money of their own to buy gifts at Christmas and to help with their own clothes and needs. When Ellen was only about four, she fell into the ditch and nearly drowned. The first thing she saw when she came to, was her clothes hanging on a small line across the room and a line of anxious faces around her. Another time she fell down the stairs, lighting on her head so hard it took out one of her long braids from the side of her head. She had beautiful dark brown hair and real dark brown eyes. Her father never owned a car, but he had the finest fringed top surrey in the community, and later the first white top buggy. He had beautiful purebred black percherons and it was quite a sight to see Grandpa Singleton in his fine surrey and horses on the way to church. He had two sons who were dressed in blue serge suits and six daughters dressed in white embroidered dresses. Grandma Singleton always wore a black silk dress with a white lace collar with her black wavy hair pinned high on her head with two diamond pins her brothers had given her. Ellen's brothers were Charles Edward and George Louis; and her sisters were Sarah Leora, Nancy Myrtle, Nettie Jane, Rhoda Alice, and Della. They had a very close family, learning to work together and having fun together. Grandma said when she was young, nearly every Sunday her cousins would come to play and then they would pop corn and make honey candy. Christmas was such a special day at the Singleton's home. Grandma's father would take a load of wheat to town and bring the sleigh home loaded and looked like Santa Claus himself. Each of the children worked hard to earn a little money so they could buy presents for everyone of the family. Ellen attended school at Wilford, she was a good student and took her lessons seriously. It was only a two room school with a Mr. Peck as teacher and he was strict and made the boys and girls study hard. He put 105% on Ellen's geography paper one time and her father was so proud that he carried it in his pocket until it was completely worn out. There were fun times at school too, Ellen played the part of Pocahontas in one of the school plays. One large room of the lovely home served as kitchen and dining room and had a large table in the center where ten Singleton's sat for three meals a day. They knelt around this big table for family prayer. In the evenings the children gathered around this table to do homework or write letters. And on Christmas, this table was where the Singletons piled high their gifts for each other with a big glass bowl ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p197.jpg) filled with oranges in the center and cakes at each end of the table. Ellen's family was talented also along the musical line. Her father and Uncles had an orchestra that played for dances throughout the valley. So it was only natural that Ellen learned to play several instruments also, her specialty being the bass cello and the organ. She and her sister Leora played many duets, she at the organ and Leora at the piano. In Grandma's journal, she says every evening was like home evening. She says "Father would play the accordian, Leora would play the piano and I played the organ, and we would all sing together, then father would tell us stories by the hour. Mother would tell us too, about when she was a little girl." Grandma says, "I just wish everyone could have as good a home as we did." When Ellen graduated from the eighth grade, her father was on a mission to the Western States with headquarters at Denver, Colorado. She and Leora obtained jobs at the St. Anthony pea warehouse to help with the expenses of the large family. Her father had been told before going on the mission, that he should quit farming because of heart disease, but he loved the farm and hated to sell it and change his occupation. They thought perhaps if he filled a mission and was away from the farm a short time, his health would improve, but it didn't. He passed away March 5, 1916 when Ellen was only fifteen. Soon after his death, Grandma Singleton did sell the farm and moved to Basalt where her brothers were living. They bought a forty acre farm just east of Basalt. Grandma didn't live long after her husband's death however, and she died of cancer about three years later. Ellen met a fine young man with blue eyes and light brown hair in Basalt soon after they moved to Basalt. She fell in love with him and they were married August 28, 1918 in the Salt Lake Temple for time and eternity. It was difficult to go to Salt Lake then, but the young couple wanted to have a good start and knew this was the proper and only way for them. She was married to Rulon M. Jensen and their first home was a two room house east of the Jensen home so he could farm some of his mother's land. They soon acquired a place of their own, both being ambitious and wanting a home of their own to raise their family. They were blessed with five children: Verda, 26 August, 1919; Thain, 15 March, 1924; Venice, July 5, 1926; Merle, September 23, 1928; and Ronald, September 23, 1930. Ellen was a fine homemaker and her husband told her many times she was one of the best cooks in the world. She cooked for many of the family and friends, someone nearly every Sunday. Aunt Leora and her children came often as did Aunt Nettie and her family. Also Rulon's brothers and sisters enjoyed Ellen's hospitality. Charles, Louis, Rhoda and Della made their home in the front two rooms of their house for many years and were always made to feel welcome. We remember the good homemade bread Ellen cooked, the chokecherry jelly, the peaches, and other canned fruit and vegetables. She really provided well for her family. Her home was always open to everyone. For many years the clothes were scrubbed on the board and water was carried a long way. Ellen was a good wife and mother. She sewed for her children, making nearly everything they wore. One time when she had washed out the Sunday clothes for the celebration on the 24th, she hung them on the line. When she went to gather them to iron them, they were gone. Someone else had the cute little dresses of Venice and Verda and the cute pants and shirt that belonged to Thain. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p198.jpg) Grandma helped her husband scald pigs, butcher calves and other things to provide good food for the table. One time when they were preparing water to scald a pig, the handle broke off the boiler and the boiling water spilled all over both of Grandma's legs, scalding them deeply. When she took off her stockings, the skin also peeled off. She was unable to walk around for several weeks. When Ellen was only 29, she had a double tragedy hit her life. Her little daughter Venice, after contacting measles, passed away; and six weeks later her husband passed away leaving the big job of raising four little ones and trying to finish paying for the farm. Rulon was Bishop of the Basalt ward when he was taken and Ellen supported him completely. Ellen had always worked hard, but now it seemed she had to work doubly hard to make ends meet. She milked cows, hoed beets, and worked in the canning kitchen. She also picked berries on shares to help fill the fruit jars. She always grew a big garden and canned vegetables by the ton. Water had to be carried from the canal for washing, and from the neighbor's well for drinking and cooking. Wood had to be chopped and carried in. Each summer a trip to the mountains was made to get chokecherries for jelly for winter. They would go in the wagon, and made a fun trip of it although they worked hard picking fruit too. Lots of times cousins would go on these trips too. Grandma's brother Charles stayed with her and helped run the farm after her husband passed away. He was a great help and comfort to her and lived there until he died of a heart attack nine years later. Ronald was born a few months after his father passed away. How hard it was for Grandma, with her tiny boys and Thain and Verda not too much older. Verda was ten and Thain was only six. Grandma says in her journal, "The children have certainly missed a lot not having their father with them, but I can't help feeling that his presence and influence have been with them." Ellen was always faithful to her religion and worked in many organizations, serving as President of the Primary, President of the Relief Society, and she has taught in all organizations at different times. After her children had married and left the home, she sold her home and farm to Ronald and moved to Idaho Falls near the Temple, where she spent much time doing work for her ancestors and being a special worker in the temple. She loved this work and the association of her many friends there. She cooked for the Basalt school for two years and loved filling the appetites of those hungry school boys and girls. After she moved to Idaho Falls, she decided to take a nursing course and worked there at the L. D. S. Hospital for many years. When she considered taking the Nurse's training, she found she was nearly the oldest, being in her early fifties. She worried for fear she would not be able to pass rigid tests, but much to her surprise and her teachers, she made some of the best grades in the class. She retired at 69, but didn't really want to. She wanted to work as long as she could. She was always meeting people on the street who told her what a wonderful nurse she was and told her how much they appreciated her care and sympathy as she cared for them. Ellen was called to fill a mission in the Southern States in 1959, and spent six months in Houston, Texas. She found many friends there and had some wonderful mission experiences. The work was hard because of so much walking, but was very rewarding. Grandma has always had a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and has appreciated her many blessings. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p199.jpg) Upon returning , she was asked to be Relief Society President again and filled that position well, having the support and help of two wonderful counselors, Sister Galloway and Sister Shearer. Bishop Grimmett supported her at all times also, and she sustained him and appreciated his help. When the First Ward was dissolved, Ellen was in the Fourth Ward and since that time has been a Relief Society Teacher and taught the Visiting Teachers lesson. Grandma has always been handy and very talented in making beautiful quilts, in crocheting and sewing for her children and grandchildren. She has made a quilt for each grandchild and gave it to them when they got married. I feel this little poem expresses many of our feelings: The quilt my Grandma gave to me, Gay patchwork made of tiny squares, Each block delightful to behold, Each held a story often told. Her quilt making talent has been used often for the Relief Society. She was quilt chairman for some time in the Fourth Ward. She has also served as Captain of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, and as Secretary. She has written several histories of her grandparents for the D. U. P. files. Since Ellen has had a little free time from the cares of the children, she has taken some wonderful trips. She went back to the Pageant at Palmyra, New York, and went on a trip to Hawaii. She went on a temple tour of all the temples. She was so thrilled when she and mother and Jene came to Switzerland to see us. She always said it was just like a dream come true. She always brought back pictures so we could share in her wonderful experiences. Grandma's last entry in her journal written August 28, 1983, says, "Here I woke up this morning and realized it is 65 years today since Rulon and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple August 28, 1918. Can you imagine sixty five years have gone by, and Rulon has been gone for over 53 years. Our married life was wonderful and we loved each other very much and lived and worked together and had our family." Also, that day, Grandma had taken off her ruby ring that she always wore and had put on her engagement ring with her wedding band. Mary Ellen Singleton Jensen died August 29, 1983 at her home of a sudden heart attack. She is survived by three sons, Ronald and Thain of Firth, Idaho; Merle of Rupert, Idaho; one daughter, Verda Daw of Idaho Falls; one sister, Della Allphin of Ririe, Idaho; 21 grandchildren and 60 great grandchildren. We will all miss her, and Grandma loved and appreciated her family and many friends so much, but she also dearly missed her beloved husband. As we relive our fond thoughts and memories of her ‑ so we can also be aware of her joyful reunion with him. Given by Janet Daw Smith Taken from history by Rhoda, her sister and history by Verda, her daughter and Quotes from Grandma's Journal. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p200.jpg) [Four photographs appear with the following captions] Ellen Rulon 1918 ELLEN AND RULON 1918 ELLEN AND RULON 1929 ELLEN AND RULON 1918 [--] Easter 1918 Ellen Rulon EASTER 1918 - ELLEN AND RULON BY THE FALLS ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p201.jpg) [Three photographs appear with the following] CARL ARMSTRONG AND RULON JENSEN Volney Bailey 1917 Henry Christensen Rulon Jensen Henry leaving to go to Army July 1918 FRANK CHRISTENSEN VOLNEY BAILEY RULON JENSEN ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p202.jpg) [Four photographs appear with the following] Rulon [---] 1939 1929 [---] Venice [---] 1929 Upper left: Thain and Rulon Upper right: Verda, Ellen, with Venice on her knee, Rulon and Thain.‑ 1929 Lower right: Verda, Venice and Thain ‑ 1929 Side left: Thain and Verda 1924 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p203.jpg) [Two photographs appear with the following caption] Above: Verda, Thain, Venice Below: Merle and Ronald Merle Ronald 1931 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p204.jpg) [Three photos appear on page with the following captions] RONALD, ELLEN, THAIN, VERDA, MERLE MERLE, GRANDMA, RONALD Verda, Bud, Ronald, Naida Jene and Grandma ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p205.jpg) [Three photographs appear with the following captions] JANET, VERDA, ELLEN AND GRANDMA JENSEN Merle, Verda, Ronald, Ellen, Thain, Buddy and Janet 1950 Bill, Ruth, Hattie, Grandma, Jean, Dick, Ronald and Ronda Ann, Peg, Garth, Verda, Laurel, Sharlene, Merle, Steve Dennis and Dave, Christine. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p206.jpg) [Four photos appear on page with the following captions] Back row: Thain, Ronald and Merle Front row: Verda and Ellen Evelyn, Tony and Juanita on back row Front Row: Charlie, Ted and Thain Back row: Sharlene and Merle Front row: Delia, Charlotte and Steve In Back: Naida and Ronald Next Row: Guen, Drew and Laurie In Front: Cindy and Ronda ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p207.jpg) [A photograph appears with the following caption] Bud, Verda and Family and Grandchildren Ellen, next to Verda just two weeks before she died. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p208.jpg) [A photograph appears with the following caption] Minnie Grandma Jensen Hattie ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p209.jpg) [Two photos appear on page] HATTIE JENSEN Seventh child of Louis Reuben Jensen and Kirsten Marie Sorensen. She married Austin Brown, They were divorced, She married George F. Price. She filled three missions. She mothered all her nieces and nephews. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p210.jpg) HATTIE JENSEN BROWN PRICE by Beatrice Jensen Merrell Hattie was eight years older than I was when I was a kid, but somewhere I caught up with her and we were the same age after I married. Hattie was an unusual personality, lots of personality. She was bossy in the home, but that was necessary as she was given so much responsibility. When I was born, she was eight and my father died so Mother needed her help and Mother said, "I would only have to say 'Hattie' softly so the others wouldn't wake, and she would wake up and do what I needed her to do willingly and pleasantly." I thought she was very pretty and very stylish. She dressed better than any- one. She had lots of boy friends and dates. Many were the kids around Basalt, and many from other towns who would come to the front door, instead of the back as most everyone did, and would bring her boxes of candy which was the sporty thing to do in those days. She went on a mission when she was 18 or 19. She kept two journals of that mission. When she came home, one of the elders she met on her mission, Austin Brown from Canada, came to see her and he convinced her to marry him. She kind of wanted to have some time at home first with her friends, but was talked into marry- ing. I feel they really loved each other and were very well suited for each other. When Hattie lived in Phoenix, Austin went on another mission and Mother and I went down there to visit Mother's brother, Sern and to be with Hattie so we lived together and went to dances and church together. I soon got sick and Hattie was the best nurse one could ask for. She worked at a store in town but was the one who did things for me. Mother is the kind of nurse I am, doesn't like to care for the sick, willing to work and do all possible, but Hattie had a certain touch for nursing. When Austin came from his mission they went back to Idaho. When I came home from my mission, I went back to Idaho, Mother was still in Arizona, so Hattie and Minnie were my family. Hattie was with me when Elaine was born and kept her when she was weaned. I was with her during her divorce and sorrow. Hattie would never let any of us talk bad about Austin ever. She worked at Dude ranches in Jackson Hole, as a cook, also in Idaho Falls at a Hotel. When she was at Jackson, I heard her tell of Wallace Beery, who was at the Dude Ranch. He was just as gruff in real life as on the screen and wanted to just be a cowboy. She worked at Butte for a while, then in Fort Lauderdale in Florida; Tuscon, Arizona; and Salt Air in Utah. At last, she ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p211.jpg) - Hattie decided to go to a nursing school at Seaside Memorial Hospital in Long Beach, California. She graduated then filled two more missions. She worked for Dr. Smith in Idaho Falls. Mother had come home from Arizona and they lived together in Mother's home in Shelley. Later she got a job in Shelley with Dr. Dyer, a dentist. George F. Price and Myrtle and Frank Price, from Arizona, came to see them and George F. proposed to Hattie and they were later married. They went to Hawaii on their honeymoon. They bought a very nice home in Mesa, and Mother went to live with them part of the time. Hattie had a back operation, and Elaine went to Arizona and took care of her. They enjoyed each other. Hattie loved to go to April and October Conference when Elaine and Dallas were going to school at BYU, and be with them all the time and buy them clothes, take them to dinner, etc., and they enjoyed it as much as she did. Hattie loved children, especially Elaine, but she loved Minnie's Larry, and Ray and Bernice's David. These three she especially loved. She loved all children and was especially liked by the teenagers and youth. She was a happy, cheerful, laughing person. One enjoyed being around her. As she got older, her health wasn't as good, and she didn't enjoy being around crowds or have too much going on. I'm sorry that our younger children remember her as being cross and bossing them. I'm sure they remember her cooking such good meals for us when she came. Hattie never wanted to grow or look old, and she didn't. She took very good care of herself, hair done at the beauty shop each Friday, smartest most expensive clothes. She only weighed 108 pounds when she died at 67. She loved mother and was very devoted to her. When away, she wrote her every day, never missed a day. When she was with her, she took her for a ride each day. She saw that Mother got a good diet of food and was taken good care of. The Bishop said at her funeral, "Hattie gave her life for her mother." She had faults, every- one does, but she wanted to love and be loved and she did her part of loving. Hattie died at the LDS Hospital, Minnie and Verda were with her. She just fell unconscious and never did come to. The Doctor said it was a stroke so it was a blessing she went so easy. After George F. died, Hattie came back to live with her Mother there in Shelley and she enjoyed life there, was such a good Sunday School teacher, sang at many funerals, and was a very talented lady. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p212.jpg) [Three photos appear on page with the following captions] Hattie on her second Mission. 1938 Hattie in the Southern States On Her Third Mission in 1948 HATTIE, MINNIE AND BEA ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p213.jpg) [Two photos appear on page with the following captions] HATTIE ABOUT 18 as she graduated. Mrs. Hattie Price Shelley Woman Succumbs At 67 (Special to The Post-Register) SHELLEY, June 17 — Mrs. Hatten Jensen Price, 67, a na- tive of the Shelley area, died Tuesday morning at an Idaho Falls hospital following a short illness. She was born at Basalt, Aug. 17, 1901, the daughter of Louis Reuben and Marie S. Jensen. She attended school at Bas- alt and spent three years at Brigham Young College at Lo- gan, Utah. She later studied nursing at Long Beach, Calif. From 1945 to 1948 she worked for several doctors in the Shelley- Idaho Falls area. Mrs. Price served a mission for the LDS Church in the Southern states from 1920 to 1922, following which she mar- ried Austin S. Brown in the Salt Lake City, Utah, LDS Temple. They lived at Basalt until 1936. Two Missions She served two other missions to the Southern States in 1938 and 1948. She was a devoted LDS Church worker and served in all the Auxiliary organiza- tions in the church. She married George F. Price in Phoenix, Ariz., Dec. 31, 1951, in the Mesa, Ariz. LDS Temple. They resided in Phoenix until his death in 1957. Since that time she has made her home in Shelley with her mother, Mrs. Marie Jensen, who recently cel- ebrated her 101st birthday. She is survived by her mother, one brother, Ray Jensen, Fair- field, Mont.; and two sisters, Mrs. Cliff (Minnie) Thornton, Iona; and Mrs. Victor (Beat- rice) Meerrell, Moses Lake, Wash. The following step-children al- so survive, Joanne Price Metz, California; Zona Price Olson, Salt Lake City, Utah, Virginia Price Turner, George F. Price Jr., Glenn W. Price, Dix W. Price, and Margaret Price Ob- erly, all of Phoeniz, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her father, five brothers and one sister in addition to her husband. Funeral services are tenta- tively planned for Saturday at the Shelley 2nd LDS Ward Chap- el at 1 p.m. Bishop Arvil Milla[-] will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of the Nald[-] er Funeral Home of Shelley. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p214.jpg) [Photograph of a man] RAY JENSEN Eighth child of Louis Reuben Jensen and Kirsten Marie Sorensen. He married Bernice Pixton. Their children are: Boyd Jensen Cordell Jensen David Jensen ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p215.jpg) RAY JENSEN BY Beatrice Jensen Merrell After seventy four years, I don't remember much of Ray as a child. He was six years older than I was so was always a big brother. Mother told of him being a very shy child, when we had company he would go hide and she would have to find him to get him to come eat. As a child, I would sit on the corner of the chair to eat, and teeter the chair, and once or maybe often, Ray would put his toe under the leg and it fell with me. Another time Berg Jensen was playing house with me with my dolls, and Ray made fun of him and teased him for a big boy like him to play with dolls. Berg would never play dolls with me again. Mother said the older brothers and sister would tease Ray and take his little red wagon and run with it and even with a long stick, he couldn't catch them. I don't recall Ray being with us girls and Mother thinning beets. I don't know how he got out of it, unless he was cultivating beets or working in hay. Also I don't remember him being asked to get a bucket of water, perhaps he hadn't come in from the fields yet. I remember him breaking his leg while we were out on the dry farm. Mother came carrying him in with her white apron wrapped around him and he wasn't very big. He had been driving a team plowing and got his leg in the wheel. We un- hitched the horses and drove him in to Blackfoot, but I had to stop off at a place on the way and I didn't like that. He broke his leg another time coming down from the hills with some of his friends. He was riding a friend's horse, they had traded, and this other horse stepped in a hole and stumbled and fell. I don't remember Ray being around home much while I was a kid. I do remember the tub of water Ray kept in his bedroom and he took a cold bath each day, summer or winter. Crazy. There weren't toomany years being together. We were in Logan until I was past the 5th grade, then I was staying with Rulon or Doyle from the time I was 12 to 14 and stayed with Hattie my first year in High School in Firth. Ray was in High School when I was, but I have no idea where he stayed. Mother wasn't home, Minnie was working with her, he didn't stay where I did. Did he stay in the basement of our rock house alone, and what in the world did he eat, who did his washing and cooking? One thing for sure, he had no home life, he had to 'root, hog, or die' as the saying goes. When I came from my mission, Ray and I stayed together. I worked in Idaho Falls at the laundry again and he farmed. All he had to eat was clobber milk when I stayed in the Falls. I guess he would be like me and go to Bergs' and ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p216.jpg) ‑ Ray get a good meal occasionally of good bread and milk. When I would get home from work he would take the car and get Johnie, and I guess go to Firth or some- where to talk with friends, or fight with them. What a hard life he had. Thank goodness Bernice came along and loved him enough to make a home for him. He has had a good home since, not an easy life, but at least a home. Minnie just wrote and said a few weeks ago, "Ray came to see us, on his way home from Arizona and he looked so rich." I'm really grateful for that. I'm proud he has been a good farmer, a good insurance salesman, a good real estate man, and a good father and good husband. I'm glad he has done so well, and can travel and golf and enjoy life with Bernice to care for him, and he has her to care for. Ray and Bernice have three sons, Boyd, Cordell and David. David filled a mission for the Church to Mexico. Ray and Bernice went to Mexico while he was there and spent the next two or three winters there. [A photograph appears with the following caption] RAY ON HIS HORSE TED By the Jensen Home ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p217.jpg) [Two photographs appear on page] MINNIE MARIE JENSEN Ninth child of Louis Reuben Jensen and Kirsten Marie Sorensen. She married Clifford D. Thornton. Their children are: Lucille Marie Thornton John Reed Thornton Larry Thornton Baby Thornton Carolyn Sally Thornton Rodney Thornton ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p218.jpg) MINNIE MARIE JENSEN THORNTON by Beatrice Jensen Merrell Minne was four years older than I was. Our little brother Reed Smoot who was between us, drowned when he was only two. I remember she and I did the dishes. I remember her saying once, "You do the dishes and I'll go get Veda and Vera Criddle to come play with us." We had a very terrifying experience together. It was near Halloween and I'm sure Minnie was the one to think of this, she being much older and wiser. "We couldn't scare anyone on Halloween so let's go a day or two early, they won't expect to be scared." We went to Arnasee Croney's and ran our tic-tac on the window. I guess he was getting kids to sleep as he came running out yelling at us, but we were fleet-footed and had hidden. We waited until things settled down and babies quit crying and did it again, out he came on the run, and boy did we run. We ran in back of Charlie Criddle's home, didn't even knock but ran in past the folks in the kitchen and ran in the bedroom and crawled under the bed. He also ran in without knocking, had a gun in his hand and asked if Veda and Vera who were doing the dishes had been outside, they said, "No we were doing dishes all the time." He asked if anyone had come in the house. They lied and said no, they hadn't seen or heard anyone. He told them he was going to kill those kids that had woke the baby up. He was mad. He went out and shot a few shots and after a while Criddles prevailed upon us to come out from under the bed, and eventually got us to go home. Croney's house was between Criddle's and ours so Minnie being older and wiser, as I said, took my trembling hand and led me west instead of east and we went clear around the block and a half to get home. Now I know from experience that a few days before Halloween is much more frightening than Halloween night, Minnie was right. As a child at home, I really don't remember Minnie as much as I do Hattie. It must be because Hattie made herself heard and seen more than Minnie did. Or was it because she was up to Ivan's tending kids? Or to Berkley Larsen's cooking for hired men and tending kids? I remember when Mother and the boys and Hattie and I were in Logan going to school living in the back part of a rock house. I was in the third grade, about seven years old. A knock came at the door and Mother answered it, and Minnie stood there at the door and Mother said, "For goodness sake what are you doing here, you're supposed to stay in Shelley, Idaho with Ivan and Zetta and help tend kids." I can still remember how sorry I felt for Minnie, Mother getting after her instead of welcoming her with a hug and a kiss. I don't know if Minnie cried or not but she said, "I won't stay there, I don't want to ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p219.jpg) Minnie tend those kids all the time." She wanted to be with her Mother and her own family. How sad. I have always felt Ray and Minnie had it harder than any of the family. I was the baby, and had that advantage, but our family was somewhat broken with- out a father, although I didn't realize it at that time. Believe me it wasn't as broken as many families are today. I remember as a teenager how cute Minnie was, so full of pep and vim and so tiny. They used to call her wasp-waist because she had such a tiny waist. I could actually put my hands around her waist and fingers would touch. Ida and Elida Berg would tell me I wasn't near as cute as Minnie was, and never would be as popular, of course I knew that. Minnie and I had some lonely times living together in Idaho Falls and working in the laundry. She was very patient and kind with me. I imagine I was a pesky kid sister, four years difference can mean a lot when a girl is in her teens. After Minnie got married, it seems we became much closer. I grew up some and that age difference wasn't so far apart. I really did enjoy going out to Cliff and Minnie's place. No matter where they lived it was always so great to go there. Minnie was always kind and fun to be around. I loved to hold Lucille and play with her and spoil her, she was so cute. After Victor and I married, we relied on Minnie and Cliff. We liked to go see them. She always had some cake or pies and something good to eat. She was the best pie-maker until my girls grew up and married, then they could do as well. It wasn't my inspiration to cause them to make such good pies, I think it was going to Aunt Minnie's and having such good pies there. Minnie has always had so many friends. They are good loyal friends that she has had for fifty years or more. It was much harder for me to make friends. I had LaVaun and Elida Berg, but I relied more on Minnie and Hattie as my close friends rather than get close to others. Minnie could sew, cook, crochet and do many things well. She has never had a lazy bone in her body. She always was very busy cleaning house, cooking for a big gang, helping neighbors cook for threshers, wallpapering homes, making quilts or afgans, taking care of grandkids or company. Whatever it was, she was busy, but never too much to make everyone feel like they were very welcome. Her true test of goodness is how much her grandchildren love and honor her, I've never seen such devotion of grandmother love and their love for her. It has been proven by the many quilts, afgans, meals and unconditional love she has given them and everyone. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p220.jpg) 3 ‑ Minnie No pretense in Minnie. She loved people for what they were and in spite of what they were. This also speaks for Cliff, not the quilting, or pie making, but he has always been by her side and she by his. They will always be Minnie and Cliff. [Three photographs appear with the following captions] MINNIE AND CLIFF ‑ 55th Anniversary Jack, Lucille, Sally J[--]k Thornton Jack about 8 ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p221.jpg) CLIFFORD D. THORNTON and MINNIE MARIE JENSEN THORNTON Clifford was born August 12, 1899 in American Fork, Utah to Thomas Ephraim Thornton and Betsy Adamson Thornton. He was still a baby when the Thorntons moved to Iona in the early 1900's. He was the first of the family to start school in the new school in Iona in 1904. They built a home on the corner of 3rd Street and Steele Avenue so they would be closer to the school. Cliff, like all boys that age, wanted to be a cowboy or an outlaw. He and Rulon Whitehead used to shoot guns at everything that moved and some that didn't. Rulon hid his shells in his mother's oven and when she started to bake bread, the stove exploded. Cliff used to herd the town milk cows up on the foothills where Thunder Ridge is now. He was paid 25¢ per season, when he could collect,for each cow. That made him say to himself, "If I ever have kids work for me, I'll pay them, for they spend the money many times before they get it." Cliff has always kept this promise. In 1924, he met Minnie Marie Jensen who was the daughter of Louis Reuben Jensen and Kirsten Marie Sorensen Jensen of Basalt, Idaho. She was born June 7, 1905. On October 2, 1925 Minnie and Clifford were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. In 1929, Cliff and his father bought the Davis farm which was one mile south of Iona. It was here Cliff and Minnie lost their home and contents by fire. In 1945 they bought the George STanger farm north of Iona. Their two sons enlisted in the service. John served two terms in the marines and Larry in the national guard in Korea and the air force for 16 years. He was shot down Christmas eve in 1965, no one knows whether he is dead or alive. Cliff has been an accident prone person and has had poor health so has had to retire from the farm. But he still keeps up the yard and always takes care of a good garden. He worked with the Boy Scouts for years. Minnie has been a busy person. She loves to cook and have a crowd around. She worked in the Primary and Relief Society for years. She was chorister and loved to sing, but asthma stopped that. She loves to sew and make quilts and afghans. She cooked at the school for years and the children loved her. She also hung wallpaper from West Yellowstone to Pocatello and from Carey to Alpine with Ethel Rockwood her very dear friend. She hasn't decided if they were good help or just cheap. They were always asked back so you know they were really good. Cliff is now 88 and Minnie is 82, and they have been married for 62 years. Some have been sad years as they lost three of their six children but they have ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p222.jpg) ‑ Minnie grandkids and have had many happy times at dances and picnics with their many good friends. Lucille Marie was born May 14, 1926 and is married to Marshall Rapp. They have five children: Marsha Lee, David, Kristine, Laurie and Suzanne. John Reed or Jack, was born June 21, 1928, married Beverly Williams and they have three children, Jacquelyn, Rodney and Douglas. Larry C. was born March 31, 1932 and he married Marlene Shilling and they have three sons, Dennis, Ronald, and Bradley. Larry made the Air Force his life work. He has been honored with several medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He is the third one on the Gunners list at Castle A. F. B., California and has a large brick recreation building at Hill Air Force Base in Utah dedicated to him. His name is on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Vietnam Memorial. Carolyn Sally was born November 22, 1936 and married Gary Byington. He died and she married Orville Perkins. They live in Iona. The Byington children are: Debra and Carolyn who are models in New York City at the Ford Modeling Agency; Richard Chad, Cathy, Julie, John C. and Brett. John filled a mission for the Church to Australia. Cliff and Minnie had a daughter born July 15, 1935, but she only lived for a few minutes. Rodney was born June 20, 1941, but died when he was only three on January 13, 1945. Cliff and Minnie were heartbroken at his death because he was such a cute, bright, loving little fellow. Cliff and Minnie still live in Iona where they enjoy visits of their kids and grandchildren. Every grandchild has two or three quilts and afghans and every great- grandchild has shawls and two quilts that Minnie has made for them. This year she made beautiful bedspreads for each of her children for Christmas, she always has to be busy. They enjoy traveling to see the family that have moved to other states. Jack and Bev live in San Jose, California and Marlene and the boys live in Great Falls, Montana. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p223.jpg) — Minnie Minnie remembers Ray when he was little. She said their mother called him her little Indian baby because he was so brown and dark. He was a baby when they went to the Fair in Blackfoot in 1903. They went in the wagon, had to take their own hay, blankets and lunches. Grandma said she got so tired carrying Ray around in her apron, he was such a big, fat baby. Hattie would run with his little red wagon and could run faster than Ray, so poor Ray would run screaming behind with a stick. He got a cute spring wagon later on that he loved. He had a pony named Ted that he really liked. He always loved to ride horses and wanted to be a cowboy. When Ray broke his leg on the dry farm out by Rose, Grandma had been plowing on one plow and Rulon was on the other plow. Grandma's sister Eliza had lost a little one and Grandma wanted to go to the funeral, so Ray was going to plow for a while. He got on the plow and first thing got his leg caught in the wheel, twisting it around. Rulon came running for Grandma, and she got him, wrapped him with her apron. They put a mattress in the bottom of the wagon and took him to Blackfoot to a Dr. Hudson. It was such a bad break that it took a long time to heal. Ray thinned beets dragging his leg along. Just after Doyle and Ruth were married, Ruth bought the most beautiful dolls for Minnie and Bea, but Hattie took one. One had dark hair and was dressed in pink. That one was the one Hattie got. Minnie got the one with blond hair; it was dressed in blue. Ray wanted to see how the arms could move and what made the eyes open and shut, so he took the hair off and it could never be fixed to be pretty again. Minnie cried and cried. When Minnie was only thirteen, she fell off a horse and couldn't walk for quite a while. All that summer, she would only be able to walk if helped up on her feet, then helped move one foot in front of the other. They would stick pins in her legs, asked if she could feel it. She had no feeling for a long time. The next summer, she worked at Berkley Larsen's. That was the year Hattie and Austin were married. She used some of the money she made to buy a beautiful bedspread for Hattie. Hattie had always loved nice things and Minnie was so happy to be able to buy the gift for her. Grandma told her she should have saved her money for things more useful. The kids sure learned to work hard when they were just little. Grandma believed in everyone working. But they had a lot of love for one another, too. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p224.jpg) [A photograph appears with the following caption] SALLY, CLIFF, MINNIE, JACK, AND LUCILLE THORNTON ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p225.jpg) [A photograph appears with the following caption] Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Thornton Clifford Thornton's... Wedding anniversary planned for Iona couple [Column 1] Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Thorn- ton of Iona will be honored by their family on their 50th wed- ding anniversary Aug. 10 at their home on Crowley Rd. from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Thorntons were married in the LDS Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1925. They have live and farmed in Iona for 50 years. Mr. Thornton is retired from farming. [Column 2] The son and daughters of the Thorntons are Mrs. Marshall (Lucille) Rapp of Idaho Falls, John R. Thornton of San Jose, Calif., Mrs. A. J. (Marlene) Ganyaw of Great Falls, Mont., and Sally Byington of Idaho Falls. Two sons of the couple are deceased, Larry Thornton. The Thornton's have 18 grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p226.jpg) [Column 1] Memorial rites set for Viet war victim Memorial services will be held Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Iona LDS Church for Chief Master Sgt. Larry C. Thornton, Iona, who was previously listed as missing in action but is now presumed dead. Bishop Cliff Long of the Iona LDS Ward will officiate and the family requests no flowers. Sgt. Thornton was a gunner aboard a B-52 plane when it disappeared over enemy terri- tory in Dec., 1965, in Vietnam. Nothing was heard on the fate of the plane or its personnel since its disappearance. The Department of Defense had delayed the presumed dead report until all of the prisoners of war in Vietnam had been checked out. His name or that of other personnel of the plane never turned up. No trace was ever found of the plane. He joined the 116th National Guard in 1952, and went with that contingent to Korea, and then on his return joined the U.S. Air Force. He then was assigned to Vietnam in Sept., 1965, and his family received word he was missing in action Dec 4, 1965. His name also was placed on the B-52 honor roll by the U.S. Air Force. His unit was given a Presidential citation when the crew landed the plane carrying nuclear weapons on its belly after the plane wheels failed to function. He was born March, 3, 1942, in Idaho Falls, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Thornton, Iona, attend- ed Iona schools and was graduated from the old Iona High School. He was 34 at the time he was reported missing in action and 41 at the time of his [Column 2] [Photograph of a man with the following caption] Chief Sgt. Larry C. Thornton [Resume text] official death listed as of Tuesday. He was married to Marlene Schilling in Idaho Falls. Survivors include the widow and three sons, Dennis, Ronald and Bradley, who now live in Montana; his parents; brother, John Thornton of San Jose, Calif.; and sisters, Mrs. Lucille Rapp of Lincoln, and Mrs. Sally Byington of Iona. An honor escort under Col. Oldham of Hill Air Force Base is scheduled to arrive here for the services. The local VFW and American Legion also will be represented. [Column 3] Hill Field hall named in honor of I.F. man The U.S. Air Force, in appreciation of the services by CM. Sgt. Larry C. Thornton of Idaho Falls and in honor of the life he gave for his country, recently dedicated Thornton Hall at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Thornton was born in Idaho Falls March 3, 1932. He enlisted in the Idaho National Guard in 1950 and served on active duty until 1952. In 1953, Thornton enlisted in the Air Force and served as a B-52 turret systems gunner until 1965 when he became a gunner on a FG 47 Gunship. He was officially reported as missing in action Christmas Eve, 1965, while assigned at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Viet- nam. Thornton was officially declared dead Jan 22, 1974. In a letter to Thornton's family, wife Marlene, and sons Dennis, Ronald and Bradley, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen Bryce Poe II wrote, "I am sure the unselfish contributions by CM. Sgt. Thornton and his family will provide inspiration to all who presently live and work at Hill Air Force Base and the surrounding community as well as those who pass this way in the future." ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p227.jpg) [A photo appears with the following caption] MINNIE AND CLIFF WITH THEIR BEAUTIFUL GRANDDAUGHTER, DEBBIE ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p228.jpg) Debra Halley leads a model life [Column 1] By SALLY LARSEN BAILEY Post-Register Living Today Editor Most people still don't associate Idaho with fine wines, gracious living or beautiful women. Idaho Falls' Debra Halley, August cover girl for McCalls magazine may soon change all that. "When people in the East ask me where I'm from, and I answer Idaho, they say, 'Wait a minute, did you say Iowa . . . or Ohio?," Ms. Halley explains, laughing. "I tell them Idaho, and they say, 'Explain where that is, exactly!'" Ms. Halley, who was 'discovered' by a representative of the Ford Agency nearly two years ago while walking down the street in Jackson, Wyo., says that in the past year or so, her career has literally exploded with offers, and with work. "It's just like they told me it would be," she says. "Exactly." But the work is hard, the days are long, and at first, were often lonely. "I don't feel like a celebrity at all," she explains. "I felt more like one before I ever left here. The first year I felt like I was in a dream. It was hard to imag- ine I was there." Despite career success, the first year wasn't exactly like the story books would depict it. "That year," Ms. Halley confides, " was the most unhappy time of my life. "I was there without my daughter. I was lonely and didn't like New York. I couldn't come back here, and I couldn't bring her there, I needed the career, that's what kept me there. "When I first arrived, I lived with Barbara Stone, the woman who saw me in Jackson. I came home for Christmas, and then another girl, Christy Welsh, and I shared a room in the apartment of Billy Ford, Jerry and Ilene Ford's son. "We shared a bedroom and bath- room for three months and became really good friends. Then we took an apartment. Christy's career was really taking off. She did ads for Lip- ton Iced Tea and played the part of the girl who was to marry one of the Hardy Boys on the TV series. She had more work than any of us then. "I did get to see New York in a really nice way. I saw the ballet, the Broadway shows, went to the parties and the openings. I met and made friends with an unbelievable amount of celebrities. "There were trips to Europe, I lived and worked in Paris, Germany, Gua- [Column 2] temala and Africa. Though a lot of times I didn't really enjoy it. It wasn't like a vacation. I missed my daughter, and although work was good, I wished that she was there. I was able to save and to come home on vacations. I'm not a spender. "I don't own lots of clothes. Money buys security and that's what I went there for in the beginning. I did come [Column 3] back for my daughter's birthday in October, and again at Christmas time. "You can't be gone for too long. If you're gone for three months, they start using new people. My friend Christy went to Europe for three months. When she came back, many people had forgotten her! (Continued on Page B-1.) [A photograph appears with the following caption] Debra Halley ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p229.jpg) [A photo appears with the following caption] DEBRA HALLEY, MINNIE AND CLIFF'S GRANDDAUGHTER, THE MODEL In the part missing of this article, Debbie said she got her beautiful nose from her grandfather and that she loved coming home to eat some of her grandmother's rolls and good food. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p230.jpg) [A photograph appears with the following caption] [Column 1] GEORGE STOOPS, left, executive secretary of the Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, congratulates Laurie Rapp, a senior at Bonneville High School, for winning first prize in the state-wide Hire- the- Han- dicapped poster contest. Third place winner in [Column 2] the contest was Greg Olsen, right, a sophomore at Bonneville High School. Looking on is Bob Whitney, art instructor at Bonneville High School. The awards were presented Monday at a Mayor's Committee on The Handicapped luncheon. (Post-Register staff photo) Laurie Rapp wins state poster contest [Column 1] Laurie Rapp, 18, a Bonneville High School senior, was award- ed first place for her entry in the state-wide Hire-the-Han- dicapped poster contest, an- nounced George Stoops, execu- tive secretary for the Gover- nor's Committee for the Employemnt of the Han- dicapped. An award was also presented to Greg Olsen, 15, a Bonneville High School sophomore, for his third place poster. The winners were named by Stoops at a [Column 2] meeting Monday of the Mayor's Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped at the Elk's Lodge. Miss Rapp will be presented with $100 and a trip to Washing- ton D. C. and Greg Olsen will receive $30 and a trip to Boise to meet the governor. Also at Monday's meeting, Mrs. Alta Roskelley, district Public Health Service nurse supervisor, reviewed the types of services available through the Idaho Crippled Service [Column 3] Children's Program. The ser- vices, she said, include orthopedics, neurology, congenital heart, cleft lip and palate therapy, plastic and burn rehabilitation and cystic fibrosis, all through the district Public Health Service office. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p231.jpg) [Two photos appear on page] BEATRICE JENSEN Eleventh child of Louis Reuben Jensen and Kirsten Marie Sorensen. She married Victor Merrell. Their children are: Elaine Merrell Dallas V. Merrell Max Merrell Mary Merrell Vickie Merrell Dixie Rae Merrell Marlo Merrell Terry Jean Merrell David Merrell ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p232.jpg) LIFE HISTORY OF BEATRICE JENSEN MERRELL I was born into a beautiful, wonderful home, a place where all the young folks, sick, lame, homeless, aged, and hungry loved to come, because Mother loved everyone, and wanted to share all she had with everyone. Not once in my life have I ever doubted her love for me. Her favorite saying to each of us children was "You're my sweetest and my best," and I'm sure each of us felt that we were. She always went the second, third and fourth miles for anyone. I always thought she was the most wonderful person in all the world, and many people, young and old have told me this same thing. In all my youth, and married life my desire has been to be as good, kind and useful to everyone as she was. I'm sure very few people in the world have had the influence for good she has had. I was the eleventh child. She said to my father as he held me, "I wonder if this will be our last?" His reply was, "Oh, no, we must have one more, we want a dozen!" But there were no more, my father caught cold a few days later; it developed into pneumonia and he died when I was less than two weeks old. You would have loved your Grandpa Reuben Jensen. He loved to fish and go on trips, was very athletic; he could out-run, out-swim, all his friends. He could stand on the back of a wagon, jump, turn a somersault and land on his feet on the ground. He was always a lot of fun. Some folks thought mother should marry someone who was more serious, but she said when she was 11 years old, she knew he was the one she wanted. Father was a member of the United Order in Orderville and learned the car- penter trade and became very good at it. He built the school and meeting house in Orderville, and his mother a beautiful home, then his sweetheart a beautiful home and others. He was a very progressive man and also had a farm, sheep and cattle, and as he began having a family, he could see there was no future for them in that little valley. The boys, they had four then, must have a land they could expand and develop in, so he went to Idaho, where he had heard of the big Snake River Valley. Here he bought land, then returned for his family. Mother went but not willingly, but came to know it was for the best. They left dear Orderville and spent a month moving to Idaho, children driving cattle along and camping by the roadside. They helped pioneer the Snake River Valley near Shelley, and had to grub sagebrush and clear the land, and before they harvested a crop, father was called on a mission to the Southern States. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p233.jpg) Page - Bea Father was gone for over two years. None of the children were old enough to help very much. This was really hard times for them, no fences and horses and cows would get in the garden and destroy that. Mother had no help from the ward or anyone. Of course, mother was very independent and wouldn't want help. After father came home, they moved to Basalt, and in time, he built what most people called a mansion for his family. Everything seemed to prosper and father was one of the best farmers in the valley. This mansion was the home I was born in and it was beautiful. It had twelve rooms, a big bay window in the dining room, large windows in the front room, and a front porch with big white pillars. there was a beautiful landscaped yard. The lawn was terraced in the front, hedge around it and in the back, winding road that went right to the back door lined by tall trees. The church house was right across the street from our home. My father had built this church. I've had so many happy memories connected with the church house. I remember sitting at home and looking out the window and watching them dance. It looked so peculiar as couples danced by the many windows. I couldn't hear the music which made it more strange. I'll bet Duff Quinn was playing the piano, I don't remember who on the violin. Duff would play cords and the violin would play the melody, and as the kids would say today, it had a good beat. We used to have children's dances, and we children felt the old folks were selfish as they would have more dances than we could have. My Sunday School experiences were very tender. I remember Jim Dye leading the singing and teaching us "Have I Done Any Good In The World Today?" I think he was a real good leader. I enjoyed marching to class and thought everyone was watching me. I can still remember the march tunes played. I liked to take my nieces and nephews to class with me. I enjoyed very much going to Sunday and Sacrament Meeting. The organist used to play while Sacrament was being passed, and I recall once someone tapped me on the shoulder and it was Clint. He was Superintendent of the Sunday School, and tapped me to stop me humming so loud as the organist played. I did not enjoy Primary, I don't know why. Once I told mother I wished I didn't have to go and she said, "Why you don't have to." She convinced me I really didn't, and I was so happy. Mother was an officer in Primary and when school let out I went over to play with LaVaun Berg, but of course, she was at Primary. I stopped at Quinn's, but no one was there either, so I went home. It was awful, no one was there, not a soul home, so I went out and hung on the front gate and watched the children come out of Primary, running and chasing ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p234.jpg) Page — Bea each other, laughing and talking. I felt awful, all alone in life. At last some of the kids noticed me and said, "Why weren't you to Primary? We had a party, and had ice cream and cake." What misery a kid can go through. The time our dear church house was the most exciting was the 24th of July. I doubt if anything today can equal it in fun and excitement. I liked to sleep out doors that night. I guess so I could wake earlier. I would sweep the back road in our dooryard so good and sprinkle it with water to hold down the dust, then I'd get dressed in my best. It's good I never had a new 24th dress as most of the girls did, or I would have busted. I walked over to the church, no one there yet, walk back home and wait awhile, then back over to see again. It was so hard to wait. A patriotic program was a must. It started at 10 AM. Why did they always make us wait so long? I remember Brother Criddle giving a long talk, it always made me feel like something had been very important. The best part was the big barrel of lemonade. During the program, they would have a glass and a pitcher and would pass the drinks around. Each would drink from the same glass. It's good it was in the days before germs were invented. Most people would bring a picnic lunch and eat under the trees on the big lawn at noon. We were too close to home of course. I wished mother would have fixed us a picnic and we all could have eaten under the trees, but instead she boiled potatoes with the jackets on, made some pies and my brothers, wives and children ate with us, which was wonderful. I was soon back at the church anxiously awaiting the afternoon sports, especially the races, for I usually did a little practicing beforehand, maybe once or twice. As I recall, I won each time and I was usually the smallest, but I wanted that money. The reward was generous, usually 25¢ for first, and now I had money to spend, oh boy. All good things had to end, but it wasn't easy to go home at last to bed. The next day, I'd go over and look at the remains, pop bottle lids, empty bottles, candy bar wrappers, worn down grass. It was all so lonely and sad. Stake Conference, when held in Basalt, was another wonderful time, as again mother put on a big kettle of unpeeled potatoes, made some more dried apple pies, and I would feel so important as people and kids would come over to our place to the pump to get a drink. We were always thoughtful and hung a dipper on the pump. If any were lonely or forlorn, of course mother would invite them to dinner. Often she would have a meeting herself and would have to stay and she would send Hattie, Minnie and I home to fix dinner for so many. Of course Hattie knew what to do, I just did what I was told. I wonder if there was ever a Sunday that just the family ate alone. I doubt it. We all had friends to bring home and as the Firth people were in our ward, meeting started at 2 P. M. It was too far to go home for dinner so mother would invite many to eat with us. Good, kind, generous mother. What ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p235.jpg) Page - Bea ever did she feed them? Mother was a hard worker, always busy working in the fields like a man. Of course she had a family to support, and had to pay many taxes, which I grew up thinking were the burden of life. I'm thankful that we all learned how to work. Mother was the first up in the morning, made the fires, milked the cow, got break- fast, before starting the day's work. We would walk two long Mormon blocks to our field, and it seemed that thinning and hoeing beets was endless, how tiring it got. I'd look at the sky for a cloud, hoping for rain. Another awful job was tromping hay. As the loose hay was thrown into the hay rack, I'd have to tromp it down. How dull! Another tiring and dull job was riding the derrick horse. We had a huge barn and put hay in that. I thought it unnecessary for anyone to ride the horse, as Old Lu knew what to do without me. The one filling the fork with hay would say, "O. K." and Old Lu would start up and go until the one in the barn called, "Let her go." The fork was tripped, hay fell and Old Lu would back up to the starting point again. Other hard work was picking up potatoes. It was harder than thinning beets, but I didn't hate it as bad. We kids would work in groups for different farmers and would make fun out of it. One day the group planned a party for that night and quit early. The farmer tried to get the kids to stay as the dug potatoes would freeze, but they left anyway. I didn't see how they could do it and tried to talk them into staying, but they said I was a fool to stay and left. It was moonlight when I got them all picked up, but I felt very happy. What fun we used to have in our big barn. All the kids liked to play in it. We used to make up shows and produce and act them out in the big loft. And the spectators we rounded up, they usually ended up being part of the cast. And all the hours I spent hunting bird's nests. Why? I hated little naked ugly birds; it would scare me to death to put my hand in a nest and touch a repulsive little bird. The eggs weren't that exciting and deep inside me I felt horrible to steal from a sorrowful bird. The most fun times, was when we'd swim in Dye's canal. We would dress and undress in their barn and swim for hours. Another big fun time was Easter walks, especially if we walked down by the big Snake River. We liked to crawl through the underbrush to the point where the Blackfoot Canal emptied into the river. I guess it was dangerous, but it was exciting. When it was too cold and muddy, we would walk to the road by Dye's as it was seldom used and sagebrush grew almost to the middle. Mother used to go up and work for Leonard Cox, whose wife had a weak heart ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p236.jpg) Page — Bea and lots of kids. He had lots of farm land, sheep and work was his Gospel since he had left the Church. Everything was work, work, work. I didn't like it there in the winter as I'd have to walk through the fields to catch the schoolwagon. How mother had to work. They couldn't get anyone to work for them as they would work them too hard, but mother felt sorry for them, and he was one of the Orderville boys. Leonard died a millionaire they say, but he didn't take it with him. It seems my happiest memories were with my nephews and nieces, who were more my own age than my brothers and sisters. Ivan's Louis and I were the very best friends. He used to be at our home in Basalt a lot in the summer. We both had huge imaginations and had exciting play times together. Maurine and Eleanor were so cute. Eleanor had long thick black hair, she was a doll. Maurine looked just like her oldest daughter, Marsha. I wasn't around them as much as Monte, Berg, Jean and June. They still feel very close to me, more like my brothers and sisters. It's strange how much I can love them after all these years. I used to tend them a lot, especially Clint's kids, as they lived in our house. June was a terror. The kids loved me to tell them stories and such, but after a few hours, my throat and face got tired and I just felt I couldn't go on, but June would cry and threaten to wake Dean, the baby, if I didn't tell just one more. I used to set the kids on the stairs and tell them stories, making them up as I went along. My brothers would laugh at me because I talked so fast; they didn't see how anyone could understand me. My experience with Rulon's family was more as I grew older, but Verda was as cute as a baby could be. Ruth was as good and patient as a mother to me, I used to be at their place a lot. Doyle was a lot like mother and always could keep me busy. Monte really had to work hard, Doyle was very strict with him. He was so small and could ride Old Lu like a real cowboy. Once or twice I went to the mountains on trips with them. I don't know why, but it seems we spent a lot of time at Spring Creek with Bergs. It must have been after beet thinning and hoeing. Here we really had fun. Elida and LaVaun were like my sisters; we would make play houses in the trees, ride old Muggins, and in the evening play Run, Sheepie, Run. We had such fun climbing mountains, picking wildflowers, drinking cold spring water, herding sheep. Johnie, Charles, Elida, LaVaun, LeMaun, Ross, Newel, what a wonderful family, no wonder I love them. I also remember staying at Wolverine where Doyle had a farm. We didn't have the Bergs or others to play with and although it was fun, it was somewhat lonely. I remember there were mushrooms we picked, cooked and ate. I loved the mountains and long to go back and see them. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p237.jpg) Page - Bea When I was about 13, mother went to Shelley to work in the Sugar Factory Hotel; Minnie worked there with her, Hattie was married I guess, Ray was gone as usual. I stayed with Doyle and Ruth, later with Rulon and Ellen. It was a lonely period, I missed my home life so much. Mother then went to Idaho Falls to work in the laundry and I stayed with Austin and Hattie and went to high school in Firth. This was one of the unpleasant things about writing a history. I had one dress, a faded hand-me-down, one pair of shoes, and I guess only one pair of hose with lots of holes. I had one front tooth broken off and wore my hair in pigtails. But I was real good in school, never getting below 95 in exams, and although I was a small person, I was on the main team in basketball. In the summer, I went to Idaho Falls to stay with Mother, Minnie, Elida and Ida Berg. Mother soon got me a job at the laundry with the rest and that was the end of my school days. I didn't care as I would rather be with Mother. Annie and Clint rented a place in Idaho Falls and all of us boarded with them. Annie went with me to buy the first new coat I ever owned. Against her advice, I bought the ugliest coat I ever saw, but it was the cheapest and I felt morally obligated to buy the cheapest. One cold winter evening just before Christmas, I rode with Clint and Annie to town and when he parked the car on main street, everyone started laughing. We were all so embarrassed we didn't dare get out of the car. We were collecting quite a crowd so we at last ventured out and saw three cold chickens sitting on top of the car. It was even more embarrassing when Clint caught the squawking things and put them in the car. Mother had to quit the laundry as her leg got so bad she couldn't work. I don't know which brother she stayed with, but Minnie and another girl and I stayed together until Minnie got married. It was then that I changed from a country hick to a city hick, a shy little girl to quite a flapper. Mike was my first date and the last one I went with before I married ten years later. Mother was a thousand miles away in Basalt;, it wasvirtaully inaccessible to me. I would have had to take the midnight train to Firth, walk more than two miles to see her, walk back to Firth the next afternoon and take the train back, and that cost money. No one suggested I do this and I didn't consider it very often. I wouldn't want to live those years of my life over. When I was almost seventeen, Mother and I went to Arizona where Hattie was living while Austin was on a mission. Mother had a brother, Sern, she hadn't seen for 50 years. It was very dramatic the way they met. She looked at him so lovingly and said, "You look just like Father." He embraced her and said, "You look just ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p238.jpg) Page - Bea like Mother." Just think, 50 years, a young man and his little sister. It was Christmas when we got to Phoenix, and Hattie took us to Uncle Sern's. We had eaten very little since leaving Basalt and I was about starved to death and wondered why my Aunt didn't start dinner. Soon one of the boys said, "Come eat," and to my joy, he had cooked the meal. The next day, Christmas, Hattie and I ate dinner with Frank Price and family. A returned young missionary was visiting there and he took me to the dance that night. I was surprised and had a good time. Mother soon got her a job at LaPrade's doing housework, and as she had two rooms, Hattie and I lived with her. I guess Mother found me a job, as I started housework too. I got Tuesday afternoons off and would go to town, meet Hattie, who worked in a big department store downtown and we would go to MIA together. One Tuesday, I felt so tired, I couldn't seem to hold my head up. I thought if I could only get through the lunch dishes, I could leave. When at last I finished and walked home, I told Mother I needed to lie down and she could wake me when Hattie came home from MIA. When she tried to rouse me, she couldn't and they decided to call a doctor. He found I had diptheria. I was sick a long time, and it affected my heart so I had to take strychnine. The doctor told me no boys were allowed to come see me as it was too much for my heart, and I thought he must be kidding as they were not that exciting to me, but he insisted they not come. Dr. Hinkley at last decided I must have my tonsils out. I didn't think it would be too bad as it would just be a snip or two, but it wasn't that way. When I saw the table of instruments, I got frightened. The doctor tried to deaden my tonsils, but they were so infected, it didn't take. He cut and cut and it seemed like hours; I couldn't endure it. The doctor sat on my lap and cut, as I was shaking so bad I couldn't hold still. Blood was all over the doctor and me. Dear Hattie was by my side all the time. Mother, I guess, is too much like me and couldn't take it. I don't think being beheaded could compare with what I went through. At last it was over and I was cleaned up and put to bed. The doctor said I was very brave, but I couldn't have yelled, cried or screamed if I tried. Hattie was the best nurse anyone could have. How I loved to have her take care of me. She did all the taking care of me, although she was still working downtown. After a few days, my throat started bleeding. I didn't have sense enough to tell the doctor or anyone and just endured it and swallowed the blood. After a day or two of this, I got very sick and Mother called Hattie to come home from the store to see me. I kept getting sicker until at last I started vomiting all the blood up. It was just like liver and there was a lot. Mother had come into the room just as it started and thought for sure I was dying. I can see her now, ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p239.jpg) Page — Bea screaming and tearing her hair. After I vomited all the blood up I said, "Mother, keep still." She certainly gave me a funny look, poor Mother, she thought sure I was dying. But I didn't, although I was very weak and couldn't go anyplace with- out my smelling salts until we went back to Idaho, which was in June, six months later. The doctor said I'd never be strong or able to work, as my heart was too weak, but he didn't know Mother. She soon had me working, which was the best thing that I could have done. We spent other winters in Arizona. I danced a lot, worked, had fun, always went to Church. A good group of kids lived there. I met one boy all the girls fell for. He was tall, dark, and very handsome and asked me for a date the first time I met him. We went steady until I went back to Idaho. The Bishopric came to our home when I was 18 and asked mother about me going on a mission. They talked quite a while, I don't think I said one word. Mother said yes, and I spent the next three months before I received my call wondering if I wanted to go. I was having so much fun. When I got my call to the Central States, I was absolutely thrilled. I left for my mission in January 1928. What a wonderful experience! I felt so devoted and wanted to do my best. I was young, but everyone figured I was only about fifteen. My hair was cut short like a boys, like some girls wear theirs now. I was very happy but knew things were done ineffeciently and haphazardly. The one thing I excelled in was speaking on the street. I loved to do it, and my voice boomed out, carrying well, so I got to do a lot of street speaking, a thing that isn't done any more. At one meeting, I was speaking and a large crowd stopped to listen. Someone in the crowd started to heckle me but I enjoyed it, and afterwards I started talking to him personally. He was very rude and insulting, kept talking about the Salt Lake Temple and asking why I didn't tell these people the awful things that went on in the Temple. He said he knew all about us as he had been in the Temple. I told him he lied, he had never been in it. He said that if I was a true representative of God's Church I should perform a miracle to prove it to the crowd. I quoted to him the Savior's words that "He that seeketh after a sign is a wicked and adultrous person." He just seemed to quake, turned to leave, but some of the crowd started to berate him, accusing him of insulting me but couldn't take it when I hit him. He ignored them and pushed his way through the crowd and left. One fine looking man said to another, "I've never seen a person oppose the Mormon Chruch but what they try to crawl out of it." This happened in Kansas City, Missouri and my brother Doyle was in the crowd with a great big grin on his face. He had come to Kansas City with a load of cattle to see me. I enjoyed so very much his visit; he made a big hit with all the ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p240.jpg) Page 9 — Bea missionaries as well as the young folks. They just couldn't believe it had been 20 years since he had been on his mission to Germany. They thought he looked about 25 years old. What a good-looking wonderful brother, I could hardly stand to see him leave. After his return home, he went on a six month mission to California. We went back to El Dorado to the best people in the world. They took us into their homes and hearts, I still love them so much, they would do anything for us. All the women were marvelous cooks, buttermilk biscuits, sweet potatoes, etc. I contracted malaria fever and high blood pressure and an LDS Doctor and his wife in Magnolia, Arkansas took me to their home and clinic for about two weeks and gave me treatments and cared for me until President Bennion sent for me to go to Independence. This was about the last of July. I hated to leave Arkansas. I worked in Kansas City, Missouri but couldn't do too much, as a visit to the doctor showed I was having thyroid trouble, anemia and malaria. I was released and on my way to Arizona, the 29th of October, 1929, the day of the big panic and the stock market crash. Mother was in Arizona working for Sullivan's and I was so in hopes I could stay with her, but she said it was best to go back to Basalt and live with Ray. She gave us $10 to buy a few groceries, as both of us were broke, and after that was gone, I had to work in Idaho Falls, although I still didn't feel very strong. I didn't think I could take it the first week, but I soon got tough again. Ray had a Ford Coupe with a rumble seat that I would drive to work in the summertime. Boy, what a time making ends meet. I went hungry more than once. I was making payments on the car, buying gas for our driving, buying food for Ray and I, paying tithing of course, buying shoes and a few things for Rulon's children, all on $12 a week, and mother would write and tell me to save money. Mike came back from California and I told him I knew I'd never marry him, but he hung around hating to give up. I wondered if I'd ever meet anyone I wanted to marry, as I was now 24 years old and had gone with a lot of boys, but had never seen one I wanted as my very own. (Mike was not a member of the Church; I wanted to be married in the Temple. One Sunday, I think in early August, I went to Shelley to Stake Conference. I was feeling depressed this day as Ray and I had quarreled. I wanted to take the car to Church, and Ray wouldn't let me and called me a spoiled baby. Well, as I sat in Church, I looked around to see how many and who was there, and it was all a sea of faces until I saw one face focus out of the crowd. I'd never seen him before, had no idea who he was, but I knew he was the one I would marry. I passed him on the stairway at noon and he said hello to me, but I couldn't say ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p241.jpg) Page — Bea a word. Later Elida, LaVaun and I saw him outside, then after Church at night as some of us were standing on the steps and he passed he said, "Goodnight, girls, you can go home now." I did, but it was hard to go to sleep. I told Mother I had met the boy I was going to marry, which really shocked her. I was so sure he was the one for me, I knew he would be at the dance in Basalt the next Friday night to see me. I knew he would find out some way who I was and where I lived. That Friday night at the dance, I watched the door for him to come and sure enough, here he came with his brothers and Eugene and Lucille Olsen, his cousins that they lived with. I waited almost until the dance was over and he didn't even notice me, so at last I went up to him and started talking. He, of course, about had to ask me to dance and I guess he felt something, as the next Sunday, they were over to our ward to Sunday School and Church, and he asked me for a date for the following Friday. We were soon talking of marriage, but had to wait until December to get the money and the opportunity to go to Logan. We were married in the Logan Temple and were all alone although Hattie and Austin had let us ride to Logan with them on their way to Salt Lake. Times and customs have changed, thank goodness. We took the bus back that night to Basalt to a cold lonesome house, and I went back to the laundry to work two more weeks to pay off my dentist bill. How I hated to go back to live with Hattie and Austin, I wanted to be with Victor. I knew Hattie and Austin were about to divorce and it was very unpleasant, in fact I don't like to think about it. I had found a way back to Basalt after the two weeks in Idaho Falls were over, and the last day at work, Mike's father had come to the laundry and asked to see me. He was a fine man, I had a lot of respect for him, but he asked me to leave Victor, divorce him and give Mike a chance. I was so shocked to think he would consider such a thing, I said, "I love my husband." He replied, "Oh, of course you do or you would not have married him," and continued to plead with me to leave Victor. I still can't understand why he thought there wa sa chance of such a thing. It made me feel so blue. And then the ride home was rather miser- able and Hattie had said something hurting at dinner, so believe me, I was glad I belonged to Victor, that we had each other forever. We have weathered hurts and disappointments, work, sickness and clung close to each other and our love has increased so that he is now so much a part of my life I feel only partly here when he isn't around. I felt the same from the very beginning. Not only did I feel Victor was to be mine when I saw him, but after meeting his folks, I was fully convinced. I could tell his mother was true-blue through and through, as my own was. I loved his little sister, Winona and his brothers as my own from the very beginning. I loved them all and still do. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p242.jpg) Page — Bea In February, Victor's brother-in-law, Bernard, came after us to take us to Bluebell, Utah. Victor tried to prepare me for the place, but I was shocked to see it. Log houses, old dilapidated Church, farms, they couldn't be called farms by Idaho standards. We had quite a struggle there, no money, no place to live, no furniture, no nothing but each other. We lived in a vacant room of Porter's. Sterling brought over a bed and we got a stove out of a dump yard, old boards to make a table and shelves for a cupboard. What a home! You wouldn't believe it. I doubt if we ever could get more humble. I probably didn't have more than $10 to spend the whole summer from February until September, when we went back to Idaho. Sister Merrell, Winona, LaVoir and Sterling lived with us during the summer all in that one little room. We were all so poor; I saw Grandma Merrell cry once, why couldn't the boys get work, why were things so hard? I felt so sorry for her. I had Victor and we were young and it didn't seem so serious for us. I'm sure she felt the serious- ness more than we did. She thought there was no chance in life for these boys. Little did she realize what they would accomplish in life! Leaders, fine beautiful homes, great wealth according to our standards then, wonderful children, schooling, missions, and all looked so hopeless to her that day. After we went back to Idaho in September, Victor found work in the fields and we were in the money again. Several suggested that Victor sign up for W.P.A. or relief or something, since if we did, we would get our doctor bill paid for the little baby we were expecting soon. They really put the pressure on us, but we wanted nothing to do with relief and refused. When the tiny baby was born on January 7, 1935, we had the $25 to pay the doctor. Hattie and Austin were living in part of the house, Ray and Bernice had recently moved out of part of it, so we moved in. Grandma Merrell and Winona came up to stay with us and care for the baby. The boys came after school let out and worked with Victor on the farm, expecting nor receiving any pay. He could use the help, so that was the thing for them to do. What a wonderful family, I'm so glad I'm a part of it. Elaine was a colicky baby, or spoiled, so she had to be held just so, and you had to stand up with her. Hattie and Austin divorced so we had the house alone. Grandma Merrell certainly worked hard, too hard. It seemed natural to have them with us. Sterling went to High School in Firth, Winona was at school at Basalt; both were exceptionally bright and were leaders. Soon Eugene Olsen was living with us as he had left home. The fall before Dallas was born, I had nine men staying with us and I was cooking for them, as Grandma Merrell was in Utah until Dallas was born. These men were relatives who came to work in the harvest. It was quite a job making bread ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p243.jpg) Page — Bea every day, peeling big kettles of spuds, and caring for one baby while expecting another, but it was a warm time. Hattie, who lived in part of the house, left that winter and Winona and Grandma came back. I can still remember how happy we were when they came, no one could have been more welcome. They had brought some oranges from Salt Lake and they tasted so good. We sat in the front room with a good fire in the big pot belly stove and coal oil lamp with its dim light, and were flooded with love and happiness for each other. When Dallas was born January 25, 1936, we were so happy for such a big fat baby, he weighed about 7½ pounds the doctor said. Elaine had been such a tiny, little thing, they had a time keeping her alive, although she has been bubbling over with life ever since. Victor cared for Elaine and slept by her and held her bottle for her so she could pull his hair. This was the hardest year I went through as Dallas had a bad rupture and we couldn't let him cry. I'd sit up in bed rocking one so she wouldn't wake the other. I'd be so sleepy I could hardly set up. Each time I changed Dallas, I'd have to change the little truss we made out of flannel for him. We were so proud of our farm and home, but actually it was the coldest, most dreary place, no electricity, no water, the first year or two, one coal oil lamp, and if you wanted to go to the bedroom you would have to take the lamp and leave that room in darkness. We could only afford to keep one room heated at a time. In the afternoon we would make a fire in the front room and let it go out in the kitchen, then if we had to go into the kitchen for something we would about freeze to death. We had lines hung around the room to dry diapers and other clothes on, so you had to duck as you walked around. But love was there and we appreciated very much that we had it so good. It seemed to glow in our home, especially when Grandma Merrell, Winona and the boys were there. What would we ever have done without Minnie and Cliff? We loved to go up there and Minnie was the best cook, still is, and is the most unselfish person I know. Could she make the best cakes and pies! We used to go up there a lot. They didn't seem to get tired of us. We didn't have any close pals to chum with. When our cow died, they let us take one of theirs until it dried up. Hattie had gone to Salt Lake to work, Mother was in Arizona, Ray in Montana. We loved to go to Ellen's also, enjoyed the kids. Ellen was another good cook; Victor still talks about her good cream cakes. She made such good bread and butter pickles I remember. Victor and I both worked a lot in the ward. Victor was in the Sunday School superintendency, was chairman of the Genealogy Committee; I lead singing in Relief ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p244.jpg) Page — Bea Society, Sunday School, MIA and was Ward Chorister. I also taught a class in Relief Society on family relations, which I learned a lot from. All the ward loved Victor, and he could keep them all laughing anytime, he had such a great wit. One night a week we had a special practice for singing mothers and did real well considering we didn't have an organist. We never missed any of our meetings even though we had so many little children. The day before Elaine was born, I taught a Sunday School class, led the singing, played the organ for Sacrament Meeting, and sang with a group. It was hard to make people believe the next day that I had a baby. I have been very fortunate to gain very little weight before my babies are born, I didn't even own a smock until before Mario was born. Victor opened a store in Blackfoot, also had one in Shelley. We sold what little farm machinery we had and before Vickie was born, we moved to Blackfoot. It wasn't easy getting an apartment with four little children, but the lady took a chance and later said we were the best she had ever had in her duplex. How the kids did enjoy taking a long back each day. We soon bought our own humble home and really enjoyed it there, although we certainly didn't have any furniture to speak of. We had a good home there on Adams Street, especially because of the wonderful friends we found. We would see each other often, one would invite folds over for supper after Church. We used to go on picnics and trips with our friends, as well as meet at each other's homes. We went to October Conference once together. These friends were Leora and Varian Thurman, Maggie and Dexter Gardner, Maxine and Gordon Durney and Dean and Fern McClellan. When we bought and moved to Durney's home, it was a happy time. It included five acres, a big barn, nice orchard, big yards, etc. Elaine and Dallas were both in school, they would get up so early in the mornings for fear of being late, and would leave so early, they often had to wait outside the school until the janitor opened up. They had so much fun playing in the barn and trees. At school they would take their gallon bucket with the lid and bring home scraps from the school kitchen to feed their pigs, which eventually made them good money. They both bought War Bonds with the money and Elaine still has hers. Dallas paid for part of his mission with his. Victor went to work on the railroad at this time, as we were in war, and no more appliances were made as all material went for war equipment. He stayed with his mother in Salt Lake and we carried on. I would go to Salt Lake occasionally to see him and once in a while he would spend a few hours with us at home, although it was usually sleeping time. We missed him, especially on Sundays. I felt so alone going to Church without him. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p245.jpg) - Bea We sold our home, which was all paid for, and bought a farm in the Thomas Ward, which we moved to in the fall. Victor didn't quit and come home until towards spring. We had a real fine family, but I think this was the most lonely time in my life, living in a strange home without Victor. He had bought cows and horses and a big hay stack and of course I had to do the feeding. It would scare me to death. I would climb as high up as possible on the tall ladder, then claw my way on up to the top of the stack. Any height scares me to death, but after throwing off hay to feed, I'd have to lay down on my tummie and slide down until I hit the ladder, always hoping I wouldn't miss it. Victor bought chickens and I hate taking care of them and didn't know how and they kept dying. After Victor came home to live it seemed like a different place and was real homey. It was such a good place to raise a family. Here sweet little Dixie was born; she was such a beauty. We certainly did have well-behaved children, no quarrel- ing, fighting, all helped so much. Max and Dallas had about 8 or 10 cows to milk. Elaine was a regular mother. Mary says she remembers it was her job to dust each morning before going to school. On the Fourth of July before Dixie was born, a group were invited to Ronald Carter's to a party. As all were about to go home, Ronald set some fireworks off. He had a Roman Candle and we were standing on the back steps of the house. I saw that it had fallen over and was pointed to the haystack, which I figured would set it on fire, but instead, it came backwards and hit me. I had thrown my arms up to protect my face and got the worst blast in the arms, also face and chest. I knew I was hurt, it must have knocked me out, but I staggered into the house, so dazed I thought no one was helping me. They phoned the doctor and hospital and got me in the car. Ronald tried to turn it around to drive, but he was so excited he couldn't drive and Victor had to. Tom Williams held me and I was in a lot of pain. The first thing I thought of was the soldiers who were hit in fighting, and now I knew how they felt. At the hospital the doctor dug out the pieces of wood that were imbedded, which was painful, since he gave me nothing to deaden the pain. The first thing he told them was that my eye was not injured. I guess I looked a sight, face and eyes covered with blood; arms, blouse about blown off and bloody. While the doctor was caring for me, Victor was close by calling me sweetheart, darling and things like that. The next day, when he came to see me, the nurse grinned and said, "Well, I see your Mr. Carter has been to see you." When I told her that was not Mr. Carter but my husband, she was very surprised; she must have thought something was going on. I had ringing in my ears for months, and I was afraid to look in the mirror for days. I at last saw that it would mend, however, and was grateful ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p246.jpg) Page — Bea most of the scars were on my arms. I reacted to the sulfa drugs given me, but finally recovered and delivered Dixie seven months later. Mother insisted on looking over all her body to see if I had marked her, but she wasn't scarred. Pershaps, however, that is why her personality is like a firecracker, not ready to explode, but full of vim and dynamite. Victor decided to let his brothers go into business with him so LaVoir, Art, DeMar and Dee Gale came to live with us and they built a building. Soon Arvene and Ashel Manwaring came and I was back in business again cooking and keeping house for a big noisy, happy bunch, including six children of our own. LaVoir went back to work for Geneva Steel, and we did a big business, but Victor got sick and tired of it and we decided to sell the business and move to Washington. I sure hated to leave Thomas and all the wonderful people we knew, but Victor could think of nothing else so we sold out and prepared to move. The day we were to leave, Victor was leading Champ into the trailer and all at once, I heard screaming and here came Elaine tearing her hair and yelling, "Daddy has been killed," and as we ran out, they came carrying him. All the thoughts that went through my head! But he was only knocked out and was able to ride laying down in the back seat while we drove to our new life in Washington. I guess all of you would say marrying Victor was the best thing that ever happened to me, but I don't think so. The best thing that ever happened to me was getting myself born into this life, born in the covenant to such wonderful parents. The next best thing was being married to Victor. So many wonderful things have happened since then. Nine wonderful children who love us and each other. Many wonderful experiences in church work with the best people one earth. I feel that what I do is so very small. I've usually only been a teacher. Some- times I feel like I would like to shout with a voice of thunder to all the world the beautiful teachings of the gospel. I'd like to make some great sacrifice to let the Lord know how much I love him. I feel I'd enjoy leaving my home and walking across the plains, to let my family and God know I'd give my all for the Gospel. But I guess that is wrong. I should be content to serve where I'm asked, I should be thankful I have been permitted to help train and teach such wonderful children, not with the voice of thunder, but a quiet peaceful voice that brought peace to the family. They are the very best in the world. They should be, they have the best father in the world and the best progenetors. Our children are true to the faith that their parents have cherished. Marie Antonette, Lars Rove, Will, Elizabeth Ann, Mary, Marie and Reuben will be so proud of them. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p247.jpg) Page 16 ‑ Bea Dixie adds a few words about their move to Washington: Dear Champ played a big part in our days in Thomas although us kids seldom rode him. He was so majestic, and we were proud of the fact that two or three local queens rode him in contests and parades. When Dallas sold him for mission money, we kids were sure the old king would never be the same, and when, a while later he died of sleeping sickness, we just knew it was really of a broken heart. Mama and Dad, Elaine and Dallas, Max and Mary, and Vickie and Dixie were soon on our way to Washington. Mother finally did give us another baby brother, Marlo, who was born in Ephrata in 1950. Some time after we'd moved to Mae, Mary developed a rheumatic heart, which caused great alarm, and she wasn't able to walk for six months, but I wasn't really aware of much except visiting her in the hospital and seeing mother cry. We had so many rocks on the new land that we all were enlisted for sessions of loading tons of them on the truck; Mary helped with this, which was a medical taboo, but the doctor later said it was the best thing for her. Terry Jean was born about a year and a half after Marlo, and when Daddy brought the news home to us, he whispered to me that she was a dark-headed girl; I could've cried for her, doomed to have a black face all her life! I was so relieved to find out she was normal, and she was really the most darling girl. The last child, David, was still a baby when we finally moved to our farm across the lake in 1953. ....But all's not told; how can you describe the warm smell of cows, the exuberant feeling of aloneness as you run through an empty field and shout all you like? Who'se to say how memories reach into your heart ever so silently and slowly squeeze hold until you turn to leave home and can't? Elaine wrote: Mom and Dad always have been a handsome couple, both attractive and good-looking... They are examples that are hard to follow. They are stylish and don't dress or look matronly like most their age... No one could have supported their family more than they have... They have been so generous.... They have served the Lord all their lives. Then when most take it easy, they left their loved ones to go serve the Lord on a remote island. Even that didn't qualify them to take it easy. They filled a two-year Temple mission, going over dangerous winter roads like them, be valiant and endure to the end, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. I am so proud and thankful that they are my parents. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p248.jpg) Page 17 ‑ Bea MARLO'S TRIBUTE TO HIS PARENTS TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The following is a recommendation for the award of parents of the Year, rec- ommending Victor L. Merrell and Beatrice Jensen Merrell. After reading this, I'm sure you will seriously consider them for this distinguished award. Thirty-five years ago two young people met and through lucky circumstances, decided to marry, little knowing the impact they were to make on the country, if not the world. How were they to achieve this startling distinction? It was not through money, for they had little. It was not through extensively educated minds, for although they were both wise and had a profound understanding of the world around them, they were not what you would call greatly educated. Their contribution to the world, besides love and help to many, was nine squalling, helpless babies. While each child grew and matured in body and mind, two of the finest teachers in the world began to operate. Victor immediately began teaching them the essential facts of existence in this world. Among those facts were economy, honesty, courage, trustworthingess and all the other noteworthy traits and ideals. He did not neglect instilling in them a sense of humor, a great love for athletics and the most important of all - - a thirsting for achievement. Anything that was good or noble he wanted his sons and daughters to excell in - - not just obtain, but excell! Beatrice at the same time was just as busy teaching the children love, charity, thoughtfulness... While these traits are indispensible, maybe her greatest contribution to their education was in instilling in them a knowledge of the Gospel. So efficient was she in this aspect that many of her children knew as much of the Gospel facts as grown men and women. Besides being one of the best teachers in the whole Church, she taught her children along with the help of Vic to be some of the better teachers there are. Six of these children have left the fold and have already made their mark on the world. None have left the true Gospel or failed in any way. Sure, they have trials, but somehow they come out on top always the wiser, always more humble, always rejoicing in the things they have. Three more have not yet left the secure arm of their home, but with training like this, how can they help but succeed. I ought to know. - - Marlo ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p249.jpg) Page — Bea Dixie also wrote: MAMA Mamas are born just like other people And they play like other people; They work on their daddy's farm and sometimes get tired. Mama's like to dance like other people too. One day something happens; A boy takes her away from her daddy's farm And that's how mam's start to be mamas . . . What is Mama? WELL, Mama is good old-fashioned whole wheat bread . . . Mama is someone who's there . . . Mama is Sunday dinner and fresh strawberry shortcake . . . Mama means happy marriage and happy home . . . She is a clean room and ironed clothes (many, MANY ironed clothes) Mama is a dusky, peaceful sunset on Saturday evening . . . But most of all, Mama is the fierce tugging at the heart when you think of lonesome; She is the gentle whisper pleading you to be valiant; She is the star, moon, sun and heart . . . She is the sweetheart of our Dad, the champion of her sons, The idol of her daughters. In short, Mama is LOVE. DAD Dad's are not born just like everyone else, But you can't tell the difference until later. They play marbles and hunt sage hens and Ride horses into the mountains to get cedar wood; But then pretty soon they get an itch for their own Little farm and then you know it won't be long. What makes a Real Dad? Well, we think Dad is a John Deere tractor that we sometimes get to ride . . . Dad is fresh milk with foam in the bucket And once in a while around your mouth . . . Dad is a baseball game on the lawn . . . Dad is a bouncing back ride that bucks you off . . . He is big clodhoppers that stompstompstomp on the porch at suppertime . . Dad is the comb that always gets lost. He is the best storyteller and the most scratched because of it. He is what his sons want to be like and what his daughters want to marry . . And that's how you tell a Real Dad. WE LOVE HIM! ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p250.jpg) [Four photographs appear with the following captions] BEA AND VIC WITH GRANDSON, GARY SAMPSON AS HE LEFT FOR MISSION IN SPAIN BEA AND VIC, THE MISSIONARIES TERRY JEAN AND HUSBAND BEA AND VIC'S HOME IN MOSES LAKE ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p251.jpg) [Two photographs appear with the following captions] JAY AND ELAINE ROYLANCE AND FAMILY MARLO AND CAROL, AND JEAN AND VANCE IN FRONT. MAX AND ELKE, MARY, RON THURMAN AND DIXIE, BEA AND VIC, DALLAS AND KAREN, ELAINE AND JAY, WITH DAVID IN BACK, AT VICKIE AND PAUL'S FUNERAL. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p252.jpg) [Three photographs appear with the following captions] DALLAS AND KAREN'S CHILDREN DALLAS READY TO LEAVE FOR MISSION DALLAS AND KAREN ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p253.jpg) New mission presidents [Column 1] The First Presidency has an- nounced the calls of seven mis- sion presidents. They, along with their wives, will assume their responsibilities about July 1. [A photo appears with the following caption] Pres. and Sister V. Dallas Merrell [Column 2] Seven leaders called from far-flung areas V. Dallas Merrell, 51, as- signed to Utah Salt Lake City South Mission; area public com- munications council member and teacher's quorum adviser, Colesville Ward, Seneca Mary- land Stake; former stake presi- dent's counselor, high councilor, bishop, and high priests group leader; served in Great Lakes Mission, 1956-58; management consultant, researcher and writer; received bachelor's and master's degrees from BYU, master of public administration degree and doctorate from Uni- versity of Southern California; born in Basalt, Idaho, to Victor L. and Beatrice Jensen Merrell; married Karen Dixon; nine chil- dren. She is seminary teacher, former stake and ward Relief Society president, genealogy specialist, and music director; writer of children's books and lecturer on genealogy and Church history at BYU Educa- tion Week; born in Payson, Utah, to Jack Verl and Mary Jean Carter Dixon. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p254.jpg) BASALT WARD 50TH ANNIVERSARY 1888 ‑ 1939 Andrew O. Ingelstrom was chosen as presiding elder of the Basalt District in 1886 and served in this capacity for two years. This territory extended from Sterling on the south to Idaho Falls on the north. On August 19, 1888, the Basalt Ward was organized. Andrew O. Ingelstrom was set apart as Basalt's first Bishop. Joseph H. Dye and Charles Criddle were chosen as counselors two months later. Felix Husband and Teddy Farns and William Dye all served as ward clerks. The accomplishments of these fine men stand as monuments to their memory. During the nineteen years they served as a bishopric, three churches were built. The first church was built of logs and it was located one quarter mile west of the present building. The second church was a frame building and was located about 100 yards west of the present railroad mail crane. The third building is the one that has been used by the five succeeding bishoprics. (This building was the one our grandfather built in 1902.) Land was cleared, homes, canals, and bridges were built. This was indeed a period of pioneering. William Dye, Joseph H. Dye, and John Berg all went on missions during this period. After being bishop for over nineteen years, Bishop Ingelstrom was called on a mission to Sweden. (Several other missionaries were sent at this time also: Reuben Jensen, Brother Belnap, Frank Jensen that we know of. This was in 1898 to 1901.) A CREED There is a destiny that makes us brothers, None goes his way alone, All that we sent into the lives of others, Comes back into our own. I care not what his temples or his creeds, One thing holds firm and fast, That into his fateful heap of days and deeds, The soul of a man is cast. William M. Dye was sustained as second bishop of the Basalt Ward June 19, 1904 and served in that position until June 15, 1924. He was ordained a High Priest and set apart for the office by Apostle George A. Smith on July 24, 1904. The following served as first Counselors, Louis R. Jensen from June 1904 to January 14, 1909; Joseph H. Dye from May 2, 1909 until July 14, 1912; Robert T. Quinn from July 14, 1912 to June 15, 1923. The following served as second counselors: Abinadi Porter June 19, 1904 to September 13, 1908; Robert T. Quinn ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p255.jpg) Basalt Ward 50 page September 13, 1908 until July 14, 1912; George A. Davis January 25, 1914 to April 14, 1917; Marion Esplin from May 19, 1918 to the fall of 1921; Phillip J. Paskett May 1922 until June 15, 1924. The release of these brethren in 1924, was caused by the division of the Basalt Ward forming the Basalt and Firth Wards. The following served as Ward Clerks under Bishop William Dye: Daniel W. Arave June 19, 1904 to January 29, 1905; John J. Lyon January 29, 1905 to November 27, 1905; Anton Pederson November 27, 1905 to April 29, 1906; Edward M. Webb April 29, 1906 to November 1, 1909; L. Ivan Jensen November, 1909 to September 11, 1910; Niels C. Thompson September 11, 1910 to May 24, 1911; Oscar L. Rider May 24, 1911 to March 31, 1912; Francis L. Porter March 31, 1912 to February 23, 1913; Oscar F. Freeman Febraury 23, 1913 to September 28, 1913; John J. Lyon September 28, 1913 to December 13, 1914; James A. Quinn December 14, 1914 to March 3, 1916; Walter E. Dye March 3, 1916 to June 15, 1924. The activities of Bishop Dye and counselors have much to do with the growth and development of the town of Basalt. The townsite was purchased from Mrs. Stephen Lobe in 1900, Bishop Dye acting on the committee that purchased it. Basalt became a village August 26, 1906. The lots were sold for $20.50 each. Under Bishop Dye the ward purchased 6 lots for Church use. Four of them are still in the hands of the Ward. During August 1907, these lots were graded and in 1909, 200 trees were purchased at 30₵ each and were set out. On June 29, 1908, the boundary lines between Basalt, Shelley and Goshen were established. In 1909 an amusement company was formed and conducted a series of entertainments which resulted in efforts to construct a new Ward Chapel. The project was carried forward to the extent of digging a basement and running of a concrete foundation. Due to opposition and lack of support of the people the project was dropped. The existing Ward House was then remodeled. Classrooms were added, a stage added to the rear. The present entrance built, a maple floor laid and the orchestra elevation was built in the west end of the hall. Dances were successfully con- ducted due to a canvas of the ward and the selling of family tickets for a dollar a month. Four missionaries were maintained in the field as a result of these activities. Committees were appointed at various times to construct homes for widows, provide them with fuel, etc. During the 20 years of this period, the Ward expenses were met through amusements. Only twice were the people called on for maintenance. Other projects receiving the aid of the Bishopric were the installation of gas lights followed by delco lights, the financing of the Ricks Academy, the purchase of War Bonds and Stamps, the erection of the L. D. S. Hospital at Idaho Falls. Much aid was given to the people during the influenza epidemic of 1918. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p256.jpg) Page 3 ‑ Basalt Ward 50th At the time he was sustained as Bishop, Dye and his counselors were required to move from their farms and build homes on the townsite of Basalt to help build up the community. We pay tribute to the leaders of this period in the following verse: "There is nothing so strong as gentleness, and nothing so gentle as strength." Phillip J. Paskett, second counselor to Bishop Dye was chosen as the third Bishop of the Basalt Ward upon the release of Bishop Dye and the division of the Ward June 15, 1924. He selected as his counselors Robert T. Quinn and Otto Jorgensen, and later Austin Brown with Doyle S. Jensen as Ward Clerk. The outstanding accomplishments during these years were the remodeling of the foundation of the Church by reinforcing the foundation walls with cement, and the installation of electric lights in the Church House and the Community. We pay tribute to those who served during this period in the following words: It's not exactly courage if you aren't a bit afraid To climb a fearsome mountain, descend into a glade, Or make a swimming record or some titanic flight, Or drive a racing motor-car, or jump an unknown height. But this is really courage, at least I call it so, To say, I fear that mountain, but all the same, I'll go, And this is truly courage, to lift one's daily load, To smile though skies were gloomy and difficult the road. To view an angry river and beyond a sloping hill, To say, "That is my journey and I'll take it with a will," To cry, "I'll grant I'm fearful, a little bit afraid, But naught will stop my progress until the Journey's made." Rulon M. Jensen was set apart as Basalt's fourth Bishop November 4, 1928 by Apostle Melvin J. Ballard. He chose as his counselors Wilburn Robinson and Warren E. Dye. Leo Sorenson was selected as Ward Clerk. Brother Dye moved away and Frank Christensen was chosen to succeed him. During the year and a half that Brother Jensen was Bishop, much was accomplished. New seats were installed, new stoves purchased. The Church was rearranged in order that the boys might enjoy basketball at home. Bishop Jensen's attention and interest in the needy of his ward deserves the highest praise. The widows and orphans realized that he was indeed the Father of his Ward, for their needs were not neglected. In this short period an enviable missionary record was established! Beatrice Jensen was in the missionfield. Lloyd Frandsen, Merrill Gregerson and Thelma Robinson were all sent on missions. A budget system was inaugurated to enable everyone to attend all entertainments. Bishop Jensen's death April 13, 1930 brought sorrow to the entire Ward. We love ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p257.jpg) Page — Basalt Ward 50th and cherish the memory of this fine man. A LITTLE PRAYER That I may not in blindness grope, But that I may with vision clear, Know when to speak a word of hope Or add a little wholesome cheer. The tempered winds may softly blow Where little children, thinly clad, Sit dreaming, when the flame is love, Of comforts they have never had. That through the year which lies ahead, No heart shall ache, no cheek be wet, For any word that I have said, Or profit I have tried to get. Earl Kelsey was chosen to be the fifth Bishop of the Basalt Ward on May 4, 1930. He chose as his counselors Frank V. Christensen and Loren B. Freeman, with Leo Sorensen remaining as Ward Clerk. The usual work of conducting meetings and the affairs of the Ward was carried on. A large number of funerals were conducted. The Ward maintained Curtis Paskett on a mission. These were the first of the depression years. The Bishopric with the cooperation of the Priesthood of the Ward hauled wood from the lavas so that it was not necessary to ask for funds to buy coal. Bishop Kelsey's call was unique in that he was not a member of the Ward at the time of his selection and had teh privilege of reading his own recommend. We pay tribute to these brethren: There's been something in our friendship, Sane and strong and glad and true, That's made better worth the doing, Everything, we'll have to do. and we give to you this token With our friendship true, We shall always be made happy, In the thought that we knew you. Frank V. Christensen was set apart as Basalt's sixth Bishop June 1933 by Apostle Joseph F. Merrill. He chose as his counselors Earl McBride and Merrill Gregerson. Leo Sorensen was selected as Ward Clerk. Due to employment away from home, Brother Gregerson was released the fall of 1934 and Merlin Jensen was called to fill the vacancy. During the spring of 1938, Brother McBride's employment away from home made it necessary to release him and John Morris was selected as second counselor. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p258.jpg) Page 5 ‑ Basalt Ward 50th Much has been accomplished during the short time these brethren have been in the Bishopric. Leo Harper was sent out as a missionary. The Ward sent him $10 a month. Cyril Thompson was called to fill a mission, he paid all his own expenses. Reed Johnson has received $10 a month from the ward to help defray his missionary expenses. Each of these missionaries received a $20 Christmas present from the Ward both years they were in the field. New lavatories were built and the Church was painted. All of the auxiliary organizations have progressed under the able leadership that has been chosen. Every sacrifice has been made to furnish good clean recreation and entertainment for the young people. During the fall of 1937, the Bishopric decided that the heating plant of the Church needed replaced. Further examination revealed that it would be foolish to put an up to date heating system in our old building. The idea of a new Church was conceived, but the Bishopric soon found that it was very difficult to secure permission to build a Church. It seemed that every obstacle that could appear presented itself. Five trips to Salt Lake City by the Bishopric and the committee brought nothing but discouragment and disappointment. The persistent efforts of these men brought results after making eight trips to Salt Lake City. Permission was granted, plans were drawn and the $27,000 building is now well under con- struction. The people of the Ward have supported their Bishopric 100% and with- out this cooperation these accomplishments would be impossible. We pay tribute to these fine men with the poem that follows: IT COUDLN'T BE DONE Somebody said that it couldn't be done, But he with a chuckle replied That maybe it couldn't but he would be one Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried. So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin, On his face, if he worried, he hid it, He started to sing as he tackled the thing That couldn't be done, and he did it. Somebody scoffed, 'Oh, you'll never do that, At least no one ever has done it,' But he took off his coat and he took off his hat, And the first thing we knew he'd begun it, With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin, Without any doubting or quibbit, He started to sing as he tackled the thing, That couldn't be done, and he did it. There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done, There are thousands to prophesy failure, There are thousands to point out to you one by one, The dangers that wait to assail you. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p259.jpg) Page — Basalt Ward 50th But Just buckle in with a bit of a grin, Just take off your coat and go to it, Just start to sing as you tackle the thing That 'cannot be done,' and you'll do it. -Edgar A. Guest MY HOME TOWN Some folks leave home for money, And some leave home for fame, Some seek skies always sunny, And some depart in shame. I care not what the reason Men travel east or wet, Or what the month or season, The home town is the best. The home is the glad town, Where something real abides, 'Tis not the money-mad town That all its spirit hides. Though strangers scoff and flout it, And even jeer its name, It had a charm about it No other town can claim. The home town skies seem bluer Than skies that stretch away, The hometown friends seem truer, And kindlier through the day, And whether glum or cheery, Light-hearted or depressed, Or struggle-fit or weary, I like the home town best. Let him who will, go wander To distant towns to live, Of some things I am fonder Than all they have to give, The gold of distant places Could not pay me quite For those familiar faces That keep the home town bright. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p260.jpg) [A photograph appears on the page] Sunday School back in 1888 [Column 1] BASALT—This was the first Sunday School after the Basalt LDS Ward was organized Aug. 19, 1888, that met in this old log church completed in 1885 when it was known as the Basalt LDS District, which extended from Sterling [Column 2] on the South to Eagle Rock (now Idaho Falls) on the north. The log church was located one-quarter mile west of the present LDS Ward building. Basalt LDS Ward to note 90th anniversary [Column 3] BASALT, Idaho — The Basalt Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint will celebrate its 90th anniversary Saturday. There will be a parade at 10:30 a.m., a program at 11 a.m., and eats at noon. Sports entertainment will be featured during the afternoon with ball games at 4 p.m. The Old Time Fiddlers will play for the 8 p.m. dance. Everyone who has ever belonged to the Basalt Ward is invited to attend, said Bishop Ronald Esplin. The first church, built of [Column 4] hard-to-get logs, was completed in 1885. Andrew O. Inglestom was chosen as presiding elder of The Basalt LDS District and served in this capacity for two years. The district extended from Sterling on the south to Eagle Rock (now Idaho Falls) on the north. Organized in 1988 On Aug. 19, 1888, the Basalt Ward was organized with Inglestrom set apart as first bishop. Joseph H. Dye and Charles Criddle were chosen as counselors two months later. Felix Huband, Teddy Farns and [Column 5] William Dye all served as ward clerks. The accomplishments of these men stand as monuments to their memory, Bishop Esplin said. During the 19 years they served as the ward bishopric, three churches were built. The first church built of logs was located one-quarter mile west of the present building. The second church was a frame building and was located about 100 yards west of the present railroad mail crane. The third building is the one that has been used by the five succeeding bishoprics. [Column 6] William M. Dye was sustained as second bishop of the Basalt Ward June 19, 1904. The activi- ties of Bishop Dye and his counselors had much to do with the growth and development of the town. The townsite comprised of six lots was purchased from Mrs. Stephen Lobe in 1900 for $2.50 per lot. Basalt became a village Aug. 26, 1906. Village blocks graded In 1909 the village blocks were graded and the church purchased 200 trees at 30 cents each and set them out, provid- [Column 7] ing a restful, shady picnic area at the rear of the church. The boundary lines between Basalt, Shelley and Goshen had been established the previous year, in 1908. Dances were successfully conducted due to a canvass of the ward and selling of family tickets for $1 a month. Four missionaries were maintained in the field as a result of these activities. Committees were appointed at various times to construct homes for widows, provide them with fuel, etc. During the 20 years of this period the expenses of the ward were met through amusements. Only twice were the people called on for maintenance. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p261.jpg) Install lights Other projects receiving the aid of the bishopric were the installation of gas lights, followed by delco lights, helping with the financing of Ricks Academy, purchase of war bonds and stamps, and helping with the cost of the erection of the LDS Hospital in Idaho Falls. Much aid was given to the people during the influenza epidemic of 1918 and 1919. At the time he was sustained as bishop, Dye and his coun- selors were required to move from their farms and build homes on the townsite of Basalt to help build up the community. Philip J. Paskett, second counselor to Bishop Dye, was sustained as third bishop of the ward. During these year outs- tanding accomplishments included reinforcing the church foundation and installation of electric lights in the church and community. Fourth bishop of the ward was Rulon Jensen who was set apart by Apostle Melvin J. Ballard Nov. 4, 1928, with Wil- burn Robinson and Warren Dye as counselors, and Leo Sorenson ward clerk. New seats were in- stalled and new stoves purchased, and the church was rearranged in order that the boys might enjoy basketball while Jensen was bishop. Other bishops Fifth bishop was Earl Kelsey, serving from 1930-33, followed by Frank Christensen who served from 1933-43; Austin Brown 1943-47; Wayne Esplin 1947-52; Earl Tew 1952-54; Ross Berg 1954-62; William Messick 1962-66; Lynn Dye 1966-71; Forrest Stringham 1971-76, and the present bishop, Ronald Esplin who was sustained in 1976. In 1937, with Bishop Christen- sen at the helm, plans were made for a new church with the cost set at $27,000, but when it was completed and dedicated in 1945 it cost $35,000. With the rapid growth of the ward, plans were drawn in 1966 for another expansion of the building. A new chapel was built on the north with new kitchen facilities and new offices. The addition was dedicated Nov. 24, 1968, by Elder Marion D. Hanks. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p262.jpg) [A photograph appears with the following caption] BASALT CHURCH started in 1937, dedicated in 1941. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p263.jpg) Poetry written by Grandma Marie Jensen ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p265.jpg) DON'T QUIT When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low, and your debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is crowding you down a bit, Rest if you must ‑ but never quit! Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a fellow turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out, Stick to your task though your pace is slow, You may succeed with another blow. Success is failure turned inside out, The silver tints of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems afar, So stick to the fight, when you're hardest hit, It's when things seem worst that you musn't quit! Written by Kirsten Marie Jensen in 1925. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p266.jpg) LIFE Life, thou art a changing river, Flowing onward to the sea; As we sail upon thy bosom, Forward in uncertainty. For at morn our hearts are happy, But at eve the tears may flow, So I'll take what fate may send me, Pain or pleasure, weal or woe. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p267.jpg) MY CREED If I can live my day so that each minute Will add a new enchantment to my youth, Standing strong for my Church and all that's in it, And by my actions demonstrate its truth, If I can live above all filth and crudeness, And make my life a pure and happy one, And yet avoid all haughtiness and rudeness, Find joy in life, instead of merely fun. If when I'm asked to carry out a duty, Right from my heart, I can declare, "I'll try," And in my work find all its hidden beauty, And thus improve my powers as days go by, If I can pay my tithing, not for showing, Not with a grudging spirit, nor a whine, Pay all my offerings, oh, so gladly knowing The fraction that I pay back isn't mine. If I can fill each day with pleasant greetings, And spread about some happy thought or song, Be present and on time at all my meetings, And help push every worthy work along, If I can serve and learn its fullest meaning, Say, "Gladly," when I'm asked to work or teach, If I can learn to lift, instead of leaning, If I can always practice what I preach. If I can use the life of our great Savior As my ideal in everything I do, And prove to all the world by my behavior, That I am with my Church right through and through, If I can look for good instead of weakness, And really be successful in my search, If I can do all this with love and meekness, Then, I have proved my allegiance to my Church. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p268.jpg) ALL FOR THE BEST Things mostly happen for the best ‑ However hard it seems today, When some fond plan has gone astray, Or what you wished for most is lost, And you sit counting up your cost, With eyes half blind with tears of grief, While doubt is choking out belief, You'll find when all is understood, That what seemed bad was really good. Life can't be counted in a day ‑ The present rain that will not stop, Next autumn means a bumper crop. We wonder why some things must be, God's purpose we can seldom see. And yet long afterward we turn, To view the past, and then we learn, That what once filled our minds with doubt, Was good for us as it worked out. I've never known an hour of care ‑ But that I've later come to see, That is has brought some joy to me, Even the sorrows I have borne, Leaving me lonely and forlorn, Hurt and bruised and sick at heart, In life's great plan have had a part, And tho' I could not understand, Why I should bow to death's command, As time went on I came to know, That it was really better so. Things mostly happen for the best ‑ So narrow is our vision here That we are blinded by a tear, And stunned by every hurt and blow Which comes today to strike us low, And yet someday we turn and find, That what seemed cruel, now is kind, Most things I hold is wisely planned, If we could only understand. ‑ ‑ Mother "A kicking horse never pulls, A pulling horse never kicks." ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p269.jpg) A MOTHER'S PRAYER When life's final sun is setting, When I'm sleeping 'neath the sod, When my life's sweet, bitter story, Will be known unto my God, Will there be one page unspotted, In my Journal here below, That will win my Heavens mercy, When to yonder realms I go? I have failed and often stumbled, But have tried to rise anew, Striving to overcome temptation, Striving only to be true, And the Iron Rod has helped me, To continue on life's way, In the path my Savior followed, And his precepts to obey. So if I should chance to enter, What would Heaven mean to me, If within my family circle, I could not each loved one see? How my heart would dim the light, Have I failed to lead my children In the path of truth and right? So, I often pray and ponder, What the future has in store, I fall short in many virtues, As I turn life's pages o'er, For I want to be the Mother That God meant for me to be, Tha hereafter, with my loved ones, We may dwell eternally. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p270.jpg) MY HOME There is a vision I sometimes see As I lay awake and dream, Of the home that will never be broken, As the Immortal home I mean. Its walls will be made of Jasper, And the rooms will be large I know, So this home will house my family When I'm ready to leave below. There will be no tones of anger, There will only be words of love, When we enter that home Eternal, In the Mansions of God above. And the ruler, the husband and father, Will govern his family fair, With the love which is more than mortal, With faith, when we enter there. Oh, God may my mortal wisdom, Not let my vision die, But be a star to that land afar, My guiding light up on high, Let no cloud bedim that vision, But let it forever shine, To lead the way, to that brighter day, That awaits both me and mine. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p271.jpg) THE HILLS AHEAD The hills ahead look hard and steep and high, Often we behold them with a sigh, But as we near them, level grows the road, We find on every slope, with every load, The climb is not so steep, the top so far, The hills ahead look harder than they are. And so it is with troubles, tho' they seem so great, That men complain, and fear, and hesitate, Less difficult the journey than we dreamed, It never proves as hard as once it seemed, There never comes a hill, a task, a day, But, as we near it, easier is the way. HIS TAPESTRY AND MINE I weave upon my Tapestry, With colors dark and fair, Some represent a lovely dream, Some colors are a prayer, Some colors stand for lonely days, Some stand for happiness, Some are sombre as a storm, Some soft as a caress! I weave upon my tapestry, I make a brave design, And what I like about it best, Is that it's wholly mine! And yet, it is not mine alone, Oh, that I understand, For as I weave my tapestry, God's fingers guide my hand. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p272.jpg) LIFE'S GREATEST HERO A soldier on life's battle field, A hero is to all, He marches forth in splendor, At his country's bugle call. He's the star upon our banner, And is glorified in songs, Among the nation's greatness, In the front ranks he belongs. The honest hearted statesman, Who for country lives his life, So worthy his position, Tho it's filled with care and strife, Opposition lurks around him, He is scorned on every hand, But he rises above the rabble, At the helm he takes command. There are other worthy heroes Who have graced this mighty earth, With their talents, zeal and courage, They have proved their wondrous worth. But the greatest of all heroes, Who have trod life's humble way, Was the lowly Gallilean, Who turned darkness into day. He came not among earth's glory, He seemed not a hero then, As He sought the meek and lowly, Honest-hearted among men, But He gave eternal precepts That have stood the test of time, And His code wins life eternal, All His teachings were divine. As I bow before His greatness, Gratitude and love I give, For the gift of our Redeemer, His atonement we receive. And tho nations fail to heed Him, They will totter on their throne, While the meek who follow Jesus, He will come again to own. -by Kirsten Marie Jensen ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p273.jpg) WHY I TEACH They ask me why I teach and I reply Where could I find more splendid company? There sits a statesman, strong, unbiased, wise, Another Webster, silver tongued, and then A Doctor, whose quick, steady hand can mend A bone, or stem the life's blood flow. A builder sits beside him, Upward rise the arches of the Church he builds, Wherein the Bishop will speak the word of God, And lead a stumbling soul to Christ. Labours, men who work and vote and build And plan and pray into a greater tomorrow, And I say, "I may not see the Church, or Hear the word, or eat the food their hands will grow, And yet, I may." And later as I may say, "I knew the lad, And he was strong, or weak, or kind, Or proud, or bold, or gay." I knew him once, but then he was a boy. They ask me why I teach, and I reply, Where could I find more splendid company? LIFE AND ITS BLESSINGS Our life's a lovely shaded lane, Which you with me dance through, Sometime the sun, sometime the shade, I don't care which with you. If cares we have, and who has not, I'll help you them to bear, We'll never murmur at our lot, For each will bear our share. So happy be, and rest content, And let our hearts respond, With thanks for all the blessings sent, And thoughts of those beyond. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p274.jpg) A LITTLE CHILD I must be quiet as a mouse In our Heavenly Father's house, When I walk in, I'll take my place, With silent tongue and cheerful face. I'll close my eyes and bow my head, Whenever prayers are being said, The sacrament I will partake Without a sound, for Jesus sake. When hymns are sung, I'll try to bring More reverence in the way I sing. When talks are given, or organ plays, I'll be quiet as the one who prays. In all these ways our Lord will see, I'm reverent as a child can be. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p275.jpg) TOUCHING SHOULDERS There's a comforting thought at the close of the day, When I'm weary, lonely and sad, That sort of grips hold of my crusty old heart, And bids it be merry and glad. It gets in my soul and drives out the blues, I finally thrill through and through, It's just a sweet memory which chants the refrain, I'm glad I touched shoulders with you. Did you know you were brave, did you know you were strong? Did you know there was one leaning hard? Did you know that I waited and listened and prayed, And was cheered by your simplest word? Did you know that I longed for that smile on your face, For the sound of your voice ringing true? Did you know I grew stronger and better because I merely touched shoulders with you? I'm glad that I live and struggle and strive, For the place I know I must fill. I'm thankful for sorrow, I'll meet it with a grin, The future may send good or ill. I may not have wealth, I may not be great, But I know I shall always be true, For I have in my life the courage you gave, When once I rubbed shoulders with you. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p276.jpg) BE A BOOSTER Boost and the world boosts with you, Knock, and you're on the shelf, For the world gets sick Of the one who'll kick, And wishes he'd kick himself. Boost when the sun is shining, Boost when it starts to rain. If you happen to fall, Don't lie there and bawl, Get up and boost again. MEMORY'S LANE I would like to go back o'er life's journey, Retrace every footstep I've trod, Remove the rough spots where I've stumbled, Erase every vestage and clod. I would like to go back o'er life's journey, Recall every harsh word I've said, Recall every wrong deed and action, Causing sorrow or tears to be shed. I would add many kind words unspoken, Retract many words idly said, And heal every heart, bruised or broken, Replacing kind words in their stead. When at the end of life's journey, I was asked my story to tell, There would be no rough spots on my pathway, No trace where I stumbled and fell. SMILE AND STICK What if all looks dark and thick, Things have been lots worse before, And liable to be lots worse some more. Out with your chest, kid, up on your toes, The best defense is a lift to your nose. Whenever you feel that you're out and thru, Remember that other birds tried as you, And the fight ain't won till you hear the bell, Smile and stick, for all is well. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p277.jpg) MY COTTAGE FAR AWAY At the end of the lane is a cottage, Half hidden by poplar trees, They tower above and surround it, As they bend to the Snake River breeze. Tho' hundreds of thousands have passed it, There is no one that loves it like me, For that dear little home I'm still yearning, Where my heart and soul long to be. The lilacs and roses grow near it, The pasture, the barnyard, and field, The cattle and horses are helping To make the farm fruitfully yield. The glory of home only brightens, As I live 'mid the grandeur each day, There is nothing so sweet as the homeland, And the cottage that's now far away. IF I EVER GET BACK If I ever get back to my little home, I left so long ago, To a home half hidden among the trees, That I loved but did scarcely know, I left it gaily without a sigh, But often since that day, How I longed in vain to see it again, Since I've been so far away. If I ever get back, old Home, you'll know, There is one who knows your worth, That the purest ties I have learned to prize, Are my dear ones here on earth, And the humble home of my by-gone days, Where the stars of hope never set, When we mingled there in love and prayer, Is a heaven that none will forget. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p278.jpg) LOS ANGELES Mighty city of the coast! Millions of your splendor boast. You have risen, you have grown At a pace that's been unknown. Foremost a city of our land, Above them all you proudly stand. Climate, beauty, wealth and fame, These embroidered in your name, Fling your banner to the sky! Hold your ideals grand and high! For your borders will increase, And your fame will never cease. I am glad I came your way, But I wouldn't want to stay Very long, it's too much hustle, My old legs can't stand the tussle Of your millions hurrying so, Everybody's on the go. What a world and what a pace! That is set the human race, Not a moment to relax, All 'tis money, talk and tax, So I think I'd rather go Back to good old Idaho. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p279.jpg) DON'T GIVE UP Are you tired of the journey you started With such zeal and a happy heart? Do the weeks and months seem lagging As you glance at your eager start? Then wake up old heart, catch the sunset, Ere its gold sinks in the west, And begin anew with a hopeful view, To do your level best. I know old hearts grow weary, When far from their youthful day, But the age has its work to accomplish, Life cannot always be May. The pledge that your soul did utter, When life wore its rosy bloom, Must live in your soul, 'tis worth more than gold, In dispelling the days of gloom. Then welcome each morning labor, And faint not at early noon, 'Tis only the weaklings who falter, And give up the job too soon. For the tailor will reap every blessing Which early in life he did plan, For the work worthwhile is done with a smile, 'Tis a blessing and glory to man. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p280.jpg) KEEP THE INSIDE TRACK If you want to be a winner On life's crowded hurried road, If you want to end with honor Smiling as you tote the load, Here's a tip I'll gladly give you, It may ease your daily pack, Sure you'll win in whatsoever, If you keep the inside track. You may be surprised and jostled, May grow weary with the race, But no hero wins a battle, If he lags to slower pace. Up and doing, smile at fortune, Never think of turning back, All the praise and glory waits you, If you keep the inside track. SOMEBODY CARES Somebody cares. What a world of woe Lifts from my heart, when we really know That somebody really and truly cares, That we are in somebody's thoughts and prayers. I want you to know, and I feel you do, That somebody always is caring for you. Somebody cares for you, cares so much That my heart grows glad at your slightest touch. The sound of your voice and the sight of your smile, Makes all his burdens and cares worth while. Somebody cares for you. Bye and bye, When the years roll on, you will know it is I, Then looking back over the road we've fared, You'll see how much for you I've really cared. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p281.jpg) THINGS THAT COUNT Not what we have, but what we use, Not what we see, but what we choose, These are the things that mar or bless The sum of human happiness. The things near by, not things afar, Not what we seem, but what we are, These are the things that make or break, That give the heart its joy or ache. Not what seems fair, but what is true, Not what we dream, but the good we do, These are the things that shine like gems, Like stars in fortune's diadems. Not what we take, but what we give, Not as we pray, but as we live, These are the things that make for peace, Both now and after time shall cease. IF If we'd only say 'we' Instead of I, If we'd laugh at worries, Instead of cry. If we'd only smile Instead of frown, And help friends up Not push them down. If we would give Instead of take, We'd be the men God wanted to make. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p282.jpg) YOUTH IS SPRINGTIME Youth and Springtime, love and laughter, This is what life holds for you, But there comes a gray hereafter Every heart must feel that too. For your step will lose its lightness And the gold will turn to gray, So let your song of hope re-echo, Unto all who come your way. Hold your friends, defy the future, With its clouds of gray and gloom, Touch each heart with love responsive, Flowers of hope forever bloom. For life's rain comes after sunshine, And each heart must feel its pain, But when silver threads are gleaming, Age may find its joys again. VALUES OF LIFE Supposing today were your last day on earth, The last mile of the journey you've trod, After all your struggles how much are you worth, How much can you take home to God? Don't count as possessions your silver or gold, For tomorrow you leave them behind, And all that is yours to have and to hold, Are the blessings you've given mankind. Just what have you done as you journeyed along, That was really worth while? Do you think your good deeds would offset the wrong, Could you look o'er your life with a smile? We are only supposing, but if it were real, And you invoiced your deeds since your birth, And you figured the profits you've made in life's deal, How much are you really worth? ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p283.jpg) GOOD TIMBER The tree that never had to fight For sun and sky and light, That stood out in the open plain, And always got its share of rain, Never became a forest king, But lived, and died, a scrubby thing. The man who never had to toil, To heaven from the common soil, Who never had to win his share, Of sun and sky and light and air, Never became a manly man, But lived and died as he began. Good timber does not grow in ease, The stronger wind, the toughest trees, The farther sky, the greater length, The more the steam, the more the strength. By sun and cold, by rain and snows, In tree or man, good timber grows. Where thickest stands the forest growth, We find the patriarchs of both, And holding converse with the stars, Whose broken branches show the scars, Of many winds and much strife, This is the common law of life. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p284.jpg) THE HOUSE WITH A BROKEN HEART There stands the house he built for me, With a stranger by the door. They who knew not the builder Nor the love for us he bore, Their presence seems to mock us, Neglect is all around, I close my eyes in anguish, When I walk that little town. In by-gone days, it sheltered us, God sent our children there. Sweet joys came ringing through the house, Free from worry and care. The angel of death stood lurking by, Watching our little band, And touched the one we least could spare, On him he laid his hand. Reverses came a plenty, After that awful blow, One by one fate took its toll, Till the old home had to go. My heart died with the parting, Tho' I tried to wear a smile, Often old home I sigh for thee, Trying to be brave the while. If I could call you mine again, And sit within your wall, I'd feel that heaven was here on earth, Be the happiest of them all. Birds would sing in the tree tops, That was planted by his hand, The home sweet home, he built for me, Is the dearest in the land. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p285.jpg) TOO LATE If I could but see him again, If I could but hear him say, Merry and kind as he used to do, "Well, little wife, what's come to you, All through the busy day, While I've been away?" Often, then, I was cross, Often I used to reply, "What comes to a mother anywhere, But washing, and baking, and household care. I declare, it makes my cry, To see how many days go by." Then he would kiss me again, And try to be still more kind, And tenderly say, "My poor little wife, Would I could give you an easier life." How could I have been unkind? How could I have been so blind? God took him away one day, Yes, took him away from me. Now, though I labor the whole day through, Nobody says, "What's come to you?" Nobody pities, nobody shares, The weight of household cares. If only I had known, That I should ever have found, 'Twas an angel's love, that for years Worked for me, cared for me, dried my tears, I would have been far more kind, But, oh, I was blind, so blind! ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p286.jpg) HOMESICK FOR IDAHO It's springtime in Idaho again, And I feel a longing akin to pain, To share once more that thrill of thrills, When the snow recedes to distant hills. I long for the pussy willow's grace, I long for the snow-drops eager face, I long for the flutter of bright blue wings, To make this spring like other springs. I long for the sight of the gray, green plains, I long for the sage scent after it rains, I long for the pines, the still deep snow, I long for my home in Idaho. A LETTER FROM HOME It takes so little to make me glad, A one cent postal from one I love, Can make me forget the blues I've had, Make a million stars shine up above. No matter if rain is pouring down, And clouds hang darkly overhead, A letter from home can banish the gloom, Can make the darkness seem day instead. Not even the wealth of the millions here, Can give me the thrill your letters do, My step is light, the days are bright, Whenever I get a letter from you. So, if you want your mother to sing, And make her work seem only play, Write that letter, or a card will do, To ease the longing while I'm away. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p287.jpg) TO RULON AND ELLEN After the death of little Venice The sweetest treasures here on earth Sometimes from us are taken, But in their passing, we can find, A firmer faith awaken. We learn to say "Thy will be done," Amid life's bitter tears, Our faith is strengthened by our works, Through all the future years. Could I but bear your load of grief, And ease your longing pain, But each must drink life's bitter cup, Must feel both sun and rain. But look ahead, some future day, Your little girl so sweet, Will live and love with you above, And make your home complete. - - Mother THE CLOCK OF LIFE The clock of life is wound but once, And no man has the power To know just when the hands will stop, At late or early hour. Now is the only time we own, So live, love, work with a will, Place no faith in tomorrow, For the clock may then be still. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p288.jpg) TO MY DAUGHTER I'm not afraid to face the world, Its toil or worry fear, For God who sent me here to earth, To me seems very near. His love has always lead me, His mercy paved the way, Although alone, A father guides My footsteps night and day. When tears have sometimes dimmed the light, And I felt all alone, A friendly hand seemed holding mine, Its love was not unknown. For grim despair would hide away, While hope bloomed in my heart, The tears of joy refreshed my soul, And helped to heal the smart. O love divine, show me the way, My wandering feet should go, Be thou my life and light alway, While I journey here below. Increase my faith and courage, To face life's every pain, With faith and hope and charity, Till I meet with thee again. "GOD MAY GIVE TO A YOUNG GIRL ‑ THE ABILITY TO PAINT A PICTURE ‑ TO WRITE A POEM ‑ OR MAKE FORTUNE BUT IF HE PLACES IN HER HANDS ONE HUMAN SOUL TO LOVE AND CHERISH ‑ AND TO BRING HIM NEARER TO GOD ‑ HE PLACES IN HER HANDS THE NOBLEST WORK A WOMAN CAN DO ON EARTH." ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p289.jpg) MY DAUGHTER You used to lie beneath my heart In close embrace, of me a part, And when I pressed you to my breast, And on your brow sweet kisses pressed, I thought the world was made anew So much I loved and wanted you. The years passed swiftly, one by one, You lived and blossomed in the sun, The flowers seemed to bloom for you, As into womanhood you quickly grew, And all the years you lived with me, In love you worked so willingly. We parted when another came Who won your heart, you took his name, And he has stood true by your side Since first he won you for his bride, And he will throughout all the years, Feed and clothe and dry your tears. I left my mother, you left me, But that is what life's meant to be, And they who won our hand and heart, Have ever lived a faithful part, And in the future we will know What sometimes seems to puzzle us so. When August with her flowers is here, I know your birthday too is near, How I would like to hold you tight, In my arms just for tonight. My daughter, dear to me, so true, Your mother with love, remembers you. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p290.jpg) TO MY SON It seems that the years have taken from me My little boy blue, that you once used to be, But has given instead, your manhood of gold, To work for me, care for me, now I am old. You are taking the place of your father, my son, I believe he knows your work is being well done. As I look at your picture, the past I recall, Its joy and its sorrow, that came to us all, But we've battled and won, 'mid the bitter and sweet, For life without sorrow would not be complete, You have been so devoted in a fair manly way, And the future looks brighter to me every day. 'Tis your birthday again, how soon they are here, To bring recollections of loved ones so dear, May the future bring blessings untold unto you, And happiness to follow you all your life through. TO MY TEMPLE CO-WORKERS If I could tell you what is in my heart, If I could but explain before we part, Of what my soul doth sing in praise of you, For these two years have been the best I knew. My temple sisters, my companions here, You have become unto my heart so dear, I'd like to tell you, but this I know, My heart will never forget, I love you so. And when the days and years may roll away, Who knows but I'll come back some happy day With you to labor in God's Temple here, Where to my heart will ever be so dear. Tho' now, at parting we must clasp the hand, In future years your heart will understand, That by your love and kindness to me, You'll be my friends throughout eternity. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p291.jpg) WILL YOU LOVE ME THEN AS NOW You have told me that you love me, And your heart thoughts seem to speak, As you look on me so fondly, While the life blood tints your cheek. May I trust that these warm feelings Ever will remain as true As the love which now you offer In return I pledge with you. When time lays his hand upon me, When my youth is far away, When the touch of bleak December, Will replace life's sunny May, When all these have passed upon me And old age has touched my brow, Will your love be just as tender, Will you love me then as now? Tho' our youth pass by unclouded, In a peaceful happy home, Yet as year on year advances, Changes will upon us come, For the step will lose its lightness, And the hair will turn to gray, Eyes once bright give up their brightness, And the hope of youth decay. When the years of care and sorrow Dim my eyes and cloud my brow, And my spirit sinks within me, Will you love me then, as now? When all these have passed upon me, And old age has touched my brow, Will the change find you unchanging? Will you love me then, as now? A song Grandma sang to her sweetheart as they returned from St. George after they were married, sung to the tune of "When I'm Gone, You'll Soon Forget Me." She wrote the words too. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p292.jpg) TO MY MOTHER Dear Mother, today you are sixty-three, You are treading down life's hill, With traces of toil and sorrow left Of the by-gone days to tell. Bright youth with sweetness no longer flowers Upon your kind, aged face, But we love you better each day you live, No one could fill our Mother's place. Tonight as I sit thinking of you, My mind does wander back To the days when we together dwelt, Upon life's backward track. Your words to me were always kind, Your children were your pride, And often by our thoughtless acts, I know you have been tried. But now your children all have left Their childhood's early home And started on life's changeful sea, 'Mid joy and pain to roam. But Mother's home is dearest yet, Sweet memories do cling Around the dear old sacred spot, Reflections sweet doth bring. Dear Mother, though we all have gone And left your gentle side, We love you none the less I know, You are still to us a guide. And I prize your worth more now, Than when I dwelt with you, Oh, may I to my latest day Be to you kind and true! May I be a comfort to the ones Who gave me life on earth, Showing by my acts to them, Of their gentle love I'm worth, And comfort their declining years, Bring joy into their heart, And bind them to me by that love, Which will never more depart. ----- new task (MSS6189_B1_F3_p293.jpg) FRIENDSHIP I sometimes look at humanity's throng Surging their pathway of life, Some swing along, hearts bursting with song, While others seem bristling with strife. We choose from the crowd as we jostle, While hurrying along day by day, Our hearts some can hold, as their virtues unfold, From others we soon turn away. What is it that gives us such lasting true friends? 'Tis not power, nor money, nor might, Whenever they cross o'er the pathway we trod, Our own seems luminated with light. 'Tis their soul that is whispering to our living soul, Soaring upward as we try to soar, And a friend such as you, with a heart chaste and true, Makes life rosey as never before. May life with its crosses, be kind to such friends, Whose zeal make the weaker grow strong, Create in their soul, the gift to behold, the beauty of right over wrong. And gives them the courage the battle to win, Climb, conquer and cling to the rod, Your life's grandest prize, that will reach to the skies, Is your honor and friendship with God. DEATH The birds never sing so sweetly W